JP2008142538A - Double directional control device for hinge mechanisms, hinge assembly including the device, and seat including the assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small and simple control device for a hinge mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: A control device for controlling a hinge mechanism in first and second opposite directions (9, 13), control device comprising a first control member (19) mounted to pivot about a pivot axis (Y) and a second control member (33) mounted to pivot about the same pivot axis (Y) and connected to the first control member via a spring clutch (38, 24) adapted to couple together the first and second control members only when the second control member is turning in the second angular direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a two-way control device for a hinge mechanism, a hinge assembly including the device, and a seat including the hinge assembly.

More particularly, the present invention controls a hinge mechanism having an actuating member (central shaft, central cam or some other actuating member) mounted to pivot about a pivot axis in first and second opposite directions. The two-way control device for
A first control member mounted to pivot about a pivot axis and designed to be coupled to an actuating member of a hinge mechanism for direct movement of the actuating member;
And a second control member configured to move the first control member in a second angular direction.

  FR-A-2816260 describes an example of such a control device that works well but is large and complex.

  A specific object of the present invention is to alleviate these drawbacks.

  In order to achieve this object, according to the present invention, a control device of this kind is mounted such that the second control member pivots about the pivot axis and the second control member is the second. The first and second control members are connected to the first control member via a spring clutch configured to connect both the first and second control members only when rotating in the angle direction.

  With these features, the control device can be made smaller and easier with the first and second control members being mounted to pivot about the same axis and with the spring clutch.

In various embodiments of the controller of the present invention, one or more of the following features may optionally be used:
The spring clutch has a helical clutch spring that cooperates by meshing with an annular clutch face that is integral with or fixed to the first control member, the clutch spring being fixed to the second control member. A first end and a second end (directly or otherwise) coupled to the support, the clutch spring having a second control member with respect to the support Configured to couple the first and second control members together only when rotating in an angular direction;
The clutch surface is a peripheral outer surface belonging to a first control member that takes the form of a central shaft, the clutch spring surrounds the clutch surface, and the clutch spring has a second control member that is Arranged to be tightly clamped around the clutch face while rotating angularly;
The second end of the clutch spring causes the clutch spring and the first and second control members to move when the first and second control members are coupled together by the spring clutch and rotate together in the second angular direction. Connected to the support via a return spring configured to elastically bias in one angular direction;
The return spring has a first end coupled to the second end of the clutch spring and a second end secured to the support;
The second end of the clutch spring simply contacts and supports the first end of the return spring in the second angular direction;
The second end of the clutch spring is fixed or integrated with the first end of the return spring;
The return spring is formed of one part with the clutch spring;
The return spring has a stiffness greater than that of the clutch spring;
The first control member takes the form of a central shaft, the clutch spring and the return spring are disposed around the first control member, and the return spring has the first and second control members in a second angular direction. Surrounds the first control member with sufficient clearance so as not to disturb the first control member while rotating with the clutch spring;
The return spring is surrounded by the support and the first control member is mounted for pivoting in the support;
The clutch spring is surrounded by a second control member that cooperates by meshing with the support;
The control device further comprises a pulley fixed to the second control device and designed to receive the control cable;
The pulley is connected to the second control member via a ratchet coupling that allows the pulley to move relative to the second control member only in the first angular direction;
The pulley has a central hole with which a second control member engages, the pulley has at least one key projecting inwardly into the hole, and the key is provided on the second control member and pivoted. Engaged with a circumferential groove extending in a plane extending radially relative to;
The circumferential groove communicates with an axial channel provided in the second control member and configured to allow the pulley to axially engage the second control member;
The pulley includes at least one elastic tongue extending inwardly from the base to the free end in the hole, and the elastic tongue is inclined in the second angular direction from the base to the free end, and the elastic The free end of the tongue contacts and supports a set of surrounding teeth formed around the second control member.

