US20190351790A1 - Spacer having a tolerance absorption mechanism - Google Patents
Spacer having a tolerance absorption mechanism Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190351790A1 US20190351790A1 US16/525,932 US201916525932A US2019351790A1 US 20190351790 A1 US20190351790 A1 US 20190351790A1 US 201916525932 A US201916525932 A US 201916525932A US 2019351790 A1 US2019351790 A1 US 2019351790A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- fastener
- recited
- leaflets
- vehicle seat
- 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
-
- 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
- B60N2/20—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 tiltable, e.g. to permit easy access
-
- 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
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/32—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles convertible for other use
- B60N2/36—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles convertible for other use into a loading platform
-
- 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
- B60N2/68—Seat frames
- B60N2/682—Joining means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/75—Arm-rests
- B60N2/763—Arm-rests adjustable
- B60N2/767—Angle adjustment
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C11/00—Pivots; Pivotal connections
- F16C11/04—Pivotal connections
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C17/00—Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement
- F16C17/10—Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement for both radial and axial load
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C25/00—Bearings for exclusively rotary movement adjustable for wear or play
- F16C25/02—Sliding-contact bearings
- F16C25/04—Sliding-contact bearings self-adjusting
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C27/00—Elastic or yielding bearings or bearing supports, for exclusively rotary movement
- F16C27/02—Sliding-contact bearings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C27/00—Elastic or yielding bearings or bearing supports, for exclusively rotary movement
- F16C27/06—Elastic or yielding bearings or bearing supports, for exclusively rotary movement by means of parts of rubber or like materials
- F16C27/063—Sliding contact bearings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
- F16C33/02—Parts of sliding-contact bearings
- F16C33/04—Brasses; Bushes; Linings
- F16C33/20—Sliding surface consisting mainly of plastics
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2205/00—General mechanical or structural details
- B60N2205/20—Measures for elimination or compensation of play or backlash
Definitions
- a fastener such as a bolt, is used to attach a first vehicle seat component and a second vehicle seat component.
- the second vehicle seat component pivots relative to the first vehicle seat component.
- the bolt has a head, a shoulder and a shank.
- a spacer positioned on the shank of the bolt only absorbs radial tolerances and squeak.
- An elastomeric ring or felt can be secured or glued to a surface of the shoulder of the bolt to absorb axial tolerances and rattle.
- the spacer and the elastomeric ring are two separate components.
- an assembly in a featured embodiment, includes a first vehicle seat component, a second vehicle seat component that can pivot relative to the first vehicle seat component, a fastener to secure the first vehicle seat component and second first vehicle seat component together, and a spacer to absorb radial vibrations.
- the spacer includes a body and at least one flexible leaflet located between the body and the fastener to absorb axial vibrations. The body and the at least one leaflet are integral and monolithic to define a single component.
- the first seat component is a component of a frame subassembly of a vehicle seat back
- the second seat component is a component of a seat cushion
- the second seat component is a resilient assembly.
- the fastener in another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, includes a shank, a larger diameter shank and a shoulder.
- the larger diameter shank of the fastener is received in an opening in the spacer, and the at least one leaflet engages the shoulder of the fastener.
- the body in another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, includes a small diameter portion and a larger diameter portion.
- the larger diameter portion is defined by a flange.
- the at least one leaflet is attached to the body by the flange.
- a circumferential space is defined between each of the at least one leaflet and the body.
- a radial space is defined between a straight surface of each the at least one leaflet and a flat surface of the flange.
- the at least one leaflet is approximately 0.6 mm above a surface of the body.
- the at least one flexible leaflet extends around the body in a circumferential direction.
- the at least one flexible leaflet comprises three leaflets.
- an assembly in another featured embodiment, includes a first vehicle seat component. A second vehicle seat component that pivots relative to the first vehicle seat component.
- a fastener secures the first vehicle seat component and second first vehicle seat component together.
- the fastener includes a shank, a larger diameter shank and a shoulder. The larger diameter shank of the fastener is received in an opening in the spacer, and the at least one leaflet engages the shoulder of the fastener.
- a spacer absorbs radial vibrations.
- the spacer includes a body and at least one flexible leaflet located between the body and the fastener to absorb axial vibrations.
