Abstract
A vehicle seat system includes a vehicle seat having a seat base, a backrest, a seat base track arrangement, a backrest track arrangement having a backrest fixed track and a backrest moveable track that is moveable along the backrest fixed track, a link arm, a seat base pivot connection between the link arm and the seat base and a link arm and backrest pivot connection between the link arm and the backrest and the backrest movable track. The seat base track arrangement includes a seat base fixed track and a seat base moveable track that is moveable along the seat base fixed track. The seat base fixed track is connected to a vehicle seat support and the seat base moveable track is connected to the seat base. The backrest fixed track is connected to a vehicle backrest support. At least one locking device is connected to the vehicle seat. A release/lock mechanism is connected to the locking device for releasing and locking the at least one locking device.
Claims
1. A vehicle seat system comprising: a vehicle seat comprising a seat base, a backrest, a seat base track arrangement, a backrest track arrangement comprising a backrest fixed track and a backrest moveable track that is moveable along the backrest fixed track, a link arm, a seat base pivot connection between said link arm and said seat base and a link arm and backrest pivot connection between said link arm and said backrest and said backrest movable track, said seat base track arrangement comprising a seat base fixed track and a seat base moveable track that is moveable along the seat base fixed track, said seat base fixed track being connected to a vehicle seat support and said seat base moveable track being connected to said seat base, said backrest fixed track being connected to a vehicle backrest support; a locking device connected to said vehicle seat; a release/lock mechanism connected to said locking device for releasing and locking said locking device.
2. A vehicle seat system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said locking device is connected to said seat base.
3. A vehicle seat system in accordance with claim 2, further comprising: another locking device, said another locking device being connected to said seat base and said release/lock mechanism, wherein actuation of said release/lock mechanism simultaneously actuates said locking device and said another locking device.
4. A vehicle seat system in accordance with claim 3, wherein said seat base track arrangement comprises another seat base track arrangement comprising another seat base fixed track and another seat base movable track, said another seat base fixed track being connected to another vehicle seat support, said locking device and said another locking device being arranged between said vehicle seat support and said another vehicle seat support.
5. A vehicle seat system in accordance with claim 3, wherein said seat base track arrangement comprises another seat base track arrangement comprising another seat base fixed track and another seat base movable track, said another seat base fixed track being connected to another vehicle seat support, said locking device and said another locking device being arranged between said seat track arrangement and said another seat track arrangement.
6. A vehicle seat system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said locking device is arranged between said seat base and said seat base movable track.
7. A vehicle seat system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said locking device is fixed to said seat base and said seat base movable track.
8. A vehicle seat system in accordance with claim 7, further comprising: another locking device, said another locking device being connected to said seat base and said release/lock mechanism, wherein actuation of said release/lock mechanism simultaneously actuates said locking device and said another locking device.
9. A vehicle seat system in accordance with claim 8, wherein said seat base track arrangement comprises another seat base track arrangement comprising another seat base fixed track and another seat base movable track, said another seat base fixed track being connected to another vehicle seat support, said another locking device being arranged between said seat base and said another seat base movable track.
10. A vehicle seat system in accordance with claim 8, wherein said seat base track arrangement comprises another seat base track arrangement comprising another seat base fixed track and another seat base movable track, said another seat base fixed track being connected to another vehicle seat support, said another locking device being fixed to said seat base and said another seat base movable track.
11. A vehicle seat system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said release/lock mechanism actuates said locking device between a locked state and a released state, said seat base and said backrest being movable in said released state, said seat base and said backrest being in a fixed position in said locked state.
12. A vehicle seat system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said seat base fixed track and said seat base movable track are mounted horizontally relative to said vehicle seat support.
13. A vehicle seat system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said seat base track arrangement comprises a seat base movable track connector, said seat base movable track connector being directly connected to said seat base and said seat base movable track.
14. A vehicle seat system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said release/lock mechanism comprises plastic bushings, an actuator and a drive rod, said plastic bushings being connected to said drive rod.
15. A vehicle seat system in accordance with claim 14, wherein said release/lock mechanism comprises a cable, said cable being connected to said locking device, said drive rod and said actuator.
