Vehicle seat and armrest assembly with free-play minimization mechanism

Abstract

This application relates to a vehicle seat and armrest assembly with a free play minimization mechanism. A seat and armrest assembly includes a seat having a frame with a movable element supported thereon at a certain position. An armrest is supported on the frame and is movable relative to the seat between a first position and a second position. The armrest includes a locking pin disposed adjacent to the movable element of the frame to hold the armrest in the first position. A free play adjustment mechanism is provided to adjust the position of the movable element relative to the frame, thereby minimizing or eliminating the space between the movable element and the locking pin. The free play adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment actuator having a threaded outer surface that mates with a corresponding threaded inner surface of a hole extending through the frame.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a seat having an armrest that is movable between a use position and a storage position. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved structure for a vehicle seat and armrest assembly that includes a mechanism for minimizing or eliminating free play movement of the armrest relative to the vehicle seat when the armrest is in the storage position.

[0002] Vehicles such as passenger cars include various types of seats for supporting occupants thereon. In many cases, vehicle seats may include one or more armrests that provide comfort to the occupants. For example, a conventional vehicle bench seat includes a center armrest located between a left seat and a right seat. In many cases, the armrest may be pivotally movable relative to the left and right seats between a lowered use position and a raised storage position. When in the lowered use position, the center armrest extends generally horizontally along the respective seat bottoms of the left and right seats and is available for use by the occupants. When in the raised storage position, the center armrest extends generally vertically within a recessed area provided between the respective seat back portions of the left and right seats such that an occupant can occupy the center seat of the bench seat.

[0003] Some vehicle armrests include a retainer mechanism that prevents or inhibits the armrest from inadvertently moving out of the use and / or storage positions. In some cases, the retainer mechanism provides a frictional engagement between adjacent portions of the armrest and the seat back portions of the left and right seats. In other cases, the retainer mechanism includes a lock that positively prevents movement of the armrest until it has been positively released by an occupant. This type of lock can more firmly secure the armrest in place to prevent unwanted movement of the armrest due to sudden acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. When an occupant desires to move the armrest, the occupant can operate a release actuator, such as a pivotable handle, to release the latch.

[0004] Although known retainer mechanisms are effective, it is desirable to provide an improved structure for a seat and armrest assembly that includes a mechanism for minimizing or eliminating free play movement of the armrest relative to the seat when the armrest is in the storage position. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to an improved structure for a seat and armrest assembly, which includes a mechanism for minimizing or eliminating free play movement of the armrest relative to the seat when the armrest is in a stowed position relative to the seat. The seat and armrest assembly includes a seat, which includes a frame having a movable element supported on the frame at a certain position. The armrest is supported on the frame and is movable relative to the seat between a first position and a second position. The armrest includes a locking pin disposed adjacent to the movable element of the frame to hold the armrest in the first position. A free play adjustment mechanism is provided to adjust the position of the movable element relative to the frame, thereby minimizing or eliminating the space between the movable element and the locking pin. The free play adjustment mechanism may include an adjustment actuator having a threaded outer surface that mates with a corresponding threaded inner surface of a hole extending through the frame.

[0006] The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a seat and armrest assembly. First, a seat is provided, which includes a frame having a movable element supported on the frame at a certain position. An armrest is provided, which is movable relative to the seat between a first position and a second position. The armrest includes a locking pin disposed adjacent to the movable element of the frame to hold the armrest in the first position. Then, the free play adjustment mechanism is adjusted to adjust the position of the movable element relative to the frame, thereby minimizing or eliminating the space between the movable element and the locking pin. The free play adjustment mechanism may include an adjustment actuator having a threaded outer surface that mates with a corresponding threaded inner surface of a hole extending through the frame.

[0007] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, various aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat and armrest assembly according to the present invention, the seat and armrest assembly including a mechanism for minimizing or eliminating free play movement of the armrest relative to the seat.

[0009] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the seat and armrest assembly shown, with the armrest removed for clarity.

[0010] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a side cross-sectional view of some portions of the seat and armrest assembly shown, illustrating the mechanism for minimizing or eliminating free play movement of the armrest relative to the seat.

[0011] Figure 4 is Figure 3An enlarged side cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the seat and armrest assembly shown, showing the armrest in the raised storage position and in the locked state, and where there is a free play between the seat and the armrest assembly.

[0012] Figure 5 is similar to Figure 4 An enlarged side cross-sectional view showing the armrest in the raised storage position and in the locked state, and where there is no free play between the seat and the armrest assembly.

[0013] Figure 6 is similar to Figure 5 An enlarged side cross-sectional view showing the armrest in the raised storage position and in the unlocked state.

[0014] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6 An enlarged side cross-sectional view showing the armrest after being moved out of the raised storage position.

