WO2012122492A2 - Mécanisme de siège inclinable - Google Patents

Mécanisme de siège inclinable Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012122492A2
WO2012122492A2 PCT/US2012/028528 US2012028528W WO2012122492A2 WO 2012122492 A2 WO2012122492 A2 WO 2012122492A2 US 2012028528 W US2012028528 W US 2012028528W WO 2012122492 A2 WO2012122492 A2 WO 2012122492A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
seat
recliner
seat back
assembly
bracket
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/028528
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2012122492A3 (fr
Inventor
Bruce A. Hiemstra
Original Assignee
Johnson Controls Technology Company
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Johnson Controls Technology Company filed Critical Johnson Controls Technology Company
Publication of WO2012122492A2 publication Critical patent/WO2012122492A2/fr
Publication of WO2012122492A3 publication Critical patent/WO2012122492A3/fr

Links

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
    • 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
    • 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
    • B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
    • B60N2/12—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable slidable and tiltable
    • 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
    • B60N2/02—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
    • B60N2/2352—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 external pawls
    • 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
    • B60N2205/50—Interlocking shaft arrangements transmitting movement between hinge mechanisms on both sides of a seat

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an adjustment device for a vehicle seat and more particularly, to a tilt adjustment device which allows the seat back of the vehicle seat to move relative to the seat base.
  • the tilt adjustment device is also configured to provide easy entry for rear seat passengers or access to areas behind the seat through decoupling latching mechanisms on the seat tracks and the seat back, which allow the seat to slide forward in the vehicle and the seat back to tilt forward.
  • a primary latch assembly the seat occupant may tilt the seat back relative to the seat base for comfort purposes using a generally puck-shaped internally-toothed rotary style recliner mechanism.
  • a secondary latch system also provides the ability for the vehicle seat back to be tilted forward and if so equipped with a third latching assembly may allow the vehicle seat to slide forward while maintaining the original desired reclined position of the seat when the vehicle seat is returned to its original position.
  • Rotary recline mechanisms use an internal cam and pawl mechanism to selectively lock and release the seat back relative to the seat base.
  • Recline mechanisms with the ability to recline, tilt forward and in some instances, even release the seat tracks to allow the whole seat to slide forward are generally referred to as three-door recline mechanisms because they are particularly useful in locations such as the front seats of coupes, middle seats of station wagons, SUVs, and mini-vans as well as the rear seats of five-door or hatchback vehicles where it is desirable at times to allow the seat back to pivot freely forward and quickly slide out of the way for easy egress and ingress, such as to a third row of seats.
  • Three-door recline mechanisms are typically very similar to five-door recline mechanisms used in the front seats of sedans and other four or five door vehicles and only include the ability to recline the seat.
  • Three-door recline mechanisms include an additional or secondary latch assembly that engages teeth on the outer edge of the tooth plate.
  • the additional latch assembly allows the seat back to be released from engaging the tooth plate such that the seat back may rotate independent of the primary latch assembly.
  • the primary latch assembly allows the recline functionality typically found in five-door recline mechanisms, which only allows for limited pivoting of the seat back relative to the seat base for comfort purposes.
  • the three- door recline mechanism additionally allows through the secondary latch the free rotation of the seat back in dependent of the recline functionality and the secondary latch assembly may further cause the track under the seat base to be released and the seat to slide forward in one motion with the pivoting of the seat back.
  • Recliner mechanisms generally include a seat base bracket coupled to the seat base and a seat back bracket coupled to the seat back with the operational components being coupled therebetween.
  • a base plate is typically affixed to the seat base or seat base bracket and a top plate or tooth plate is typically affixed to the seat back.
  • Secure welds or other fastening techniques are used to secure either directly or indirectly the base plate to the seat base or the seat base bracket and the top plate or tooth plate to the seat back bracket.
  • recliner mechanisms typically include as the primary latch assembly at least one pawl member having teeth that are engaged with inner teeth on the tooth plate when the seat back is locked from rotational movement. The pawls are disengaged from the tooth plate when the seat back is capable of reclining.
