CA1242381A - Quick release mechanism for gear operated seat recliner - Google Patents
Quick release mechanism for gear operated seat reclinerInfo
- Publication number
- CA1242381A CA1242381A CA000484836A CA484836A CA1242381A CA 1242381 A CA1242381 A CA 1242381A CA 000484836 A CA000484836 A CA 000484836A CA 484836 A CA484836 A CA 484836A CA 1242381 A CA1242381 A CA 1242381A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- recliner
- seat
- pawl
- quick release
- mechanism according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
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- Chairs For Special Purposes, Such As Reclining Chairs (AREA)
- Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A gear operated seat recliner mechanism is described which is particularly useful in connection with motor vehicle occupant seats.
The recliner permits the angle between the seat back and seat bottom to be varied as desired by the seat occupant. In accordance with this invention, the upper recliner structure pivots about the lower recliner structure and a quadrant component, which pivots with the upper recliner structure, includes a curved toothed rack. The rack meshes with a gear mounted to the lower recliner structure. A pawl is adjustable between an engaged position which fixes the seat back angle to a disengaged position permitting the seat back angle to be changed relative to the seat bottom. This design improves over prior art designs in that it employs fewer parts, is less costly to produce, and further, permits very fine adjustments in the seat back angle.
A gear operated seat recliner mechanism is described which is particularly useful in connection with motor vehicle occupant seats.
The recliner permits the angle between the seat back and seat bottom to be varied as desired by the seat occupant. In accordance with this invention, the upper recliner structure pivots about the lower recliner structure and a quadrant component, which pivots with the upper recliner structure, includes a curved toothed rack. The rack meshes with a gear mounted to the lower recliner structure. A pawl is adjustable between an engaged position which fixes the seat back angle to a disengaged position permitting the seat back angle to be changed relative to the seat bottom. This design improves over prior art designs in that it employs fewer parts, is less costly to produce, and further, permits very fine adjustments in the seat back angle.
Description
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BACKGROUND AND ~L~$~RY OF I INVENTION
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This invention relates Jo a seat recliner mechanism and, mQre particularly, Jo a tor vehicle seat recliner mechanism which permits the seat Jack angle relative Jo the seat bottom to be varied in accordance with the desires of the motor vehicle occupant.
Many motor vehicles are now being provided, as standard or optional equipment, with seat recliner mechanisms which provide added comfort and convenience for the vehicle occupantsO Numerous types of seat recliner mechanisms are known to the prior art. For example, ~.S.
Patent No. 4,372,610, issued to A. I. Fisher, III et al on February 8, 1983, describes a recliner employing a pair of meshing straight toothed racks. Cne of the racks is connected to the seat upper recliner structure through a qukadrant ccmponent. Adjustment of the seat reclined angle is accomplishod by changing the meshed position of one rack with respect to the other witch is accomplished by operating an actuator.
~lthcugh suck devices perform satisac~orily, it is desirable to provide a seat recliner mechanism which is lighter in weight, less costly, and which prcvides smaller graduations between adjusted positions of seat back angle. It is further desirable to provide a seat recliner mechanism which provides a positive change in operating mode between engaged and disengag~ent t~reby avoiding cbjectionable ratche~ing as the recliner actuator is moved between positions. Additionally, it is necessary to secureky ix the seat back position to prevent inadvertent changes I seat back position.
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A seat recliner mechanism in accordance with this invention employs a curved toothed rack on a com-ponen-t which rotates with the upper recliner mechanism and which meshes with a gear that is rotatable within the lower recliner mechanism. Locking of the seat back is achieved by causing teeth of a pawl to engage the gear. Adjustments of seat back angle are provided when the toothed pawl is withdrawn from engagement with the gear, thereby permitting gear rotation as the upper recliner mechanism and the seat back rotate about their pivot point. This invention further discloses the addition of components which provides a quick release feature enabling the recliner locking mechanism to rapidly change rom an engaged to a disengaged position.
The recliner mechanism according to this inven-tion is usable for motor vehicle seats which are instal-led in two or your door type cars. In four door models, the front seat back does not need to be olded orward to permit access to the rear seat occupant area. How-ever, in two door designs having a rear seat occupant area, such provisions are necessary. Thereore, this invention is described in conjunction with an inertia sensitive seat back locking device according to prior art designs which normally permit seat back folding but act to prevent folding when the vehicle is subjected to deceleration above a predetermined threshold level.
The inertia sensitive seat back locking system shown in conjunction with this invention is also detailed by the previously mentioned issued U.S. patent.
BACKGROUND AND ~L~$~RY OF I INVENTION
_ .
This invention relates Jo a seat recliner mechanism and, mQre particularly, Jo a tor vehicle seat recliner mechanism which permits the seat Jack angle relative Jo the seat bottom to be varied in accordance with the desires of the motor vehicle occupant.
Many motor vehicles are now being provided, as standard or optional equipment, with seat recliner mechanisms which provide added comfort and convenience for the vehicle occupantsO Numerous types of seat recliner mechanisms are known to the prior art. For example, ~.S.
Patent No. 4,372,610, issued to A. I. Fisher, III et al on February 8, 1983, describes a recliner employing a pair of meshing straight toothed racks. Cne of the racks is connected to the seat upper recliner structure through a qukadrant ccmponent. Adjustment of the seat reclined angle is accomplishod by changing the meshed position of one rack with respect to the other witch is accomplished by operating an actuator.