[0015] Figure 8 is similar to Figure 4 An enlarged side cross-sectional view showing a conventional armrest in the raised storage position and in the locked state, and where there is a free play between the seat and the armrest assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Now referring to the drawings, portions of a seat and armrest assembly generally designated 10 in accordance with the present invention are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The seat and armrest assembly 10 shown is largely conventional in the art and is only intended to illustrate one environment in which the present invention can be used. Thus, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to use with the specific construction of the seat and armrest assembly 10 shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 Rather, as will become apparent hereinafter, for the purposes of the following description, the present invention can be used in any desired environment.

[0017] The seat and armrest assembly 10 shown is a conventional vehicle bench seat and includes a left seat bottom 11a, a left seat back 11b, a right seat bottom 12a, and a right seat back 12b. The seat and armrest assembly 10 shown also includes a central seat bottom 13 located between the left seat bottom 11a and the right seat bottom 12a. As Figure 2As shown, the seat and armrest assembly 10 also includes a frame 14, and some or all of the left seat bottom 11a, the left seat backrest 11b, the right seat bottom 12a, the right seat backrest 12b, and the central seat bottom 13 are supported on the frame 14 in a conventional manner. If desired, a pad 15 can be fixed to the surface or other parts of the frame 14, the purpose of which will be described below.

[0018] According to the present invention, the seat and armrest assembly 10 shown includes a central armrest generally designated 20. The armrest 20 shown is also supported on the frame 14 (although this is not necessary), and is pivotally movable between a raised storage position (as Figure 1 shown) and a lowered use position (not shown). When the armrest 20 is in Figure 1 the raised storage position shown, the armrest extends generally vertically within a recessed area defined between the left seat backrest 11b and the right seat backrest 12b (see Figure 2 ). Thus, the armrest 20 can serve as a seat backrest for an occupant sitting on the central seat bottom 13. When the armrest 20 is in the lowered use position, the armrest 20 extends generally horizontally along the central seat bottom 13, with the left side of the armrest 20 near the left seat bottom 11a and the right side of the armrest 20 near the right seat bottom 12a. Thus, the armrest 20 is available for use by an occupant sitting on one (or both) of the left seat bottom 11a and the right seat bottom 12a.

[0019] As Figures 4 to 7 best shown in, the armrest 20 includes a retainer assembly generally designated 21, which forcibly prevents the armrest 20 from moving out of the raised storage position until it is positively released by the user. The retainer assembly 21 shown includes a locking pin 22, which is supported for sliding movement relative to a pin housing 23 disposed within the armrest 20. The locking pin 22 is movable relative to the pin housing 23 between an extended position (shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) and a retracted position (shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) for selectively preventing the armrest from moving from the raised storage position. If desired, the retainer assembly 21 can include a spring 24 or other biasing structure, which is disposed within the pin housing 23 or otherwise arranged to bias the locking pin 22 toward the extended position.

[0020] When the locking pin 22 is in the extended position relative to the pin housing 23, the end 22a of the locking pin 22 projects outwardly from the pin housing 23 and is disposed adjacent to a portion of the frame 14 of the seat and armrest assembly 10. As a result, if an attempt is made to move the armrest 20 from the raised storage position (i.e., when from Figures 4 to 7During observation, when the armrest 20 is pivoted counterclockwise relative to the central seat bottom 13 and the frame 14) towards the lowered use position, the end 22a of the locking pin 22 will abut an adjacent portion of the frame 14. Thus, the retainer assembly 21 forcibly prevents the armrest 20 from moving out of the raised storage position until the operator has positively released it. When the locking pin 22 is in the retracted position, the end 22a of the locking pin 22 does not project outward from the pin housing 23 and thus is not disposed adjacent to the portion of the frame 14 of the seat and armrest assembly 10. As a result, the armrest 20 can be moved from the raised storage position to the lowered use position (as Figure 7 shown).

[0021] A manually operable mechanism can be provided on the armrest 20 to selectively move the locking pin 22 against the urging of the spring 24 from Figure 4 and Figure 5 the extended position shown to Figure 6 and Figure 7 the retracted position shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the manually operable mechanism includes a handle 26 pivotally supported on the armrest 20 (see Figure 1 and Figure 3 ). The handle 26 is connected by a linkage 27 (a portion of which is shown in Figure 3 ), and the linkage 27 extends through the armrest 20 to the locking pin 22. In a manner well known in the art, the handle 26 can be manually pivoted by the operator relative to the armrest 20, which causes an axial movement of the linkage 27 within the armrest 20. Subsequently, this axial movement of the linkage 27 causes the locking pin 22 to move against the urging of the spring 24 from Figure 4 and Figure 5 the extended position shown to Figure 6 and Figure 7 the retracted position shown. However, any other desired mechanism can be provided to selectively move the locking pin 22 against the urging of the spring 24 from Figure 4 and Figure 5 the extended position shown to Figure 6 and Figure 7 the retracted position shown.

