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WO2000076802A1 - Systeme d'ouverture et fermeture coordonnee des differents verrous mecaniques d'un vehicule - Google Patents

Systeme d'ouverture et fermeture coordonnee des differents verrous mecaniques d'un vehicule Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000076802A1
WO2000076802A1 PCT/US2000/015881 US0015881W WO0076802A1 WO 2000076802 A1 WO2000076802 A1 WO 2000076802A1 US 0015881 W US0015881 W US 0015881W WO 0076802 A1 WO0076802 A1 WO 0076802A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
gear train
motor
mechanical lock
vehicle
actuator
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/015881
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2000076802A9 (fr
Inventor
Kevin N. Tribbett
Donald T. Heckel
Scott M. Stiffler
Original Assignee
P.L. Porter 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
Application filed by P.L. Porter Co. filed Critical P.L. Porter Co.
Priority to AU56022/00A priority Critical patent/AU5602200A/en
Publication of WO2000076802A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000076802A1/fr
Publication of WO2000076802A9 publication Critical patent/WO2000076802A9/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/22—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable
    • B60N2/23—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable by linear actuators, e.g. linear screw 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
    • B60N2/90—Details or parts not otherwise provided for
    • B60N2/919—Positioning and locking mechanisms

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to mechanisms used primarily in vehicles that lock or unlock seat parts relative to each other.
  • a rod translates within a housing fixed in the vehicle and the housing.
  • One end of the rod attaches to a movable or pivoting automobile part such as a seat back that is locked and unlocked.
  • One or two coil springs encircle the rod.
  • One spring end is fixed in the housing, and the other spring end engages a lever.
  • Each spring's normal inside diameter is less than the rod's outside diameter. Therefore, the springs normally grip the rod.
  • a driver or passenger moves a handle, which moves the lever, the lever uncoils the spring slightly. That action increases the springs' inside diameter enough to release the rod.
  • Some manual seat recline mechanisms use two mechanical locks.
  • the seat back typically has two upright arms along the sides and within the seat. A portion of each arm extends below the seat back's pivot point, and a mechanical lock attaches to each portion. To recline a seat back, both mechanical locks must release their rod.
  • Three-point seat belt systems are an important part of any vehicle restraint system and are required for new vehicles.
  • one end of the seat belt anchors to the floor, and the other end anchors to a retractor on the side post (for the driver or front seat passenger).
  • a connector moves along the belt between the floor anchor and the post anchor. The user pulls the connector across his or her lap and attaches it to a mating connector on the other side of the person from the floor anchor.
  • part of the seat belt holds the user's hips in the seat, and the other length extends diagonally across the user's chest.
  • some vehicles attach one end of the belt to a floor anchor as before, but the other end attaches to the top of the vehicle seat.
  • the belt retractor mounts within the seat back. When in use, the belt crosses the user's lap to the connector and extends upward diagonally across the user's chest to the retractor on the seat.
  • Some vehicles use motors for seat positioning and recline. So-called "power seats” are selling points because they offer several advantages. For example, their controls can be mounted in many convenient locations such as the door adjacent to the window switches, on the dash board next to the steering column or elsewhere. Power seat controls have a luxurious feel, but often take several seconds to adjust seat parts. If, for example, a vehicle has two users — one tall and the other short — adjusting a vehicle seat for the two users takes longer if the seats are fully powered. Power seats also are more expensive that mechanically-adjustible seats and are more prone to maintenance problems.
  • Tribbett, Heckel and Stiffler U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/294,524, filed April 20, 1999, discloses a vehicle seat actuating system that uses an electric lock and a mechanical lock.
  • An actuator coordinates the opening and closing of the mechanical lock with actuation or deactivation of the electric motor.
  • both mechanical locks must open simultaneously.
  • the seat back does not pivot evenly if one side starts moving while the other side remains locked. The user feels this uneven opening or closing and can make the user believe that the seat is malfunctioning or is cheaply made.
  • One object of the present invention is to disclose and provide -3- system foi- opening mechanical locks remotely through an electrical switch. Another object of the present invention is coordinating the opening of two mechanical locks. Another object of the present invention is to have the ability to use electric actuation of a locking system. After the system actuates electrically, the user can adjust the seat more quickly than he or she could if motors moved the vehicle parts.
  • the system for controlling the position of vehicle seat parts of the present invention includes at least one and ususally two mechanical locks.
  • Each mechanical lock comprises a housing having one end connected to a first part of the vehicle.
  • a rod translates within the housing.
  • One end of the rod attaches to a movable part of the vehicle.
  • a locking mechanism on the housing selectively prevents movement of the rod or releases the rod to permit movement of the vehicle parts relative to each other. Moving a lever on the lock releases the rod.
  • the system also includes an actuator.
  • the actuator has a motor or other electro-mechanical device.
  • the motor activates a linkage that moves the mechanical lock handle.
  • the linkage may comprise a reduction mechanism or other structure that pulls one or more cables that extend from the actuator to each mechanical lock lever. With two mechanical locks, pulling on both cables simultaneously opens the locks simultaneously.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematics of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention shown mounted on a vehicle seat.
  • FIG. 1 is a top view
