Seat including powered reclining easy entry device with lower disc actuator

Abstract

A pitch assembly for a vehicle seat includes a drive pinion having a slot, a pinion actuator having a key positioned within the slot, a cam fixedly coupled to the pinion actuator by a drive shaft, a drive motor operatively coupled to the drive shaft and configured to rotate the drive shaft, and an actuator lever operatively coupled to the cam and operatively coupled to a disc mechanism. The drive motor rotates the drive shaft causing the cam to move the actuator lever to an actuated position, causing the disc mechanism to be unlocked before the key engages the slot. Additional rotation of the drive shaft after the key engages the slot rotates the drive pinion, causing the vehicle seat to pivot between a first position and a second position.

Description

Including a seat with a power pitch easy-entry device featuring a lower disc actuator.

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 148,674, filed February 12, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a pitch assembly for a vehicle seat. More specifically, this invention relates to a pitch assembly for a vehicle seat configured to automatically reposition the vehicle seat between two positions. Background Technology

[0004] Vehicle seats suitable for mounting to the floor of a motor vehicle for movement between multiple positions are known in the art. A typical vehicle seat includes a seat cushion for supporting an occupant in the motor vehicle and a seat back pivotally connected to the seat cushion. Vehicle seats generally also include a seat base suitable for mounting the vehicle seat within the motor vehicle. At least one link extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end, the first end being rotatably connected to the seat cushion at a first pivot point, and the second end being rotatably connected to the seat base at a second pivot point.

[0005] Vehicle seats are positioned in a design position for use by vehicle occupants. To provide easy access to the space behind the vehicle seats, some known vehicle seats are capable of pivoting between the design position and a forward-tilting position. The forward-tilting position increases the available space behind the vehicle seats, improving occupant entry and exit.

[0006] The disc mechanism is typically operatively connected between the seat cushion and the seat base, and is configured to allow the seat cushion to rotate relative to the seat base when unlocked. Additionally, the disc mechanism prevents the seat cushion from pivoting towards a forward-tilting position when locked.

[0007] Some vehicle seats include a drive motor operatively coupled to the vehicle seat and configured to pivot the vehicle seat between a designed position and a forward tilt position. For example, PCT Publication WO 2021 / 163659 A1 discloses a vehicle seat having a drive motor connected to a drive pinion that engages meshingly with a tilt sector for pivoting the vehicle seat between a designed position and a forward tilt position. The vehicle seat includes opposing disc mechanisms configured to prevent pivoting of the vehicle seat when locked and to allow pivoting of the vehicle seat when unlocked. Additionally, the vehicle seat includes an actuation assembly configured to reposition the disc mechanisms between the locked and unlocked states.

[0008] The actuation components used to unlock and relock the disc mechanism, combined with a drive motor configured to rotate a drive pinion, increase cost and complexity. Eliminating the actuation components could reduce the cost of the vehicle seat. It is also desirable to reposition the disc mechanism to the unlocked state before the vehicle seat pivots between the design position and the forward tilt position. Furthermore, it is desirable to optionally reposition the disc mechanism to the locked state when the vehicle seat pivots to the forward tilt position. It is also desirable to reposition the disc mechanism to the locked state when the vehicle seat returns from the forward tilt position to the design position. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to one embodiment, a pitch assembly for a vehicle seat is provided, the pitch assembly comprising: a drive pinion having a slot; a pinion actuator having a key positioned within the slot; a cam fixedly coupled to the pinion actuator via a drive shaft; a drive motor operatively coupled to the drive shaft and configured to rotate the drive shaft; and an actuator rod operatively coupled to the cam and operatively coupled to a disc mechanism. The drive motor rotates the drive shaft, causing the cam to move the actuator rod to an actuated position, thereby causing the disc mechanism to unlock before the key engages with the slot. After the key engages with the slot, additional rotation of the drive shaft rotates the drive pinion, thereby causing the vehicle seat to pivot between a first position and a second position.

[0010] According to another embodiment, a vehicle seat is provided that is pivotable between a design position and a forward pitch position, and the vehicle seat includes: a seat cushion pivotally connected to a seat base; a disc mechanism operatively connected between the seat cushion and the seat base; a pitch sector operatively connected to the seat cushion; and a pitch assembly operatively connected to the pitch sector. The pitch assembly includes: a drive pinion meshing with the pitch sector; a pinion actuator having a key located in a slot in the drive pinion; a cam fixedly connected to the pinion actuator via a drive shaft; a drive motor operatively connected to the drive shaft and configured to rotate the drive shaft; and an actuator rod operatively connected to the cam and operatively connected to the disc mechanism. When the drive motor rotates the drive shaft, the cam rotates the actuator rod, causing the disc mechanism to unlock before the key engages with the drive pinion. After the drive pinion engages with the pinion actuator, the additional rotation of the drive shaft rotates the pitch sector and repositions the vehicle seat between the design position and the forward pitch position. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The advantages of the present invention will be readily understood, as they become more apparent when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are described in detail below:

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle seat with a pitch component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 is a left-side view of the vehicle seat in Figure 1 in the design position;

[0014] Figure 3 is a right-side view of the vehicle seat in Figure 2 in the design position;

[0015] Figure 4 is a right-side view of the vehicle seat in Figure 3, pivoted to the forward pitch position;

[0016] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the pitch assembly in Figure 1 without the drive motor;

[0017] Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the vehicle seat in Figure 1, where the vehicle seat is in its designed position;

[0018] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the pitch component in Figure 5;

[0019] Figure 8 is a left-side view of the pitch assembly of Figure 5 including the drive motor, wherein the pitch assembly is in the design position;

[0020] Figure 9 is an enlarged left-side view of part 9 of the pitch component in Figure 8, where the pitch component is in the design position;

[0021] Figure 10 is a right-side view of the pitch component in Figure 8, where the pitch component is in the design position;

[0022] Figure 11 is an enlarged right-side view of part 11 of the pitch assembly in Figure 10, showing the pinion actuator disconnected from the drive pinion.

[0023] Figure 12 is a left-side view of the pitch assembly of Figure 9, showing the cam that rotates partially as the actuator rod rotates to the actuated position;

[0024] Figure 13 is a right-side view of the pitch assembly of Figure 11, showing the pinion actuator engaged with the drive pinion.

[0025] Figure 14 is a right-side view of the pitch assembly of Figure 13, showing the partially rotating pinion actuator, drive pinion, and pitch sector.

[0026] Figure 15 is a left-side view of the pitch assembly of Figure 12, showing a partially rotated cam and an actuator rod in the unacted position;

[0027] Figure 16 is a left-side view of the pitch assembly of Figure 15, showing a partially rotated cam and an actuator rod in the unacted position;

[0028] Figure 17 is a right-side view of the pitch assembly of Figure 14, showing the pinion actuator rotating clockwise.

