GB2120092A - Adjustable seat assembly having a pair of independent actuator mechanisms - Google Patents
Adjustable seat assembly having a pair of independent actuator mechanisms Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2120092A GB2120092A GB08313966A GB8313966A GB2120092A GB 2120092 A GB2120092 A GB 2120092A GB 08313966 A GB08313966 A GB 08313966A GB 8313966 A GB8313966 A GB 8313966A GB 2120092 A GB2120092 A GB 2120092A
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- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- rotation
- lever arms
- base
- assembly
- ofthe
- 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.)
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
- B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
- B60N2/16—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable height-adjustable
- B60N2/1605—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable height-adjustable characterised by the cinematic
- B60N2/161—Rods
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
- B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
- B60N2/16—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable height-adjustable
- B60N2/1675—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable height-adjustable with weight compensating means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
- B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
- B60N2/16—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable height-adjustable
- B60N2/1685—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable height-adjustable characterised by a lock
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
- B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
- B60N2/16—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable height-adjustable
- B60N2/169—Stepwise movement mechanisms, e.g. ratchets
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chairs For Special Purposes, Such As Reclining Chairs (AREA)
- Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A vehicle seat includes a first actuator mechanism (66) for adjusting the height of the front of the seat and a second actuator mechanism (84) for independently adjusting the height of the rear of the seat. A pair of opposite front lever arms (20) are interconnected by a front torsion bar and are pivotally (22, 28) connected to a base (10) and a seat support (12). A biased (45) pivoted (53) camming plate (49) selectively and positively locks a pivoted (42) toothed (44) latch plate (40) to a toothed (30) one of the front lever arms. A pair of opposite rear lever arms (22) are interconnected by a rear torsion bar, and are pivotally (34, 32) connected to the base and the seat support. The camming plate is operable by the first actuator mechanism (66). The second actuator mechanism (84) includes a screw and nut drive assembly (90, 92) for rotating the rear torsion bar. <IMAGE>
Description
SPECIFICATION
Adjustable seat assembly having a pair of indepen dent actuator mechanisms
This invention relates to automotive seat assembly lies and, more particularly, to automotive seat assemblies in which the front and rear of a seat support are independently adjustable in elevation relative to the base.
The prior art discloses manually adjustable seat assemblies in which the front and rear of a seat support member are independently adjustable in elevation relative to the base. For example, the U.S.
Patent of Posh 3,460,793 discloses an assembly in which a base and a seat support member are interconnected by at least one pair of lever arms which are pivotally connected to both the base and seat support member at longitudinally spaced points such that the angular disposition of each lever arm adjusts the elevation between eitherthefront or rear portion ofthe seat support relative to the base. The lever arms are latchable in desired angular dispositions by means of a latch assembly including a pairofsubstantially horizontal latch plates which are pivotable about a substantially vertical axis to selectively engage notches in the inward ends ofthe lever arms. A control arm is interconnected with the latch plates to permitthe latch plates to be selectively disengaged from the associated lever arms.
Likewise, the U.S. Patent of Homier et al 3,692,271 discloses a seat assembly having at least one pair of lever arms which are pivotally interconnected between a base and a seat support and which extend inwardlytoward each other, togetherwith a pairof latch plates which are pivotally connected to the seat supportfor rotation about axes transverse ofthe base and selectively engageable with the inwardly extending ends of the lever arms to permit rotation thereof when engaged.A control link is pivotally connected to the seat support and is connected through lost motion connections to the latch plates such that rotation of the control link aboutthetransverse axes cause one or the otherofthe latch plates to pivot about the transverse axis to affect a disengagement of one ofthe latch plates from the associated lever arm. The lever arms are provided with tapered notches or slots and each latch plate is provided with a tooth which fits into the notches such that rotation of a latch plate withdraws the tooth from the tapered slot.
Other prior art patents disclose adjustable seat assemblies in which the front and rear of a seat support member are independently adjustable in elevation relative to the base by means of a motor. For example, the U.S. Patent of Posh 3,181,831 discloses a seat support mechanism having a pair of nuts mounted on a lead screw, one of which causes a supporting plate to move forwardly and rearwardly when the shaft is rotated. The other nut is operable to cause bell cranks two rotate to thereby raise or lowerthe seat depending upon the direction of movement of the nut.
