JP2000125968A - Seat recliner structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized seat recliner structure capable of obtaining large locking strength. SOLUTION: A seat cushion side locking plate 38 is attached to a seat cushion non-rotatably around a rotary axis and movably in the rotary axis direction. A seat back side locking plate 62 is fixed to the seat back. On the surfaces where the seat cushion side locking plate 38 faces the seat back side locking plate 62, teeth 70 and 72 are formed. Normally, by the engagement of the teeth 70 and 72, the seat back side locking plate 62 is non-rotatably locked to the seat cushion side locking plate 38. Then, by an operation, the seat cushion side locking plate 38 is moved in an axial direction and separated from the seat back side locking plate 62, the engagement of the teeth 70 and 72 is released and the seat back is rotated. The locking surface of the teeth 70 and 72 is constituted within a plane passing through a center line C and the locking strength is enlarged.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a seat recliner structure for locking a seat back to a seat cushion at a predetermined reclining angle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 15 shows an example of a conventional seat recliner structure (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-182462).

In this seat recliner structure 200, a pair of semicircular bulging portions 204 are formed in a seat cushion frame 202, and a sliding member 208 is fitted in a lock sliding groove 206 between the bulging portions 204. It is slidably arranged. On one surface of the sliding member 208, an external gear-shaped lock gear portion 210 is formed.
The circular gear 214 of the ring member 212 which rotates integrally with the seat back can be engaged. Then, by operating the operation lever 216, the sliding member 208 is moved, the lock gear 210 is separated from the arc gear 214, and the seat back can be rotated with respect to the seat cushion. Further, since the sliding member 208 slides inside the ring member 212 and the load acting on the seat back is supported by the bulging portion 204, the seat recliner structure 200
The size is reduced as a whole.

However, this seat recliner structure 200
In this case, the engagement portion between the lock gear portion 210 and the arc gear 214 is limited to only a part in the circumferential direction, so that the engagement area is reduced and sufficient lock strength cannot be obtained.

In order to increase the meshing area, for example, an external tooth member having external teeth formed over the entire outer circumference is fixed to a seat cushion, and the internal teeth meshed with the external teeth over the entire circumference. It is conceivable to attach the internal toothed member with the to the seat back so as to be arranged further outside the external toothed member. However, in such a configuration in which the internal tooth member is disposed further outside the external tooth member, the seat recliner structure becomes large.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a seat recliner structure which is small and has a large lock strength.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a seat recliner structure for fixing a seat back to a seat cushion at a predetermined reclining angle, a rotation of the seat back attached to the seat cushion is provided. A substantially plate-shaped first locking member that is not rotatable about an axis; and a substantially plate-shaped first mounting member that is attached to the seat back so as to face the first locking member in the rotation axis direction of the seat back. A second locking member;
Support means for supporting at least one of the locking member and the second locking member so as to be able to approach and separate from the other in the rotation axis direction of the seat back; Locking means formed on the opposing portion to lock when the first locking member and the second locking member approach each other to disable relative rotation of the first locking member and the second locking member. It is characterized by the following.

Therefore, when the first locking member and the second locking member are separated from each other, the first locking member and the second locking member are not locked by the locking means, so that the relative rotation is prevented. It is possible. For this reason, the seat back can be rotated with respect to the seat cushion to achieve a predetermined reclining angle.

When the first locking member and the second locking member approach each other by operating the supporting means, the locking means is locked, and the first locking member and the second locking member cannot rotate relative to each other. Becomes The load applied to the seat back acts on the first locking member via the second locking member. However, since the first locking member is not allowed to rotate around the rotation axis of the seat back, the seat back is not seated. It is locked at a predetermined reclining angle with respect to the cushion.

The second locking member is opposed to the first locking member in the direction of the rotation axis of the seat back.
At least one of the locking member and the second locking member approaches and separates from the other in the rotation axis direction. First locking member and second locking member
Since one of the locking members is not disposed outside the other, the overall size of the seat recliner structure can be reduced. In addition, the locking means is formed at the facing portion, and can support the load from the seat back over the entire facing portion or at a plurality of locations of the facing portion, so that a small seat recliner structure is provided. Even with this, a large lock strength can be obtained. In addition, both the first locking member and the second locking member are substantially plate-shaped, and the locking means is formed at a position near the radial outer periphery of the first locking member and the second locking member. Can be. Thus, the first locking member and the second locking member can be made thin in the axial direction, so that the seat recliner structure can be further reduced in size.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the shear force acting on the locking means due to the relative rotational force between the first locking member and the second locking member is:
A locking means is formed to act in the circumferential direction of the rotation of the seat back.

In a state where the seat cushion is locked at a predetermined reclining angle with respect to the seat back, a load acting on the seat cushion acts as a relative rotational force between the first locking member and the second locking member. It also acts as a shear force on the locking means.

Here, the locking means is formed so that the shearing force acts in the circumferential direction of the rotation of the seat back, so that part or all of the shearing force does not act in the direction of the rotation axis. Thereby, the first locking member and the second locking member
Since no force in the direction of separating from each other acts, the first locking member and the second locking member are reliably maintained close to each other. For this reason, the locking state of the locking means is reliably maintained, so that even if a large load acts on the seat cushion, a large lock strength sufficient to support the seat cushion is obtained.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the locking means is formed radially with respect to a rotation axis of the seat back, and engages in a plane including the rotation axis. It is characterized by having a locking tooth provided with a locking surface for locking.

That is, when the locking surfaces of the locking teeth come into surface contact with the first locking member and the second locking member approaching, the load acting on the seat cushion is applied to the engaging teeth as a shear force. Works. Since the locking surfaces of the locking teeth lock in a plane including the rotation axis of the seat back, the shearing force acts in the circumferential direction of the rotation of the seat back.

