Easy entry adjustable end stop

A seat adjuster may include an end stop bracket and an adjustable end stop lever. An adjustable end stop lever may be configured to rotate between a first position in which the adjustable end stop lever engages the end stop bracket and prevents movement of a seat from a comfort range into an easy entry range, and a second position in which the adjustable end stop does not prevent movement of the seat from the comfort range into the easy entry range.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to track adjusters that may be used in connection with vehicle seats.

BACKGROUND

Easy entry seat assemblies can be used in vehicles that have multiple rows of seats to provide easy entry to a rear row of seats in the vehicle. For example, a typical easy entry seat assembly may have a backrest that is pivotally supported relative to a seat bottom for movement between an upright seated position, a forward easy entry position, or a fold flat position. A typical easy entry assembly may allow the seat bottom to move forward beyond a comfort range of seating positions.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a vehicle seat adjuster, comprising a cross member, a handle, an activation lever, an easy entry mechanism, and an adjustable end stop lever.

In an embodiment, a seat adjuster may comprise a cross member, an end stop bracket, and an adjustable end stop lever, wherein the adjustable end stop lever is configured to rotate between a first position in which the adjustable end stop lever engages the end stop bracket and prevents movement of a seat from a comfort range into an easy entry range, and a second position in which the adjustable end stop does not prevent movement of the seat from the comfort range into the easy entry range. Embodiments may comprise a base bracket including a generally horizontal portion fixed to a top of a movable track and a vertical portion extending downward from the horizontal portion, wherein an adjustable end stop lever is rotatably fixed to the vertical portion. In embodiments, an end stop bracket includes a lower section, an upper section, and an intermediate vertical section disposed between the upper and lower sections. In embodiments, an adjustable end stop lever may comprise a cross member actuator configured to engage a cross member and an adjustable end stop lever activator configured to be connected to a seat back, and the adjustable end stop lever may be formed as a single, unitary element. In embodiments, a cross member may be rotatably supported by an adjustable end stop lever.

In embodiments, an axis of rotation of a cross member may be substantially coincident with an axis of rotation of an adjustable end stop lever. In embodiments, an adjustable end stop lever may include a cross member actuator configured to rotate a cross member in at least one direction, wherein the cross member is capable of rotating independently of the adjustable end stop lever. Embodiments may comprise an activation lever fixed to rotate with a cross member and configured to selectively engage a lockset. Embodiments may comprise a connection member configured to rotate an adjustable end stop lever to cause rotation of a cross member and an activation lever, which may unlock a lockset. In embodiments, an end stop bracket may include a movement restriction portion configured to restrict movement of a movable seat track relative to a fixed seat track in at least one direction. Embodiments may comprise a movement restriction element fixed to an adjustable end stop lever and the movement restriction element may correspond to a movement restriction portion of an end stop bracket.

In embodiments, a track assembly may comprise a first pair of tracks comprising a first fixed track and a first movable track configured to slide along the first fixed track; a track adjuster including a lockset, the lockset configured to selectively lock the first fixed track and the first movable track; and an easy entry assembly comprising an easy entry lever and an end stop bracket fixed to the first fixed seat track, wherein the easy entry lever includes a first position in which the first movable track is not permitted to slide into an easy entry range, and a second position in which the first movable track is permitted to slide into the easy entry range. Embodiments may comprise a second pair of seat tracks, a biasing member, and a cross member, wherein the cross member connects first and second pairs of seat tracks, an easy entry assembly is disposed at or near the first pair of seat tracks, and the biasing member is disposed around the cross member at or near the second pair of seat tracks. In embodiments, a biasing member may be configured to bias a cross member and an easy entry assembly toward a locked position that corresponds to a lockset locking a first fixed seat track and a first movable seat track. Embodiments may comprise a comfort lever activator fixed to a cross member and configured to selectively engage a lockset, wherein axes of rotation of the comfort lever activator, an easy entry lever, and the cross member are all generally parallel to each other.