[0029] Figure 18 is a left-side view of the pitch assembly of Figure 16, showing the cam that rotates partially as the actuator rod is in the actuated position;

[0030] Figure 19 is a right-side view of the pitch assembly of Figure 17, showing a pinion actuator that rotates partially in a clockwise direction;

[0031] Figure 20 is a right-side view of the pitch assembly of Figure 19, showing the pinion actuator and drive pinion that rotate partially in a clockwise direction;

[0032] Figure 21 is a left-side view of the pitch assembly of Figure 18, showing the cam in the designed position as the actuator rod is in the unactuated position;

[0033] Figure 22 is a left-side view of the pitch assembly of Figure 9 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing the cam in the designed position and the actuator rod in the unacted position; and

[0034] Figure 23 is a left-side view of the pitch assembly of Figure 22, showing the cam that rotates partially as the actuator rod is in the actuated position. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figures 1 through 23 illustrate pitch components 10, 10' for a vehicle seat 12 used in a motor vehicle according to embodiments described herein. Directional references used or shown in the specification, drawings, or claims, such as top, bottom, upper, lower, upward, downward, longitudinal, lateral, left, right, etc., are relative terms used for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Referring to the drawings, throughout the various views, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0036] As depicted in Figures 1 to 6, the pitch assembly 10 is configured to be attached to the vehicle seat 12. The vehicle seat 12 includes a seat back 14, a seat cushion 16, a seat base 18, a pair of adjuster assemblies 20, a linkage assembly 22 having opposing front links 24 and rear links 26, opposing disc mechanisms 28, a cross tube 30, and a pitch sector 32. The seat back 14 is rotatably connected to the seat cushion 16. The linkage assembly 22 pivotally connects the seat cushion 16 to the seat base 18. Additionally, the seat base 18 is capable of forward and backward displacement along the pair of adjuster assemblies 20. It should be understood that some vehicle seats 12 do not include the adjuster assembly 20 shown in Figure 1 without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0037] As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, the linkage assembly 22 is a four-bar linkage having laterally spaced front links 24 and oppositely laterally spaced rear links 26. Each of the front links 24 has a lower end portion rotatably connected to the front portion of the seat base 18 via a lower pivot 34 and an upper end portion rotatably connected to the front portion of the seat cushion 16 via an upper pivot 36. Similarly, each of the rear links 26 has a lower end portion rotatably connected to the rear portion of the seat base 18 via a lower pivot 38 and an upper end portion rotatably connected to the rear portion of the seat cushion 16 via an upper pivot 40. Each of the front links 24 and each of the rear links 26 are substantially identical. However, it should be understood that the linkage assembly 22 may include any suitable number of links or links without changing the scope of the invention.

[0038] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, each of the disc mechanisms 28 is operatively connected between the corresponding front link 24 and the seat base 18. The cross tube 30 (Figure 1) is operatively connected to the opposite disc mechanism 28 via a lower pivot 34. Furthermore, it should be understood that, without departing from the scope of the invention, the disc mechanism 28 may be operatively connected between the front link 24 or the rear link 26 and the seat cushion 16 or the seat base 18 at any rotatable connection within the link assembly 22. As depicted in Figure 6, a release lever 28a is operatively connected to each of the disc mechanisms 28.

[0039] The pitch sector 32 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the front link 24 on the outer side of the vehicle seat 12, as shown in FIG3. The pitch sector 32 has a radial center aligned with the axis of rotation of the lower pivot 34. A plurality of gear teeth 42 extend around at least a portion of the outer periphery of the pitch sector 32. It should be understood that, without changing the scope of the invention, the pitch sector 32 may be fixedly connected to the front link on the outer or inner side of the vehicle seat 12. Furthermore, it should be understood that, without changing the scope of the invention, the pitch sector 32 may be fixedly connected to other locations on the seat cushion 16 or to other locations in the link assembly 22.

[0040] Referring to Figures 1 to 10, the pitch assembly 10 includes a drive pinion 43, a gear belt 46, an attachment screw 48, a drive shaft 51, an outer washer 52, an outer bushing 53, a pinion actuator 56, a drive motor 58, a shaft bearing 60, a bracket 62, a cam 64, an inner bushing 66, a spring screw 68, an inner washer 70, an actuator rod 72, a pivot bolt 74, a pivot washer 75, a weld nut 78, a spring pin 80, a return spring 82, and a rivet 84. A cable assembly 86, an auxiliary cable assembly 86', and a splitter 86a are operatively connected to the pitch assembly 10. The cable assembly 86 and the auxiliary cable assembly 86' include Bowden cables 88, 88' and cable conduits 90, 90'.

[0041] As depicted in Figure 1, gear teeth 92 extending around the outer periphery of the drive pinion 43 mesh with gear teeth 42 on the pitch sector member 32. Additionally, the drive pinion 43 is rotationally connected to a boss 18a projecting laterally from the seat base 18. The gear teeth 92 of the drive pinion 43 are held in mesh with the gear teeth 42 of the pitch sector member 32 by a gear belt member 46. Referring to Figures 1 and 7, the gear belt member 46 is an elongated support having an upper portion 46a offset from the lower portion 46b. The offset between the upper portion 46a and the lower portion 46b is sized and shaped such that the gear belt member 46 can simultaneously connect to both the pitch sector member 32 and the drive pinion 43. More specifically, each of the upper portion 46a and the lower portion 46b includes holes 46c and 46d, which are sized and shaped to be aligned with the rotation axes of the pitch sector 32 and the drive pinion 43, respectively.

[0042] The gear belt 46 is rotatably connected at its upper end to the pitch sector 32 by a mechanical fastener 94, as depicted in FIG1. ​​The mechanical fastener 94 extends through an upper hole 46c in the gear belt 46 and connects the upper portion 46a of the gear belt 46 to the pitch sector 32. One or more washers and / or bushings may be included between the mechanical fastener 94 and the pitch sector 32, allowing the pitch sector 32 to rotate relative to the gear belt 46.

[0043] Referring to FIG7, an attachment screw 48 rotatably connects the gear belt 46 to the drive shaft 51. The attachment screw 48 includes a threaded shaft 48a extending from a screw head 48b. The threaded shaft 48a is sized and shaped to engage with an outer opening 51a extending axially from the outer end 51b of the drive shaft 51. Additionally, the threaded shaft 48a is sized and shaped to pass through a lower hole 46d in the gear belt 46, through a hole 52a in the outer washer 52, through a hole 53a in the outer bushing 53, and through an opening 56a in the pinion actuator 56. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the pinion actuator 56 is fixedly connected to the outer end 51b of the drive shaft 51. Furthermore, the pinion actuator 56 is inserted into a slot 43a in the drive pinion 43. As depicted in FIG. 5, the drive pinion 43 is selectively operatively connected to the outer end 51b of the drive shaft 51 via the pinion actuator 56 (FIG. 7). The interaction between the pinion actuator 56 and the drive pinion 43 is described further below.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, the threaded shaft 48a of the attachment screw 48 passes through the hole 52a in the outer washer 52 and through the hole 53a in the outer bushing 53, such that the outer washer 52 is spaced between the screw head 48b of the attachment screw 48 and the outer bushing 53. Additionally, the threaded shaft 48a passes through the lower hole 46d in the gear belt member 46, is inserted into the opening 56a in the pinion actuator 56, and is fixedly connected to the outer opening 51a in the drive shaft 51. Therefore, when the attachment screw 48 is assembled with the drive shaft 51, the gear belt member 46 is spaced between the outer bushing 53 and the drive pinion 43. The attachment screw 48, outer washer 52, outer bushing 53, gear belt member 46, drive pinion 43, pinion actuator 56, and drive shaft 51 are sized and shaped such that the attachment screw 48 is fixedly connected to the drive shaft 51, while simultaneously connecting the drive pinion 43 to the gear belt member 46 in a rotational manner.