  • FIG. 2 is a side view.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a mechanical lock that could be used with the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a side, sectional view of the actuator of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view showing how the actuator and two mechanical -locks can mount in a vehicle.
  • the system for controlling position of vehicle seat parts comprises two major subsystems: a pair of mechanical locks and an actuator.
  • the system mounts on a vehicle seat 10 and is used to recline the seat. Mounted differently to different seat parts, the system can affect other seat parts.
  • the system of the exemplary embodiment includes two mechanical locks 20 and 21 and actuator 40.
  • Seat 10 shown schematically, has a seating surface 12 and a seat back 14.
  • Internal seat arms 16 (only one shown in FIG. 2) run along the sides and within the seat back. They are preferably metal.
  • the lower portion 17 of the seat arms extends below the seat back pivot points 18.
  • Internal bracing (not shown) connects the two seat arms together, which adds rigidity to the seat back.
  • the mechanical locks 20 and 21 can have many different designs.
  • the previously mentioned Stringer Patent No. 5,819,881 is an example of one design, and its disclosure is incorporated by reference.
  • the lock includes a housing 22 (FIGS. 1-3).
  • One end 24 of the housing attaches to a first part of the vehicle.
  • end 24 attaches to a fixed support in the seat 10. See FIG. 2.
  • a rod 26 translates within the housing.
  • the right side (FIG. 3) of the rod remains within the housing.
  • the other (left) end of the rod projects out of the housing and attaches to a second part of the vehicle.
  • a compression spring 39 urges rod 26 out of housing 22.
  • the rod attaches to lower portion 17 of a seat arm (FIG. 2).
  • a seat arm As rod 26 moves outward from the housing 22, lower portion 17 of the seat arm pivots clockwise about pivot point 18. That action pivots the seat forward.
  • rod 26 moves into the housing 22.
  • the exemplary mechanical lock (FIG. 3) includes a pair of wound locking springs 30 and 31 fixed in the housing around the rod.
  • the normal inside diameter of the spring coils is less than the rod's outside diameter. Consequently, the spring coils normally grip the rod. Because each spring is fixed within the housing, the springs prevent longitudinal movement of the rod when the coils grip the rod.
  • each spring has a fixed tang, which seats in a corresponding notch in housing bushings 34 and 35. Only one tang 32 is visible in FIG. 3.
  • Each spring also has a second end tang (not shown in FIG. 3), each of which fits in a groove in lever 38. Rotating the lever applies a force on the spring tangs attached to the lever. That uncoils the spring slightly, which increases the inside diameter of the spring coils enough to release the rod.
  • a handle that the user can reach connects directly to the coil spring lever 38. Moving the user handle directly moves the spring lever 38 to uncoil the springs.
  • a cable 104 (FIG. 3), which attaches to arm 37 of lever 38, moves the lever in response to an actuator's movement of the cable.
  • the system could use other connecting members in place of the cable.
  • Rods or shafts, especially multiple ones with intermediate pivot points suggest themselves. Cables are low cost and provide a direct connection without intermediate elements. Further, the cables are rigid in that a given movement at one end of the cable readily translates into an equal movement at the other end of the cable.
  • the present invention can use many other mechanical locks.
  • D.T. Heckel U.S. Patent No. 5,689,995, "Actuator That Adjusts to Side Loads Automatically by Pivoting Internally," which is incorporated by reference, describes a lock having a gear nut within a housing. A lead screw on which the gear nut is threaded traverses the housing. As the lead screw moves axially, the gear nut rotates. When a manually controlled part projects into castellations on the outside of the gear nut, the gear nut cannot rotate. That prevents translations of the lead screw. J. Zhuang and K. Tribbett, Application Ser. No.
  • the system of the.present invention also comprises a power actuator 40.
  • the power actuator includes a motor 42.
  • the motor connects conventionally through the vehicle's electrical system to the battery 44.
  • Switch 46 (shown schematically in FIG. 4) controls the motor.
  • the switch may be a relay connected to a physical switch positioned near the driver or passenger.
  • the motor connects to a linkage.
  • the linkage includes a drive mechanism that comprises a pinion or bevel gear 50.
  • the motor drives the bevel gear through a centrifugal clutch 48.
  • the bevel gear engages beveled face gear 52.
  • Rotation of the face gear 52 rotates compound gear 54, which engages and rotates gear 56.
  • Smaller pinion 58 rotates with gear 56.
  • Pinion 58 engages rack 60. Clockwise rotation of the pinion translates the rack to the left in FIG. 4.
  • the linkage also comprises cables 104 and 106.
  • the right side of rack 60 has a fitting 62 that engages a cable fitting 64.
  • the cable fitting attaches through block 66 to the cables 104 and 106 that extend to the lock handles.
  • spur or worm gears could replace the bevel gears.
  • a motor could drive the cable fitting directly without gear reduction that the FIG. 4 embodiment provides.
  • the rack could be part of a lead screw that moves through rotation of a motor-powered gear nut.
  • a solenoid also could pull the rack.
  • gears one could use belts and pulleys.
  • the exemplary embodiment has two mechanical locks, one also achieves the benefits of the power seat "feel" with a single mechanical lock.
  • One of ordinary skill could determine how to mount a single mechanical lock in a seat for a desired adjustment. In such a system, the linkage would have on cable extending from fitting 62 on rack 60 to the mechanical lock.
  • the present invention also could coordinate more than two mechanical locks.
  • the motor 42, gears 50, 52, 54, 56 and 58 and most of the rack 60 mount inside a housing 68 (FIG. 4).
  • Cable 104 loops back across actuator 40 (FIG. 5) to housing 22 of mechanical lock 20.
  • cable 106 curves to housing mechanical lock 22.
  • the vertical position and angle of the mechanical locks can vary depending on geometry of the lower portion 17 of the seat arms and the mechanical lock.
  • the mechanical locks may be at an angle to the horizontal.
  • the actuator also could be spaced evenly from each mechanical lock, or the actuator could be adjacent to one of the locks. See FIG. 5.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

