JPS6171011A - Manual seat recliner having engagement mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention generally relates to an automobile seat and a reclining mechanism in which the backrest of the seat can be adjusted forward and backward relative to the base of the vehicle seat. More particularly, the present invention relates to a recline mechanism that is manually adjusted by a seat occupant.

(Prior Art and Problems to be Solved by the Invention) Reclining mechanisms are commonly used in automobiles to adjust the inclination of the seat piece with respect to the base of the vehicle seat. Various reclining mechanisms have been considered that use electric motors to drive the reclining mechanisms. Although motor-driven recliner devices serve their intended purpose well, less expensive manually operated recliner mechanisms are often required to reduce the overall cost of a motor vehicle.

Manually operated reclining mechanisms typically include a manually operated knob located near the seat back that is rotated by the vehicle occupant to actuate the appropriate mechanism, thereby adjusting the seat back's inclination. Adjust. In such manual recline mechanisms, it is important that the amount of torque required to turn the knob is small enough so that the average passenger can adjust the seat back with minimal force.

The effort required to turn the adjustment knob of the manual recline mechanism is relatively small when the seat is not occupied by a passenger. However, when a passenger is seated in a car seat and pressure is applied to the seat back, the amount of torque required to turn the adjustment knob to move the seat back forward increases considerably. . In such situations, it is difficult for the average passenger to manually rotate the adjustment knob to move the seat back rearward without the passenger bending away from the seat back.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to disclose and provide a manually operable seat back reclining mechanism for use in a motor vehicle, which reclining mechanism is adapted to be used with a passenger seated in the seat and with the passenger leaning backwards on the seat back. The seat back can be manually adjusted to various desired positions with or without pressure applied.

Types with a locking mechanism generally have a locking mechanism that allows the seat piece to be securely locked once the end is adjusted to the desired position.
It is provided as part of the seat reclining mechanism.

The locking mechanism may be part of the reclining mechanism or may be an accessory device that is operated into the seat locking mode after adjusting the seat back to the desired position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a reclining mechanism with a simple, effective and durable locking mechanism which locks the seat back when adjusted to a desired position. It is something that can be stopped. - (Means and effects for solving the problem) According to the present invention, the forward and backward movement of the seat piece of the automobile with respect to the seat base is manually adjusted while the passenger is sitting on the seat. An adjustable reclining mechanism is provided. The reclining mechanism is easily operated by hand to adjust the forward movement of the seat back even when a passenger is seated and applying rearward pressure to the seat back. Furthermore, the reclining mechanism according to the invention provides for locking of the seat back in a position desired by the seat occupant.

The invention is based on an adjustable reclining mechanism with an adjustment arm with an upper end connected to the seat back, a central part and an arcuate toothed surface. The adjustment arm is rotatably attached to a support frame attached to the base of the automobile seat. A manual drive cooperating with an arcuate toothed surface on the adjustment arm is provided for pivoting the adjustment arm to adjust the seat back.

The manual drive is equipped with a drive gear rotatably mounted on the seat back and a knob cooperating with the drive gear for manual rotation of the drive gear by the seat occupant.

A transmission gearing is disposed between the drive gear and the tooth flank on the adjustment arm to provide a gear reduction relationship between the drive gear and the tooth flank to provide the drive necessary to rotate the adjustment arm. The rotational speed of the gears is increased considerably by the transmission gearing, thereby reducing the torque required to rotate the drive gear that rotates the adjustment arm. As a result, the passenger can manually adjust the seat back in the forward direction even when the passenger is exerting rearward pressure on the seat back.

In another aspect of the invention, the recline mechanism includes a locking feature to prevent movement of the seat back except for manually operated adjustments of the mechanism. The locking function is incorporated into the reclining mechanism and is automatically operated to the locking position when the reclining mechanism adjustment knob stops rotating. The locking mechanism is returned to the unlocked or disengaged position on the first manual rotation of the recliner adjustment knob.

As a special feature of the locking mechanism, an adjustment locking device is provided for removably attaching the drive gear to the support frame and prevents rotation of the drive gear when the seat back is not adjusted, thereby To lock the seat back in place when the seat is not adjusted. The adjustable locking device includes a clutch assembly that is operated into an engaged position to prevent rotation of the drive gear when manual rotation of the drive gear ceases.

The clutch assembly is further operated to a release position in which the drive gear can rotate when manual rotation of the drive gear is initiated.