Likewise, the U.S. Patent of Homier 3,055,627 discloses a seat supporting mechanism including a pair of bell cranks mounted on opposite ends of an intermediate stamping for raising or lowering a seat supportstamping. Upperarmsofthebellcranksare connected by a linkto a nut on an operating lead screw.Alinkon one ofthe bell crankspermitsthe operation of either bell crank independently of the otherto thereby cause either the front or rear end of the seat stamping to be raised or lowered.
In the United States Patent to Robinson 3,405,900, there is disclosed a seat assembly including a seat havingfrontand rearportionswith a mounting mechanism for supporting the seat. A support mechanism is adapted for attachment to a support structure. Afirstwedge mechanism moves the mounting mechanism relative to the support mechanism to raise or lower the front portion of the seat. A second wedge mechanism moves the mounting mechanism relative to the support mechanism to raise or lower the rear portion of the seat. First and second drive mechanisms respectively, coact with the first and second wedge mechanism to independently actuate the first and second wedge mechanisms.
Other seat assemblies generally ofthe type to which this invention relates are disclosed by the U.S. Patents of Robinson 3,669,398, Heyl, Jr. 3,109,622, Robinson et al 3,662,984 and Holdampf et al 3,572,624.
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved adjustable seat assembly including a latch mechanism which in fabrication, assembly and operation produces a large amount of frictional resistance when engaged and a small amountoffrictional resistance when disengaged for one portion of a seat support and further including an actuator mechanism which infinitely adjusts a second portion of the seat support.
Another object ofthis invention is to provide an improved adjustable seat assembly including a latch mechanism which is light-weight, has few moving parts and at the same time has the required strength and locking abilityto provide efficient operation ofthe seat assembly and further including an actuator mechanism which is adjustable independent ofthe latch mechanism.
Afurtherobjectofthe invention isto provide an improved adjustable seat assembly having a manually operated latch mechanism which is relatively easy to adjust and a manually operated actuator mechanism which is also relatively easy to adjust.
In carrying out the above objects and other objects ofthis invention, an adjustable seat assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a base, a seat support and first and second lever arms disposed adjacent one side ofthe base, each being pivotally connected at one end to the base for rotation about an axis transverse the base. Means pivotallyconnects each ofthefirst and second lever arms to the seat support at longitudinally spaced points along the seat support for independently adjusting the elevation between the spaced points and the base by rotation of the lever arms. A latch plate is pivotally connected to the seat supportfor rotation about a transverse axis and is selectively engageable with the other end of the first lever arm to prevent rotation thereof when engaged.A biased camming plate is pivotally connected to the seat support for rotation about a transverse axis and is selectively engageable with the latch plate to positively lock the latch plate to thefirst lever arm. Third and fourth lever arms are disposed adjacent the other side ofthe base in laterally corresponding relationship to the first and second lever arms. Each ofthe third and fourth lever arms is pivotally connected at one end thereof to the base for rotation aboutthetransverse axes. Means pivotally connecting each ofthe third and fourth lever arms to the seat support at longitudinally spaced points along the seat support are provided for independently adjusting the elevation between the spaced points and the base by rotation ofthe third and fourth lever arms.First and second torque members connectthe first and second lever arms to the third and fourth lever arms, respectively, for synchronizing rotation thereof. First and second actuator mechanisms are also provided. The first actuator mechanism is connected to the camming plate for pivoting the camming plate to selectively disengage the latch plate from the first lever arm. The second actuator mechanism is connected to the second torque memberfor rotating the second torque member and maintaining the second and fourth lever arms in a desired angular disposition.The other end ofthe first lever arm has formed thereon a first plurality of teeth and the latch plate has formed thereon a second plurality of teeth which are selectively engageable with any first plurality ofthe second pluralityofteeth onthefirst lever arm whereby the first lever arm may be latched in athird plurality of angulardispositions.
Preferably, spring counterbalancing means is con nectedtoatleastthesecondtorque memberfor counterbalancing rotation ofthe second torque member.