Further, by forming locking teeth having such locking surfaces over the entire circumference of the first locking member and the second locking member or at a plurality of locations, the first locking member can be formed. Even if the area of the facing portion of the second locking member is small, it is possible to obtain a large lock strength.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the locking means includes one of the first locking member and the second locking member for rotating the seat back. A plurality of locking holes formed at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction, and the other of the first locking member and the second locking member,
A locking pin insertably provided in the locking hole, the locking hole and the engagement hole being arranged such that a contact surface between the locking hole and the locking pin is parallel to a rotation axis direction of the seat back. The shape of the locking pin is determined.

That is, when the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole with the first locking member and the second locking member approaching each other, the load applied to the seat cushion is reduced by the locking pin and the locking hole. Acts as a shear force on the inner surface of Since the shape of the locking hole and the locking pin is determined so that the contact surface between the locking hole and the locking pin is parallel to the rotation axis direction of the seat back, the shearing force is applied in the circumferential direction of the rotation of the seat back. Works.

Further, by forming such locking holes or locking pins all around the first locking member and the second locking member or at a plurality of locations, the first locking member and the second locking member are formed. 2
Even if the area of the facing portion of the locking member is small, it is possible to obtain a large lock strength.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the locking holes are formed in a plurality of rows at different positions in the radial direction of the rotation of the seat back, and
The pitch of the locking holes is different for each row, and a plurality of locking pins are provided corresponding to the plurality of rows of the locking holes.

Therefore, one of the plurality of locking pins is inserted into a specific locking hole in a row corresponding to the locking pin, and the seat back is moved relative to the seat cushion. Locked. Here, since the locking holes of each row are formed so that the pitch of the locking holes differs depending on the row, the locking pins were inserted before rotation when the seat back was further rotated by a predetermined angle. The locking pin is inserted into a locking hole in a row different from the row of locking holes, and the seat back is locked to the seat cushion. By forming a plurality of rows of locking holes having different pitches in this manner, fine adjustment of the reclining angle of the seat back becomes possible.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the support means comprises a seatback frame constituting the seatback or a seat constituting the seat cushion. It is characterized in that at least one of the first locking member and the second locking member is supported so as to be separated from the other by elastically deforming the cushion frame.

Therefore, at least one of the first locking member and the second locking member is urged by the elastic force of at least one of the seat back frame and the seat cushion frame, and the first locking member and the second locking member are biased. Are kept close to each other. Then, by elastically deforming at least one of the seat back frame and the seat cushion frame, at least one of the first locking member and the second locking member moves in the rotation axis direction of the seat back, and the first locking member And the second locking member are separated from each other.

As described above, by utilizing the elasticity of the seat back frame and the seat cushion frame,
The seat recliner structure can be configured with a simple structure.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the support means is provided on at least one of the first locking member and the second locking member. It is a male screw member that is screwed together and rotates the first locking member and the second locking member toward and away from each other.

Therefore, by rotating the male screw member, the first locking member and the second locking member can be moved toward and away from each other. Even if a large load acts on the seat back in the locked state of the locking means, at least one of the first locking member and the second locking member is inadvertently rotated in the rotation axis direction of the seat cushion by screwing the male screw member. It is difficult to move to
The locked state is reliably maintained.

Further, the support means can be constituted only by forming a male screw member on at least one of the first locking member and the second locking member, so that the entire structure of the seat recliner can be made compact and simple. Becomes

[0028]

1 to 3 show a seat recliner structure 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The seat recliner structure 10 rotatably supports a seat back with respect to a seat cushion and locks the seat back with respect to the seat cushion at a predetermined reclining angle (rotation angle). Used to In the drawings, the overall image of the seat is not shown, but the front of the vehicle is indicated by an arrow F, the width direction of the vehicle is indicated by an arrow W, and the upper side is indicated by an arrow U. In the following description, the terms “front”, “rear”, and “width direction” are simply referred to as “vehicle front,” “vehicle rear,” and “vehicle width direction,” respectively.
Means

A seat cushion frame 12 formed by bending a pipe into a rectangular frame is disposed inside the seat cushion, and a seat cushion bracket 16 is attached to a position on the rear side of the seat cushion frame 12. ing. The seat cushion bracket 16 includes a plate portion 18 having an upper portion formed in a semicircular plate shape, and a cylindrical portion 20 formed by bending a lower end of the plate portion 18 in a plate thickness direction. The seat cushion frame 12 is inserted through the cylindrical portion 20, and is firmly fixed (so-called completely fixed) by caulking, welding, or the like.

Similarly, a seat back frame 14 formed by bending a pipe into a rectangular frame is disposed inside the seat back.
A seat back bracket 22 is attached to a position near the lower end of the seat 4. The seat back bracket 22 is
The seat cushion bracket 16 includes a plate portion 24 substantially parallel to the plate portion 18 and an attachment plate portion 26 formed by bending the upper and lower ends of the plate portion 24 at substantially right angles. An insertion hole 28 is formed in the mounting plate portion 26, and a portion near the lower end of the seat back frame 14 is inserted into the insertion hole 28, and is firmly fixed (completely fixed) by welding or the like.

The seat recliner structure 10 is provided between the seat cushion bracket 16 and the seat back bracket 22 described above.

The plate portion 1 of the seat cushion bracket 16
8, a square hole 30 is formed in the center, and a square hole 3 is formed.
A flange 32 is erected from around 0 toward the seat back bracket 22. Further, a cushion plate 34 formed in a disc shape with an elastically deformable material such as foam resin is fixed to the surface of the plate portion 18 on the side of the seat back bracket 22 by surface contact. Cushion plate 34
Square hole 36 corresponding to the outer periphery of flange 32
Are formed, and the flange 32 is accommodated in the square hole 36 without any gap.