  • the primary latch assembly of a typical recline mechanism is spring biased to a locked condition, i.e., so that the seat back is fixed in an angular position until the pawls are intentionally disengaged from the tooth plate. More specifically, when the primary latch assembly is disengaged, typically by a handle or lever rotating a driveshaft, a cam member rotates to release the pawl members from engagement with the tooth plate thereby unlocking (or releasing) the recliner mechanism, such that the seat back may be selectively pivoted in the fore or aft direction to adjust the vehicle seat for comfort reasons.
  • This fore or aft movement typically has a limited range of motion set by the vehicle manufacturer for various reasons and may vary depending on the type, size and configuration of the vehicle, placement of the vehicle seat, and size, shape or configuration of the vehicle seat.
  • the return spring 58 is attached to the seat back bracket 56 or more specifically the return spring pin 59, not the tooth plate 64 to prevent inadvertent opening during the entry function.
  • the recline mechanism as part of the primary latch assembly may include guide plate which may be moved by the cam mechanism to specifically move the pawl members inward thereby removing the teeth of the pawl members from the inner teeth of the tooth plate.
  • the above-mentioned secondary latch assembly includes a cam attached to one of the seat back bracket and drives an outer pawl that engages and disengages outer teeth on the outer circumference of the tooth plate. Therefore, when the cam is intentionally released from engagement by the user of the seat assembly, the seat back may quickly rotate all the way forward while maintaining the desired seat back position in memory because the primary latch mechanism is never released such that when the secondary latch assembly is reengaged, the seat back is returned to the desired position.
  • the tracks upon which the vehicle seat is coupled to the vehicle may include a third latch assembly which
  • the secondary latch assembly automatically disengages in relation to the secondary latch assembly and allows the tracks to freely move relative to each other. More specifically, when the secondary latch assembly allows the seat to tilt fully forward, the tracks are automatically disengaged thereby allowing the seat to slide forward and maximizing the ability of a vehicle occupant to enter for example the rear seats of a coupe. Once the person is situated in the rear seats, the vehicle seat back may be pushed back to the position where the tracks originally were relative to each other and the seat back tilted rearward to the original recline position.
  • the tracks include a memory location and when the third latch assembly reengages against the tracks, it may only temporarily stop the movement of the seat on the tracks relative to the vehicle but once an occupant sits in the seat, the extra weight overcomes the frictional step and the seat may slide suddenly and freely until it has moved rearward to the original position. This sudden movement when the seat occupant sits on the seat may startle the vehicle occupant or cause issues in the ingress to the vehicle seat by the vehicle occupant.
  • the rotation of the vehicle seat back fore and aft, relative to the seat base is typically limited by an integral tab on the seat base bracket which engages tabs on the outer edges of the tooth plate or the retainer ring attached to the tooth plate.
  • the seat base bracket or retainer bracket has traditionally been uniquely formed with a different sized tab for different applications thereby increasing assembly and part costs.
  • the front seats in a two passenger coupe may allow limited recline but due to the vehicle configuration are not as capable of reclining as much as a vehicle that includes a rear seat. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a recliner mechanism that can be used across multiple vehicles in vehicle platforms yet have the capability of limiting the recline of the seat to the desired parameters, without necessitating specialized seat base brackets for every configuration.
  • a recliner assembly for a vehicle seat comprising a pair of recliner mechanisms, a first driveshaft extending between the recliner mechanisms, and a second driveshaft extending between the recliner mechanisms.
  • the first driveshaft is coupled to a primary release lever and the second driveshaft is not coupled to the primary release lever.
  • the second driveshaft may be directly coupled to the tooth plate. More specifically, the second driveshaft is rotationally engaged with one of a tooth plate and a retainer ring.
  • the first driveshaft has a first axis and typically the second driveshaft does not rotate about the first axis, however in certain configuration, such as where the second driveshaft is a large tube enclosing the first driveshaft and directly welded or otherwise coupled thereto to one of the tooth plate or retainer ring, they may have the same axis.
  • the synchronization assembly may include a synchronization gear between the driveshaft and one of the tooth plate and the retainer ring and engaging outwardly extending gear teeth on at least one of the tooth plate and the retainer ring.
  • the retainer ring is welded to the tooth plate and the second driveshaft is rotationally engaged with the retainer ring.
  • the recliner assembly may be coupled to a seat back and a seat base and wherein the seatback pivots about a first axis relative to the seat base and the first driveshaft is aligned along the first axis and wherein the second driveshaft is disposed from the first axis and rotates about a second axis and is fixed from all movement except rotational movement relative to the seatback.