- the body and the at least one leaflet are integral and monolithic to define a single component.
- the at least one leaflet extends around the body in a circumferential direction, and the at least one leaflet comprises three leaflets.
- the first seat component is a component of a frame subassembly of a vehicle seat back
- the second seat component is a component of a seat cushion
- the second seat component is a resilient assembly.
- the body in another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, includes a small diameter portion and a larger diameter portion.
- the larger diameter portion is defined by a flange.
- the at least one flexible leaflet is attached to the body by the flange.
- a circumferential space is defined between each of the at least one flexible leaflet and the body, and a radial space is defined between a straight surface of each the at least one leaflet and a flat surface of the flange.
- the at least one leaflet is approximately 0.6 mm above a surface of the body.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly of a vehicle seat
- FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a first spacer
- FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the first spacer
- FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the first spacer
- FIG. 2D illustrates the first spacer installed on a fastener
- FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a second spacer
- FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the second spacer
- FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the second spacer
- FIG. 3D illustrates the second spacer installed on the fastener
- FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a third spacer
- FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the third spacer
- FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the third spacer
- FIG. 4D illustrates the third spacer installed on the fastener
- FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a fourth spacer
- FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of the fourth spacer
- FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the fourth spacer
- FIG. 5D illustrates the fourth spacer installed on the fastener.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly 10 including a first vehicle seat component 12 and a second vehicle seat component 14 .
- the first vehicle seat component 12 is a component of a frame subassembly of a vehicle seat back
- the second vehicle seat component 14 is a component of a seat cushion.
- the second vehicle seat component 14 is a spring assembly.
- the second vehicle seat component 14 pivots relative to the first vehicle seat component 12 .
- the second vehicle seat component 14 is made of steel. It is to be understood that other vehicle seat components can be used.
- one of the vehicle seat components 12 and 14 can be an armrest.
- a fastener 16 pivotably attaches the second vehicle seat component 14 to the first vehicle seat component 12 . That is, the second vehicle seat component 14 moves and pivots relative to the first vehicle seat component 12 .
- the fastener 16 is a bolt.
- the fastener 16 includes a shank 18 that extends along a longitudinal axis X, a larger diameter shank 20 , and a shoulder 22 .
- a head 24 is located on the shoulder 22 that can be engaged by a tool and turned in the direction Y to tighten or loosen the fastener 16 .
- the head 24 is a hex head.
- the fastener 16 is made of steel.
- a spacer 26 (shown generally in FIG. 1 ) includes an opening 28 .
- the spacer 26 is made of a thermoplastic, such as polyoxymethylene (POM).
- POM polyoxymethylene
- the spacer 26 includes a body 30 and at least one leaflet 32 or umbrella (shown schematically in FIG. 1 ) that is flexible.
- the body 30 includes a smaller outer diameter portion 31 and a larger outer diameter portion 33 .
- the body 30 defines the opening 28 , which has a constant diameter.
- the at least one leaflet 32 is raised approximately 0.6 mm in distance from a surface of the spacer 26 and extends from a surface of the larger outer diameter portion 33 of the spacer 26 .
- the at least one leaflet 32 engages the shoulder 22 of the fastener 16 after installation.
- a height of a burr 55 (shown in FIG. 2C ) at an end portion and peripheral portion is approximately 0.2 mm. In production, each component can potentially vary in thickness along the axis of the joint.
- the body 30 and at least one leaflet 32 are integral and monolithic and define a single component. This allows for a reduction of parts.
- the larger diameter shank 20 of the fastener 16 is located in an opening 28 in the spacer 26 such that the at least one leaflet 32 engages the shoulder 22 of the fastener 16 .
- the spacer 26 absorbs noise and vibrations in the radial direction.
- the at least one leaflet 32 can compress and work as a spring and deflect towards and away from the body 30 to accommodate for movement and absorb vibrations in the axial direction. An amount of deflection depends on the thickness of each component in an axial direction.
- the at least one leaflet 32 is designed to accommodate worst case tolerances allowed for each component and can work to deflect accordingly and always have zero gap in the joint to prevent buzz, rattle and squeak (BRS). This allows the spacer 26 to work as a tolerance absorption mechanism in two directions, radially and axially. By eliminating the rubber or elastomeric ring or felt used in prior designs, there is a significant saving.
- FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D illustrate a first example spacer 34 .
- the spacer 34 includes a body 36 having an opening 40 having a longitudinal axis X that receives the fastener 16 .
- the body 36 includes a smaller diameter portion 35 and a large diameter portion 37 having a plurality of flanges 39 .
- a plurality of leaflets 38 are each attached one of the plurality of flanges 39 .
- the body 36 is circular, and the opening 40 is circular.
- the leaflets 38 extend in a circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis X around the opening 40 .
- a circumferential space 41 is defined between an inner curved surface of each leaflet 38 and a curved portion of the body 36
- a radial space 43 is defined between a straight surface of each leaflet 38 and a flat surface of the flange 39 .
- the radial space 43 has a width of about 5 degrees around the longitudinal axis X, and each leaflet 38 extends about 70 degrees around the longitudinal axis X.
- leaflets 38 there are three leaflets 38 .
- the leaflets 38 are attached to the flanges 39 .
- the leaflets 38 are also raised slightly with respect to an upper surface of the flanges 39 .
- the leaflets 3 are raised a distance Z from the upper surface of the flanges 39 . In one example, Z is about 0.6 mm.
- the circumferential space 41 between each of the leaflets 38 and the body 36 allow the leaflets 38 to move axially with respect to the longitudinal axis X.
- the leaflets 38 press against the larger diameter shank 20 of the fastener 16 to absorb axial noises.
- FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate a second example spacer 46 .
- the spacer 46 includes a body 48 and a plurality of leaflets 50 .
- the body 36 includes a small outer diameter portion 51 , a larger outer diameter portion 53 , and an opening 52 that receives the fastener 16 .
- the leaflets 50 extend radially from the body 48 . In one example, there are four leaflets 50 .
- the leaflets 50 are circumferentially surrounded by sections of the larger diameter portion 53 .
- the leaflets 50 have a width that is smaller than a width of the sections of the larger diameter portion 53 .
- the leaflets 50 are also raised slightly with respect to a surface of the outer diameter portion 53 by a distance Z. In one example, Z is about 0.6 mm.
- each of the leaflets 50 has a gap 54 between each of the leaflets 50 and larger outer diameter portion 53 that allow the leaflets 50 to move axially with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the fastener 16 .
- the leaflets 50 press against the larger diameter shank 20 of the fastener 16 to absorb axial noises.
- FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D illustrate a third example spacer 56 .
- the spacer 56 includes a body 58 and a plurality of leaflets 60 .
- the body 58 includes a small outer diameter portion 57 , a larger outer diameter portion 59 , and an opening 61 that receives the fastener 16 .
- the leaflets 60 extend radially from the body 58 . In one example, there are three leaflets 60 .
- the leaflets 60 are circumferentially surrounded by sections of the larger outer diameter portion 59 .
- the leaflets 60 have a width that is approximately equal to a width of the sections of the larger outer diameter portions 59 .
- the leaflets 60 are also raised slightly with respect to a surface of the larger outer diameter portion 59 by a distance Z.
- Z is about 0.6 mm.
- the leaflets 60 press against the larger diameter shank 20 of the fastener 16 to absorb axial noises.
- FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D illustrate a fourth example spacer 64 .
- the spacer 64 includes a body 66 and a circumferential flange 68 that extends upwardly from a larger outer diameter portion 67 of the body 66 and extends 360 degrees around a longitudinal axis X.
- the circumferential flange 68 is also raised slightly with respect to a surface of the outer diameter portion 67 by a distance Z. In one example, Z is about 0.6 mm.
- the body 66 includes a small outer diameter portion 65 , the larger outer diameter portion 67 , and an opening 70 that receives the fastener 16 .
- the circumferential flange 68 moves axially with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the fastener 16 .
- the circumferential flange 68 presses against the larger diameter shank 20 of the fastener 16 to absorb axial noises.
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/177,518 filed on Jun. 9, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,363,840 granted Jul. 30, 2019.