Also, preferably, the assembly includes a support assembly and the second actuator mechanism includes a drive assembly rotatably supported by the supportassemblyto rotate the second torque member and hold the second and fourth lever arms in the desired angulardisposition.The drive assembly includes a drive shaft having two lead screw portions at its opposite ends and a pair of corresponding drive nuts on the lead screw portions so that the drive nuts alternately move relatively toward and away from each other upon rotation of the drive shaft.
The ojects, features and advantages ofthe present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description ofthe best mode when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
FIGURE lisa side view of an illustrative embodi ment of the invention in a lowered position; FIGURE 2 is a sideviewofthe assembly of FIGURE 1 in a raised position; and
FIGURE 3 is a plan view ofthe illustrative embodiment.
Referring to FIGURES 1 through 3 of the drawings, there is illustrated an adjustable seat assembly comprising a base, or base portion 10 which is adapted to be mounted on thefloor 11 of a vehicle. A seat support 12 carries a seat 14 having a backrest portion 16. The elevation between the front portion of the seat support 12 and the base 10 are adjustable by means of a latching mechanism 18which is disposed
between the base 10 and the seat support 12. The
elevation between the rear portion of the seat support 12andthe base loins adjustable by means of an adjuster mechanism 19 which is also disposed between the base 10 and the seat support 12.
The adjuster mechanism includes a sectorially shaped lever arm 20. The leverarm 20 has a narrow outer end portion thereof pivotally and slidably connected to the base 10 at a mounting bracket 24 bya pin 22 which travels in a groove 23 of the mounting bracket 24, to permit angular displacementofthe lever arm 20 relative to the base 10 about an axis transverse ofthe base 10.Theleverarm 20 is also independently pivotal ly connected by a pin 28to the seat support 12.
The arcuate, inwardly facing end ofthe lever arm 20 has formed thereon a plurality of inward teeth 30 which permit the lever arm 20 to be latched in any one of a plurality of angular dispositions relative to the base 10.
The lever arm 20 is disposed adjacent a front portion ofthe seat support 12 and accordingly controls the elevation of the front ofthe seat support 12.
To latch the lever arm 20 in a desired angular disposition, a latch plate 40 is connected by a pivot 42 to the seat support 1 for angular rotation about an axis which is also transverse to the base 10. The latch plate 40 hasformedthereon a pluralityofteeth 44 which are adapted to engage any of a like plurality of teeth on the lever arm 20. Preferably, the teeth 30 have a taper of approximately 55O and the spaces between theteeth have an angle of approxinately 60 to permit the teeth 44 to be easily withdrawn from any set of teeth 30 when disengagement between the lever arm and the latch plate combination is desired.By providing a plurality and, preferably, five latching teeth on the latch plate 40,the amount of surface area performing the latching function is substantially increased to insure a positive lock between the latch plate 40 and the lever arm 20.
Engagement between the latch plate 40 and the lever arm 20 is positively secured by a camming plate 49. The camming plate 49 is pivotally connected at53 to the seat support 12for rotation also about a transverse axis. The camming plate 49 is biased into engagement with the latch plate 40 by a spring 45, the opposite ends of which are secured to brackets 46 and 47 mounted on the seat support 12 and the camming plate 49, respectively.
The latch plate 40 includes a pair of spaced apart fingers 57 and 59 for receiving one end ofthe camming plate 49. Sliding engagementofthecam- ming plate 49 with the finger 59 results in unlatching whereas sliding engagement ofthe camming plate 49 with the fingers 57 results in latching the lever arm-latch plate combination.
Engagement ofthe latch plate 40 with the leverarm 20 as caused by the camming plate 49 is controlled by an actuator arm 66. A pin 60 carried bythe camming plate 49 is received and retained byafork 62 formed at one end ofthe actuator arm 66.
