The present disclosure relates generally to improvements to a vehicle seat. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to improvements relating to a vehicle seat having an electro-mechanical actuation mechanism for adjusting the vehicle seat and a recliner energy device bypass mechanism.
It is generally known to provide adjustable vehicle seats. Further, it is generally known to provide an adjustable track assembly for adjusting the fore-aft position of the vehicle seat within the vehicle. Such a track assembly is known for use in providing fore-all adjustment to vehicle seats such a “captain's chair” or other type of vehicle seats. The linear adjustable vehicle seat allows an occupant to obtain a more comfortable seating position and to provide space behind or in front of the vehicle seat. Generally, actuation mechanisms are known for actuating the recliner mechanism so that the seat can be adjusted in the fore-aft direction along the seat track and so the seat back can be adjusted in the fore-aft direction. Such actuation mechanisms are generally known as levers or handles.
It is also generally known to use a recliner mechanism in a vehicle seat to allow a seat occupant to adjust the position of the seat back with respect to the seat base. Such known recliner mechanisms can typically be actuated by the seat occupant to selectively adjust the angular position of the seat back with respect to the seat base. Various vehicle seats have been developed with seat back adjusting or reclining mechanisms that provide for the reclining angle of the seat back to be adjusted, that provide for rotation of the seat back to a forward position, including a dump position, for easy entry (EZ entry) to the area of the vehicle behind the vehicle seat. Such reclining mechanisms can also provide for rotation of the seat back to a stow flat position over the seat bottom for storage of the seat within the vehicle or for storage of the seat when removed from the vehicle. Known vehicle seats also can include a stored energy and release control device for facilitating reconfiguration of the vehicle seat with reduced input force by a user. When such known energy storage devices are activated, whether intentionally or unintentionally, the recliner mechanism can be released regardless of whether the seat is occupied or unoccupied. The seat must be cycled back to a fully dumped (EZ entry/folded) position and then returned back to a design (use) position to re-engage the recliner thereby creating a number of issues, such as safety. Various embodiments of such energy storage devices are set forth in the following U.S. patent application, which is incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. App. No. 2008/0067851, filed Aug. 22, 2007, Tomandl. In addition, commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/157,481, filed Mar. 4, 2009, titled: VEHICLE SEAT ACTUATION MECHANISM, in the name of Laframboise et al. and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/256,175, filed Oct. 29, 2009, titled: ENERGY DEVICE BYPASS MECHANISM, in the name of Seibold et al.; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/716,708 filed Mar. 3, 2010, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.
Thus there remains a continuing need to provide an improved seat and in particular, a vehicle seat that is easier to operate and/or adjust and that requires less effort and force to operate and/or adjust. There also remains a continuing need to provide an energy storage and release control system that facilitates ingress and egress into the vehicle, enhances safety, and is also relatively simple in design.
A seat for use in a vehicle having a seat back pivotably coupled to a seat base by a recliner mechanism such that the seat back can be pivoted in a forward and rearward direction relative the seat base. The seat also includes a track assembly coupled to the vehicle and the seat, such that the seat can be moved in the forward and rearward directions relative to the vehicle interior. The seat also includes an electro-mechanical actuator mechanism having a first actuator, a second actuator, and an energy storage device for storing energy generated from movement of the seat and selectively releasing the stored energy to assist in repositioning the seat when at least one of the first actuator and second actuator is actuated. Actuating the first actuator causes the seat to move from a first position to a second position, and actuating the second actuator causes the seat to move from a first position to a third position.
A seat for use in a vehicle having a seat back pivotably coupled to a seat base by a recliner mechanism such that the seat back can be pivoted in a forward and rearward direction relative the seat base. The seat also includes a track assembly coupled to the vehicle and the seat, such that the seat can be moved in the forward and rearward directions relative to the vehicle interior. The seat also includes an actuator mechanism having a first actuator, a second actuator, and an energy storage device such as an actuator or motor, for storing energy generated from movement of the seat and selectively releasing the stored energy to assist in repositioning the seat when at least one of the first actuator and second actuator is actuated. Actuating the first actuator using a push button causes the seat to move from a first position to a second position by operation of the motor and a force transmitting device connected to the seat release mechanism, and actuating the second actuator causes the seat to move from a first position to a third position. The seat can also include an energy bypass mechanism that prevents the release of stored energy in the energy storage device when the seat is occupied and enables the release of stored energy in the energy device when the seat is not occupied.