~lthcugh suck devices perform satisac~orily, it is desirable to provide a seat recliner mechanism which is lighter in weight, less costly, and which prcvides smaller graduations between adjusted positions of seat back angle. It is further desirable to provide a seat recliner mechanism which provides a positive change in operating mode between engaged and disengag~ent t~reby avoiding cbjectionable ratche~ing as the recliner actuator is moved between positions. Additionally, it is necessary to secureky ix the seat back position to prevent inadvertent changes I seat back position.
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A seat recliner mechanism in accordance with this invention employs a curved toothed rack on a com-ponen-t which rotates with the upper recliner mechanism and which meshes with a gear that is rotatable within the lower recliner mechanism. Locking of the seat back is achieved by causing teeth of a pawl to engage the gear. Adjustments of seat back angle are provided when the toothed pawl is withdrawn from engagement with the gear, thereby permitting gear rotation as the upper recliner mechanism and the seat back rotate about their pivot point. This invention further discloses the addition of components which provides a quick release feature enabling the recliner locking mechanism to rapidly change rom an engaged to a disengaged position.
The recliner mechanism according to this inven-tion is usable for motor vehicle seats which are instal-led in two or your door type cars. In four door models, the front seat back does not need to be olded orward to permit access to the rear seat occupant area. How-ever, in two door designs having a rear seat occupant area, such provisions are necessary. Thereore, this invention is described in conjunction with an inertia sensitive seat back locking device according to prior art designs which normally permit seat back folding but act to prevent folding when the vehicle is subjected to deceleration above a predetermined threshold level.
The inertia sensitive seat back locking system shown in conjunction with this invention is also detailed by the previously mentioned issued U.S. patent.
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Generally speaking -the present invention provides a seat recliner mechanism supporting a seat back and seat bottom which permits the angle therebetween to be control-lably varied comprising:
a lower recliner structure, an upper recliner structure, first pivot means rotatably attaching t'ne lower rec-liner structure to the upper recliner structure, a toothed rack operatively connected to one of the upper or lower recliner structures second pivot means carried b~v the other of the upper or lower recliner strucutres, gear means mounted to the second pivot means for rotation thereabout, the toothed rack meshing with the gear means, pawl means for engaging the gear means to control rotation of the gear means, third pivot means connected to the other oE the upper or lower recliner structures, a recliner actuator rotatable about the third pivot means between a normal position and a released position, quick release cam means rotatable about the third ; pivot means, the quick release cam means coupled to the recliner actuator, lost motion means coupling the recliner actuator to the quick release cam means such that the quick release cam is caused to rate once the rotation of the recliner . actuator prom the normal position toward the released ',' -2a~
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position exceeds a predetermined angular displacement, the quick release cam means having an engagement portion which cooperates with the pawl means such that when the recliner actuator is in the normal position, the engage-ment portion engages the pawl means to maintain the pawl means in a position to engaqe the gear means and when the recliner actuator is moved toward the released position, the quick release cam means is rotated such that the engagement portion disengages the pawl means, the quick release cam means permitting the pawl means to move from an engaged to a disengaged position quickly, and a camplate rotatable with the recliner actuator, the camplet having a cam surface which cooperates with the pawl means to urge the pawl means into engagement with the gear means when the recliner actuator is rotated :Erom the released positlon to the normal position.
Additional benefits and advantages of the pre-sent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates from the subsequent description of the preferred embodiments and -2b-:
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the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accc~panying drawings .
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the quick release gear operated seat recliner according to the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a bottom view of the seat recliner mechanism show.n by Figure l;
Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the seat recliner mechanism shown by Figure l;
Fig,ure 4 i5 a partial side view of the recliner components shcwn m a position wherein the seat back is locking at a particular seat back angle; and Figure 5 is a partial side view of the recliner components shown l a position permitting the seat back angle to be adjusted.
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D~rLED DESCælPTICN OF IRE INVENTION
! A motor ve~cle seat recliner mec~.anism according to this I invention is shown assemhled in Figures 1, 2 and 3 and is generally ! designated there by referenoe character 10. The embodiment of recliner , mechanism 10 described herein by the accompanying Figures is intended to i, be positioned at the righthand side of a motor vehicle's passenger's seat. A recliner structNre useful for a front driver's seat w3uld preferably emplcy components which are mirror image replications of toe described herein. Recliner 10 includes lower recliner structure 12 which is attached to a seat bottcm frame (not shown). Upper recliner - structure 14 is attached to the seat back frame (not shcwn3 and is adapted to pivot with respect to lower structure 12 about pivot pin 16.
I` Iower recliner structure 12 is fabricated by attaching two plates, inner lcwer recliner plate 18 and outer lcwer recliner plate 20. mese plates :~ .
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are attached tcgether by rivets and define a space therebetween withln which additional com~onelts, which will hereinafter be described, are installed. Pecliner upper structure 14 is similarly fabricated by attaching twc plates, inner upper recliner plate 22 and cuter upper recliner plate 24. These plates are also formed to define a space therebetwee~.
Journaled to pivot pin 16 is qyadrant 26. The position of quadrant 26 establishes the angular position of upper recliner structure 14 with respect bo lower recliner structure 12, and thereore, between the seat back and bottom. As shown by the Figures, quadrant 26 includes arc~l~te slot 28. Pin 30 i5 attached to upper recliner structure 14 and travels with slot 28. m e angular extent of slot 28 therefore defines the n~uul~n extent of anguLar foldLng of the per reclLner structure.
Eor four door ~cdels where a seat back fold mg nechanism is unne oe ssary, quadrant 26, or its functional equivalent, is fastened directly to upper recliner structure 14 or is made integral therewith.
In accordance with a principal feature of this invention, q~kadrant 26 includes curved toothed rack 32 along its lower edge.
