JP2009011546A - Ottoman equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to reduce the cost and to save space so that the design of seats, vehicles and the like is not restricted.
An electric ottoman device (1) is arranged substantially vertically at a storage position at a lower portion of a front end of a seat and a driving means (6), a driving shaft (7) driven by the driving means (6), and a rear end along the driving shaft (7). The main link 8 that moves and the front end pivots back and forth, the pivot link mechanism 9 that is pivotally connected by the front end of the main link 8, and the pivot link mechanism 9 is deployed to the footrest position in front of the seat. And a support frame 10 that is folded substantially vertically at the storage position at the lower part of the front end of the seat.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an ottoman device that can be moved between a storage position at the lower front end of a seat and a footrest position in front of the seat, and particularly saves space by arranging a drive shaft substantially vertically at a storage position at the lower front of the seat. Relates to the ottoman device.

  Conventionally, a so-called ottoman is known as a footrest used in front of a chair or sofa. As an ottoman, there is an ottoman device that can be stored when it is unnecessary and can be deployed to a footrest position when necessary. In the ottoman device described in Patent Document 1, an ottoman main body, which is a footrest, is connected to the front part of the seat, and is movable between a storage position at the lower part of the front end of the seat and a footrest position in front of the seat. The electric motor that is the driving source of the ottoman device and the screw shaft that rotates by the electric motor are arranged substantially horizontally in the lower part of the seat, and the main link connected to the nut that is screwed to the screw shaft is the longitudinal direction of the seat along the screw shaft. The ottoman main body is moved to the footrest position by horizontally moving the ottoman and pushing out the rotation link mechanism.

The ottoman device described in Patent Document 1 requires a space for disposing the electric motor and the screw shaft in the lower portion of the seat, but an ottoman device that does not use the space in the lower portion of the seat is described in Patent Document 2, for example. ing. The ottoman device described in Patent Document 2 does not require a screw shaft, and the electric motor can move the ottoman body between the storage position and the footrest position by directly rotating the rotation center of the rotation link mechanism. It is what.
JP-A-11-332688 JP 2006-239291 A

  By the way, when the ottoman device is attached to, for example, a rear seat of a sedan type automobile, the space below the seat may not be used due to a body frame directly under the seat. In some cases, an air conditioner for blowing wind from the seat, a power unit for moving the seat, etc. occupy the space below the seat.

  However, since the ottoman device described in Patent Document 1 requires a space below the seat for the electric motor and the screw shaft, there is a problem that a vehicle to be attached is limited or a design of the seat, the vehicle, or the like is limited. have. On the other hand, in the ottoman device described in Patent Document 2 that does not use the space under the seat, the electric motor directly rotates the rotation center of the rotation link mechanism. There is a problem that a motor and electric power are required, resulting in an increase in cost.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a space-saving ottoman device that suppresses costs and does not restrict the design of seats, vehicles, and the like.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the drive means and the drive shaft which is disposed substantially vertically at the storage position at the lower part of the front end of the seat and which is driven by the drive means, one end moves up and down along the drive shaft, and the like. A main link whose end rotates back and forth, a first rotation link that rotatably connects the other end of the main link, and the first rotation link that is deployed to a footrest position in front of the seat and An ottoman device comprising a support frame that is folded substantially vertically at a storage position at a lower portion of a front end of a seat.

