US20130300173A1 - Hinge Mechanism and Vehicle Seat Comprising Such a Mechanism, and Method for Making Such a Mechanism - Google Patents
Hinge Mechanism and Vehicle Seat Comprising Such a Mechanism, and Method for Making Such a Mechanism Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130300173A1 US20130300173A1 US13/869,722 US201313869722A US2013300173A1 US 20130300173 A1 US20130300173 A1 US 20130300173A1 US 201313869722 A US201313869722 A US 201313869722A US 2013300173 A1 US2013300173 A1 US 2013300173A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- ring
- hinge mechanism
- side flap
- axis
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
- B60N2/22—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable
- B60N2/235—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable by gear-pawl type mechanisms
- B60N2/2356—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable by gear-pawl type mechanisms with internal pawls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21K—MAKING FORGED OR PRESSED METAL PRODUCTS, e.g. HORSE-SHOES, RIVETS, BOLTS OR WHEELS
- B21K25/00—Uniting components to form integral members, e.g. turbine wheels and shafts, caulks with inserts, with or without shaping of the components
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23P—METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; COMBINED OPERATIONS; UNIVERSAL MACHINE TOOLS
- B23P11/00—Connecting or disconnecting metal parts or objects by metal-working techniques not otherwise provided for
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
- B60N2/22—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable
- B60N2/235—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable by gear-pawl type mechanisms
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
- B60N2/22—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable
- B60N2/235—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable by gear-pawl type mechanisms
- B60N2/2356—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable by gear-pawl type mechanisms with internal pawls
- B60N2/236—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable by gear-pawl type mechanisms with internal pawls linearly movable
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/24—Hinge making or assembling
Definitions
- the invention relates to hinge mechanisms, vehicle seats comprising such mechanisms, as well as a method for making such mechanisms.
- the invention relates to a hinge mechanism for a vehicle seat, comprising:
- Document FR-A-2 915 436 describes an example of a hinge mechanism of this type, which has been satisfactory and in which the ring additionally comprises a shoulder pressing on the inner face of the second frame. This allows shaping the second flap by crimping it between the inner face and the outer face of the second frame. Due to this shoulder of the ring and this crimping process, the first frame is not held by the crimping of the first flap of the ring, which would prevent the first frame from rotating relative to the second frame. Operating clearances are maintained between the first frame and the ring, then between the second frame and the first frame, which allows the rotation to occur.
- the goal of the invention is to propose an alternative assembly of the first and second frames which must be rotatable relative to each other.
- the hinge mechanism of the above type is characterized by the base having a cylindrical shape which extends in the direction of the axis directly between the first side flap and the second side flap, and by the ring not comprising a portion in contact with one of the inner faces of the frames.
- the ring is simpler in form while preserving the rotatability of the first and second frames relative to one another.
- the second frame does not have a radial extension against which a shoulder of the ring presses.
- the second frame has an outside diameter that is less than that of the prior art, and the hinge mechanism of the invention is therefore less bulky.
- the second frame requires less material. It is therefore less costly.
- axial play along the direction of the axis is preserved between the first side flap and the first frame during the formation of the second side flap against the second frame.
- the second frame has a diameter greater than a diameter of the first frame, and the difference between said diameters is less than 1 mm.
- the second frame has a diameter equal to a diameter of the first frame.
- the peripheral edge of the second frame is in close contact with an inner face of the base in order to attach the ring solidly to the second frame.
- the peripheral edge of the second frame comprises teeth which engage with the inner face of the base in order to attach the ring solidly to the second frame.
- the first side flap comprises indentations extending from said first side flap in the direction of the outer face of the first frame, said indentations being greater than or equal to three in number.
- the base of the ring comprises a conical inner face in order to grip the peripheral edge of the second frame radially and leave the peripheral edge of the first frame free to rotate.
- the invention also relates to a seat of a vehicle, comprising first and second parts connected to each other by a hinge mechanism as defined above, the first frame being attached to the first part and the second frame being attached to the second part.
- the first part is a frame of a seat back and the second part is a frame of a seat bottom.
- the invention also relates to a method for making a hinge mechanism for a vehicle seat, comprising the following steps:
- the ring is crimped onto the outer face of the second frame, forming a second flap. Simultaneously, an operating clearance is preserved between the first side flap and the first frame.
- the hinge mechanism made in this manner preserves a second frame that can rotate relative to the first frame.
- the ring is simpler in shape than the known rings which have a shoulder pressing on an inner face of the second frame.
- step a) is carried out between steps a) and b):
- the ring is squeezed radially inward onto the peripheral edge of the second frame.
- step b) is carried out in at least the two following sub-steps:
- the first angle is between 30° and 60°, and preferably substantially equal to 45°.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle seat equipped with a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of a hinge mechanism according to the prior art
- FIG. 3 is an axial cross-sectional view of a hinge mechanism according to the invention.
- FIG. 4 is an axial cross-sectional view of an enlarged portion of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge mechanism of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 a is an enlarged view of a portion of the outer edge of the second frame shown in the exploded view of FIG. 5 ;
- FIGS. 6 a to 6 h are views showing successive steps of an embodiment of a method for making the hinge mechanism according to the invention of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 1 represents a front seat 1 of an automotive vehicle, which comprises a seat back 2 assembled to pivot about an axis Y 1 on a seat bottom 3 , said seat bottom being mounted onto a floor 4 of the vehicle, for example by means of slide rails 5 .
- the tilt of the seat back 2 is thus adjustable by means of a control level 6 a or similar device which drives a geared hinge mechanism 6 (a mechanism which allows adjusting the tilt of the seat back 2 ).
- This hinge mechanism 6 comprises (see FIG. 2 of the prior art and FIG. 3 of the invention):
- the first and second frames 7 , 8 are held together at the outer edge of the hinge mechanism, by a ring 9 .
- the first and second frames 7 , 8 and the ring 9 form a closed casing which delimits an inside and an outside.
- the engaging elements are on the inside.
- the seat back 2 and the seat bottom 3 are on the outside.
- the elements of the hinge mechanism 6 will be advantageously defined with these standard concepts of inside and outside relative to this closed hinge mechanism 6 assembly.
- the first and second frames 7 , 8 respectively comprise:
- the ring 9 is annular, of a general U shape with its opening facing inwards (towards the axis Y 1 ).
- the peripheral edge 83 of the second frame 8 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the peripheral edge 73 of the first frame.
- the second frame 8 thus comprises an extension 85 in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis Y 1 , which forms a portion where the ring 9 is crimped onto each of its faces: the outer face 82 and the inner face 81 .