16. A vehicle seat system in accordance with claim 14, further comprising: another locking device, said release mechanism comprising another cable, said another cable being connected to said another locking device, wherein actuation of said actuator simultaneously actuates said cable and said another cable via said drive rod such that said locking device and said another locking device are actuated from one of a locked state and a released state to another one of said locked state and said released state.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] In the drawings:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle seat system;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat system of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a front view of the vehicle seat system of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the vehicle seat system of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a locking device connected to a seat track arrangement;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the seat track arrangement along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a front view of the locking device connected to the seat track arrangement;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a side view of the locking device and the seat track arrangement;
[0036] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the locking device connected to a seat base movable track;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two ball bearing arrangements;
[0038] FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of the seat track arrangement;
[0039] FIG. 12 is an enlarged front view of the seat track arrangement with a ball bearing arrangement;
[0040] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the ball bearing arrangement shown in FIG. 12;
[0041] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the ball bearing arrangement shown in FIG. 12 with ball bearings removed;
[0042] FIG. 15 is a side view of another embodiment of a vehicle seat system;
[0043] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat system of FIG. 15;
[0044] FIG. 17 is a front view of the vehicle seat system of FIG. 15;
[0045] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the vehicle seat system of FIG. 15;
[0046] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seat track arrangement associated with the vehicle seat system of FIG. 15;
[0047] FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the seat track arrangement of FIG. 19;
[0048] FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the seat track arrangement of FIG. 19;
[0049] FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the seat track arrangement along line 22-22 of FIG. 19;
[0050] FIG. 23 is a front view of the seat track arrangement of FIG. 19;
[0051] FIG. 24 is a side view of the seat track arrangement of FIG. 19;
[0052] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the locking device;
[0053] FIG. 26 is another perspective view of the locking device;
[0054] FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the locking device;
[0055] FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view of the locking device;
[0056] FIG. 29 is a partial cross sectional view of the locking device;
[0057] FIG. 30 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking device;
[0058] FIG. 31 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking device;
[0059] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a release/lock assembly associated with the vehicle seat system of FIG. 1 and the vehicle seat system of FIG. 15;
[0060] FIG. 33 is another perspective view of the release/lock assembly associated with the vehicle seat system of FIG. 1 and the vehicle seat system of FIG. 15;
[0061] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a housing assembly associated with the release/lock assembly of FIG. 32;
[0062] FIG. 35 is a top perspective view of the housing assembly of FIG. 34;
[0063] FIG. 36 is a bottom perspective view of the housing assembly of FIG. 34;
[0064] FIG. 37 is a bottom perspective view of the housing assembly of FIG. 34;
[0065] FIG. 38 is another bottom perspective view of the housing assembly of FIG. 34;
[0066] FIG. 39 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a seat track arrangement;
[0067] FIG. 40 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a seat track arrangement;
[0068] FIG. 41 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a seat track arrangement;
[0069] FIG. 42 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a seat track arrangement;
[0070] FIG. 43 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a seat track arrangement;
[0071] FIG. 44 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a seat track arrangement;
[0072] FIG. 45 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a seat track arrangement; and
[0073] FIG. 46 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a seat track arrangement.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0074] Referring to the drawings in particular, FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle seat system 1. The vehicle seat system 1 includes a vehicle seat 10. The vehicle seat 10 is shown comprising a backrest (seat back) 12 and a seat base (cushion) 14. A link arm 16 connects the backrest 12 and the seat base 14. The backrest 12 and the seat base 14 are supported on a support frame 20. The support frame 20 may be fixed to a vehicle floor 5. The support frame 20 may also be fixed on a movable track such that the support frame 20 itself may be fixed in a position (such as in a longitudinal set positionalong a direction of travel) and displaced along a track, that is fixed in the vehicle floor 5, to change a longitudinal position setting. The seat base 14 comprises a seat base frame 18 with a cushion upper part 19. The seat base 14 may have other configurations including a seat base frame that is formed of side brackets and cross members. The backrest 12 is a so called live back seat back. Such a live back seat back comprises a plastic panel that flexes with back movement of the occupant. The backrest 12 may instead comprise a shell supporting one or more foam pieces covered by trim or may comprise a frame supporting one or more foam pieces covered by trim.
[0075] The support frame 20 includes a vehicle backrest support 22 and a connected vehicle seat base support 24. The support frame 20 may include the backrest support 22 separate from the seat base support 24. The backrest support 22 may also be formed as part of the vehicle, such as the rear wall of the cabin of a pickup truck or such as the bulkhead separating the passenger compartment from trunk space. The vehicle seat base support 24 may be formed as part of the vehicle floor 5 or may be a separate support part connected to the vehicle floor 5. The link arm 16 is connected to the seat base 14 by a seat base pivot 26. The seat base pivot 26 is formed at a lower portion 17 of the link arm 16. The link arm 16 and the backrest 12 are connected to the vehicle backrest support 22 by a link arm and backrest pivot connection 28. A backrest fixed track 32 forms part of a backrest track arrangement that also includes a backrest movable track 30, which is movable relative to the backrest fixed track 32.
[0076] A locking arrangement 34 is connected to the vehicle seat 10. The locking arrangement 34 includes a locking device 36. The locking device 36 forms part of a longitudinal adjustor. The locking device 36 is connected to a locking device support 38 via a locking device support connection 40. The locking device support 38 is connected to the support frame 20. The locking device support 38 may be formed as an integral part of the support frame 20. A seat track arrangement 42 is connected to the seat base support 24 and the seat base 14.
[0077] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat system 1. The locking arrangement 34 includes a locking device 44. The locking device 44 is connected to a locking device support 50. The locking device 44 forms part of a longitudinal adjustor. The locking device support 50 is connected to the support frame 20. The locking device support 50 may be formed as an integral part of the support frame 20. A seat track arrangement 46 is connected to a seat base support 48 and the seat base 14.
[0078] FIG. 3 is a front view of the vehicle seat system 1. Although the locking arrangement 34 is shown with the locking device 36 and the locking device 44 to provide two locking devices, it is possible that only one locking device may be provided.
[0079] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the seat 10 in an area of the seat base 14. The track arrangement 42 includes a seat base fixed track (outer track) 52 and a seat base movable track (inner track) 54. The seat base fixed track 52 is fixed on an upper surface of the seat base support 24 via at least fastener 56 and fastener 58. The locking device 36 is connected to the seat base 18 and the seat base movable track 54. The seat track arrangement 46 includes a seat base fixed track (outer track) 60 and a seat base movable track (inner track) 62. The seat base fixed track 60 is fixed on an upper surface of the seat base support 48 via at least fastener 64 and fastener 66. A bracket 68 is connected to the locking device 44 via a fastener 70. The fastener 70 may be any suitable fastener including but not limited to a pin, a screw and rivet. The bracket 68 is connected to the seat base 18 via a fastener 72 and a fastener 74. The bracket 68 is connected to the seat base movable track 62 via at least a fastener 75. The fastener 72, the fastener 74 and the fastener 75 are shown as a screw and a threaded nut, but the fastener 72, the fastener 74 and the fastener 75 may be any suitable fastener including but not limited to a pin and rivet. In another embodiment, the bracket 68 may be welded to the locking device 44, the seat base movable track 62 and the seat base 18. The locking device 44 is connected to a release/lock mechanism via a cable (see FIG. 32). The locking device 44 is connected to the locking device support 50 via a fastener 76. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the fastener 76 is a pin, but it is understood that the fastener 76 may be any suitable fastener including but not limited to a threaded screw and threaded nut connector or a rivet.