  Here, the drive means and the drive shaft mean an actuator for moving the rear end of the main link up and down. For example, there are actuators using an electric motor, solenoid, air pressure, and hydraulic pressure. The drive shaft is arranged substantially vertically at the storage position at the lower part of the front end of the seat. This substantially vertical means that the drive shaft does not interfere with the seated person and does not interfere with the seat or vehicle equipment. Means vertical. The support frame means a support member for supporting the calf portion of the foot, and the footrest position in front of the seat of the support frame is suitable for the user to put his / her foot on the ottoman device and relax. Means position. Therefore, the position is not particularly limited.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the drive shaft is disposed substantially vertically at the storage position at the lower part of the seat front end where the support frame is folded, a space-saving ottoman device can be provided. According to this aspect, the space under the seat can be used for, for example, an air conditioner for blowing wind from the seat, a power unit for moving the seat, and the like, and the degree of freedom in designing the seat, the vehicle, etc. It can be enlarged. Further, since it is not necessary to fix the driving means and the driving shaft to the lower portion of the seat, a fixing member for that purpose is unnecessary, and the rotation link mechanism that holds the support frame has one rotation link (first rotation). Link), the number of parts is small. Therefore, a space-saving and low-cost ottoman device can be provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the second rotary link is rotatably connected to the first rotary link, and the first rotary link and the second rotary link are connected. The pivot link is pivotally connected at least at one point to expand the support frame to a footrest position in front of the seat and fold it to a storage position at the lower front end of the seat. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the holding strength of the support frame is improved as compared with the case where the rotation link mechanism that holds the support frame is configured by one rotation link (first rotation link). To do.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drive unit and a drive shaft that is disposed substantially vertically at a storage position at a lower portion of the front end of the seat and driven by the drive unit, and one end moves up and down along the drive shaft. A main link whose end pivots back and forth, a support frame that is deployed to a footrest position in front of the seat by the other end of the main link and is folded into a storage position at a lower portion of the front end of the seat, and the support frame together with the main link And a first rotation link for holding the ottoman device.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the drive shaft is disposed substantially vertically at the storage position at the lower part of the seat front end where the support frame is folded, a space-saving ottoman device can be provided. According to this aspect, the space under the seat can be used for, for example, an air conditioner for blowing wind from the seat, a power unit for moving the seat, and the like, and the degree of freedom in designing the seat, the vehicle, etc. It can be enlarged. Further, since it is not necessary to fix the driving means and the driving shaft to the lower portion of the seat, a fixing member for that purpose is unnecessary, and the rotation link mechanism that holds the support frame has one rotation link (first rotation). Link), the number of parts is small. Furthermore, since the other end of the main link is directly connected to the support frame to transmit power, power transmission efficiency is improved as compared with the case where the other end of the main link is connected to the rotating link mechanism. Therefore, it is possible to provide an ottoman device that has good power transmission efficiency, space saving, and low cost.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the invention, the second rotary link is rotatably connected to the first rotary link, the first rotary link and the second rotary link. The pivot link is pivotably connected at at least two points so that the support frame is expanded to a footrest position in front of the seat and is folded to a storage position at a lower portion of the seat front end. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the holding strength of the support frame is improved as compared with the case where the rotation link mechanism that holds the support frame is configured by one rotation link (first rotation link). To do.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the space-saving ottoman apparatus which suppressed the cost can be provided, and, thereby, the freedom degree of design of a seat, a vehicle, etc. can be enlarged.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1. In the first embodiment, in the ottoman device movable between the storage position at the lower part of the seat front end and the footrest position in front of the seat, the drive shaft is disposed substantially vertically at the storage position at the lower part of the seat front end, An example of an ottoman device provided with a main link whose rear end moves up and down by a drive shaft and whose front end can be rotated back and forth will be described. In particular, in the ottoman device according to the first embodiment, the front end of the main link transmits power to the rotation link mechanism, and the rotation link mechanism has two rotation links.

(Configuration of the first embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view (A) and a side view (B) of an electric ottoman device attached to the front end of a seat, FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the electric ottoman device, and FIG. 3 is an electric ottoman device. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the operation of the electric ottoman device. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric ottoman device 1 is attached to the front of the seat of the cushion frame 3 in the seat cushion 2. The exterior of the electric ottoman device 1 mainly includes a footrest cushion 4 and a covering portion 5. The footrest cushion 4 is a cushion formed by covering a fiber material with cloth, leather, etc., and can be moved and stopped between the footrest position shown in FIG. 1 (A) and the storage position shown in FIG. 1 (B). is there. The covering portion 5 is formed in a fan shape with a material such as cloth or leather, and covers the front and both sides of the footrest cushion 4 in a stretchable manner so that foreign matter and hands do not enter the electric ottoman device 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main configuration of the electric ottoman device 1 is substantially vertical in the fixing member 5 fixed to the front of the seat of the cushion frame 3, the driving means 6 fixed to the fixing member 5, and the storage position at the lower part of the seat front end. The drive shaft 7 driven by the drive means 6, the rear end moves up and down along the drive shaft 7, and the main link 8 whose front end rotates back and forth is rotatable by the front end of the main link 8. A rotation link mechanism 9 that is activated, and a support frame 10 that is rotatably connected to the rotation link mechanism 9 and is deployed at a footrest position in front of the seat and folded at a storage position at the lower part of the seat front end. .