- the ring 9 thus comprises:
- the first side flap 92 has a general S shape forming a shoulder pressing against the inner face 81 of the second frame 8 .
- This first side flap 92 comprises, from the base 91 , firstly a first portion 92 a which covers a portion of the inner face 81 of the second frame 8 , an elbow 92 b, a second portion 92 c which extends substantially in parallel to the axis Y 1 while moving away from the inner face 81 , and a third portion 92 d which extends transversely towards the axis Y 1 from an end of the second portion, until it laterally reaches the outer face 72 of the first frame 7 .
- first side flap 92 and the second side flap 93 crimp the ring 9 onto the extension 85 of the second frame 8 .
- the ring 9 is solidly attached to this second frame 8 , and the second and third portions 92 c, 92 d of the first side flap are shaped to maintain at least some clearance in the direction of the axis Y 1 so that the first frame 7 can rotate relative to the second frame 8 .
- the ring 9 comprises:
- the base 91 extends substantially in the direction of the axis Y 1 directly between the first side flap 92 and the second side flap 93 .
- This ring 9 therefore encloses the first and second frames 7 , 8 of the hinge mechanism.
- the ring 9 of the invention therefore differs from the ring of the prior art by its first side flap 92 which does not include any contact with one of the inner faces of the frames.
- the ring 9 has no contact with the inner face 81 of the second frame 8 .
- the ring 9 does not press on one of the inner faces 71 , 81 .
- it does not press on a portion of the inner face 81 of the second frame 8 .
- the ring 9 is therefore an annular piece having an axis Y 1 and having a C-shaped cross-section with its opening facing the axis.
- the base 91 which extends along the direction of the axis Y 1 corresponds to the vertical portion of the C shape.
- the first and second side flaps 92 , 93 correspond to the horizontal arms of the C shape.
- the first and second flaps 92 , 93 are formed by folding or bending a ring preform, towards the first and second frames 7 , 8 .
- a first folding or bending reshapes the preform to shape the first flap 92 towards the first frame 7 .
- Axial play in the direction of the axis Y 1 is preserved so that the first frame 7 can rotate relative to the second frame 8 , specifically due to the method for creating said ring 9 which will be explained below in the description.
- the ring 9 encloses the frames 7 , 8 without crimping them together.
- the frames remain able to rotate relative to one another about the axis Y 1 .
- the ring 9 is, for example, in contact with a peripheral edge 83 of the second frame.
- it is forcibly pressed onto said peripheral edge 83 .
- the ring 9 is solidly attached to the second frame 8 .
- the ring 9 comprises a slightly conical inner face at the base 91 which grips the peripheral edge 83 of the second frame 8 and leaves the peripheral edge 73 of the first frame 7 free. Specifically, the inner face of the ring narrows towards the axis Y 1 , from the first frame 7 to the second frame 8 .
- the ring 9 is thus solidly attached to the second frame 8 while having radial play with the first frame 7 so that the first frame 7 can rotate.
- Said inner face of the base 91 which is conical in shape, forms for example an angle of less than 5° with the direction of the axis Y 1 , and preferably less than 1°.
- the peripheral edge 83 of the second frame may possibly comprise teeth 86 that project beyond the diameter of said peripheral edge 83 .
- These teeth are, for example, low in height, for example less than 0.5 mm and preferably less than 0.2 mm.
- These teeth 86 may be distributed along the entire circumference or in angular sections about the axis Y 1 , as represented in FIG. 5 a .
- These teeth 86 can have various shapes, including teeth of triangular or trapezoid cross-section, and sine waves, or waves formed of circle sections. These teeth 86 engage with the ring 9 when the ring 9 is assembled onto the frame 8 . The ring 9 is thus even more solidly attached to the second frame 8 .
- the second frame 8 advantageously has a diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the first frame 7 .
- the first frame then has radial play with the inner face of the base 91 of the ring 9 , and the first frame 7 can rotate relative to the ring 9 and to the second frame 8 .
- the difference between the diameter of the second frame and the diameter of the first frame is, for example, less than 1 mm.
- the extension 85 found in the prior art therefore does not exist. Its radial volume is eliminated.
- the total outer diameter of the hinge mechanism 6 is less than that of the prior art.
- the second frame 8 advantageously has a diameter equal to the diameter of the first frame 7 .
- the extension 85 found in the prior art therefore does not exist.
- the total outside diameter of the hinge mechanism 6 is even lower.
- the radial volume is thus reduced even further.
- the first side flap 92 comprises indentations 95 formed by a local deformation in the direction of the axis Y 1 .
- Local deformation is understood to mean a cavity, for example a semi-spherical cavity.
- the axial operational clearance in the direction of the axis Y 1 necessary for the rotation of the first frame 7 relative to the second frame 8 , can thus be reduced.
- the indentations 95 are greater than or equal to three in number, and are advantageously distributed regularly along the circumference of the first side flap.
- the hinge mechanism 6 is made according to the method defined below, and as represented in FIGS. 6 a to 6 h.
- an assembly 60 which comprises:
- the second side flap 93 of the ring 9 is still not shaped. It comprises, in the axial extension of the base 91 and opposite the first side flap 92 , material for forming said second flap 93 by stamping or crimping around the axis.
- All known means and all known methods are usable for making the first and second frames 7 , 8 and the preformed ring 9 . These parts may in particular be formed by stamping sheet metal.
- a press 100 which comprises:
- a press die 101 comprising a first bore hole 102 ,
- first lower tool 110 counter-punch
- first upper tool 111 punch
- the assembly 60 is set down or placed on the first lower tool 110 , for example by simply stacking from bottom to top: the second frame 8 , the first frame 7 , and the ring 9 with its first side flap 92 extending above the first frame 7 .
- the first bore hole 102 comprises, for example, three cylindrical portions that are coaxial around the axis Y 1 .
- a first portion 102 a opening onto the upper surface of the die 101 has a first diameter that is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the ring 9 stacked onto the assembly 60 .
- a second intermediate portion 102 b has a second diameter slightly less than said outside diameter of the ring 9 .
- This second portion 102 b is positioned as the extension of the first portion and lies beneath it, such that a first narrowing 102 d of the bore hole 102 between said first and second portions reduces the diameter of the bore hole 102 from the first diameter to the second diameter.
- a third portion 102 c has a third diameter which is less than the second diameter. It is located towards the bottom, as the extension of the second portion 102 b and beneath it, such that a second narrowing 102 e further reduces the diameter of the bore hole 102 , causing it to change from the second diameter to the third diameter.
- the third diameter corresponds, for example, substantially to an inside diameter of the first and/or second side flaps 92 , 93 of the ring 9 once it is completely shaped.