  • the recliner assembly may further include a seat back bracket, a seat base bracket and at least one of a tooth plate and a retainer ring and wherein the recliner assembly further includes a roller assembly engaging at least one selected from the group consisting of the seat back bracket, the seat base bracket the tooth plate and the retainer ring and wherein the at least one selected from the group consisting of the seat back bracket, the seat base bracket the tooth plate and the retainer ring further includes recessed areas and raised areas and wherein the at least one selected from the group consisting of the seat back bracket, the seat base bracket the tooth plate and the retainer ring rotates relative to the roller assembly, the roller assembly selectively engages the recessed areas and the raised areas.
  • the recliner assembly may further include an interchangeable stop tab coupled to the seat base bracket and wherein the stop tab is configured to engage tabs on one of the tooth plate and the seat back bracket.
  • the present invention may also be directed to a recliner mechanism for a vehicle seat comprising a seat base bracket; a roller assembly coupled to the seat base bracket and engaging a member having recessed areas and raised areas and wherein the member is selected from the group consisting of a seat back bracket rotationally coupled to the seat base bracket; and at least one of a top plate and a retainer ring coupled to one of the seat base bracket and the seat back bracket and configured to move rotationally relative to the other of the seat base bracket and the seat back bracket.
  • the roller assembly may include a roller wheel configured to apply a first force to the member when engaging the recessed area and a second force to the member when engaging the raised area, and wherein the second force is greater than the first force.
  • This is configured, such as when the seat is returned to its original position, the tracks return to their original position first and lock into place before the seat back finishes its rotation to a locked upright position.
  • the member includes a transition area between the recessed area and the raised area to assist with first locking the tracks in position.
  • the roller assembly may include a polyurethane roller, or in conjunction therewith or alternatively the roller may be spring loaded. More specifically, as the seat back is configured to move from an upright position to a forward position and wherein in the upright position the roller engages the raised area and in the forward position the roller engages the recessed area.
  • the track attached to the seat base and a latch assembly coupled to the track are configured to selectively engage and release depending upon the position of the seatback and wherein the latch assembly is configured to engage before the seatback reaches the upright position and before the roller assembly engages the raised portion. More specifically, the roller moves freely in the recessed portion, but upon reaching a transition portion stops the seatback from moving further in an upright position until after the tracks are locked.
  • the present invention may also be directed to a recliner mechanism for a vehicle seat comprising: a seat base bracket; a seat back bracket; a tooth plate; coupled to the seat back bracket, an interchangeable stop tab configured to engage tabs on one of the tooth plate and the seat back bracket to limit rotational movement of the seat back bracket relative to the seat base bracket.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a seat assembly according to the exemplary embodiment
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary seat assembly
  • FIG. 3a is an exploded perspective view of a recliner mechanism with a first exemplary synchronization driveshaft
  • FIG. 3b is an exploded perspective view of a recliner mechanism with a second exemplary synchronization driveshaft
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of a three-door recliner mechanism
  • FIG. 5 is a partial side view of a three-door recliner mechanism
  • FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a three-door recliner mechanism
  • FIG. 7 is a partial side view of a three-door recliner mechanism including a polyurethane roller
  • FIG. 8 is a rear view of a recliner mechanism including a roller
  • FIG. 9 is a side view of the outer surface including interchangeable stop bracket
  • FIG. 10 is a side view of the rear surface including interchangeable stop bracket
  • FIG 11 is a schematic diagram of a recliner assembly
  • FIG. 12 is a side view of a recliner mechanism with the second exemplary synchronization driveshaft.
  • FIG. 13 is a side view of a recliner mechanism with the first exemplary synchronization driveshaft.
  • the vehicle 10 shown in FIG. 1 is in the form of a passenger vehicle, but it will be appreciated that the vehicle type is not relevant to this disclosure, and may be easily applicable to sedans, coupes or other vehicles.
  • the vehicle 10 includes at least one seat assembly 20 of the type including a seatback 40 hingedly connected to the seat base 30, but it can also be appreciated that the style, shape or size of the seat assembly 20 is not relevant to this disclosure other than that the seatback 40 may first pivot to allow adjustment of the recline of the seat back 40 relative to the seat base 30 while occupied by the user and have a second mechanism to allow the seat back to quickly pivot forward to allow easy entry and access behind the seat.
