WO2020198836A1 - Actionneur double - Google Patents

Actionneur double Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020198836A1
WO2020198836A1 PCT/CA2020/000026 CA2020000026W WO2020198836A1 WO 2020198836 A1 WO2020198836 A1 WO 2020198836A1 CA 2020000026 W CA2020000026 W CA 2020000026W WO 2020198836 A1 WO2020198836 A1 WO 2020198836A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pulley
actuator
cable
motor
actuation
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2020/000026
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Paul Tindall
Horia Blendea
Robert J. Mcmillen
Original Assignee
Leggett & Platt Canada Co.
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
Priority claimed from US16/371,899 external-priority patent/US20190225118A1/en
Application filed by Leggett & Platt Canada Co. filed Critical Leggett & Platt Canada Co.
Publication of WO2020198836A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020198836A1/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
    • B60N2/0296—Central command actuator to selectively switch on or engage one of several special purpose circuits or mechanisms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/0224—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation
    • B60N2/02246—Electric motors therefor
    • B60N2/02253—Electric motors therefor characterised by the transmission between the electric motor and the seat or seat parts
    • 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
    • B60N2/06—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
    • B60N2/08—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 characterised by the locking device
    • 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
    • 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
    • F16C1/00—Flexible shafts; Mechanical means for transmitting movement in a flexible sheathing
    • F16C1/10—Means for transmitting linear movement in a flexible sheathing, e.g. "Bowden-mechanisms"
    • F16C1/106—Plurality of transmitting means, e.g. two or more parallel "Bowden cables"
    • 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
    • F16C1/00—Flexible shafts; Mechanical means for transmitting movement in a flexible sheathing
    • F16C1/10—Means for transmitting linear movement in a flexible sheathing, e.g. "Bowden-mechanisms"
    • F16C1/12—Arrangements for transmitting movement to or from the flexible member
    • F16C1/14—Construction of the end-piece of the flexible member; Attachment thereof to the flexible member
    • 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
    • F16C1/00—Flexible shafts; Mechanical means for transmitting movement in a flexible sheathing
    • F16C1/10—Means for transmitting linear movement in a flexible sheathing, e.g. "Bowden-mechanisms"
    • F16C1/12—Arrangements for transmitting movement to or from the flexible member
    • F16C1/18—Arrangements for transmitting movement to or from the flexible member in which the end portion of the flexible member is laid along a curved surface of a pivoted member
    • 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
    • F16C2326/00—Articles relating to transporting
    • F16C2326/01—Parts of vehicles in general
    • F16C2326/08—Vehicle seats, e.g. in linear movable seats
    • 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
    • F16C2361/00—Apparatus or articles in engineering in general
    • F16C2361/61—Toothed gear systems, e.g. support of pinion shafts

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an actuator, and more specifically to a dual motion actuator for actuating two levers within a vehicle seat to control movement of the vehicle seat.
  • Actuators in some form are typically used in vehicle seats to control a function of the vehicle seat such as releasing one or more latches to allow for a desired movement function, e.g., folding of the seat or walk-in action (i.e., lateral movement of the seat).
  • Such actuators may include a pulley driven by a motor and a cable (e.g., a Bowden cable) connected at one end to the pulley and another end to a lever of a latch release mechanism. When the motor is energized the pulley is rotated to pull the lever via the cable in order to release a latch of the latch release mechanism to allow for a desired movement.
  • a different actuator is provided within the vehicle seat, adding additional weight, electrical noise, and complexity to the seating system.
  • an actuator in one aspect, includes a motor, a pulley selectively rotatable about an axis by the motor, a compression spring, a first cable connected at one end to the pulley, and a second cable connected at one end to the pulley.
  • the pulley is rotatable in a first pulley direction to a first actuation position to increase tension in the first cable and is rotatable in a second pulley direction opposite the first pulley direction to a second actuation position to increase tension in the second cable.
  • an actuator includes a motor, a gear assembly, a pulley selectively rotatable about an axis by the motor via the gear assembly, a biasing member, a first cable connected at one end to the pulley, and a second cable connected at one end to the pulley.
  • the pulley is rotatable in a first pulley direction a first angular displacement from a neutral position to a first actuation position in response to energization of the motor to increase tension in the first cable.
  • the pulley is rotatable in a second pulley direction opposite the first pulley direction a second angular displacement from the first actuation position under the influence of the biasing member in response to deenergization of the motor.
  • the second angular displacement is greater than the first angular displacement.
  • an actuator in another aspect, includes a housing, a motor coupled to the housing, a pulley selectively rotatable about an axis by the motor, a compression spring, a first cable connected at one end to the pulley, and a second cable connected at one end to the pulley.
  • the pulley is rotatable in a first pulley direction to a first actuation position to increase tension in the first cable and is rotatable in a second pulley direction opposite the first pulley direction to a second actuation position to increase tension in the second cable.
  • the compression spring is configured to rotate the pulley to a neutral position between the first and second actuation positions in response to deenergization of the motor.
  • the actuator does not include a hard stop that inhibits rotation of the pulley beyond the neutral position in response to deenergization of the motor.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an actuator connected to multiple latches of a seat.
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the actuator of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the actuator of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 4 is an exploded view of certain of the components of Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator of Fig. 1 taken along line 5— 5 in Fig.
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a pulley of the actuator of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 7 is top planar view of the actuator of Fig. 1 showing a top housing cover, a spring carrier, and a cable cover removed and the pulley in a first position.
  • Fig. 8 is a top planar view of the actuator of Fig. 1 showing the top housing cover, the spring carrier, and the cable cover removed and the pulley in a second position.
  • Fig. 9 is a top planar view of the actuator of Fig. 1 showing the top housing cover, the spring carrier, and the cable cover removed and the pulley in a third position.
  • Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator of Fig. 1 taken along line 10— 10 in Fig. 2 showing a spring carrier and a spring in a first position.
  • Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator of Fig. 1 taken along line 10— 10 in Fig. 2 showing the spring carrier and the spring in a second position.
  • Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator of Fig. 1 taken along line 10— 10 of Fig. 2 showing the spring carrier and the spring in a third position.
  • Fig. 13 is a perspective view of another pulley and single cable for use with the actuator of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 14 is a perspective view of another actuator in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, showing a top housing cover and an auto-return assembly removed.
  • Fig. 15 is an exploded view of the actuator of Fig. 14.
