Chairs and seats – Movable back – Tiltable
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-14
2001-12-25
Chen, Jose V. (Department: 3636)
Chairs and seats
Movable back
Tiltable
C297S36700R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06332649
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a locking mechanism for a vehicle seat, in particular for an automobile seat.
In a known locking mechanism of this kind, an upper member of the mechanism is supported on a bearing element, which is again supported in a lower member of the mechanism. The bearing element, which is arranged in the space between the upper member and the lower member of the mechanism and constructed as a complicated combination of collars, is used at the same time as a control cam element for moving two locking elements of the mechanism. These two locking elements are pushed radially outward, while being guided in a guideway, for engaging the locking element mechanism. The combined bearing and control cam element is mounted directly on a bar. After installing the locking mechanism in an automobile seat, this bar extends to the mechanism on the other side and to an adjustment device. By rotating the bar, the bearing and control cam element rotates, thereby moving the locking elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the invention to improve a locking mechanism of the initially described kind. According to the invention, this object is accomplished by a locking mechanism having a lower member that is capable of being secured to a seat base and an upper member that is capable of being rotated relative to the lower member and is further capable of being secured to a seat back. A control element that is capable of being rotated with a bar drives a locking element radially away from the bar so that the locking element restricts rotation of the upper member relative to the lower member. A transmission element is positioned between the control element and the bar.
As a result of providing a transmission element between the control element and the bar, it is no longer necessary to use a control element of such a complicated construction, which simplifies the production of the locking mechanism and reduces its costs. Preferably, the transmission element is designed and constructed at the same time as an axial safety device for holding together the upper and lower members of the locking mechanism, namely primarily as a safety device for assembly and transportation. A transmission of great loads in axial direction is not needed, since it is common to provide therefor separate sheet metal holders. Flange sections on the axial safety device that lie against the oppositely directed outer sides of the upper member and the lower member of the mechanism, have the advantage that they have a sealing effect and prevent varnish from entering the interior of the locking mechanism in the case of dip varnishing.
For a simpler manufacture and assembly, it will be of advantage, when the transmission element consists of two identical halves. Preferably, the two halves are joined in the interior of the locking mechanism, namely in the region between the upper member and lower member thereof, so that the transmission element is insensitive to a dropping of the assembled mechanism.
For holding the two halves of the transmission element safely together, same comprise at least two projections and at least two recesses, preferably three each of such elements, with the projections and recesses being arranged alternatingly in the circumferential direction, and the projections of the one half engaging the recesses of the other half. The projections and recesses of the two halves of the transmission element form preferably a clip connection, when the two halves are joined, so that no additional connection parts are needed. The cohesion will be improved, when the projections and recesses are toothed.
Since the transmission element must transmit only small forces in axial direction, it may consist of plastic, which brings the advantage of a simple and costfavorable manufacture.
The automobile seat of the present invention comprises at least one, preferably two of the locking mechanisms according to the invention, which are interconnected by means of a bar.
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Alston & Bird LLP
Chen José V.
Keiper GmbH & Co.
White Rodney B.
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