[0045] Referring to FIG1, with the drive motor 58 fixedly connected to the seat base 18, the drive shaft 51 is operatively connected to the drive motor 58. The drive motor 58 is configured to rotate the drive shaft 51 in a forward direction 96 and a reverse direction 96' (shown in FIG5), as is generally known in the art. Additionally, a wiring harness (not shown) is electrically connected to the drive motor 58 to selectively supply power to the drive motor 58.

[0046] The inner end 51c (FIG. 7) of the drive shaft 51 is rotatably connected to a shaft bearing 60 supported and housed by a bracket 62. The drive shaft 51 has a generally cylindrical elongated shape with an external spline 51d extending around the outer periphery of the drive shaft 51 between the outer end 51b and the inner end 51c. The outer end 51b of the drive shaft 51 is configured to engage with an opening 56a in a pinion actuator 56, causing the pinion actuator 56 to rotate together with the drive shaft 51. Additionally, the inner end 51c of the drive shaft 51 is configured to engage with an opening 64a in a cam 64, causing the cam 64 to also rotate together with the drive shaft 51. Each of the shaft bearing 60 and the inner bushing 66 includes axially extending passages 60a and 66a, which are sized and shaped such that the inner end 51c of the drive shaft 51 can pass through both the shaft bearing 60 and the inner bushing 66. Referring to Figures 5 and 7, before the cam 64 is fixedly coupled to the drive shaft 51, the inner end 51c of the drive shaft 51 passes through the passage 60a in the shaft bearing 60 and through the passage 66a in the inner bushing 66. The inner bushing 66 is spaced between the shaft bearing 60 and the cam 64.

[0047] Cam 64 is fixedly connected to drive shaft 51 by spring screw 68. Spring screw 68 includes a threaded shaft 68a extending from stud portion 68b. Threaded shaft 68a is inserted into opening 64a in cam 64 through hole 70a extending axially through inner washer 70, and into inner opening 51e in drive shaft 51. Threaded shaft 68a of spring screw 68 is fixedly connected to inner opening 51e in drive shaft 51. Hole 70a extending axially through inner washer 70 is sized and shaped such that threaded shaft 68a of spring screw 68 can be inserted through hole 70a. Furthermore, threaded shaft 68a of spring screw 68 is sized and shaped such that threaded shaft 68a can engage with inner opening 51e extending axially from inner end 51c of drive shaft 51. It should be understood that, without changing the scope of the invention, the inner end portion 51c of the drive shaft 51 may be positioned flush with or recessed into the inner portion of the cam 64. Although not shown in the drawings, without changing the scope of the invention, the cam opening 64a may include an inner stop and / or the inner end portion 51c of the drive shaft 51 may include an outer stop, such that the cam 64 is positioned at a predetermined position on the drive shaft 51.

[0048] As depicted in Figure 7, the bracket 62 includes a central portion 62a extending substantially at a right angle from the upper portion 62b, and a bracket protrusion 62c extending substantially at a right angle from the central portion 62a. The upper portion 62b and the bracket protrusion 62c are substantially parallel to each other. The central portion 62a of the bracket 62 includes a C-groove 62d configured to engage with a portion of the outer periphery of the shaft bearing 60. Referring to Figures 5 and 7, the shaft bearing 60 slides into the C-groove 62d such that the bracket 62 supports and accommodates the shaft bearing 60. When the shaft bearing 60 is assembled with the C-groove 62d, the cam 64 is spaced apart from the bracket 62. Due to the inclusion of the shaft bearing 60 and the inner bushing 66, the drive shaft 51 and the attached cam 64 are able to rotate freely relative to the bracket 62. The cam 64 rotates about a main axis 98 axially passing through the drive shaft 51 and the pinion actuator 56, as best shown in Figure 5. The main axis 98 defines a common axis of rotation for the drive shaft 51, the pinion actuator 56, the drive pinion 43 and the cam 64.

[0049] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, spaced-apart mounting holes 62g, 62g' extend between opposite surfaces of the upper portion 62b of the bracket 62. As depicted in Figure 1, a mechanical fastener 100 is inserted through a hole (not shown) in the seat base 18 and into the corresponding mounting holes 62g, 62g' in the bracket 62 to securely connect the bracket 62 to the seat base 18. It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of the invention, the bracket 62 may be securely connected to the seat base 18 of the vehicle seat 12 or another component, or may be integrally formed with the seat base 18 of the vehicle seat 12 or another component.

[0050] Referring to FIG7, the central portion 62a of the bracket 62 includes an offset portion 62a' having a central hole 62e for mounting the actuator rod 72 to the bracket 62. The actuator rod 72 is a generally L-shaped bracket having an upper portion 72a and a lower portion 72b projecting from the central portion 72c. The upper portion 72a extends from the lower portion 72b at a generally right angle. Furthermore, the upper portion 72a is laterally offset from the lower portion 72b. A pivot hole 72d extends laterally through the central portion 72c of the actuator rod 72. Additionally, a mounting hole 72e extends laterally through the upper portion 72a of the actuator rod 72.

[0051] A pivot bolt 74 rotatably connects the actuator arm to the bracket 62. The pivot bolt 74 includes a threaded shaft 74a extending from a stud portion 74b, which protrudes from a bolt head 74c. The pivot bolt 74 is configured such that the threaded shaft 74a and the stud portion 74b pass through a pivot hole 72d in the actuator rod 72. The stud portion 74b and the pivot hole 72d are sized and shaped such that the actuator rod 72 is rotatably coupled to the stud portion 74b during assembly. The threaded shaft 74a passes through the pivot hole 72d in the actuator rod 72, through a hole 75a extending axially through a pivot washer 75, through a central hole 62e in the bracket 62, and engages 78 with a threaded hole 78a in a weld nut. In some embodiments, the weld nut 78 is fixedly coupled to the bracket 62 by a weld.

[0052] As shown in FIG9, the actuator rod 72 includes a boss 72f extending from one side of the upper portion 72a of the actuator rod 72. The boss 72f includes a cam follower 72g forming the distal end of the boss 72f. As illustrated in FIG9, the cam follower 72g is configured to frictionally engage with a cam profile 64b that extends at least partially along the outer periphery of the cam 64.

[0053] Referring to Figure 7, a spring pin 80 is fixedly connected to a mounting hole 72e in the actuator rod 72. The spring pin 80 has a generally cylindrical shape, with its base 80a configured to be fixedly connected to the mounting hole 72e in the actuator rod 72. In Figure 5, the spring pin 80 is shown as fixedly connected to the actuator rod 72. Additionally, a return spring 82 is operatively connected between the spring pin 80 and the spring screw 68. As depicted in Figures 7 and 9, the return spring 82 is a helical spring having a coiled portion 82a extending between opposite spring ends 82b and 82c. Each of the spring ends 82b and 82c includes a C-ring portion. During assembly, the spring ends 82b and 82c surround the corresponding spring screw 68 and spring pin 80. The return spring 82 spring-biases the upper portion 72a of the actuator rod 72 toward the cam 64 (arrow 134), causing the cam follower 72g to frictionally engage with the cam profile 64b.

[0054] The cam profile 64b shown in Figure 9 includes an initial portion 64c, a dwell portion 64d, and a release portion 64e. When the pitch assembly 10 is in the designed position, the contact point 102 between the center of the cam follower 72g and the cam profile 64b defines the initial position 110 of the cam profile 64b. An imaginary line extending between the initial position 110 and the main axis 98 of the cam 64 defines the initial angle 112 of the cam profile 64b. The initial position 110 is spaced from the main axis 98 by a radial distance 122. The cam profile 64b includes an actuation point 104 defining the transition between the initial portion 64c and the dwell portion 64d, a release point 106 defining the transition between the dwell portion 64d and the release portion 64e, and an end point 108 defining the distal end of the release portion 64e. An imaginary line extending between the actuation point 104 and the main axis 98 defines an actuation angle 114. The actuation point 104 is spaced from the main axis 98 by a radial distance 124. An imaginary line extending between release point 106 and main axis 98 defines a release angle 116. Release point 106 is spaced from main axis 98 by a radial distance 126. Furthermore, an imaginary line extending between endpoint 108 and main axis 98 defines an end angle 118. End point 108 is spaced from main axis 98 by a radial distance 128. Radial distances 122 and 128 are smaller than radial distances 124 and 126. The angular distance between initial angle 112 and actuation angle 114 defines a latch-off angle 120. Similarly, the angular distance between release angle 116 and end angle 118 defines a reset latch-off angle 120'.

[0055] Additional details of the pinion actuator 56 and the drive pinion 43 are described in more detail with reference to Figures 7, 10, and 11. Referring to Figures 7 and 10, the pinion actuator 56 has a generally cylindrical shape extending between an outer end 56b and an inner end 56c. The outer portion 56d extends from the inner portion 56e of the pinion actuator 56, wherein the outer diameter of the outer portion 56d is smaller than the outer diameter of the inner portion 56e. Opposite keys 56g and 56g' extend from the outer portion 56d of the pinion actuator 56. Opposite keys 56g and 56g' abut the inner portion 56e of the pinion actuator 56. An opening 56a extends axially through the pinion actuator 56 between the outer end 56b and the inner end 56c. The outer end 51a of the drive shaft 51 and the opening 56a in the pinion actuator 56 are configured such that the drive shaft 51 engages with the opening 56a in the pinion actuator 56 during assembly.

[0056] The outer portion 56d of the pinion actuator 56 is configured to fit within a slot 43a in the drive pinion 43, as best depicted in FIG11. The slot 43a includes a central portion 43b and opposing wing portions 43c, 43d extending from the central portion 43b. The central portion 43b has a generally cylindrical shape. Each of the opposing wing portions 43c, 43d includes an end wall 43e extending between opposing sidewalls 43g, 43g'. In the embodiment shown in FIG11, each of the end walls 43e has a curved shape, wherein the opposing sidewalls 43g, 43g' are generally parallel to each other. However, it should be understood that the shape of the wing portions 43c, 43d may include alternative geometries without changing the scope of the invention. The opposing sidewalls 43g, 43g' of the wing portions 43c, 43d abut the central portion 43b, thereby forming a single elongated slot 43a.

[0057] The central portion 43b of the slot 43a and the outer portion 56d of the pinion actuator 56 are sized and shaped such that the outer portion 56d of the pinion actuator 56 engages matingly with the central portion 43b of the slot 43a. Furthermore, each of the keys 56g and 56g' is sized and shaped such that when the outer portion 56d of the pinion actuator 56 is inserted into the central portion 43b of the slot 43a, the keys 56g and 56g' are fitted within the corresponding wing portions 43c and 43d of the slot 43a. Each key 56g and 56g' includes opposing sidewalls 56h and 56h' protruding from the outer portion 56d of the pinion actuator 56. Additionally, each key 56g and 56g' includes an end wall 56k adjacent to the opposing sidewalls 56h and 56h'. In the embodiment shown in FIG11, the end wall 56k of each key 56g, 56g' has a curved shape and is offset from the corresponding end wall 43e of the groove 43a during assembly. However, it should be understood that, without changing the scope of the invention, the end wall 56k of each key 56g, 56g' may be sized and shaped to engage with the corresponding end wall 43e of the groove 43a.

[0058] As illustrated in Figure 11, the lateral distance between the opposing sidewalls 56h and 56h' of keys 56g and 56g' is less than the lateral distance between the opposing sidewalls 43g and 43g' of groove 43a. Therefore, when the pinion actuator 56 is in the designed position shown in Figure 11, the pinion actuator 56 can rotate relative to the drive pinion 43 within a dwell angle 130, without engaging with the drive pinion 43. The dwell angle 130 includes a predetermined degree before the pinion actuator 56 engages with the drive pinion 43 when rotated from the designed position. The pinion actuator 56 engages the drive pinion 43 when one of the sidewalls 56h and 56h' of keys 56g and 56g' frictionally engages with the adjacent sidewalls 43g and 43g' of groove 43a. The relative motion of the pinion actuator 56 relative to the drive pinion 43 is further described below. In addition, the latch-off angle 120 of the cam profile 64b (as shown in FIG9) is selected to be less than the dwell angle 130 of the pinion actuator 56 relative to the slot 43a in the drive pinion 43, to ensure that the disc mechanism 28 is repositioned to the unlocked state before the pinion actuator 56 engages with the drive pinion 43.

[0059] Figure 13 shows the pinion actuator 56 rotating such that the keys 56g, 56g' frictionally engage with the adjacent sidewalls 43g, 43g' of the groove 43a in the drive pinion 43. When the pinion actuator 56 engages with the drive pinion 43 and the drive shaft 51 rotates in the opposite direction, the pinion actuator 56 can rotate within a reverse dwell angle 130' without engaging with the groove 43a in the drive pinion 43.

[0060] As also shown in Figure 7, the base portion 84a of the rivet 84 is fixedly connected to the rivet groove 72h in the upper edge of the lower portion 72b of the actuator rod 72. The rivet 84 is a headed rivet having a head 84b extending from the base portion 84a.

[0061] As is commonly known in the art, cable assembly 86 is operatively connected to two reel mechanisms 28 via splitter 86a and auxiliary cable assembly 86'. Referring to Figures 5 through 7, Bowden cable 88 of cable assembly 86 passes through a passage 90a in cable conduit 90 located between the proximal end 90b and the distal end 90c of cable conduit 90. Rivet connector 88a is fixedly connected to the proximal end 88b of Bowden cable 88. Furthermore, splitter connector 88c is fixedly connected to the distal end 88d of Bowden cable 88. Rivet connector 88a is configured to be fixedly connected to the head 84b of rivet 84. Figure 5 depicts rivet connector 88a of Bowden cable 88 fixedly connected to rivet 84.

[0062] The cable conduit 90 includes a conduit connector 90d and a splitter connector 90e, which are fixedly connected to corresponding proximal ends 90b and distal ends 90c of the cable conduit 90. A connector groove 90f extends around the outer periphery of the conduit connector 90d. The connector groove 90f is configured to engage with a cable groove 62h in a support protrusion 62c. The connector groove 90f in the conduit connector 90d is inserted into the cable groove 62h to fix the conduit connector 90d to the support protrusion 62c. Additionally, the splitter connector 90e is fixedly connected to a splitter 86a.