  • the seat base 30 is anchored to the floor of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 using any of the various anchoring techniques, such as fore and aft adjustable slides, releasable hooks, fixed mounts, and the like.
  • this invention is particularly applicable to seat bases 30 being anchored with fixed slides or tracks 32 that when used in conjunction with a secondary latch assembly 80, allow both the free pivoting of the seat back 40 in a forward position as well as sliding of the seat base 30 forward in the vehicle for easy access behind the vehicle seat 20.
  • the seatback 40 is capable of reclining rearwardly and forward as shown in phantom including the range of recline 22 allowed by the recliner assembly 49 that is formed from a pair of recliner mechanisms 50 in conjunction with the primary latch assembly 60.
  • the recliner mechanisms are generally mirror images of each other, with the exception that one at least includes a primary release lever 52.
  • the angular orientation of the maximum rearward condition R is merely exemplary, and in fact either a greater or lesser degree of angular tilt may be achieved according to the design
  • the seatback 40 can also be rotated to a maximum upright condition F shown in phantom.
  • each recliner mechanism 50 is located on a first side of the seat assembly 20, and is connected to the other recliner mechanism on the other side of the seat assembly 20 via a driveshaft 52 extending between the two. Therefore, as a user toggles the primary release 62, each of the primary latch assemblies 60 in the recline mechanism 50 engage or disengage the tooth plate 64 allowing the seat 20 to extend through its recline range 22.
  • Each recliner mechanism 50 is generally of identical or mirror image construction, however, some differences may be allowed due to design configurations and to allow for a single primary latch assembly 60.
  • the recliner mechanism 50 is more specifically configured to establish incremental reclining adjustments about a generally horizontal first axis A as shown in FIG. 2.
  • the recline mechanism 50 permits relative pivotal movement between the seat back 40 relative to the seat base within a specified range.
  • the recliner mechanism 50 can also accomplish incremental reclining adjustments using various tooth engaging constructions.
  • a secondary latch assembly 80 may be included in the overall recliner mechanism 50.
  • the secondary latch assembly 80 disengages the seat back from the tooth plate 64 and more specifically from the primary latch assembly 60 which thereby allows the seat back 40 to pivot about the horizontal axis A forward to a fold forward position without losing the previous set position by the primary latch assembly 60.
  • the fold forward position may vary depending upon the vehicle, seat, or desired design characteristics.
  • the secondary latch assembly typically includes a pawl 86, pivoting about a pawl pivot 88 and engaging gears teeth 94 of the tooth plate 64.
  • a cam 84 pivoting about a cam pivot 85 drives the pawl in and out of engagement with the tooth plate 64.
  • a third latch assembly 100 may be configured to automatically engage and disengage the tracks 32 on which the seat 20 slides.
  • the automatic engagement and disengagement may be caused by the rotation of the seat back 40 using the secondary latch assembly 80, such that when the seat back 40 reaches a particular angular position relative to the seat base 30, the latching mechanisms on the track 32 of the third latch assembly 100 are released allowing the user to push the whole seat 20 forward freely.
  • the third latch assembly 100 is reengaged when the seat back 40 is titled back to a more upright position.
  • the three-door recliner mechanism 50 generally includes a primary drive shaft 52 extending between the pair of recline mechanisms 50 for synchronizing the primary latch assemblies 60.
  • a seat base bracket 54 is coupled to the seat base 30, a seat back bracket 56 coupled to the seat back 40, and a return spring disposed therebetween for assisting with the pivoting of the seat back 40 relative to the seat base 30.
  • the return spring 58 is configured based upon the weight of the seat back 40 and other characteristics to minimize the effort required to move the seat back 40 between various recline positions as well as fold forward and fold upright positions.
  • the return spring 58 engages a return spring pin 59 coupled to the seat back bracket 56, and specifically tabs A and B on the seat base bracket 54. Of course, other configurations may be used.
  • the recliner mechanism 50 generally includes a primary latch assembly 60 which includes a tooth plate or top plate 64, a cam, a pivot, at least one pawl 65, and at least one disc or wedge.
  • the base plate 66 includes contoured bosses 68 or extension members which support the pawl members 65 and assist in the position of the pawl members 65 as they slide between engagement and disengagement with the tooth plate 64.
  • the release lever 62 of the primary latch assembly 60 is rotated which in turn rotates the cam members and in some embodiments also rotates a guide plate.
  • the base plate 66 also includes an aperture 67 at its center through which the separate pivot member and driveshaft 52 extend.
  • the cam member and pivot are separate pieces such that the cam member is carried by the pivot member, however, in other embodiments, the cam member and pivot member may be integrally attached.
  • Other components of the recliner mechanism 50 may include a cam spring
  • the base plate 66 is assembled to the seat base bracket 54 and the top plate 64 is assembled to the seat back bracket 56 and the return spring 58 interconnects both the seat base bracket 54 and the top plate 64 through the use of a retainer 53.
  • the seat back return spring may be coupled to the seat back bracket 56 or a pin that extends through the cover assembly 150 from the seat back bracket 56.
  • the recliner mechanism 50 uses a retainer ring 70 that is welded to the tooth plate 64.
  • the retainer ring 70 is generally circular and has an inner ring surface and an outer ring surface.
  • the retainer ring 70 includes a unique feature in the present invention specifically outer circumferential teeth 72. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the outer
  • the synchronization gear 136 ensures that each retainer ring 72 and thereby each welded thereto tooth plate 64 on the pair of opposing recliner mechanisms 50 always stay in synchronization even if the primary latch assembly 60 is disengaged while the secondary latch assembly 80 is also disengaged.
  • the synchronization gears 136 coupled rotational together by a synchronization driveshaft 132, it is impossible for the tooth plate 64 on one recline mechanism 50 to become out of synch with the other recline mechanism 50 such that when the seat back 40 is tilted to its upright position, it will never have one of the secondary latch assemblies 80 not latched while the other secondary latch assembly is latched on the opposite side of the seat.
  • the synchronization gear 136 may be made in any size, shape, or configuration such that it can engage each retainer ring 70 and therefore ensure that they stay in synch even when both the primary and secondary latch assemblies 60, 80 are accidentally released together.
  • FIG. 6 shows the same recliner mechanism 50 with the retainer ring 70 removed and showing the secondary release mechanism 80 including the cam 84 and pawl 86 which engage the large outer teeth on the tooth plate 64.
  • the addition of the retainer ring 70 with the outer gear surface or teeth 72 engaging the synchronization gear 136 ensures that if there is such a disengagement of both mechanisms 50, the tooth plates 64 always stay synchronized on both sides.
  • the recliner mechanism 50 may also include a release ring 102 coupled to the third latch assembly 100 such that when the seat back 40 is rotated forward when the second latch assembly 80 is released, its movement causes disengagement of the third latch assembly 100. More specifically, the release ring 102 is typically coupled to the third latch assembly 100 with a cable (not shown) and as this cable is pulled tight when the release ring 102 rotates with the seat back bracket 56, the cable is pulled to release the third latch assembly 100. If the seat 20 does not include a third latch assembly 100, the recliner mechanism 50 can be manufactured without the release ring 102. More specifically, as the seatback is rotated about axis A, the tab 57 hits the opposing tab 103 on the release ring 102 and drives it, such that a cable (not shown) releases the latch assembly 100.
  • FIG. 4 shows an additional cover 78 extending over the
  • roller assembly 140 having a roller 142 engaging one of the rotary elements on the recliner mechanism 50.
  • the roller 142 is illustrated as being coupled to the seat base bracket 54 and engaging the seat back bracket 56, however, other configurations may be used.
  • the roller 142 may be located on the seat back bracket 56 and engage either the seat base bracket 54 or more specifically, the outer surface of the tooth plate 64 or the retainer ring 70.
  • the present invention uses a polyurethane roller 142 which has the ability to compress slightly, however, other embodiments which have similar function may have the roller 142 mounted on a spring member (not shown).
  • the member which the roller engages includes detents or recessed areas 144 so that as the elements are rotated past each other, the roller 142 maintains its engagement within the recess or detent 144 on the opposing member, until a force threshold is reached.
  • the components are configured such that the amount of force required to rotate the roller 142 out of the detent 144 may be set based upon the desired design characteristics.
  • the vehicle occupant desires to move the seat 20 rearward after allowing for an easy entry or access behind the seat, it is typical that the user places their hand on the upper part or front portion of the seat back 40. The user then forces the seat back 40 rearward typically in an attempt to rotate the seat back 40 rearward.
  • the roller assembly 140 specifically the roller 142, and recessed areas 144 create a threshold restrictive force that prevents the seat back 40 from rotating until the certain amount of force is applied by the user.
  • the whole seat would first move rearward on the tracks 32 to the desired memory position and only after hitting the stops and the user applying more force to the seat back 40, would the roller be forced out of the recessed area 144 which causes the third latch assembly 100 in the tracks to fully engage before the second latch assembly 80 specifically and the seat back to continue rotating to its original upright memory position until the second latch assembly, as illustrated in FIG. 6, reengages.
  • the polyurethane roller 142 and recesses 144 may be clearly seen in FIGS. 7 and 8.
  • the polyurethane roller 142 may also be configured to apply pressure at its normal locked state to items in the recline mechanism such as the seat back bracket 56, specifically to a raised area 146 which has a greater distance from axis A than the detents 144.
  • the application of a light compression or interference at a normal locked state allows the roller 142 to reduce seat back 40 looseness in the seat back pivot thereby improving the experience for the occupant of the vehicle seat.
  • the seat base bracket 54 or retainer plate 70 included a special tab sized to limit the rotational movement of the tooth plate 64 by engaging plate stop tabs.
  • the present invention allows for reduced cost by eliminating many specialized seat base brackets or retainer plates in exchange for a standard seat base bracket to which a small interchangeable stop bracket 160 is coupled such as by a screw, rivet, or weld, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.
  • the interchangeable stop bracket 160 is designed to be added during the assembly process, however, it could be configured to be added to already assigned recliner mechanisms as they are being assembled to a particular seat. This would allow assembly of recliner mechanisms 50 substantially off-site with later attachment to the actual seat.
  • the width 162 of the interchangeable stop bracket 160 controls the recline range in conjunction with the tooth plate stop tabs 57 or retainer plate tabs.
  • the illustrated interchangeable stop bracket 160 may vary in size, shape, and configuration and is only exemplary shown.
  • the present invention is first directed to a recliner mechanism 50 including a synchronization gear 136 engaging teeth 72 on the outer circumferential surface of one of a retainer ring 70 and a tooth plate 64.
  • the retainer ring 70 is welded to the tooth plate 64 and together they rotate as one item in the assembled recliner mechanism 50.
  • a vehicle seat includes a recliner mechanism 50 on each side of the seat 20 with the seat back 40 rotating about an axis A relative to the seat base 30.
  • a synchronization driveshaft 132 is coupled to each synchronization gear 136 such that they rotate in unison.
  • the present invention is directed to a recliner mechanism 50 including a mechanism 140 to prevent rotation of the seat back about the axis A until a force threshold is met.
  • the mechanism 140 may be coupled to a part that is stationary relative to the seat base 30 or seat back 40 and engages another part having an outer circumferential surface that rotates relative to the mechanism 140 as the seat back 40 is rotated relative to the seat base 30.
  • the mechanism 140 is illustrated as including a polyurethane roller 142 having a compressible outer surface and is coupled to the seat base bracket 54 and engaging one of the seat back bracket 56, tooth plate 64 or retainer ring 70.
  • the mechanism 140 may also be spring loaded. More specifically, the roller 142 engages detents or recesses 144 and only rotates out of the detents or recesses 144 after the force threshold is overcome.
  • the present invention is directed to a recliner mechanism including an interchangeable stop tab 160 that is coupled to the seat base bracket 54.
  • the stop tab 160 is configured to engage tooth plate 64 or seat back tabs 57 to limit the rotational movement of the seatback relative to the seat base 30. More specifically the edges 164 of the stop bracket 164, and the width of the edges, and of course the arcuate distance of the tabs 57 set the limit of the rotational movement of the seat back 40 relative to the seat base 30.
  • the present invention is directed to a recliner mechanism having a member 170 extend between each of the tooth plates to ensure that the tooth plates are synchronized with each other.
  • This member 170 is located axially outward of the primary latch assembly driveshaft 52 which may be configured as a large hollow tube welded or otherwise coupled thereto to each of the tooth plates, or any other member that rotates with the tooth plates.
  • the hollow tube will allow the primary driveshaft to pass down the axial center while ensuring that the tooth plates in each recliner mechanism on each side of the seat stay aligned.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Chairs For Special Purposes, Such As Reclining Chairs (AREA)

Abstract

On décrit un dispositif de réglage d'un siège de véhicule, et plus particulièrement un dispositif de réglage d'inclinaison qui permet de déplacer le dossier du siège de véhicule par rapport à la base du siège.
PCT/US2012/028528 2011-03-10 2012-03-09 Mécanisme de siège inclinable WO2012122492A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161451365P 2011-03-10 2011-03-10
US61/451,365 2011-03-10

Publications (2)

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WO2012122492A2 true WO2012122492A2 (fr) 2012-09-13
WO2012122492A3 WO2012122492A3 (fr) 2014-05-01

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4657303A (en) * 1985-11-04 1987-04-14 Canadian A.S.E. Limited Incremental adjustment device for seat assemblies
US4781415A (en) * 1986-06-30 1988-11-01 Itt Corporation Reclining infinitely variable seat latch with dual locking mechanisms apparatus and method

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4657303A (en) * 1985-11-04 1987-04-14 Canadian A.S.E. Limited Incremental adjustment device for seat assemblies
US4781415A (en) * 1986-06-30 1988-11-01 Itt Corporation Reclining infinitely variable seat latch with dual locking mechanisms apparatus and method

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