An advantage of the present disclosure is that the vehicle seat utilizes an electro-mechanical actuator for easily controlling operation of the seat. Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the electro-mechanical actuator prevents unintended movement of the seat. Still a further advantage of the present disclosure is that a method of operating the vehicle seat using the electro-mechanical actuator is easy to operate and adjust. Yet a further advantage of the present disclosure is that the electro-mechanic actuator enhances safety by reducing the risk of injury to seat occupants through unintentional movement of the seat.
Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood after reading the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Referring generally to the FIGURES and particularly to
Referring now to
Referring now to
According to another embodiment, push buttons are used for the first and second actuators 46, 48. In one example, the first push button 46 can be located on either the inboard or outboard side of the seat base 16 and towards the rear portion of the seat base 16, whereas the second push button 48 can be located on either the inboard or outboard side of the seat back 14 and towards the lower end of the sat back 14, as shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
The housing 58 includes an inner area or space 72 having a plurality of contoured features 74, such as extension members, sides, walls, embossments, channels, grooves, ridges, or the like, for housing/enclosing, supporting and guiding the inner components of the energy storage bypass mechanism 56, such as the rotator member, slide block member, pinion member, interlock member, biasing member, or the like, and a central aperture 76. The housing 58 can also include a plurality of attachment members or brackets 78, and/or fasteners 80 for coupling to other structures, such as the energy storage bypass mechanism components, vehicle seat structures, or the like. The housing 58 can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, or the like.
The rotator/pivot member 60 is substantially circular in shape and includes a central aperture 82 for rotatable coupling to the housing 58 via the central aperture 76 and vehicle seat 12. It is contemplated, however, that the rotator/pivot member 60 may have other suitable shapes and also be designed to operate/function in a different manner, such as linearly, as a cam, rotating stop feature, or the like. The rotator/pivot member 60 is preloaded with a biasing member, such as a spring, or the like. The biasing member acts as an energy storage mechanism and that biases the rotator/pivot member 60 in a predetermined direction, such as clock-wise, counter-clockwise, or the like, to facilitate reconfiguration of the vehicle seat 12 with minimal effort when the slide block member 62 is disengaged from the rotator/pivot member 60.
The slide block member 62 includes a first end 86 and a second end 88. The first end 86 has an inclined feature 90, such as a surface, edge, profile, or the like, for engaging the rotator member 60. The second end 88 includes an attachment area 92 for attachment to the pinion member 64 via the attachment member or clip. The slide block member 62 is positioned within a first channel 94 in the housing 58 such that the slide block 62 can move, such as by sliding, toggling, or the like, in a first and second direction, such upward, downward, or the like, when activated by the pinion member 64. The slide block member 62 also includes a biasing member 96, such as a spring, F-Spring, or the like, that biases the slide block member 62 in an upward direction to maintain the slide block member 62 in engagement with the rotator/pivot member 60.
The pinion member 64 is a substantially elongated member having a first end 98 and a second end 100. The first end 98 includes a biasing member 102, such as a clip, or the like, for coupling to the slide block member 62. The second end 100 includes a feature 104, such as a surface, edge, profile, or the like, 104 for engagement with the interlock member 66. The pinion member 64 is positioned within the housing 58 in a channel 106 substantially perpendicular to the slide block member channel 94 such that the pinion member 64 can move, such as by sliding, toggling, or the like, in a first and second direction, such as fore and aft, forward and rearward, or the like, when disengaged from the interlock member 66. The pinion member 64 also includes a biasing member 108 having a first end 110 and a second end 112. The first end 110 is coupled to the pinion member 64, whereas the second end 112 is coupled to the housing 58. The biasing member 108 creates a biasing force on the pinion member 64 in a predetermined direction, such as an upward and left direction, or the like.
The interlock member 66 is a substantially elongated member having a first end 114 and a second end 116. The first end 114 includes a feature 118, such as a surface, edge, profile, or the like, for engagement with the pinion member 64. The second end 116 includes a surface 120 for attachment to a biasing member 122, such a spring, or the like, that biases the pinion member 64 away from the slide block member 62. The interlock member 66 is positioned within the housing 58 in a third channel 124 substantially perpendicular to the pinion member channel 106 such that the interlock member 64 can move, such as by sliding, toggling, or the like, in a first and second direction, such as upward and downward, or the like, when activated. When the vehicle seat 12 is unoccupied, the interlock member 66 is in engagement with the pinion member 64 thereby enabling the pinion member 64 to be in engagement with the slide block member 62. In turn, enabling the energy storage bypass mechanism 56 to be released if activated. Conversely, when the vehicle seat 12 is occupied, the interlock member 66 is disengaged from the pinion member 64 and the pinion member 64 is disengaged from the slide block member 62 thereby preventing the slide block member 62 from being disengaged from the rotator/pivot member 60 and hence preventing the energy storage mechanism 56 from being released if activated. This feature acts as a safety lockout which renders the energy storage mechanism 56 ineffective if activated.