  • Fig. 16 is a top planar view of the actuator of Fig. 14 showing a rack assembly in a first position.
  • Fig. 17 is a top planar view of the actuator of Fig. 14 showing the rack assembly in a second position.
  • Fig. 18 is a top planar view of the actuator of Fig. 14 showing the rack assembly in a third position.
  • Fig. 19 is a perspective view of an actuator in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, with a portion of a housing of the actuator hidden.
  • Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator of Fig. 19, with the housing hidden.
  • Fig. 21 is another exploded perspective view of the actuator of Fig. 19, with the housing hidden.
  • Fig. 22 is a bottom view of the actuator of Fig. 19, illustrated in a neutral position.
  • Fig. 23 is a bottom view of the actuator of Fig. 19, illustrated in a first actuated position.
  • Fig. 24 is a top view of the actuator of Fig. 23.
  • Fig. 25 is a bottom view of the actuator of Fig. 19, illustrated in a second actuated position.
  • Fig. 26 is a top view of the actuator of Fig. 25.
  • the“upper”,“lower”,“top”,“bottom”,“front”,“back”, and other directional terms are not intended to require any particular orientation, but are instead used for purposes of description only.
  • the terms“mounted,” “connected,”“supported,” and“coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings.
  • Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an actuator 10 connected by a first cable 14a to a first lever 18a of a first release latch mechanism 22a of a seat 26, and by a second cable 14b to a second lever 18b of a second release latch mechanism 22b of the seat 26.
  • the actuator 10 is configured to selectively actuate the first and second levers 18a, 18b via the first and second cables 14a, 14b to cause the first and second release latch mechanisms 22a, 22b, respectively, to release a corresponding latch (not shown) and allow for a corresponding independent movement action to be performed.
  • actuating the first lever 18a may permit a“walk-in” action, in which the seat 26 may be moved in a forward or backward lateral direction 42 (i.e., left or right viewed from Fig. 1) and actuating the second lever 18b may permit a folding action, in which an upper seat portion 30 of the seat 26 is pivoted towards or away from a lower seat portion 34 of the seat 26 in a forward or backward folding direction 38 (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise viewed from Fig. 1).
  • the independent movement actions may be manually performed after actuating the release latch mechanisms 22a, 22b.
  • the movement actions may be automatically performed upon actuating the release latch mechanisms 22a, 22b.
  • actuation of the first and/or second levers 18a, 18b may permit other actions such as changing an angle of inclination of the lower seat portion 34 of the seat 26, adjusting headrest height, etc.
  • the actuator 10 includes a housing 50 having an upper housing portion 54 defining an upper recess 58 (Fig. 4) and a lower housing portion 62 defining a lower recess 66.
  • the actuator 10 further includes a reversible motor 70 fixed to the lower housing portion 62 via a pair of motor fasteners 74.
  • the motor 70 receives power when activated and is operable to selectively rotate in opposite first and second motor directions.
  • the upper housing portion 54 and the lower housing portion 62 are coupled via housing fasteners 78 such that the housing 50 encloses a transmission including a gear assembly 82, a pulley assembly 86, and an auto-return assembly 90.
  • the gear assembly 82 includes a worm screw 94, a worm gear 98, and a planetary gear set 102.
  • the planetary gear set 102 includes a sun gear 106, three planetary gears 110, and a ring gear 114.
  • the pulley assembly 86 includes a dual pulley 122 and a cable cover 126.
  • the auto-return assembly 90 includes a spring carrier 130, and a torsion spring 134.
  • the torsion spring 134 may be one or more biasing members of another type (e.g., a compression spring).
  • the actuator 10 further includes a support shaft 142 supported by hubs 146, 150 (FIGS. 3-4) on the upper housing portion 54 and the lower housing portion 62, respectively.
  • the shaft 142 extends along a central axis A.
  • Each of the first and second cables 14a, 14b may be a Bowden cable including a respective inner cable 154a, 154b and an outer sheath 158a, 158b enclosing the inner cable 154a, 154b.
  • the outer sheaths 158a, 158b are fixed to the housing 50 at one end of each outer sheath 158a, 158b at corresponding first and second cable openings 162a, 162b defined through the lower housing portion 62.
  • the first and second cable openings 162a, 162b may be defined by the upper housing portion 54 or a combination of the upper and lower housing portions 54, 62.
  • the inner cables 154a, 154b are movable relative to the outer sheathes 158a, 158b for transmitting mechanical force.
  • the worm gear 98 is supported by the support shaft 142 for rotation thereon.
  • the ring gear 114 has an outer periphery 170 configured to engage with a corresponding inner periphery 174 of the lower housing portion 62 within the lower recess 66 to prevent rotation of the ring gear 114 relative to the lower housing portion 62.
  • the inner and outer peripheries 170, 174 include corresponding undulating ridges or a similar engagement, e.g., a toothed engagement.
  • the ring gear 114 also includes a stop block 176 that is formed integrally with and extends upwardly from the ring gear 114. In some embodiments, the stop block 176 is formed as part of the housing 50.
  • the dual pulley 122 includes a cylindrical portion 182 extending from a base portion 184.
  • the cylindrical portion 182 defines a first groove 186a and a second groove 186b.
  • the first groove 186a extends from a first aperture 190a in a first direction circumferentially about the cylindrical portion 182.
  • the second groove 186b extends from a second aperture 190b in a second, opposite direction circumferentially about the cylindrical portion 182.
  • the first and second grooves 186a, 186b are spaced axially apart along the central axis A.
  • Each of the inner cables 154a, 154b includes a lever end 198a, 198b (Fig.
  • Each of the pulley ends 202a, 202b includes a barrel nipple 206a, 206b that is received in the respective first and second apertures 190a, 190b to couple the inner cables 154a, 154b to the pulley 122 (see also Figs. 7-9). At least a portion of the inner cables 154a,
  • the cylindrical portion 182 has an upper surface 214 and defines a central bore 218 extending through the pulley 122 along the central axis A, through which the support shaft 142 is received.
  • a plurality of drive apertures 222 are defined in the upper surface 214 and spaced circumferentially about the central axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three drive apertures 222, but in other embodiments there may be more or fewer drive apertures 222.
  • Each of the drive apertures 222 has a curved-trapezoidal shape.
  • the drive apertures 222 may have another shape (e.g., circle, triangle, rectangle, etc.).