- the first and second narrowing sections 102 d, 102 e are conical in shape for example, progressively reducing the diameter of the bore hole 102 .
- the first lower tool 110 is substantially cylindrical in shape, with its axis of revolution coaxial to the axis Y 1 . Its diameter is less than the third diameter of the bore hole 102 , to enable it to move within all portions of the bore hole. It comprises an upper face 112 onto which the outer face 82 of the second frame 8 is placed, this outer face then being oriented downwards.
- the first upper tool 111 is substantially cylindrical in shape, with its axis of revolution coaxial to the axis Y 1 . It comprises an annular protuberance along its edge, projecting downwards towards the assembly 60 placed on the first lower tool 110 .
- This protuberance forms a shoulder which delimits a first outer annular surface 113 perpendicular to the axis and a second inner annular surface 114 perpendicular to the axis, said two surfaces 113 , 114 being offset relative to each other by a first distance in the direction of the axis Y 1 .
- the first upper tool 111 has been lowered towards the assembly 60 .
- the first surface 113 faces the first side flap 92 of the ring 9 , and the second surface 114 comes into contact with the first frame 7 and presses downwards onto said first frame 7 .
- the first and second frames 7 , 8 are thus maintained in contact with each other, their inner faces 71 , 81 mutually touching, between the first upper tool 111 and the first lower tool 110 .
- the first distance between the surfaces 113 , 114 is slightly greater than the thickness of the sheet of the first flap 92 . This first distance is equal to the thickness of the first flap 92 plus an operating clearance.
- the ring 9 can then be moved upward by the upward force exerted on said ring 9 until the first flap 92 comes into contact with the first surface 113 .
- An operating clearance is thus formed under the first flap 92 , between it and the outer face 72 of the first frame 7 .
- a fourth step illustrated in FIG. 6 c the first lower tool 110 and the first upper tool 111 are moved together in a downward direction to bring the axial extension of the base 91 into contact with the second narrowing 102 d of the first bore hole 102 .
- the ring 9 thus partially enters the first narrowing 102 d, and for example a portion of it facing the peripheral edge 83 of the second frame 8 .
- This first narrowing 102 d locally reduces the diameter of the ring 9 and radially squeezes or crimps it onto the peripheral edge 83 of the second frame 8 , attaching them solidly together.
- the die 101 exerts an upward force on the ring 9 , due to friction.
- the ring 9 thus maintains the position described above during this step, meaning a position in which the first side flap 92 is in contact with the first surface 113 of the first upper tool 111 , which guarantees that the operating clearance between the first side flap 92 and the first frame 7 is maintained.
- This fourth step allows solidly attaching the ring 9 to the second frame 8 by radially crimping it on, with the ring in the correct position for maintaining an axial operating clearance that allows the rotation of the first frame 7 relative to the second frame 8 .
- the second frame 8 may comprise the teeth 86 , or the ring 9 may have a substantially conical base 91 , or the outside diameter of the peripheral edge of the second frame 8 may be greater than the inside diameter of the base 91 .
- a fifth step illustrated in FIG. 6 d the first lower tool 110 and the first upper tool ill are again moved downward, such that the axial extension of the base 91 is forced into the second narrowing 102 e.
- the second narrowing has a conical shape which clasps or bends the axial extension of the base 91 in order to begin shaping the second side flap 93 .
- This second narrowing 102 e forms a first angle with the axis Y 1 , for example between 30° and 60°. It is preferably substantially equal to 45°, or one or two degrees more or less.
- the partially formed second flap 93 then is temporarily at an angle corresponding to said first angle. In this step, the die continues to exert upward force on the ring 9 , which guarantees the predetermined position.
- this predetermined position cannot vary due to the radial crimping in the fourth step.
- the bend is therefore shaped on the ring 9 , said ring being in said predetermined position in the direction of the axis Y 1 .
- the operating clearance in the axial direction is thus guaranteed, and the axial extension of the ring 9 assumes the form that is angled at the first angle for said predetermined position of the ring 9 .
- the hinge mechanism 6 assembly 60 is then extracted from the press 100 by moving the first upper tool 111 and the first lower tool 110 upward, in particular by exerting a first upward force F 1 on the first lower tool 110 .
- This fifth step allows partially bending the second side flap 93 in order to shape it. It is possible for the method of the invention to do without this intermediate step, and directly perform the complete or total bending described in the following steps.
- the hinge mechanism 6 assembly 60 is positioned at another location in the press 100 .
- the press die 101 comprises a second bore hole 104 that is different from the first bore hole 102
- the press 100 comprises a second lower tool 120 and a second upper tool 121 that are able to be moved towards each other within the second bore hole 104 .
- the second bore hole 104 is a simple bore hole that is cylindrical in shape, having a single inside diameter that is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the ring 9 .
- the ring 9 and the assembly 60 can thus slide within this second bore hole 104 .
- the assembly 60 is installed in this second bore hole 104 on the second lower tool 120 ; the second side flap 93 , partially formed and angled at the first angle, is then placed against an annular surface 122 of the second lower tool 120 .
- This annular surface 122 is substantially perpendicular to the axis.
- the second upper tool 121 has a shape similar to the first upper tool 111 . It comprises an annular protuberance extending in the direction of the axis Y 1 . This forms a shoulder delimiting a first outer annular surface 123 perpendicular to the axis and a second inner annular surface 124 perpendicular to the axis. However, these two surfaces 123 , 124 are offset in the direction of the axis Y 1 by a second distance which is greater than the first distance of the first upper tool 111 . The first surface 123 can no longer come into contact with the first flap 92 . Only the second surface 124 is able to come into contact with the outer face 72 of the first frame 7 , in order to push the first frame 7 against the second frame 8 .
- a seventh step illustrated in FIG. 6 f the hinge mechanism 6 assembly 60 is positioned on the second lower tool 120 . Then, the second upper tool 121 is brought down against the outer face 72 of the first frame 7 , and exerts a downward force on the first frame 7 which pushes the assembly 60 towards and against the second lower tool 120 .
- the annular surface 122 of the second lower tool 120 then reshapes the second flap 93 bent at the first angle, until it assumes the shape of the annular surface 122 , meaning until the second flap 93 is substantially perpendicular to the axis Y 1 , and until it is in contact with the outer face 82 of the second frame 8 .
- the second upper tool 121 is pressing against the outer face 72 of the first frame 7 , and not against the first flap 92 of the ring 9 , the operating clearance in the axial direction between the first flap 92 and the first frame 7 is maintained during this step of folding the second side flap 93 to 90°.
