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Driver driving position adjustable device of vehicle Number:7,419,029 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent

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Title: Driver driving position adjustable device of vehicle

Abstract: There is provided a driver driving position adjusting device, comprising a movable floor panel adjusting mechanism operative to adjust at least a vertical position of a movable floor panel, an adjusting device operative to adjust at least one of a seat face position of a driver seat, an operating angle of the pedal operated by the leg portion of the driver and a position of a steering, and a driving position adjusting operating device operative to operate the movable floor panel adjusting mechanism and the adjusting device.Accordingly, the proper driving position and pedal operation can be provided regardless of the body size of driver, by adjusting at least the vertical position of the movable floor panel on which the leg portion of the driver operating the pedal is placed.

Patent Number: 7,419,029 Issued on 09/02/2008 to Ohtsubo,   et al.


Inventors: Ohtsubo; Tomonori (Hiroshima, JP), Uemura; Hiroki (Hiroshima, JP)
Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation (Hiroshima, JP)
Appl. No.: 10/968,389
Filed: October 20, 2004


Foreign Application Priority Data

Nov 20, 2003 [JP] 2003-390121
Dec 01, 2003 [JP] 2003-400988
Dec 04, 2003 [JP] 2003-405362
Dec 19, 2003 [JP] 2003-422415

Current U.S. Class: 180/326 ; 180/330; 74/560
Current International Class: B60K 26/00 (20060101)
Field of Search: 180/326,90.6,330 296/75,65.05,65.08 74/512,560,562,562.5


References Cited [Referenced By]

U.S. Patent Documents
3288239 November 1966 Ristau
4062566 December 1977 Hensler et al.
4392546 July 1983 Brown et al.
4484722 November 1984 Larson et al.
5199319 April 1993 Fujiu
5748473 May 1998 Breed et al.
6151984 November 2000 Johansson et al.
6450530 September 2002 Frasher et al.
6453767 September 2002 Willemsen et al.
6474728 November 2002 Mendis et al.
6634669 October 2003 Levine
6830123 December 2004 Ohki et al.
2002/0033297 March 2002 Ohki et al.
2002/0074785 June 2002 Levine
Foreign Patent Documents
07-096784 Apr., 1995 JP
WO 01/64468 Sep., 2001 WO
WO 03/078201 Sep., 2003 WO

Other References

European Search Report Application No. EP 04 02 7199 dated Jan. 26, 2005. cited by other.

Primary Examiner: Ellis; Christopher
Assistant Examiner: Rocca; Joseph
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Studebaker & Brackett PC Studebaker; Donald R.

Claims



What is claimed is:

1. A driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle, comprising: a floor panel position adjusting device operative to adjust at least a vertical position of a floor panel on which a leg portion of a driver operating a pedal is placed; an adjusting device comprising at least a seat position adjusting device operative to adjust a seat face position of a driver seat including a seat cushion and a seat back; and a driving position adjusting operating device operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and the seat position adjusting device of said adjusting device, wherein said seat position adjusting device comprises a pair of support links that are provided so as to support the driver seat in such a manner that a front-located link of the support links pivotally supports a font portion of the driver seat and a rear-located link of the support links pivotally supports a rear portion of the driver seat, and said seat position adjusting device is operative to adjust a height and an angle of the seat cushion of the driver seat by changing an inclination angle of the support links so that the seat face position of the driver seat can be adjusted.

2. The driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle of claim 1, wherein: said adjusting device further comprises a pedal position adjusting device operative to adjust an operating angle of the pedal operated by the leg portion of the driver; said driving position adjusting operating device is operative to adjust the seat, pedal and floor panel such that the driver is moved along a specified arc having a center thereof which corresponds to a rotational center of the pedal under a state where a specified driver position is maintained, and is operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and said pedal position adjusting device such that the devices are adjusted together with a specified relationship; and said seat position adjusting device is operative to adjust the angle, a longitudinal position and a vertical position of the seat cushion of the driver seat so that the seat face position of the driver seat can be adjusted.

3. The driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle of claim 1, wherein said adjusting device further comprises a pedal position adjusting device operative to adjust an operating angle of the pedal to be operated by a leg portion of the driver, there is provided another driving position adjusting operating device operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and the pedal position adjusting device of said adjusting device, and wherein the floor panel and the pedal are adjusted so that an angle therebetween has substantially the same value regardless of positions thereof.

4. A driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle, comprising: a floor panel position adjusting device operative to adjust at least a vertical position of a floor panel on which a leg portion of a driver operating a pedal is placed; an adjusting device operative to adjust at least one of a seat face position of a driver seat including a seat cushion and a seat back, an operating angle of the pedal to be operated by the leg portion of the driver, and a position of a steering; and a driving position adjusting operating device operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and said adjusting device, wherein said floor panel position adjusting device is operative to adjust the vertical position and a panel angle of the floor panel.

5. The driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle of claim 4, wherein said adjusting device comprises a pedal position adjusting device operative to adjust at least the operating angle of the pedal to be operated by the leg portion of the driver, and said driving position adjusting operating device is operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and said pedal position adjusting device.