[0063] Referring to Figure 6, each of the auxiliary cable assemblies 86' includes an auxiliary Bowden cable 88' that extends longitudinally through a passage (not shown) in a corresponding auxiliary conduit 90' between a proximal end 90b' and a distal end 90c' of the auxiliary conduit 90'. The proximal end 90b' of the auxiliary conduit 90' is fixedly coupled to a splitter 86a. The distal end 90c' of the auxiliary conduit 90' is fixedly coupled to a corresponding mounting connector 90g'. Each of the mounting connectors 90g' is fixedly coupled to a hole 18b passing through a corresponding bracket 18c extending from the seat base 18. Additionally, the proximal ends 88b' of both auxiliary Bowden cables 88' are operatively coupled to the distal ends 88d of the Bowden cable 88 via a splitter 86a, as is commonly known in the art. Furthermore, the distal end 88d' of each auxiliary Bowden cable 88' is fixedly coupled to a corresponding rod connector 88c'. The rod connector 88c' is configured to be fixedly connected to a stud 28b protruding from the lower portion of the corresponding release lever 28a. Alternatively, without changing the scope of the invention, the cable assembly 86 can be operatively connected to a single reel mechanism 28. In this case, the distal end 88d of the Bowden cable 88 is fixedly connected to the rod connector 88c'. The rod connector 88c' is fixedly connected to a stud 28b protruding from the lower portion of the single release lever 28a. Synchronous release of the two reel mechanisms 28 is achieved by the operative connection of the cross tube 30 between the reel mechanisms 28, as is known in the art.

[0064] The vehicle seat 12 is normally held in its designed position (Figure 3) during occupant use. However, when it is desired to enter / exit behind the vehicle seat 12, the vehicle seat 12 can be selectively pivoted to a forward-tilted position (Figure 4). Furthermore, when an occupant wishes to use the vehicle seat 12, the vehicle seat 12 can be selectively pivoted back to its designed position. The vehicle seat 12 includes a disc mechanism 28 operatively coupled between the seat cushion 16 and the seat base 18. The disc mechanism 28 is configured to prevent rotation of the seat cushion 16 relative to the seat base 18 when the disc mechanism 28 is locked. When the disc mechanism 28 is repositioned to the unlocked state, the seat cushion 16 is able to pivot relative to the seat base 18.

[0065] The pitch assembly 10 is operatively coupled to the vehicle seat 12 and configured to reposition the steering wheel mechanism 28 to the unlocked state before the pitch assembly 10 pivots the vehicle seat 12 to the forward tilt position. Additionally, the pitch assembly 10 is configured to allow the steering wheel mechanism 28 to relock in the forward tilt position. Furthermore, the pitch assembly 10 is configured to reposition the steering wheel mechanism 28 to the unlocked state before the pitch assembly 10 pivots the vehicle seat 12 from the forward tilt position to the designed position. Additionally, the pitch assembly 10 is configured to allow the steering wheel mechanism 28 to relock in the designed position. It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of the invention, the pitch assembly 10 and the vehicle seat 12 can be configured such that the pitch assembly 10 pivots the vehicle seat 12 between one or more selectable positions, such as the designed position, the forward tilt position, and other generally known positions, such as a stowed position (not shown), a reclined position (not shown), etc.

[0066] The process of pivoting the vehicle seat 12 from its designed position to its forward tilt position is further described with reference to Figures 1 through 21. The vehicle seat 12 is initially in its designed position for occupant use. Referring to Figure 6, each disc mechanism 28 is configured such that tension is applied to the auxiliary Bowden cable 88' in the direction of arrow 132, causing the release lever 28a to rotate and reposition the disc mechanism 28 to the unlocked state. When the disc mechanism 28 is in the unlocked state and the pinion actuator 56 is engaged with the drive pinion 43, rotation of the drive pinion 43 causes the tilt sector 32 to rotate, resulting in the seat cushion 16 pivoting between the designed position shown in Figure 3 and the forward tilt position shown in Figure 4. The disc mechanism 28 is spring-biased such that when tension (arrow 132) is released from the auxiliary Bowden cable 88' and from the release lever 28a, the disc mechanism 28 is biased toward the locked state. The disc mechanism 28 is configured such that it is only repositioned to the locked state when aligned with the locked position (not shown). The disc mechanism 28 has a locking position (not shown) corresponding to the designed position of the seat cushion 16. Therefore, the disc mechanism 28 remains in the unlocked state, while the seat cushion 16 pivots away from the locking position (not shown), regardless of whether tension is applied to the auxiliary Bowden cable 88'. It should be understood that, without changing the scope of the invention, the disc mechanism 28 may include additional locking positions corresponding to alternative positions of the seat cushion 16, such as a forward tilt position as a non-limiting example. It should be understood that, without changing the scope of the invention, in embodiments where the disc mechanism 28 includes multiple locking positions, the disc mechanism 28 can be repositioned to the locked state when aligned with any of the multiple locking positions.

[0067] Figures 8 to 15 illustrate the movement of the various components of the pitch assembly 10 as it repositions the wheel mechanism 28 to the unlocked state before the pitch assembly 10 repositions the vehicle seat 12 to the forward tilt position. Figures 8 to 11 illustrate details of the pitch assembly 10 in the designed position, with the seat cushion 16 in the designed position and the wheel mechanism 28 in the locked state.

[0068] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the cam follower 72g is shown in frictional engagement with the cam profile 64b, wherein the contact point 102 of the cam follower 72g is aligned with the original position 110 of the cam profile 64b. A spring bias (arrow 134) within the return spring 82 maintains the frictional engagement of the cam follower 72g with the cam profile 64b. The lower portion 72b of the actuator rod 72 is positioned in the unacted position, wherein there is no tension in the Bowden cable 88. Therefore, there is also no tension in the auxiliary Bowden cable 88'. Since the seat cushion 16 is in the designed position and there is no tension in the Bowden cables 88 and 88', the disc mechanism 28 is locked.

[0069] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, when the cam follower 72g engages with the cam profile 64b at its original position 110, the keys 56g and 56g' protruding from the pinion actuator 56 are spaced apart from the sidewalls 43g and 43g' of the slot 43a in the drive pinion 43. Therefore, when the cam follower 72g engages with its original position 110, the pinion actuator 56 is disengaged from the drive pinion 43. Additionally, the gear belt 46 holds the drive pinion 43 in engagement with the pitch sector 32, as depicted in Figure 1. When the disc mechanism 28 is locked, the seat cushion 16 is held in its designed position. Before the pinion actuator 56 engages with the drive pinion 43, the pinion actuator 56 and the attached drive shaft 51 rotate freely within the dwell angle 130 in the slot 43a of the drive pinion 43 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions (as observed in Figure 11).

[0070] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, when the pitch assembly 10 is actuated to reposition the seat cushion 16 toward a forward pitch position, the drive motor 58 causes the drive shaft 51 to rotate in the forward direction 96 (Figure 5). Since the drive shaft 51 is fixedly connected to the cam 64 and the pinion actuator 56, both the cam 64 and the pinion actuator 56 rotate together with the drive shaft 51. However, since the pinion actuator 56 and the cam 64 are fixedly connected to the corresponding outer end 51b and inner end 51c of the drive shaft 51, the forward direction 96 is depicted as a clockwise rotation 96a of the cam 64 as observed in Figure 12 and a counterclockwise rotation 96b of the pinion actuator 56 as observed in Figure 13.

[0071] Referring to Figure 12, as the drive motor 58 rotates the cam 64 clockwise 96a, the contact point 102 between the cam follower 72g and the cam 64 is repositioned along the cam profile 64b closer to the endpoint 108. When the cam 64 rotates clockwise 96a to align the trigger point 104 with the cam follower 72g, the cam follower 72g displaces away from the main axis 98 of the cam 64. This displacement causes the actuator rod 72 to rotate counterclockwise (arrow 136) to the actuated position, pulling the proximal end 88b of the Bowden cable 88 toward the cam 64 (arrow 138). The counterclockwise rotation of the actuator rod 72 (arrow 136) applies tension to the Bowden cable 88. The Bowden cable 88 transmits the applied tension to the auxiliary Bowden cable 88'. Release lever 28a rotates in response to the tension applied to Bowden cables 88, 88' and repositions disc mechanism 28 to the unlocked state.

[0072] Since the release latch angle 120 of the cam profile 64b is selected to be less than the dwell angle 130, the disc mechanism 28 is repositioned to the unlocked state, and the pinion actuator 56 is disengaged from the drive pinion 43. The dwell portion 64d of the cam profile 64b is configured to hold the actuator rod 72 in the actuated position shown in FIG. 12, and the dwell portion 64d is in frictional contact with the cam follower 72g.

[0073] An additional forward rotation 96 of the drive shaft 51 causes the pinion actuator 56 to rotate counterclockwise (arrow 96b) and results in the keys 56g, 56g' engaging frictionally with the groove 43a, as shown in FIG13. As long as the keys 56g, 56g' are engaged with the groove 43a, the pinion actuator 56 is connected to the drive pinion 43. When the pinion actuator 56 is engaged with the drive pinion 43, a forward torque (arrow 140) is applied to the drive pinion 43 via the keys 56g, 56g' in response to the rotation of the pinion actuator 56. After the pinion actuator 56 is connected to the drive pinion 43, the additional forward rotation 96 of the drive shaft 51 causes the drive pinion 43 to rotate counterclockwise, as illustrated by arrow 142 in FIG14. The pitch sector 32 rotates clockwise 144 in response to the counterclockwise rotation 142 of the drive pinion 43, as observed in FIG14. The clockwise rotation 144 of the pitch sector 32 causes the seat cushion 16 to rotate toward the forward pitch position.

[0074] Referring to Figure 15, the cam profile 64b has a dwell portion 64d between the trigger point 104 and the release point 106 configured such that the actuator rod 72 remains in the actuated position until the pinion actuator 56 engages with the drive pinion 43 and drives the pinion 43 to rotate at least a predetermined degree, thereby ensuring that the seat cushion 16 pivots away from the designed position.

[0075] As cam 64 rotates clockwise 96a, the contact point 102 between cam follower 72g and cam 64 moves along cam profile 64b past release point 106 and into release portion 64e of cam profile 64b. In response to the decrease in radial distance between release point 106 and endpoint 108, cam follower 72g moves closer to main axis 98. In response to the decrease in radial distance between contact point 102 and main axis 98, actuator rod 72 rotates clockwise 136' toward the unactuated position. The clockwise rotation 136' of actuator rod 72 repositions the proximal end 88b of Bowden cable 88 away from cam 64, as illustrated by arrow 138' in Figure 15. This eliminates tension in Bowden cables 88, 88', which in turn eliminates tension applied to release rod 28a by Bowden cables 88, 88'. The disc mechanism 28 is spring-biased to a locked state such that it is relocked when aligned with the locked position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the disc mechanism 28 includes a single locked position corresponding to the seat cushion 16 in the designed position. Therefore, the disc mechanism 28 remains unlocked when the seat cushion 16 pivots away from the designed position. It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of the invention, the disc mechanism 28 may include additional locked positions, including a locked position corresponding to the forward tilt position. If the disc mechanism 28 includes a locked position corresponding to the forward tilt position, the disc mechanism 28 will automatically relock when the seat cushion 16 pivots to the forward tilt position because the tension has been relieved from the Bowden cables 88, 88'.

[0076] Drive motor 58 continues to rotate drive shaft 51 in the forward direction 96 until seat cushion 16 pivots to the forward tilt position. As is generally known in the art, once seat cushion 16 pivots to the forward tilt position, drive motor 58 terminates the rotation of drive shaft 51. It should be understood that, without changing the scope of the invention, when seat cushion 16 reaches the forward tilt position, drive motor 58 may optionally reverse the direction of rotation to disengage pinion actuator 56 from drive pinion 32 (FIG. 11).

[0077] The process of pivoting the vehicle seat 12 from the forward tilt position to the design position is further described with reference to Figures 16 to 21. When the seat cushion 16 is in the forward tilt position and the return operation begins, the rotational movements of the cam 64, pinion actuator 56, drive pinion 43, and pitch sector 32 are reversed to reposition the seat cushion 16 from the forward tilt position to the design position. When the return operation begins, the drive shaft 51 rotates in the opposite direction 96', which causes the cam 64 to rotate counterclockwise 96a' and the pinion actuator 56 to rotate clockwise 96b', as shown in Figures 16 and 17, respectively. The clockwise rotation of the pinion actuator 56 in the clockwise direction 96b' disengages the keys 56g, 56g' from the slot 43a. The keys 56g, 56g' will engage the slot 43a after the pinion actuator 56 has rotated through the reverse dwell angle 130'. When the pinion actuator 56 is disconnected from the drive pinion 43, the drive pinion 43 is stationary.

[0078] As illustrated in Figures 16 and 18, as the release point 106 of the cam profile 64b contacts the cam follower 72g via a counterclockwise rotation 96a' of the cam 64, the actuator rod 72 rotates counterclockwise 136. This counterclockwise rotation 136 of the actuator rod 72 pulls the proximal end 88b of the Bowden cable 88 toward the cam 64 in the direction of arrow 138. The rotation of the actuator rod 72 applies tension to the Bowden cables 88, 88', which in turn applies tension to the release rod 28a. The release rod 28a rotates due to the tension in the corresponding Bowden cable 88', ensuring that the disc mechanism 28 is unlocked before the pinion actuator 56 engages with the drive pinion 43. The actuator rod 72 is held in the actuated position when the cam 64 rotates counterclockwise 96a' and the contact point 102 engages with the dwell portion 64d of the cam profile 64b.

[0079] The additional rotation of the drive shaft 51 in the opposite direction 96' caused by the drive motor 58 results in frictional engagement between the keys 56g, 56g' and the sidewalls 43g, 43g' of the groove 43a in the drive pinion 43, as shown in FIG19. More specifically, the reverse dwell angle 130' is configured to be greater than the reset release latch angle 120' to ensure that the disc mechanism 28 is in an unlocked state before the pinion actuator 56 engages with the drive pinion 43. It should be understood that, without changing the scope of the invention, when the seat cushion 16 reaches the forward tilt position, if the pinion actuator 56 returns to the disengaged state relative to the drive pinion 43 (FIG. 11), the reset release latch angle 120' can be substantially the same as the release latch angle 120.

[0080] As illustrated in Figure 20, after the pinion actuator 56 engages with the drive pinion 43, as the pinion actuator 56 rotates clockwise 96b', the key applies a reverse torque 140' to the drive pinion 43. The additional clockwise rotation of the pinion actuator 56 96b' causes the drive pinion 43 to rotate clockwise 142', which in turn causes the pitch sector 32 to rotate counterclockwise 144'. Through the rotation of the pitch sector 32 counterclockwise 144', the vehicle seat 12 pivots from a forward tilt position toward the intended position.

[0081] Referring to Figure 21, before the seat cushion 16 reaches the designed position, the counterclockwise rotation 96a' of cam 64 brings the trigger point 104 into contact with the cam follower 72g. As cam 64 rotates further counterclockwise 96a', the cam follower 72g is repositioned closer to the main axis 98 as the contact point 102 with the cam follower 72g moves along the cam profile 64b toward the original position 110. This causes actuator rod 72 to rotate clockwise 136' to the unactuated position and moves the proximal end 88b of Bowden cable 88 away from cam 64 (arrow 138'). Rotating actuator rod 72 to the unactuated position eliminates tension from Bowden cables 88, 88', which also eliminates tension from release rod 28a. Spring bias in disc mechanism 28 pushes disc mechanism 28 toward the locked state. However, the disc mechanism 28 will remain in the unlocked state until the disc mechanism 28 is aligned in rotation with the locking position (not shown) corresponding to the seat cushion 16 being positioned in the design position.

[0082] When the vehicle seat 12 returns to the designed position, the drive motor 58 terminates the rotation of the drive shaft 51 in the opposite direction 96'. Once the seat cushion 16 reaches the designed position and the disc mechanism 28 is aligned in rotation with the locked position (not shown), the disc mechanism 28 will be automatically repositioned to the locked state. It should be understood that when the vehicle seat 12 is in the designed position, the pinion actuator 56 can remain engaged with the drive pinion 43 when the drive motor 58 terminates the rotation of the drive shaft 51. Alternatively, without changing the scope of the invention, the drive motor 58 can cause the drive shaft 51 to rotate in the opposite direction to return the pinion actuator 56 to the disengaged state shown in FIG. 11.

[0083] Figures 22 and 23 illustrate a second embodiment of the pitch assembly 10'. For simplicity, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements as those used above in Figures 1 through 21 in Figures 22 and 23, while apostrophes indicate similar elements. Only the significant differences associated with the embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 21 are highlighted below. The main difference concerns the pitch assembly 10' keeping the disc mechanism 28 in the unlocked state when the vehicle seat 12 is rotated away from the design position.

[0084] Referring to FIG22, the pitch assembly 10' includes a cam 64' having a cam profile 64b' different from the cam profile 64b in the first embodiment. More specifically, the cam profile 64b' includes an initial position 110 spaced radially from the main axis 98 by a distance 122, wherein an imaginary line extending between the initial position 110 and the main axis 98 defines an initial angle 112. Additionally, the cam profile 64b' includes a trigger point 104' spaced radially from the main axis 98 by a distance 124', wherein an imaginary line extending between the trigger point 104' and the main axis 98 defines an actuation angle 114'. Furthermore, the cam profile 64b' includes an endpoint 108' spaced radially from the main axis 98 by a distance 128', wherein an imaginary line extending between the endpoint 108' and the main axis 98 defines an endpoint angle 118'. The radial distance 122 is selected to be less than the radial distances 124' and 128'. Additionally, the radial distances 124' and 128' are approximately the same. A cam profile 64b' extending between the initial position 110 and the trigger point 104' defines the initial portion 64c' of the cam profile 64b'. Furthermore, a cam profile 64b' extending between the trigger point 104' and the endpoint 108' defines the dwell portion 64d' of the cam profile 64b'. The relative angle between the initial angle 112 and the actuation angle 114' defines the release latch angle 120 of the cam 64'. The release latch angle 120 of the cam 64' is preferably smaller than the dwell angle 130 and the reverse dwell angle 130' between the pinion actuator 56 and the slot 43a in the drive pinion 43.

[0085] Figures 22 and 23 illustrate the movement of the various components of the pitch assembly 10' as the pitch assembly 10' repositions the vehicle seat 12 from its designed position to a forward pitch position. When the vehicle seat 12 is in its designed position, the cam follower 72g is frictionally engaged with the original position 110 of the cam profile 64b'. Upon command from the occupant, the drive motor 58 rotates the cam 64' clockwise 96a, as observed in Figure 22. As the cam 64' rotates clockwise 96a, the contact point 102 between the cam follower 72g and the cam profile 64b' slides along the cam profile 64b' toward the trigger point 104'. As the contact point 102 moves toward the trigger point 104', the distance between the cam follower 72g and the main axis 98 increases. The movement of the cam follower 72g away from the main axis 98 causes the actuator rod 72 to rotate counterclockwise 136 about the pivot bolt 74. Actuator lever 72 rotates counterclockwise 136 to the actuated position (shown in Figure 23), pulling the proximal end 88b of Bowden cable 88 toward cam 64' (arrow 138 in Figure 22). The movement of Bowden cable 88 toward cam 64' (arrow 138) applies tension to Bowden cable 88. This tension is transmitted to auxiliary Bowden cable 88' and then to the corresponding release lever 28a on disc mechanism 28. In response to the tension in Bowden cables 88 and 88', release lever 28a repositions disc mechanism 28 to the unlocked state.

[0086] When the contact point 102 between the cam follower 72g and the cam profile 64b' is located within the dwell portion 64d' of the cam profile 64b', the actuator rod 72 is held in the actuated position. As illustrated by the maximum dwell point 108a shown in FIG22, the cam 64' can rotate almost a full revolution clockwise 96a while holding the actuator rod 72 in the actuated position. It should be understood that, without changing the scope of the invention, the contact point 102 between the cam follower 72g and the cam 64' can rotate past the maximum dwell point 108a in response to the clockwise rotation 96a of the cam 64'. However, in response to the clockwise rotation 96a of the cam 64', when the contact point 102 is located between the maximum dwell point 108a and the trigger point 104', the actuator rod 72 will be repositioned to the unacted position. Therefore, without changing the scope of the invention, the cam 64' can rotate multiple revolutions in some embodiments.

[0087] The return process is described with reference to FIG23. When the vehicle seat 12 is in the forward tilt position, the contact point 102 between the cam follower 72g and the cam 64' is positioned along the dwell portion 64d' of the cam profile 64b'. The actuator rod 72 is held in the actuated position by the tension applied to the Bowden cables 88, 88'. The tension in the Bowden cables 88, 88' keeps the disc mechanism 28 in the unlocked state.

[0088] Upon command from the occupant, drive motor 58 rotates cam 64' counterclockwise 96a'. Actuator rod 72 remains in the actuated position during the counterclockwise rotation 96a' of cam 64' when contact point 102 engages with the dwell portion 64d' of cam profile 64b'. When contact point 102 engages with the original portion 64c' of cam profile 64b', actuator rod 72 rotates clockwise 136' to the unacted position in response to the counterclockwise rotation 96a' of cam 64'. Rotation of actuator rod 72 clockwise 136' moves the proximal end of Bowden cable 88 away from cam 64' (arrow 138'). When actuator rod 72 returns to the unacted position, tension is released from Bowden cables 88, 88'.

[0089] When the tension is released from Bowden cables 88, 88', the tension is also released from release lever 28a. When disc mechanism 28 rotates to the locking position corresponding to the pivoting of vehicle seat 12 to the designed position and there is no tension on release lever 28a, disc mechanism 28 is repositioned to the locked state.