- the assembly 60 is thus transformed into a hinge mechanism 6 with a ring 9 that is simple in shape, meaning without a radial extension to support the usual crimping of the ring 9 in the prior art.
- the axial operating clearance is maintained so that the first frame 7 can move rotationally relative to the first frame 8 .
- This seventh step allows completing the bending of the second side flap 93 .
- the two steps, the fifth step of partial bending and seventh step of completed bending, allow progressively folding this second side flap 93 , with precise positioning in the direction of the axis which guarantees the axial operating clearance for the rotation of the frames relative to each other.
- FIG. 6 g shows the hinge mechanism 6 completely removed from the second bore hole 104 of the press 100 .
- the indentations 95 in the first side flap 92 can then be made before or after the formation of the second side flap 93 , described in the steps presented above.
- the method of the invention allows shaping a more simple ring 9 due to the step or steps of the method which allow forming the second side flap 93 by pressing against the outer face 72 of the first frame 7 .
- the first distance of the first upper tool allows ensuring that an axial operating clearance is maintained between the frames 7 , 8 and the side flaps 92 , 93 of the ring 9 .
- the ring 9 does not have any portion that is in contact with one of the inner faces of the frames.
- the ring 9 is thus simple in shape, encloses the frames, and allows the frames to rotate relative to each other.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Chairs For Special Purposes, Such As Reclining Chairs (AREA)
- Prostheses (AREA)
- Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A hinge mechanism (6) for a vehicle seat, comprising: first and second frames mounted so that they can rotate relative to one another; and an annular ring comprising a cylindrical base which covers the peripheral edges of the frames, and first and second side flaps. The ring does not comprise a portion that is in contact with one of the inner faces of the frames.
Description
- The invention relates to hinge mechanisms, vehicle seats comprising such mechanisms, as well as a method for making such mechanisms.
- More specifically, the invention relates to a hinge mechanism for a vehicle seat, comprising:
- first and second frames mounted so that they can rotate relative to one another about an axis, said frames comprising inner faces oriented inward and facing one another, outer faces oriented outward and away from each other, and circular peripheral edges distanced from the axis, and
- an annular ring comprising a base which covers the peripheral edges of the frames, and first and second side flaps which cover at least a portion of each of the outer faces.
- Document FR-A-2 915 436 describes an example of a hinge mechanism of this type, which has been satisfactory and in which the ring additionally comprises a shoulder pressing on the inner face of the second frame. This allows shaping the second flap by crimping it between the inner face and the outer face of the second frame. Due to this shoulder of the ring and this crimping process, the first frame is not held by the crimping of the first flap of the ring, which would prevent the first frame from rotating relative to the second frame. Operating clearances are maintained between the first frame and the ring, then between the second frame and the first frame, which allows the rotation to occur.
- The goal of the invention is to propose an alternative assembly of the first and second frames which must be rotatable relative to each other.
- For this purpose, the hinge mechanism of the above type is characterized by the base having a cylindrical shape which extends in the direction of the axis directly between the first side flap and the second side flap, and by the ring not comprising a portion in contact with one of the inner faces of the frames.
- Because of these arrangements, the ring is simpler in form while preserving the rotatability of the first and second frames relative to one another. The second frame does not have a radial extension against which a shoulder of the ring presses. The second frame has an outside diameter that is less than that of the prior art, and the hinge mechanism of the invention is therefore less bulky.
- Also, the second frame requires less material. It is therefore less costly.
- In various embodiments of the hinge mechanism according to the invention, one or more of the following arrangements may be applied.
- In one aspect of the invention, axial play along the direction of the axis is preserved between the first side flap and the first frame during the formation of the second side flap against the second frame.
- In one aspect of the invention, the second frame has a diameter greater than a diameter of the first frame, and the difference between said diameters is less than 1 mm.
- In one aspect of the invention, the second frame has a diameter equal to a diameter of the first frame.
- In one aspect of the invention, the peripheral edge of the second frame is in close contact with an inner face of the base in order to attach the ring solidly to the second frame.
- In one aspect of the invention, the peripheral edge of the second frame comprises teeth which engage with the inner face of the base in order to attach the ring solidly to the second frame.
- In one aspect of the invention, the first side flap comprises indentations extending from said first side flap in the direction of the outer face of the first frame, said indentations being greater than or equal to three in number.
- In one aspect of the invention, the base of the ring comprises a conical inner face in order to grip the peripheral edge of the second frame radially and leave the peripheral edge of the first frame free to rotate.
- The invention also relates to a seat of a vehicle, comprising first and second parts connected to each other by a hinge mechanism as defined above, the first frame being attached to the first part and the second frame being attached to the second part.
- In one possible arrangement, the first part is a frame of a seat back and the second part is a frame of a seat bottom.
- The invention also relates to a method for making a hinge mechanism for a vehicle seat, comprising the following steps:
- a) an assembly is provided which comprises:
- first and second frames able to be mounted so that they can rotate relative to one another about an axis, said frames comprising inner faces oriented inward and towards one another, outer faces oriented outward and away from each other, and circular peripheral edges distanced from the axis, and
- an annular ring comprising a cylindrical base which covers the peripheral edges of the frames, and a first side flap which covers at least a portion of the outer face of the first frame,
- b) a second side flap is formed by folding a portion of the ring towards the outer face of the second frame and by pressing against the outer face of the first frame.
- By these arrangements, the ring is crimped onto the outer face of the second frame, forming a second flap. Simultaneously, an operating clearance is preserved between the first side flap and the first frame. The hinge mechanism made in this manner preserves a second frame that can rotate relative to the first frame.
- The ring is simpler in shape than the known rings which have a shoulder pressing on an inner face of the second frame.
- In some embodiments of the method for making a hinge mechanism according to the invention, one or more of the following arrangements may be used.
- In one aspect of the invention, the following step is carried out between steps a) and b):
- the ring is positioned relative to the first frame with a predetermined clearance with a first tool comprising first and second surfaces, the first surface being adapted to press against the first side flap, the second surface being adapted to press against the first outer surface, and said surfaces being offset in the direction of the axis to ensure said predetermined clearance between an inner surface of the first side flap and the first outer surface of the first frame, the ring being pushed towards said first tool and said first tool being pushed towards said first frame so that said surfaces are pressing against one another.
- In one aspect of the invention, the ring is squeezed radially inward onto the peripheral edge of the second frame.
- In one aspect of the invention, step b) is carried out in at least the two following sub-steps:
- b1) the portion of the ring is folded to a first angle to form a flange sloping at said first angle, and
- b2) said flange is folded to a second angle, substantially 90°, to form the second side flap facing the outer face of the second frame, the assembly being pushed towards a die by a first tool pressing against the outer face of the first frame.