The camming plate 49 is normally urged into engagement with the finger 57 ofthe latch plate 40 and consequently into engagement with the lever arm 20. Rotation ofthe camming plate 49 in a counterclockwise direction as shown in FIGURE 1 about the pivot 53, tendsto cam the finger 59 ofthe latch plate 40 to, in turn, disengage the latch plate 40 from the lever arm 20. Pivotal motion ofthe camming plate 49 is determined by operator control ofthe actuator arm 66, which is pivotally connected at42 to the seat support 12 2 and which extends outwardly and upwardly from the adjuster mechanism 18 to provide access thereto byan occupantofthe seat 14. The inward forked end ofthe actuator arm 66 slidably engages the pin 60 on the camming plate 49 to rotate the camming plate 49.
In the operation of the assembly shown in FIGURES 1 through 3, the adjuster mechanism 18 permits independent adjustment ofthe front elevation of the seat support 12 relative to the base 10. The seat support 12 is adjustable between the lowered elevation position shown in FIGURE 1 and the raised elevation position shown in FIGURE 2. To permit this adjustment, the actuator arm 66 can be first rotated about its pivot 42 to cause the camming plate 49 to rotate about the pivot 53 to thereby cam the latch plate 40 out of engagement with the lever arm 20 by withdrawing the teeth 44 from an upper set of teeth 30 on the lever arm 20.The lever arm 20 isthusfree to pivot and slide within the groove 23, thus permitting the front of the seat support 12 to be raised with the assistance of preloaded fronttorsion rod or bar 70 as shown in FIGURE 3. The occupant of the seat may also assist in this operation simply by leaning back on the backrest portion 16.
Afterthe seat support 12 is placed in the desired elevation relative to the base 10, the actuator arm 66 is released,the biased camming plate 49 cams against thefinger57 and, consequently, the latch plate 40 is cammed outwardly into engagement with a duly selected set of teeth on the lever arm 20 and the mechanism 18 is again latched, for example, as shown in FIGURE 2.
As shown in Figure 3, a second front adjuster mechanism 18' is disposed on the laterally opposite side ofthe support 12 from the adjuster mechanism 18. The adjuster mechanism 18' includes a lever arm 20' having its outer end pivotally connected to a base portion 10' art a mounting bracket 24' buy a pin 22', which travels in a groove (not shown) in the bracket 24'. The mediate portion ofthe lever arm 20' is pivotally connected to the seat support 12 at a pin 28'.
To synchronize the operation ofthe adjuster mechanism 18 and 18',the lever arms 20 and 20' are interconnected by a rod-liketorque member or front torsion rod or bar 70 which extends transversely between the lever arms 20 and 20'. The torsion rod 70 may be welded or otherwise suitably secured to the lever arms 20 and 20' and pivotally mounted on the pins 28 and 28' to permitthe pivotal connections as previously described.
Accordingly, rotation ofthe actuator arm 66 in a clockwise direction pivots the camming plate 49, and causes the camming plate 49 to permit the latch plate 40 to disengage from the lever arm 20 and consequently causes the lever arms 20 and 20' on both sides ofthe apparatus to rotate as assisted by the preloaded torsion rod 70.
The adjuster mechanism 19 for the rear of the seat support 12 includes a pair of lever arms 22 and 22' mounted on opposite sides ofthe seat support 12 adjacentthe rear ofthe seat support 12. The lever arms 22 and 22' are pivotally connected at their outer ends to flange portions 31 on opposite sides of the seat support 12 by pivots32 and 32' and are independently pivotally connected to the bases 10 and 10' by pivots or pins 34 and 34'. Pivotal connections between the lever arms 20 and 22 and the lever arms 20' and 22' and the seat support 12 are longitudinally spaced apart. Accordingly, the lever arms 20 and 20' control the elevation of the front of the seat support 12 and the lever arms 22 and 22' control the elevation ofthe rear ofthe seat support 12.
To synchronizethe operation of the adjuster mechanism 19, the lever arms 22 and 22' are interconnected by means of a rod-liketorquemember by a reartorsion rod 72 which extends transversely between the lever arms 22 and 22'. The torsion rod 72 may be welded or otherwise suitably secured to the lever arms 22 and 22' and pivotally mounted on the pins 34 and 34' to permit the pivotal connections as previously described.