6. The driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle of claim 4, wherein said adjusting device comprises a steering position adjusting device operative to adjust the position of the steering, and said driving position adjusting operating device is operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and said steering position adjusting device.

7. The driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle of claim 4, wherein said adjusting device comprises a seat position adjusting device operative to adjust the seat face position of the driver, and said driving position adjusting operating device is operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and said seat position adjusting device.

8. The driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle of claim 4, wherein: said adjusting device comprises a seat position adjusting device operative to adjust the seat face position of the driver seat and a pedal position adjusting device operative to adjust the operating angle of the pedal operated by the leg portion of the driver; and said driving position adjusting operating device is operative to adjust the seat, pedal and floor panel such that the driver is moved along a specified arc having a center thereof which corresponds to a rotational center of the pedal under a state where a specified driver position is maintained, and is operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and said pedal position adjusting device such that the devices are adjusted together with a specified relationship.

9. The driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle of claim 4, wherein the panel angle of the floor panel is adjusted so as to change from a front-high and rear-low position to a front-low and rear-high position when the floor panel is moved upward from a lower position.

10. The driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle of claim 4, wherein said adjusting device further comprises a pedal position adjusting device operative to adjust an operating angle of the pedal to be operated by a leg portion of the driver, there is provided another driving position adjusting operating device operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and the pedal position adjusting device of said adjusting device, and wherein the floor panel and the pedal are adjusted so that an angle therebetween has substantially the same value regardless of positions thereof.

11. A driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle, comprising: a floor panel position adjusting device operative to adjust at least a vertical position of a floor panel on which a leg portion of a driver operating a pedal is placed; an adjusting device comprising at least a seal position adjusting device operative to adjust a seat face position of a driver seat including a seat cushion and a seat back; and a driving position adjusting operating device operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and the seat position adjusting device of said adjusting device, wherein the floor panel adjusted by said floor panel position adjusting device is moved upward when the seat adjusted by said seat position adjusting device is moved forward and upward.

12. The driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle of claim 11, wherein said adjusting device further comprises a pedal position adjusting device operative to adjust an operating angle of the pedal operated by the leg portion of the driver, said driving position adjusting operating device is operative to adjust the seat, pedal and floor panel such that the driver is moved along a specified arc having a center thereof which corresponds to a rotational center of the pedal under a state where a specified driver position is maintained, and is operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and said pedal position adjusting device such that the devices are adjusted together with a specified relationship, and a position of the floor panel is adjusted by said floor panel position adjusting device in relation to the seat position adjustment of said seat position adjusting device.

13. The driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle of claim 11, wherein said adjusting device further comprises a steering position adjusting device operative to adjust a position of the steering, and said driving position adjusting operating device is operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and said adjusting device.

14. A driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle, comprising: a floor panel position adjusting device operative to adjust at least a vertical position of a floor panel on which a leg portion of a driver operating a pedal is placed; an adjusting device comprising a seat position adjusting device operative to adjust a seat face position of a driver seat and a pedal position adjusting device operative to adjust an operating angle of the pedal to be operated by a leg portion of the driver; and a driving position adjusting operating device operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and said adjusting device, wherein a position of the pedal is adjusted by said pedal position adjusting device in relation to a seat position adjustment of said seat position adjusting device, and the pedal adjusted by said pedal position adjusting device is moved toward the driver when the seat adjusted by said seat position adjusting device is moved forward and upward from a rear and lower position thereof.

15. The driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle of claim 14, wherein said driving position adjusting operating device is operative to adjust the seat, pedal and floor panel such that the driver is moved along a specified arc having a center thereof which corresponds to a rotational center of the pedal under a state where a specified driver position is maintained, and is operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and said pedal position adjusting device such that the devices are adjusted together with a specified relationship.

16. A driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle, comprising: a floor panel position adjusting device operative to adjust at least a vertical position of a floor panel on which a leg portion of a driver operating a pedal is placed; an adjusting device comprising at least a steering position adjusting device operative to adjust a position of a steering, the steering position adjusting device being configured to move the steering around a rotational center provided at a lower portion of a steering shaft of the steering; and a driving position adjusting operating device operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and the steering position adjusting device of said adjusting device, wherein said driving position adjusting operating device operative operates the floor panel position adjusting device and the steering position adjusting device such that the floor panel adjusted by said floor panel position adjusting device is moved upward from a lower position thereof when a steering wheel of the steering adjusted by said steering position adjusting device is moved upward and forward.

17. A driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle, comprising: a floor panel position adjusting device operative to adjust at least a vertical position of a floor panel on which a leg portion of a driver operating a pedal is placed; an adjusting device comprising at least a seat position adjusting device operative to adjust a seat face position of a driver seat including a seat cushion and a seat back; and a driving position adjusting operating device operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and the seat position adjusting device of said adjusting device, wherein said seat position adjusting device is operative to adjust a height and an angle of the seat cushion of the driver seat so that the seat face position of the driver seat can be adjusted, and the angle of the seat cushion of the driver seat is adjusted so as to change from a front-high and rear-low position toward a horizontal position when the driver seat is moved forward and upward.