- In one aspect of the invention, the first angle is between 30° and 60°, and preferably substantially equal to 45°.
- Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from reading the following description of one of its embodiments provided as a non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle seat equipped with a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of a hinge mechanism according to the prior art; -
FIG. 3 is an axial cross-sectional view of a hinge mechanism according to the invention; -
FIG. 4 is an axial cross-sectional view of an enlarged portion ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge mechanism ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 a is an enlarged view of a portion of the outer edge of the second frame shown in the exploded view ofFIG. 5 ; and -
FIGS. 6 a to 6 h are views showing successive steps of an embodiment of a method for making the hinge mechanism according to the invention ofFIG. 3 . - The same references are used to denote identical or similar elements in the various figures.
-
FIG. 1 represents a front seat 1 of an automotive vehicle, which comprises aseat back 2 assembled to pivot about an axis Y1 on a seat bottom 3, said seat bottom being mounted onto a floor 4 of the vehicle, for example by means ofslide rails 5. - The tilt of the
seat back 2 is thus adjustable by means of acontrol level 6 a or similar device which drives a geared hinge mechanism 6 (a mechanism which allows adjusting the tilt of the seat back 2). - This
hinge mechanism 6 comprises (seeFIG. 2 of the prior art andFIG. 3 of the invention): - a
first frame 7 formed by a first metal plate extending within a plane perpendicular to the axis Y1 and which, in the example represented, is solidly attached to the frame of theseat back 2, - a
second frame 8 formed by a second metal plate extending parallel to thefirst frame 7, saidsecond frame 8 being solidly attached to the frame of the seat bottom 3, thefirst frame 7 being mounted so that it can rotate relative to the second frame, and - engaging elements which connect the
first frame 7 to thesecond frame 8, for adjusting the angular position between said frames (the tilt of the seat back 2), and - at least one input device, such as the control handle 6 a, for controlling the setting of said angular position.
- The first and
second frames ring 9. - The first and
second frames ring 9 form a closed casing which delimits an inside and an outside. The engaging elements are on the inside. The seat back 2 and the seat bottom 3 are on the outside. The elements of thehinge mechanism 6 will be advantageously defined with these standard concepts of inside and outside relative to this closedhinge mechanism 6 assembly. - The first and
second frames - inner faces 71, 81 oriented towards the inside of the hinge mechanism, meaning facing one another and close enough to come into contact with each other on at least a peripheral portion of the mechanism,
- outer faces 72, 82 oriented towards the outside of the hinge mechanism, meaning facing away from each other, and
- circular
peripheral edges - The
ring 9 is annular, of a general U shape with its opening facing inwards (towards the axis Y1). - In the embodiment known from the prior art, represented in
FIG. 2 and summarized in said document FR-A-2 915 436, theperipheral edge 83 of thesecond frame 8 has a diameter greater than the diameter of theperipheral edge 73 of the first frame. Thesecond frame 8 thus comprises anextension 85 in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis Y1, which forms a portion where thering 9 is crimped onto each of its faces: theouter face 82 and theinner face 81. - The
ring 9 thus comprises: - a
cylindrical base 91 which covers or crowns theperipheral edge 83 of thesecond frame 8, - a
first side flap 92 which at least partially covers a peripheral portion of theinner face 81 of thesecond frame 8 and a peripheral portion of theouter face 72 of thefirst frame 7, and - a
second side flap 93 which covers a portion of theouter face 82 of thesecond frame 8. - The
first side flap 92 has a general S shape forming a shoulder pressing against theinner face 81 of thesecond frame 8. - This
first side flap 92 comprises, from thebase 91, firstly afirst portion 92 a which covers a portion of theinner face 81 of thesecond frame 8, anelbow 92 b, asecond portion 92 c which extends substantially in parallel to the axis Y1 while moving away from theinner face 81, and athird portion 92 d which extends transversely towards the axis Y1 from an end of the second portion, until it laterally reaches theouter face 72 of thefirst frame 7. - Because of this form, the
first side flap 92 and thesecond side flap 93 crimp thering 9 onto theextension 85 of thesecond frame 8. Thering 9 is solidly attached to thissecond frame 8, and the second andthird portions first frame 7 can rotate relative to thesecond frame 8. - In one embodiment of the invention, presented in
FIGS. 3 to 5 , thering 9 comprises: - a
cylindrical base 91 which covers or crowns the twoperipheral edges - a
first side flap 92 which at least partially covers a peripheral portion of theouter face 72 of thefirst frame 7, without covering any portion of theinner face 81 of thesecond frame 8, saidinner face 81 solely facing the inner face 71 of thefirst frame 7, and - a
second side flap 93 which covers a portion of theouter face 82 of thesecond frame 8. - The
base 91 extends substantially in the direction of the axis Y1 directly between thefirst side flap 92 and thesecond side flap 93. Thisring 9 therefore encloses the first andsecond frames - The
ring 9 of the invention therefore differs from the ring of the prior art by itsfirst side flap 92 which does not include any contact with one of the inner faces of the frames. In particular, thering 9 has no contact with theinner face 81 of thesecond frame 8. In other words, thering 9 does not press on one of the inner faces 71, 81. For example, it does not press on a portion of theinner face 81 of thesecond frame 8. - The
ring 9 is therefore an annular piece having an axis Y1 and having a C-shaped cross-section with its opening facing the axis. The base 91 which extends along the direction of the axis Y1 corresponds to the vertical portion of the C shape. The first and second side flaps 92, 93 correspond to the horizontal arms of the C shape. - The first and
second flaps second frames first flap 92 towards thefirst frame 7. A second folding or bending reshapes the resulting preform to shape thesecond flap 93 towards thesecond frame 8, this second folding being performed without crimping the frames to each other and therefore without attaching them to one another. - Axial play in the direction of the axis Y1 is preserved so that the
first frame 7 can rotate relative to thesecond frame 8, specifically due to the method for creating saidring 9 which will be explained below in the description. - Because of this axial play, the
ring 9 encloses theframes - The
ring 9 is, for example, in contact with aperipheral edge 83 of the second frame. Advantageously, it is forcibly pressed onto saidperipheral edge 83. Thus thering 9 is solidly attached to thesecond frame 8. - The
ring 9 comprises a slightly conical inner face at the base 91 which grips theperipheral edge 83 of thesecond frame 8 and leaves theperipheral edge 73 of thefirst frame 7 free. Specifically, the inner face of the ring narrows towards the axis Y1, from thefirst frame 7 to thesecond frame 8. Thering 9 is thus solidly attached to thesecond frame 8 while having radial play with thefirst frame 7 so that thefirst frame 7 can rotate. - Said inner face of the
base 91, which is conical in shape, forms for example an angle of less than 5° with the direction of the axis Y1, and preferably less than 1°. - The
