US 2001/0043002 A1 · Lumbar support device

Abstract

A lumbar support device for adjusting the position of the portion of the seating surface of a seat back corresponding to an occupant's lumbar region includes a frame member, a plane spring body provided with linear spring elements and supported on the frame member by hanger springs, and an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the position of the plane spring body. The adjusting mechanism adjusts the plane spring body position via torsion springs which has a relatively large spring constant. The load associated with the occupant's weight is shared by the hanger springs and the torsion springs. The linear spring elements corresponding to the occupant's lumbar region can be extended by a small outward shift or movement of the plane spring body. Therefore, this lumbar support device imparts a good supporting feeling to the occupant.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A vehicle seat comprising:

a seat cushion;
a seat back having a front surface;
an outer frame member positioned in the seat back;
an inner frame member positioned within the outer frame member and supported on the outer frame member by a plurality of springs;
a shaft mounted within the seat cushion;
a torsion spring rotatably mounted for rotation relative to the shaft, the torsion spring including an arm that engages one of the side frame members;
and
a motor operatively connected to the torsion spring to rotate the torsion spring and the arm to cause the inner frame member to move in a direction toward the front surface of the seat back.

5 more elements

A lumbar support device for a vehicle seat, comprising a seat back for supporting an occupant of the vehicle seat;

a seat back frame provided in the seat back and including a pair of side frames and an end frame portion connected to each side frame;
a plane spring body disposed within the seat back frame;
a plurality of hanger springs disposed between the plane spring body and the seat back frame to suspend the plane spring body from the seat back frame;
a driving device for moving a part of the plane spring body in rearward and forward directions of the seat back;
a housing secured to at least one of the side frames;
a link mechanism rotatably supported by a shaft fixed to the housing and including a first arm portion extending away from the shaft, one end of the first arm portion being pivotally connected with the plane spring body, and a second arm portion extending away from the shaft, one end of the second arm portion being engaged with the driving device.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Lumbar support device

Life of this patent

Lumbar support device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20