The reclining mechanism with a locking function according to the present invention includes:
To provide an improved manual adjustment mechanism that is simple, inexpensive, durable, and easy to operate, and further allows the seat back to be locked into a desired tilted position of the seat back. The mechanism of the present invention has the advantage that the seat can be moved forward with minimal effort even when the passenger is leaning against the seat back, and furthermore, when extreme forces are applied to the seat back. It can also perform the function of locking the seat backrest.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The above-described features and advantages of the present invention, as well as many other features and advantages, will be better understood and apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.

1 is a side view showing a preferred embodiment of the reclining mechanism of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a more detailed partial sectional view of the reclining mechanism shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the m-m plane of the figure, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG.
5 is a side view of the spring element of the clutch assembly; FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the Vl-'VI plane of FIG. 2; and FIG. 7 is a side view of the spring element of the clutch assembly. 8 is a sectional view taken along plane ■-■ in FIG. 2, FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along plane IX-■ in FIG.
It is a sectional view about the IX plane.

A preferred embodiment of the adjustable recliner mechanism of the present invention is shown generally at 10 in FIG. The reclining mechanism is designed for use in adjusting the backrest of a motor vehicle seat relative to the seat base (the motor vehicle seat is not shown). The reclining mechanism 10 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 9 (as seen above &lM1
4, an adjustment arm 12 having a central portion 16 and a lower end 18. The upper end 14 of the adjustment arm is firmly fixed to the seat back by means of a bolt or fastener 20. A support frame, generally designated 22, is attached to the seat base or the floor of the vehicle by means of fixing flanges 24. The support frame 22 includes an inner plate 26 and an outer plate 28.

The means for rotatably mounting the central portion 16 of the adjustment arm on the support frame 22 is a bolt or pin 30. A bushing or bearing 32 is provided to allow arm 12 to rotate smoothly on pin 30, as is well known.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the lower end of the adjustment arm 12 has a pin 30 that allows the adjustment arm 12 to rotate.
It includes an arcuate tooth flank 34 with teeth 36 designed to mate with a manual drive mechanism. This will be explained in detail below. The tooth surface 34 is a part of a circular arc centered on the pin 30.

A manual drive according to the invention for adjusting the seat back to forward and rearward positions by pivoting the adjustment arm 12 by means of a pin 30 is shown generally at 36 in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6. has been done. The manual drive includes a drive gear 38 which is attached to the inner and outer plates 26, 28 of the support frame 22 by rods 40. Rod 40 is rotatably mounted to plates 26 and 28 by suitable bearings or bushings. The manual operation knob 42 is fixed to the rod 40 with a bolt 44. A cover 46 is mounted over the bolt 44 to reduce the possibility of injury to passengers when the drive gear 38 is rotated by manually turning the knob 44. A cover plate 48 is also provided as a housing surrounding the support frame 22 and manual drive 36 to protect passengers from the gear mechanism and to protect it from debris and other objects that may fall into the gear mechanism. Prevents gear drive from stopping.

A transmission gearing, such as a reduction gear 50, is arranged between the drive gear 38 and the tooth flank 34 on the adjustment arm 12.

Reduction gear 50 includes a gear reduction relationship between drive gear 38 and tooth flank 34 to reduce the torque required to rotate knob 42 .
The number of revolutions of the drive gear 38 required to rotate the drive gear 2 is sufficiently increased by the reduction gear 50. Therefore, even when a passenger is sitting on the seat and is applying rearward pressure to the seat back, the adjustment arm 12 can rotate and the seat back can be adjusted forward and backward.

The reduction gear 50 is a large gear 5 with a toothed periphery 54.
2, and a small gear 56 with a toothed periphery 58. The two gears 52 and 56 are mounted coaxially on the rod 60 for normal rotation. Rod 60 is connected to plates 26 and 28 by suitable bushings or bearings.
is rotatably mounted on the The reduction gear 50 is arranged behind the drive gear 38 and the tooth surface 34, and the large gear 50
The toothed peripheral edge of the smaller gear 56 meshes with the drive gear 38, and the toothed peripheral edge of the smaller gear 56 meshes with the tooth surface 34. The teeth of the various tooth peripheries and flanks are selected to be of appropriate dimensions so that interlocking for driving purposes is possible between the teeth along the flanks.

Preferably, the circumference of the circle bounded by the arcuate tooth flank 34 is 15 to 25 times the size of the drive gear 38. More preferably, the circumference of the circle bounded by the arcuate tooth flanks 34 is approximately twenty times the size of the drive gear 38.

Preferably, the large gear 52 has a periphery that is 3 to 10 times the size of the periphery of the small gear 56;
This provides the desired gear reduction between drive gear 38 and tooth flank 34. Particularly preferred is a large gear 52 having a periphery approximately four times as large as the periphery of the small gear 56.