[0080] Actuation of the locking device 36 and actuation of the locking device 44 allows a locking and release of the seat base 14 with movement of the seat base moveable track 54 relative to the seat base fixed track 52 and movement of the seat base movable track 62 relative to the seat base fixed track 60. When the locking device 36 is released, the locking device 36 and the seat base movable track 54 move relative to the seat base fixed track 52. When the locking device 44 is released, the locking device 44 and the seat base movable track 62 move relative to the seat base fixed track 60. As the link arm 16 connects the seat base 14 and the backrest 12, the actuation of the locking device 36 and the locking device 44 allows a locking and release of the backrest 12 with movement of the backrest moveable track 30 relative to the backrest fixed track 32.
[0081] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the locking device 44 connected to the seat track arrangement 46. The locking device 44 is substantially identical to the locking device 36. The seat track arrangement 46 is substantially identical to the seat track arrangement 42. The seat track arrangement 42 is connected to the locking device 36 in the same manner as the seat track arrangement 46 is connected to the locking device 44. The locking device 36 is connected to the seat base 18 in the same manner as the locking device 44 is connected to the seat base 18. Accordingly, in order to avoid repetition, a description will be provided for the locking device 44 and the seat track arrangement 42 as it is understood that the locking device 36 is similar to the locking device 44 and the seat track arrangement 42 is similar to the seat track arrangement 46 and the manner of connecting the locking device 36 and the seat track arrangement 42 is similar to the manner of connecting the locking device 44 and the seat track arrangement 46. Ball stops 78, 80, 82 are connected to the seat base fixed track 52.
[0082] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the seat track arrangement 42 along line 6-6 of FIG. 5. The seat base movable track 54 is mounted relative to the seat base fixed track 52 via ball bearings 84, 86.
[0083] FIG. 7 is a front view of the locking device 44 connected to the seat track arrangement 46. Balls stops 88, 90 are connected to the movable track 62. Ball stops 78, 80, 82, 88, 90 ensure that the ball bearings 84, 86 remain between the seat base movable track 62 and the seat base fixed track 60.
[0084] FIG. 8 is a side view of the locking device 44 and the seat track arrangement 46. A fastener 92 is provided to fasten the seat base fixed track 60 to the upper surface of the seat base support 48. Four fasteners may be used to fix the fixed track 60 to the upper surface of the seat base support 48, however it is understood that any number of fasteners may be used to connect the seat base fixed track to the upper surface of the seat base support 48. In another embodiment, the seat base fixed track 60 may be welded to the upper surface of the seat base support 48.
[0085] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the locking device 44 connected to the seat base movable track 62. A ball bearing arrangement 100 is provided between the seat base movable track 62 and the seat base fixed track 60. The ball bearing arrangement 100 includes ball bearings 86, 94, 96, 98 and a ball bearing spacer element (straw spacer) 102. The ball bearing spacer element 102 maintains the ball bearings 86, 94 at a spaced location from the ball bearings 96, 98. It is understood that another ball bearing arrangement 104 (see FIG. 10) is provided opposite the ball bearing arrangement 100 on the other side of the seat base movable track 62.
[0086] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the ball bearing arrangement 100 and the ball bearing arrangement 104. The ball bearing arrangement 104 includes ball bearings 84, 106, 108, 110 and a ball bearing spacer element (straw spacer) 112. The ball bearing spacer element 112 maintains the ball bearings 84, 106 at a spaced location from the ball bearings 108, 110. Such ball arrangements 100, 104 may also be used with the backrest movable track 30 and the backrest fixed track 32.
[0087] FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of the seat track arrangement 46 with the seat base movable track 62 connected to the bracket 68 via the fastener 75.
[0088] FIG. 12 is an enlarged front view of the seat track arrangement 46 in which the seat base movable track 62 is mounted relative to the seat base fixed track 60 via a ball bearing arrangement 114.
[0089] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the ball bearing arrangement 114. The ball bearings 84, 86, 94, 96, 98, 106, 108, 110 are positioned via a ball cage 116 to form the ball bearing arrangement 114. Such a ball cage 116 may also be used with the backrest movable track 30 and the backrest fixed track 32.
[0090] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the ball bearing arrangement 114 with the ball bearings 84, 86, 94, 96, 98, 106, 108, 110 removed. The ball cage 116 includes spaces 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 with each space for receiving a ball bearing. Although eight spaces are shown for eight ball bearings, it is understood that any number of spaces may be provided so that the ball cage 116 may be provided with any number of ball bearings.
[0091] FIG. 15 is a side view of a vehicle seat system P. The vehicle seat system 1 comprises a vehicle seat 10. The vehicle seat 10 is shown comprising a backrest (seat back) 12 and a seat base (cushion) 14. A link arm 16 connects the backrest 12 and the seat base 14. The backrest 12 and the seat base 14 are supported on a support frame 20. The support frame 20 may be fixed to a vehicle floor 5. The support frame 20 may also be fixed on a movable track such that the support frame 20 itself may be fixed in a position (such as in a longitudinal set positionalong a direction of travel) and displaced along a track, that is fixed in the vehicle floor 5, to change a longitudinal position setting. The seat base 14 comprises a seat base frame 18 with a cushion upper part 19. The seat base 14 may have other configurations including a seat base frame that is formed of side brackets and cross members. The backrest 12 is a so called live back seat back. Such a live back seat back comprises a plastic panel that flexes with back movement of the occupant. The backrest 12 may instead comprise a shell supporting one or more foam pieces covered by trim or may comprise a frame supporting one or more foam pieces covered by trim.