Various aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the various embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, there is generally illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1Ba vehicle seat portion10including a track adjuster, indicated generally at12, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The illustrated vehicle seat adjuster12may permit vehicle seat portion10to be adjusted by a user in a longitudinal direction L. Vehicle seat adjuster12may include easy entry (EE) functionality, which may facilitate ingress and/or egress of a vehicle occupant and/or cargo. It should be appreciated, however, that vehicle seat adjuster12can be used in any appropriate environment and for any desired purpose, which may or may not be in connection with a vehicle and/or a seat.

In embodiments, vehicle seat adjuster12may include one or more first seat tracks14,14′ and/or one or more second seat tracks16,16′. Second seat tracks16,16′ may be connected and/or fixed to a base and/or floor, such as a base and/or floor of a vehicle. First tracks14,14′ may be operatively coupled to second tracks16,16′, respectively, to slide along second tracks16,16′. One or more locking devices20,20′ may be connected to first tracks14,14′ and/or second tracks16,16′. Locking device20may be configured to restrict relative movement between first and second tracks14,16and/or locking device20′ may be configured to restrict relative movement between first and second tracks14′,16′

As generally illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1C, 2, and 3A, in embodiments, seat adjuster12may include a cross member22, a handle24, an easy entry lever activator (EE lever activator)26, an adjustable end stop lever (EE lever)28, a comfort lever activator30, an easy entry base bracket (EE base bracket)32, an end stop bracket50, and/or a lockset60. In embodiments, cross member22may include a cross tube. EE base bracket32may be fixed to first track14and may support EE lever28, EE lever activator26, cross member22, and/or comfort lever activator30. Comfort lever activator30may be referred to herein a activation lever30.

As generally illustrated inFIG. 3B, for example and without limitation, EE base bracket32may be generally L-shaped and may include a generally horizontal portion32awhich may be fixed to a top portion14bof first track14and/or EE base bracket32may include a generally vertical portion32bthat may extend downwardly from a side of top portion32b. In embodiments, EE lever28may be rotatably fixed to generally vertical portion32b, which may include EE lever28being configured to rotate relative to vertical portion32band EE lever28not being configured to translate to a substantial degree relative to vertical portion32b. For example, and without limitation, generally vertical portion32bmay include a connecting portion32c, which may include an aperture32dconfigured to receive a connecting member40and/or a bushing34.

In embodiments, generally horizontal portion32amay include an aperture32econfigured to receive at least a portion of a lock plate actuator62. Generally horizontal portion32amay, additionally or alternatively, include one or more apertures32fthat may be configured to connect seat frame10cto EE base bracket32. Seat frame10cmay be connected to EE base bracket32via one or more connecting members10d, which may include studs. EE base bracket32may include an angled portion32g, which may include a recess32h. Angled portion32gmay be configured to be connected to a connecting member80. For example, and without limitation, connecting member80may include a sheath82and angle portion32gand/or recess32hmay be configured to hold sheath82.

As generally illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3D, connecting member40may be configured to connect EE base bracket32and EE lever28. Connecting member40may take a variety of forms, and may include, without limitation, a body portion40aand/or a head portion40b. Connecting member40may be generally cylindrical and/or head portion40bmay have a greater diameter than body portion40a. For example, and without limitation, connecting member40may include a rivet. Connecting member40may be configured to be connected to a retaining member42. Retaining member42may include a star lock washer that may be configured to retain connecting member40in EE base bracket aperture32d.

In embodiments, EE lever28may be supported by EE base bracket32via connecting member40. For example, and without limitation, EE lever28may include an aperture28athat may be configured to receive at least a portion of connecting member40. Bushing34may be arranged on connecting member40and/or may be arranged between EE lever28and connecting member40to facilitate rotational movement of EE lever28relative to EE base bracket32.