  • the base portion 184 defines first and second circumferential stop surfaces 238a, 238b that are arranged to contact the stop block 174 to impede the pulley 122 from rotating about the axis A beyond a desired amount in either direction.
  • the inner cables 154a, 154b may be integrally formed together as a single cable 152.
  • the barrel nipples 206a, 206b may also be formed as a single nut 204 positioned on the cable 152 to divide the cable 152 into two lengths.
  • the pulley 122 may also define a single aperture 194 that receives the nut 204, in lieu of the apertures 190a, 190b.
  • the pulley 122 may define a single groove extending circumferentially about the cylindrical portion 182, which at least partially receives a portion of the single cable 152 on either side of the nut 204.
  • the dual pulley 122 includes a plurality of planetary projections 226 extending axially away from an underside or lower surface 230 of the pulley 122 and spaced circumferentially evenly about the central axis A.
  • Each of the planetary projections 226 is received in an aperture 234 defined by each of the planetary gears 110.
  • the cable cover 126 has an annular body 242 defining a central opening 246, and an arcuate wall 250 extending axially downward from the annular body 242 about the central opening 246.
  • the arcuate wall 250 extends only partially around the central opening 246 so as to define a window 254.
  • the central opening 246 receives the cylindrical portion 182 of the pulley 122, such that the arcuate wall 250 overlaps and covers the first and second grooves 186a, 186b along the length of the arcuate wall 250.
  • the arcuate wall 250 retains the inner cables 154a, 154b within the first and second grooves 186a, 186b during operation.
  • a plurality of flexible snap-fit prongs 258 extend upwardly from the annular body 242 and are spaced evenly about the axis A.
  • the snap-fit prongs 258 engage with corresponding snap-fit apertures 262 defined by the upper housing portion 54 to fix the cable cover 126 relative to the housing 50.
  • the spring carrier 130 of the auto-return assembly 90 includes a base 270.
  • the base 270 is generally circular and planar, and has an upper surface 274 (Fig. 3) and a lower surface 278 (FIG. 4).
  • a central projection 282 extends axially upwardly from the upper surface 274 of the base 270 and is concentric with the central axis A.
  • a spring engaging projection 286 extends upwardly from the upper surface 274.
  • the spring engaging projection 286 annularly extends from a first end 290a to a second end 290b concentric with the central axis A and is spaced radially outward from the central projection 282.
  • the torsion spring 134 is positioned between a radial gap between the spring engaging projection 286 and the central projection 282.
  • the spring engaging projection 286 sweeps an arc between approximately 180 degrees and approximately 270 degrees (e.g., approximately 225 degrees), as shown in Fig. 10. In some embodiments, the spring engaging projection 286 may sweep an arc greater than 270 degrees or less than 180 degrees.
  • the first and second ends 290a, 290b of the spring engaging projection 286 may be independent projections extending upwardly from the upper surface 274 of the base 270.
  • a central bore 298 is defined through the spring carrier 130, through which the support shaft 142 is received.
  • the spring carrier 130 further includes a plurality of drive protrusions 302 extending axially downwardly from the lower surface 278 of the base 270.
  • the drive protrusions 302 are spaced circumferentially about the central axis A.
  • the drive protrusions 302 correspond to and engage the drive apertures 222 of the pulley 122 (FIG. 5).
  • Each of the drive protrusions 302 has a curved-trapezoidal shape corresponding to the shape of the drive apertures 222.
  • the drive protrusions 302 may have another shape (e.g., circle, triangle, rectangle, etc.).
  • the spring carrier 130 and the pulley 122 are connected together to rotate together about the central axis A, for example, via fasteners, snap-fit connection, etc.
  • the spring carrier 130 and the pulley 122 are formed integrally as a single integral part.
  • the auto-return assembly 90 further includes a spring support projection 314 extending downwardly from an inner surface 310 of the upper housing portion 54.
  • the spring support projection 314 extends annularly from a first end 318a to a second end 318b.
  • the spring support projection 314 has a center of curvature concentric with the central axis A and is spaced radially outward from the spring engaging projection 286 so as to receive the spring engaging projection 286 radially inward thereof.
  • the spring support projection 314 sweeps an arc between approximately 180 degrees and approximately 270 degrees (e.g., approximately 225 degrees), as shown in Fig. 10. In some embodiments, the spring support projection 314 may sweep an arc greater than 270 degrees or less than 180 degrees.
  • the spring support projection 314 sweeps an arc approximately equal to the arc swept by the spring engaging projection 286.
  • a first end 326a of the torsion spring 134 abuts and is supported on the first end 318a of the spring support projection 314, and a second end 326b of the torsion spring 134 abuts and is supported on the second end 318b of the spring support projection 314 (Fig. 10).
  • the first and second ends 318a, 318b of the spring support projection 314 may be independent projections extending upwardly from the inner surface 310 of the upper housing portion 54.
  • the torsion spring 134 is under compression and supported by both the first and second ends 318a, 318b of the spring support projection 314.
  • each of the first and second cables 14a, 14b includes a slack spring 330a, 330b.
  • Each of the slack springs 330a, 330b is positioned between the respective lever end 198a, 198b of one of the inner cables 154a, 154b and a corresponding one of the first and second levers 18a, 18b.
  • Each of the slack springs 330a, 330b is arranged to bias the lever end 198a, 198b of the inner cable 154a, 154b away from the outer sheath 158a, 158b to pull the inner cable 154a, 154b and remove any slack in the inner cables 154a, 154b to keep them taut.
  • the worm screw 94 is directly coupled to an output shaft of the motor 70 and engages the worm gear 98 to be driven about the central axis A of the actuator 10.
  • the worm screw 94 and the output shaft of the motor 70 are arranged to be in an axis transverse to the central axis A. In other embodiments, the worm screw 94 may be arranged parallel or coaxial to the central axis A.
  • the motor 70 communicates (i.e., via a wired or wireless connection) with a controller (not shown) that in turn communicates with manual actuators (e.g., push-buttons, switches, etc.; not shown) that may be actuated by a user to selectively send signals to the motor 70 to control the motor direction of the output about the central axis A.
  • the sun gear 106 is fixed to the worm gear 98 for rotation therewith.
  • the planetary gears 110 are simultaneously engaged by the sun gear 106 to rotate about the axis A.