Upward rotation of the lever arms 22 and 22' are assisted bythetorsion rod 72 which is preloaded.To move the lever arms 22 and 22' and thereafter hold the lever arms 22 and 22' in a desired angular disposition, the adjuster mechanism 19 includes support and drive assemblies 82 and 84, respectively. The support assembly 82 includes a rear support bracket 86 fixedly mounted on the rear torsion bar or rod 72 for rotation therewith. The mounting bracket 86 includes a pair of inwardly and downwardly extending spaced apart arms 88 for holding therebetween a rear drive nut 90 mounted on a lead screw portion 92 of a drive shaft 94.
The drive nut 90 and the lead screw portion 92 ofthe drive assembly 84 comprise a left-handed drive nut-lead screw combination of the drive assembly 84.
The front of the drive shaft 94 is rotatably supported by a support plate 96 ofthe assembly 82. The front of the drive shaft 94 extends through the support plate 96 and has a handle 92 fixedly connected thereto for manual rotation ofthe drive shaft 94. The support plate 96 extends between the sides of the base portions 10 and 10'.
The drive assembly 84 also includes a right-hand threaded drive nut 98 rotatably mounted on the right-hand lead screw portion 100 of the drive shaft 94 and pivotally mounted to the front support plate 96 by atrunnion 101 mounted on the innersurface ofthe plate 96. Consequently, upon rotation ofthe drive shaft 94 the drive nuts 90 and 98 alternately move relatively toward and away from each other on their corresponding lead screw portions 92 and 100, respectively. In this fashion, simple manual rotation of the drive shaft 94 increases the amount of rear torsion rod rotation than that which could by obtained by having a single drive nut mounted on the drive shaft 94. Furthermore, the drive and support assemblies 84 and 82, respectively, allow the elevation between the rear portion ofthe seat support 12 and the base lotto be infinitely adjustable by the manually adjustable drive shaft 94.
Rotation of the reartorsion rod 72 and, consequently, rotation ofthe arms 22 and 22' is determined by operator control of the drive shaft 94which is rotatably supported by the front support plate 96 and which extends outwardly and upwardly from the adjuster mechanism 19to provide access thereto by an occupant ofthe seat 14. Thelnward end of the drive shaft 94 is threadedly and ajustably connected to the drive nut 90 to rotate the bracket 86 and the rear torsion rod 72 in a direction dependent upon the direction of rotation ofthe drive shaft 94.
Consequently, the rear elevation oftheseatsupport 12 is infinitely adjustable between a lower position as shown in FIGURE 1 and a raised position as shown in FIGURE 2. The rearofthe seat support 12 is raised or lowered with the assistance ofthe rear torsion rod 72.
The occupant of a seat may assist in this operation by leaning forward in the seat 14.
Mounted on each ofthetorsion rods 70 and 72 are a pair of spaced apart spring-maintained arms or spring hangers 74 and 76. Opposite ends oftorsion springs 78 and 80 are mounted on corresponding oppositelydisposed arms 74 and 76, respectively, for counterbalancing rotation of each of the torsion rods 70 and 72 so thatthe seat assembly can be vertically adjusted in a smooth and efficientfashion.
While not shown, the base portions 10 and 10' may be provided with track means or a track mechanism for longitudinal adjustment ofthe seat support 12 relative to the floor 11 of the vehicie on which it is mounted. Suitable low friction bearing material may be disposed between upper and lowertrack members to facilitate longitudinal sliding therebetween.
In summary, the invention has been described with reference to an automotive vehicle seat assembly in which the front and rear portions of a seat support
may be independently adjusted by separate actuator
mechanisms to an elevation relative to a seat base.
One actuator mechanism controls the front portion of the seat support and serves to latch and unlatch the front latching mechanism. The second actuator
mechanism adjusts the rear elevation ofthe seat support relativeto the seat basethrough an infinite numberofsupport positions, while at the same time providing a positive connection between the seat support and the seat base throughoutthe adjustment process. Moreover, the seat assembly may be longitudinally adjustable by means of tracks which are mounted on a vehicle floor.