18. A driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle comprising: a floor panel position adjusting device operative to adjust at least a vertical position of a floor panel on which a leg portion of a driver operating a pedal is placed; an adjusting device comprising at least a pedal position adjusting device operative to adjust an operating angle of the pedal to be operated by a leg portion of the driver; and a driving position adjusting operating device operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and the pedal position adjusting device of said adjusting device, wherein the pedal adjusted by said pedal position adjusting device is moved toward the driver when the floor panel adjusted by said floor panel position adjusting device is moved upward from a lower position thereof, said adjusting device further comprises a seat position adjusting device operative to adjust a seat face position of the driver seat; and said driving position adjusting operating device is operative to adjust the seat, pedal and floor panel such that the driver is moved along a specified arc having a center thereof which corresponds to a rotational center of the pedal under a state where a specified driver position is maintained, and is operative to operate said floor panel position adjusting device and said pedal position adjusting device such that the devices are adjusted together with a specified relationship.
Description



BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle which is operative to adjust a driving position of a driver on a driver seat.

In general, the layout of a seat 100, a floor panel 101 and an accelerator pedal 102 is designed so as to be suitable for a standard (medium) size of driver M in conventional vehicles as shown in FIG. 37. The seat 100, which comprises a seat cushion 103, a seat back 104 and a headrest 105, is supported by a seat slide (not illustrated) as shown in FIG. 38, so that hip points P11, P12 and P13 of drivers L, M and S sitting on the seat cushion 103 are movable substantially horizontally and longitudinally. However, the accelerator pedal 102 and the floor panel 101 are both fixed.

Herein, this conventional structure has the following two problems.

A large size of driver L with a higher eye point can get a sufficiently clear front view with the drivers' eyes illustrated by a broken line eL in FIG. 37 when sitting on the seat 100. A small size of driver S, however, has a lower eye point and therefore the driver's eyes illustrated by a two-dotted broken line eS in FIG. 37 may be interrupted by a hood 106, thereby providing a difficulty in getting such a clear front view. Particularly, there is a problem that a near view may not be obtained sufficiently.

Meanwhile, the drivers L, M and S operate the accelerator pedal 102, putting their heels on a floor mat 107 which is placed on the floor panel 101. Herein, although there may be no particular problem with the large size of driver L and the medium size of driver M, the small size of driver S may have the following problem. Namely, since the leg of the small size of driver S does not reach the accelerator pedal 102 enough, the above-described operation of the accelerator pedal 102 with the driver's heal on the floor mat 107 may require a toe portion to press the pedal 102. Also, the pedal 102 moves forward as the pedal 102 is pressed. Accordingly, it may be difficult for the small size of driver S to operate the accelerator pedal 102 properly. In order to solve this difficulty, the small size of driver S usually operates the accelerator pedal 102, after keeping the driver's heel away from the floor mat 107.

Further, conventionally, the drivers L, M and S adjust their driving positions themselves to obtain the proper operation of the accelerator pedal 102 and a brake pedal and the clear front view.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a conventional driving position adjusting operating device of a vehicle shown in FIG. 39 had been invented (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 7-96784).

The conventional device shown in FIG. 39 is configured such that a seat 200 is adjustable in a slant direction between its front-and-upper position and its rear-and-lower position and a brake pedal and/or an accelerator pedal 201 are movable substantially horizontally and longitudinally in order to provide a proper positional relationship between the pedal 201 and the seat 200 regardless of the body size of driver.

In this conventional device shown in the figure, the leg of the small size of driver may reach the pedal 201 enough. However, since the pedal 201 is movable only horizontally and longitudinally, the small size of driver still cannot press the center of the pedal properly, putting the heel on a floor mat placed on a floor panel 202 even though the pedal 201 is adjusted in a position (toward the driver) which is illustrated by a solid line in FIG. 39.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been devised in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle which can provide a proper driving position and a proper pedal operation regardless of the body size of driver.

This object is solved by a driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle according to the present invention of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are subject of the dependent claims.

According to the present invention, there is provided a driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle, comprising a floor panel position adjusting device operative to adjust at least a vertical position of a floor panel on which a leg portion of a driver operating a pedal is placed, an adjusting device operative to adjust at least one of a seat face position of a driver seat, an operating angle of the pedal to be operated by the leg portion of the driver, and a position of a steering, and a driving position adjusting operating device operative to operate the floor panel position adjusting device and the adjusting device.

According to the driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle of the present invention, since at least the vertical position of the floor panel on which the leg portion of the driver operating the pedal is placed is adjusted and this adjustment is done along with the adjustment of at least one of the seat face position of the driver seat, the operating angle of the pedal operated by the leg portion of the driver, and the position of the steering, the proper driving position and the proper pedal operation can be obtained regardless of the body size of driver.

According to a preferred embedment, the adjusting device comprises a seat position adjusting device operative to adjust the seat face position of the driver, and the driving position adjusting operating device is operative to operate the floor panel position adjusting device and the seat position adjusting device.