  • the planetary projections 226 engage the planetary gears 110 such that the pulley 122 (and the pulley assembly 86 therewith) rotates about the central axis A via the planetary gears 110.
  • the pulley 122 When the motor 70 rotates the worm screw 94 in the first motor direction, the pulley 122 is rotated in a first actuation direction 338 (i.e., clockwise, as viewed from Fig. 8) about the central axis A from a home or neutral position (Fig. 7) to a first actuation position (Fig. 8) by the gear assembly 82.
  • the pulley 122 is rotated in the first actuation direction 338 until the first circumferential stop surface 238a contacts the stop block 176 at the first actuation position. In the neutral position, neither of the first and second inner cables 154a, 154b is pulled to increase tension.
  • the first inner cable 154a is pulled into the housing 50 so as to wrap around the pulley 122 within the first groove 186a and the second inner cable 154b is allowed to be released out of the housing 50 via the corresponding slack spring 330b to keep the second inner cable 154b taut.
  • the motor 70 rotates the worm screw 94 in the second motor direction
  • the pulley 122 is rotated in a second actuation direction 342 (i.e., counterclockwise, as viewed from Fig. 9) about the central axis A from the neutral position (Fig. 7) to a second actuation position (Fig. 9) by the gear assembly 82.
  • the pulley 122 is rotated in the second actuation direction 342 until the second circumferential stop surface 238b contacts the stop block 176 at the second actuation position.
  • the second inner cable 154b is pulled into the housing 50 so as to wrap around the pulley 122 within the second groove 186b and the first inner cable 154a is allowed to be released out of the housing 50 by expansion of the corresponding slack spring 330a to keep the first inner cable 154a taut.
  • the drive apertures 222 of the pulley 122 are engaged by the drive protrusions 302 of the spring carrier 130 such that the spring carrier 130 is fixed for rotation with the pulley 122 between the neutral position (Fig. 10) and the first and second actuation positions (Figs. 1 1-12).
  • the drive apertures 222 are defined by the spring carrier 130 and the drive protrusions 302 extend from the pulley 122.
  • first and second ends 290a, 290b of the spring engaging projection 286 are aligned with the first and second ends 318a, 318b of the spring support projection 314, respectively, when in the neutral position (Fig. 10).
  • both the first and second ends 326a, 326b of the torsion spring 134 abut the first and second ends 318a, 318b of the spring support projection 314 and the first and second ends 290a, 290b of the spring engaging projection 286, respectively.
  • the first end 290a of the spring engaging projection 284 engages the first end 326a of the torsion spring 134 to compress the torsion spring 134 by an angular amount in the first actuation direction (i.e., clockwise, as viewed from Fig. 11).
  • the second end 326b of the torsion spring 134 abuts and is supported by the second end 318b of the spring support projection 314.
  • the second end 290b of the spring engaging projection 286 engages the second end 326b of the torsion spring 134 to compress the torsion spring 134 by an angular amount in the second actuation direction (i.e., counterclockwise, as viewed from Fig. 12).
  • the first end 326a of the torsion spring 134 abuts and is supported by the first end 326a of the spring support projection 314.
  • the torsion spring 134 may be compressed in either direction by an angular amount between approximately 60 degrees and approximately 170 degrees (e.g., approximately 115 degrees). In other embodiments, the torsion spring may be arranged to be angularly compressed by less than 60 degrees or more than 170 degrees. In some embodiments, the spring carrier 130 may be rotated by any angular amount relative to the neutral position such that the torsion spring 134 may be compressed by any corresponding angular amount.
  • the torsion spring 134 provides a biasing force acting on the spring carrier 130 in the direction opposite of compression towards the neutral position, when compressed into either the first actuation position or the second actuation position. Accordingly, the auto-return assembly 90 is always acting to return the transmission back to the neutral position.
  • the torsion spring 134 when compressed into or toward the first actuation position (i.e., the first end 326a of the torsion spring 134 is moved in the first actuation direction 338 while the second end 326b of the torsion spring 134 is stopped by the second end 318b of the spring support projection 314), the torsion spring 134 applies a biasing force on the spring carrier 130 in the second actuation direction 342 (i.e., counterclockwise, as viewed from FIG. 12) back toward the neutral position.
  • the torsion spring 134 When compressed toward and into the second actuation position (i.e., the second end 326b of the torsion spring 134 is moved in the second actuation direction 342 while the first end 326a of the torsion spring 134 is stopped by the first end 318a of the spring support projection 314), the torsion spring 134 applies a biasing force on the spring carrier in the first actuation direction 338 (i.e., clockwise, as viewed from FIG. 11) back toward the neutral position. These biasing forces drive the pulley 122 back toward and into the neutral position once the motor 70 is disengaged or deactivated.
  • the worm screw 94 is directly coupled to the output of the motor 70.
  • the worm screw 94 is then inserted into the lower housing portion 62 and the motor 70 is fixed to the lower housing portion 62 via the motor fasteners 74.
  • the support shaft 142 is then inserted into the hub 146 within the lower recess 66 of the lower housing portion 62.
  • the worm gear 98 is axially inserted over the support shaft 142 into the lower recess 66 of the lower housing portion 62 such that the teeth of the worm gear 98 engage with the teeth of the worm screw 94.
  • the ring gear 114 is axially inserted into the lower recess 66 such that the outer periphery 170 of the ring gear 114 engages the corresponding inner periphery 174 of the lower housing portion 62 within the lower recess 66 to inhibit rotation of the ring gear 114 relative to the housing 50.
  • the planetary gears 110 are then snapped onto the planetary projections 226 of the pulley 122 (Fig. 5).
  • the pulley 122 is then axially inserted into the lower recess 66 such that the planetary gears 110 engage the ring gear 114 and the sun gear 106 about the central axis A.
  • the support shaft 142 is received in the central bore 218 of the pulley 122 to rotationally support the pulley 122 about the central axis A.
  • the barrel nipples 206a, 206b of the pulley ends 202a, 202b of the inner cables 154a, 154b of the first and second cables 14a, 14b are then each inserted into the respective first and second apertures 190a, 190b of the pulley 122, as best shown in Figs. 7-9.
  • the inner cables 154a, 154b are then fed out the first and second cable openings 162a, 162b and the end of the outer sheaths 158a, 158b are coupled to the lower housing portion 62 within the first and second cable openings 162a, 162b, as best shown in Figs. 7-9.