[0092] The support frame 20 includes vehicle backrest support 22 and a connected vehicle seat base support 24. The support frame 20 may include the backrest support 22 separate from the seat base support 24. The backrest support 22 may also be formed as part of the vehicle, such as the rear wall of the cabin of a pickup truck or such as the bulkhead separating the passenger compartment from trunk space. The vehicle seat base support 24 may be formed as part of the vehicle floor 5 or may be a separate support part connected to the vehicle floor 5. The link arm 16 is connected to the seat base 14 by a seat base pivot 26. The seat base pivot 26 is formed at a lower portion 17 of the link arm 16. The link arm 16 and the backrest 12 are connected to the vehicle backrest support 22 by a link arm and backrest pivot connection 28. A backrest fixed track 32 forms part of a backrest track arrangement that also includes a backrest movable track 30, which is movable relative to the backrest fixed track 32.
[0093] A locking arrangement 34 is connected to the vehicle seat 10. The locking arrangement 34 includes a locking device 36. The locking device 36 forms part of a longitudinal adjustor. The locking device 36 is connected to a locking device support 38 via a locking device support connection 40. The locking device support 38 is connected to the support frame 20. The locking device support 38 may be formed as an integral part of the support frame 20. A seat track arrangement 42 is connected to the seat base support 24 and the seat base 14.
[0094] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat system P. The locking arrangement 34 includes a locking device 44. The locking device 44 is connected to a locking device support 50. The locking device 44 forms part of a longitudinal adjustor. The locking device support 50 is connected to the support frame 20. The locking device support 50 may be formed as an integral part of the support frame 20. A seat track arrangement 46 is connected to a seat base support 48 and the seat base 14. The locking device 44 is connected to the seat base frame 18 via a connector 47. The connector 47 is shown in the form of a bracket, but it is understood that any type of connector may be used to connect the locking device 44 to the seat base frame 18. A release/lock assembly 49 is connected to the locking device 36 and the locking device 44. The release/lock assembly 49 can be actuated to actuate the locking device 36 and the locking device 44 to release the locking device 36 and the locking device 44 and to lock the locking device 36 and the locking device 44.
[0095] FIG. 17 is a front view of the vehicle seat system P. Although the locking arrangement 34 is shown with the locking device 36 and the locking device 44 to provide two locking devices, it is possible that only one locking device may be provided. The locking device 36 is connected to the seat base frame 18 via a connector 45. The connector 45 is shown in the form of a bracket, but it is understood that any type of connector may be used to connect the locking device 44 to the seat base frame 18. The release/lock assembly includes a cable 51 and a cable 53. The cable 51 is connected to the locking device 44. The cable 53 is connected to the locking device 36. A single cable may be provided if only a single locking device is used.
[0096] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the vehicle seat system 1 in an area of the seat base 14. The track arrangement 42 includes a seat base fixed track 52 and a seat base movable track 54. The seat base fixed track 52 is fixed on an upper surface of the seat base support 24 via at least a fastener 56 and fastener 58. A seat base track connector 55 connects the seat base movable track 54 to the seat base frame 18. The seat track arrangement 46 includes a seat base fixed track 60 and a seat base movable track 62. The seat base fixed track 60 is fixed on an upper surface of the seat base support 48 via at least fastener 64 and fastener 66. A seat base track connector 43 connects the seat base movable track 62 to the seat base frame 18. The locking device 44 is connected to the connector 47 via a fastener 70. The fastener 70 is shown as a pin or shaft, but it is understood that any suitable fastener may used, including but not limited to a screw and nut fastener or a rivet. In another embodiment, the locking device 44 may be welded to the connector 47. The locking device 36 is connected to the connector 45 via a fastener in the same way in which the locking device 44 is connected to the connector 47. The locking device 44 is connected to the locking device support 50 via a fastener 76. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the fastener 76 is a pin, but it is understood that the fastener 76 may be any suitable fastener including but not limited to a threaded screw and threaded nut connector or a rivet.
[0097] Actuation of the locking device 36 and actuation of the locking device 44 allows a locking and release of the seat base 14 with movement of the seat base moveable track 54 relative to the seat base fixed track 52 and movement of the seat base movable track 62 relative to the seat base fixed track 60. When the locking device 36 is released, the seat base movable track 54 moves relative to the seat base fixed track 52. When the locking device 44 is released, the seat base movable track 62 moves relative to the seat base fixed track 60. As the link arm 16 connects the seat base 14 and the backrest 12, the actuation of the locking device 36 and the locking device 44 allows a locking and release of the backrest 12 with movement of the backrest moveable track 30 relative to the backrest fixed track 32.