The present invention also provides
A control device as described above;
First and second cheek plates mounted to pivot relative to each other about the pivot axis, and selectively allow the first and second cheek plates to pivot relative to each other A hinge mechanism having an actuating member attached to the first control member and pivoted about the pivot axis in first and second angular directions;
A hinge assembly comprising:

  Optionally, the support can be secured to the first cheek plate.

  Finally, the present invention also includes first and second cheek plates of the hinge mechanism, having first and second seat elements mounted so as to pivot relative to each other and controlled by the hinge assembly described above. Each provide a vehicle seat coupled to one of the first and second seat elements.

In various embodiments of the sheet of the present invention, one or more of the following features may optionally be used:
A first control member is secured to the handle;
The seat further includes a manual actuator coupled to the second control member via a cable and configured to move the second control member in a second angular direction;
The cable is partially wound around the pulley;
The cable has virtually no slack.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of two embodiments, given for the purpose of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the various figures, the same reference signs designate the same or similar elements.

  FIG. 1 shows, for example, a seat 2 mounted on a vehicle floor 3 via a runner 4 and a backrest 5 mounted to turn around a horizontal horizontal axis Y on the seat 2. 1 shows a seat 1 of an automobile having, for example, a front seat.

  The backrest 5 is attached to the seat 2 using at least one hinge mechanism 6 having two control directions.

The hinge mechanism 6 is connected to the control device 7 via
By actuating the handle 8 or some other manual actuator, for example in the first angular direction 9 to allow the angle of the backrest to be adjusted to optimize user comfort,
Alternatively, the handle 10 at the top of the backrest 5, which is at an angle opposite to the direction 9 described above to enable the backrest 5 to be folded forward, for example, by actuating the handle 10 in the direction indicated by the arrow 12 By actuating the hinge mechanism 6 in the direction 13, for example by actuating the handle 10 (or some other manual actuating device) connected to the control device 7 via the cable 11,
Be controlled.

  This backrest can be folded forward in this way until it reaches a horizontal position or until it reaches an inclined position that facilitates access to the rear seat of the vehicle, in particular a three-door vehicle (in the case of a three-door vehicle, the backrest 5 Fold forward at approximately the same time as the runner 4 is released to allow the seat 2 to slide forward).

  As shown in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hinge mechanism 5 can include, for example, a first cheek plate 14 and a second cheek plate 15, one of which is fixed to the frame 5 a of the backrest 5. The other is fixed to the frame 2a of the seat 2 (usually, the first cheek plate 14 and the second cheek plate 15 of the hinge mechanism are attached to the first and second cheeks so as to pivot relative to each other). Two seat elements, optionally the first and second seat elements are different from the backrest and seat).

  The first cheek plate 14 and the second cheek plate 15 are mounted to pivot relative to each other and can be coupled together, for example, using a crimp ring 17 or by some other means.

  The hinge mechanism 6 is controlled by an actuating member mounted to be moved in the angular direction 9 or the angular direction 13.

  In the embodiment shown, this actuating member takes the form of an actuating shaft 18 but can optionally be in any other form (in particular, the actuating member is centrally located inside the hinge mechanism 6). Can be configured with control cam).

  In particular, examples of a hinge mechanism 6 to which the actuating member is mounted so as to move in two opposite angular directions are given in FR-A-2836874 and FR-A-2873633.

  The control device 7, which is clearly shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, includes a first control member 19 which can be in the form of a hollow metal center shaft, for example.

  The first control member 19 is centered on the head 20 that is relatively far from the hinge mechanism 6 and the pivot axis Y, and extends along the axis Y from the head 20 to the vicinity of the first cheek plate 14 of the hinge mechanism. A cylindrical main body 21.

  The main body 21 of the first control member has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the head 20.

  The main body 21 of the first control member has a cylindrical cavity 22 formed therein, into which the central shaft 18 of the hinge mechanism is press-fitted to fix the first control member to the central shaft 18. The Optionally, the central shaft 18 can include external flutes as shown in the drawings to facilitate securing the first control member 19 to the central shaft 18.