Accordingly, the seat face can be adjusted in an upper position and the vertical position of the floor panel can be adjusted upward for the smaller size of driver, whereas the seat face can be adjusted in a lower position and the vertical position of the floor panel can be adjusted downward for the larger size of driver. As a result, regardless of the body size of driver, both the proper driving position and the clear front view can be obtained, and such proper driving position can be obtained even though the longitudinal adjusting distance of the seat is small, and also the proper pedal operation can be obtained by adjusting the vertical position of the floor panel.

According to another preferred embodiment, the floor panel position adjusting device is operative to adjust the vertical position and a panel angle of the floor panel.

Accordingly, since the floor panel position adjusting device adjusts not only the vertical position of the floor panel but also the panel angle of the floor panel, a relative angle between the pedal and the floor panel can be maintained at a substantially constant angle during the vertical movement of the floor panel. Also, even though the size or the heel size of driver's shoes change, such change may be absorbed properly by pressing an appropriate position of the pedal.

According to another preferred embodiment, the driving position adjusting operating device is operative to operate the floor panel position adjusting device and the seat position adjusting device such that the devices are operated together with a specified relationship. The specified relationship may be arranged such that the floor panel is moved upward from its lower position when the seat is moved upward and forward from its lower position, whereas the floor panel is moved downward from its upper position when the seat is moved downward and rearward from its upper position.

Accordingly, since both the floor panel position adjusting device and the seat position adjusting device are operated together by the driving position adjusting operating device, the operation can be simplified and improved.

According to another preferred embodiment, the seat position adjusting device is operative to adjust a height and an angle of a seat face.

Accordingly, since both the height and the angle of the seat face are adjusted, the clear front view and the more proper driving position can be obtained regardless of the body size of driver.

According to another preferred embodiment, the adjusting device further comprises a pedal position adjusting device operative to adjust the operating angle of the pedal operated by the driver.

Accordingly, since the pedal operating angle is adjusted in addition to the seat face position of the driver seat and the vertical position of the floor panel, the proper pedal operation can be provided regardless of the body size of driver.

According to another preferred embodiment, the driving position adjusting operating device is operative to operate the floor panel position adjusting device, the seat position adjusting device, and the pedal position adjusting device such that the devices are operated together with a specified relationship. The specified relationship may be arranged such that the floor panel is moved upward from its lower position and the pedal is rotated around its rotational center toward the driver when the seat is moved upward and forward from its lower position, whereas the floor panel is moved downward from its upper position and the pedal is rotated around its rotational center away from the driver when the seat is moved downward and rearward from its upper position.

Accordingly, since the floor panel position adjusting device, the seat position adjusting device and the pedal position adjusting device are operated together by the driving position adjusting operating device, the operation can be simplified and improved.

According to another preferred embodiment, the floor panel adjusted by the floor panel position adjusting device is moved upward when the seat adjusted by the seat position adjusting device is moved forward and upward.

Accordingly, both the proper driving position and the clear front view can be obtained more properly.

According to another preferred embodiment, the adjusting device comprises the pedal position adjusting device operative to adjust at least the operating angle of the pedal to be operated by the leg portion of the driver, and the driving position adjusting operating device is operative to operate the floor panel position adjusting device and the pedal position adjusting device. Herein, the pedal may be the accelerator pedal and/or the brake pedal.

Accordingly, the floor panel can be adjusted respectively: in an upper position for the small size of driver; in a middle position for the standard size of driver; and in a lower position for the large size of driver. Also, the pedal operating angle can be adjusted at a substantially constant angle regardless of the body size of driver. As a result, since even the leg of the smaller size of driver reach the pedal enough, the driver can sit on the seat properly and the driving position of the driver can be improved greatly. Thus, the operations of the pedal and the steering wheel are improved, and proper views for vehicle side mirrors, providing a narrower view angle, and vehicle meters are obtained as well. Additionally, since the pedal operating angle is adjusted at the substantially constant angle regardless of the body size of driver, the optimization of the driver's leg portion during the pedal operation can be attained.

According to another preferred embodiment, the floor panel position adjusting device is operative to adjust the vertical position and a panel angle of the floor panel. It is preferred that the floor panel angle is adjusted respectively: in a front-high and rear-low state when the floor panel is in the lower position; in a substantially horizontal state when the floor panel is in the middle position; and in a front-low and rear-high state when the floor panel is in the upper position.

Accordingly, since the floor panel position adjusting device adjusts not only the vertical position of the floor panel but also the panel angle of the floor panel, a relative angle between the pedal and the floor panel can be maintained at a substantially constant angle during the vertical movement of the floor pedal. Also, even though the size or the heel size of driver's shoes change, such change may be absorbed properly by pressing the appropriate position of the pedal.

According to another preferred embodiment, the driving position adjusting operating device is operative to operate the floor panel position adjusting device and the pedal position adjusting device such that the devices are adjusted together with a specified relationship. It is preferred that the pedal operating angle is maintained at the substantially constant angle even though the floor panel is adjusted from the lower position to the upper position by way of the middle position.

Accordingly, since the floor panel position adjusting device and the pedal position adjusting device are operated together by the driving position adjusting operating device, the operation can be simplified and improved.