peripheral edge 83 of the second frame may possibly compriseteeth 86 that project beyond the diameter of saidperipheral edge 83. These teeth are, for example, low in height, for example less than 0.5 mm and preferably less than 0.2 mm. Theseteeth 86 may be distributed along the entire circumference or in angular sections about the axis Y1, as represented inFIG. 5 a. Theseteeth 86 can have various shapes, including teeth of triangular or trapezoid cross-section, and sine waves, or waves formed of circle sections. Theseteeth 86 engage with thering 9 when thering 9 is assembled onto theframe 8. Thering 9 is thus even more solidly attached to thesecond frame 8. - The
second frame 8 advantageously has a diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of thefirst frame 7. The first frame then has radial play with the inner face of thebase 91 of thering 9, and thefirst frame 7 can rotate relative to thering 9 and to thesecond frame 8. - The difference between the diameter of the second frame and the diameter of the first frame is, for example, less than 1 mm. The
extension 85 found in the prior art therefore does not exist. Its radial volume is eliminated. The total outer diameter of thehinge mechanism 6 is less than that of the prior art. - The
second frame 8 advantageously has a diameter equal to the diameter of thefirst frame 7. Theextension 85 found in the prior art therefore does not exist. The total outside diameter of thehinge mechanism 6 is even lower. The radial volume is thus reduced even further. - Lastly, the
first side flap 92 comprisesindentations 95 formed by a local deformation in the direction of the axis Y1. Local deformation is understood to mean a cavity, for example a semi-spherical cavity. The axial operational clearance in the direction of the axis Y1, necessary for the rotation of thefirst frame 7 relative to thesecond frame 8, can thus be reduced. Theindentations 95 are greater than or equal to three in number, and are advantageously distributed regularly along the circumference of the first side flap. - The
hinge mechanism 6 is made according to the method defined below, and as represented inFIGS. 6 a to 6 h. - In a first step, an
assembly 60 is provided which comprises: - first and
second frames outer faces peripheral edges - an
annular ring 9 comprising acylindrical base 91 which covers the peripheral edges of the frames, and afirst side flap 92 substantially perpendicular to the base and which covers at least a portion of theouter face 72 of thefirst frame 7. - Note for this
assembly 60 that thesecond side flap 93 of thering 9 is still not shaped. It comprises, in the axial extension of thebase 91 and opposite thefirst side flap 92, material for forming saidsecond flap 93 by stamping or crimping around the axis. - All known means and all known methods are usable for making the first and
second frames ring 9. These parts may in particular be formed by stamping sheet metal. - In a second step illustrated in
FIG. 6 a, theassembly 60 is mounted in apress 100, which comprises: - a
press die 101 comprising afirst bore hole 102, - a first lower tool 110 (counter-punch) and a first upper tool 111 (punch) which are able to move towards each other within the
first bore hole 102. - The
assembly 60 is set down or placed on the firstlower tool 110, for example by simply stacking from bottom to top: thesecond frame 8, thefirst frame 7, and thering 9 with itsfirst side flap 92 extending above thefirst frame 7. - The
first bore hole 102 comprises, for example, three cylindrical portions that are coaxial around the axis Y1. Afirst portion 102 a opening onto the upper surface of thedie 101 has a first diameter that is slightly greater than the outside diameter of thering 9 stacked onto theassembly 60. A secondintermediate portion 102 b has a second diameter slightly less than said outside diameter of thering 9. Thissecond portion 102 b is positioned as the extension of the first portion and lies beneath it, such that a first narrowing 102 d of thebore hole 102 between said first and second portions reduces the diameter of thebore hole 102 from the first diameter to the second diameter. For the first and second diameters, the term “slightly” is understood to mean having a difference in diameter of less than 1 mm compared to the diameter of thering 9, and preferably less than 0.2 mm. Athird portion 102 c has a third diameter which is less than the second diameter. It is located towards the bottom, as the extension of thesecond portion 102 b and beneath it, such that asecond narrowing 102 e further reduces the diameter of thebore hole 102, causing it to change from the second diameter to the third diameter. The third diameter corresponds, for example, substantially to an inside diameter of the first and/or second side flaps 92, 93 of thering 9 once it is completely shaped. The first andsecond narrowing sections bore hole 102. - The first
lower tool 110 is substantially cylindrical in shape, with its axis of revolution coaxial to the axis Y1. Its diameter is less than the third diameter of thebore hole 102, to enable it to move within all portions of the bore hole. It comprises anupper face 112 onto which theouter face 82 of thesecond frame 8 is placed, this outer face then being oriented downwards. - The first
upper tool 111 is substantially cylindrical in shape, with its axis of revolution coaxial to the axis Y1. It comprises an annular protuberance along its edge, projecting downwards towards theassembly 60 placed on the firstlower tool 110. This protuberance forms a shoulder which delimits a first outerannular surface 113 perpendicular to the axis and a second innerannular surface 114 perpendicular to the axis, said twosurfaces - In a third step illustrated in
FIG. 6 b, the firstupper tool 111 has been lowered towards theassembly 60. Thefirst surface 113 faces thefirst side flap 92 of thering 9, and thesecond surface 114 comes into contact with thefirst frame 7 and presses downwards onto saidfirst frame 7. The first andsecond frames inner faces 71, 81 mutually touching, between the firstupper tool 111 and the firstlower tool 110. - The first distance between the
surfaces first flap 92. This first distance is equal to the thickness of thefirst flap 92 plus an operating clearance. Thering 9 can then be moved upward by the upward force exerted on saidring 9 until thefirst flap 92 comes into contact with thefirst surface 113. An operating clearance is thus formed under thefirst flap 92, between it and theouter face 72 of thefirst frame 7. - In a fourth step illustrated in
FIG. 6 c, the firstlower tool 110 and the firstupper tool 111 are moved together in a downward direction to bring the axial extension of the base 91 into contact with the second narrowing 102 d of thefirst bore hole 102. Thering 9 thus partially enters the first narrowing 102 d, and for example a portion of it facing theperipheral edge 83 of thesecond frame 8. This first narrowing 102 d locally reduces the diameter of thering 9 and radially squeezes or crimps it onto theperipheral edge 83 of thesecond frame 8, attaching them solidly together. In this step, thedie 101 exerts an upward force on thering 9, due to friction. Thering 9 thus maintains the position described above during this step, meaning a position in which thefirst side flap 92 is in contact with thefirst surface 113 of the firstupper tool 111, which guarantees that the operating clearance between thefirst side flap 92 and thefirst frame 7 is maintained. - This fourth step allows solidly attaching the