On the seat back bracket 22 side of the cushion plate 34, a seat cushion side locking plate 38 formed in a substantially disk shape is disposed. At the center of the seat cushion side locking plate 38, a square hole 40 is formed corresponding to the outer periphery of the flange 32 of the seat cushion bracket 16, and a flange 42 is formed from the periphery of the square hole 40 toward the seat cushion bracket 16. Is erected. As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the flange 32 is inserted into the square hole 40. This allows
The seat cushion side locking plate 38 is positioned with respect to the seat cushion bracket 16 so as not to rotate.

One or more (four in this embodiment) holding holes 44 are formed at predetermined positions of the cushion plate 34 so as to penetrate in the thickness direction. Are housed and held. One end of the compression coil spring 46 is in contact with the plate portion 18 of the seat cushion bracket 16, and the other end is in contact with the seat cushion side locking plate 38. It is constantly urged toward a seat back side locking plate 62 described later. Also, the plate portion 18 of the seat cushion bracket 16
A through hole 48 having a smaller diameter than the holding hole 44 is formed at a position corresponding to the holding hole 44. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the insertion hole 48 and the compression coil spring 46
The wire 50 is inserted inside the wire (in FIG. 1, the wire 5 is inserted).
0 is omitted), and one end thereof is fixed to the seat cushion side locking plate 38. The other end of the wire 50 is connected to an operating member such as an operating lever and an operating dial (not shown). By operating the operating member, the seat cushion side locking plate 38 is moved via the wire 50 to the compression coil spring 46. Can be moved toward the seat cushion bracket 16 against the elastic force (see FIG. 3).

Square hole 4 of seat cushion side locking plate 38
At 0, the large square portion 54 of the pin 52 is inserted without any gap. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the pin 52 includes the large square portion 54, a small square portion 56 formed closer to the seat cushion bracket 16 than the large square portion 54, and the large square portion 54 and the small square portion 56. From the seat back bracket 22 and the seat cushion bracket 16 respectively. The large square portion 54 has the same cross section in the center line C direction, and the seat cushion side locking plate 38 is movable in the center line C direction. In addition, large square part 5
Because of the square shape of the pin 4, the seat cushion side locking plate 38 cannot rotate relative to the pin 52 around the center line C.

In order to prevent the seat cushion side locking plate 38 from rotating with respect to the pin 52 as described above,
It is not always necessary that a part of the pin 52 has a rectangular cross section like the large square part 54, and at least a part of the pin 52 has a different distance (radius) from the center line C with respect to the other parts. What is necessary is just to be formed in a shape (different diameter cross section).
For example, it may be formed in a substantially columnar shape having a constant radius from the center line C, and may have a shape in which a flat surface, a convex portion, a concave portion, or the like is formed in a part of the outer periphery, or may have an elliptical cross section. That is, by forming holes corresponding to these shapes in the seat cushion side locking plate, it is possible to make the seat cushion side locking plate 38 unable to rotate with respect to the pin 52.

The small square portion 56 is inserted into the square hole 30 of the seat cushion bracket 16 without any gap, and is firmly fixed by welding or the like, so that the pin 52 does not rotate with respect to the seat cushion bracket 16. I have. As a result, the seat cushion side locking plate 38 also does not rotate around the center line C with respect to the seat cushion bracket 16.

Between the large square portion 54 of the pin 52 and the seat back bracket 22, a substantially disk-shaped seat back side locking plate 62 is disposed. Seat back side locking plate 62
A square insertion portion 64 is provided upright at the center of the insertion portion 64 toward the seat back bracket 22.
Are square holes 6 formed in the seat back bracket 22.
8 and is firmly fixed by welding or the like.

A circular insertion hole 6 corresponding to the cylindrical portion 58 of the pin 52 is provided at the center of the seat back side locking plate 62.
8 are formed. The cylindrical portion 58 is inserted into the insertion hole 68, and the seat back side locking plate 62 is
8 can rotate around the center line C. As a result, the seat back rotates about the center line C as the rotation center (rotation axis).

As shown in detail in FIG. 4, a plurality of radially centering lines C are provided at positions near the outer periphery of the respective opposing surfaces of the seat cushion side locking plate 38 and the seat back side locking plate 62. The teeth 70 and 72 are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction (the seat cushion side locking plate 38).
Since the shapes of the teeth 70 and 72 are substantially the same between the seat cushion side locking plate 62 and the seat back side locking plate 62, FIG. The shape of the teeth 70, 72 is shown. Also, in FIG. 4, the teeth 70 and 72 are shown only partially in the circumferential direction, and the other parts are not shown). Then, as shown in FIG. 2, in a state where the seat back side locking plate 62 approaches the seat cushion side locking plate 38, as shown in FIG. The seat back side locking plate 62 cannot rotate.

As can be seen from FIG. 4, each tooth 7
The side surfaces 70A, 72A of 0, 72 are formed so as to be located in a plane P including the center line C. Therefore, the teeth 7
0 and 72 are engaged with each other so that the side surface 70A of the tooth 70 and the tooth 72
(See FIG. 5 (A))
Then, when a rotational force about the center line C acts on the seat back side locking plate 62, the rotational force acts on the teeth 70 and 72 as a circumferential shear force F around the center line C. That is, a part or all of the rotational force acting on the seat back side locking plate 62 is in the direction of the center line C (in FIG. 5, the horizontal direction of the paper).
Does not act as a force. Therefore, the rotational force does not cause the seat back side locking plate 62 and the seat cushion side locking plate 38 to receive a force in a direction in which they are separated from each other.

Also, as shown in detail in FIG.
In the cross-sectional shape when the cross section of the 72 is viewed in the circumferential direction around the center line C, the tips of the teeth 70 and 72 are formed in a semicircular shape, and a round portion 74 is formed.