- A fastener, such a bolt, is used to attach a first vehicle seat component and a second vehicle seat component. The second vehicle seat component pivots relative to the first vehicle seat component. The bolt has a head, a shoulder and a shank. A spacer positioned on the shank of the bolt only absorbs radial tolerances and squeak. An elastomeric ring or felt can be secured or glued to a surface of the shoulder of the bolt to absorb axial tolerances and rattle. The spacer and the elastomeric ring are two separate components.
- In a featured embodiment, an assembly includes a first vehicle seat component, a second vehicle seat component that can pivot relative to the first vehicle seat component, a fastener to secure the first vehicle seat component and second first vehicle seat component together, and a spacer to absorb radial vibrations. The spacer includes a body and at least one flexible leaflet located between the body and the fastener to absorb axial vibrations. The body and the at least one leaflet are integral and monolithic to define a single component.
- In another embodiment according to the previous embodiment, the first seat component is a component of a frame subassembly of a vehicle seat back, and the second seat component is a component of a seat cushion.
- In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the second seat component is a resilient assembly.
- In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the fastener includes a shank, a larger diameter shank and a shoulder. The larger diameter shank of the fastener is received in an opening in the spacer, and the at least one leaflet engages the shoulder of the fastener.
- In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the body includes a small diameter portion and a larger diameter portion. The larger diameter portion is defined by a flange.
- In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the at least one leaflet is attached to the body by the flange.
- In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, a circumferential space is defined between each of the at least one leaflet and the body. A radial space is defined between a straight surface of each the at least one leaflet and a flat surface of the flange.
- In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the at least one leaflet is approximately 0.6 mm above a surface of the body.
- In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the at least one flexible leaflet extends around the body in a circumferential direction.
- In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the at least one flexible leaflet comprises three leaflets.
- In another featured embodiment, an assembly includes a first vehicle seat component. A second vehicle seat component that pivots relative to the first vehicle seat component. A fastener secures the first vehicle seat component and second first vehicle seat component together. The fastener includes a shank, a larger diameter shank and a shoulder. The larger diameter shank of the fastener is received in an opening in the spacer, and the at least one leaflet engages the shoulder of the fastener. A spacer absorbs radial vibrations. The spacer includes a body and at least one flexible leaflet located between the body and the fastener to absorb axial vibrations. The body and the at least one leaflet are integral and monolithic to define a single component. The at least one leaflet extends around the body in a circumferential direction, and the at least one leaflet comprises three leaflets.
- In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the first seat component is a component of a frame subassembly of a vehicle seat back, and the second seat component is a component of a seat cushion.
- In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the second seat component is a resilient assembly.
- In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the body includes a small diameter portion and a larger diameter portion. The larger diameter portion is defined by a flange.
- In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the at least one flexible leaflet is attached to the body by the flange.
- In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, a circumferential space is defined between each of the at least one flexible leaflet and the body, and a radial space is defined between a straight surface of each the at least one leaflet and a flat surface of the flange.
- In another embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the at least one leaflet is approximately 0.6 mm above a surface of the body.
- These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.