ring 9 to thesecond frame 8 by radially crimping it on, with the ring in the correct position for maintaining an axial operating clearance that allows the rotation of thefirst frame 7 relative to thesecond frame 8. - This fourth step can be carried out in various manners, possibly combined. In fact, the
second frame 8 may comprise theteeth 86, or thering 9 may have a substantiallyconical base 91, or the outside diameter of the peripheral edge of thesecond frame 8 may be greater than the inside diameter of thebase 91. - In a fifth step illustrated in
FIG. 6 d, the firstlower tool 110 and the first upper tool ill are again moved downward, such that the axial extension of thebase 91 is forced into the second narrowing 102 e. The second narrowing has a conical shape which clasps or bends the axial extension of the base 91 in order to begin shaping thesecond side flap 93. This second narrowing 102 e forms a first angle with the axis Y1, for example between 30° and 60°. It is preferably substantially equal to 45°, or one or two degrees more or less. The partially formedsecond flap 93 then is temporarily at an angle corresponding to said first angle. In this step, the die continues to exert upward force on thering 9, which guarantees the predetermined position. In addition, this predetermined position cannot vary due to the radial crimping in the fourth step. The bend is therefore shaped on thering 9, said ring being in said predetermined position in the direction of the axis Y1. The operating clearance in the axial direction is thus guaranteed, and the axial extension of thering 9 assumes the form that is angled at the first angle for said predetermined position of thering 9. - The
hinge mechanism 6assembly 60 is then extracted from thepress 100 by moving the firstupper tool 111 and the firstlower tool 110 upward, in particular by exerting a first upward force F1 on the firstlower tool 110. - This fifth step allows partially bending the
second side flap 93 in order to shape it. It is possible for the method of the invention to do without this intermediate step, and directly perform the complete or total bending described in the following steps. - In a sixth step illustrated in
FIG. 6 e, thehinge mechanism 6assembly 60 is positioned at another location in thepress 100. At this location, the press die 101 comprises asecond bore hole 104 that is different from thefirst bore hole 102, and thepress 100 comprises a secondlower tool 120 and a secondupper tool 121 that are able to be moved towards each other within thesecond bore hole 104. - The
second bore hole 104 is a simple bore hole that is cylindrical in shape, having a single inside diameter that is slightly greater than the outside diameter of thering 9. Thering 9 and theassembly 60 can thus slide within thissecond bore hole 104. Theassembly 60 is installed in thissecond bore hole 104 on the secondlower tool 120; thesecond side flap 93, partially formed and angled at the first angle, is then placed against anannular surface 122 of the secondlower tool 120. Thisannular surface 122 is substantially perpendicular to the axis. - The second
upper tool 121 has a shape similar to the firstupper tool 111. It comprises an annular protuberance extending in the direction of the axis Y1. This forms a shoulder delimiting a first outerannular surface 123 perpendicular to the axis and a second innerannular surface 124 perpendicular to the axis. However, these twosurfaces upper tool 111. Thefirst surface 123 can no longer come into contact with thefirst flap 92. Only thesecond surface 124 is able to come into contact with theouter face 72 of thefirst frame 7, in order to push thefirst frame 7 against thesecond frame 8. - In a seventh step illustrated in
FIG. 6 f, thehinge mechanism 6assembly 60 is positioned on the secondlower tool 120. Then, the secondupper tool 121 is brought down against theouter face 72 of thefirst frame 7, and exerts a downward force on thefirst frame 7 which pushes theassembly 60 towards and against the secondlower tool 120. - The
annular surface 122 of the secondlower tool 120 then reshapes thesecond flap 93 bent at the first angle, until it assumes the shape of theannular surface 122, meaning until thesecond flap 93 is substantially perpendicular to the axis Y1, and until it is in contact with theouter face 82 of thesecond frame 8. - Because the second
upper tool 121 is pressing against theouter face 72 of thefirst frame 7, and not against thefirst flap 92 of thering 9, the operating clearance in the axial direction between thefirst flap 92 and thefirst frame 7 is maintained during this step of folding thesecond side flap 93 to 90°. - The
assembly 60 is thus transformed into ahinge mechanism 6 with aring 9 that is simple in shape, meaning without a radial extension to support the usual crimping of thering 9 in the prior art. In addition, the axial operating clearance is maintained so that thefirst frame 7 can move rotationally relative to thefirst frame 8. - This seventh step allows completing the bending of the
second side flap 93. - The two steps, the fifth step of partial bending and seventh step of completed bending, allow progressively folding this
second side flap 93, with precise positioning in the direction of the axis which guarantees the axial operating clearance for the rotation of the frames relative to each other. - In an eighth step illustrated in
FIG. 6 g, thehinge mechanism 6 is finally removed from thepress 100 by moving the secondupper tool 121 and the secondlower tool 120 upwards, in particular by exerting a second upward force F2 on the secondlower tool 120.FIG. 6 h shows thehinge mechanism 6 completely removed from thesecond bore hole 104 of thepress 100. - The
indentations 95 in thefirst side flap 92 can then be made before or after the formation of thesecond side flap 93, described in the steps presented above. - Said steps are only one embodiment of the invention; variations are possible. The method of the invention allows shaping a more
simple ring 9 due to the step or steps of the method which allow forming thesecond side flap 93 by pressing against theouter face 72 of thefirst frame 7. The first distance of the first upper tool allows ensuring that an axial operating clearance is maintained between theframes ring 9. - With this method, the
ring 9 does not have any portion that is in contact with one of the inner faces of the frames. - The
ring 9 is thus simple in shape, encloses the frames, and allows the frames to rotate relative to each other.
Claims (15)
1. A hinge mechanism for a vehicle seat, comprising:
first and second frames mounted so that they can rotate relative to one another about an axis, said frames comprising inner faces oriented inward and facing one another, outer faces oriented outward and away from each other, and circular peripheral edges distanced from the axis, and
an annular ring comprising a base which covers the peripheral edges of the frames, and first and second side flaps which cover at least a portion of each of the outer faces,
wherein the base has a cylindrical shape which extends in the direction of the axis directly between the first side flap and the second side flap, and the ring does not comprise a portion in contact with one of the inner faces of the frames.
2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein axial play along the direction of the axis is preserved between the first side flap and the first frame during the formation of the second side flap against the second frame.
3. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the second frame has a diameter greater than a diameter of the first frame, and the difference between said diameters is less than 1 mm.
4. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the second frame has a diameter equal to a diameter of the first frame.
5. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1 4, wherein the peripheral edge of the second frame is in close contact with an inner face of the base (91) in order to attach the ring solidly to the second frame.
6. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the peripheral edge of the second frame comprises teeth which engage with the inner face of the base in order to attach the ring solidly to the second frame.
7. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the first side flap comprises indentations extending from said first flap in the direction of the outer face of the first frame, said indentations being greater than or equal to three in number.
8. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the base of the ring (9) comprises a conical inner face in order to grip the peripheral edge of the second frame radially and leave the peripheral edge of the first frame free to rotate.
9. A seat of a vehicle, comprising first and second parts connected to each other by a hinge mechanism according to any of the above claims, the first frame being attached to the first part and the second frame being attached to the second part.
10. The seat according to claim 9 , wherein the first part is a frame of a seat back and the second part is a frame of a seat bottom.
11. A method for making a hinge mechanism for a vehicle seat, comprising the following steps:
a) an assembly is provided which comprises:
first and second frames able to be mounted so that they can rotate relative to one another about an axis, said frames comprising inner faces oriented inward and towards one another, outer faces oriented outward and away from each other, and circular peripheral edges distanced from the axis, and
an annular ring comprising a cylindrical base which covers the peripheral edges of the frames, and a first side flap which covers at least a portion of the outer face of the first frame,
b) a second side flap is formed by folding a portion of the ring towards the outer face of the second frame and by pressing against the outer face of the first frame.
12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the following step is carried out between steps a) and b):
the ring is positioned relative to the first frame with a predetermined clearance with a first tool comprising first and second surfaces, the first surface being adapted to press against the first side flap, the second surface being adapted to press against the first outer surface, and said surfaces being offset in the direction of the axis to ensure said predetermined clearance between an inner surface of the first side flap and the first outer surface of the first frame, the ring being pushed towards said first tool and said first tool being pushed towards said first frame so that said surfaces are pressing against one another.
13. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the ring is squeezed radially inward onto the peripheral edge of the second frame.
14. The method according to claim 11 , wherein step b) is carried out in at least the two following sub-steps:
b1) the portion of the ring is folded to a first angle to form a flange sloping at said first angle, and
b2) said flange is folded to a second angle, substantially 90°, to form the second side flap facing the outer face of the second frame, the assembly being pushed towards a die by a first tool pressing against the outer face of the first frame.
15. The method according to claim 14 , wherein the first angle is between 30° and 60°, and preferably substantially equal to 45°.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/887,637 US9387782B2 (en) | 2012-04-25 | 2015-10-20 | Hinge mechanism and vehicle seat comprising such a mechanism, and method for making such a mechanism |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR12053809 | 2012-04-25 | ||
FR1253809A FR2989940B1 (en) | 2012-04-25 | 2012-04-25 | ARTICULATION MECHANISM AND VEHICLE SEAT COMPRISING SUCH A MECHANISM, AND METHOD FOR REALIZING SUCH A MECHANISM |
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US14/887,637 Division US9387782B2 (en) | 2012-04-25 | 2015-10-20 | Hinge mechanism and vehicle seat comprising such a mechanism, and method for making such a mechanism |
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US20130300173A1 true US20130300173A1 (en) | 2013-11-14 |
Family
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US13/869,722 Abandoned US20130300173A1 (en) | 2012-04-25 | 2013-04-24 | Hinge Mechanism and Vehicle Seat Comprising Such a Mechanism, and Method for Making Such a Mechanism |
US14/887,637 Expired - Fee Related US9387782B2 (en) | 2012-04-25 | 2015-10-20 | Hinge mechanism and vehicle seat comprising such a mechanism, and method for making such a mechanism |
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US14/887,637 Expired - Fee Related US9387782B2 (en) | 2012-04-25 | 2015-10-20 | Hinge mechanism and vehicle seat comprising such a mechanism, and method for making such a mechanism |
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US (2) | US20130300173A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103373253B (en) |
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US20150091354A1 (en) * | 2013-09-30 | 2015-04-02 | Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha | Recliner |
US20190255979A1 (en) * | 2018-02-22 | 2019-08-22 | Lear Corporation | Recliner retention ring and method of making the same |
Families Citing this family (1)
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DE102013108665A1 (en) * | 2013-08-09 | 2015-02-12 | Hettich Franke Gmbh & Co. Kg | swivel fitting |
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2012
- 2012-04-25 FR FR1253809A patent/FR2989940B1/en active Active
-
2013
- 2013-04-22 DE DE102013006907A patent/DE102013006907A1/en active Pending
- 2013-04-24 US US13/869,722 patent/US20130300173A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-04-25 CN CN201310171892.7A patent/CN103373253B/en active Active
-
2015
- 2015-10-20 US US14/887,637 patent/US9387782B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030080599A1 (en) * | 2001-02-12 | 2003-05-01 | Bernd-Robert Hohn | Adjusting device for a rotational adjustment of two centrically mounted adapter elements, in particular for a seat, and planetary gear configuration |
US7314250B1 (en) * | 2006-09-27 | 2008-01-01 | Keiper Gmbh & Co. Kg | Fitting system for a vehicle seat |
US8201887B2 (en) * | 2008-03-15 | 2012-06-19 | Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg | Fitting |
US8162400B2 (en) * | 2008-08-26 | 2012-04-24 | Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha | Connecting apparatuses for vehicular seats |
US20120279337A1 (en) * | 2009-12-07 | 2012-11-08 | Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha | Locking device |
FR3001927A1 (en) * | 2013-02-14 | 2014-08-15 | Faurecia Sieges Automobile | Mechanism for articulating seat of motor vehicle, has leg with maintenance portion extending radially into longitudinal axis with respect to cam, where leg is integrated into control plate and extended from control plate to cam |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150091354A1 (en) * | 2013-09-30 | 2015-04-02 | Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha | Recliner |
US9315121B2 (en) * | 2013-09-30 | 2016-04-19 | Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha | Vehicle seat recliner |
US20190255979A1 (en) * | 2018-02-22 | 2019-08-22 | Lear Corporation | Recliner retention ring and method of making the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR2989940A1 (en) | 2013-11-01 |
US9387782B2 (en) | 2016-07-12 |
US20160039317A1 (en) | 2016-02-11 |
DE102013006907A1 (en) | 2013-10-31 |
FR2989940B1 (en) | 2014-12-26 |
CN103373253B (en) | 2016-06-29 |
CN103373253A (en) | 2013-10-30 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FAURECIA SIEGES D'AUTOMOBILE, FRANCE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BOISGONTIER, JOEL;REEL/FRAME:030897/0228 Effective date: 20130715 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |