U.S. patent application number 09/761515 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-06 for base for a vehicle seat and seat including such a base.
Invention is credited to Timon, Michel.
Application Number | 20010019220 09/761515 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 8846014 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010019220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Timon, Michel |
September 6, 2001 |
Base for a vehicle seat and seat including such a base
Abstract
Base for vehicle seat comprising two slide rails and two pivoted
transverse shafts each supported by the two slide rails, these
control shafts being rigidly fixed respectively to two control
levers actuated simultaneously to pivot in two opposed actuating
directions. The control shafts are rigidly fixed respectively to
two control means, which are able to unlock the two slide rails
respectively when the control shafts pivot respectively in their
actuating directions from their rest positions.
Inventors: |
Timon, Michel;
(Fleury-Sur-Orne, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, O'TOOLE, GERSTEIN, MURRAY & BORUN
6300 SEARS TOWER
233 SOUTH WACKER DRIVE
CHICAGO
IL
60606-6402
US
|
Family ID: |
8846014 |
Appl. No.: |
09/761515 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/344.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/0715 20130101;
B60N 2/0825 20130101; B60N 2/0705 20130101; B60N 2/085
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/344.11 |
International
Class: |
A47C 001/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 18, 2000 |
FR |
00 00587 |
Claims
I claim:
1. Base for a vehicle seat, comprising: first and second slide
rails each comprising first and second elements mounted slidingly
in relation to each other in a longitudinal direction, one of which
is intended to be fixed to the seat and the other to the vehicle,
the first element having at least one locking device moveable
between: firstly, a locked position in which said locking device
engages with the second element of the slide rail so as to lock the
first and second elements relatively to each other, and secondly,
an unlocked position in which said locking device allows the first
and second elements to slide relatively to each other, each locking
device being loaded elastically towards its locked position, and a
control device able to simultaneously move the locking device of
the first and second slide rails to their unlocked position, this
control device including operating means which can be actuated by a
user so as to act simultaneously on first and second control means
which are themselves able to unlock the two locking devices
respectively. wherein the control device includes first and second
pivoted transverse shafts each of which is supported at its two
ends respectively by the first elements of the first and second
slide rails, each of these first and second control shafts being
rigidly connected to one of the control means and being so
connected to the control device that actuation of the operating
means moves each of the first and second control shafts in a
direction corresponding to the unlocking of the locking devices of
the two slide rails.
2. Base according to claim 1, in which the control device includes
a cable which runs in a non-rectilinear flexible sheath and is
controlled by said operating means, the first and second control
shafts being rigidly connected to first and second control levers
respectively, one of which is fixed to the control cable and the
other to its sheath, and which are able to move the first and
second control shafts respectively in first and second opposed
directions of rotation starting from a rest position when the
operating means is actuated.
3. Base according to claim 1, in which the operating means
comprises an operating lever which extends in the longitudinal
direction and is linked to first and second cranks forming part of
the first and second control shafts respectively, this operating
lever being connected to at least one of the first and second
cranks with a certain free play in the longitudinal direction, and
these two cranks being orientated in the same direction so that
when the operating lever swivels vertically the first and second
control shafts swivel respectively in first and second opposed
directions of rotation.
4. Base according to claim 3, in which the operating lever is fixed
to the second crank but simply passes under the first crank, this
operating lever being loaded upwardly against the first crank by a
wire bending spring which has: a first longitudinal end passing
underneath the operating lever at a position towards the front of
the first and second control shafts, a second longitudinal end
fixed to the second crank, and an intermediate portion which passes
above the first crank.
5. Base according to claim 1, in which the first and second control
shafts are loaded elastically towards their rest positions.
6. Base according to claim 1, in which each of the first and second
slide rails includes several locking devices each of which includes
a thruster, each of the first and second control means having the
form of a connecting arm which pivots with the corresponding
control shaft and is articulated to an equalizing bar which is
arranged to press on the thrusters of the different locking devices
of the corresponding slide rails when the operating means is
actuated by a user.
7. Base according to one of the preceding claims, in which the
second element of each slide rail is constituted by a fixed section
able to the fixed rigidly to the vehicle while the first element of
each slide rail is constituted by a movable section which is able
to be fixed rigidly to the seat and which slides on the fixed
section.
8. Base according to claim 7, in which the movable section of each
slide rail includes a horizontal upper web extended upwardly by a
vertical wall which supports the control shafts.
9. Base according to claim 8, in which the vertical wall extending
from the horizontal upper web of each slide rail has a bracket on
which the control shafts are pivoted.
10. Vehicle seat including a cushion supported by a base according
to claim 1.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention concerns bases for vehicle seats and
seats including such bases.
[0002] More particularly, the invention concerns a vehicle seat
base comprising:
[0003] first and second slide rails each comprising first and
second elements mounted slidingly in relation to each other in a
longitudinal direction, one of which is intended to be fixed to the
seat and the other to the vehicle, the first element having at
least one locking device moveable between:
[0004] firstly, a locked position in which said locking device
engages with the second element of the slide rail so as to lock the
first and second elements relatively to each other,
[0005] and secondly, an unlocked position in which said locking
device allows the first and second elements to slide relatively to
each other, each locking device being loaded elastically towards
its locked position,
[0006] and a control device able to simultaneously move the locking
device of the first and second slide rails to their unlocked
position, this control device including operating means which can
be actuated by a user so as to act simultaneously on first and
second control means which are themselves able to unlock the two
locking devices respectively.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The document FR-A-2 777 836 describes an example of such a
base which is fully satisfactory with regard to its operation but
requires the use of slide rails the moving sections of which have a
rather wide upper web, since the slide rails are unlocked by means
of a sliding runner which moves horizontally, perpendicularly to
the longitudinal direction of said slide rails. This base according
to the prior art therefore has the disadvantage of having a control
device incompatible with slide rails which have a narrow upper
web.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The objective of the present invention is, in particular, to
mitigate this disadvantage.
[0009] To achieve this objective according to the invention a seat
base of the type in question is essentially characterized in that
the control device includes first and second pivoted transverse
shafts each of which is supported at its two ends respectively by
the first elements of the first and second slide rails, each of
these first and second control shafts being rigidly connected to
one of the control means and being so connected to the control
device that actuation of the operating means moves each of the
first and second control shafts in a direction corresponding to the
unlocking of the locking devices of the two slide rails.
[0010] As a consequence of these arrangements the unlocking of the
slide rails does not involve the moving of a control means in the
transverse horizontal direction, so that, if required, slide rails
with a narrow upper web can be used within the framework of the
present invention.
[0011] In addition, because of its differential effect, the control
device of the base according to the invention is able:
[0012] to adapt itself to slightly differing unlocking movements
between the locking devices of the first and second slide rails,
taking account of the manufacturing tolerances of the assembly,
[0013] and to adapt itself automatically to the distribution of the
force applied to the locking devices of the two slide rails,
resulting from the resistance offered by these locking devices to
the unlocking movement (for example, if the locking device of one
slide rail is slightly blocked during its unlocking movement, the
locking device of the other slide rail continues its unlocking
movement to the end, after which the force applied by the user is
wholly exerted on the blocked locking device, which is generally
sufficient to unblock this locking device).
[0014] In the preferred embodiments of the invention, one and/or
the other of the following arrangements can be used as
appropriate:
[0015] the control device includes a cable which runs in a
non-rectilinear flexible sheath which is controlled by said
operating means, the first and second control shafts being rigidly
connected to first and second control levers respectively (these
may be levers mounted on the control shafts or cranked or U-shaped
parts forming part of these shafts), one of which is fixed to the
control cable and the other to its sheath and are able to move the
first and second control shafts respectively in first and second
opposed directions of rotation starting from a rest position when
the operating means is actuated;
[0016] the operating means comprises an operating lever which
extends in the longitudinal direction and is linked to first and
second cranks forming part of the first and second control shafts
respectively, this operating lever being connected to at least one
of the first and second cranks with a certain free play in the
longitudinal direction, and these two cranks being orientated in
the same direction so that when the operating lever swivels
vertically the first and second control shafts swivel respectively
in first and second opposed directions of rotation;
[0017] the operating lever is pivoted on the second crank but
simply passes under the first crank, this operating lever being
loaded upwardly against the first crank by a wire bending spring
which has:
[0018] a first longitudinal end passing underneath the operating
lever at a location towards the front of the first and second
control shafts,
[0019] a second longitudinal end fixed to the second crank,
[0020] an intermediate portion which passes above the first
crank;
[0021] the first and second control shafts are loaded elastically
towards their rest positions;
[0022] each of the first and second slide rails includes several
locking devices each one of which includes a thruster, each of the
first and second control means having the form of a connecting arm
which pivots with the corresponding control shaft and is
articulated to an equalizing bar which is arranged to press on the
thrusters of the different locking devices of the corresponding
slide rails when the operating means is actuated by a user: this
arrangement allows a differentiated force to be applied to the
different locking devices of the same slide rail and can adapt
itself to differing unlocking movements between the locking devices
of the same slide rail;
[0023] the first element of each slide rail is constituted by a
fixed section able to the fixed rigidly to the vehicle while the
second element of each slide rail is constituted by a moving
section which is able to be fixed rigidly to the seat and which
slides on the fixed section;
[0024] the moving section of each slide rail includes a horizontal
upper web extended upwardly by a vertical wall which supports the
control shafts;
[0025] the vertical wall extending from the horizontal upper web of
each slide rail has a bracket on which the control shafts are
pivoted.
[0026] In addition, a further objective of the invention is to
provide a vehicle seat including a cushion supported by a base as
defined above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will
emerge in the course of the following description of two of its
embodiments, which are given as non-limiting examples, with
reference to the attached drawings.
[0028] In the drawings:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle seat including a
sliding base according to a first embodiment of the invention,
[0030] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the sliding base of
the seat in FIG. 1,
[0031] FIG. 3 is an exploded detail view of the base in FIG. 2,
[0032] and FIG. 4 is a perspective detail view of the operating
device of the slide rails, in a second embodiment of the
invention.
MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] In the different figures the same references refer to
identical of similar elements.
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle seat 1, in particular a front seat of
a motor vehicle, which includes a backrest 2 supported by a cushion
3.
[0035] The cushion 3 is mounted on the floor 4 of the vehicle by
the intermediary of a sliding base 5 which includes two slide rails
6 allowing the cushion 3 to slide horizontally forwards or
backwards in a longitudinal direction L.
[0036] Each of the slide rails 6 comprises first and second
elements 7, 8 which in the example shown are formed by a moving
metal section and by a fixed metal section inserted one inside the
other end fixed respectively to the seat cushion and to the floor 4
of the vehicle.
[0037] Each moving section 7 is mounted slidingly on the
corresponding fixed section 8 but is normally locked in position
with respect to the fixed section by means of the locking system
which will be described hereinafter and which is actuated by a
control device 9 comprising a handle 10 or other operating means
movable in the direction of the arrow 10a to control the unlocking
of the slide rails by means of a flexible, non-rectilinear sheathed
cable 11.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the control device 9 comprises
two rigid transverse shafts 12, the two ends of each shaft 12 being
pivoted respectively in bearings 13, 14 attached to a rigid support
15.
[0039] In the example shown, the rigid support 15 has the form of a
molded plastic plate which is arranged vertically and is attached
rigidly to a vertical wall 16 extending upwardly from the
horizontal upper web 17 of the moving section of the corresponding
slide rail. The rigid fixing between the support 15 and the
vertical wall 16 can be obtained in particular by the engaging of
two projections 18 of the support 15 in corresponding openings 19
in the wall 16 and by the fixing of two screws or rivets 20 in two
corresponding openings 22 in support 15, these screws or rivets 20
passing through holes 21 in wall 16.
[0040] In addition each of the control shafts 12 includes:
[0041] one smooth circular end 12a which pivots freely in bearing
14 of support 15 attached to one of the slide rails 6,
[0042] and one splined end 12b which engages in one end of a rigid
connecting arm 23, which itself pivots freely in bearing 13 of
support 15 attached to the other slide rail 6.
[0043] The free end of each connecting arm 23 is rigidly fixed to a
transverse horizontal control pin extending parallel to control
shafts 12 and passing through openings 25, 26 formed respectively
in support 15 and in a vertical wall 16 of the corresponding slide
rail.
[0044] The control pin 24 attached to connecting arm 23 of each
control shaft 12 engages in a circular recess 27a formed in one
equalizing bar 27, which equalizing bar is thus pivoted with
respect to the control pin 24.
[0045] This equalizing bar 27 has lower pressure surfaces 28
arranged respectively above vertical thrusters 29 which pass
through the upper horizontal web 17 of the corresponding slide
rail, each of which thrusters forms part of a slide rail locking
device 30, these locking devices 30 being, for example, three in
number for each slide rail.