Toothed rack 32 is formed along a circular path having a center about pivot pin 16. Gear 34 is rotatable about pivot pin 36 which is attached to lower rec~ner structure 12 and meshes with toothed rack 32.
Preferably, Lear 34 includes a steFped external surfaoe forming first diameter gear sec*ion 38 and second diameter gear section 40. As shown by Figure l first diameter gear section 38 has a diameter less than that of second diameter section 40. Pivot pin 36 cocperates with bore 42 of gear 38 to permit free rotation of the gear. Gear 34 is positioned s3 that toothed rack 32 meshes with first diameter gear section 38, theIeby causing rotation of the gear as the angular position of quadrant 26 is changed with resFect to pivot p m 16.
Fixing of the position of quadrant 26 is achieved my causing toothed surface 46 of pawl 44 to engage second diameter gear section 40~
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Pawl 44 is restl-ained from roving when engaged with gear 34 since it is pivotably mounted about pivot pin 48. Pawl 44 is caused to move between a position of engagement with gear 34 shun by Figures 1 and 4 to a disengaged position shown by Figure 5 by providLng recliner actuator 50 which includes handle 52 and which is rotatable about pivot pin 54.
Pivot pin 54 is journalled onto campla~e 55 such that the camplate rotates with rotation of the pivot pin. Camplate 55 includes notch 56 forming a cam surfaceO Pivot pin 54 is further journalled onto quick release cam 57 which includes a protruding resilient arm 58 and a notched engaging portion 59. The internal bore 61 of quick nele~se cam 57 is configured such that the cam is not caused to rotate until a predetermined degree of counterclockwise rotation of handle 52 and cam plate 55 cccurs. On oe this predetf~nmined amount of rotation occurs, continued lifting of handle S2 causes counterclockwise rotation of quick release cam 57. Such rotation occurs until notched engaging portion 59 of quick release cam 57 clears tab 47 of pawl 44 thereby permitting rotation of the pawl about pivot 48. Rotation of pawl 44 results from the clockwise biasing force applied by spring 62. Once pawl 44 rotates awry frnn engagement, -the seat back reclined position cay be adjusted since quadrant 26 is then free to rotate. the predetermined degree of angular moticn of handle 52 with respect to quick release cam 57 is chosen such that, once this degree of rotation is achieved, camplate 55 has been rotated a sufficient degree to permit clockwise rotation of pawl 44. Due to the employment of quick release cam 57 and the bias force of spring 62, pawl 44 releases rapidly from contact with gear 34, thereby preventing any ratcheting which might occur if the pawl were gradually released from engagement with the gear.
When handle 52 is returned to its normal position, the interaction of notch 56 and pin 60 which is fixed to panel g4 forces re-engagenent between the pawl and gear 34. Resilient art 58 ox quick release cam 57 provides a constant clockwise rotational urgin~force on .
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the cam. Inten~al bore 61 of quick release cam 57 is relieved such that a certain degree of "lost motion" is permitted, enabling actuator pivot pin 54 to be rotated without rotating quick release cam 57. Therefore, once pawl 44 is positioned into engagement with gear 34, quick release cam 57 notched engaging portion 59 returns into engagement with pawl tab 57. Once engaging portion 59 engages pawl tab 47, the pawl is securely positioned into engagement with gear 34, thereby preventing inadvertent changes in seat back reclined position unless recliner act-uator 50 is moved. Recliner actuator 50 is normally positioned to cause engagement between pawl 44 and gear 34 by providing spring 65 which biases recliner handle 52 in a clockwise direction. In the event of fastening of quick release cam 57 or spring 62, the recliner mechanism remains operable since notch 56 of camplate 55 will continue to guise pawl 44 into and out of engagement with go 34 as actuator 50 is rotated.
` adjustment of the position of the seat back is simplified by providing pivot pin spring 64 which engages pivot pin 16 and lower recliner structure 12 thereby resiliently biasing the seat back in a clockw.iæ for~rd position, with respect to the orientati~ shown by Figure 1, Such biasing permits thy occupant eas.ily adjust the seat back position while seated simply by raising recliner handle 52 and pushing against the seat back until the desired angular position is obtained, whereupon the recliner handle is released to its normal position. Fine adjustment of the angular position of upper recl m er structure 14 is provided by using very fine pitch teeth on second diameter gear section 40 and pail toothed section 46. Such components provide smaller steps between adjusted positions as toothed surface 46 engages with successive teeth along second diameter gear section 40.
e prcvision of an ~nlarg~d seoond diameter gear section 40 enables smaller pitch teeth to be used sin oe the enlarged diameter results in a ~æ~3~
lowered requirement of for oe restra~t between toothed surface 46 and second diameter gear section 40.
Since it is desirable to limit the max~mlm range of recliner angular positions, slot 66 is provided within quadrant 26. Pin 68, which is attached to lower recliner structure 12, travels within slot 66 and limits toe maximum degree of angular reclined position between upper recliner stnlcture 14 and lGwer recliner structure 12.