According to another preferred embodiment, the pedal position adjusting device is operative to adjust the operating angle of the pedal and a height of a pedal pressing face.

Accordingly, since both the pedal operating angle and the pedal pressing face height are adjusted, the optimization of the driver's leg portion during the pedal operation can be attained further, and the driver can press the pedal center properly regardless of the body size of driver.

According to another preferred embodiment, the adjusting device further comprises the seat position adjusting device operative to adjust the seat face position of the driver seat.

Accordingly, since the seat face position of the driver seat is adjusted by the seat position adjusting device in addition to the adjustments of the pedal operating angle by the pedal position adjusting device and the vertical position of the floor panel (on which the heel of the driver operating the pedal is placed) by the floor panel position adjusting device, the driving position and the state of the driver's leg portion during the pedal operation can be further optimized. Further, the clear front view can be obtained properly, and therefore the front view of even the smaller size of driver can be prevented from being interrupted by the vehicle hood.

According to another preferred embodiment, the driving position adjusting operating device is operative to operate the floor panel position adjusting device, the pedal position adjusting device, and the seat position adjusting device such that the devices are adjusted together with a specified relationship. The specified relationship may be arranged such that the floor panel is moved upward from its lower position when the seat is moved upward and forward from its lower position, whereas the floor panel is moved downward from its upper position when the seat is moved downward and rearward from its upper position.

Accordingly, since both the pedal position adjusting device and the seat position adjusting device are operated together by the driving position adjusting operating device, the operation can be simplified and improved.

According to another preferred embodiment, the pedal adjusted by the pedal position adjusting device is moved toward the driver when the floor panel adjusted by the floor panel position adjusting device is moved upward from a lower position thereof.

Accordingly, since both the floor panel and the pedal are adjusted so as to be suitable for the large, standard and small size of drivers respectively, both the improvement of driving position and the optimization of driver's leg portion during the pedal operation can be attained regardless of the body size of driver.

According to another preferred embodiment, the adjusting device comprises the seat position adjusting device operative to adjust the seat face position of the driver seat and the pedal position adjusting device operative to adjust the operating angle of the pedal operated by the leg portion of the driver; and the driving position adjusting operating device is operative to adjust the seat, pedal and floor panel such that the driver is moved along a specified arc having a center thereof which corresponds to a rotational center of the pedal under a state where a specified driver position is maintained, and is operative to operate the floor panel position adjusting device and the pedal position adjusting device such that the devices are adjusted together with a specified relationship.

The above-described pedal may be configured so as to be either one or all of the accelerator pedal, brake pedal and clutch pedal. It is preferred that the above-described floor panel is configured so as to be a movable floor panel which is separate from an existing part of floor panel which is fixed. Also, it is preferred that the above-described specified relationship is arranged such that the pedal is moved around its rotational center toward the driver when the floor panel is moved upward from its lower position.

Accordingly, the seat face and the floor panel can be adjusted in their upper positions and the pedal operating angle can be adjusted so as to be suitable for the small size of driver, the seat face and the floor panel can be adjusted in their lower positions and the pedal operating angle can be adjusted so as to be suitable for the large size of driver, and the seat face and the floor panel can be adjusted in their middle positions and the pedal operating angle can be adjusted so as to be suitable for the standard size of driver.

As a result, regardless of the body size of driver, both the proper driving position and the clear front view, even for the small size of driver, can be obtained, and such proper driving position can be obtained even though the longitudinal adjusting distance of the seat is small, and also the proper pedal operation can be obtained by adjusting the floor panel. Additionally, since the pedal operating angle, floor panel position and seat face position are adjusted, optimization of the leg-portion angle and the pedal operating direction of the driver operating the pedal can be attained.

The difference of body size of the drivers is mainly expressed to the difference of the total length of the thighs and the lower legs (i.e., the difference of length of the legs). Accordingly, the angle between the thigh and lower leg of driver and the operating direction to press the pedal face by the driver who sits on the seat with legs being upward-joint bent depend on the body size of the driver sitting on the seat. Herein, since the seat face position and the pedal operating angle are adjusted respectively by the seat position adjusting device and the pedal position adjusting device, the both (the seat face position and the pedal operating angle) can be adjusted so as to be suitable for the driver's body size. As a result, the optimization of the leg-portion angle and the pedal operating direction of the driver operating the pedal can be attained, and the proper pedal operation can be obtained regardless of the body size of driver.

Additionally, since the seat, pedal and floor panel are adjusted such that the driver is moved along the specified arc having the center thereof which corresponds to the rotational center of the pedal under the state where the specified driver position (comfortable position from the human engineering standpoint) is maintained, the comfortable driving position can be always provided to the driver. Further, since both the pedal position adjusting device and the floor panel position adjusting device are operated together by the driving position adjusting operating device, the operation can be simplified and improved.

According to another preferred embodiment, the specified relationship is arranged such that the floor panel adjusted by the floor panel position adjusting device is moved upward from the lower position thereof when the pedal adjusted by the pedal position adjusting device is moved around the rotational center of the pedal toward the driver.