  The fixed member 5 includes a fixed frame 11, a fixed bracket 12, a support bracket 13, and a support bracket 14. The fixed frame 11 is formed of a metal plate and is fixed to the front of the seat of the cushion frame 3 with bolts and nuts. A fixed bracket 12 that is a substantially U-shaped metal pipe is fastened to the front of the fixed frame 11 by welding or the like, and hangs substantially vertically on the lower front end of the seat. A support bracket 13 is fixed above and below the fixed bracket 12, and the support bracket 13 supports the drive unit 6 and the drive shaft 7.

  The driving means 6 includes an electric motor 15 and a gear unit 16. The electric motor 15 is controlled by a deployment / storage switch, a motor driver IC, an upper limit / lower limit sensor, etc. (not shown). The deployment / storage switch is a switch for the user to deploy the electric ottoman device 1 in the footrest position and store it in the storage position, and instructs the electric motor 15 to rotate forward / reversely. The motor driver IC controls forward / reverse rotation of the electric motor 15 based on the instruction. The upper limit / lower limit sensor is provided in the vicinity of the upper end / lower end of the drive shaft 7 and detects the main link 8 to stop the forward / reverse rotation of the electric motor 15. The gear unit 16 connected to the electric motor 15 converts the rotation direction of the rotation shaft of the electric motor 15 into a substantially vertical direction and adjusts the rotation speed of the electric motor 15. The drive shaft 7 that meshes with the gear unit 16 is a screw shaft, and is disposed substantially vertically at the lower portion of the front end of the seat in a range that does not interfere with a seated person sitting on the seat and does not interfere with the seat or vehicle equipment. The upper end of the drive shaft 7 meshes with the gear unit 16, the lower end is pivotally supported by the support bracket 13, and the main link 8 is connected between the upper end / lower end.

  The main link 8 includes a nut 17 screwed to the drive shaft 7 and a pair of metal plates 18 that sandwich both sides of the nut 17. The front end and the rear end of the metal plate 18 are provided with holes, the rear end rotatably connects the nut 17, and the front end passes through the rod 19 a of the rotation link mechanism 9. As a result, the rear end of the main link 8 moves up and down as the nut 17 moves up and down due to the rotational action of the drive shaft 7, and the front end of the main link 8 is restricted by the rotation link mechanism 9 and rotates back and forth. To do. The rotation link mechanism 9 includes a first rotation link 19 and a second rotation link 20. The first rotation link 19 and the second rotation link 20 are configured as a pair on both sides of the electric ottoman device 1, one end of which is rotatably fixed to the support bracket 14, and the other end is the back side of the support frame 10. Is held rotatably. Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, the first rotation link 19 and the second rotation link 20 are connected so as to be rotatable at one point in a substantially X shape.

  The first rotation link 19 includes a rod 19a, an arm 19b, and an arm 19c. The rod 19a is passed through a hole provided at the front end of the main link 8 and is bridged in the seat left-right direction. A pair of arms 19b and 19c on both sides are connected to both ends of the rod 19a. The arm 19 b and the arm 19 c are connected in a substantially V shape, one end is connected to the support bracket 14, and the other end holds the back side of the support frame 10. Moreover, the 2nd rotation link 20 connects in the approximate center of the arm 19c. The 2nd rotation link 20 is comprised by the rod 20a, the arm 20b, and the arm 20c. The rod 20a is bridged in the seat left-right direction, and a pair of arms 20b and 20c on both sides are connected to both ends of the rod 20a. The arm 20 b and the arm 20 c are connected in a substantially V shape, one end is connected to the support bracket 14, and the other end holds the back side of the support frame 10. The first rotation link 19 is connected at substantially the center of the arm 20b.