  The head 20 of the first control member can comprise an internal cavity 23, for example a quadrilateral cavity, which can optionally communicate with the cavity 22 described above. The cavity 23 makes it possible to fix the handle 8 described above on the head 20 of the first control member.

  The main body 21 of the first control member 19 is a cylindrical shape that is mounted so as to pivot within a bearing portion 25 inside a sleeve-shaped rigid support 26 fixed to the first cheek plate 14 of the hinge mechanism. Of the outer surface 24. For this purpose, the support 26 can be provided with a hole 27 in its end face 28 which is arranged in contact with the first cheek plate 14. The first cheek plate 14 includes a protrusion 29 that engages with the hole 27.

  The support 26 has an annular side wall 30 that surrounds the outer surface 24 of the first control member 19. The side wall 30 has a first segment 31 extending from the bearing portion 25 toward the head 20 of the first control member, and an annular space around the main body of the first control member. A second segment 32 extending from one segment toward the head 20 of the first control member and having an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the first segment 31.

  The support 26 can be made of, for example, a molded plastic material or a cast light alloy. The control device 7 further comprises a second control member 33 which can be made of a molded plastic material and is generally in the shape of a cylindrical sleeve centered on the pivot axis Y.

  The second control device 33 faces away from the hinge mechanism 6 and is in the vicinity of the end surface 35 that abuts in the axial direction against the large-diameter head 20 of the first control member. 24 has a bearing portion 34 mounted to swivel on 24.

  The second control member extends in the axial direction from the bearing portion 34 toward the hinge mechanism 6 via a side wall 36 engaged around the side wall 30 of the support body 26. In addition, the second control member 33 also extends axially toward the hinge mechanism 6 around the body 21 of the first control member inside the side wall 36 and is spaced from the outer surface 24 of the body 21. 37.

  This annular wall 37 is arranged inside the second segment 32 on the side wall of the support 26 and comprises a notch 37a (see FIGS. 3, 5 and 8).

  Between the wall 37 and the outer surface 24 of the main body of the first control member there is arranged a clutch spring 38 in the form of a metal helical spring that surrounds the outer surface 24 with a very small gap in the embodiment shown. Yes.

  The clutch spring 38 has a first end 39 that extends parallel to the pivot axis Y in the axial direction, and the first end 39 is constrained to perform the second control. It is received in an axial channel 40 provided in the bearing part 34 of the second control member for rotation with the member 33 (see FIGS. 4 and 10).

  The clutch spring 38 also has a second end 41 extending radially in the notch 37 a of the wall 37 with respect to the axis Y.

  The control device 7 also has a return spring 42 of larger diameter (optionally greater stiffness) relative to the clutch spring 38, which is received inside the first segment 31 on the side wall of the support 26. It is done.

  The return spring 42 takes the form of a metal helical spring having a first end 43 that intersects the second end 41 of the clutch spring and extends parallel to the axis Y, for example. The second end 41 of the clutch spring is configured to abut on the first end 43 of the return spring in the second angular direction 13. The return spring 42 also has a second end 44 that extends axially parallel to the axis Y and extends through an axial channel 45 provided in the bearing 25 of the support 26 (FIGS. 5, 7 and 9).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, in the vicinity of the head 20 of the first control member, the second control member 33 has a set of peripheral teeth 46 around which a pulley 47 is engaged. This pulley can be made, for example, from a molded plastic material.

  The pulley 47 has a peripheral groove 48 around which the cable 11 is wound. The end of the cable 11 is fixed to the end of the cable 11 and engaged with a slot 50 provided around the pulley 47, for example. It is fixed to the pulley 47 using a stud 49.