[0022] So far, the structure of the seat and armrest assembly 10 described is conventional in the art. As Figure 3 (and Figure 8, which shows a part of a conventional seat and armrest assembly) As shown, when the locking pin 22 is in the extended position, there may be a space generally indicated by 25 between the end 22a of the locking pin 22 and an adjacent part of the frame 14. This space 25 may be caused by the superposition of manufacturing tolerances in the various components that make up the seat and armrest assembly 10. This space 25 has no adverse effect on the ability of the locking pin 22 to effectively hold the armrest 20 in the raised storage position. However, when such a space 25 exists, it may allow the armrest 20 to move slightly relative to the adjacent left seat back 11b and right seat back 12b. Such a small relative movement may be considered undesirable.

[0023] To address this issue, the present invention contemplates providing a free-play minimizing mechanism for the seat and armrest assembly 10. The shown free-play minimizing mechanism includes an adjustment actuator 31 that is supported on the frame 14 of the seat and armrest assembly 10. As will be described in detail below, the free-play minimizing mechanism is provided to reduce or eliminate the space 25 between the end 22a of the locking pin 22 and an adjacent part of the frame 14 when the locking pin 22 is in the extended position.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment actuator 31 is a conventional bolt having a threaded outer surface that mates with a corresponding threaded inner surface of a hole 14a extending through a part of the frame 14 of the seat and armrest assembly 10. Thus, rotation of the adjustment actuator 31 relative to the frame 14 causes axial movement of the adjustment actuator 31 relative to the frame 14. Specifically, clockwise rotation of the adjustment actuator 31 relative to the frame 14 causes the adjustment actuator 31 to move axially relative to the frame 14 in a first axial direction (from right to left when viewed Figures 3 to 7 ). Conversely, counterclockwise rotation of the adjustment actuator 31 relative to the frame 14 causes the adjustment actuator 31 to move axially relative to the frame 14 in a second axial direction (from left to right when viewed Figures 3 to 7 ). However, it should be understood that any other desired mechanism or means may be used to effect the selective axial movement of the adjustment actuator 31.

[0025] The shown adjustment actuator 31 has a first end (the right end when viewed Figures 3 to 7 ), which is provided with features (such as, for example, slots or a cross head) that facilitate engagement and rotation of the adjustment actuator 31 by a conventional tool (not shown), although this is not necessary. The shown adjustment actuator 31 also has a second end opposite the first end (when viewed Figures 3 to 7When it is at the left end), the second end abuts against the movable element 15a. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable element 15a is disposed on a portion of the pad 15 supported on the frame 14, although this is not necessary either. When the adjusting actuator 31 is rotated clockwise relative to the frame 14, the second end of the adjusting actuator 31 engages the movable element 15a disposed on a portion of the pad 15 and moves the movable element 15a to engage with the end 22a of the locking pin 22. As a result, when the locking pin 22 is in the extended position, the free play minimizing mechanism quickly and easily eliminates the space 25 between the end 22a of the locking pin 22 and the adjacent portion of the frame 14.

[0026] The principles and mode of operation of the present invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiments. However, it must be understood that the present invention can be practiced in a manner different from the specific description and illustration without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0027] The present invention relates to the following aspects:

[0028] 1. A seat and armrest assembly, comprising:

[0029] A seat including a frame having a portion supported on the frame at a certain position;

[0030] An armrest movable relative to the seat between a first position and a second position, the armrest including a locking pin disposed adjacent to the portion supported on the frame to hold the armrest in the first position; and

[0031] A free play adjusting mechanism adapted to adjust the position of the portion relative to the frame to minimize or eliminate the space between the portion and the locking pin.

[0032] 2. The seat and armrest assembly according to aspect 1, wherein the locking pin is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the locking pin is disposed adjacent to the portion supported on the frame, and in the retracted position, the locking pin is disposed not adjacent to the portion supported on the frame.

[0033] 3. The seat and armrest assembly according to aspect 2, further comprising a spring that biases the locking pin toward the extended position.

[0034] 4. The seat and armrest assembly according to aspect 3, further comprising a mechanism for selectively moving the locking pin from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0035] 5. The seat and armrest assembly according to aspect 4, wherein the mechanism for selectively moving the locking pin includes a handle pivotally supported on the armrest and connected to the locking pin by a linkage.

[0036] 6. The seat and armrest assembly according to aspect 1, wherein the free-play adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment actuator supported on the frame to adjust the position of the portion relative to the frame.

