EP1438210A1

EP1438210A1 - Seat track system

Info

Publication number: EP1438210A1
Application number: EP02761821A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kurt A. Seibold; Obert L. Burch
Original assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Co
Current assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Co
Priority date: 2001-09-25
Filing date: 2002-09-25
Publication date: 2004-07-21
Also published as: WO2003026918A1

Abstract

A seat and track assembly includes a seat cushion portion (16), a seat back portion (12), and a track system (20). The track system (20) includes a lower track (30), a first upper track (24) slidably mounted to the lower track (30) and coupled to the seat cushion portion (16) and to the seat back portion (12), and a second upper track (26) slidably mounted to the lower track (30) and coupled to the seat back portion (12). Movement of both the first upper track and the second upper track relative to the lower track results in movement of the seat between a forward position and a rearward position. Movement of the second upper track relative to the first upper track and the lower track results in movement of the seat back portion between an upright position and a reclined position.

Description

SEAT TRACK SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat track system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a track system configured to provide translational and pivotal adjustment of a seat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Seat adjustment mechanisms are generally known and include a track system for translational adjustment and a recliner mechanism for pivotal adjustment of the seat back. Known track systems typically include an upper track coupled to the seat and slides on a lower track coupled to the floor of the vehicle.

[0003] However, many known seat adjustment mechanisms present disadvantages, such as aϊarge number of parts, restrictive tolerances requiring . precision design and assembly, and cost and time burdens resulting from the need to assemble two separate mechanisms for seat adjustment. Such large number of parts, restrictive tolerances, and assembly burdens typically provide for a complex system of adjustment mechanisms that are not designed to work as a single system. Additionally, known seat assemblies have separate adjustment mechanisms for translational movement and for recliner movement. These separate adjustment mechanisms have a large number of parts that provide similar functions (e.g., latching or locking devices) to provide the desired adjustment operation. [0004] To provide a reliable, widely adaptable seat track system for translation and recliner adjustment, which avoids the above-referenced and other problems would represent a significant advance in the art.

SUMMARY

[0005] It is a primary feature of the present invention is to provide an improved seat track system for adjustment of a seat that provides translational movement of the seat and pivotal movement of the back portion. Another feature of the present invention is to provide a less costly track system that is relatively easy to assemble and install. Another feature of the present invention is to provide an improved latching or locking mechanism for providing translational or recliner movements. Another feature of the present invention is to provide a track system that is constructed of fewer components, and reduces the amount of equipment required to produce the track system.

[0006] How the above-referenced and other features are accomplished, individually, collectively, or in various subcombinations, will be described in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the FIGURES. Generally, however, they are accomplished by providing a seat assembly for a vehicle which is configured for translational movement and recliner movement. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion portion, a seat back portion, a track adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, a first guide slidably coupled to the track, and a second guide slidably coupled to the track. Movement of the first guide and the second guide relative to the track provides translational movement of the seat portion, and movement of the second guide relative to the first guide and to the track provides recliner movement of the seat back portion.

[0007] The above-referenced and other features are may also be accomplished by a seat track system for a seat including a seat cushion portion and a back portion, including a track, a first guide mounted on the track and adapted to be coupled to the seat cushion portion and the seat back portion, and a second guide mounted on the track and adapted to be coupled to the seat back portion. Movement of both the first guide and the second guide results in translational movement of the seat, and movement of the second guide results in rotational movement of the back portion.