Next, a description will be given of a method of reclining a seat back with the seat recliner structure 10 according to the first embodiment and fixing the seat back at a predetermined reclining angle, and an operation of the seat recliner structure 10.

When the occupant is not operating the operating members such as the operating lever and the operating dial, the seat cushion side locking plate 38 is pushed by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 46, as shown in FIG. Side locking plate 62
Is approaching. Then, as shown in FIG.
The teeth 70 and 72 are engaged with each other, and the seat back side locking plate 62 is centered on the center line C with respect to the seat cushion side locking plate 38.
It does not rotate around. For this reason, the seat back is locked at a predetermined reclining angle with respect to the seat cushion without rotating the seat back.

When a large load acts on the seat back due to the occupant leaning on the seat back, the load acts on the seat back side locking plate 62 as a rotational force around the center line C.
Here, as can be seen from FIG. 4, the side surfaces 70A, 72A of the teeth 70, 72 are located in the plane P passing through the center line C, and the shear force F acting on the teeth 70, 72 (see FIG. 5
(A)) only acts in the circumferential direction around the center line C,
It does not act as a force in the direction of the center line C (axial direction). Therefore, the seat back side locking plate 62 and the seat cushion side locking plate 38 do not receive the force in the direction of separating from each other due to this rotational force. Thus, even when a large load acts on the seat back, the compression coil spring 46
The engagement between the teeth 70 and 72 can be reliably maintained only by the elastic force of the above, and a large lock strength can be obtained. Also, tooth 7
Even if the shapes of 0 and 72 are small, the required lock strength can be obtained, so that fine adjustment of the reclining angle (locking of the seat back at a finer pitch) is also possible.

When changing the reclining angle of the seat back, first, operating members such as an operating lever and an operating dial are operated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the wire 50 is pulled, and the seat cushion side locking plate 38 moves toward the seat cushion bracket 16 against the elastic force of the compression coil spring 46, and the seat back side locking is performed. It is separated from the plate 62. Note that the plate portion 18 of the seat cushion bracket 16 and the seat back side locking plate 62
Since the cushion plate 34 is disposed between the seat cushion bracket 16 and the seat cushion bracket 16, the seat back side locking plate 62 does not impact the plate portion 18 of the seat cushion bracket 16.

When the seat cushion side locking plate 38 is separated from the seat back side locking plate 62, the engagement between the teeth 70 and 72 is released as shown in FIG. 5C. Since the seat back side locking plate 62 is rotatable about the center line C with respect to the seat cushion side locking plate 38, the seat back can be rotated to change the reclining angle.

At a desired reclining angle, when the occupant releases the pulling of the wire 50 by releasing his / her hand from an operating member such as an operating lever, an operating dial or the like, as shown in FIG. The cushion-side locking plate 38 approaches the seat-back-side locking plate 62, and the teeth 70 and 72 engage again as shown in FIG. Thus, the seat back is locked at a predetermined reclining angle with respect to the seat cushion.

When the seat cushion side locking plate 38 approaches the seat back side locking plate 62, depending on the rotation angle of the seat back side locking plate 62, as shown in FIG. , 72 may be displaced and the vicinity of the tip of the tooth 70 and the vicinity of the tip of the tooth 72 may come into contact with each other at a stage prior to complete engagement. However, even in such a case, since the semicircular round portions 74 are formed at the tips of the teeth 70 and 72, the seat cushion side locking plate 38 approaches the seat back side locking plate 62. 5 (elastic force of the compression coil spring 46) acts obliquely at the contact portion (this force is indicated by an arrow S in FIG. 5B), and a part of the force C
This is the rotational force S1 for rotating around. As a result, while the seat back side locking plate 62 rotates, the seat cushion side locking plate 38 approaches the seat cushion side locking plate 38, and the teeth 70, 72 are completely closed as shown in FIG. Mesh with.

When the positions of the teeth 70 and 72 are misaligned as described above, in order to completely engage the teeth 70 and 72, the shapes of the teeth 70 and 72 are not necessarily limited to those described above. Absent. In short, it is sufficient if a part of the force of the seat cushion side locking plate 38 approaching the seat back side locking plate 62 is converted into a rotational force for rotating the seat back side locking plate 62 around the center line C. Yes, for example, tooth 7
The tips of 0 and 72 may be formed in a substantially triangular cross section.

As described above, in the seat recliner structure 10 according to the first embodiment, the teeth 70 and 72 are provided on the opposing surfaces of the seat cushion side locking plate 38 and the seat back side locking plate 62, respectively. The seat back is locked and unlocked by moving the seat cushion side locking plate 38 in the axial direction (the direction of the center line C), thereby reducing the size of the seat recliner structure 10. In particular, by making both the seat cushion side locking plate 38 and the seat back side locking plate 62 substantially disk-shaped (substantially plate-shaped), the teeth 70, 72 are formed by the seat cushion side locking plate 38 and the seat. It is formed near the outer periphery of the back side locking plate 62. For this reason, the seat cushion side locking plate 38 and the seat back side locking plate 62 can be made thin in the direction of the center line C, and the seat recliner structure 10 can be reduced in size.

Further, the side surfaces 70A, 70 of the teeth 70, 72
By positioning A in the plane P passing through the center line C, a large lock strength can be obtained, and the seat back can be reliably supported even when a large rotational force acts on the seat back.

FIG. 6 shows a seat recliner structure 80 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the same components and components as those of the seat recliner structure 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the seat recliner structure 80 according to the second embodiment, the teeth 70 of the first embodiment are provided on the seat back side locking plate 82 and the seat cushion side locking plate 84.
72 is not formed, and instead, a locking hole 86 formed in the seatback side locking plate 82 is formed.
Then, a locking pin 88 provided on the seat cushion side locking plate 84 is inserted and locked.