Accordingly, the leg of even the small size of driver can reach the pedal enough to provide the proper driving position. This proper driving position can also improve the operation of pedal and steering wheel and provide the driver with a proper sitting. Thus, proper views for vehicle side mirrors, providing the narrower view angle, and vehicle meters are obtained as well.

According to another preferred embodiment, the position of the pedal is adjusted by the pedal position adjusting device in relation to the seat position adjustment of the seat position adjusting device.

Accordingly, since the seat face position and the pedal operating angle are adjusted in relation to each other, further optimization of the leg-portion angle and the pedal operating direction of the driver operating the pedal can be attained. Namely, when the driver is the smaller-size one, the seat face is adjusted in the upper position and also the pedal operating angle is adjusted in relation to this, thereby providing a proper operation state where the pedal is pressed down from above. While, when the driver is the larger-size one, the seat face is adjusted in the lower position and also the pedal operating angle is adjusted in relation to this, thereby providing a proper operation state where the pedal is pressed in a proper direction. Also, further clear front view can be provided even to the smaller size of driver by the adjustment of seat position.

According to another preferred embodiment, the pedal adjusted by the pedal position adjusting device is moved toward the driver when the seat adjusted by the seat position adjusting device is moved forward and upward from a rear-and-lower position thereof.

Accordingly, further optimization of the leg-portion angle and the pedal operating direction of the driver operating the pedal can be attained.

According to another preferred embodiment, the position of the floor panel is adjusted by the floor panel position adjusting device in relation to the seat position adjustment of the seat position adjusting device.

Accordingly, the seat face position and the floor panel position are adjusted in relation to each other. Since particularly the floor panel position is adjusted, the leg of even the small size of driver can reach the pedal enough to provide the proper pedal operation. Also, since the seat face position is adjusted, sufficiently clear front view can be provided even to the small size of driver.

According to another preferred embodiment, the floor panel adjusted by the floor panel position adjusting device is moved upward from the lower position when the seat adjusted by the seat position adjusting device is moved forward and upward from the rear and lower position.

Accordingly, both the proper driving position and the clear front view can be obtained further properly.

According to another preferred embodiment, the pedal position adjusting device is operative to adjust the operating angle of the pedal and the height of pedal pressing face.

Accordingly, the height of pedal pressing face can be adjusted respectively by the pedal position adjusting device: in the lower position for the large size of driver with long legs; in the upper position for the small size of driver with short legs; and in the middle position for the standard size of driver. Thus, since the height of pedal pressing face is adjusted in addition to the adjustment of pedal operating angle, the pedal operation can be further improved, enabling the driver to press the pedal center.

According to another preferred embodiment, the floor panel position adjusting device is operative to adjust the vertical position and the panel angle of the floor panel.

Accordingly, since the floor panel position adjusting device adjusts not only the vertical position (i.e., height) of the floor panel but also the panel angle of the floor panel, the relative angle between the pedal and the floor panel can be maintained at the substantially constant angle during the vertical movement of the floor pedal. Also, even though the size or the heel size of driver's shoes change, such change may be absorbed properly by pressing the appropriate position of the pedal (see the pedal center).

According to another preferred embodiment, the seat position adjusting device is operative to adjust an angle, a longitudinal position and a vertical position of seat face of the driver seat.

Accordingly, the seat face can be adjusted respectively by the seat position adjusting device: in the front-and-upper position for the small size of driver; in the rear-and-lower position for the large size of driver; and in the middle position for the standard size of driver. Thus, since the longitudinal position and the vertical position of the seat face are adjusted in addition to the seat face angle and the pedal operating angle, further optimization of the leg-portion angle and the pedal operating direction of the driver operating the pedal can be attained, and the clear front view can be provided regardless of the body size of driver, even to the small size of driver.

According to another preferred embodiment, the driving position adjusting operating device is operative to operate the floor panel position adjusting device, the seat position adjusting device, and the pedal position adjusting device such that the devices are adjusted together with a specified relationship. The specified relationship may be arranged such that the floor panel is moved upward from its lower position and the pedal is rotated around the rotational center toward the driver when the seat is moved upward and forward from its lower position, whereas the floor panel is moved downward from its upper position and the pedal is rotated around the rotational center away from the driver when the seat is moved downward and rearward from its upper position.

Accordingly, since the floor panel position adjusting device, the seat position adjusting device, and the pedal position adjusting device are operated together by the driving position adjusting operating device, the operation can be simplified and improved.

According to another preferred embodiment, the adjusting device comprises a steering position adjusting device operative to adjust the position of the steering, and the driving position adjusting operating device is operative to operate the floor panel position adjusting device and the steering position adjusting device.

It is preferred that the above-described floor panel is configured so as to be the movable floor panel which is separate from the existing part of floor panel which is fixed. Also, the above-described pedal may be configured so as to be at least one of the accelerator pedal, brake pedal and clutch pedal.

Accordingly, the floor panel can be adjusted respectively: in the upper position for the small size of driver; in the lower position for the large size of driver; and in the middle position for the standard size of driver, so that respective drivers can operate the pedal with their proper leg-portion angles. In addition to this, the steering position can be adjusted according to the body size of driver.