Fur use in two door car yodels, motor vehicle seat recliner 10 according to this invention further features inertia sensitive actuator 72 which preuents forward rotation ox the seat back during conditions of sudden deceleration of the associated rotor vehicle. Inertia sensitive actuator 72 of vehicle recliner 10 interacts with quadrant 26 and responds bD vehicle deceleration to prevent forward displacement of the seat b~ck~ ~ctNator 72 includes upper weighted section 74, lower engaging p~r~ion 76 with bore 78 therebetween. Upper weighted section 74 includes ixed weight 80 and rolling weight 82, which is permitted to roil within slot 8~ .in response to vehicle deceleration. Pivot pin 86 is attached` bo upper recliner structure 14 and passes through bore 78 end co~pera~e o form a low friction bearing permitting free rotabiGn ox actuator 72~ e actuator is configured such that its centroid of mass center of gravity) lies abcve pivot pin 86 so that, upon vehicle deceleration, rolling weight 82 noves forward within slot 84 and the acbuator is caused to rotate in a clockwise direction, with respect to the orientation shcwn by Figure 1. Engaging portion 76 of actuator 72 supports engaging pin 88. Engaging pin 88 is retained in association with engaginq section 76 since it is trapped between locally deformed portions 90 and 92 which fonm slots 94 and 96 respectively, within upper recliner plats 22 and 24. quadrant 26 includes a notched upper portion defining stop surface 98. Ihere~ore, when a predete ed level of vehicle deceleraticn is sensed my ac~ator 72, the forward movement ox upper recliner structure 14 is l~mi~ed due to engagement between ~23~
engaging pin B8 and stop surface 98. Forward m~venent of upper recliner structure 14 in this situation is prevented due to engagement of engaging pin 88 with stop surfa oe 98 of quadrant 26, and the edges of slots 94 and 96. Under normal circumstances, tlle seat back may be freely rotated forward, since engaging pin 88 is permitted to escape engagement with surface 98. Such escapement is prcvided by placement of the centroid of mass (center of gravity) of actuator 72 such that the actuator is normally biased by gravity in a counterclockwise direction.
In order to provide enhanced reliability of engagement between actuator 72 and stop surface 98, curved quadrant surface 112 is prcvided which contacts -the actuator such that it is biased clockwise when the seat back is in its rearm~st positionO Slight forward rotation of the seat back relieves this bias and enables actuator 72 to either cause the engaging pin 88 to escape engagement with stop surface 98, or engage with the stop surfaoe in response to vehicle deceleration.
An emergency releasing mechanism is provided to enable rear seat occupants to extract themselves from the vehicle in the event of failure of the mertia sensiti.ve ccmponents of the seat recliner or m the event that vehicle inclination causes the hinge mechanism to latch.
erefore, releas3 actuator 114 i5 provided having a rearwardly projecting portion 116 which may be rotated about pivot pin 118 by the rear seat occupants so that thy release acbuator is caused to rotate in a counterclockwise position about pivot pin 86, thereby withdrawing engaging pin 88 from engagement with stop surface 98 and permitting the seat back to be folded forwarded.
While the above description constitutes the preferred embodlments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susoeptible to modification, variation and change withcut departing from the proper scope and fair meaning of the acccmpanying claims.
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Generally speaking -the present invention provides a seat recliner mechanism supporting a seat back and seat bottom which permits the angle therebetween to be control-lably varied comprising:
a lower recliner structure, an upper recliner structure, first pivot means rotatably attaching t'ne lower rec-liner structure to the upper recliner structure, a toothed rack operatively connected to one of the upper or lower recliner structures second pivot means carried b~v the other of the upper or lower recliner strucutres, gear means mounted to the second pivot means for rotation thereabout, the toothed rack meshing with the gear means, pawl means for engaging the gear means to control rotation of the gear means, third pivot means connected to the other oE the upper or lower recliner structures, a recliner actuator rotatable about the third pivot means between a normal position and a released position, quick release cam means rotatable about the third ; pivot means, the quick release cam means coupled to the recliner actuator, lost motion means coupling the recliner actuator to the quick release cam means such that the quick release cam is caused to rate once the rotation of the recliner . actuator prom the normal position toward the released ',' -2a~
m I:
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position exceeds a predetermined angular displacement, the quick release cam means having an engagement portion which cooperates with the pawl means such that when the recliner actuator is in the normal position, the engage-ment portion engages the pawl means to maintain the pawl means in a position to engaqe the gear means and when the recliner actuator is moved toward the released position, the quick release cam means is rotated such that the engagement portion disengages the pawl means, the quick release cam means permitting the pawl means to move from an engaged to a disengaged position quickly, and a camplate rotatable with the recliner actuator, the camplet having a cam surface which cooperates with the pawl means to urge the pawl means into engagement with the gear means when the recliner actuator is rotated :Erom the released positlon to the normal position.
Additional benefits and advantages of the pre-sent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates from the subsequent description of the preferred embodiments and -2b-:
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23~
the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accc~panying drawings .
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the quick release gear operated seat recliner according to the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a bottom view of the seat recliner mechanism show.n by Figure l;
Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the seat recliner mechanism shown by Figure l;
Fig,ure 4 i5 a partial side view of the recliner components shcwn m a position wherein the seat back is locking at a particular seat back angle; and Figure 5 is a partial side view of the recliner components shown l a position permitting the seat back angle to be adjusted.
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D~rLED DESCælPTICN OF IRE INVENTION
! A motor ve~cle seat recliner mec~.anism according to this I invention is shown assemhled in Figures 1, 2 and 3 and is generally ! designated there by referenoe character 10. The embodiment of recliner , mechanism 10 described herein by the accompanying Figures is intended to i, be positioned at the righthand side of a motor vehicle's passenger's seat. A recliner structNre useful for a front driver's seat w3uld preferably emplcy components which are mirror image replications of toe described herein. Recliner 10 includes lower recliner structure 12 which is attached to a seat bottcm frame (not shown). Upper recliner - structure 14 is attached to the seat back frame (not shcwn3 and is adapted to pivot with respect to lower structure 12 about pivot pin 16.
I` Iower recliner structure 12 is fabricated by attaching two plates, inner lcwer recliner plate 18 and outer lcwer recliner plate 20. mese plates :~ .