That is, as shown in detail in FIG. 8, a plurality of rows (in FIG. 8, two rows of an inner row having a radius R1 and an outer row having a radius R2) are provided at different positions in the radial direction.
A plurality of locking holes 86 are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction in each row. Also, the locking holes 86 are formed at different pitches so that the positions of the locking holes 86 in the inner row and the outer row do not coincide with each other in the circumferential direction. Lock hole 8
When a straight line L1 connecting the center of the seat back side locking plate 82 to the center of the seat back side locking plate 82 and a straight line L2 connecting the center of any locking hole 86 in the inner row and the center of the seat back side locking plate 82 are assumed. Further, the position of the locking hole 86 is determined so that these straight lines L1 and L2 do not overlap.)

As can be seen from FIG.
6 is located at the center line C
Each of the locking holes 86 is formed so as to be parallel to.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, receiving holes 90 are formed in the seat cushion side locking plate 84 at positions corresponding to the inner rows and the outer rows of the locking holes 86.
The lock pin 88 is housed in the housing 0. Furthermore, the accommodation hole 9
Corresponding to 0, a cylindrical housing cylinder 92 with a bottom is fixed to the seat cushion bracket 16 side. Housing cylinder 9
2, a compression coil spring 94 is accommodated therein.
The elastic force of the compression coil spring 94 causes the locking pin 8
8 is constantly biased toward the seat back side locking plate 62. At the rear end (left end in FIGS. 7 and 9) of the locking pin 88, a disk portion 96 having a diameter larger than that of the accommodation hole 90 is formed. , The falling off of the locking pin 88 is prevented.

The locking pin 88 has an outer peripheral surface 88A (the locking hole 8).
6 is formed in a substantially columnar shape parallel to the center line C, and its tip protrudes toward the seat cushion side locking plate 84. Furthermore, a hemispherical round portion 88 is provided at the tip (right end in FIGS.
B is formed.

In the seat recliner structure 80 according to the second embodiment, similarly to the seat recliner structure 10 according to the first embodiment, the occupant operates operation members such as an operation lever and an operation dial. FIG. 9
As shown in (A), the seat cushion side locking plate 84 approaches the seat back side locking plate 82 by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 46. One of the two locking pins 88 (the outer locking pin 88 in FIG. 9A) is inserted into the locking hole 86 and locked, and the seat back side locking is performed. Since the plate 82 does not rotate around the center line C with respect to the seat cushion side locking plate 84, the seat back does not rotate and is locked at a predetermined reclining angle.

In this state, when a large load acts on the seat back, a rotational force about the center line C acts on the seat back side locking plate 82, but the hole wall 86 A of the locking hole 86 and the locking pin 88 The outer peripheral surface 88A is formed parallel to the center line C, and the shearing force acting on the locking pin 88 and the locking hole 86 has only a circumferential component around the center line C. That is, since a part or all of the rotational force acting on the seat back side retaining plate 82 does not act as a force in the direction of the center line C (axial direction), the rotational force acts on the seat back side retaining plate 82 and the seat cushion side. The locking plate 84 does not receive a force in a direction separating from each other. Thus, even when a large load is applied to the seat back, the state in which the locking pin 88 is inserted into the locking hole 86 can be maintained only by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 46, and a large lock strength can be obtained. Can be

When changing the reclining angle of the seat back, similarly to the seat recliner structure 10 according to the first embodiment, first, the operating members such as the operating lever and the operating dial are operated, and the compression coil spring is operated. The seat cushion side locking plate 84 is separated from the seat back side locking plate 82 against the elastic force of 46. As shown in FIG. 9 (B), since the locking pin 88 comes out of the locking hole 86, the seat back side locking plate 82 becomes the seat cushion side locking plate 8
4 can rotate around the center line C, and the reclining angle of the seat back can be changed.

When the occupant releases his / her hand from the operating member at the desired reclining angle, the elastic force of the compression coil spring 46 causes the seat cushion side locking plate 8 to move.
4 approaches the seat back side locking plate 82, and the inner or outer locking pin 88 is inserted into the locking hole 86 at the corresponding position. Thus, the seat back is locked at a predetermined reclining angle with respect to the seat cushion. At this time, the locking pin 88 that has not been inserted into the locking hole 86 is pushed by the seatback-side locking plate 82 and is pushed into the housing cylinder 92 against the elastic force of the compression coil spring 94. ing.

When the seat cushion side locking plate 84 approaches the seat back side locking plate 82, the position of the locking pin 88 and the locking hole 86 depends on the rotation angle of the seat back side locking plate 82. May be shifted. However, even in such a case, since the hemispherical round portion 88B is formed at the tip of the locking pin 88, the seat cushion side locking plate 84 is
A part of the force (elastic force of the compression coil spring 46) is converted into a rotational force for rotating the seat back side locking plate 82 around the center line C. As a result, the seat cushion side locking plate 84 approaches the seat cushion side locking plate 84 while the seat back side locking plate 82 rotates, and FIG.
As shown in (A) or (B), the locking pin 88 is securely inserted into the locking hole 86.

In the seat recliner structure 80 according to the second embodiment, it is not always necessary to form the locking holes 86 in a plurality of rows. By forming the locking holes 86 at different pitches so that they do not coincide with each other in the circumferential direction, fine adjustment of the reclining angle becomes possible.
That is, as shown in FIG.
6 in addition to the case where the locking pin 88 is locked to FIG.
As shown in (C), the locking pins 8 are inserted into the locking holes 86 in the inner row.
8 can be locked, and the reclining angle can be finely adjusted. Therefore, from such a viewpoint, the reclining angle can be further finely adjusted by forming the locking holes 86 in more rows with different radii from the center line C.