While a preferred embodiment ofthe adjustable seat assembly has been shown and described herein in detail,those skilled in this art will recognize various alternative designs and embodimentsforpracticing the present invention as defined by the following
Claims (14)
1. An adjustable seat assembly comprising:
a base;
a seat support;
first and second lever arms disposed adjacent one side ofthe base, each being pivotally connected at one end to the base for rotation about an axis transverse the base;
means pivotally connecting each of the first and second lever arms to the seat support at longitudinally spaced points along the seat supportfor independently adjusting the elevation between said spaced points and the base by rotation of the lever arms;
a latch plate pivotally connected to the seat support for rotation about a transverse axis and selectively
engageable with the other end ofthefirst lever arm to prevent rotation thereof when engaged;;
a biased camming plate pivotally connected to the seatsupportfor rotation about a transverse axis and selectively engageablewith the latch plateto positively lockthe latch plate to the first lever arm;
third and fourth lever arms disposed adjacentthe other side of the base in laterally corresponding relationship to the first and second lever arms, each of the third and fourth lever arms being pivotally connected at one end thereofto the base for rotation aboutthe transverse axes;;
means pivotallyconnecting each ofthethird and fourth leverarmsto the seatsupport at longitudinally spaced points along the seat supportfor independently adjusting the elevation between said spaced points and the base by rotation ofthethird and fourth lever arms;
first and second torque members connecting first andsecondleverarmstothethirdandfourth lever arms respectively, for synchronizing rotation thereof; and
first and second actuator mechanisms,thefirst actuator mechanism being connected to the camming plate for pivoting the latch plate from the first lever arm, the second actuator mechanism being connected to the second torque memberfor rotating the second torque member and maintaining the second and fourth lever arms in a desired angular disposition, the other end ofthe first lever arm having formed thereon a first plurality of teeth and the latch plate having formed thereon a second plurality of teeth which are selectively engageable with anyfirst piurality of the second plurality ofteeth on the first lever arm whereby the the first lever arm may be latched in a third pluralityofangulardispositions.
2. The assemblyasclaimed in claim 1 further including spring counterbalancing means connected to said second torque memberfor counterbalancing rotation of said second torque member.
3. The assemblyasclaimed in claim 1 wherein said latch plate includes a pair of spaced apart fingers for receiving one end ofthe camming plate, the camming plate camming the latch plate during rotation thereof.
4. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 including a support assembly and wherein said second actuator mechanism includes a drive assembly rotatably supported by said support assem bly to rotate the second torque member.
5. The assembly as claimed in claim 4wherein said drive assembly includes a drive shaft having at least one lead screw portion at one end thereof and at least one drive nut on the lead screw portion, and connected to said second torque member, said drive nut moving along the longitudinal axis of the lead screw portion upon rotation of the drive shaft.
6. The assembly as claimed in claim wherein said support assembly includes at leastonesupport member mounted on said second torque member to rotate therewith and pivotally connected to said drive nut so that movement of said drive nut relative to said lead screw portion causes rotation of said second torque member.
7. The assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein said support assembly includes a front support plate extending between the sides ofthe base and spaced awayfrom said second torque member for supporting the other end ofthe drive shaft.
8. The assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein said drive assembly includes a second lead screw portion spaced from the first lead screw portion on said drive shaft and a second drive nut on the second lead screw portion and connected to said front support plate for moving along the longitudinal axis ofthe second lead screw portion upon rotation of the drive shaft.
9. The assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein said support assembly includes a support mechanism mounted on said front support plate and pivotally connected to said second drive nut so that relative movement between the second drive nut and the second lead screw portion causes rotation of said second torque member.
10. The assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein one of said drive nut and lead screw combinations comprises a right-hand combination and wherein the other of said drive nut and lead screw portions comprises a left-hand combination so that the first drive nut alternately moves toward and away from the second drive nut upon rotation of the drive shaft.