[0037] 7. The seat and armrest assembly according to aspect 6, wherein the adjustment actuator includes a threaded outer surface that mates with a corresponding threaded inner surface of a hole extending through the frame.

[0038] 8. The seat and armrest assembly according to aspect 1, wherein the free-play adjustment mechanism includes a pad supported on the frame and including the portion.

[0039] 9. The seat and armrest assembly according to aspect 8, wherein the free-play adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment actuator supported on the frame to adjust the position of the portion relative to the frame.

[0040] 10. The seat and armrest assembly according to aspect 9, wherein the adjustment actuator includes a threaded outer surface that mates with a corresponding threaded inner surface of a hole extending through the frame.

[0041] 11. A method of manufacturing a seat and armrest assembly, comprising the steps of:

[0042] (a) providing a seat including a frame having a portion supported on the frame at a certain position;

[0043] (b) providing an armrest movable relative to the seat between a first position and a second position, the armrest including a locking pin disposed adjacent the portion supported on the frame to hold the armrest in the first position; and

[0044] (c) adjusting a free-play adjustment mechanism to adjust the position of the portion relative to the frame to minimize or eliminate the space between the portion and the locking pin.

[0045] 12. The method according to aspect 11, wherein the free-play adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment actuator supported on the frame to adjust the position of the portion relative to the frame, and wherein step (c) is performed by adjusting the position of the adjustment actuator on the frame.

[0046] 13. The method according to aspect 12, wherein the adjustment actuator includes a threaded outer surface that mates with a corresponding threaded inner surface of a hole extending through the frame, and wherein step (c) is performed by rotating the adjustment actuator relative to the frame.

[0047] 14. The method according to aspect 11, wherein the free-play adjustment mechanism includes a pad that is supported on the frame and includes the portion, and wherein step (c) is performed by adjusting the position of the portion on the frame.

[0048] 15. The method according to aspect 14, wherein the adjustment actuator includes a threaded outer surface that mates with a corresponding threaded inner surface of a hole extending through the frame, and wherein step (c) is performed by rotating the adjustment actuator relative to the frame.

Claims

1. A seat and armrest assembly, comprising: a seat including a frame having a movable element supported on the frame; an armrest movable relative to the seat between a first position and a second position, the armrest including a locking pin disposed adjacent to the movable element supported on the frame to hold the armrest in the first position; and a free-play adjustment mechanism adapted to move the movable element relative to the frame to minimize or eliminate the space between the movable element and the locking pin.

2. The seat and armrest assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking pin is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, in the extended position, the locking pin is disposed adjacent to the movable element, and in the retracted position, the locking pin is disposed not adjacent to the movable element.

3. The seat and armrest assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a spring biasing the locking pin toward the extended position.

4. The seat and armrest assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a mechanism for selectively moving the locking pin from the extended position to the retracted position.

5. The seat and armrest assembly according to claim 1, wherein the free-play adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment actuator supported on the frame and adapted to move the movable element relative to the frame.

6. The seat and armrest assembly according to claim 5, wherein the adjustment actuator includes a threaded outer surface mating with a corresponding threaded inner surface of a hole extending through the frame.

7. The seat and armrest assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a pad supported on the frame, and wherein the movable element is part of the pad.

8. The seat and armrest assembly according to claim 7, wherein the free-play adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment actuator supported on the frame and adapted to move the movable element of the pad relative to the frame.

9. The seat and armrest assembly according to claim 8, wherein the adjustment actuator includes a threaded outer surface mating with a corresponding threaded inner surface of a hole extending through the frame.

10. A method of manufacturing a seat and armrest assembly, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a seat including a frame having a movable element supported on the frame; (b) providing an armrest movable relative to the seat between a first position and a second position, the armrest including a locking pin disposed adjacent to the movable element supported on the frame to hold the armrest in the first position; and (c) adjusting a free-play adjustment mechanism to move the movable element relative to the frame to minimize or eliminate the space between the movable element and the locking pin.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein The free-play adjusting mechanism includes an adjusting actuator, which is supported on the frame and is adapted to move the movable element relative to the frame, and wherein step (c) is performed by adjusting the position of the adjusting actuator relative to the frame.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, the adjusting actuator includes a threaded outer surface that mates with a corresponding threaded inner surface of a hole extending through the frame, and wherein step (c) is performed by rotating the adjusting actuator relative to the frame.

13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising a pad, which is supported on the frame, and wherein, step (c) is performed by adjusting the position of the pad on the frame.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, the adjusting actuator of the free-play adjusting mechanism includes a threaded outer surface that mates with a corresponding threaded inner surface of a hole extending through the frame, and wherein step (c) is performed by rotating the adjusting actuator relative to the frame.

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