[0008] The above-referenced and other features are may also be accomplished by a seat and track assembly for a seat including a seat cushion portion and a seat back portion. The seat and track assembly includes a first mechanism configured to release both a first latch and a second latch so that the seat can be translationally adjusted, and a second mechanism configured to release the first latch without releasing the second latch so that the seat back portion can be pivotally adjusted. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second mechanisms are release mechanisms working with a track and a pair of guides. A first guide is mounted on the track and adapted to be coupled to the seat cushion portion and the back portion, and a second guide mounted on the track and adapted to be coupled to the seat back portion. The ability of both the first guide and the second guide to move along the track results in translational movement of the seat, and the ability of just the second guide to move along the track results in rotational movement of the seat back portion. [0009] The above-referenced and other features are may also be accomplished by a seat assembly including a seat cushion portion, a seat back portion, a lower track, a first upper track slidably mounted to the lower track and coupled to the seat cushion portion and to the back portion, and a second upper track slidably mounted to the lower track and coupled to the seat back portion. Movement of both the first upper track and the second upper track relative to the lower track results in movement of the seat cushion portion between a forward position and a rearward position, and movement of the second upper track relative to the first upper track and the lower track results in movement of the seat back portion between an upright position and a reclined position.

[0010] The present invention further relates to various features and combinations of features shown and described in the disclosed embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary perspective of a seat assembly according to a preferred embodiment.

[0012] FIGURE 2 is an exploded view of the seat assembly of FIGURE 1.

[0013] FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a track system according to a preferred embodiment.

[0014] FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the track system of FIGURE 3.

[0015] FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a lock mechanism for the track system of FIGURE 3. [0016] FIGURE 6 is a section view of a track arrangement taken along line 6-6 in FIGURE 3.

[0017] FIGURE 7 is a side elevation view of the seat assembly of FIGURE 1 in a forward and upright position.

[0018] FIGURE 8 is a side elevation view of the seat assembly of FIGURE 1 with the seat in a rearward and partially reclined position.

[0019] FIGURE 9 is a side elevation view of the seat assembly of FIGURE 1 with the seat in a partially reclined position.

[0020] FIGURE 10 is a side elevation view of the seat assembly in a reclined position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0021] FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate a seat assembly 10. Seat assembly 10 includes a back portion 12 having a back frame 14, a seat cushion portion 16, and a track system 20 configured to provide translational and pivotal adjustment of seat assembly 10 (e.g., move seat cushion portion 16 between a forward position and a rearward position and to move back portion 12 between an upright position and a reclined position).

[0022] Referring to FIGURES 1-3, track system 20 includes a pair of spaced-apart track arrangements 22, 23, each including a front guide 24 (e.g., track, rail, slide, etc.), a rear guide 26, an intermediate rail 28 (which couples front guide 24 and rear guide 26), and a lower track 30 upon which front guide 24 and rear guide 26 slide. Front guide 24 and rear guide 26 are configured to coact to provide movement (e.g., translational, pivotal, etc.) of seat assembly 10. [0023] According to a preferred embodiment, front guide 24 and rear guide 26 are independently and slidably coupled to lower track 30. A bracket 40 (e.g., rigid member, U-channel, plate, riser, etc.) is coupled to back frame 14, to rear guide by a pivot joint 41 , and to front guide 24 by a pivot member 42. One end of pivot member 42 is coupled to bracket 40, and the other end of pivot member 42 is coupled to a pivot joint 44 mounted on front guide 24. Pivot member 42 (e.g., "U- channel," link member, or the like) is configured to move (e.g., pivot and translate) as pivot joint 44 moves on front guide 24 and to provide support for seat cushion portion 16. Seat cushion portion 16 is mounted to a frame 45 (which is coupled to back frame 14) and a cushion pan 18 (which coupled to member 42 by a bracket 47).

[0024] Referring to FIGURES 2-4, front guide 24 is generally a downwardly facing U-channel and includes a pair of side walls 56 connected by an intermediate wall 58. Side walls 56 each include a profile (shown as a rib 60) along at least a portion of its length, and a flange 62 extending from the ends of side walls 56.

[0025] Referring to FIGURES 2 and 3, rear guide 26 is generally a downwardly facing U-channel and includes a pair of side walls 46 connected by an intermediate wall 48. Each side wall 46 includes a profile (shown as a rib 50) having a groove 69 on the interior surface along at least a portion of its length, and a flange 52 extending from the ends of side walls 46.