  The support frame 10 held by the rotation link mechanism 9 is a support member that supports the calf portion of the foot by connecting the footrest cushion 4 shown in FIG. Power is transmitted to the support frame 10 in the order of drive means 6 → drive shaft 7 → main link 8 → rotation link mechanism 9 → support frame 10, and is folded to the storage position at the lower front end of the seat and is placed on the foot in front of the seat. Expanded to position. When the support frame 10 is folded to the storage position, the electric ottoman device 1 is stored substantially vertically at the lower part of the seat front end. Since the drive shaft 7 is also arranged substantially vertically at the lower front end of the seat, the electric ottoman device 1 has a space-saving configuration.

(Operation of the first embodiment)
Hereinafter, the operation of the electric ottoman device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 4A is a side view of the electric ottoman device 1 in a stopped state at the retracted position, and FIG. 4B is a side view of the electric ottoman device 1 during the unfolding operation, and FIG. ) Is a side view of the electric ottoman device 1 in a stopped state at the footrest position.

  If the unfolding switch of the electric ottoman device 1 continues to be pressed, the electric motor 15 rotates forward. The torque of the electric motor 15 is output to the drive shaft 7 via the gear unit 16. When the drive shaft 7 rotates forward, the nut 17 screwed with the drive shaft 7 moves upward. With this action, the rear end of the main link 8 moves upward, and the front end of the main link 8 is regulated by the rotary link mechanism 9 and moved forward. The first rotation link 19 of the rotation link mechanism 9 is pushed out by the front end of the main link 8. Since the 1st rotation link 19 is connected with the 2nd rotation link 20 so that rotation is possible, the 2nd rotation link 20 is pushed out. Along with this operation, the rotation link mechanism 9 is expanded as shown in FIG. 4 (A) → FIG. 4 (C), and the support frame 10 is a leg suitable for placing a foot from a vertical storage state. Advance to the loading position. That is, the 1st rotation link 19 and the 2nd rotation link 20 move the support frame 10 from the accommodation position of a seat front lower end to the footrest position of a seat front interlockingly. When the deployment switch is no longer pressed or when the electric motor 15 is stopped by the upper limit sensor, the support frame 10 stops at a desired footrest position.

  On the other hand, when the storage switch of the electric ottoman device 1 is continuously pressed, the electric motor 15 is reversed. The torque of the electric motor 15 is output to the drive shaft 7 via the gear unit 16. When the drive shaft 7 rotates in the reverse direction, the nut 17 screwed to the drive shaft 7 moves downward. By this action, the rear end of the main link 8 moves downward, and the front end of the main link 8 is regulated by the rotary link mechanism 9 and moved rearward. The first rotation link 19 of the rotation link mechanism 9 is retracted by the front end of the main link 8. Since the first rotation link 19 is rotatably connected to the second rotation link 20, the second rotation link 20 is moved backward. Along with this operation, the rotation link mechanism 9 is folded as shown in FIG. 4 (C) → FIG. 4 (A), and the support frame 10 becomes vertical from the foot placement position suitable for placing the foot. Move to the stowed state. That is, the first rotation link 19 and the second rotation link 20 move the support frame 10 backward from the footrest position in front of the seat to the storage position at the lower front end of the seat. When the electric motor 15 is stopped by the lower limit sensor, the support frame 10 is stopped at the storage position.

(Advantages of the first embodiment)
Hereinafter, the superiority of the electric ottoman device 1 will be described. In the conventional ottoman device, the drive shaft is arranged substantially horizontally in the lower part of the seat. The main link is configured to linearly move substantially horizontally along the drive shaft to push out the rotation link mechanism. Accordingly, the ottoman device is roughly divided into a storage portion in which the support frame, the rotation link mechanism, and the like are stored, and a lower portion of the seat in which the drive means, the drive shaft, the main link, and the like are arranged, and is substantially L-shaped. Most of them were in the form of a shape. On the other hand, the electric ottoman device 1 using the present invention has a substantially plate-like form in the housed state because the drive shaft 7 is disposed substantially vertically in the housed portion at the lower part of the seat front end. For this reason, the electric ottoman device 1 is a space-saving ottoman device. According to this aspect, the empty space under the seat can be used for, for example, an air conditioner for blowing wind from the seat, a power unit for moving the seat, and the like.