11. An adjustable seat assembly comprising:
a base;
a seat support;
first and second lever arms disposed adjacent one side of the base, each being pivotally connected at one end to the base for rotation about an axis transverse the base;
means pivotally connecting each of the first and second lever arms to the seat support at longitudinally spaced points along the seatsupportfor independently adjusting the elevation between said spaced points and the base by rotation ofthe lever arms;
a latch plate pivotally connected to the seat support for rotation about a transverse axis and selectively engageable with the other end ofthefirst lever arm to prevent rotation thereof when engaged;;
a camming plate pivotally connected to the seat support for rotation about a transverse axis and selectively engageable with the latch plate to positively lock the latch plate to the first lever arm;
third and fourth lever arms disposed adjacent the other side ofthe base in laterally corresponding relationship to the first and second lever arms, each of the third and fourth lever arms being pivotally connected at one end thereofto the base for rotation aboutthetransverse axes;
means pivotallyconnecting each ofthethird and fourth lever arms to the seat support at longitudinally spaced points along the seat support for independently adjusting the elevation between said spaced points and the base by rotation of the lever arm;;
first and second torque members connecting the first and second lever arms to the third and fourth lever arms respectively for synchronizing rotation thereof;
first and second actuator mechanisms, the first actuator mechanism being connected to the camming plate for pivoting the camming plate to selectively disengage the latch plate from the first lever arm, the second actuator mechanism being connected to the second torque member for rotating the second torque member and maintaining the second and fourth lever arms in a desired angular disposition, the other end of the first lever arm having formed thereon a first plurality of teeth and the latch plate having formed thereon a second plurality of teeth which are selectively engageable with any first plurality of the second plurality of teeth on the first lever arm wherebythe first lever arm may be latched in a third plurality of angular dispositions; and
a support assembly wherein said second actuator mechanism includes a drive assembly rotatably supported by said support assembly to rotate the second torque member, said drive assembly including a drive shaft having at least one lead screw portion at one end thereof and at least one drive nut on the lead screw portion and connected to the second torque member, said drive nut moving along the longitudinal axis ofthe lead screw portion upon rotation ofthe drive shaft.
12. An adjustable seat assembly comprising:
a base;
a seat support;
first and second lever arms disposed adjacent one side ofthe base, each being pivotally connected at one end to the base for rotation about an axis transverse the base,
means pivotally connecting each of the first and second lever arms to the seat support at longitudinally spaced points along the seat supportfor independently adjusting the elevation between said spaced points and the base by rotation of the lever arms;
a latch plate pivotally connected to the seat support for rotation about a transverse axis and selectively engageable with the other end ofthe first lever arm to prevent rotation thereof when engaged;;
a camming plate pivotally connected to the seat support for rotation about a transverse axis and selectively engageable with the latch plate to positively lock the latch plate tote first lever arm;
third and fourth lever arms disposed adjacentthe other side of the base in laterallycorresponding relationship to the first and second lever arms, each of the third and fourth lever arms being pivotally connected at one end thereof to the base for rotation aboutthetransverse axes;
means pivotallyconnecting each ofthethird and fourth lever arms to the seat support at longitudinally spaced points along the seat support for independently adjusting the elevation between said spaced points and the base by rotation of the lever arms;;
first and second torque members connecting first and second lever arms to the third and fourth lever arms tespectivelyfor synchronizing rotation thereof; first and second actuator mechanisms, thefirst actuator mechanism being connected to the camming plate for pivoting the camming plate to selectively disengage the latch plate from the first lever arm, the second actuator mechanism being connected to the second torque memberfor rotating the second torque member and maintaining the second and fourth lever arms in a desired angular dispostition, the other end of the first lever arm having formed thereon a first pluralityofteeth and the latch plate having formed thereon a second plurality of teeth which are selectively engageable with any first plurality ofthe second plurality of teeth on the first lever arm whereby the first lever arm may be latched in a third plurality of angular dispositions; and asupportassemblywherein said second actuator mechanism includes a drive assembly rotatably supported by said support assemblyto rotate the second torque member wherein said drive assembly includes a drive shaft having a pair of lead screw portions at opposite ends thereof and a pair of drive nuts on the corresponding lead screw portions one of said drive nuts being connected to said second torque member, one of said drive nut and lead screw combinations comprising a right-hand combination and the other of said drive nut and lead screw combinations comprising a left-hand combination so that upon rotation ofthe drive shaft the drive nuts alternately move relative toward and away from each other upon rotation of the drive shaft.