  • the torsion spring 134 is then positioned over the central projection 282 and supported on the base 270 of the spring carrier 130 such that the first and second ends 326a, 326b of the torsion spring 134 are arranged to abut and circumferentially support the first and second ends 290a, 290b of the spring engaging projection 286, respectively.
  • the torsion spring 134 may be completely relaxed or alternatively put under slight compression when supported by the spring engaging projection.
  • the spring carrier 130 and the torsion spring 134 are then inserted into the upper recess 58 of the upper housing portion 54 such that the spring engaging projection 286 is radially inward of the spring support projection 314 (i.e., the central bore 298 of the spring carrier 130 is axially aligned with the hub 150 of the upper housing portion 54 along the central axis A).
  • the first and second ends 318a, 318b of the spring support projection 314 are also aligned with the first and second ends 290a, 290b of the spring engagement projection 286 to support the first and second ends 326a, 326b of the torsion spring 134.
  • the cable cover 126 is then inserted into the upper recess 58 of the upper housing portion 54 such that the snap-fit prongs 258 engage the snap-fit apertures 262 of the upper housing portion 54 to secure the cable cover 126 to the upper housing 50 and retain the spring carrier 130 within the upper recess 58.
  • the annular body 242 of the cable cover 126 contacts the lower surface 278 of the base 270 of the spring carrier 130 and the drive protrusions 302 extend through the opening 246 in the cable cover 126.
  • the upper housing portion 54 and the lower housing portion 62 are then brought together to enclose the transmission (i.e., the gear assembly 82 and the pulley assembly 86), and are coupled by the housing fasteners 78.
  • the central bore 298 of the spring carrier 130 and the hub 150 of the upper housing portion 54 axially receive the support shaft 142.
  • the central projection of the pulley 122 is also received within the opening 246 of the cable cover 126 such that the first and second grooves 186a, 186b are partially covered circumferentially by the arcuate wall 250 to retain the first and second inner cables 154a, 154b within the respective first and second grooves 186a, 186b.
  • the drive protrusions 302 of the spring carrier 130 are also received in the respective drive apertures 222 of the pulley 122 so that the spring carrier 130 and the pulley 122 rotate together on the support shaft 142 about the central axis A.
  • a user activates or energizes the motor 70 to rotate the output in the first motor direction.
  • the worm screw 94 engages the worm gear 98 to drive the worm gear 98 and the sun gear 106 in the first actuation direction 338 about the central axis A.
  • the sun gear 106 engages the planetary gears 110 to rotate the planetary gears 110 in the first actuation direction 338 about the central axis A.
  • the pulley 122 Since the planetary projections 226 engage the planetary gears 110, the pulley 122 is rotated in the first actuation direction 338 about the central axis A from the neutral position (Fig. 7) toward the first actuation position (Fig. 8). As the pulley 122 rotates toward the first actuation position, a length of the first inner cable 154a is pulled into the housing 50 and wrapped around the cylindrical portion 182 of the pulley 122 within the first groove 186a in the first actuation direction 338 until the first circumferential surface 238a contacts the stop block 176.
  • the seat 26 may be automatically moved as the second release latch mechanism 22b is actuated.
  • a length of the inner cable 154b of the second cable 14b is unwound from the second groove 186b of the cylindrical portion 182, producing slack in the inner cable 154b.
  • the slack spring 330b of the second cable 14b biases the lever end 198b of the second inner cable 154b away from the sheath 158b to reduce slack and keep the second inner cable 154b taut.
  • the spring carrier 130 is simultaneously rotated in the first actuation direction 338 about the axis A from the neutral position (Fig. 10) toward the first actuation position (Fig. 11).
  • This causes the first end 326a of the torsion spring 134 to be engaged by the first end 290a of the spring engaging projection 286 of the torsion spring carrier 130 to compress the first end 326a of the torsion spring 134 toward the second end 326b by an angular amount corresponding to the angular rotation of the pulley 122 into the first actuation position.
  • the torsion spring 134 biases the spring carrier 130 in reverse to the first actuation direction 338 (i.e., the second actuation direction 342) back into the neutral position (Fig. 10).
  • the torsion spring 134 is arranged under compression in the neutral position, such that the first end 326a of the torsion spring 134 is stopped from further expansion by the first end 318a of the spring support projection 314.
  • the pulley 122 is driven by the drive protrusions 302 of the spring carrier 130 back into the neutral position (Fig. 7).
  • the output of the motor 70 freely rotates in the second motor direction via the gear assembly 82 being driven in reverse.
  • a user activates or energizes the motor 70 to rotate the output in the second motor direction.
  • the worm screw 94 engages the worm gear 98 to drive the worm gear 98 and the sun gear 106 in the second actuation direction 342 about the central axis A.
  • the sun gear 106 engages the planetary gears 110 to rotate the planetary gears 110 in the second actuation direction 342 about the central axis A.
  • the pulley 122 Since the planetary projections 226 of the pulley 122 engage the planetary gears 110, the pulley 122 is rotated in the second actuation direction 342 about the central axis A from the neutral position (Fig. 7) toward the second actuation position (Fig. 9). As the pulley 122 rotates toward the second actuation position, a length of the second inner cable 154b is pulled into the housing 50 and wrapped around the cylindrical portion 182 of the pulley 122 within the second groove 186b in the second actuation direction 342.
  • the upper seat portion 30 may be automatically folded as the first release latch mechanism 22a is actuated.
  • a length of the first inner cable 154a is unwound from the first groove 186a of the pulley 122 producing slack in the first inner cable 15a.
  • the slack spring 330a of the first cable 14a biases the lever end 198a of the first inner cable 154a away from the sheath 158a to reduce slack and keep the first inner cable 154a taut.
  • the spring carrier 130 is simultaneously rotated in the second actuation direction 342 about the axis A from the neutral position (Fig. 10) toward the second actuation position (Fig. 12).
  • the torsion spring 134 is arranged under compression in the neutral position, the second end 326b of the torsion spring 134 is stopped from further expansion by the second end 318b of the spring support projection 314.
  • the pulley 122 is driven by the drive protrusions 302 of the spring carrier 130 back into the neutral position (Fig. 7).
  • the output of the motor 70 freely rotates in the first motor direction via the gear assembly 82 being driven in reverse.