Le système de commande de la position de parties de sièges de véhicule comprend deux verrous mécaniques et un vérin à moteur qui débloque les verrous lorsque l'utilisateur presse un bouton distant, ce qui active le moteur qui entraîne un train d'engrenages via un embrayage. Le train d'engrenages agit sur une crémaillère qui tire simultanément sur deux câbles reliés aux verrous. Cette traction des câbles libère les verrous et permet le déplacement relatif des parties de siège. Lorsque l'utilisateur relâche le bouton, l'embrayage libère le train d'engrenages et les câbles ramènent la crémaillère à sa position normale; la traction sur les câbles cessant sur les verrous, ces derniers empêchent les mouvements relatifs des parties de siège.
PCT/US2000/015881 1999-06-11 2000-06-09 Systeme d'ouverture et fermeture coordonnee des differents verrous mecaniques d'un vehicule WO2000076802A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU56022/00A AU5602200A (en) 1999-06-11 2000-06-09 System for coordinating opening and closing of multiple mechanical locks for a vehicle

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US33038399A 1999-06-11 1999-06-11
US09/330,383 1999-06-11

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000076802A1 true WO2000076802A1 (fr) 2000-12-21
WO2000076802A9 WO2000076802A9 (fr) 2002-05-02

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2000/015881 WO2000076802A1 (fr) 1999-06-11 2000-06-09 Systeme d'ouverture et fermeture coordonnee des differents verrous mecaniques d'un vehicule

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU5602200A (fr)
WO (1) WO2000076802A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004098945A1 (fr) * 2003-05-12 2004-11-18 Johnson Controls Gmbh Dispositif pour un mecanisme de reglage, mecanisme de reglage et procede associe
CN103038097A (zh) * 2010-03-31 2013-04-10 康卡斯特有限公司 负荷响应型座椅/床
DE10341866B4 (de) * 2003-05-12 2014-12-18 Johnson Controls Gmbh Vorrichtung für einen Verstellmechanismus, Verstellmechanismus und Verfahren
US20180154801A1 (en) * 2016-12-05 2018-06-07 Porter Systems Inc. Precision linear mechanical lock device

Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3627253A (en) * 1969-09-10 1971-12-14 Peugeot Device for interlocking two relatively slidable elements
US3874480A (en) 1972-04-03 1975-04-01 Porter Co P L Friction brake mechanism
US4577730A (en) 1983-08-30 1986-03-25 P. L. Porter Company Mechanical lock
EP0589731A1 (fr) * 1992-09-21 1994-03-30 Ecia - Equipements Et Composants Pour L'industrie Automobile Actionneur pour une glissière, notamment pour un siège de véhicule
US5348261A (en) * 1992-12-21 1994-09-20 General Motors Corporation Low mass manual two-way seat adjuster
US5348373A (en) * 1992-03-27 1994-09-20 Hoover Universal, Inc. Elecromechanical release mechanism for a seat assembly
US5613733A (en) * 1995-06-07 1997-03-25 Ussc Group, Inc. Device for the automatic operation of a seat release lever
US5689995A (en) 1996-02-01 1997-11-25 P. L. Porter Co. Actuator that adjusts to side loads automatically by pivoting internally
EP0812721A2 (fr) * 1996-06-12 1997-12-17 C.T.G. di Gallo M. & C. S.n.c. Dispositif de réglage longitudinal d'un siège de véhicules automobiles
US5819881A (en) 1995-07-24 1998-10-13 P. L. Porter Co. Dual locking linear mechanical lock for high loads
FR2777835A1 (fr) * 1998-04-23 1999-10-29 Faure Bertrand Equipements Sa Glissiere pour siege de vehicule, et siege comportant une telle glissiere
WO1999061814A1 (fr) 1998-05-29 1999-12-02 P.L. Porter Co. Serrure mecanique avec cliquet de verrouillage entraine par came

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3627253A (en) * 1969-09-10 1971-12-14 Peugeot Device for interlocking two relatively slidable elements
US3874480A (en) 1972-04-03 1975-04-01 Porter Co P L Friction brake mechanism
US4577730A (en) 1983-08-30 1986-03-25 P. L. Porter Company Mechanical lock
US5348373A (en) * 1992-03-27 1994-09-20 Hoover Universal, Inc. Elecromechanical release mechanism for a seat assembly
EP0589731A1 (fr) * 1992-09-21 1994-03-30 Ecia - Equipements Et Composants Pour L'industrie Automobile Actionneur pour une glissière, notamment pour un siège de véhicule
US5348261A (en) * 1992-12-21 1994-09-20 General Motors Corporation Low mass manual two-way seat adjuster
US5613733A (en) * 1995-06-07 1997-03-25 Ussc Group, Inc. Device for the automatic operation of a seat release lever
US5819881A (en) 1995-07-24 1998-10-13 P. L. Porter Co. Dual locking linear mechanical lock for high loads
US5689995A (en) 1996-02-01 1997-11-25 P. L. Porter Co. Actuator that adjusts to side loads automatically by pivoting internally
EP0812721A2 (fr) * 1996-06-12 1997-12-17 C.T.G. di Gallo M. & C. S.n.c. Dispositif de réglage longitudinal d'un siège de véhicules automobiles
FR2777835A1 (fr) * 1998-04-23 1999-10-29 Faure Bertrand Equipements Sa Glissiere pour siege de vehicule, et siege comportant une telle glissiere
WO1999061814A1 (fr) 1998-05-29 1999-12-02 P.L. Porter Co. Serrure mecanique avec cliquet de verrouillage entraine par came

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004098945A1 (fr) * 2003-05-12 2004-11-18 Johnson Controls Gmbh Dispositif pour un mecanisme de reglage, mecanisme de reglage et procede associe
JP2006525905A (ja) * 2003-05-12 2006-11-16 ジョンソン・コントロールズ・ゲー・エム・ベー・ハー 調整機構用装置、その調整機構及び方法
US7667345B2 (en) 2003-05-12 2010-02-23 Johnson Controls Gmbh Device for an adjusting mechanism, said adjusting mechanism and method
DE10341866B4 (de) * 2003-05-12 2014-12-18 Johnson Controls Gmbh Vorrichtung für einen Verstellmechanismus, Verstellmechanismus und Verfahren
CN103038097A (zh) * 2010-03-31 2013-04-10 康卡斯特有限公司 负荷响应型座椅/床
US20180154801A1 (en) * 2016-12-05 2018-06-07 Porter Systems Inc. Precision linear mechanical lock device
US10647227B2 (en) * 2016-12-05 2020-05-12 Porter Systems Inc. Precision linear mechanical lock device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU5602200A (en) 2001-01-02
WO2000076802A9 (fr) 2002-05-02

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