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are attached tcgether by rivets and define a space therebetween withln which additional com~onelts, which will hereinafter be described, are installed. Pecliner upper structure 14 is similarly fabricated by attaching twc plates, inner upper recliner plate 22 and cuter upper recliner plate 24. These plates are also formed to define a space therebetwee~.
Journaled to pivot pin 16 is qyadrant 26. The position of quadrant 26 establishes the angular position of upper recliner structure 14 with respect bo lower recliner structure 12, and thereore, between the seat back and bottom. As shown by the Figures, quadrant 26 includes arc~l~te slot 28. Pin 30 i5 attached to upper recliner structure 14 and travels with slot 28. m e angular extent of slot 28 therefore defines the n~uul~n extent of anguLar foldLng of the per reclLner structure.
Eor four door ~cdels where a seat back fold mg nechanism is unne oe ssary, quadrant 26, or its functional equivalent, is fastened directly to upper recliner structure 14 or is made integral therewith.
In accordance with a principal feature of this invention, q~kadrant 26 includes curved toothed rack 32 along its lower edge.
Toothed rack 32 is formed along a circular path having a center about pivot pin 16. Gear 34 is rotatable about pivot pin 36 which is attached to lower rec~ner structure 12 and meshes with toothed rack 32.
Preferably, Lear 34 includes a steFped external surfaoe forming first diameter gear sec*ion 38 and second diameter gear section 40. As shown by Figure l first diameter gear section 38 has a diameter less than that of second diameter section 40. Pivot pin 36 cocperates with bore 42 of gear 38 to permit free rotation of the gear. Gear 34 is positioned s3 that toothed rack 32 meshes with first diameter gear section 38, theIeby causing rotation of the gear as the angular position of quadrant 26 is changed with resFect to pivot p m 16.
Fixing of the position of quadrant 26 is achieved my causing toothed surface 46 of pawl 44 to engage second diameter gear section 40~
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Pawl 44 is restl-ained from roving when engaged with gear 34 since it is pivotably mounted about pivot pin 48. Pawl 44 is caused to move between a position of engagement with gear 34 shun by Figures 1 and 4 to a disengaged position shown by Figure 5 by providLng recliner actuator 50 which includes handle 52 and which is rotatable about pivot pin 54.
Pivot pin 54 is journalled onto campla~e 55 such that the camplate rotates with rotation of the pivot pin. Camplate 55 includes notch 56 forming a cam surfaceO Pivot pin 54 is further journalled onto quick release cam 57 which includes a protruding resilient arm 58 and a notched engaging portion 59. The internal bore 61 of quick nele~se cam 57 is configured such that the cam is not caused to rotate until a predetermined degree of counterclockwise rotation of handle 52 and cam plate 55 cccurs. On oe this predetf~nmined amount of rotation occurs, continued lifting of handle S2 causes counterclockwise rotation of quick release cam 57. Such rotation occurs until notched engaging portion 59 of quick release cam 57 clears tab 47 of pawl 44 thereby permitting rotation of the pawl about pivot 48. Rotation of pawl 44 results from the clockwise biasing force applied by spring 62. Once pawl 44 rotates awry frnn engagement, -the seat back reclined position cay be adjusted since quadrant 26 is then free to rotate. the predetermined degree of angular moticn of handle 52 with respect to quick release cam 57 is chosen such that, once this degree of rotation is achieved, camplate 55 has been rotated a sufficient degree to permit clockwise rotation of pawl 44. Due to the employment of quick release cam 57 and the bias force of spring 62, pawl 44 releases rapidly from contact with gear 34, thereby preventing any ratcheting which might occur if the pawl were gradually released from engagement with the gear.
When handle 52 is returned to its normal position, the interaction of notch 56 and pin 60 which is fixed to panel g4 forces re-engagenent between the pawl and gear 34. Resilient art 58 ox quick release cam 57 provides a constant clockwise rotational urgin~force on .
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the cam. Inten~al bore 61 of quick release cam 57 is relieved such that a certain degree of "lost motion" is permitted, enabling actuator pivot pin 54 to be rotated without rotating quick release cam 57. Therefore, once pawl 44 is positioned into engagement with gear 34, quick release cam 57 notched engaging portion 59 returns into engagement with pawl tab 57. Once engaging portion 59 engages pawl tab 47, the pawl is securely positioned into engagement with gear 34, thereby preventing inadvertent changes in seat back reclined position unless recliner act-uator 50 is moved. Recliner actuator 50 is normally positioned to cause engagement between pawl 44 and gear 34 by providing spring 65 which biases recliner handle 52 in a clockwise direction. In the event of fastening of quick release cam 57 or spring 62, the recliner mechanism remains operable since notch 56 of camplate 55 will continue to guise pawl 44 into and out of engagement with go 34 as actuator 50 is rotated.
` adjustment of the position of the seat back is simplified by providing pivot pin spring 64 which engages pivot pin 16 and lower recliner structure 12 thereby resiliently biasing the seat back in a clockw.iæ for~rd position, with respect to the orientati~ shown by Figure 1, Such biasing permits thy occupant eas.ily adjust the seat back position while seated simply by raising recliner handle 52 and pushing against the seat back until the desired angular position is obtained, whereupon the recliner handle is released to its normal position. Fine adjustment of the angular position of upper recl m er structure 14 is provided by using very fine pitch teeth on second diameter gear section 40 and pail toothed section 46. Such components provide smaller steps between adjusted positions as toothed surface 46 engages with successive teeth along second diameter gear section 40.
e prcvision of an ~nlarg~d seoond diameter gear section 40 enables smaller pitch teeth to be used sin oe the enlarged diameter results in a ~æ~3~
lowered requirement of for oe restra~t between toothed surface 46 and second diameter gear section 40.