  The pulley 47 includes a central hole 51 that is engaged around a set of teeth 46 of the second control member. Furthermore, the pulley 47 has at least one claw that is formed by the elastic tongue 52 formed of the pulley and one part and protrudes toward the inside of the hole 51. (See Figures 4, 5, 6, 6a and 10). Each tongue 52 cooperates with a set of teeth 46 to allow the pulley 47 to rotate and move on the second control member 33 in the first angular direction 9 by the ratchet effect, This is not possible in the second angular direction 13. In the embodiment considered herein, the pulley 47 comprises six elastic tongues 52 distributed at an angle around the second control member 33.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 6a, in order to achieve this ratchet effect, each elastic tongue 52 can extend obliquely from its base to its free end, for example in the second angular direction 13. Each tooth of the set of teeth 46 is advantageously
A stop surface 46a that receives the free end of the tongue 52 and forms contact with the free end when the pulley 47 pivots in the second angular direction 13;
When the pulley 47 is moved in the first angular direction 9, the free end of the tongue 52 can have a cam surface 46b that slides on it while bending.

  The stop surface 46a can form an angle α of, for example, less than 45 ° with respect to the radial direction R passing through the apex of the teeth, while the cam surface 46b forms an angle β with respect to the direction R of greater than 45 °. (Α can be, for example, about 30 °, and β can be, for example, about 60 °).

  In addition, the pulley 47 has at least one key 53 that engages the peripheral groove 54 of the second control member (in this example, two keys 53 engaged in each of the two grooves 54).

  In order to facilitate the engagement of the pulley 47 with the second control member 33, each groove 54 is provided in the pulley 47 by simply engaging with each other in the axial direction parallel to the axis Y. Each axial channel 55 that opens outwardly communicates.

  Each axial channel 55 is arranged in alignment with a corresponding key 53, so that when attached to a control device, the pulley 47 is axially interfitted onto the second control member 33 and at the same time the key 53 Are placed in place so that each key 53 is found in a respective one of the grooves 54 by axially entering the corresponding channel 55 and then pivoting the pulley 47 in a first angular direction. It is possible.

  In the embodiment considered herein, each groove 54 communicates with one of its two axial channels 55 at its end and is axially located at the final end of the groove 54 in a first angular direction 9. The channel 55 serves only for the optional removal of the pulley 47.

  During the above-described movement relating to the rotation of the pulley 47 in the first angular direction 9, the cable 11 is partly wound in the pulley groove 48, thereby making it possible to remove any slack in the cable 11.

  The apparatus described above operates as follows.

  When the user desires to adjust the angular position of the backrest 5 to improve comfort, the user operates the handle 8 in the angular direction 9. In this case, the movement of the handle 8 is directly transmitted to the central shaft 18 of the hinge mechanism 6 and the hinge mechanism is released so that the above-mentioned angle adjustment can be performed. While the handle 8 pivots with the first control member 19 and the central shaft 18, the outer surface 24 of the first control member slides inside the clutch spring 38 that remains stationary. When the backrest 5 is adjusted, the user releases the handle 8, which returns to its initial position via one or more springs included in the hinge mechanism 6.

  For example, when the user wishes to fold the backrest 5 to access the rear seat of a three-door vehicle, the user activates the handle 10 located at the top of the backrest, thereby pulling the cable 11 and pulling the pulley 47 in the direction described above. Rotate in the angular direction 13 opposite to 9. The elastic tongue 52 of the pulley 47 then cooperates with a set of teeth 46 to drive the second control member 33 in the second angular direction 13. The first end 39 of the clutch spring 38 is also engaged with the axial channel 40 of the second control member 33 and is therefore driven in the first angular direction. In addition, the second end 41 of the clutch spring 38 is held substantially stationary by contacting and supporting the first end 43 of the return spring 42 so that the clutch spring 38 is Tightly around the outer surface 24 of the first control member, thereby coupling the first control member 19 to the second control member 33.

  Therefore, the first control member 19 is driven in the second angular direction 13 together with the central shaft 18 of the hinge mechanism 6 as a result. While the first control member 19 is driven in the second angular direction 13, the return spring 42 is now pulled, thereby maintaining the tight tightening of the clutch spring 38 on the outer surface 24 of the first control member. While being able to continue this movement.