[0098] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the seat track arrangement 42. The seat track arrangement 42 is substantially identical to the seat track arrangement 46. The seat track arrangement 46 is connected to the seat base frame 18 in the same manner as the seat track arrangement 42 is connected to the seat base frame 18. Accordingly, in order to avoid repetition, a description is provided for the seat track arrangement 42 as it is understood that the seat track arrangement 42 is similar to the seat track arrangement 46 and the manner of connecting the seat track arrangement 42 is similar to the manner of connecting the seat track arrangement 46 to the seat base frame 18. Ball stops 78, 80, 82 are connected to the seat base fixed track 52. The seat base track connector 55 is fixed to an upper surface of the seat base movable track 54 via fasteners 57, 59, 61. Although three fasteners are shown in the example of FIG. 19, it is understood that any number of fasteners may be used. In FIG. 19, the fasteners are shown as screw and nut fasteners, but it is understood that any suitable type of fastener may be used. The seat base track connector 55 includes openings 63, 65, 67. Each of the openings 63, 65, 67 receives a fastener to fix the seat base track connector 55 to the seat base frame 18. Although three openings are shown in the example of FIG. 19, it is understood that any number of openings may be provided. The opening 63 is defined by a raised portion 81 of the seat base track connector 55. The openings 65, 67 are defined by a raised portion 83 of the seat base track connector 55. The raised portions 81, 83 are located at a position that is greater than a height of the seat base fixed track 52. The seat base movable track 54 is movable along the seat base fixed track 52 to position the seat base 14 in a seat base design position as shown in FIG. 19.
[0099] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the seat track arrangement 42. The seat base movable track 54 is movable along the seat base fixed track 52 in the direction of arrow 69 to position the seat base 14 in a seat base full recline position.
[0100] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the seat track arrangement 42. The seat base movable track 54 is movable along the seat base fixed track 52 in the direction of arrow 71 to position the seat base 14 in a seat base full upright position.
[0101] FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the seat track arrangement 42 along line 22-22 of FIG. 19. The seat base movable track 54 is mounted relative to the seat base fixed track 52 via ball bearings 84, 86. The bearing arrangements 100, 104 as shown in FIG. 10 may be used to arrange the ball bearings 84, 86 between the seat base movable track 54 and the seat base fixed track 52. In an alternative embodiment, the bearing arrangement 114 as shown in FIG. 13 may be used to arrange the ball bearings 84, 86 between the seat base movable track 54 and the seat base fixed track 52.
[0102] FIG. 23 is a front view of the seat track arrangement 42 with the seat base track connector 55 connected to the seat base movable track 54. Ball stops 78, 82 are connected to the seat base fixed track 52. Balls stops 88, 90 are connected to the movable track 62. Ball stops 78, 82, 88, 90 ensure that the ball bearings 84, 86 remain between the seat base movable track 54 and the seat base fixed track 52.
[0103] FIG. 24 is a side view of the seat track arrangement 42. The raised portions 81, 83 are provided at a position that is outside of the seat base fixed track 52. A fastener element 87 is provided at a position below the raised portion 81. Fastener elements 89, 91 are provided at a position located below the raised portion 83. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the fastener elements are formed as threaded nuts with each nut receiving a threaded screw to connect the seat base track connector 55 to the seat base frame 18, but it is understood that any other suitable fastener may be used.
[0104] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44. Each of the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44 is identical to each other and has the same structure. Each locking device 36, 36, 44, 44 has a movable portion 133 and a fixed element 135. In the example shown in FIG. 25, the fixed element 135 is a rod. The movable portion 133 is movable along the fixed element 135 in a seat base design position to position the seat base 14, 14 in a seat base design position as shown in FIG. 25.
[0105] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44. The movable portion 133 is movable in the direction of arrow 134 along the fixed element 135 to position the seat base 14,14 in a seat base full recline position.
[0106] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44. The movable portion 133 is movable in the direction of arrow 136 along the fixed element 135 to position the seat base 14, 14 in a seat base full upright position.
[0107] FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view of the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44 and FIG. 29 is a partial cross-sectional view of the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44. Each of the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44 has an arm (handle) 138 and a wedge bushing 140. The arm 138 forms a handle and has a slot 139 for receiving a cable. The arm 138 can be actuated to lock and release the movable portion 133. The features of the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,470, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The example of the locking devices shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 is one example of the locking devices that are provided to lock and release the seat base 14, 14. In other embodiments, each of the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44 may have the features disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,157,826, 8,038,220, 5,441,129, 5,219,045, 5,150,771, 4,880,084, 4,577,730, 4,457,406, 4,425,987, 4,411,339, 3,874,480 and 5,568,843. The entire contents of each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,157,826, 8,038,220, 5,794,470, 5,441,129, 5,219,045, 5,150,771, 4,880,084, 4,577,730, 4,457,406, 4,425,987, 4,411,339, 3,874,480 and 5,568,843 are incorporated herein by reference.
[0108] FIG. 30 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44. Each of the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44 includes a housing 142. The housing 142 has a housing projection 144 and an upper housing portion 146 with an upward extending portion 147 and an upward extending portion 149. An opening 151 is provided between the upward extending portion 147 and the upward extending portion 149. The housing 142 has a housing projection 145 and an upper housing portion 143 with an upward extending portion 141 and an upward extending portion 137. An opening 153 is provided between the upward extending portion 141 and the upward extending portion 137. The arm 138 is in a locked position in FIG. 30 such that the movable portion 133 is locked to the fixed element 135 so that the movable portion 133 does not move relative to the fixed element 135.
[0109] FIG. 31 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44. The arm 138 is in a released position in FIG. 31 such that the movable portion 133 moves relative to the fixed element 135.
[0110] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the release/lock assembly 49. The release/lock assembly 49 actuates the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44 to lock and release the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44. The release/lock assembly 49 includes an actuator 148. In the example shown in FIG. 32, the actuator 148 is in the form of a handle, however it is understood that the actuator 148 may be any suitable actuator, including but not limited to a button or a lever. A cable connecting structure 150 is connected to the cable connector 51. The cable connecting structure 150 may be in the form of a clip. The cable connecting structure 150 includes a lip (projection) 158, a housing connector portion 156, a slot 160, a slot 162 and an opening 164. The cable connector 51 comprises a cable 152. The cable 152 has a cable end portion 154 that has a width that is greater than a width of an opening 157 in the housing connector portion 156 such that the cable end portion 154 cannot pass through the opening 157.