Since it is desirable to limit the max~mlm range of recliner angular positions, slot 66 is provided within quadrant 26. Pin 68, which is attached to lower recliner structure 12, travels within slot 66 and limits toe maximum degree of angular reclined position between upper recliner stnlcture 14 and lGwer recliner structure 12.
Fur use in two door car yodels, motor vehicle seat recliner 10 according to this invention further features inertia sensitive actuator 72 which preuents forward rotation ox the seat back during conditions of sudden deceleration of the associated rotor vehicle. Inertia sensitive actuator 72 of vehicle recliner 10 interacts with quadrant 26 and responds bD vehicle deceleration to prevent forward displacement of the seat b~ck~ ~ctNator 72 includes upper weighted section 74, lower engaging p~r~ion 76 with bore 78 therebetween. Upper weighted section 74 includes ixed weight 80 and rolling weight 82, which is permitted to roil within slot 8~ .in response to vehicle deceleration. Pivot pin 86 is attached` bo upper recliner structure 14 and passes through bore 78 end co~pera~e o form a low friction bearing permitting free rotabiGn ox actuator 72~ e actuator is configured such that its centroid of mass center of gravity) lies abcve pivot pin 86 so that, upon vehicle deceleration, rolling weight 82 noves forward within slot 84 and the acbuator is caused to rotate in a clockwise direction, with respect to the orientation shcwn by Figure 1. Engaging portion 76 of actuator 72 supports engaging pin 88. Engaging pin 88 is retained in association with engaginq section 76 since it is trapped between locally deformed portions 90 and 92 which fonm slots 94 and 96 respectively, within upper recliner plats 22 and 24. quadrant 26 includes a notched upper portion defining stop surface 98. Ihere~ore, when a predete ed level of vehicle deceleraticn is sensed my ac~ator 72, the forward movement ox upper recliner structure 14 is l~mi~ed due to engagement between ~23~
engaging pin B8 and stop surface 98. Forward m~venent of upper recliner structure 14 in this situation is prevented due to engagement of engaging pin 88 with stop surfa oe 98 of quadrant 26, and the edges of slots 94 and 96. Under normal circumstances, tlle seat back may be freely rotated forward, since engaging pin 88 is permitted to escape engagement with surface 98. Such escapement is prcvided by placement of the centroid of mass (center of gravity) of actuator 72 such that the actuator is normally biased by gravity in a counterclockwise direction.
In order to provide enhanced reliability of engagement between actuator 72 and stop surface 98, curved quadrant surface 112 is prcvided which contacts -the actuator such that it is biased clockwise when the seat back is in its rearm~st positionO Slight forward rotation of the seat back relieves this bias and enables actuator 72 to either cause the engaging pin 88 to escape engagement with stop surface 98, or engage with the stop surfaoe in response to vehicle deceleration.
An emergency releasing mechanism is provided to enable rear seat occupants to extract themselves from the vehicle in the event of failure of the mertia sensiti.ve ccmponents of the seat recliner or m the event that vehicle inclination causes the hinge mechanism to latch.
erefore, releas3 actuator 114 i5 provided having a rearwardly projecting portion 116 which may be rotated about pivot pin 118 by the rear seat occupants so that thy release acbuator is caused to rotate in a counterclockwise position about pivot pin 86, thereby withdrawing engaging pin 88 from engagement with stop surface 98 and permitting the seat back to be folded forwarded.
While the above description constitutes the preferred embodlments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susoeptible to modification, variation and change withcut departing from the proper scope and fair meaning of the acccmpanying claims.
Claims (32)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A seat recliner mechanism supporting a seat back and seat bottom which permits the angle therebetween to be controllably varied comprising:
a lower recliner structure, an upper recliner structure, first pivot means rotatably attaching said lower re-- cliner structure to said upper recliner structure, a toothed rack operatively connected to one of said upper or lower recliner structures, second pivot means carried by the other of said upper or lower recliner structures, gear means mounted to said second pivot means for rotation thereabout, said toothed rack meshing with said gear means, pawl means for engaging said gear means to control rotation of said gear means, third pivot means connected to said other of said upper or lower recliner structures, a recliner actuator rotatable about said third pivot means between a normal position and a released position, quick release cam means rotatable about said third pivot means, said quick release cam means coupled to said recliner actuator, lost motion means coupling said recliner actuator to said quick release cam means such that said quick release cam means is caused to rotate once the rotation of said recliner actuator from said normal position toward said released position exceeds a predetermined angular displacement, said quick release cam means having an engagement portion which cooperates with said pawl means such that when said recliner actuator is in said normal posi-tion, said engagement portion engages said pawl means to maintain said pawl means in a position to engage said gear means and when said recliner actuator is moved toward said released position, said quick release cam means is rotated such that said engagement portion disengages said pawl means, said quick release cam means permitting said pawl means to move from an engaged to a disengaged position quickly, and a complete rotatable with said recliner actuator, said complete having a cam surface which cooperates with said pawl means to urge said pawl means into engagement with said gear means when said recliner actuator is rotated from said released position to said normal position.