[0026] Referring to FIGURES 2-4, intermediate rail 28 is attached to front guide 24 (e.g., welded, mechanical fasteners, etc.) and coupled to rear guide

26 to provide a bearing surface 32 for rear guide 26. As shown in FIGURES 3 and

6, intermediate rail 28 includes a side wall 61 having a rib 63 having a groove 54.

Groove 54 and groove 69 of rear guide 26 define a track 65 for one or more bearings (shown as a ball bearing 67). Bearings 67 are configured to reduce friction for movement of rear guide 26 relative to front guide 24. Bearings 67 may be any of a variety of bearing arrangements or configurations. A detent may be provided in rib 63 or rib 50 to contain or capture bearings 67.

[0027] According to alternative embodiments, the side walls on the front or rear guides and/or the lower track may have substantially planar sides or any of a variety of configurations and/or contours configured to coact with other components of the track system.

[0028] Referring to FIGURES 3 and 6, lower track 30 is generally an upwardly facing U-channel and includes a pair of side walls 64 connected by an intermediate wall 66. Intermediate wall 66 is configured to couple to a base (e.g., the floor of a vehicle or the like). Side walls 64 each have a flange 68 configured to engage flange 52 on front guide 24 and flange 52 on rear guide 26. Such engagement (working with ball bearings 67, 70, 77) is configured to provide for movement of front guide 24 and/or rear guide 26 relative to lower track 30.

[0029] Referring to FIGURE 6, disposed between rear guide 26 and lower track 30 and between rear guide 26 and intermediate rail 28 are one or more sets of bearings 67, 70 configured to provide alignment and/or reduce friction during movement. According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more upper bearings (shown as a ball bearing 70) may be configured to provide alignment of front guide 24 and rear guide 26 and are located between angled member 71 of flange 52 on rear guide 26 and also between angled member 75 of flange 62 on front guide 24. One or more lower bearings (shown as a roller bearing 77) may be configured to reduce friction for movement (e.g., pivotal movement and translation) and are located between flange 62 and intermediate wall 66 of lower track 30, and between flange 52 and intermediate wall 66.

[0030] Referring to FIGURES 7-10, for movement of seat assembly 10 between a forward position and a rearward position (e.g., horizontal translational movement or the like), front guide 24 and rear guide 26 move (e.g., slide) along lower track 30. For such translational movement, front guide 24 and rear guide 26 move along lower track 30 substantially the same distance. In a manual seat, seat assembly 10 may be moved by the user exerting a generally horizontal force on back portion 12 and/or seat cushion portion 16.

[0031] For movement of back portion 12 between an upright position and a reclined position, rear guide 26 moves relative to front guide 24 (e.g., toward each other for incline and away from each other for decline). For such rotational movement of back frame 14, front guide 24 is static (e.g., latched, locked, or secured in place on lower track 30) and rear guide 26 is moved along lower track 30. A biasing device (e.g., a spring) may be provided to bias back portion 12 in the upright position so that when rear guide is unlatched, back portion 12 tends to return to the upright position. According to an alternative embodiment, for both translational and pivotal movement of seat assembly 10, both front guide 24 and rear guide 26 move (different) distances along lower track 30.

[0032] Referring to FIGURES 2, 4, and 5, a release 72 is configural to releasably couple front guide 24 and rear guide 26 to lower guide 30. Release 72 engages a front latch 74 coupled to front guide 24, and a rear latch 76 coupled to rear guide 26. Movement of release 72 (e.g., rotation) activates front latch 74 (which releasably couples front guide 24 to lower track 30) and/or a rear latch 76 (which releasably couples rear guide 26 to lower track 30). When release 72 is rotated in one direction, front latch 74 and rear latch 76 are both released (e.g., disengaged, unlocked, unlatched, etc.), so that seat assembly 10 may translate (e.g., frontward or backward). When release 72 is rotated in the other direction, rear latch 76 is released and not front latch 74 so that back frame 14 may be pivoted as (only) rear guide 26 moves along lower track. According to a preferred embodiment, release 72 includes a profile 78 (e.g., teeth, rack, etc.) along at least a portion of its length. Profile 78 is configured to engage and disengage bores 80 in front latch 74 and rear latch 76 (e.g., having an opposing or interference profile). Preferably, bore 80 has profile that engages or mates with profile 78.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, track arrangements 22 include a user interface 82 (e.g., a handle, knob, rod, bar, etc.) so that the user may operate track system 20. According to alternative embodiments, any of a variety of release mechanisms or arrangements may be used to lock and unlock the guides to the track.