  At the end of this movement, the hinge mechanism 6 is released, for example allowing the backrest 5 to be folded forward. When the user releases the handle 10, and optionally after the backrest 5 has returned to its starting position, the clutch spring 38 is loosened, so that the first control member 19 and the central shaft 18 are not affected or hinged. Based on one or more springs inside the mechanism 6, they can return to their initial positions, while the second control member 33 can be affected by the return spring 42 to return to its initial position.

  The second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 is similar in structure and method of operation to the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described again in detail below.

  In the second embodiment, the first actuating member has a small diameter end 21 a opposite the head 20, and the clutch spring 38 and return spring 42 are one from a single coil of elastic metal wire 57. It differs from the first embodiment described above only in that it is formed of parts. In this embodiment, the clutch spring 38 is constituted by the portion of the winding 57 that faces the larger diameter portion of the body 21 of the first control member, while the return spring 42 has a smaller diameter. It is comprised by the part of the coil | winding 57 located facing the edge part 21a. In this embodiment, the second end 58a of the clutch spring 38 is constituted by the last turn of the spring 38 away from the first end 39, while in this embodiment the return spring 42 is provided. The first end portion 58 b of the coil is constituted by the next winding of the winding 57.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner wall 37 of the second control member is removed.

It is the schematic of the vehicle seat in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a hinge assembly having the seat of FIG. 1 and having a hinge mechanism associated with a controller. It is an axial sectional view of the 2nd hinge assembly in a 1st embodiment of a control device. It is a disassembled perspective view of the control apparatus of FIG. 3 seen from one direction of two opposite directions. It is a disassembled perspective view of the control apparatus of FIG. 3 seen from the other direction of two opposite directions. FIG. 5 is an end view of the control device of FIG. 4 as viewed from the direction VI of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail view of FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is an end view of the control device of FIG. 5 as viewed from the direction VII of FIG. 5. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the control device of FIG. 3 at a stationary position along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the control device of FIG. 3 at a stationary position along line IX-IX of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the control device of FIG. 3 at a stationary position along line XX of FIG. 3. It is a figure similar to FIG. 3 in 2nd Embodiment of a control apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view of the control apparatus of FIG. 11 seen from one direction of two opposite directions. It is a disassembled perspective view of the control apparatus of FIG. 11 seen from the other direction of two opposite directions.

Claims (24)