a lower recliner structure, an upper recliner structure, first pivot means rotatably attaching said lower re-- cliner structure to said upper recliner structure, a toothed rack operatively connected to one of said upper or lower recliner structures, second pivot means carried by the other of said upper or lower recliner structures, gear means mounted to said second pivot means for rotation thereabout, said toothed rack meshing with said gear means, pawl means for engaging said gear means to control rotation of said gear means, third pivot means connected to said other of said upper or lower recliner structures, a recliner actuator rotatable about said third pivot means between a normal position and a released position, quick release cam means rotatable about said third pivot means, said quick release cam means coupled to said recliner actuator, lost motion means coupling said recliner actuator to said quick release cam means such that said quick release cam means is caused to rotate once the rotation of said recliner actuator from said normal position toward said released position exceeds a predetermined angular displacement, said quick release cam means having an engagement portion which cooperates with said pawl means such that when said recliner actuator is in said normal posi-tion, said engagement portion engages said pawl means to maintain said pawl means in a position to engage said gear means and when said recliner actuator is moved toward said released position, said quick release cam means is rotated such that said engagement portion disengages said pawl means, said quick release cam means permitting said pawl means to move from an engaged to a disengaged position quickly, and a complete rotatable with said recliner actuator, said complete having a cam surface which cooperates with said pawl means to urge said pawl means into engagement with said gear means when said recliner actuator is rotated from said released position to said normal position.
2. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said toothed rack is operatively connected to said upper recliner structure and said second pivot means is connected to said lower recliner structure.
3. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 2 further comprising stop means for limiting the maximum extend of angular travel between said seat bottom and seat back.
4. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said toothed rack is curved along a circular path having a radius about said first pivot means.
5. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said gear means forms first and second toothed diameter sections, said first diameter section meshing with said toothed rack, said second diameter section engageable with said pawl means.
6. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 5 wherein the diameter of said first diameter section is less than the diameter of said second diameter section.
7. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said pawl means pivots about a fourth pivot means.
8. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said quick release cam means further includes biasing means biasing said quick release cam means toward an angular position wherein said engagement portion engages said pawl means.
9. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 8 wherein said biasing means comprises a resilient arm operatively associated with said quick release cam means, said resilient arm further contacting said pawl means.
10. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 1 further comprising biasing means biasing said pawl means toward a position wherein said pawl means is dis-engaged from said gear.
11. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said quick release cam means engagement portion forms a notch which contacts a tab formed by said pawl means.
12. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said camplate cam surface cooperates with a pin projecting from said pawl means.
13. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said camplate cam surface is formed by a notch which aets to pull said pawl means from engagement with said gear means when said recliner actuator is moved to said second position in the event of mechanical failure of said quick release cam means.
14. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said recliner actuator is biased toward said first position,
15. A seat recliner mechanism supporting a seat back and seat bottom which permits the angle therebetween to be controllably varied comprising:
a lower recliner structure, an upper recliner structure, first pivot means rotatably attaching said lower re-cliner structure to said upper recliner structure, a quadrant operatively connected to said upper re-cliner structure, said quadrant pivotable about said first pivot means, said quadrant having a curved toothed rack, second pivot means carried by said lower recliner structure, gear means mounted to said second pivot means for rotation thereabout, said toothed rack meshing with said gear means, pawl means having one or more teeth for engagement with said gear means to control rotation of said gear means, third pivot means connected to said lower recliner structure, a recliner actuator rotatable about said third pivot _ means between a normal position and a released position, quick release cam means rotatable about said third pivot means, said quick release cam means coupled to said recliner actuator, lost motion means coupling said recliner actuator to said quick release cam means such that said quick release cam means is caused to rotate once the rotation of said recliner actuator from said normal position to said released position exceeds a prede-termined angular displacement, said quick release cam means having an engement portion which cooperates with said pawl means such that when said recliner actuator is in said normal position, said engagement portion engages said pawl means to cause said pawl means to engage said gear means and when said recliner actuator is moved toward said released position, said quick release cam means is rotated such that said engagement portion disen-gages said pawl means, said quick release cam means permitting said pawl means to move from an engaged to a disengaged position quickly, and a camplate rotatable with said recliner actuator, said camplate having a cam surface which cooperates with said pawl means to urge said pawl means into engagement with said gear means when said re-cliner actuator is rotated from said released posi-tion to said normal position.
a lower recliner structure, an upper recliner structure, first pivot means rotatably attaching said lower re-cliner structure to said upper recliner structure, a quadrant operatively connected to said upper re-cliner structure, said quadrant pivotable about said first pivot means, said quadrant having a curved toothed rack, second pivot means carried by said lower recliner structure, gear means mounted to said second pivot means for rotation thereabout, said toothed rack meshing with said gear means, pawl means having one or more teeth for engagement with said gear means to control rotation of said gear means, third pivot means connected to said lower recliner structure, a recliner actuator rotatable about said third pivot _ means between a normal position and a released position, quick release cam means rotatable about said third pivot means, said quick release cam means coupled to said recliner actuator, lost motion means coupling said recliner actuator to said quick release cam means such that said quick release cam means is caused to rotate once the rotation of said recliner actuator from said normal position to said released position exceeds a prede-termined angular displacement, said quick release cam means having an engement portion which cooperates with said pawl means such that when said recliner actuator is in said normal position, said engagement portion engages said pawl means to cause said pawl means to engage said gear means and when said recliner actuator is moved toward said released position, said quick release cam means is rotated such that said engagement portion disen-gages said pawl means, said quick release cam means permitting said pawl means to move from an engaged to a disengaged position quickly, and a camplate rotatable with said recliner actuator, said camplate having a cam surface which cooperates with said pawl means to urge said pawl means into engagement with said gear means when said re-cliner actuator is rotated from said released posi-tion to said normal position.
16. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 15 further comprising stop means for limiting the maxi-mum extend of angular travel between said seat bottom and seat back.
17. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 15 wherein said gear means forms first and second toothed diameter sections, said first diameter section meshing with said toothed rack, said second diameter section engageable with said pawl teeth.
18, A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 17 wherein the diameter of said first diameter section is less than the diameter of said second diameter section.
19. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 15 wherein said pawl means pivots about a fourth pivot means.
20. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 15 wherein said quick release cam means further includes biasing means biasing said quick release cam means toward an angular position wherein said notched engaging portion engages said pawl means.
21. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 15 wherein said biasing means comprises a resilient arm operatively associated with said quick release cam means said resilient arm further contacting said pawl means.
22. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 15 further comprising biasing means biasing said pawl means toward a position wherein said pawl means is disengaged from said gear means.
23. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 15 wherein said quick release cam means engaging portion forms a notch which contacts a tab formed by said pawl means.
24. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 15 wherein said camplate cam surface cooperates with a pin projecting from said pawl means.
25. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 15 wherein said camplate cam surface is formed by a notch which acts to pull said pawl means from engagement with said gear means when said recliner actuator is moved to said second position in the event of mechanical failure of said quick release cam means.
26. A seat recliner mechanism for supporting a seat back and seat bottom which permits the angle there-between to be controllably varied comprising:
a lower recliner structure, an upper recliner structure, first pivot means rotatably attaching said lower recliner structure to said upper recliner structure, a toothed rack operatively connected to one of said upper or lower recliner structures, second pivot means carried by the other of said upper or lower recliner structures, gear means mounted to said second pivot means for rotation thereabout, said toothed rack meshing with said gear means, pawl means for engaging said gear means to control rotation of said gear means third pivot means connected to said other of said upper or lower recliner structures, a recliner actuator rotatable about said third pivot means between a normal position and a released position, a quick release cam rotatable about said third pivot means, said quick release cam coupled to said recliner actuator, said quick release cam having an engagement portion which cooperates with said pawl means such that when said recliner actuator is in said normal position, said engage-ment portion engages said pawl means to maintain said pawl means in a position to control rotation of said gear means, and when said recliner actuator is moved toward said released position, said quick cam is moved such that said engagement portion dis-engages said pawl means and said pawl means dis-engages said gear means, thereby permitting rotation of said gear means, said quick release cam including means for causing abrupt disengage-ment of said pawl means from said gear means as said recliner actuator is moved from said normal position to said released position, and a camplate rotatable with said recliner actuator, said camplage having a cam surface which co-operates with said pawl means to urge said pawl means into engagement with said gear means when said recliner actuator is moved from said released position toward said normal position.
a lower recliner structure, an upper recliner structure, first pivot means rotatably attaching said lower recliner structure to said upper recliner structure, a toothed rack operatively connected to one of said upper or lower recliner structures, second pivot means carried by the other of said upper or lower recliner structures, gear means mounted to said second pivot means for rotation thereabout, said toothed rack meshing with said gear means, pawl means for engaging said gear means to control rotation of said gear means third pivot means connected to said other of said upper or lower recliner structures, a recliner actuator rotatable about said third pivot means between a normal position and a released position, a quick release cam rotatable about said third pivot means, said quick release cam coupled to said recliner actuator, said quick release cam having an engagement portion which cooperates with said pawl means such that when said recliner actuator is in said normal position, said engage-ment portion engages said pawl means to maintain said pawl means in a position to control rotation of said gear means, and when said recliner actuator is moved toward said released position, said quick cam is moved such that said engagement portion dis-engages said pawl means and said pawl means dis-engages said gear means, thereby permitting rotation of said gear means, said quick release cam including means for causing abrupt disengage-ment of said pawl means from said gear means as said recliner actuator is moved from said normal position to said released position, and a camplate rotatable with said recliner actuator, said camplage having a cam surface which co-operates with said pawl means to urge said pawl means into engagement with said gear means when said recliner actuator is moved from said released position toward said normal position.
27. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 26 wherein said toothed rack is operatively connected to said upper recliner structure and said second pivot means is connected to said lower recliner structure.
28. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 26 further comprising stop means for limiting the maximum extent of angular travel between said seat bottom and seat back.
29. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 26 wherein said toothed rack is curved along a circular path having a radius about said first pivot means.
30. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 26 wherein said gear means forms first and second toothed diameter sections, said first diameter section meshing with said toothed rack, and said second diameter section engageable with said pawl means.
31. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 30 wherein the diameter of said first diameter section is less than the diameter of said second diameter section.
32. A seat recliner mechanism according to claim 26 wherein said pawl means pivots about fourth pivot means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US632,597 | 1984-07-19 | ||
| US06/632,597 US4684174A (en) | 1984-04-20 | 1984-07-19 | Quick release mechanism for gear operated seat recliner |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1242381A true CA1242381A (en) | 1988-09-27 |
Family
ID=24536166
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000484836A Expired CA1242381A (en) | 1984-07-19 | 1985-06-21 | Quick release mechanism for gear operated seat recliner |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1242381A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110811197A (en) * | 2019-11-20 | 2020-02-21 | 重庆延锋安道拓汽车部件系统有限公司 | Office chair inclination angle adjusting mechanism |
-
1985
- 1985-06-21 CA CA000484836A patent/CA1242381A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110811197A (en) * | 2019-11-20 | 2020-02-21 | 重庆延锋安道拓汽车部件系统有限公司 | Office chair inclination angle adjusting mechanism |
| CN110811197B (en) * | 2019-11-20 | 2024-04-19 | 安道拓(重庆)汽车部件有限公司 | Office chair inclination angle adjusting mechanism |
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