[0046] Each locking device of the slide rail 30 is carried by the
moving section 7 and is elastically loaded upwardly towards a
locked rest position in which this locking device engages with
fixed profile 8 of the corresponding slide rail to block this slide
rail, and can be moved downwardly by pressure of the pressure
surfaces 28 of the equalizing bar on the thrusters 29, up to an
unlocked position where said locking device allows slide rail 6 to
slide. Each of the connecting arms 23 is loaded by a spring 23a
towards a rest position in which the corresponding equalizing bar
27 allows the locking devices 30 to remain in the locked
position.
[0047] The locking devices 30 may in particular be of the same type
as those disclosed in the above-mentioned document FR-A-2 777
836.
[0048] In addition, each of the control shafts 12 is rigidly fixed
to a lever 31 extending upwardly, one of these levers 31 being
fixed to one end of the sheath 32 of the sheathed cable 11 while
the other lever 31 is fixed to one end of cable 33 itself
surrounded by sheath 32. The other end of cable 33 is fixed, for
example, to a lever 10b rigidly fixed to the handle 10, while the
other end of sheath 32 is fixed to an arm 10c attached to the frame
of the cushion 3 of the seat.
[0049] Advantageously, each of the levers 31 can be arranged inside
a housing 35 of a plastic guide 34 through which shafts 12 pass and
which is supported by these shafts.
[0050] When a user actuates handle 10 described previously, the
sheath 32 and the cable 33 apply a force to levers 31 so as to move
them towards each other, thus causing control shafts 12 to pivot in
two opposite actuating directions 36, 37, and also causing the
connecting arms 23 fixed to the two control shafts to rotate so as
to move the equalizing bars 27 of the two slide rails downwardly
and to actuate the thrusters 29 of the locking devices 30 to unlock
the slide rails.
[0051] In the course of this actuation, the differential action of
control device 9 allows the forces applied to the two equalizing
bars 27 to be balanced and to be adapted to slightly different
movements of these equalizing bars. In addition, each of the
equalizing bars itself has a balancing effect on the forces applied
to locking devices 30 of the same slide rail 6, and allows slightly
differing locking movements between the locking devices to be
accommodated.
[0052] The slide rails 6 therefore remain unlocked while the user
continues to actuate handle 10; however, once the user releases
handle 10, each connecting arm 23 is returned to its rest position
by the corresponding spring 23a, and the locking devices of slide
rail 30 are also elastically returned to their locked position, so
that the slide rails are again blocked.
[0053] The second embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4
is similar to the first embodiment and therefore will not be
described in detail.
[0054] This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment by
its control device 9 which, instead of handle 10 and sheathed cable
11, includes an operating lever 40, 41. In the example shown, this
lever is formed by a plastic part 40 in which a metal sleeve 41 is
pressed-fitted, which sleeve extends under the seat cushion in the
longitudinal direction L up to the front of the seat, so as to be
accessible to a user.
[0055] The plastic part 40 of the operating lever is clipped at its
rearward end 40a above a crank 39 formed by a U-bend in the rear
control shaft 12, but at location 40b simply passes under a crank
38 formed by a U-bend in the front control shaft 12, with a
possibility of sliding in the longitudinal direction between crank
39 and part 40. The two cranks 38, 39 are orientated towards the
front.
[0056] In addition, operating lever 40, 41 is loaded upwardly
against crank 38 by a wire bending spring 42 which has:
[0057] a first longitudinal end 43 formed as a U-bend which passes
underneath sleeve 41 at a point located towards the front of the
two control shafts 12,
[0058] a second longitudinal end which forms two U-shaped hooks 44
each facing upwardly and clipped under the crank 39,
[0059] and an intermediate portion 45 passing above the first crank
38.
[0060] Thus, when the user pivots the sleeve 41 of the operating
lever upwards, the control shafts 12 pivot respectively in their
opposed actuating directions 36, 37 and unlock the two slide rails
6, in the same way as in the first embodiment of the invention.
[0061] Moreover, if a user accidentally presses down on the sleeve
41 instead of moving it upwardly, this incorrect action does not
risk damaging plastic part 40 or any other part of the actuating
device 9, since sleeve 41 can then pivot downwardly thanks to the
flexibility of spring 42, then return to its rest position under
the effect of this spring.
* * * * *