[0111] A cable connecting structure 166 is connected to the cable connector 53. The cable connecting structure 166 may be in the form of a clip. The cable connector 53 comprises a cable 168. The cable connecting structure 166 includes a lip (projection) 174 provided on an outer surface of the cable connecting structure 166, a housing connector portion 172, a slot 176, a slot 178 and an opening 180. The cable 168 has a cable end portion 170 that has a width that is greater than a width of an opening in the housing connector portion 172 such that the cable end portion 170 cannot pass through the opening. The release/lock mechanism 49 includes a housing assembly 182. The actuator 148 is connected to a lever arm 188. The lever arm 188 includes an opening 183. The housing assembly 182 includes a housing projection 186. The housing projection 186 extends in an upward direction. The housing projection 186 includes an opening 181. A spring 184 is connected to the lever arm 183 and the housing projection 186. A portion of the spring 184 is inserted in the opening 181 and another portion of the spring 184 is inserted in the opening 183. The actuator 148 is pivotable about a pivot axis 190. The release/lock mechanism 49 is shown in a locked position in FIG. 32.
[0112] The cable connecting structure 150 is connected to the housing 142 of one of the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44 (see FIGS. 5, 9 and 18) by moving the cable connecting structure 150 from a position above the housing 142 downward in a direction of the opening 151 and the upper housing portion 146 such that a snap in retaining connection is generated as the lip 158 passes over the projection 144 to connect the lip 158 to the projection 144. A portion of the cable connecting structure 150 is arranged in the opening 151 and is provided between the upward extending portion 147 and the upward extending portion 149 (see FIGS. 5, 9 and 18). A surface 158a of the lip 158 engages an outer surface 144a of the projection 144 to fix the lip 158 to the projection 144. A portion of the upward extending portion 149 is provided in the slot 162 and a portion of the upward extending portion 147 is arranged in the slot 160 when the cable connecting structure 150 is connected to the housing 142. An inner surface 156a of the housing connector portion 156 engages (contacts) an inner surface 146a of the housing portion 146. The cable 152 extends through the slot 139 such that a portion of the cable 152 is arranged in the slot 139. The cable end portion 154 engages a surface 138a of the arm 138 to fix the cable 152 to the arm 138. A portion 138b of the arm 138 extends above the cable 152 to prevent the cable 152 from coming out of the slot 139.
[0113] The cable connecting structure 166 is connected to the housing 142 of another one of the locking devices 36, 36, 44, 44 by moving the cable connecting structure 166 from a position above the housing 142 downward in a direction of the opening 153 and the upper housing portion 143 such that a snap in retaining connection is generated as the lip 174 passes over the projection 145 to connect the lip 174 to the projection 145. A portion of the cable connecting structure 166 is arranged in the opening 153 and is provided between the upward extending portion 137 and the upward extending portion 141. A surface 174a of the lip 174 engages an outer surface 145a of the projection 145 to fix the lip 174 to the projection 145. A portion of the upward extending portion 141 is provided in the slot 176 and a portion of the upward extending portion 137 is arranged in the slot 178 when the cable connecting structure 166 is connected to the housing 142. An inner surface 172a of the housing connector portion 172 engages (contacts) an inner surface 146a of the housing portion 146 when the cable connecting structure 166 is connected to the housing 142. The cable 168 extends through the slot 139 such that a portion of the cable 168 is arranged in the slot 139. The cable end portion 170 engages a surface 138c of the arm 138 to fix the cable 168 to the arm 138. The portion 138b of the arm 138 extends above the cable 168 to prevent the cable 168 from coming out of the slot 139.
[0114] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the release/lock assembly 49. The actuator 148 is pivoted about the pivot axis 190 when the actuator 148 is actuated. Actuating the actuator 148 moves the cable 152 to move the arm 138 of the locking device 36, 36 from a locked position to a released position to release the locking device 36, 36 and moves the cable 168 to move the arm 138 of the locking device 44, 44 from a locked position to a released position to release the locking device 44, 44. Actuation of the actuator 148 moves the lever arm 188, which stretches the spring 184 to tension the spring 188. The release/lock mechanism 49 is shown in a released position in FIG. 33 in which the actuator 148 has been actuated.
[0115] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the housing assembly 182 with the actuator 148 disconnected from the housing assembly 182. A actuator connecting portion 194 is connected to the housing assembly 182.
[0116] FIG. 35 is a top perspective view of the housing assembly 182. The actuator connecting portion 194 is connected to a drive rod 200. A bushing 196 and a bushing 198 are connected to the drive rod 200. The bushing 196 and the bushing 198 may be formed of plastic, but any material may be used to form the bushing 196 and the bushing 198. The bushing 196 and the bushing 198 are in contact with the housing 182. The bushing 196 is adjacent to the actuator connecting portion 194. The bushing 198 is adjacent to the lever arm 188. The lever arm 188 is connected to the drive rod 200 via a fastener 189. The drive rod 200 is connected to a release arm 202. The release arm 202 has an opening 204 and an opening 206.
[0117] FIG. 36 is a bottom perspective view of the housing assembly 182. The cable 152 and the cable 168 are connected to the release arm 202. The cable 152 extends through the opening 206. The cable 168 extends through the opening 204. The cable 152 has a cable end portion 208 that has a width that is greater than a width of the opening 206 such that the cable end portion 208 cannot fit through the opening 206. The cable 168 has a cable end portion 210 that has a width that is greater than a width of the opening 204 such that the cable end portion 210 cannot fit through the opening 204. In another embodiment, instead of attaching each cable individually to the release arm, the cables may be connected to a splitter to make the two cables become one cable, which is connected to the release arm.