  Further, since the electric ottoman device 1 does not need to be provided with the driving means 6 and the driving shaft 7 in the lower portion of the seat, there is no need for a fixing member for fixing these to the lower portion of the seat, and the number of components is small. . Moreover, the seat attachment location of the electric ottoman device 1 is only one location in front of the cushion frame 3, and the labor for mounting is reduced. Therefore, the electric ottoman device 1 is a space-saving ottoman device that has a small number of parts and is reduced in labor for mounting, and thus can reduce cost and design of seats and vehicles is not limited.

2. Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, a drive shaft is disposed substantially vertically at a storage position at the lower part of the front end of the seat, the rear end moves up and down by the drive shaft, and the front end is provided with a main link that can be rotated back and forth. In the ottoman device, in particular, the rotation link mechanism has one rotation link, and the support frame developed and stored by this rotation link is configured to be rotatably fixed to a fixed bracket or the like. . Hereinafter, the configuration different from the electric ottoman device according to the first embodiment will be mainly described in detail, and the content of the first embodiment will be used for the same configuration.

(Configuration of Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the electric ottoman device. The fixing member 25 of the electric ottoman device 21 includes a fixing frame 31, a fixing bracket 32, a support bracket 33, and a support bracket 34. A support bracket 33 is fastened by welding or the like above and below the fixed bracket 32, and the support bracket 33 supports the drive means 26 and the drive shaft 27. The drive means 26 includes an electric motor 35 and a gear unit 36, and the gear unit 36 is connected to a drive shaft 27 arranged substantially vertically at the lower part of the seat front end. The main link 28 having a nut 37 screwed to the drive shaft 27 and a pair of metal plates 38 sandwiching both sides of the nut 37 has a rear end that is vertically moved as the nut 37 is moved up and down by the rotational action of the drive shaft 27. The front end is restricted by the rotation link mechanism and rotates back and forth.

  The rotation link mechanism includes one rotation link 39. The pivot link 39 includes a rod 39a that passes through the front end of the main link and bridges in the left-right direction of the seat, and an arm (an arm 39a, an arm 39b) configured by a pair on both sides of the rod 39a. The ends of the arms 39a and 39b are connected in a substantially V shape with bolts and nuts. One end of the substantially V-shaped arm is rotatably fixed to the support bracket 34, and the other end rotatably holds the back side of the support frame 30. The support frame 30 includes a pair of arms 30a at both rear ends. The arm 30a is rotatably fixed to the fixing bracket 32, the cushion frame 3, etc. (not shown). The support frame 30 rotates around a rotatable fixed point of the arm 30a.

(Operation of Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the operation of the electric ottoman device 21 will be described. When the deployment switch of the electric ottoman device 21 is kept pressed, the torque of the electric motor 35 is output to the drive shaft 27 via the gear unit 36. The nut 37 screwed to the drive shaft 27 moves upward. By this action, the rear end of the main link 28 moves upward, and the front end of the main link 28 pushes the rotation link 39. The pivot link 39 pushed out by the front end of the main link 28 moves the support frame 30 from the storage position at the lower front end of the seat to the footrest position at the front of the seat. At this time, the support frame 30 rotates to the footrest position in front of the seat around the pivotable fixing point of the arm 30a. When the deployment switch is no longer pressed or when the electric motor 35 is stopped by the upper limit sensor, the support frame 30 stops at a desired footrest position.