FIGS. 10 to 12 show a seat recliner structure 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the same components and components as those of the seat recliner structure 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the seat recliner structure 100 according to the third embodiment, the seat cushion side locking plate 38 and the seat back side locking plate 62 of the seat recliner structure 10 according to the first embodiment are provided. The seat cushion bracket 16 and the seat back bracket 22
The teeth 70 and 72 similar to those of the first embodiment are directly formed on the facing surface of the first embodiment.

Also, the inside of the seat back frame 14,
A guide plate 102 is fixed at a center position in the width direction, and a slide plate 104 is attached so as to be slidable vertically along the guide plate 102. One end of the wire 50 is connected to the slide plate 104, and the wire 5 is operated by operating an operation member.
0 is pulled from the other end, and the slide plate 104 slides downward.

The upper ends of a pair of arms 106 are rotatably attached to both ends in the width direction of the slide plate 104 by pins 105. Further, a joint 108 is attached to a lower end of the arm 106. FIG.
As can be seen from FIG. 1, the joint 108 is gradually reduced in diameter at the distal end side, and the large diameter portion 110 and the small diameter portion 11
2 is formed, and the end face 110A of the large diameter portion 110 is
Insertion hole 1 formed in seat cushion bracket 16
14 and strikes the seat back bracket 22. The small diameter portion 112 is inserted into an insertion hole 116 formed in the seat back bracket 22. The center line C of the small diameter portion 112 is the center of rotation of the seat back.

When the two arms 106 are substantially linear and the lower end of the seat back frame 14 is widened, the seat back bracket 22 separates from the seat cushion bracket 16 and the engagement of the teeth 70 and 72 is released. In this case, the length of the arm 106 is determined.

In the seat recliner structure 100 according to the third embodiment, as shown by a solid line in FIG.
In a state where 0 is not pulled, the seat back bracket 22 is urged toward the seat cushion bracket 16 due to the elasticity of the seat back frame 14, and the teeth 70 and 72 are engaged.

By operating the operating member, the wire 50
Is pulled and the slide plate 104 slides downward, so that the interval between the other ends of the arms 106 increases. As a result, the end surface 110A of the large diameter portion 110 of the joint 108 pushes the seat back bracket 22 outward, so that the lower end of the seat back frame 14 is pushed out against its own elastic force. Therefore, the seat back bracket 22 is separated from the seat cushion bracket 16 and the engagement of the teeth 70 and 72 is released, so that the seat back can be rotated around the center line C.

When the pulling of the wire 50 is released, the seat back bracket 22 approaches the seat cushion bracket 16 due to the elasticity of the seat back frame 14, and the teeth 70 and 72 engage with each other. Locked at an angle.

As described above, in the seat recliner structure 100 according to the third embodiment, the teeth 7 are directly attached to the seat cushion bracket 16 and the seat back bracket 22.
0, 72 and the seat back frame 14
The teeth 70 and 72 are engaged by utilizing the elasticity of the seat recliner structure 10 according to the first embodiment.
As compared with the seat recliner structure 80 according to the second embodiment, the number of parts constituting the seat recliner structure 100 is reduced, and the structure is simplified. In addition, it is possible to reduce the weight by reducing the number of parts.

FIG. 13 shows a seat recliner structure 120 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the seat recliner structure 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.
The same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements, constituent members, and the like, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the seat recliner structure 120 according to the fourth embodiment, the shaft 122 is provided in the seat cushion.
Are rotatably supported. A right-handed screw 124 is formed near one end of the shaft 122, and a left-handed screw 126 is formed on one end thereof. The right screw 124 is a female screw 1 formed at the center of the seat cushion side locking plate 128.
29. Further, a rectangular insertion portion 130 erected from the seat cushion side locking plate 128 is inserted into the insertion hole 134 of the seat cushion bracket 132 without a gap, and is completely fixed by welding or the like. Further, the rear end of the seat cushion frame 12 is completely fixed to the seat cushion bracket 132 by welding, bolting, or the like.

On the other hand, the left screw 126 is screwed into a female screw 137 formed at the center of the seat back side locking plate 136. Further, a rectangular insertion portion 138 erected from the seat back side locking plate 136 is inserted into the insertion hole 142 of the seat back bracket 140 without a gap, and is completely fixed by welding or the like. Further, the lower end of the seat back frame 14 is completely fixed to the seat back bracket 140 by welding, bolting, or the like.

The seat cushion side locking plate 128 may be formed integrally with the seat cushion bracket 132, or the seat back side locking plate 136 may be formed integrally with the seat back bracket 140. By being integrated in this way, while reducing the number of parts,
The weight can be reduced.

An operation dial 144 is attached to one end of the shaft 122, and the shaft 122 can be rotated by rotating the operation dial 144. Then, the shaft 122 is moved in one direction (arrow A direction).
, The seat back side locking plate 136 and the seat cushion side locking plate 128 are separated from each other, and when rotated in the other direction (the direction of arrow B), they approach each other.

A case 146 is arranged between the seat back bracket 140 and the operation dial 144, and is fixed to the seat back bracket 140. Case 14
6, a spiral coil spring 148 is housed therein, the inner end of which is on the shaft 122 and the outer end of which is the case 146.
Respectively. Spiral coil spring 14
8 urges the shaft 122 to rotate in the direction of arrow B (the rotational direction in which the seat back side locking plate 136 and the seat cushion side locking plate 128 approach).

A plurality of teeth 150, 152 centered on the center line C are provided at the outer peripheral positions of the opposing surfaces of the seat cushion side locking plate 128 and the seat back side locking plate 136.
Are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. As shown in detail in FIG. 14, the teeth 150 and 152 have a locking portion 154 parallel to the center line C and a seat cushion side locking plate 128 or a seat back side locking diagonally from the locking portion 154. A tapered portion 156 approaching the plate 136 is formed. In addition, the direction of the teeth 150 and 152 (the locking portion 1)
The positional relationship between the seat back side locking plate 136 and the tapered portion 156 is determined when the seat back side locking plate 136 is rotated in the direction of increasing the reclining angle (the direction of arrow B).
The locking portions 154 of the pins 0 and 152 are in contact with each other so that the rotation is prevented.