[0118] FIG. 37 is a bottom perspective view of the housing assembly 182. The actuating connector portion 194 is in a locked position in FIG. 37 such that the locking device 36, 36 and the locking device 44, 44 are in a locked position.
[0119] FIG. 38 is a bottom perspective view of the housing assembly 182. The actuating connector portion 194 is actuated from a locked position to a released position such that the release arm 202 is actuated, which actuates the arm 138 of the locking device 36, 36 from the locked position to the released position to release the locking device 36, 36 and actuates the arm 138 of the locking device 44, 44 from the locked position to the released position to release the locking device 44, 44. FIG. 38 shows the actuating connector portion 194 and the release arm 202 in the released position.
[0120] FIGS. 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 show different embodiments of a seat track arrangement, which can be used instead of the seat track arrangements 42, 42, 46, 46. FIG. 39 shows a sectional view of a seat track arrangement 212 having a seat base fixed track 214 and a seat base movable track 216. The seat base movable track 216 is mounted relative to the seat base fixed track 214 via ball bearings 218, 220.
[0121] FIG. 40 shows a sectional view of a seat track arrangement 222 having a seat base fixed track 224 and a seat base movable track 226. The seat base movable track 226 is mounted relative to the seat base fixed track 224 via a ball bearing arrangement 228 that includes ball bearing 230.
[0122] FIG. 41 shows a sectional view of a seat track arrangement 232 having a seat base fixed track 234 and a seat base movable track 236. The seat base movable track 236 is mounted relative to the seat base fixed track 234 via a ball bearing arrangement 238 that includes ball bearing 240.
[0123] FIG. 42 shows a sectional view of a seat track arrangement 242 having a seat base fixed track 244 and a seat base movable track 246. The seat base movable track 246 is mounted relative to the seat base fixed track 244 via a ball bearing arrangement 248 that includes ball bearing 250.
[0124] FIG. 43 shows a sectional view of a seat track arrangement 252 having a seat base fixed track 254 and a seat base movable track 256. The seat base movable track 256 is mounted relative to the seat base fixed track 254 via a ball bearing arrangement 258 that includes spaces 260, 261, 263 for receiving ball bearings.
[0125] FIG. 44 is a cross sectional view of a seat track arrangement 262. The seat track arrangement 262 has the features disclosed in U.S. patent publication 2006165321 A1, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0126] FIG. 45 is a cross sectional view of a seat track arrangement 264 having a seat base fixed track 266 and a seat base movable track 268. The seat base movable track 268 is mounted relative to the seat base fixed track 266 via ball bearings 270, 272. A portion 269 of the seat base movable track 268 engages the ball bearing 272. A portion 271 of the seat base movable track 268 engages the ball bearing 270.
[0127] FIG. 46 is a cross sectional view of a seat track arrangement 274 having a seat base fixed track 276 and a seat base movable track 278. The seat base movable track 278 is mounted relative to the seat base fixed track 276 via ball bearings 288, 290, 292, 294. The seat base movable track 278 has surfaces 280, 282, 284, 286. Each of the surfaces 280, 282, 284, 286 engages one of the ball bearings 288, 290, 292, 294.
[0128] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.
LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0129] 1 Vehicle seat system [0130] 1 Vehicle seat system [0131] 5 Vehicle floor [0132] 5 Vehicle floor [0133] 10 Vehicle seat [0134] 10 Vehicle seat [0135] 12 Backrest (seat back) [0136] 12 Backrest (seat back) [0137] 14 Seat base (cushion) [0138] 14 Seat base (cushion) [0139] 16 Link arm [0140] 16 Link arm [0141] 18 Seat base frame [0142] 18 Seat base frame [0143] 19 Cushion upper part [0144] 19 Cushion upper part [0145] 20 Support frame [0146] 20 Support frame [0147] 22 Backrest support [0148] 22 Backrest support [0149] 24 Seat base support [0150] 24 Seat base support [0151] 26 Seat base pivot [0152] 26 Seat base pivot [0153] 28 Link arm and backrest pivot connection [0154] 28 Link arm and backrest pivot connection [0155] 30 Backrest movable track [0156] 30 Backrest movable track [0157] 32 Backrest fixed track [0158] 32 Backrest fixed track [0159] 34 Locking arrangement [0160] 34 Locking arrangement [0161] 36 Locking device [0162] 36 Locking device [0163] 38 Locking device support [0164] 38 Locking device support [0165] 40 Locking device support connection [0166] 40 Locking device support connection [0167] 42 Seat track arrangement [0168] 42 Seat track arrangement [0169] 43 Seat base track connector [0170] 44 Locking device [0171] 44 Locking device [0172] 45 Connector [0173] 46 Seat track arrangement [0174] 46 Seat track arrangement [0175] 47 Connector [0176] 48 Seat base support [0177] 48 Seat base support [0178] 49 Release/lock assembly [0179] 50 Locking device support [0180] 50 