The recliner activation device 126 activates the energy storage mechanism 128 thereby enabling the vehicle seat 12 to be reconfigured from a design position to a dump or easy entry position for facilitating ingress and egress from the vehicle 10. The recliner energy storage mechanism 128 can have one or more handles, levers, buttons, switches, and/or the like to activate the recliner energy mechanism 128. One or more recliner activation devices 130 can be implemented and the recliner activation devices 130 can be coupled in a variety locations on the vehicle seat 12, such as the seat back, seat base, rear surface of the seat back, outboard or inboard side of the seat base, or the like, that are conveniently and easily accessed by the vehicle 10 occupants.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring to
The first push button 1046 associated with the first seat actuator 1036 may be located on a side portion of the seat back 1014 or on the seat base 1020. Other locations on the seat 1012 for the push buttons, are contemplated, and the seat may include more than one first push button 1048, each positioned at various locations on the seat 1012, and operatively connected. The second push button 1048 associated with the second seat actuator 1038 may likewise be of a push button type, and selectively positioned on the seat 1012.
The actuation mechanism 1034 includes an energy storage device 1052 that is operatively in communication with the first actuator 1036 via an electrical connection, such as the wired connection shown at 1160. For example, the wired connection 1160 may be part of a wiring harness associated with operation of the seat 1012. If there is a plurality of first push buttons 1046, then each first push button 1046 is electrically connected to the energy storage device 1052. In this example, the energy storage device 1052 is an actuator, such as a motor as shown at 1162. Various types of actuators or motors 1162 may be utilized, such as a linear motor, a rotary motor, a solenoid, or the like. The motor may be positioned in a convenient location, such as under the seat cushion 1016, or the like.
The motor 1162 is operatively connected to a force transmitting device 1164. An example of a force transmitting device 1164 is a push-pull cable, a rod, or the like. One end of the force transmitting device 1164 is operatively connected to an output member of the motor, and an opposed end of the force transmitting device is operatively connected to the recliner activation device shown at 1166 that is associated with the first seat actuator. The seat release mechanism 1166 operatively actuates the seat to move the seat back 1014 to a forward or tipped position, and the entire seat 1012 is moved or slid forward on the seat track assembly 1024, as previously described with respect to an easy entry position that facilitates vehicle ingress and egress. In addition, the seat assembly 1012 may include a handle shown at 1170 that provides an emergency release if there is no power.
In operation, the push button 1046 is actuated, such as by a depressing movement, and a signal is transmitted to the energy storage device 1052 or motor of this example via the wired connection 1160. The motor is energized, and transmits a force to the force transmitting device 1164, or cable of this example, resulting in a linear displacement of the force transmitting device that actuates the seat release mechanism 1166 to move the seat back into the second position by tipping the seat back and displacing the seat assembly in a forward direction along the track. Advantageously, minimal effort is necessary to actuate the seat between the use position 1040 and the first position 1042.
The electromechanical actuation mechanism 1034 may be operatively in communication with the previously describe energy storage bypass mechanism 56 for transitioning the seat between a design or use position, a reclined position and back to the design position as previously described.
Referring to
The methodology advances to block 1210, and the actuator 1062 determines whether the signal is an intended or unintended signal. For example, if a sensor senses an occupant in the seat, the actuator will determine that the signal is an unintended signal. In another example, the duration of the signal may be measured, and if the duration exceeds a predetermined period of time, the actuator will determined that the signal is an unintended signal. Other techniques for determining whether the signal is intended or unintended are contemplated. If determined that the signal is an unintended signal, then the actuator is not energized. If determined that the signal is an intended signal, the methodology advances to block 1215.
In block 1215, the actuator is energized, and transmits a force to the three transmitting device 1164 or cable of this example. The cable travels linearly within a housing, i.e., the cable is pulled. The methodology advances to block 1220 and the pulling motion of the cable releases the seat release mechanism 1166, also referred to as the recliner mechanism, to initiate movement of the seat from the use position to the tipped position, and the seat assembly is displaced in a forward direction along the seat track. The reclined seat position provides for ingress and egress, such as from a third row of seats. The methodology advances to block 1225 and the seat is returned to the nominal or use position. For example, a user may grasp the seat and return the seat back to an upright position while moving the seat assembly in a rearward direction along the track. Alternatively, the seat assembly return may be electro-mechanical, via an opposed movement of the force transmitting device.