- Other advantages of the present invention can be understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly of a vehicle seat; -
FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a first spacer; -
FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the first spacer; -
FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the first spacer; -
FIG. 2D illustrates the first spacer installed on a fastener; -
FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a second spacer; -
FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the second spacer; -
FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the second spacer; -
FIG. 3D illustrates the second spacer installed on the fastener; -
FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a third spacer; -
FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the third spacer; -
FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the third spacer; -
FIG. 4D illustrates the third spacer installed on the fastener; -
FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a fourth spacer; -
FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of the fourth spacer; -
FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the fourth spacer; and -
FIG. 5D illustrates the fourth spacer installed on the fastener. -
FIG. 1 illustrates anassembly 10 including a firstvehicle seat component 12 and a secondvehicle seat component 14. In one example, the firstvehicle seat component 12 is a component of a frame subassembly of a vehicle seat back, and the secondvehicle seat component 14 is a component of a seat cushion. In one example, the secondvehicle seat component 14 is a spring assembly. The secondvehicle seat component 14 pivots relative to the firstvehicle seat component 12. In one example, the secondvehicle seat component 14 is made of steel. It is to be understood that other vehicle seat components can be used. For example, one of thevehicle seat components - A
fastener 16 pivotably attaches the secondvehicle seat component 14 to the firstvehicle seat component 12. That is, the secondvehicle seat component 14 moves and pivots relative to the firstvehicle seat component 12. In one example, thefastener 16 is a bolt. Thefastener 16 includes ashank 18 that extends along a longitudinal axis X, alarger diameter shank 20, and ashoulder 22. Ahead 24 is located on theshoulder 22 that can be engaged by a tool and turned in the direction Y to tighten or loosen thefastener 16. In one example, thehead 24 is a hex head. Thefastener 16 is made of steel. - A spacer 26 (shown generally in
FIG. 1 ) includes anopening 28. In one example, thespacer 26 is made of a thermoplastic, such as polyoxymethylene (POM). Thelarger diameter shank 20 of thefastener 16 is received in theopening 28 of thespacer 26. - The
spacer 26 includes abody 30 and at least oneleaflet 32 or umbrella (shown schematically inFIG. 1 ) that is flexible. Thebody 30 includes a smallerouter diameter portion 31 and a largerouter diameter portion 33. Thebody 30 defines theopening 28, which has a constant diameter. In one example, the at least oneleaflet 32 is raised approximately 0.6 mm in distance from a surface of thespacer 26 and extends from a surface of the largerouter diameter portion 33 of thespacer 26. The at least oneleaflet 32 engages theshoulder 22 of thefastener 16 after installation. A height of a burr 55 (shown inFIG. 2C ) at an end portion and peripheral portion is approximately 0.2 mm. In production, each component can potentially vary in thickness along the axis of the joint. Thebody 30 and at least oneleaflet 32 are integral and monolithic and define a single component. This allows for a reduction of parts. When installed, thelarger diameter shank 20 of thefastener 16 is located in anopening 28 in thespacer 26 such that the at least oneleaflet 32 engages theshoulder 22 of thefastener 16. - The
spacer 26 absorbs noise and vibrations in the radial direction. When thefastener 16 is installed, the at least oneleaflet 32 can compress and work as a spring and deflect towards and away from thebody 30 to accommodate for movement and absorb vibrations in the axial direction. An amount of deflection depends on the thickness of each component in an axial direction. The at least oneleaflet 32 is designed to accommodate worst case tolerances allowed for each component and can work to deflect accordingly and always have zero gap in the joint to prevent buzz, rattle and squeak (BRS). This allows thespacer 26 to work as a tolerance absorption mechanism in two directions, radially and axially. By eliminating the rubber or elastomeric ring or felt used in prior designs, there is a significant saving. -
FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D illustrate afirst example spacer 34. Thespacer 34 includes abody 36 having anopening 40 having a longitudinal axis X that receives thefastener 16. Thebody 36 includes asmaller diameter portion 35 and alarge diameter portion 37 having a plurality offlanges 39. A plurality ofleaflets 38 are each attached one of the plurality offlanges 39. In one example, thebody 36 is circular, and theopening 40 is circular. - The