Two-way controller for controlling a hinge mechanism (6) including an actuating member (18) mounted to pivot about a pivot axis (Y) in first and second opposite directions (9, 13) Because
A first control member (19) mounted to pivot about the pivot axis (Y) and designed to be coupled to an actuating member (18) of the hinge mechanism for direct movement of the actuating member When,
A second control member (33) configured to move the first control member (19) in the second angular direction;
The second control member (33) is attached so as to pivot about the pivot axis (Y), and the second control member (33) rotates in the second angular direction (13). Only when the first and second control members (19, 33) are coupled to the first control member (19) via a spring clutch (38, 24) configured to couple together. A two-way control device.   The spring clutch (38, 24) includes a helical clutch spring (38) that cooperates by engaging with an annular clutch surface (24) that is integral with or fixed to the first control member (19). The clutch spring (38) includes a first end (39) fixed to the second control member (33) and a second end (41) connected to the support (26). 58a), and the clutch spring (38) is provided only when the second control member (33) rotates in the second angular direction (13) with respect to the support (26). The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to connect the first and second control members (19, 33) together.   The clutch surface (24) is a peripheral outer surface belonging to the first control member (19) in the form of a central shaft, and the clutch spring (38) surrounds the clutch surface (24), and the clutch spring (38) is arranged to be tightly clamped around the clutch surface (24) while the second control member (33) rotates in the second angular direction (13) relative to the support. The control device according to claim 2.   The second end (41, 58a) of the clutch spring (38) is connected to the second and second control members (19, 33) by the spring clutch (38, 24). When rotating together in the angular direction (13), the clutch spring (38) and the first and second control members (19, 33) are elastically biased in the first angular direction (9). The control device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control device is connected to the support body (26) via a return spring (42) configured as described above.   The return spring (42) includes a first end (43, 58b) connected to a second end (41, 58a) of the clutch spring and a second end fixed to the support (26). 5. The control device according to claim 4, having an end (44).   The second end (41) of the clutch spring (38) simply contacts and supports the first end (43) of the return spring in the second angular direction (13). Item 6. The control device according to Item 5.   The control device according to claim 5, wherein the second end (58a) of the clutch spring (38) is fixed or integrated with the first end (58b) of the return spring (42).   The control device according to claim 7, wherein the return spring (42) is formed of one piece with the clutch spring (38).   The control device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the return spring (42) has a rigidity greater than that of the clutch spring (38).   The first control member (19) takes the form of a central shaft, and the clutch spring (38) and the return spring (42) are arranged around the first control member (19) and the return spring ( 42) with a sufficient clearance so as not to disturb the first control member (19) while the first and second control members rotate with the clutch spring in the second angular direction (13). 10. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the control device surrounds the first control member.   11. The return spring (42) is surrounded by the support (26) and the first control member (19) is mounted to pivot in the support (26). Control device.   12. Control device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the clutch spring (38) is surrounded by the second control member (33) which cooperates by engaging with the support (26).   Control device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a pulley (47) fixed to the second control device (33) and designed to receive a control cable (11).   The pulley (47) is a ratchet cup that allows the pulley (47) to move by rotating relatively around the second control member (33) only in the first angular direction (9). 14. Control device according to claim 13, connected to the second control member (33) via a ring (52, 46).   The pulley (47) has a central hole (51) with which the second control member (33) engages, and the pulley (47) has at least one key (53) protruding inwardly into the hole. The key (53) is engaged with a peripheral groove (54) provided in the second control member (33) and extending in a plane extending in a radial direction with respect to the pivot axis (Y). Item 15. The control device according to Item 14.   The peripheral groove (54) is provided in the second control member (33) so as to be able to mesh the pulley (47) with the second control member (33) in the axial direction. 16. A control device according to claim 15, in communication with a further axial channel (55).   The pulley (47) comprises at least one elastic tongue (52) extending inwardly from the base to the free end in the hole (51), the elastic tongue (52) extending from its base to its free end. Inclined to the second angular direction (13), the free end of the elastic tongue contacts the peripheral set of teeth (46) formed around the second control member (33) The control apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, wherein A control device (7) according to any of the preceding claims;
A hinge mechanism (6),
First and second cheek plates (14, 15) mounted to swivel relative to each other about a pivot axis (Y), and the first and second cheek plates (14, 15) The first control member (19) is mounted to pivot about the pivot axis in first and second angular directions (9, 13) to selectively enable relative pivoting. A hinge mechanism having an actuating member (18) secured thereto;
A hinge assembly.   19. A hinge assembly according to claim 18, comprising a control device (7) according to claim 2, wherein a support (26) is fixed to the first cheek plate (14).   20. First and second seat elements (5, 2), mounted so as to pivot relative to each other and controlled by a hinge assembly (6, 7) according to claim 18 or 19, comprising: A vehicle seat in which the first and second cheek plates (14, 15) are connected to one of the first and second seat elements (5, 2), respectively.   21. Seat according to claim 20, wherein the first control member (19) is fixed to the handle (8).   It further includes a manual actuator (10) coupled to the second control member (33) via a cable (11) and configured to move the second control member in a second angular direction (13). The sheet according to claim 20 or 21.   A seat according to claim 22, comprising a control device (7) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the cable is partly wound around a pulley (47).   24. Seat according to claim 23, comprising a control device (7) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the cable (11) has substantially no slack.

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