In the seat recliner structure 120 according to the fourth embodiment, when the occupant does not operate the operation dial, as shown in FIG. 14A, the shaft 122 is moved by the elastic force of the spiral coil spring. The seat cushion side locking plate 128 is rotated and urged in the direction of arrow B, and approaches the seat back side locking plate 136. Tooth 15
Since the locking portions 154 are in contact with the engaging portions 0 and 152, a load acts on the seat back from the occupant, and the rotational force in the direction of increasing the reclining angle acts on the seat back side locking plate 136. Also, the seat back side locking plate 136 does not rotate around the center line C with respect to the seat cushion side locking plate 128. As a result, the seat back does not rotate, and is locked at a predetermined reclining angle.

The locking portions 154 of the teeth 150 and 152
Are formed parallel to the center line C, so that the teeth 150,
The shearing force acting on 152 acts only in the circumferential direction around the center line C. Thereby, even if a large load acts on the seat back, the seat back side locking plate 136 and the seat cushion side locking plate 128 are not deformed.
Since the teeth 70 and 72 can maintain the engaged state, a large lock strength can be obtained.

To change the reclining angle of the seat back, the operation dial 144 is rotated in the direction of arrow A. As a result, the shaft 122 also rotates in the direction of arrow A, and the seat cushion side locking plate 128 and the seat back side locking plate 136 are separated from each other, and as shown in FIG. The engagement is released. Since the seat back side locking plate 136 is rotatable about the center line C with respect to the seat cushion side locking plate 128, the seat back can be rotated to change the reclining angle.

When the occupant releases his hand from the operation dial with the desired reclining angle, the shaft 122 rotates in the direction of arrow B due to the elastic force of the spiral coil spring 148.
8 and the seat back side locking plate 136 approach each other, and the teeth 150 and 152 engage. Thus, the seat back is locked at a predetermined reclining angle with respect to the seat cushion.

When the seat cushion side locking plate 128 approaches the seat back side locking plate 136, the teeth 150, 152 depend on the rotation angle of the seat back side locking plate 136.
Before engagement, the tapered portions 156 of each tooth 150, 152 may come into contact. Even in this case, the seat back side locking plate 136 and the seat cushion side locking plate 128 approach each other while rotating due to the circumferential force of the center line C received from the tapered portion 156, and FIG.
As shown in (A), the teeth 150, 152 engage.

As described above, the seat recliner structure 120 according to the fourth embodiment has a simple structure in which the shaft 122 is simply inserted through the seat back side locking plate 136 and the seat cushion side locking plate 128. In addition, the seat recliner structure 120 can be configured, and the size can be reduced.

In order to move the seat back side locking plate 136 and the seat cushion side locking plate 128 toward and away from each other by rotating the shaft 122 in this manner, the shaft 1
It is not necessary that both the right-handed screw 124 and the left-handed screw 126 be formed on the 22, and only one of these male screws may be used. That is, the locking plate to which the external thread is not screwed is inserted through the shaft 122 so as to be immovable in the direction of the center line C and rotatable relative to the shaft 122 around the center line C. I just need. Even with such a configuration, when the shaft 122 is rotated in one direction, the locking plate to which the male screw is screwed comes into contact with and separates from the locking plate to which the male screw is not screwed.

Further, the seat recliner structure 120 according to the fourth embodiment may be formed not only at one end of the shaft 122 but also at both ends. With the configuration at both ends of the shaft 122, the load applied to the seat back is shared and supported by the two seat recliner structures 120, so that greater lock strength can be obtained. When the seat recliner structure 120 is provided at both ends of the shaft 122, the shaft 122 is divided in advance at the center, and the shafts 122 divided from both sides in the width direction of the seat are screwed into the female screws 129 and 137. By assembling them, assembly can be facilitated. In addition, by connecting the shafts 122 after assembly, the entire shaft 122 can be rotated by a single operation, which facilitates the operation.

Further, the spiral coil spring 148 is not always necessary, and the seat back side locking plate 136 and the seat cushion side locking plate 128 may be brought into contact with and separated from each other only by operating the operation dial.

Further, the correspondence between each seat recliner structure and the locking means is not necessarily limited to the above. For example, the teeth 70 and 72 of the first embodiment, the locking holes 86 and the locking pins 88 of the second embodiment are provided on the seat recliner structure 120 of the fourth embodiment, The teeth 150 and 152 of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.
It may be provided in the seat recliner structure 10 of the third embodiment or the seat recliner structure 100 of the third embodiment.

Further, the seat recliner structure of the present invention
The present invention is not limited to automobile seats, and can be adopted for any type of seat that locks a seat back at a predetermined reclining angle with respect to a seat cushion.

[0093]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a seat recliner structure for fixing a seat back to a seat cushion at a predetermined reclining angle, the seat back is attached to the seat cushion and rotates about a rotation axis of the seat back. A substantially plate-shaped first locking member disabled, and a substantially plate-shaped second locking member attached to the seatback so as to face the first locking member in the rotation axis direction of the seatback. A member, supporting means for supporting at least one of the first locking member and the second locking member with respect to the other so as to be able to contact and separate in the rotation axis direction of the seat back; The first locking member is formed at a portion facing the second locking member, and locks when the first locking member and the second locking member approach each other, so that the first locking member and the second locking member cannot be rotated relative to each other. Stop means Since having a small and a large locking strength can be obtained.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the shear force acting on the locking means due to the relative rotational force between the first locking member and the second locking member is:
Since the locking means is formed so as to act in the circumferential direction of the rotation of the seat back, a large lock strength can be obtained.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the locking means is formed radially with respect to a rotation axis of the seat back, and engages in a plane including the rotation axis. Since it has locking teeth with locking surfaces to stop,
A large lock strength can be obtained.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the locking means includes one of the first locking member and the second locking member for rotating the seat back. A plurality of locking holes formed at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction, and the other of the first locking member and the second locking member,
A locking pin insertably provided in the locking hole, the locking hole and the engagement hole being arranged such that a contact surface between the locking hole and the locking pin is parallel to a rotation axis direction of the seat back. Since the shape of the stop pin is determined, a large lock strength can be obtained.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the locking holes are formed in a plurality of rows at different positions in the radial direction of the rotation of the seat back.
Since the pitch of the locking holes is different for each row, and a plurality of the locking pins are provided corresponding to the plurality of rows of the locking holes, fine adjustment of the reclining angle of the seat back. Becomes possible.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the support means comprises a seatback frame constituting the seatback or a seat constituting the seat cushion. Since the cushion frame is elastically deformed to support at least one of the first locking member and the second locking member so as to be separated from the other, the seat recliner structure has a simple structure. It becomes possible.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the support means is provided on at least one of the first locking member and the second locking member. Since it is a male screw member that is screwed and rotates to bring the first locking member and the second locking member into and out of contact with each other, the entire seat recliner structure can be made compact and simple.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a seat recliner structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a locked state of the seat recliner structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an unlocked state of the seat recliner structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view partially showing a seat cushion side locking plate and a seat back side locking plate of the seat recliner structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a meshing state of the teeth of the seat recliner structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 5A shows a completely meshed state, FIG. 5B shows a meshing state, and FIG. The state in which the meshing is released is shown.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a seat recliner structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

7A and 7B show a seat cushion side locking plate of a seat recliner structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 7A is a front view and FIG. 7B is a partially cutaway side view.

8A and 8B show a seat back side locking plate of a seat recliner structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 8A is a front view and FIG. 8B is a partially cutaway side view.

FIG. 9 illustrates a locking state between a locking pin and a locking hole of the seat recliner structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
(A) and (C) show the locked state, and (B) shows the unlocked state, respectively.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a seat recliner structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention from the front side of a vehicle.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a seat recliner structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a partially enlarged seat recliner structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a seat recliner structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show a meshed state of the teeth of the seat recliner structure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 14A shows a completely meshed state and FIG. .

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a conventional seat recliner structure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 seat recliner structure 38 seat cushion side locking plate (first locking member) 52 pin (support means) 62 seat back side locking plate (second locking member) 70 teeth (locking teeth, locking means) 70A side surface (locking surface) 72 teeth (locking teeth, locking means) 80 seat recliner structure 82 seat cushion side locking plate (first locking member) 84 seat back side locking plate (second locking member) 86 Locking hole (locking means) 86A Hole wall (contact surface) 88 Locking pin (locking means) 88A Outer peripheral surface (contact surface) 100 Sheet recliner structure 106 Arm (supporting means) 120 Sheet recliner structure 122 Shaft (male screw member, support means) 132 Seat cushion side locking plate (first locking member) 134 Seat back side locking plate (second locking member)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yasuo Fujioka 1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Inside Toyota Motor Corporation (72) Inventor Noriaki Nishino 1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Inside Toyota Motor Corporation ( 72) Inventor Yoshihisa Serizawa 1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Toyota Motor Corporation F-term (reference) 3B087 BD03 3B099 AA01 AA03 AA05 BA04 CA02 CA30 EA03

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A seat recliner structure for fixing a seat back to a seat cushion at a predetermined reclining angle, wherein a substantially plate-shaped second member is attached to the seat cushion and cannot rotate around a rotation axis of the seat back. A first locking member, a substantially plate-shaped second locking member attached to the seat back so as to face the first locking member in the rotation axis direction of the seat back, and the first locking member And support means for supporting at least one of the second locking members so as to be able to approach and separate from the other in the direction of the rotation axis of the seat back; and at an opposing portion of the first locking member and the second locking member. Locking means formed when the first locking member and the second locking member approach each other to lock the first locking member and the second locking member from rotating relative to each other. Toss Seat recliner structure. 2. The locking means according to claim 1, wherein a shearing force acting on said locking means by a relative rotational force between said first locking member and said second locking member acts in a circumferential direction of rotation of said seat back. The seat recliner structure according to claim 1, wherein the seat recliner structure is formed. 3. The locking means is formed radially with respect to a rotation axis of the seat back,
The seat recliner structure according to claim 2, further comprising a locking tooth provided with a locking surface that locks in a plane including the rotation shaft. 4. A plurality of locking holes formed in the one of the first locking member and the second locking member at predetermined intervals along a circumferential direction of the rotation of the seat back. And a locking pin provided on the other of the first locking member and the second locking member so as to be inserted into the locking hole, and a contact surface between the locking hole and the locking pin. 3. The seat recliner structure according to claim 2, wherein the shape of the locking hole and the locking pin is determined so that the shape is parallel to the rotation axis direction of the seat back. 5. The locking pin is formed in a plurality of rows at different positions in a radial direction of the rotation of the seat back, and formed such that a pitch of the locking holes differs in each row. The seat recliner structure according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of locking holes are provided corresponding to a plurality of rows of the locking holes. 6. The at least one of the first locking member and the second locking member by elastically deforming the seat back frame constituting the seat back or the seat cushion frame constituting the seat cushion. The seat recliner structure according to claim 1, wherein one is supported so as to be separated from the other. 7. A male screw that is screwed to at least one of the first locking member and the second locking member, and that rotates and separates the first locking member and the second locking member. The seat recliner structure according to claim 1, wherein the seat recliner structure is a member.