  • an actuator 10 including a motor 70 and a pulley 122 connected with two separate cables 14a, 14b that are connected to respective first and second levers 18a, 18b of first and second release latch mechanisms 22a, 22b.
  • the pulley 122 may be driven in opposite directions to actuate one or the other of the levers 18a, 18b to perform a corresponding seat movement action.
  • the actuator 10 may further include at least one biasing member 134 to automatically move the pulley back into a neutral position after actuation. Accordingly, the actuator 10 reduces the total number of actuators needed to perform multiple different movement actions. This, in turn, reduces the total number of components required, and reduces cost, weight, and space required.
  • Figs. 14-18 illustrate a dual actuator 10’ according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • the illustrated dual actuator 10’ in Figs. 14-18 includes similar structure and has a similar manner of operation as the dual actuator 10 illustrated in Figs. 1-12.
  • Common functional elements have been given the same reference numbers plus an added prime (’) symbol.
  • the dual actuator 10’ of Figs. 14- 18 differs from the actuator 10 of Figs. 1-12 in that the transmission includes a different gear assembly 82’, and the pulley assembly 86 is replaced with a rack assembly 400 arranged to actuate first and second cables 14a’, 14b’ when a motor 70’ is driven in opposite directions.
  • the dual actuator 10’ of Figs. 14-18 includes an auto-retum assembly that operates similarly to the auto-retum assembly 90 of Figs. 1-12.
  • the gear assembly 82’ includes a first pinion 408, a bevel gear 4012, a second pinion 416, a main gear 420, and a third pinion 424.
  • the first pinion 408 is directly driven by the output of the motor 70’.
  • the first pinion 408 drivingly engages the bevel gear 412 about an axis B of the bevel gear 412.
  • the second pinion 416 is fixed to the bevel gear 412 to rotate about the axis B of the bevel gear 412 therewith.
  • the second pinion 416 drivingly engages the main gear 420 for rotation on the support shaft 142’ about the central axis A thereof.
  • the third pinion 424 extends from a bottom surface of the main gear 420 and rotates with the main gear 420 about the central axis A on the shaft 142’. Depending on the selected drive direction of the motor 70’ the main gear 420 and the third pinion 424 may be rotated in either direction about the central axis A.
  • the rack assembly 400 includes a rack 432 having first and second ends 436a, 436b, and teeth 440 defined along a side of the rack 432.
  • the rack assembly 400 is movable within the housing 50’ from a neutral position (Fig. 16) to a first actuation position (Fig. 17) and a second actuation position (Fig. 18).
  • the third pinion 424 drivingly engages the teeth 440 of the rack 432 to move the rack 432 linearly within the housing 50’ between the different positions.
  • Each of the first and second ends 436a, 436b supports a bumper 444a, 444b.
  • the bumpers 444a, 444b are provided to prevent damage between the rack 432 and the housing 50’, as the rack assembly 400 moves to each of the first and second actuation positions.
  • the bumpers 444a, 444b may be made at least partially of a soft polymeric material (e.g., rubber) to help absorb impacts.
  • the inner cables 154a’ of a pair of first cables 14a’ are each connected at their first ends 202a’ to the first end 436a of the rack 432.
  • the inner cables 154b’ of a pair of second cables Mb’ are each connected at their first ends 202b’ to the second end 436b of the rack 432.
  • the outer sheaths 158a’, 158b’ of both pairs of first and second cables 14a’, Mb’ are fixed to the housing 50’.
  • only one of the cables of each of the pair of first cables 14a’ and the pair of second cables Mb’ may be connected at the corresponding one of the first and second ends 436a, 436b of the rack 432.
  • each of the first and second cables 14a’, Mb’ may be used to actuate corresponding release levers such as the actuator 10 of Figs. 1-12.
  • an auto-return assembly similar to the auto-return assembly 90 of Figs. 1-12 is provided for returning the transmission, and in particular, the rack assembly 400 to the neutral position (Fig. 16) from the first and second actuation positions (Figs. 17-18) when the motor 70’ is deactivated.
  • a spring carrier may be drivingly engaged with the main gear 420 for rotation therewith and may support a torsion spring in the same manner as previously described and shown in Figs. 3-5 in which the spring carrier 130 is drivingly engaged with the pulley 122 and the torsion spring 134 is supported by the spring carrier 130.
  • the torsion spring may be stopped at first and second ends by corresponding first and second ends of a spring support projection extending downward from an upper housing portion of the housing 50’ in the same manner as previously described and shown in Figs. 10-12 in which the first and second ends 326a, 326b of the torsion spring 134 are supported by the first and second ends 318a, 318b of the spring support projection 314.
  • the spring carrier may also include a spring engaging projection having first and second ends configured to engage the first and second ends of the torsion spring to compress the torsion spring as the main gear 420 rotates to either of the first and second actuation positions in the same manner as previously described and shown in Figs.
  • the actuator 10’ may be used to actuate the first release latch mechanism 22a with at least one of the first cables 14a’ when the motor 70’ is driven in a first motor direction, and actuate the second release latch mechanism 22b with at least one of the second cables Mb’ when the motor 70’ is driven in a second motor direction, similar to the actuator 10 of Figs. 1-12.
  • each of the first cables 14a’ may simultaneously actuate different mechanisms when the motor 70’ is driven in a first motor direction
  • each of the second cables Mb’ may simultaneously actuate different mechanisms when the motor 70’ is driven in the second motor direction.
  • the rack 432 is moved in a first actuation direction 452 (i.e., left, as viewed from Fig. 17) by the gear assembly 82’ as the third pinion 424 rotates in a first gear direction 456 (i.e., clockwise, as viewed from Fig. 17).
  • the rack 432 moves in the first actuation direction 452 until the second end 436b of the rack 432 contacts an interior of the housing 50’ at the first actuation position (Fig. 17).
  • the rack assembly 400 is in the neutral position (Fig. 16) none of the inner cables 154a’, 154b’ of the first cables 14a’ and the second cables Mb’ is actuated (i.e., pulled to increase tension).
  • the first inner cables 154a’ are pulled into the housing 50’, while the second inner cables 154b’ are allowed to be released out of the housing 50’ (e.g., via a slack spring).
  • the increase in tension of the inner cables 154a’ of the first cables 14a’ may be used to actuate the first release latch mechanism 22a and/or other mechanisms.