It should be appreciated that the second seat actuator 1038 may be similarly operated using a push button and motor to operatively move the seat 1012 such that the seat back 1014 is folded forward and the seat back 1014 rests substantially flat on the top surface of the seat cushion in the fold flat position as previously described.
Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claim, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/358,252, filed Jun. 24, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2011/041686 | 6/23/2011 | WO | 00 | 2/6/2013 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
WO2011/163516 | 12/29/2011 | WO | A |
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
4159815 | Strowik et al. | Jul 1979 | A |
4615551 | Kinaga et al. | Oct 1986 | A |
4720143 | Schwartz et al. | Jan 1988 | A |
5150632 | Hein | Sep 1992 | A |
5348373 | Stiennon | Sep 1994 | A |
5435624 | Bray et al. | Jul 1995 | A |
5597206 | Ainsworth et al. | Jan 1997 | A |
6010190 | Downey | Jan 2000 | A |
6074009 | Farino | Jun 2000 | A |
6152533 | Smuk | Nov 2000 | A |
6216995 | Koester | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6255790 | Popp et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6336679 | Smuk | Jan 2002 | B1 |
6540295 | Saberan et al. | Apr 2003 | B1 |
6857702 | Becker et al. | Feb 2005 | B2 |
7025419 | Sasaki et al. | Apr 2006 | B2 |
7152923 | Charras et al. | Dec 2006 | B2 |
7320501 | Keyser et al. | Jan 2008 | B2 |
7434884 | Becker et al. | Oct 2008 | B2 |
7460005 | Nathan et al. | Dec 2008 | B2 |
7631938 | Tomandl | Dec 2009 | B2 |
7808394 | Nathan et al. | Oct 2010 | B2 |
7857392 | Hayakawa et al. | Dec 2010 | B2 |
7959230 | Hentges et al. | Jun 2011 | B2 |
8047595 | Bach | Nov 2011 | B2 |
8066327 | Tomandl | Nov 2011 | B2 |
8376459 | Kumazaki et al. | Feb 2013 | B2 |
8424971 | Hentges et al. | Apr 2013 | B2 |
8439444 | Ngiau | May 2013 | B2 |
8585145 | Nock et al. | Nov 2013 | B2 |
8628145 | Parida et al. | Jan 2014 | B2 |
8662589 | Suzuki et al. | Mar 2014 | B2 |
8757722 | Gupte et al. | Jun 2014 | B2 |
20040262971 | Hentges et al. | Dec 2004 | A1 |
20070013218 | Kayumi et al. | Jan 2007 | A1 |
20070018839 | Nathan et al. | Jan 2007 | A1 |
20070018840 | Nathan et al. | Jan 2007 | A1 |
20070265738 | Saito | Nov 2007 | A1 |
20080024316 | Nathan et al. | Jan 2008 | A1 |
20080067851 | Tomandl | Mar 2008 | A1 |
20080073960 | Nakaya et al. | Mar 2008 | A1 |
20080252126 | Bartoi et al. | Oct 2008 | A1 |
20090079240 | Bach | Mar 2009 | A1 |
20090096270 | Halbig et al. | Apr 2009 | A1 |
20100164265 | Tomandl | Jul 2010 | A1 |
20100225151 | Michalak et al. | Sep 2010 | A1 |
20110127818 | Hazlewood | Jun 2011 | A1 |
20120056459 | Harden | Mar 2012 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
101284500 | Oct 2008 | CN |
04-160693 | Jun 1992 | JP |
07-277628 | Oct 1995 | JP |
55-68632 | Aug 2014 | JP |
Entry |
---|
Form PCT/ISA/210, International Search Report, Dated Nov. 16, 2011. |
Patent abstract of CN101284500, publication date Oct. 15, 2008, Title: Power actuated easy entry seat, 1 page. |
Chinese Office Action dated Oct. 8, 2014, 11 pages. |
Japanese Office Action, dated Nov. 26, 2014, 4 pages. |
Patent abstract for JP 07-277628, date of publication of application: Oct. 24, 1995, 1 page. |
Patent abstract for JP 04-160693, date of publication of application: Jun. 3, 1992, 1 page. |
Patent abstract for JP5568632, corresponding document DE102009021211, Nov. 18, 2010, 2 pages. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20130200668 A1 | Aug 2013 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
61358252 | Jun 2010 | US |