leaflets 38 extend in a circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis X around theopening 40. Acircumferential space 41 is defined between an inner curved surface of eachleaflet 38 and a curved portion of thebody 36, and aradial space 43 is defined between a straight surface of eachleaflet 38 and a flat surface of theflange 39. Theradial space 43 has a width of about 5 degrees around the longitudinal axis X, and eachleaflet 38 extends about 70 degrees around the longitudinal axis X. - In one example, there are three
leaflets 38. Theleaflets 38 are attached to theflanges 39. Theleaflets 38 are also raised slightly with respect to an upper surface of theflanges 39. In one example, the leaflets 3 are raised a distance Z from the upper surface of theflanges 39. In one example, Z is about 0.6 mm. Thecircumferential space 41 between each of theleaflets 38 and thebody 36 allow theleaflets 38 to move axially with respect to the longitudinal axis X. Theleaflets 38 press against thelarger diameter shank 20 of thefastener 16 to absorb axial noises. -
FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate asecond example spacer 46. Thespacer 46 includes abody 48 and a plurality ofleaflets 50. Thebody 36 includes a smallouter diameter portion 51, a largerouter diameter portion 53, and anopening 52 that receives thefastener 16. Theleaflets 50 extend radially from thebody 48. In one example, there are fourleaflets 50. Theleaflets 50 are circumferentially surrounded by sections of thelarger diameter portion 53. Theleaflets 50 have a width that is smaller than a width of the sections of thelarger diameter portion 53. Theleaflets 50 are also raised slightly with respect to a surface of theouter diameter portion 53 by a distance Z. In one example, Z is about 0.6 mm. There is agap 54 between each of theleaflets 50 and largerouter diameter portion 53 that allow theleaflets 50 to move axially with respect to the longitudinal axis X of thefastener 16. Theleaflets 50 press against thelarger diameter shank 20 of thefastener 16 to absorb axial noises. -
FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D illustrate athird example spacer 56. Thespacer 56 includes abody 58 and a plurality ofleaflets 60. Thebody 58 includes a smallouter diameter portion 57, a largerouter diameter portion 59, and anopening 61 that receives thefastener 16. Theleaflets 60 extend radially from thebody 58. In one example, there are threeleaflets 60. Theleaflets 60 are circumferentially surrounded by sections of the largerouter diameter portion 59. Theleaflets 60 have a width that is approximately equal to a width of the sections of the largerouter diameter portions 59. Theleaflets 60 are also raised slightly with respect to a surface of the largerouter diameter portion 59 by a distance Z. In one example, Z is about 0.6 mm. There is agap 62 between each of theleaflets 60 and the largerouter diameter portion 59 that allow theleaflets 60 to move axially with respect to the longitudinal axis X of thefastener 16. Theleaflets 60 press against thelarger diameter shank 20 of thefastener 16 to absorb axial noises. -
FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D illustrate afourth example spacer 64. Thespacer 64 includes abody 66 and acircumferential flange 68 that extends upwardly from a largerouter diameter portion 67 of thebody 66 and extends 360 degrees around a longitudinal axis X. Thecircumferential flange 68 is also raised slightly with respect to a surface of theouter diameter portion 67 by a distance Z. In one example, Z is about 0.6 mm. Thebody 66 includes a smallouter diameter portion 65, the largerouter diameter portion 67, and anopening 70 that receives thefastener 16. Thecircumferential flange 68 moves axially with respect to the longitudinal axis X of thefastener 16. Thecircumferential flange 68 presses against thelarger diameter shank 20 of thefastener 16 to absorb axial noises. - The foregoing description is only exemplary of the principles of the invention. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, however, so that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. For that reason the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/525,932 US20190351790A1 (en) | 2015-09-22 | 2019-07-30 | Spacer having a tolerance absorption mechanism |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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US201562221890P | 2015-09-22 | 2015-09-22 | |
US15/177,518 US10363840B2 (en) | 2015-09-22 | 2016-06-09 | Spacer having a tolerance absorption mechanism |
US16/525,932 US20190351790A1 (en) | 2015-09-22 | 2019-07-30 | Spacer having a tolerance absorption mechanism |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US15/177,518 Continuation US10363840B2 (en) | 2015-09-22 | 2016-06-09 | Spacer having a tolerance absorption mechanism |
Publications (1)
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US20190351790A1 true US20190351790A1 (en) | 2019-11-21 |