  • the auto-return assembly provides a biasing force to drive the transmission in reverse to return the transmission, and in particular the rack assembly 400, back into the neutral position (Fig. 16) when the motor 70’ is deactivated or deenergized. More specifically, the auto-return assembly provides a biasing force to rotate the main gear 420 opposite to the first gear direction (i.e., counterclockwise, as viewed from Fig.
  • the rack 432 is moved in a second actuation direction 460 (i.e., right, as viewed from Fig. 18), opposite to the first actuation direction 452, by the gear assembly 82’ as the third pinion 424 rotates in a second gear direction 464 (i.e., counterclockwise, as viewed from Fig. 18).
  • the rack 432 moves in the second actuation direction 460 until the first end 436a of the rack 432 contacts an interior of the housing 50’ in the second actuation position.
  • the second inner cables 154b’ are pulled into the housing 50’, while the first inner cables 154a’ are allowed to be released out of the housing 50’ (e.g., via a slack spring).
  • the increase in tension of the inner cables 154b’ of the second inner cable 14b’ may be used to actuate the second release latch mechanism 22b and/or other mechanisms.
  • the auto-return assembly provides a biasing force to drive the transmission in reverse to return the transmission, and in particular the rack assembly 400, back into the neutral position (Fig. 16) when the motor 70’ is deactivated or deenergized.
  • the auto-return assembly provides a biasing force to rotate the main gear 420 opposite to the second gear direction 464 (i.e., clockwise, as viewed from Fig. 18), thus driving the rack 432 opposite the second actuation direction 460 (i.e., left, as viewed from Fig. 18) from the second actuation position back into the neutral position.
  • the components of the actuators 10, 10’ of Figs. 1-18 can be constructed from metal, plastic, or a combination of the two. In other embodiments, the components of the actuators 10, 10’may be formed of any other suitable material.
  • Figs. 19-26 illustrate a dual actuator 510 according to another embodiment of the invention, which may be used, for example, in connection with the seat 26 of Fig. 1.
  • the illustrated dual actuator 510 in Figs. 19-26 includes similar structure and has a similar manner of operation as the dual actuator 10 illustrated in Figs. 1-12.
  • Common functional elements have been given the same reference numbers plus 500, and the following description focuses primarily on differences in structure and manner of operation of the dual actuator 510.
  • elements and alternative elements of the dual actuator 10 described above with reference to Figs. 1-12 may be equally applicable to the dual actuator 510 of Figs. 19-26.
  • the actuator 510 includes a housing 550 and a reversible motor 570 fixed to the housing 550 (Fig. 19).
  • the motor 570 receives power when activated and is operable to selectively rotate its output shaft in opposite first and second motor directions.
  • the actuator 510 further includes a gear assembly 582, a pulley assembly 586, and an auto-return assembly 590 (Fig. 20).
  • the gear assembly 582 and the pulley assembly 586 are at least partially disposed within a drive housing portion 591 of the housing 550, and the auto-return assembly 590 is at least partially disposed in a spring housing portion 593 of the housing 550 that extends from the drive housing portion 591.
  • the outer sheaths 158a, 158b of the cables 14a, 14b are fixed to the drive housing portion 591 at corresponding first and second cable openings 662a, 662b.
  • the cable openings 662a, 662b are located on the same side of the drive housing portion 591, and the outer sheathes 158a, 158b extend from the drive housing portion 591 generally parallel with each other and on opposite sides of the spring housing portion 593. In other embodiments, the outer sheaths 158a, 158b may be coupled to the housing 550 at other locations.
  • the gear assembly 582 includes a worm screw 594, a worm gear 598, and a planetary gear set 602.
  • the planetary gear set 602 includes a sun gear 606, three planet gears 610, and a ring gear 614 (Fig. 21).
  • the pulley assembly 586 includes a dual pulley 622.
  • a support shaft 642 extends along a central axis A and rotatably supports the worm gear 598 and the dual pulley 622 within the housing 550.
  • a plurality of planetary projections 726 extends from the dual pulley 622 (Fig. 20). Each of the planetary projections 726 supports one of the planet gears 610.
  • the pulley 622 acts as the carrier for the planetary gear set 602.
  • the worm screw 594 is directly coupled to the output shaft of the motor 570 and is meshed with the worm gear 598.
  • the sun gear 606 is fixed to the worm gear 598 for rotation therewith.
  • the planet gears 610 are meshed with the sun gear 606 and the ring gear 614. As such, rotation of the sun gear 606 causes the planet gears 610 to travel about the interior of the ring gear 614.
  • the pulley 622 which carries the planet gears 610, is thereby rotated about the central axis A.
  • the planetary gear set 602 provides a 2:1 gear ratio from the worm gear 598 to the pulley 622.
  • the pulley 622 rotates at approximately half the rotational speed of the worm gear 598 (and the sun gear 606), with approximately twice the torque.
  • the planetary gear set 602 may provide other gear ratios, such as between about 1.5:1 and about 3:1.
  • the dual pulley 622 further includes a cable engaging portion 682.
  • the cable engaging portion 682 defines a first groove 686a and a second groove 686b that respectively receive portions of the inner cables 154a, 154b.
  • the first and second grooves 686a, 686b are spaced axially apart along the central axis A.
  • the cable engaging portion 682 also includes first and second hooks 689a, 689b at the ends of the first and second grooves 686a, 686b.
  • the hooks 689a, 689b open in opposite circumferential directions and are configured to receive and engage the barrel nipples 206a, 206b on the inner cables 154a, 154b when the pulley 622 is in a home or neutral position (Fig. 22).
  • the gear assembly 582 drives the pulley 622 in a first actuation direction 838 (i.e., clockwise, as viewed from Fig. 22) from the neutral position to a first actuation position (Figs. 23-24) in which the first inner cable 154a is tensioned and drawn into the housing 550.
  • the gear assembly 582 drives the pulley 622 in a second actuation direction 842 (i.e. counterclockwise, as viewed from Fig. 22) from the neutral position to a second actuation position (Figs. 25-26) in which the second inner cable 154b is tensioned and drawn into the housing 550.
  • the auto-return assembly 590 is configured to bias the pulley 622 toward the neutral position.
  • the auto-return assembly 590 includes a spring cap 632, a cable 633, and a compression spring 634 (Fig. 22).
  • the compression spring 634 is positioned in the spring housing portion 593 and extends between the spring cap 632 and a seat 635 in the spring housing portion 593.
  • the compression spring 634 is a metal coil spring.