  On the other hand, when the storage switch of the electric ottoman device 21 continues to be pressed, the torque of the electric motor 15 is output to the drive shaft 27 via the gear unit 36. The nut 37 screwed to the drive shaft 27 moves downward. By this action, the rear end of the main link 28 moves downward, and the front end of the main link 28 moves backward with respect to the rotation link 39. The pivot link 39 retracted by the front end of the main link 28 moves the support frame 30 from the footrest position in front of the seat to the storage position in the lower front end of the seat. At this time, the support frame 30 pivots to the storage position at the lower front end of the seat around the pivotable fixing point of the arm 30a. When the electric motor 35 is stopped by the lower limit sensor, the support frame 30 is stopped at the storage position.

(Advantage of the second embodiment)
Hereinafter, the superiority of the electric ottoman device 21 will be described. The electric ottoman device 21 has the advantages of the electric ottoman device 1 according to the first embodiment, and the rotation link mechanism is configured by a single rotation link 39, so that in terms of the holding strength of the support frame 30. Although it is inferior to the electric ottoman device 1 according to the first embodiment, the number of parts is small and the configuration is lower.

3. Third Embodiment In the third embodiment, a drive shaft is disposed substantially vertically in a storage position at the lower part of the front end of the seat, a rear link is moved up and down by the drive shaft, and a front link is provided that can turn the front end back and forth. In the ottoman device, in particular, the front end of the main link transmits power directly to the support frame, and the rotation link mechanism has two rotation links.

(Configuration of Third Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the electric ottoman device from the front left side of the seat, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the electric ottoman device from the front right side of the seat. The fixing member 45 of the electric ottoman device 41 includes a fixing frame 51, a fixing bracket 52, a support bracket 53, and a support bracket 54 as shown in FIGS. A support bracket 53 is fixed above and below the fixed bracket 52, and the support bracket 53 supports the drive means 46 and the drive shaft 47. The drive means 46 includes an electric motor 55 and a gear unit 56. The drive shaft 47 that meshes with the gear unit 56 is disposed substantially vertically at the lower portion of the seat front end.

  A main link 48 having a nut 57 screwed to the drive shaft 47 and a pair of metal plates 58 sandwiching both sides of the nut 57 is substantially L-shaped, and the front end rotates on one side of the back side of the support frame 50. Hold freely. According to this aspect, since the front end of the main link 48 directly transmits power to the support frame 50, power transmission efficiency is improved. On the other hand, one end of the rotation link mechanism 49 is rotatably fixed to the support bracket 54, and the other end rotatably holds the other side of the back side of the support frame 50. The rotation link mechanism 49 includes a first rotation link 59 and a second rotation link 60, and the first rotation link 59 has two arms (an arm 59a and an arm 59b) connected in a substantially X shape. The second rotation link 60 has two arms (arm 60a and arm 60b) connected in a substantially V shape. The first rotation link 59 and the second rotation link 60 are rotatably connected to each other at a total of two points: a connection point between the arm 59a and the arm 60b and a connection point between the arm 59b and the arm 60a. Hold. According to this aspect, the holding strength of the support frame 50 by the rotation link mechanism 49 is relatively good as compared with the case where the first rotation link and the second rotation link are connected at one point.

  A support frame 50 held by the main link 48 and the rotation link mechanism 49 supports the footrest cushion 4 shown in FIG. Power is transmitted to the support frame 50 in the order of drive means 46 → drive shaft 47 → main link 48 and rotation link mechanism 49 → support frame 50, and the support frame 50 is folded to the storage position at the lower part of the front end of the seat. Expanded to position. When the support frame 50 is folded to the storage position, the electric ottoman device 41 is stored substantially vertically at the lower part of the seat front end. Since the drive shaft 47 is also disposed substantially vertically at the lower part of the front end, the electric ottoman device 41 has a space-saving configuration.

(Operation of Third Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the operation of the electric ottoman device 41 will be described. When the unfolding switch of the electric ottoman device 41 continues to be pressed, the torque of the electric motor 55 is output to the drive shaft 47 via the gear unit 56. The nut 57 screwed to the drive shaft 47 moves upward. By this action, the rear end of the main link 48 moves upward, and the front end of the main link 48 pushes the support frame 50. At this time, the rotation link mechanism 49 guides the support frame 50 to the footrest position and holds the support frame 50. When the deployment switch is not pressed down or the electric motor 55 is stopped by the upper limit sensor, the support frame 50 stops at a desired footrest position.