In embodiments, EE lever28may be configured to rotatably support cross member22. For example, and without limitation EE lever28may include a cross member connecting portion28b. Cross member connecting portion28bmay include an aperture28cthat may be configured to receive at least a portion of cross member22and/or cross member20may be rotatably supported in aperture28cof EE lever28. Cross member connecting portion28bmay be connected to and/or configured to receive a bushing34that may be configured to receive at least a portion of cross member22, and/or at least a portion of cross member22may extend into aperture28c. Bushing34may be configured to facilitate relative movement between cross member22and EE lever28. For example, and without limitation, bushing34may be arranged in cross member connecting portion28band a portion of cross member22may be inserted into bushing34such that cross member22may be able to rotate within bushing34and/or bushing34may be configured not to rotate relative to EE lever28. In embodiments, cross member22may be configured to rotate independently of EE lever28in at least some positions of EE lever28. For example, and without limitation, cross member may be rotated by handle24without rotation of EE lever, which may allow for first tracks14,14′ to move within comfort range18a, but may not allow first tracks14,14′ to move into EE range18b. In embodiments, cross member22and EE lever28, which may include EE lever activator26, cross member connecting portion28b, EE lever protrusion28d, and/or flexible member28g, may be configured to rotate about axes that are parallel and/or coincident to each other.

In embodiments, EE lever28may include a cross member actuator28f. Cross member actuator28fmay be configured to cause cross member22to rotate in at least one direction, which include cross member actuator28fcontacting comfort lever activator30. For example, and without limitation, cross member actuator28fmay be configured to transfer rotational movement of EE lever28to cross member22via contact with comfort lever activator30, which may be fixed to cross member22. A flexible member28gmay be arranged between the cross member actuator28fand the comfort lever activator30and may prevent actual contact and/or may absorb forces corresponding to contact between cross member actuator28fand comfort lever activator30.

In embodiments, EE lever28may be generally u-shaped, which may include EE lever activator26and/or EE lever protrusion on one side, and cross member connecting portion28b, cross member actuator28f, and/or flexible member28gon the other side. In embodiments, portions and/or all of bushing34and/or connecting member40may be disposed between the two sides. In embodiments, EE lever28may be formed as a single unitary element.

As generally illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B, a locking device (e.g., locking device20, and/or locking device20′) may include a lockset60that may be arranged between first and second tracks (e.g., tracks14,16and/or track14′,16′). For example, and without limitation, lockset60may be configured to selectively engage engagement portions16aof second track16. Lockset60may include a lock plate actuator62, a lock plate actuator spring64, one or more lock plates66, and one or more lock plate springs68.

In embodiments, lock plates66may include one or more teeth66aand/or one or more recesses66b. Teeth66amay be configured to engage engagement portions16a. Recesses66bmay be configured to receive at least a portion of engagement portions16a.

In embodiments, lock plates66may be arranged in a variety of ways. For example, and without limitation, lock plates66may include first lock plate661, second lock plate662, and/or third lock plate663. First, second, and/or third lock plates661,662,663may be coupled to a lock plate support70and each may be coupled to move and/or rotate relative to lock plate support70. Lock plates66may rotate between a first position in which teeth of lock plates66aengage engagement portions16a, and a second position in which lock plate teeth66aare disengaged from engagement portions16a. If all of lock plates66are in the second position, relative movement between first and second tracks14,16may be permitted. If one or more of lock plates66are at or near the first position, the one or more lock plates may be at least partially engaged with an engagement portion16a, and relative movement between the first and second tracks14,16may be restricted. Lock plates66may be configured to move together and/or may be configured to move independently from each other. One or more of lock plates66may be configured to move together in a first direction and move independently from each other in a second direction. A lock plate66may include an extending portion66cthat may be configured to cause at least one other lock plate66to move and/or rotate in at least one of the first direction and the second direction. For example, and without limitation, first lock plate661may include an extension that may be configured to cause second lock plate662to rotate downward when first lock plate661rotates downward.

In embodiments, lock plate actuator62may be rotatably coupled to first track14and may be configured to rotate between a first position in which lock plate actuator62contacts at least one of lock plates66and a second position in which lock plate actuator62does not contact lock plates66. Lock plate actuator spring64may be coupled to bias lock plate actuator62toward at least one of the first position and the second position. Lock plate actuator62may include a protrusion62athat may be configured to extend through an aperture14ain first track14and/or an aperture32ein EE base bracket32. Protrusion62amay be configured to contact comfort lever activator30. For example, and without limitation, rotation of comfort lever activator30may cause comfort lever activator30to contact protrusion62a, which may cause lock plate actuator62to rotate, which may cause lock plates66to rotate between the first and second lock plate positions.