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US15/177,518 Expired - Fee Related US10363840B2 (en) | 2015-09-22 | 2016-06-09 | Spacer having a tolerance absorption mechanism |
US16/525,932 Abandoned US20190351790A1 (en) | 2015-09-22 | 2019-07-30 | Spacer having a tolerance absorption mechanism |
Family Applications Before (1)
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US15/177,518 Expired - Fee Related US10363840B2 (en) | 2015-09-22 | 2016-06-09 | Spacer having a tolerance absorption mechanism |
Country Status (7)
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US (2) | US10363840B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3353011A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2018528126A (en) |
AR (1) | AR106098A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2999714A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2018003481A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017052699A1 (en) |
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US10886408B2 (en) | 2016-09-29 | 2021-01-05 | Intel Corporation | Group III-V material transistors employing nitride-based dopant diffusion barrier layer |
KR102031263B1 (en) * | 2019-04-19 | 2019-10-11 | 주식회사 우보테크 | Tilting Device for Armrest |
DE102019008904A1 (en) * | 2019-12-20 | 2021-06-24 | A. Raymond Et Cie | Anti-flow ring, system comprising an anti-flow ring and use of an anti-flow ring |
US11248367B2 (en) | 2020-03-03 | 2022-02-15 | Mueller International, Llc | Hydrant nozzle cap spacer |
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US2761484A (en) | 1952-08-13 | 1956-09-04 | Sternick Sidney | Resilient bolt retainer |
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US3628584A (en) | 1969-12-18 | 1971-12-21 | Illinois Tool Works | Spring washer |
US4193434A (en) * | 1978-08-10 | 1980-03-18 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Preassembled fastener unit for clamping plastic workpieces |
US4437784A (en) | 1982-01-28 | 1984-03-20 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Adjustable shim system |
US4482186A (en) * | 1982-04-26 | 1984-11-13 | Abra Inc. | Jointed article of furniture |
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DE19643977C2 (en) | 1996-10-31 | 2000-03-30 | Keiper Gmbh & Co | Vehicle seat with multi-function backrest |
KR100287670B1 (en) | 1998-06-10 | 2001-01-30 | Han Shin Industry Co Ltd | Hinge device of tilting headrest |
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US6939076B2 (en) | 2002-07-16 | 2005-09-06 | La-Z-Boy Incorporated | Oil-less rivet system for a reclining chair mechanism |
US7513571B2 (en) | 2003-02-13 | 2009-04-07 | Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co.Kg, Coburg | Seat assembly for a motor vehicle seat |
US7086688B2 (en) | 2003-09-16 | 2006-08-08 | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | Fastening system with bearing member |
US20050151310A1 (en) * | 2004-01-14 | 2005-07-14 | Barnes Group, Inc., A Corp. Of Delaware | Spring washer |
DE102004017391A1 (en) | 2004-04-08 | 2005-10-27 | Wilhelm Karmann Gmbh | Bushing and articulated connection with such a socket |
US7306418B2 (en) | 2004-09-27 | 2007-12-11 | General Motors Corporation | Deforming member and captive fastener retaining method |
DE102004063660B4 (en) | 2004-12-31 | 2018-03-22 | Volkswagen Ag | bearing bush |
DE102006060829B4 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2010-03-25 | Keiper Gmbh & Co. Kg | Bearing arrangement, in particular a vehicle seat |
ITPD20070194A1 (en) | 2007-06-01 | 2008-12-02 | Mollificio Cappeller S R L | VIBRATION DAMPER, PARTICULARLY FOR SUPPORTING COMPRESSORS, PUMPS, ELECTRIC AND SIMILAR MOTORS |
CN102143857A (en) | 2008-09-23 | 2011-08-03 | 李尔公司 | Seat assembly with bushing |
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WO2013157134A1 (en) * | 2012-04-20 | 2013-10-24 | ジョンソン コントロールズ テクノロジー カンパニ- | Vehicle seat |
US9285073B2 (en) | 2013-08-09 | 2016-03-15 | Raytheon Company | Non-rotating flexure bearings for cryocoolers and other devices |
-
2016
- 2016-06-09 EP EP16731458.2A patent/EP3353011A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2016-06-09 JP JP2018534767A patent/JP2018528126A/en active Pending
- 2016-06-09 CA CA2999714A patent/CA2999714A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-06-09 WO PCT/US2016/036588 patent/WO2017052699A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-06-09 MX MX2018003481A patent/MX2018003481A/en unknown
- 2016-06-09 US US15/177,518 patent/US10363840B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2016-09-21 AR ARP160102877A patent/AR106098A1/en active IP Right Grant
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2019
- 2019-07-30 US US16/525,932 patent/US20190351790A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US20170080824A1 (en) | 2017-03-23 |
WO2017052699A1 (en) | 2017-03-30 |
MX2018003481A (en) | 2018-08-15 |
JP2018528126A (en) | 2018-09-27 |
EP3353011A1 (en) | 2018-08-01 |
US10363840B2 (en) | 2019-07-30 |
AR106098A1 (en) | 2017-12-13 |
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