  • the compression spring 634 may include a stack of Belleville washers, a gas spring, a magnetic spring, or any other biasing means that is compressible along an axis.
  • the cable 633 is coupled at one end to the spring cap 632.
  • the opposite end of the cable 633 includes a barrel nipple 637 that is received in a recess 639 of a cam pulley 641.
  • the recess 639 is in communication with a groove 645 that extends around the circumference of the cam pulley 641.
  • the cam pulley 641 and the groove 645 have a tear drop shape. In other embodiments, the cam pulley 641 and the groove 645 may have other shapes.
  • the cam pulley 641 is fixed to the worm gear 598 and thus co-rotates with the worm gear 598 about the central axis A.
  • the recess 639 and the barrel nipple 637 are offset from the central axis A (Fig. 20). As such, rotation of the ring gear 614 and the cam pulley 641 about the central axis A in either direction 838, 842 away from the neutral position moves the barrel nipple 637 and tensions the cable 633.
  • a user activates or energizes the motor 570 to rotate the output shaft in the first motor direction.
  • the output shaft transmits torque to the worm gear 598, which drives the pulley 622 via the planetary gear set 602.
  • the pulley 622 rotates from the neutral position (Fig. 22) in the first actuation direction 838 toward the first actuated position (Fig. 23).
  • the first hook 689a engages the first barrel nipple 206a and sweeps an arc of about 170 degrees from the neutral position, winding the first inner cable 154a into the first groove 686a.
  • the pulley 622 may rotate between about 60 degrees and about 180 degrees from the neutral position to the first actuated position.
  • the user activates or energizes the motor 570 to rotate the output shaft in the second motor direction.
  • the output shaft transmits torque to the worm gear 598, which drives the pulley 622 via the planetary gear set 602.
  • the pulley 622 rotates about the central axis A in the second actuation direction 842 toward the second actuated position (Fig. 25).
  • the second hook 689b engages the second barrel nipple 206b and sweeps an arc of about 170 degrees from the neutral position, winding the second inner cable 154b on to the second groove 686b. This tensions the second inner cable 154b and draws the second inner cable 154b into the housing 550.
  • the first inner cable 154a remains stationary and is not pulled into the housing 550.
  • the pulley 622 may rotate between about 60 degrees and about 180 degrees from the neutral position to the second actuated position.
  • the magnitude of the angular displacement of the pulley 622 from the neutral position to the first actuated position is the same as the magnitude of the angular displacement of the pulley 622 from the neutral position to the second actuated position.
  • the first actuated position and the second actuated position may be defined at different angular displacements of the pulley 622 from the neutral position.
  • the illustrated auto-return assembly 590 always acts to return the pulley 622 back to the neutral position. Because the compression spring 634 directly drives the worm gear 598, which is on the motor side of the planetary gear set 602, less force is required to back drive the motor 570 as the compression spring 634 returns the pulley 622 to the neutral position. This advantageously minimizes the required size and strength of the compression spring 634, which in turn reduces the required size and strength of the motor 570. In other embodiments, the compression spring 634 may directly drive the pulley 622. In such embodiments, the compression spring 634 back drives the motor 570 through the planetary gear set 602. Thus, a stronger compression spring 634 and/or motor 570 may be required.
  • the auto-return assembly 590 Due to the tear drop shape of the cam pulley 641 and the position of the cable 633, the auto-return assembly 590 returns to the neutral position without requiring any hard stops to define or limit travel back to the neutral position. Because the auto-return assembly 590 does not use any hard stops to define the neutral position, the pulley 622 may initially overshoot the neutral position when returning to the neutral position from the first or second actuated positions.
  • the pulley 622 may rotate a first angular distance from the neutral position to the first or second actuated position (e.g., between about 60 degrees and about 180 degrees), and the pulley 622 may rotate a second angular distance greater than the first angular distance from the first or second actuated position in a direction toward the neutral position.
  • This slight overshoot is due to the inertia of the rotating components.
  • the auto-return assembly 590 corrects any overshoot, however, and will ultimately arrive at the neutral position under the influence of the compression spring 634.
  • the auto-return assembly 590 may be provided with a damper to reduce or eliminate overshoot, or friction may provide a dampening effect that reduces or eliminates overshoot. By not having any hard stops at the neutral position, noise and wear from operating the actuator 510 are advantageously reduced.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Un actionneur comprend un moteur, une poulie pouvant tourner de manière sélective autour d'un axe au moyen du moteur, un ressort de compression, un premier câble relié à une extrémité à la poulie, et un second câble relié à une extrémité à la poulie. La poulie peut tourner dans un premier sens de poulie jusqu'à une première position d'actionnement pour augmenter la tension dans le premier câble et peut tourner dans un second sens de poulie opposé au premier sens de poulie jusqu'à une seconde position d'actionnement pour augmenter la tension dans le second câble. Le ressort de compression peut être actionné pour solliciter la poulie dans le second sens de poulie lorsque la poulie est dans la première position d'actionnement et pour solliciter la poulie dans le premier sens de poulie lorsque la poulie est dans la seconde position d'actionnement
PCT/CA2020/000026 2019-04-01 2020-03-16 Actionneur double WO2020198836A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16/371,899 2019-04-01
US16/371,899 US20190225118A1 (en) 2017-04-03 2019-04-01 Dual actuator

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020198836A1 true WO2020198836A1 (fr) 2020-10-08

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/CA2020/000026 WO2020198836A1 (fr) 2019-04-01 2020-03-16 Actionneur double

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WO (1) WO2020198836A1 (fr)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120256460A1 (en) * 2009-12-24 2012-10-11 Fabian Jockel Backrest folding mechanism for a vehicle seat
WO2014106292A1 (fr) * 2013-01-07 2014-07-10 Leggett & Platt Canada Co. Système synchroniseur de câble
WO2018184091A1 (fr) * 2017-04-03 2018-10-11 Leggett & Platt Canada Co. Actionneur double

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120256460A1 (en) * 2009-12-24 2012-10-11 Fabian Jockel Backrest folding mechanism for a vehicle seat
WO2014106292A1 (fr) * 2013-01-07 2014-07-10 Leggett & Platt Canada Co. Système synchroniseur de câble
WO2018184091A1 (fr) * 2017-04-03 2018-10-11 Leggett & Platt Canada Co. Actionneur double

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