Preferably, adjustment limiting means, such as pins 62 and slots 64, are provided to positively limit forward and rearward rotation of adjustment arm 12. Slot 64 has a front end 66 and a rear end 68. The pin 62 is rigidly fixed to the plate 28 and extends vertically through the slot 64, thereby positively limiting rearward adjustment of the seat back by abutment against the front end 66 of the slot, while the rear of the slot of the pin 62 The abutment against the edge 68 positively limits the forward adjustment of the seat back.

An adjustable locking device, such as a clutch assembly shown generally at 100 in FIG.
is provided in a removable relationship to the support frame 22 to prevent rotation of the drive gear 3B when the seat back is not adjusted. clutch assembly 1
00 positively locks the seat back in place when the seat back is not adjusted.

Clutch assembly 100 includes a housing 102 rigidly attached to support plate 28 by rivets or bolts 104 or other suitable connectors. The housing includes an inner surface 106 that defines a clutch engagement area. Clutch assembly 100 further includes a clutch spring mounting member 108 connected to the drive gear by shaft 40. Both the drive gear 38 and the clutch spring attachment member 108 can be crimped or otherwise tightly tightened to the rod or shaft 40 to provide only normal rotation.

A collar 110 along with a spring washer 112 is provided to position the drive gear 38 and clutch spring attachment member 108 at a desired location within the recliner mechanism.

Clutch assembly 100 also includes a clutch spring 114, which is a coil spring as shown in FIG.
6 is provided with a clutch surface 116 movable into engagement with 6. Clutch spring 114 includes a bar element 11B that is coiled to provide a clutch spring having a first end and a second end 122. Hooked spring ends 120 and 122 provide a means for coupling clutch spring 114 to clutch spring attachment member 108;
This allows clutch surface 116 to disengage from engagement with housing 102 when shaft 40 rotates. When rotation of shaft 40 ceases, the clutch spring extends outward again and clutch face 116 engages housing 102, thereby providing locking of drive gear 38 and support frame 22.

Clutch spring mounting member 108 includes an opening 124 into which spring end portions 120 and 122 are inserted.

As shown in FIG. 4, during installation, member 108 is rotated clockwise and spring end 120 is also rotated clockwise to tighten the coil of spring 114, thereby tightening the clutch surface 120.
16 away from its engagement position with housing 102. The attachment is such that when member 108 rotates counterclockwise, spring end 122 also rotates counterclockwise to further tighten coil spring 114, thereby tightening clutch surface 116.
away from its engagement position with housing 102. When the mounting member 10 stops rotating, the clutch spring 114 is stretched again to its original coiled state, and the clutch surface 116 is biased outwardly relative to the housing, causing the drive gear 38 and support frame 22 to resulting in a locking engagement between.

Preferably, the support frame 22 is rigidly attached to the seat base, indicated in dotted lines at 76 in FIG. 2, by bolts 78 or other suitable means.

Preferably, the housing or cover plate 4B is fastened to the support frame 22 with machine screws 40. The knob 42 is connected to the drive gear 38 as shown in FIG.
A corrugated surface 82 is preferred to increase the grip of the knob to facilitate rotation of the knob.

Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed contents are only exemplary and that other changes, applications, and modifications are within the scope of the present invention. One thing should be noted. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited not only to the particular embodiments shown herein, but rather by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a preferred embodiment of the reclining mechanism of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a more detailed partial sectional view of the reclining mechanism shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the TV shown in FIG. 3 showing a preferred embodiment of the clutch assembly of the present invention.
5 is a side view of the spring element of the tarlatch assembly, FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the VI-VI plane of FIG. 2, and FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the spring element of the tarlatch assembly. ■■
8 is a sectional view taken along plane -■, FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along plane ▪-■ in FIG. 2, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along plane IX-IX in FIG. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Reclining mechanism, 12... Adjustment arm, 13... Upper end, 16... Center part, 18... Lower end, 22... Support frame, 24... Fixed flange, 26...
...Inner plate, 28...Outer plate, 34...
・Arc-shaped tooth surface, 38... Drive gear, 42... Manual operation knob, 50... Reduction gear, 54.58... Toothed peripheral part, 62... Pin, 64... Slot, 100...
・Clutch assembly ζ102...Housing, 1
08...Tarasochi spring mounting member, 114...Clutch spring, 116...Clutch surface. JP-A-Sho Gl-71011 (8)

Claims (12)

[Claims] (1) An adjustable reclining mechanism for manually adjusting and locking the front and rear positions of the seat back of an automobile in a predetermined position relative to the seat base while a passenger is sitting on the seat; the upper end connected to the seat back of the
an adjustment arm having a central portion and a lower end having an arcuate tooth surface; a support frame attached to the seat base; and means for rotatably attaching the central portion of the adjustment arm to the support frame; , a manual drive cooperating with said arcuate toothed surface on said adjustment arm for pivoting said adjustment arm to bring about an adjustment of said seat back; a drive gear rotatably mounted on the base, and a knob cooperating with the drive gear for manual rotation of said drive gear, establishing a gear reduction relationship between said drive gear and said tooth surface. transmission gear means disposed between a drive gear and said tooth flank on said adjustment arm to bring about a rotational speed of said drive gear required to rotate said adjustment arm; sufficiently increased by said transmission gear means to effect manual adjustment of the seat backrest forwards and backwards with said passenger seated and exerting rearward pressure against said seat backrest; reducing the torque required to rotate the aforementioned drive gear for rotating the aforementioned adjustment arm, and thereby preventing rotation of the aforementioned drive gear when the aforementioned seat backrest is not adjusted; In order to lock the seat back when the seat back is not adjusted, an adjustment locking device is provided for removably mounting the drive gear on the support frame. (2) The aforementioned adjustment locking device is operable to an engagement position for preventing rotation of the aforementioned driving gear when manual rotation of the aforementioned driving gear is stopped, and the aforementioned manual rotation of the aforementioned driving gear is started. Claim 1 comprising a clutch assembly operable to a disengagement position in which the drive gear can rotate when the drive gear is rotated.
Adjustable recline mechanism as described in section. (3) The adjustable reclining mechanism of claim 2, wherein said clutch assembly comprises a spring clutch that is engaged and disengaged by manual rotation of said drive gear. (4) the said clutch assembly has a housing rigidly attached to said support frame having an inner surface defining a clutch engaging surface, and for only normal rotation of said drive gear and clutch spring mounting member; a clutch spring mounting member coupled to a drive gear; a clutch spring having a clutch surface movable into engagement with said clutch engagement surface of said housing; and when said drive gear is manually rotated; In order to operate the clutch spring to disengage from the engagement state with the housing, and when the manual rotation of the drive gear stops, the clutch spring is brought into engagement with the housing. and means for coupling said clutch spring to said clutch spring attachment member for returning said spring and thereby bringing into locking engagement between said drive gear and said housing. Adjustable recline mechanism as described in section. (5) said clutch spring includes a rod-shaped spring element having a first end and a second end, said spring element defining an outer surface defining said clutch surface with said spring element end; coiled to form a cylindrical shape having said spring element end protruding radially from the cylindrical shape bounded by said coiled spring element for coupling with said clutch spring mounting member; Claim wherein the diameter of said cylindrical shape is reduced to distance said clutch surface from said housing to disengage said clutch spring when said drive gear is rotating. Fourth
Adjustable recline mechanism as described in section. (6) a position in which said transmission gear means comprises a gear reduction assembly, said gear reduction assembly providing driving engagement of said driving gear with said drive gear and said large gear periphery; means for rotatably mounting said large gear on said support frame; and a small gear having a toothed periphery for rotating said small gear solely for normal rotation with said large gear. and means for attaching the said small gear in a position to mesh with the arcuate tooth flank of said adjusting arm so that rotation of said adjusting arm when said small gear rotates. An adjustable reclining mechanism according to claim 1, which provides movement. (7) The adjustable reclining mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the aforementioned large gear and small gear are coaxially mounted. (8) An adjustable reclining mechanism as claimed in claim 1, further comprising adjustment limiting means for providing the aforementioned forward and rearward limiting of the seat back. (9) said adjustment limiting means comprising a surface of said adjustment arm defining a slot having a front end and a rear end, and a pin mounted on said support frame and extending vertically through said slot; Adjustable reclining mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the limitation of the forward and rearward adjustment of the seat backrest is provided by the abutment of said pin against the front and rear ends of said slot. (10) According to claim 6, wherein the arcuate tooth surface is defined by an arc having a circumferential edge that is 15 to 20 times larger than the circumferential edge of the drive gear. Adjustable recline mechanism. (11) The adjustable reclining mechanism according to claim 6, wherein said large gear has a circumferential edge that is three to ten times as large as the circumferential edge of said small gear. (12) the aforementioned support frame comprises an inner plate and an outer plate having a gap therebetween; the aforementioned adjustment arm;
2. An adjustable reclining mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive gear and transmission gear means are located within said gap.