  On the other hand, when the storage switch of the electric ottoman device 41 continues to be pressed, the torque of the electric motor 55 is output to the drive shaft 47 via the gear unit 56. The nut 57 screwed to the drive shaft 47 moves downward. By this action, the rear end of the main link 48 moves downward, and the front end of the main link 48 moves backward from the support frame 50. At this time, the rotation link mechanism 49 guides the support frame 50 to the storage position. When the electric motor 55 is stopped by the lower limit sensor, the support frame 50 stops at the storage position.

(Advantage of the third embodiment)
Hereinafter, the superiority of the electric ottoman device 41 will be described. The electric ottoman device 41 has the advantages of the electric ottoman device 1 according to the first embodiment, and the front end of the main link 48 directly transmits power to the support frame 50 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the power transmission efficiency is good. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the electric ottoman device 41 includes a first rotation link 59 (arm 59a, arm 59b) and a second rotation link 60 (arm 60a, arm 60b) that rotate at two points. It is configured to be freely connected. Therefore, the holding strength of the support frame 50 by the rotation link mechanism 49 is relatively good as compared with the case where the first rotation link and the second rotation link are connected at one point.

4). Fourth Embodiment In the fourth embodiment, a drive shaft is disposed substantially vertically in a storage position at the lower part of the front end of the seat, and a main link is provided that can move the rear end up and down by the drive shaft and the front end can be rotated back and forth. In particular, the front end of the main link transmits power directly to the support frame, the rotation link mechanism has one rotation link, and the support frame deployed and stored by the rotation link is a fixed bracket. It is the structure fixed so that it can rotate freely. Hereinafter, the configuration different from that of the electric ottoman device according to the third embodiment will be mainly described in detail, and the content of the third embodiment is used for the same configuration.

(Configuration of Fourth Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the electric ottoman device. The fixing member 65 of the electric ottoman device 61 includes a fixing frame 71, a fixing bracket 72, a support bracket 73, and a support bracket 74. A support bracket 73 is fastened by welding or the like above and below the fixed bracket 72, and the support bracket 73 supports the drive means 66 and the drive shaft 67. The drive means 66 includes an electric motor 75 and a gear unit 76, and a drive shaft 67 that meshes with the gear unit 76 is disposed substantially vertically at the lower portion of the seat front end.

  A front end of the main link 68 including a nut 77 screwed to the drive shaft 67 and a pair of metal plates 78 sandwiching both sides of the nut 77 holds one side of the support frame 70 so as to be rotatable from the back side. On the other hand, the rotation link mechanism includes one rotation link 79, and the rotation link 79 includes arms (arms 79a and 79b) connected in a substantially V shape. One end of each of the arm 79a and the arm 79b is fixed to the support bracket 74 so as to be rotatable, and the other end holds the other side of the support frame 70 so as to be rotatable from the back side. One end of an arm 70a provided on one side of the support frame 70 is rotatably fixed to the fixing bracket 72, the cushion frame 3, etc. (not shown). The support frame 70 rotates around the fixed point of the arm 70a.

(Operation of Fourth Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the operation of the electric ottoman device 61 will be described. When the unfolding switch of the electric ottoman device 61 is kept pressed, the torque of the electric motor 75 is output to the drive shaft 67 via the gear unit 76. The nut 77 screwed to the drive shaft 67 moves upward. By this action, the rear end of the main link 68 moves upward, and the front end of the main link 68 pushes out the support frame 70. On the other hand, the rotation link 79 guides the support frame 70 to the footrest position and holds the support frame 70. At this time, the support frame 70 pivots to the footrest position in front of the seat around the pivotable fixing point of the arm 70a. When the unfolding switch is not pressed or the electric motor 75 is stopped by the upper limit sensor, the support frame 70 stops at a desired footrest position.