As a result, the proper driving position can be obtained regardless of the body size of driver. Particularly, the optimization of the leg-portion angle (angles of thighs, lower legs, and feet) and the arm-portion angle (angles of upper arms, lower arms, and hands) can be attained.

According to another preferred embodiment, the steering position adjusting device is operative to adjust the steering position such that the steering is moved around the rotational center of the pedal.

Accordingly, the positional relationship between the drivers' arm portion and the steering wheel can be made proper regardless of the body size of driver, maintaining the proper driving position.

According to another preferred embodiment, the floor panel position adjusting device is operative to adjust the vertical position and the panel angle of the floor panel.

Accordingly, since the floor panel position adjusting device adjusts not only the vertical position (i.e., height) of the floor panel but also the panel angle of the floor panel, the relative angle between the pedal and the floor panel can be maintained at the substantially constant angle during the vertical movement of the floor pedal. Also, even though the size or the heel size of driver's shoes change, such change may be absorbed properly by pressing the appropriate position of the pedal (see the pedal center).

According to another preferred embodiment, the driving position adjusting operating device is operative to operate the floor panel position adjusting device and the steering position adjusting device such that the devices are adjusted together with a specified relationship.

Accordingly, since both the floor panel position adjusting device and the steering position adjusting device are operated together by the driving position adjusting operating device, the operation can be simplified and improved.

According to another preferred embodiment, the specified relationship is arranged such that the floor panel adjusted by the floor panel position adjusting device is moved upward from the lower position when the steering wheel of steering adjusted by the steering position adjusting device is moved upward.

Accordingly, further optimization of the leg-portion angle of the driver operating the pedal and the arm-portion angle of the driver operating the steering wheel can be attained.

According to another preferred embodiment, the steering position adjusting device is operative to adjust the position and the angle of the steering.

Accordingly, since not only the steering position but also the steering angle are adjusted, the operation of steering wheel can be further improved.

According to another preferred embodiment, the adjusting device further comprises the pedal position adjusting device operative to adjust the operating angle of the pedal operated by the driver.

Accordingly, since the pedal operating position is adjusted in addition to the adjustment of floor panel position, the leg of even the small size of driver can reach the pedal enough to provide the proper driving position. This proper driving position can also improve the operation of pedal and steering wheel and provide the driver with the proper sitting. Thus, proper views for vehicle side mirrors, providing the narrower view angle, and vehicle meters are obtained as well.

According to another preferred embodiment, the adjusting device further comprises the seat position adjusting device operative to adjust the seat face position of the driver seat.

Accordingly, the seat face position of the driver seat is adjusted by the seat position adjusting device in addition to the adjustments of the floor panel vertical position by the floor panel position adjusting device and the steering position by the steering position adjusting device, even the small size of driver can operate the pedal properly and the clear front view of the driver can be obtained.

According to another preferred embodiment, when the seat adjusted by the seat position adjusting device is moved forward and upward from the rear-and-lower position, the floor panel adjusted by the floor panel position adjusting device is moved upward from the lower position and the pedal adjusted by the pedal position adjusting device is moved around the rotational center of the pedal toward the driver. The movement of the pedal around the rotational center means the both adjustments of the pedal operating position and the pedal operating angle.

Accordingly, the seat face and the floor panel can be adjusted in their upper positions and the pedal operating position and angle can be adjusted so as to be suitable for the small size of driver, the seat face and the floor panel can be adjusted in their lower positions and the pedal operating position and angle can be adjusted so as to be suitable for the large size of driver, and the seat face and the floor panel can be adjusted in their middle positions and the pedal operating position and angle can be adjusted so as to be suitable for the standard size of driver.

As a result, regardless of the body size of driver, both the proper driving position and the clear front view, even for the small size of driver, can be obtained, and such proper driving position can be obtained even though the longitudinal adjusting distance of the seat is small, and also the proper pedal operation can be obtained by adjusting the floor panel. Additionally, since the pedal operating position and angle, floor panel position and seat face position are adjusted, optimization of the leg-portion angle and the pedal operating direction of the driver operating the pedal can be attained. Further, optimization of the arm-portion angle of the driver operating the steering wheel can be attained by the adjustment of steering position.

The difference of body size of the drivers is mainly expressed to the difference of the total length of the thighs and the lower legs (i.e., the difference of length of the legs). Accordingly, the angle between the thigh and lower leg of driver and the operating direction to press the pedal face by the driver who sits on the seat with legs being upward-joint bent depend on the body size of the driver sitting on the seat. Herein, since the seat face position and the pedal operating position and angle are adjusted respectively by the seat position adjusting device and the pedal position adjusting device, the both (the seat face position and the pedal operating position and angle) can be adjusted so as to be suitable for the driver's body size. As a result, the optimization of the leg-portion angle and the pedal operating direction of the driver operating the pedal can be attained, and the proper pedal operation can be obtained regardless of the body size of driver.

Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of hip point setting.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a seat adjustment by a seat position adjusting device.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a relational adjustment of a movable floor panel and a pedal.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a specific structure of the driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing a lower position of the seat.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a middle position of the seat.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing an upper position of the seat.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a lower position of the movable floor panel.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing a middle position of the movable floor panel.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing an upper position of the movable floor panel.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a pedal position adjusting device.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a major part of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a system diagram showing a position adjusting structure of both pedals using flexible shafts.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a sports mode.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a sedan mode.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a RV mode.

FIG. 18 is a side view showing a driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle according to another embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a side view showing a lower position of the seat.

FIG. 20 is a side view showing a middle position of the seat.

FIG. 21 is a side view showing an upper position of the seat.

FIG. 22 is a side view showing a movable floor panel adjusting mechanism according to another embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a side view showing a movable floor panel adjusting mechanism according to further another embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a side view showing a movable floor panel adjusting mechanism according to further another embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a side view showing a movable floor panel adjusting mechanism according to further another embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a side view showing a middle position of the movable floor panel.

FIG. 27 is a side view showing an upper position of the movable floor panel.

FIG. 28 is a side view showing a driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle according to further another embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a side view showing a driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle according to further another embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a side view showing a driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle according to further another embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a side view showing a steering position adjusting device.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of a steering position for a large size of driver.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of a steering position for a small size of driver.

FIG. 34 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is a side view showing a steering position adjusting device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a side view showing a driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle according to further another embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a side view showing a problem of a conventional vehicle.

FIG. 38 is a side view showing a conventional seat adjustment of a vehicle.

FIG. 39 is a side view showing a conventional driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that even though embodiments are separately described, single features thereof may be combined to additional embodiments.

The figures show a driver driving position adjusting device of a vehicle. First, a abstract of its basic structure will be described referring to FIGS. 1 through 4.

In FIGS. 1 through 4, a reference character L denotes a large size of driver, a reference character M denotes a standard (medium) size of driver, and a reference character S denotes a small size of driver. The drivers L, M and S sit on a seat (driver seat) 4 including a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2 and a headrest 3.

A reference numeral 5 denotes a hood, a reference numeral 6 denotes a dash lower panel (dash panel), and a reference numeral 7 denotes a floor panel (so-called base floor). At the side of the dash lower panel 6 is provided an accelerator pedal 9 as a pedal which is movable around a rotational center 8. Although the floor panel 7 is fixed, there is provided a movable floor panel 10 at a portion, on which a leg portion (see a heel) of the drivers L, M and S operating the accelerator pedal 9 and a brake pedal 51, which is described below (see FIG. 14), is placed. Accordingly, a dual floor structure consisting of the floor panel (fixed floor) 7 and the movable floor panel 10 is constituted.

Generally, it is said from the human engineering standpoint that human being (driver) feels comfortable in a position where the thigh and lower leg are open when the sitting position is low, and feels comfortable in a position where the thigh and lower leg are closed when the sitting position is high. Herein, in view of the concept that the driver always feel comfortable with the hip points which are decided by rotating the driver positions approximately around the rotational center 8 of the accelerator pedal 9, maintaining the above-described comfortable positions, the hip points of driver will be set as described below.

For the large size of driver L, by lowering the hip point P1' of the driver L in a RV mode shown in FIG. 2 to the hip point P1 in a sedan mode along the arc having its center corresponding to the rotational center 8 of the accelerator pedal 9, maintaining the comfortable position with an opening angle (approximately 128 degrees) between the thigh and lower leg which is slightly narrower than a conventional angle (approximately 135 degrees), the hip point P1 is set in a lower-and-forward position with respect to the conventional hip point P11.

For the small size of driver S, by raising the hip point to the hip point P3 along the arc having its center corresponding to the rotational center 8 of the accelerator pedal 9, maintaining the comfortable position with the opening angle (approximately 130 degrees) between the thigh and lower leg which is slightly greater than a conventional angle (approximately 114 degrees), the hip point P3 (see FIG. 1) is set in an upper-and-rearward position with respect to the conventional hip point P13. Accordingly, the eyes e of respective drivers L, M and S are configured so as to be on the identical line as shown in FIG. 1.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, respective positions of the seat 4, the accelerator pedal 9 and the movable floor panel 10 are illustrated respectively: by the broken line with reference characters a, h, d for the large size of driver L; by the solid line with reference characters b, i, f for the standard size of driver M; and by the two-dotted broken line with reference characters c, j, g for the small size of driver S.

Namely, the seat 4 is configured such that the position of seat face 12 of the seat cushion 1 is moved upward and forward from the lower position along a line 11 passing the hip point P1 for the driver L and the hip point P3 for the driver S shown in FIG. 3. Also, both height and angle of the seat face 12 are adjustable.

Herein, the seat face angle of the seat cushion 1 is adjusted so as to change from the front-high and rear-low position to the horizontal position when the seat 4 is moved forward and upward as apparent from FIG. 3. Also, the operating angle of the accelerator pedal 9 is adjusted in such a manner that the pedal 9 is rotated around its rotation center 8 toward the driver, from the position h (see the broken line) for the large size of driver L to the position j (see the two-dotted broken line) for the small size of driver S, as shown in FIG. 4.

Further,


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