Patent ID: 9376036
Filing Date: 2016-06-28
CPC Classification: B60N

Claim Text:
1. A disc recliner operatively coupling a seat back to a seat cushion for providing selective pivotal movement of the seat back between a plurality of reclined seating positions, said disc recliner comprising: a guide plate adapted to be mounted to one of the seat back and seat cushion; a tooth plate adapted to be mounted to the other of the seat back and seat cushion, wherein said tooth plate is rotatably coupled to said guide plate; at least one pawl operatively coupled to said guide plate and movable between a first position engaging said tooth plate, thereby interlocking said guide plate and said tooth plate in a locked condition to prevent pivotal movement of the seat back, and a second position disengaged from said tooth plate, thereby unlocking said guide plate and said tooth plate in an unlocked condition to allow pivotal movement of the seat back; a shaft including at least one lobe formed thereon, wherein rotation of said shaft moves said at least one pawl between said first and second positions; and a leaf spring biasing said shaft in a first direction to maintain said at least one pawl in said first position, said leaf spring extending between a first end secured to said guide plate and a second distal end having a convex curve portion, wherein rotation of said shaft in a second direction, opposite said first direction, moves said at least one pawl from said first position to said second position as said lobe pushes against and rides along said convex curve portion of said spring, thereby controlling an actuation effort of said disc recliner; wherein said guide plate includes an inner side surface having at least one recess pocket formed therein for receiving said leaf spring, said recess pocket including opposite spaced apart side walls, and wherein said leaf spring includes a loop portion defining said first end seated within said recessed pocket between said side walls and said loop portion having a shape generally complementary to the shape of said recessed pocket for engaging at least one of said side walls to prevent rotational movement of said leaf spring within said recess pocket.