  On the other hand, when the storage switch of the electric ottoman device 61 continues to be pressed, the torque of the electric motor 75 is output to the drive shaft 67 via the gear unit 76. The nut 77 screwed to the drive shaft 67 moves downward. By this action, the rear end of the main link 68 moves downward, and the front end of the main link 68 moves backward from the support frame 70. At this time, the support frame 70 pivots to the storage position at the lower front end of the seat, with the pivotal fixing point of the arm 70a as the center. When the electric motor 75 is stopped by the lower limit sensor, the support frame 70 stops at the storage position.

(Advantage of the fourth embodiment)
Hereinafter, the superiority of the electric ottoman device 61 will be described. The electric ottoman device 61 has the advantage of the electric ottoman device 41 according to the third embodiment, and the rotation link mechanism is configured by one rotation link 79, so that in terms of holding strength of the support frame 70. Although it is inferior to the electric ottoman device 41 according to the third embodiment, the number of parts is small and the configuration is lower in cost.

5). Other Embodiments Note that the ottoman device of the present invention is the same as the ottoman device 21 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 except that the rotation link 39 is eliminated and the main link 28 holds the support frame 30 in a freely rotatable manner. It may be configured to In this case, the arm 30a of the support frame 30 functions as a rotation link, and holds the support frame 30 in a freely rotatable manner. This configuration can also be applied to the ottoman device 61 according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. In the case of the ottoman device 61, arms 70a are provided at the rear of both sides of the support frame 70, and the arms 70a are rotatably fixed to the fixing bracket 72 and the like. According to these aspects, the number of parts of the ottoman device is reduced, and the cost can be further suppressed.

  Further, the drive means and the drive shaft shown in the first to fourth embodiments are not limited to the electric motor and the screw shaft, and do not ask whether it is electric or manual. As the drive means and the drive shaft, an actuator that moves the rear end of the main link up and down can be used. For example, solenoids, pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders and the like can be applied as actuators, and the drive shafts of these actuators are arranged substantially vertically at the storage position at the lower part of the seat front end. According to these aspects, a space-saving ottoman device can be configured.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for an ottoman device attached to a vehicle seat such as an automobile or a train and an aircraft seat.

It is the perspective view (A) and side view (B) of the electric ottoman device attached to the front end of the seat. It is the exploded view which expanded the electric ottoman device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is the perspective view which expanded the electric ottoman device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a side view showing operation of the electric ottoman device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is the perspective view which expanded the electric ottoman apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view from the seat left front of the electric ottoman device concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a perspective view from the seat right front of the electric ottoman device concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is the perspective view which expanded the electric ottoman apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electric ottoman apparatus, 6 ... Drive means, 7 ... Drive shaft, 8 ... Main link, 9 ... Rotation link mechanism, 10 ... Support frame, 15 ... Electric motor, 16 ... Gear unit, 17 ... Nut, 18 ... Metal Plate, 19 ... 1st rotation link, 20 ... 2nd rotation link.

Claims (4)

Driving means;
A drive shaft that is arranged substantially vertically at the lower storage position of the front end of the seat and is driven by the drive means;
A main link in which one end moves up and down along the drive shaft and the other end rotates back and forth;
A first rotation link that rotatably connects the other end of the main link;
An ottoman device comprising: a support frame that is deployed to a footrest position in front of a seat by the first rotation link and is folded to a storage position at a lower portion of the seat front end. A second rotation link rotatably connected to the first rotation link;
The first rotation link and the second rotation link are rotatably connected at at least one point so that the support frame is deployed at a footrest position in front of the seat and is folded at a storage position at the lower front end of the seat. The ottoman device according to claim 1. Driving means;
A drive shaft that is arranged substantially vertically at the lower storage position of the front end of the seat and is driven by the drive means;
A main link in which one end moves up and down along the drive shaft and the other end rotates back and forth;
A support frame that is expanded to a footrest position in front of the seat by the other end of the main link and folded to a storage position at a lower portion of the front end of the seat;
An ottoman device comprising: a first rotation link that holds the support frame together with the main link. A second rotation link rotatably connected to the first rotation link;
The first rotation link and the second rotation link are rotatably connected at at least two points so that the support frame is deployed at a footrest position in front of the seat and is folded at a storage position at the lower front end of the seat. The ottoman device according to claim 3.

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