Seat lifting devices

• US 20030227204A1
• Filed: 06/11/2003
• Published: 12/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Araco Kabushiki Kaisha
• Original Assignee: Araco Kabushiki Kaisha
• Inventors: Nishimura, Seiya, Akaike, Fumitoshi, Tatematsu, Kazuhisa, Inadome, Seiichiro
• Granted Patent: US 6,755,469 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 297/330
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/1615 Parallelogram-like structure
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/1685 characterised by a lock
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/1951 characterised by arrangements in vehicle or relative to seat belt
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/1952 Transmission of tensioning power by cable; Return motion locking means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/26 secured to the seat

Abstract

Seat lifting devices disposed between a seat support for supporting a seat cushion and a seat mount for mounting the seat support are taught that comprise a linking mechanism movably interconnecting the seat support and the seat mount, so that the seat cushion is vertically adjusted when the linking mechanism is operated, and a seat support pulling means connected to the seat support and the seat mount. The seat support pulling means is adapted to be shortened when the seat support is subjected to an impact.

Claims

1. A seat lifting device disposed between a seat support for supporting a seat cushion and a seat mount for mounting the seat support, comprising:

a linking mechanism movably interconnecting the seat support and the seat mount, so that the seat cushion is vertically adjusted when the linking mechanism is operated; and

a seat support pulling means connected to the seat support and the seat mount, the seat support pulling means being adapted to be shortened when the seat support is subjected to an impact.

2. A seat lifting device as defined in claim 1 further comprising an actuator for actuating the seat support pulling means, wherein the actuator is adapted to shorten the seat support pulling means when the seat support is subjected to the impact, thereby forcing the seat support toward the seat mount.

3. A seat lifting device as defined in claim 2, wherein the actuator comprises a drive means of a seatbelt pretensioning device.

4. A seat lifting device as defined in claim 1 further comprising a movable member that is movably connected to the seat mount so as to pivot back and forth, wherein the seat support pulling means is connected to the seat mount via the movable member.

5. A seat lifting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the seat support pulling means comprises a flexible member.

6. A seat lifting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the seat support pulling means has a substantial length that corresponds to a maximum lifted position of the seat support.

7. A seat lifting device as defined in claim 3, wherein the drive means of the seatbelt pretensioning device comprises a cylinder and a piston that is connected to a seatbelt, and wherein the piston is connected to the seat support pulling means, thereby simultaneously pulling the seatbelt and the seat support pulling means when the. seat support is subjected to the impact.

8. A seat lifting device disposed between a seat support for supporting a seat cushion and a seat mount for mounting the seat support, comprising:

a linking mechanism movably interconnecting the seat support and the seat mount, so that the seat cushion is vertically adjusted when the linking mechanism is operated;

a seat support pulling means connected to the seat support and the seat mount; and

an actuator for actuating the seat support pulling means, the actuator being adapted to actuate the seat support pulling means when the seat support is subjected to the impact, thereby forcing the seat support toward the seat mount.

9. A vehicle seat, comprising:

a seat body comprising a seat cushion and a seat back;

a seat support for supporting the seat cushion;

a seat mount for mounting the seat support to a vehicle body;

a linking mechanism that is disposed between the seat support and the seat mount and is adapted to vertically adjust the seat support relative to the seat mount;

a seatbelt for restraining an occupant of the seat body to the seat body when a vehicle is subjected to an impact;

a seatbelt pretensioning device attached to the seat support, the seatbelt pretensioning device being adapted to pull a first wire connected to one end of the seatbelt when the vehicle is subjected to the impact; and

a connecting member having a first end that is incorporated into the seatbelt pretensioning device and a second end that is connected to the seat mount, the connecting member having a length required to move the seat support relative to the seat mount and being arranged and constructed to be pulled into the seatbelt pretensioning device together with the first wire.

10. A vehicle seat as defined in claim 9, wherein the connecting member comprises a second wire, and a free arm having a first end that is pivotally connected to the seat mount and a second end that is connected to one end of the second wire.

11. A vehicle seat as defined in claim 10, wherein the seatbelt pretensioning device is attached to a side of the seat support that faces a vehicle entrance, and wherein the connecting member is connected to a side of the seat mount that faces a vehicle entrance and is positioned behind the seatbelt pretensioning device.