Locking device support [0181] 51 Cable [0182] 52 Seat base fixed track [0183] 52 Seat base fixed track [0184] 53 Cable [0185] 54 Seat base movable track [0186] 54 Seat base movable track [0187] 55 Seat base track connector [0188] 56 Fastener [0189] 56 Fastener [0190] 57 Fastener [0191] 58 Fastener [0192] 58 Fastener [0193] 59 Fastener [0194] 60 Seat base fixed track [0195] 61 Fastener [0196] 62 Seat base movable track (inner track) [0197] 63 Opening [0198] 64 Fastener [0199] 64 Fastener [0200] 65 Opening [0201] 66 Fastener [0202] 66 Fastener [0203] 67 Opening [0204] 68 Bracket [0205] 69 Arrow [0206] 70 Fastener [0207] 70 Fastener [0208] 71 Arrow [0209] 72 Fastener [0210] 74 Fastener [0211] 75 Fastener [0212] 76 Fastener [0213] 76 Fastener [0214] 78 Ball stop [0215] 78 Ball stop [0216] 80 Ball stop [0217] 80 Ball stop [0218] 81 Raised portion [0219] 82 Ball stop [0220] 82 Ball stop [0221] 83 Raised portion [0222] 84 Ball bearing [0223] 84 Ball bearing [0224] 86 Ball bearing [0225] 86 Ball bearing [0226] 87 Fastener element [0227] 88 Ball stop [0228] 88 Ball stop [0229] 89 Fastener element [0230] 90 Ball stop [0231] 90 Ball stop [0232] 91 Fastener element [0233] 92 Fastener [0234] 94 Ball bearing [0235] 96 Ball bearing [0236] 98 Ball bearing [0237] 100 Ball bearing arrangement [0238] 102 Ball bearing spacer element (straw spacer) [0239] 104 Ball bearing arrangement [0240] 106 Ball bearing [0241] 108 Ball bearing [0242] 110 Ball bearing [0243] 112 Ball bearing spacer element (straw spacer) [0244] 114 Ball bearing arrangement [0245] 116 Ball cage [0246] 118 Space [0247] 120 Space [0248] 122 Space [0249] 124 Space [0250] 126 Space [0251] 128 Space [0252] 130 Space [0253] 132 Space [0254] 133 Movable portion [0255] 134 Arrow [0256] 135 Fixed element [0257] 136 Arrow [0258] 137 Upward extending portion [0259] 138 Arm (handle) [0260] 138a Surface of arm [0261] 138b Portion of arm [0262] 138c Surface of arm [0263] 139 Slot [0264] 140 Wedge bushing [0265] 141 Upward extending portion [0266] 142 Housing [0267] 143 Upper housing portion [0268] 144 Projection [0269] 144a Outer surface of projection [0270] 145 Housing projection [0271] 145a Outer surface of the housing projection [0272] 146 Upper housing portion [0273] 146a Inner surface of the housing portion [0274] 147 Upward extending portion [0275] 148 Actuator [0276] 149 Upward extending portion [0277] 150 Cable connecting structure [0278] 151 Opening [0279] 152 Cable [0280] 153 Opening [0281] 154 Cable end portion [0282] 156 Housing connector portion [0283] 156a Inner surface of housing connector portion [0284] 157 Opening [0285] 158 Lip (projection) [0286] 158a Surface of the lip [0287] 160 Slot [0288] 162 Slot [0289] 164 Opening [0290] 166 Cable connecting structure [0291] 168 Cable [0292] 170 Cable end portion [0293] 172 Housing connector portion [0294] 172a Inner surface of the housing connector portion [0295] 174 Lip (projection) [0296] 174a Surface of the lip [0297] 176 Slot [0298] 178 Slot [0299] 180 Opening [0300] 181 Opening [0301] 182 Housing assembly [0302] 183 Lever arm [0303] 184 Spring [0304] 186 Housing projection [0305] 188 Spring [0306] 189 Fastener [0307] 190 Pivot axis [0308] 194 Actuator connecting portion [0309] 196 Bushing [0310] 198 Bushing [0311] 200 Drive rod [0312] 202 Release arm [0313] 204 Opening [0314] 206 Opening [0315] 208 Cable end portion [0316] 210 Cable end portion [0317] 212 Seat track arrangement [0318] 214 Seat base fixed track (outer track) [0319] 216 Seat base movable track (inner track) [0320] 218 Ball bearing [0321] 220 Ball bearing [0322] 222 Seat track arrangement [0323] 224 Seat base fixed track (outer track) [0324] 226 Seat base movable track (inner track) [0325] 228 Ball bearing arrangement [0326] 230 Ball bearing [0327] 232 Seat track arrangement [0328] 234 Seat base fixed track (outer track) [0329] 236 Seat base movable track (inner track) [0330] 238 Ball bearing arrangement [0331] 240 Ball bearing [0332] 242 Seat track arrangement [0333] 244 Seat base fixed track (outer track) [0334] 246 Seat base movable track (inner track) [0335] 248 Ball bearing arrangement [0336] 250 Ball bearing [0337] 252 Seat track arrangement [0338] 254 Seat base fixed track (outer track) [0339] 256 Seat base movable track (inner track) [0340] 258 Ball bearing arrangement [0341] 260 Space for receiving ball bearing [0342] 261 Space for receiving ball bearing [0343] 262 Seat track arrangement [0344] 263 Space for receiving ball bearing [0345] 264 Seat track arrangement [0346] 266 Seat base fixed track (outer track) [0347] 268 Seat base movable track (inner track) [0348] 269 Portion of seat base movable track [0349] 270 Ball bearing [0350] 271 Portion of seat base movable track [0351] 272 Ball bearing [0352] 274 Seat track arrangement [0353] 276 Seat base fixed track (outer track) [0354] 278 Seat base movable track (inner track) [0355] 280 Surface of seat base movable track [0356] 282 Surface of seat base movable track [0357] 284 Surface of seat base movable track [0358] 286 Surface of seat base movable track [0359] 288 Ball bearing [0360] 290 Ball bearing [0361] 292 Ball bearing [0362] 294 Ball bearing