[0034] A drive link 84 couples release 72 (with interface 82) to a secondary release 86 for the opposed track 23. When release 72 is activated, drive link 84 transfers the movement to secondary release 86 so that both track arrangements 22, 23 operate essentially simultaneously. According to alternative embodiments, track arrangements 22, 23 may be coupled and coact by a variety of mechanisms or follower devices.

[0035] It is important to note that the term "seat" is intended to be a broad term and not a term of limitation. The seat track system may be used with any of a variety of seats, assemblies, or arrangements and is not intended to be limited to use with automobile vehicle seating, but is intended to be used with any seating where the seat is intended to be adjusted (e.g., selectively arranged between a forward and rear position and between an upright and reclined position). For example, the seat may be vehicle seating such as an integrated seat structure linear recliner, or any of a variety of seat assemblies used in airplanes, trains, buses, homes, offices, theaters, or anywhere a seated person may wish to adjust his or her seated position.

[0036] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the seat track system as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, a variety of configurations may be provided for the front and rear guides, and the lower track. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A seat and track assembly for a vehicle providing translational and recliner movement, the seat and track assembly comprising: a seat cushion portion; a seat back portion; a track adapted to be mounted to the vehicle; a first guide slidably coupled to the track; a second guide slidably coupled to the track; wherein movement of the first guide and the second guide relative to the track provides translational movement of the seat, and movement of the second guide relative to the first guide and to the track provides recliner movement of the seat.

2. The seat and track assembly of Claim 1 , further including a pivot member having a first end coupled to the first guide, and a second end coupled to the back portion.

3. The seat and track assembly of Claim 2, further including a bracket mounted to the back portion and pivotally coupled to the pivot member and to the second guide.

4. The seat and track assembly of Claim 1 , further including an intermediate rail coupled to the first guide and the second guide.

5. The seat and track assembly of Claim 4 wherein the intermediate rail is slidably coupled to the first guide and provides a bearing surface for the second guide.

6. The seat and track assembly of claim 5 wherein the intermediate rail includes a first profile along at least a portion of its length.

7. The seat and track assembly of Claim 6 wherein the second guide includes a second profile configured to engage the first profile of the intermediate rail.

8. The seat and track assembly of Claim 1 wherein the first guide is a downwardly facing U-channel.

9. The seat and track assembly of Claim 1 wherein the second guide is a downwardly facing U-channel.

10. The seat and track assembly of Claim 1 wherein the track is an upwardly facing U-channel.

11. The seat and track assembly of Claim 1 wherein the first guide includes a first flange, the second guide includes a second flange, and the track includes a third flange configured to engage the first flange and the second flange.

12. The seat and track assembly of Claim 1 , further including a first set of ball bearings disposed between the first guide and the track, and a second set of ball bearings disposed between the second guide and the track.

13. The seat and track assembly of Claim 1 , further including a release mechanism configured to releasably couple the first guide to the track and to releasably couple the second guide to the track.

14. The seat and track assembly of Claim 13 wherein the release mechanism includes a first latch coupled to the first guide and a second latch coupled to the second guide, and a rod releasably engaged with the first latch and the second latch.

15. The seat and track assembly of Claim 14 wherein the first latch includes first profile, the second latch includes a second profile, and the rod includes a third profile.

16. The seat and track assembly of Claim 14 wherein movement of the rod to a first position disengages the rod from the first latch and the second latch.

17. The seat and track assembly of Claim 14 wherein movement of the rod to a second position disengages the rod from the second latch.