13. The assembly as claimed in claim 11 or 12 further including spring counterbalancing means connected to said second torque member for counter- balancing rotation ofsaid second torque member.
14. An adjustable seat assembly substantially as herein described and shown in the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US38019782A | 1982-05-20 | 1982-05-20 |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB8313966D0 GB8313966D0 (en) | 1983-06-29 |
| GB2120092A true GB2120092A (en) | 1983-11-30 |
| GB2120092B GB2120092B (en) | 1985-10-02 |
Family
ID=23500283
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB08313966A Expired GB2120092B (en) | 1982-05-20 | 1983-05-20 | Adjustable seat assembly having a pair of independent actuator mechanisms |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS58206429A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU1118683A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3316174A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2527060A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2120092B (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0173044A2 (en) * | 1984-08-31 | 1986-03-05 | Tachikawa Spring Co., Ltd. | A rotation adjusting apparatus |
| FR2596337A1 (en) * | 1986-03-31 | 1987-10-02 | Aisin Seiki | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE HEIGHT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT |
| US4753479A (en) * | 1984-10-11 | 1988-06-28 | Mitsubishi Motor Corp. | Thigh support device in a seat for vehicles |
| FR2747625A1 (en) * | 1996-04-19 | 1997-10-24 | Faure Bertrand Equipements Sa | Adjustable height vehicle seat |
| GB2346082A (en) * | 1999-01-27 | 2000-08-02 | Stabilus Gmbh | Height-adjustable seat for a vehicle |
| GB2474134A (en) * | 2009-10-02 | 2011-04-06 | Chapman Driver Seating Ltd | Seat height adjuster |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS6343952U (en) * | 1986-09-10 | 1988-03-24 | ||
| AU584471B2 (en) * | 1986-11-04 | 1989-05-25 | Tachi-S Co., Ltd. | Height adjuster operation mechanism for an automotive seat |
| JPH03109938U (en) * | 1990-02-27 | 1991-11-12 |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB813199A (en) * | 1956-09-24 | 1959-05-13 | American Metal Prod | Improvements in and relating to seat supporting mechanism |
-
1983
- 1983-02-07 AU AU11186/83A patent/AU1118683A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1983-03-07 FR FR8303693A patent/FR2527060A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1983-05-04 DE DE19833316174 patent/DE3316174A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1983-05-06 JP JP7919883A patent/JPS58206429A/en active Pending
- 1983-05-20 GB GB08313966A patent/GB2120092B/en not_active Expired
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB813199A (en) * | 1956-09-24 | 1959-05-13 | American Metal Prod | Improvements in and relating to seat supporting mechanism |
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0173044A2 (en) * | 1984-08-31 | 1986-03-05 | Tachikawa Spring Co., Ltd. | A rotation adjusting apparatus |
| EP0173044A3 (en) * | 1984-08-31 | 1988-04-06 | Tachikawa Spring Co., Ltd. | A rotation adjusting apparatus |
| US4753479A (en) * | 1984-10-11 | 1988-06-28 | Mitsubishi Motor Corp. | Thigh support device in a seat for vehicles |
| FR2596337A1 (en) * | 1986-03-31 | 1987-10-02 | Aisin Seiki | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE HEIGHT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT |
| US4767156A (en) * | 1986-03-31 | 1988-08-30 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Vehicle seat height and inclination control apparatus |
| FR2747625A1 (en) * | 1996-04-19 | 1997-10-24 | Faure Bertrand Equipements Sa | Adjustable height vehicle seat |
| GB2346082A (en) * | 1999-01-27 | 2000-08-02 | Stabilus Gmbh | Height-adjustable seat for a vehicle |
| GB2474134A (en) * | 2009-10-02 | 2011-04-06 | Chapman Driver Seating Ltd | Seat height adjuster |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| FR2527060A1 (en) | 1983-11-25 |
| AU1118683A (en) | 1983-11-17 |
| GB8313966D0 (en) | 1983-06-29 |
| DE3316174A1 (en) | 1983-12-01 |
| JPS58206429A (en) | 1983-12-01 |
| GB2120092B (en) | 1985-10-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |