WO2017099676A1

WO2017099676A1 - Seat height adjustment mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2017099676A1
Application number: PCT/TR2015/050234
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ercan İLMAN; Uğur AKBABA; Erman ARKIN; Ali Ihsan YURDDAŞ; Serkan KADAŞ; Aykut GÜNER; Yalçın ÇAĞDAŞ; Onur Emre DEMİREL; Zafer Serhat ÖZCAN
Original assignee: Assan Hani̇l Otomoti̇v Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇
Priority date: 2015-12-07
Filing date: 2015-12-07
Publication date: 2017-06-15

Abstract

Height adjustment mechanism (1) regulating the function of the lifting group (9), which enables up and down movement, by means of the motion transfer unit (91) especially in car seats, wherein it contains; a mounting chamber (11), provided with at least two sidewalls (11a, 11b), holding the whole structure together and enabling mounting; a gear ring (2), that can perform circular motion on the central shaft (5) positioned between the sidewalls (11a, 11b) of the mounting chamber (11), that is connected to the motion transfer unit (91) and that has at least two series of gears (21, 21') formed on opposite sides on its outer surface; at least two ratchets (3, 3') positioned in opposite directions corresponding to each of the mentioned series of gears (21, 21') and that can perform circular motion around at least one moving shaft (41), a control arm (4), positioned between the mentioned central shaft (5) and moving shaft (41), enabling the movement of the moving shaft (41).

Description

Seat Height Adjustment Mechanism Technical Field

The invention relates to an easily mounted seat height adjustment mechanism, which performs height adjustment one step upwards or one step downwards gradually at each movement in both directions by means of the adjustment arm that can be moved upwards and downwards, especially for car seats.

Background of the Invention

Mechanisms enabling correct positioning and desired form are generally used in preferred embodiments of seats, especially car seats, used presently. One of the most important mechanisms is the height adjustment mechanism that enables changing the distance between the floor and the seat. Height adjustment is an essential element especially for users like drivers, for whom seating comfort and field of vision are of vital importance. In conventional embodiments, hydraulic height adjustment mechanisms are used besides mechanical mechanisms as in Chinese utility model no. CN203876604. One of the common problems of all these embodiments is the impossibility to adjust height gradually. Therefore, either the seat cannot be adjusted as desired or time is spent and comfort is lost meanwhile and sometimes driving safety is jeopardized.

US Patent US795051 1 B2 "Vehicle seat with a device for a seat height adjustment mechanism thereof, and device for seat height adjustment mechanism of a vehicle seat in other words" intends to provide a solution for the problem mentioned above. In this invention; a motion ring with gears on the inner surface, a motion shaft positioned at the center of the motion ring, at least two ratchets positioned in opposite directions between the motion ring and motion shaft are contained. Mounting is hard since the parts used in this embodiment are small and high in number. Moreover, mounting apparatus and such parts are necessary for the system, therefore it requires expertise and leads to high costs due to longer processes. Furthermore, tolerance accuracy is very high. On the other hand, due to the structure of the system, inefficient operation and short lifetime occur because inner gears rub against each other while control arm is moved to its initial position. Consequently, the need for easily mounted and long-lasting seat height adjustment mechanisms, which perform height adjustment one step upwards or one step downwards gradually at each movement in both directions by means of the adjustment arm that can be moved upwards and downwards, especially for car seats and insufficiency of the existing solutions has necessitated making an improvement in the related technical field.

Object of the Invention

Present invention relates to a height adjustment mechanism that meets the abovementioned requirements, eliminates all disadvantages and provides some additional advantages.

Main object of the height adjustment mechanism according to the invention is that it contains; a ring, connected to the motion transfer unit of the lifting group, with two series of gears formed on its outer surface in opposite directions, two ratchets positioned on a single axis outside the ring and corresponding to each of the gear series. The control arm on which the moving shaft connected to the ratchets is placed, enables rotation of the gear ring clockwise or counterclockwise by means of being moved in two directions and pushing the series of gears corresponding to one or the other ratchet. Another object of the invention is while fixed shafts positioned between the gear ring and ratchets and one of the ratchets push the series of gears, the other is moved away from the gear ring by reverse movement and it is prevented from blocking the movement. Fixed shafts also limit the movement of the control arm and thus enable same amount of motion to be provided at each step. Another object of the invention is to provide the application of a continuous force on ratchets due to the clutch spring positioned on the moving shaft and to maintain their old position on the series of gears while not moving.

Another object of the invention is to maintain the old position of the control arm, connected to the central shaft, while no forces are applied on the control arm, due to the balance spring positioned between the central shaft on which the axis of the gear ring is positioned and one of the fixed shafts.

Another object of the invention is to occupy less space and provide ease of production and mounting due to a low number of large moving parts. Moreover, tolerance accuracy is also reduced. Another object of the invention is to enable fixing the gear ring by means of grooves formed on the gear ring and fixing unit corresponding to these grooves. Therefore, strength of the gear ring in fixed position is increased and gradual movement feature is supported. Another object of the invention is to enable gears formed on the gear ring to have an angular structure so as to form a clutch system in a manner to prevent ratchets from sliding on teeth while control arm is moved to its initial position. Therefore, wear is prevented and lifetime is prolonged by minimizing friction. In order to achieve the abovementioned objects generally, an easily mounted and long-lasting seat height adjustment mechanism, which performs height adjustment one step upwards or one step downwards gradually, i.e. at each movement, in both directions by means of the adjustment arm that can be moved upwards and downwards, is developed especially for car seats. Developed height adjustment mechanism contains a mounting chamber, provided with at least two sidewalls, holding the whole structure together and enabling mounting; a gear ring, that can perform circular motion on the central shaft positioned between the sidewalls of the mounting chamber, that has at least two series of gears formed on opposite sides on its outer surface and that regulates the motion of the motion transfer unit connected to the lifting group enabling upwards and downwards movement; at least two ratchets positioned in opposite directions corresponding to each of the series of gears and that can perform circular motion around at least one moving shaft; a control arm, positioned between the central shaft and moving shaft, enabling the movement of the moving shaft.

The structural and characteristic features and all advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood by the figures given below and detailed written description addressed to the figures. Therefore, evaluation should be done by taking into account these figures and the detailed description.

Figures to Help Understand the Invention

In order to optimally understand the structure and the advantages of the present invention with additional components, it has to be evaluated in conjunction with the figures explained below.

Figure - 1 : General view of the height adjustment mechanism according to the invention when it is connected to the motion transfer unit and lifting group.

Figure - 2: Close view of the height adjustment mechanism according to the invention. Figure - 3: Side view of the height adjustment mechanism according to the invention when it is connected to the motion transfer unit.

Figure - 4: Other side view of the height adjustment mechanism according to the invention. Figure - 5a: Side view of the height adjustment mechanism according to the invention when control arm is in upper position.

Figure - 5b: Side view of the height adjustment mechanism according to the invention when control arm is in lower position.

Figure - 6: Internal view of the control arm of the height adjustment mechanism according to the invention.

Part References

1 Height adjustment mechanism

1 1 Mounting chamber

1 1 a Sidewall

1 1 b Sidewall

2 Gear ring

21 Series of gears

22 Groove

3 Ratchet

4 Control arm

41 Moving shaft

5 Central shaft

6 Fixed shaft

7 Fixing unit

71 Stopping unit

72 Drive unit

81 Balance spring

82 Clutch spring

9 Lifting group

91 Motion transfer unit

X x axis

y y axis

A Clockwise direction

B Counterclockwise direction Detailed Description of the Invention

As seen in the general view in Figure 1 , a height adjustment mechanism (1 ) was developed especially for car seats to regulate the function of the lifting group (9), which enables up and down movement, by means of the motion transfer unit (91 ). As seen from Figure 2 closely, main components of the developed height adjustment mechanism (1 ) are a mounting chamber (1 1 ), provided with two sidewalls (1 1 a, 1 1 b), holding the whole structure together and enabling mounting; a gear ring (2), that can perform circular motion on the central shaft (5) positioned between the sidewalls (1 1 a, 1 1 b) of the mounting chamber (1 1 ), that is connected to the motion transfer unit (91 ) and that has two series of gears (21 , 21 ') formed on opposite sides on its outer surface; two ratchets (3, 3') positioned in opposite directions corresponding to each of the series of gears (21 , 21 ') and that can perform circular motion around a moving shaft (41 ); a control arm (4), positioned between the central shaft (5) and moving shaft (41 ), enabling the movement of the moving shaft (41 ).

If the direction of the fixed shafts (6, 6') and the central shaft (5) positioned between the sidewalls (1 1 a, 1 1 b) of the mounting chamber (1 1 ) is taken as the x axis (x), the moving shaft (41 ) is positioned parallel to these. Moreover, the control arm (4) moves in the y axis (y) direction, which is perpendicular to the x axis (x).

Figure 3 shows the other side view of the height adjustment mechanism (1 ). Two fixed shafts (6, 6') are positioned between the sidewalls (1 1 a, 1 1 b) of the mounting chamber (1 1 ) in a manner to stay between each of the ratchets (3, 3') and the gear ring (2). Figure 4 shows a side view of the height adjustment mechanism (1 ). A plurality of grooves (22) is formed on the gear ring (2). Fixing unit (7), preferably in the form of a bolt, is connected on the mounting chamber (1 1 ) in a manner to correspond to the grooves (22). The stopping unit (71 ), being preferably a nut, placed on the fixing unit (7) performs the function of limiting movement. The drive unit (72), being preferably a spring, connected to the fixing unit (7) applies force on the fixing unit (7) in order to maintain the position of the fixing unit (7).

The balance spring (81 ) seen in Figure 3 is connected to the central shaft (5) and it applies force on the shaft to maintain its position. Clutch spring (82) seen in Figure 6 is connected to the moving shaft (41 ) and preserves the position of ratchets (3, 3') by applying a force on the moving shaft (41 ). Operation Mode:

• Figures 5a and 5b show the side views of the control arm (4) of the height adjustment mechanism (1 ) when it is in upper and lower positions respectively. When height adjustment mechanism (1 ) is in the initial stationary position, both ratchets (3, 3') are in contact with the series of gears (21 , 21 ') on the gear ring (2). Motion transfer unit (91 ) connected to the gear ring (2) is stationary. Depending on the means of connecting the motion transfer unit (91 ) to the gear ring (2), when one desires to raise or lower the seat, control arm (4) is uplifted with respect to the y axis (y). In the meantime, by means of the force transmitted over the moving shaft (41 ), ratchet (3) positioned above touches and pushes the series of gears (21 ) on the upper part of the gear ring (2). Gear ring (2) rotates in counterclockwise direction (B) with this effect. Rotation continues until control arm (4) touches the fixed shaft (6) positioned above. Same amount of motion is provided at each upwards movement, since the distance between the initial positions of the fixed shaft (6) and moving shaft (41 ) is invariable.

· During the upwards movement of the control arm (4) with respect to the y axis (y), ratchet (3') on the lower part moves away from the series of gears (21 ') placed on the lower part of the gear ring (2) and detaches from the teeth of the series of gears (21 ') by sliding over the fixed shaft (6') positioned below. Therefore, rotation of the gear ring (2) in counterclockwise direction (B) is not blocked.

· Balance spring (81 ) and clutch spring (82) filled with tension and potential energy during all these motion return the control arm (4) and ratchets (3, 3') back to their initial position respectively when the control arm (4) is released.

• When control arm (4) is pushed downwards with respect to the y axis (y), the same process will be reversed for lower and upper parts. This time gear ring (2) will rotate in clockwise direction (A).

• During the rotation of the gear ring (2), fixing unit (7) positioned in one of the grooves (22) is pushed outwards from the groove (22) and the drive unit (72) is filled with tension. Fixing unit (7) reaches the next groove (22) by means of the rotational motion and fits into the mentioned groove (22) by means of the force applied by the drive unit (72). This motion of the fixing unit (7) supports gradual movement feature and increases the strength of the gear ring (2) in fixed position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, teeth of the series of gears (21 , 21 ') have an angle so as to be directed towards the ratchets (3, 3'). Therefore, sliding of the ratchets (3, 3') over the teeth of the series of gears (21 , 21 ') is prevented during the movement of the control arm (4) to its initial position. Thus, wear is prevented and lifetime is prolonged by minimizing friction.

Claims

Height adjustment mechanism (1 ) regulating the function of the lifting group (9), which enables up and down movement, by means of the motion transfer unit (91 ) in car seats, characterized in that, it contains;

a mounting chamber (1 1 ) provided with at least two sidewalls (1 1 a, 1 1 b),

a gear ring (2), that can perform circular motion on the central shaft (5) positioned between the sidewalls (1 1 a, 1 1 b) of the mentioned mounting chamber (1 1 ), that is connected to the motion transfer unit (91 ) and that has at least two series of gears (21 , 21 ') formed on opposite sides on its outer surface,

at least two ratchets (3, 3') positioned in opposite directions corresponding to each of the mentioned series of gears (21 , 21 ') and that can perform circular motion around at least one moving shaft (41 ),

a control arm (4), positioned between the mentioned central shaft (5) and moving shaft (41 ), enabling the movement of the moving shaft (41 ).

Height adjustment mechanism (1 ) according to Claim 1 , wherein it contains; at least two fixed shafts (6, 6') positioned between the sidewalls (1 1 a, 1 1 b) of the mentioned mounting chamber (1 1 ) in a manner to stay between each of the ratchets (3, 3') and the gear ring (2).

Height adjustment mechanism (1 ) according to Claim 1 , wherein it contains; a plurality of grooves (22) formed on the mentioned gear ring (2),

a fixing unit (7) positioned on the mounting chamber (1 1 ) in a manner to correspond to the mentioned grooves (22).

Height adjustment mechanism (1 ) according to Claim 1 , wherein it contains; a stopping unit (71 ) positioned on the mentioned fixing unit (7) and limiting its movement.

Height adjustment mechanism (1 ) according to Claim 1 , wherein it contains; a drive unit (72) connected to the mentioned fixing unit (7) and applying force on it. Height adjustment mechanism (1 ) according to Claim 1 , wherein it contains; a balance spring (81 ), connected to the mentioned central shaft (5), and preserving its position by applying a force on it.

Height adjustment mechanism (1 ) according to Claim 1 , wherein it contains; a clutch spring (82) connected to the mentioned moving shaft (41 ) and preserving the position of ratchets (3, 3') by applying a force on the moving shaft (41 ).

Height adjustment mechanism (1 ) according to Claim 1 , wherein; the teeth of the mentioned series of gears (21 , 21 ') have an angle so as to be directed towards the ratchets (3, 3').