18. A seat and track assembly for a seat including a seat cushion portion and a seat back portion, the seat and track assembly comprising: a first mechanism configured to release both a first latch and a second latch so that the seat can be translationally adjusted; a second mechanism configured to release the first latch without releasing the second latch so that the seat back portion can be pivotally adjusted.

19. The seat and track assembly of Claim 18, further including: a track; a first guide mounted on the track and adapted to be coupled to the seat cushion portion and the back portion; a second guide mounted on the track and adapted to be coupled to the seat back portion; and wherein movement of both the first guide and the second guide results in translational movement of the seat, and movement of the second guide results in rotational movement of the seat back portion.

20. The seat and track assembly of Claim 19, further including a member having a first end coupled to the first guide, and a second end coupled to the back portion.

21. The seat and track assembly of Claim 20, further including a bracket mounted to the seat back portion and pivotally coupled to the member and to the second track.

22. The seat and track assembly of Claim 19 wherein the first guide includes a first flange, the second guide includes a second flange, and the track includes a third flange configured to engage the first flange and the second flange.

23. The seat and track assembly of Claim 19 wherein the first and second mechanisms are configured to releasably couple the first guide to the track and to releasably couple the second guide to the track.

24. The seat and track assembly of Claim 23 wherein the first latch is coupled to the first guide and the second latch is coupled to the second guide, and further including a rod releasably engaged with the first latch and the second latch.

25. The seat and track assembly of Claim 24 wherein movement of the rod to a first position disengages the rod from the first latch and the second latch and movement of the rod to a second position disengages the rod from the second latch.

26. The seat and track assembly of Claim 19 wherein the first or second mechanism includes a handle.

27. The seat and track assembly of Claim 19 wherein the first latch includes a first profile, the second latch includes a second profile, and the rod includes a third profile.

28. A seat and track assembly comprising: a seat cushion portion; a seat back portion; a lower track; a first upper track slidably mounted to the lower track and coupled to the seat cushion portion and to the seat back portion; a second upper track slidably mounted to the lower track and coupled to the seat back portion; wherein movement of both the first upper track and the second upper track relative to the lower track results in movement of the seat between a forward position and a rearward position, and movement of the second upper track relative to the first upper track and the lower track results in movement of the seat back portion between an upright position and a reclined position.

29. The seat and track assembly of Claim 28, further including a pivot member having a first end coupled to the first upper track and a second end coupled to the back portion.

30. The seat and track assembly of Claim 28, further including a bracket mounted to the back portion and pivotally coupled to the member and to the second upper track.

31. The seat and track assembly of Claim 28, further including an intermediate rail coupled to the first upper track and the second upper track and configured to provide a bearing surface for the second upper track.

32. The seat and track assembly of Claim 31 wherein the intermediate rail includes a first profile along at least a portion of its length and the second guide includes a second profile, so that the first profile and the second profile define a bearing track for a bearing.

33. The seat and track assembly of Claim 32 wherein the bearing is a ball bearing.

34. The seat and track assembly of Claim 28 wherein the first upper track is a downwardly facing U-channel, the second upper track is a downwardly facing U- channel, and the lower track is an upwardly facing U-channel.

35. The seat and track assembly of Claim 28 wherein the first guide includes a first flange, the second guide includes a second flange, and the track includes a third flange configured to engage the first flange and the second flange.

36. The seat and track assembly of Claim 28, further including a first set of bearings disposed between the first upper track and the lower track, and a second set of bearings disposed between the second upper track and the lower track.

37. The seat and track assembly of Claim 28, further including a release mechanism configured to releasably couple the first upper track to the lower track and to releasably couple the second upper track to the lower track.

38. The seat and track assembly of Claim 37 wherein the release mechanism includes a first latch coupled to the first upper track and a second latch coupled to the second upper track, and a rod releasably engaged with the first latch and the second latch, wherein movement of the rod to a first position disengages the rod from the first latch and the second latch, and movement of the rod to a second position disengages the rod from the second latch.