In embodiments, lock plate springs68may be configured to bias lock plates66toward at least one of the first and second lock plate positions. For example, and without limitation, lock plate springs68may be configured to bias lock plates66toward the first lock plate position.

In embodiments, comfort lever activator30may be fixed to rotate with cross member22. Comfort lever activator30may be configured to contact at least a portion of lockset60. For example, and without limitation, comfort lever activator30may be configured to contact protrusion62a.

As generally illustrated inFIGS. 5A-5D, in embodiments, vehicle seat adjuster12may include an end stop bracket50, which may be fixed to the second track16. For example, and without limitation, end stop bracket50may include a generally L-shaped cross section, including at least one generally horizontal portion52that may be configured to be attached to second track16(e.g., bottom portion16bof second track16), and/or a generally vertical portion54that may extend generally upward from a side of generally horizontal portion52. Generally vertical portion54, may, additionally or alternatively, be configured to be attached to second track16(e.g., side portion16cof second track16). In embodiments, generally vertical portion54may be generally planar and/or may be disposed generally parallel to side portion16cof second track.

In embodiments, end stop generally vertical portion54may include one or more ramped portions. For example, and without limitation, end stop bracket50may include a upwardly ramped portion54aat or near a rear end54bof end stop bracket50and/or a downwardly ramped portion54cat or near front end54dof end stop bracket50. End stop bracket vertical portion54may include a lower portion54e, an upper portion54f, and an intermediate vertical portion54g, which may be between lower portion54eand upper portion54f. In embodiments, end stop bracket50may be formed as single, unitary element and/or may not be configured to translate and/or rotate.

In embodiments, EE lever28may include a protrusion28dthat may extend generally parallel to a longitudinal direction of the first and second tracks14,16. EE lever protrusion28dmay be generally straight and/or may include at least one angled portion28e. Angled portion28emay be configured to contact end stop bracket intermediate vertical portion54gto restrict relative movement between the first and second tracks14,16in at least one position of EE lever28. For example, and without limitation, if EE lever28is in a lowered position (e.g., as generally illustrated inFIG. 2) and vehicle seat portion10slides forward toward the front of a vehicle to the front end54dof a comfort range, protrusion28dmay contact intermediate vertical portion54g, preventing further forward movement of the seat portion10. If EE lever28is rotated to a raised position (e.g., as generally illustrated inFIG. 5A), protrusion28dmay be raised above a height of upper portion54fand out of contact with intermediate portion54g, which may allow further forward movement of vehicle seat portion10into an easy entry range (EE range)18b. The EE range18bmay correspond to a range of positions into which vehicle seat portion10may move to facilitate ingress and/or egress from a vehicle, but in which locking device20may not restrict relative movement between the first and second tracks14,16.

In embodiments, a comfort range resting position (e.g., a lowered position, as generally illustrated inFIG. 2) of the EE lever28may correspond to at least a portion of EE lever protrusion28dbeing at or below a height of lower portion54eof end stop bracket50. As vehicle seat portion10moves forward, protrusion28dmay contact upward ramped portion54a, which may cause EE lever28to rotate upward and may cause protrusion28dto rise above a height of lower portion54e.

As generally illustrated inFIGS. 5D and 7, in embodiments, end stop bracket50may include a movement restricting portion56. For example, and without limitation, movement restricting portion56may extend outwardly from a side of generally vertical portion54of end stop bracket50. Movement restricting portion56may slow sliding movement of a vehicle seat portion10in at least one direction, such as, without limitation, when the vehicle seat portion10slides rearward from the EE range18btoward the comfort range18a. Such slowing of the sliding movement of the vehicle seat portion10may help cause the vehicle seat portion10to lock at the frontmost comfort range position as the vehicle seat portion10returns from the EE range18b. For example, and without limitation, the slowed movement of the seat portion10may help cause the seatback10bto return to a generally vertical seating position as the seat portion10approaches the comfort range, which may rotate the locking lever downward, allowing the locking device20to restrict relative movement between the first and second tracks14,16. EE lever28and/or generally vertical portion32bof EE base bracket32may include a movement restricting portion28hthat may cooperate with movement restricting portion56. Movement restriction element28hmay include a flexible, such as, for example, rubber. Movement restriction element28hmay be configured to come into contact a raised portion56aof movement restriction portion. Raised portion56amay be disposed adjacent to and/or between aperture56band/or aperture56c.

In embodiments, seat adjuster12may include a biasing member90that may be configured to bias cross member22, handle24, EE lever28, and/or comfort lever activator30in a forward direction, which may correspond to lock plates66being in the first position, which may restrict movement of the seat. Biasing member90may be arranged around cross member22. As generally illustrated inFIG. 1C, biasing member90may be arranged at a distance from EE lever28and/or may not contact any portion of EE lever28and/or comfort lever activator30. For example, and without limitation, EE lever28and comfort lever activator30may be disposed at or near a first pair of tracks (e.g.,14,16) and/or biasing member90may be disposed at or near a second pair of tracks (e.g.,14′,16′). Biasing member90may include more than one biasing member. In embodiments, biasing member90may be the only biasing member included in seat adjuster12.

In embodiments, an occupant may be able to actuate handle24to slide vehicle seat portion10between the frontmost and rearmost positions in the comfort range. For example, an occupant may lift upward on handle24, which may overcome the force of biasing member90, causing cross member22to rotate, which may cause comfort lever activator30to rotate toward the tracks and engage the lockset60, which may allow seat portion10to slide. If the occupant slides seat portion10to the frontmost position in the comfort range, a front portion of the EE lever28(e.g., angled portion28e) may contact end stop bracket50, which may prevent further forward sliding of the seat portion10.

As generally illustrated inFIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, an occupant may actuate the comfort lever activator30via the EE lever activator26, which may permit sliding of first tracks14,14′ beyond comfort range18aand/or into EE range18b. Movement of the seatback10bmay cause actuation of EE lever28. For example, and without limitation, an occupant may cause movement of the EE lever activator26via movement of the seatback10b, such that rotation of the seatback10bcauses a connection member80to rotate EE lever activator26. Connection member80may include one or more of a cable, rod, and/or lever linkage. Rotation of EE lever activator26may cause EE lever28to rotate, which may lift angled portion28eout of engagement with and/or above end stop bracket top portion54f, which may cause comfort lever activator30to contact the lockset60(e.g., at protrusion62a) and/or may allow first tracks14,14′ to slide farther forward into EE range18b.

As generally illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6B, second tracks16,16′ may include one or more engagement portions16a. In embodiments, second tracks16,16′ may include portions that do not include engagement portions, which may correspond to EE range18b. For example, portion16dmay not include engagement portions. Portion16dmay allow seat portion10to move within EE range18beven if EE lever activator26is no longer being actuated (e.g., even if seatback10bis returned to a generally upright position). Portion16dmay be configured such that lock plates66may be in contact with second track16(e.g., slide along the lower edge) when seat10is in the easy entry range18b.

As generally illustrated inFIG. 6B, second tracks16,16′ may include a portion16ethat may not include engagement portions, but may include an elongated recess16f. Portion16eand/or elongated recess16fmay be configured such that lock plates66may not be in contact with second track16when seat10is in the easy entry range18b.

It should be understood that references to a single element are not so limited and may include one or more of such element. It should also be understood that references to a spring are not limited to a particular type of spring and may include, without limitation, any type of biasing member and/or material. Also, references to an occupant are not limited to a person in a vehicle or to a person sitting in a vehicle seat portion10, and may include, without limitation, anything interacting with vehicle seat portion10. It should be understood that although embodiments may be disclosed in connection with a vehicle seat, a track adjuster may be applied to a variety of applications.

It should be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements and/or functions between various examples is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that features, elements and/or functions of one example may be incorporated into another example as appropriate, unless described otherwise, above. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present teachings not be limited to the particular examples illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the teachings of the present disclosure, but that the scope of the present disclosure will include any embodiments falling within the foregoing description and the appended claims.