[0090] As described above, the pitch assemblies 10, 10' of the present invention include cams 64, 64', configured to rotate actuator rod 72 and reposition disc mechanism 28 to an unlocked state. Additionally, the pitch assemblies 10, 10' include a pinion actuator 56 configured to engage with a drive pinion 43 after the disc mechanism 28 has been repositioned to the unlocked state by rotation of cams 64, 64'. Furthermore, the drive pinion 43 is operatively coupled to the vehicle seat 12 and configured to rotate the vehicle seat 12 between a design position and a forward tilt position. A drive motor 58 is operatively coupled to both cams 64, 64' and the pinion actuator 56 to rotate simultaneously. The pitch assemblies 10, 10' of the present invention have reduced cost compared to known systems because the actuator assembly configured to unlock the disc mechanism 28 has been eliminated. Furthermore, the pitch assembly 10 of the present invention includes a relocking function to allow the disc mechanism 28 to relock when the vehicle seat 12 pivots to a forward tilt position. Additionally, a second embodiment of the pitch assembly 10' includes a hold-on function, wherein the disc mechanism 28 remains unlocked when the vehicle seat 12 pivots away from the intended position.

[0091] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than restrictive. Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention can be practiced in ways other than those specifically described within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pitch assembly for a vehicle seat, the pitch assembly being configured to attach to the vehicle seat, the vehicle seat comprising: A seat cushion, which is pivotally connected to a seat base; A pitch sector, operatively connected to the seat cushion and configured to pivot the seat cushion relative to the seat base; A disc mechanism, operatively coupled between the seat cushion and the seat base, and configured to reposition itself between a locked state preventing the seat cushion from pivoting relative to the seat base and an unlocked state allowing the seat cushion to pivot relative to the seat base between a first position and a second position, the pitch assembly includes: a drive pinion meshing with the pitch sector and including a slot; a pinion actuator having a key positioned within the slot, wherein the key is rotatable within the slot between an engaged state and an unengaged state. In the engaged state, the key engages with the groove, causing the drive pinion and the pinion actuator to rotate together. In the disengaged state, the key disengages from the groove, thereby disconnecting the drive pinion from the pinion actuator. The cam has a cam profile. The drive shaft is fixedly connected to both the pinion actuator and the cam, such that the pinion actuator, the drive shaft, and the cam share a common axis of rotation. The drive motor is operatively connected to the drive shaft and configured to cause the drive shaft to move forward. Selectively rotate; an actuator rod having a cam follower that remains in frictional engagement with the cam profile, the actuator rod being rotatable between an unactuated position corresponding to a first portion of frictional engagement between the cam follower and the cam profile and an actuated position corresponding to a second portion of frictional engagement between the cam follower and the cam profile, the actuator rod being operatively coupled to the disc mechanism such that when the actuator rod is in the actuated position, the disc mechanism is in the unlocked state, and wherein, when the actuator rod is in the unactuated position, the disc mechanism is capable of... The seat cushion is repositioned toward the locked state; wherein, when the seat cushion is in the first position and the drive motor rotates the drive shaft in the forward direction, the cam rotates in the forward direction, causing the actuator rod to pivot to the actuated position, and causing the disc mechanism to reposition to the unlocked state before the key engages with the slot in the drive pinion; and wherein, after the key engages with the slot, an additional rotation of the drive shaft in the forward direction causes the drive pinion to rotate, thereby causing the pitch sector to pivot the seat cushion between the first position and the second position.

2. The pitch assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The radial distance between the cam profile and the axis of rotation is smaller in the first part of the cam profile than in the second part of the cam profile; and when the cam follower makes frictional contact with the first part of the cam profile, the actuator rod rotates to the unactuated position.

3. The pitch assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The cam follower of the actuator rod is spring-biased toward the cam.

4. The pitch assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The groove includes opposing sidewalls; and the pinion actuator is coupled to the drive pinion when the key frictionally engages with one of the opposing sidewalls.

5. The pitch assembly according to claim 4, wherein: A return spring operatively connected between the actuator rod and the cam biases the actuator rod toward the cam.

6. The pitch assembly of claim 5, wherein the disc mechanism further comprises a release lever operatively connected to the actuator lever via a Bowden cable, wherein, When the actuator rod rotates to the actuated position, tension is applied to the Bowden cable, causing the release rod to reposition the disc mechanism to the unlocked state.

7. The pitch assembly of claim 6, wherein the disc mechanism is configured to be repositioned to the locked state, thereby corresponding to the first position of the seat cushion; wherein, When the actuator rod is in the unactuated position and the seat cushion is in the first position, the disc mechanism automatically repositions to the locked state; Furthermore, the disc mechanism remains in the unlocked state after the actuator rod rotates from the actuated position to the unactuated position and the seat cushion pivots away from the first position.

8. The pitch assembly according to claim 7, wherein: When the cam follower is in frictional contact with the second portion of the cam profile and the actuator rod is in the actuated position and the disc mechanism is in the unlocked state, the rotation of the drive shaft in the opposite direction by the drive motor causes the drive pinion to rotate in the opposite direction after the key engages with the slot, and causes the pitch sector to pivot the seat cushion toward the first position.

9. The pitch assembly according to claim 8, wherein: When the cam follower makes frictional contact with the second portion of the cam profile and the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction via the drive motor to make the cam follower make contact with the first portion of the cam profile, the actuator rod rotates to the unactuated position, thereby allowing the disc mechanism to be repositioned to the locked state.

10. The pitch assembly according to claim 9, wherein: When the actuator rod is in the unactuated position and the cam follower is in frictional contact with the first portion of the cam profile, and the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction via the drive motor, the disc mechanism automatically relocks when the seat cushion pivots to the first position.

11. The pitch assembly according to claim 10, wherein: When the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction via the drive motor and the seat cushion pivots to the first position, the drive motor causes the drive shaft to rotate in the forward direction, thereby causing the key to disengage from the slot.

12. The pitch assembly of claim 11, wherein the cam profile further comprises a third portion; and each of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion of the cam profile is a distinct portion, wherein, The radial distance between the cam profile and the rotation axis of the second part is greater than the radial distance between the cam profile and the rotation axes of the first part and the third part; wherein, when the cam follower is in frictional engagement with the third part of the cam profile, the actuator rod is positioned in the unactuated position.

13. The pitch assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The disc mechanism is configured to be repositioned to the locked state, thereby corresponding to the second position of the seat cushion; and wherein, after the actuator rod rotates from the actuated position to the unactuated position and the seat cushion pivots to the second position, the disc mechanism is repositioned to the locked state.

14. The pitch assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The first position of the seat cushion is the designed position, and the second position is the forward tilt position.

15. The pitch assembly according to claim 12, wherein: When the seat cushion is in the second position and the actuator rod is in the unacted position, and the cam follower is in frictional contact with the third portion of the cam profile and the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction via the drive motor, the rotation of the cam in the opposite direction repositions the actuator rod to the actuated position, causing the disc mechanism to be in the unlocked state, and the key of the pinion actuator disengages from the slot in the drive pinion; And after the actuator rod is repositioned to the actuated position, the additional rotation of the drive shaft in the opposite direction causes the key to engage with the slot, thereby connecting the pinion actuator to the drive pinion, so that the drive pinion rotates together with the pinion actuator, thereby causing the pitch sector to pivot the seat cushion from the second position toward the first position.

16. The pitch assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The pinion actuator includes a second key spaced apart from the key; The groove is an elongated groove that extends through the axis of rotation of the drive pinion; The second key is positioned within the slot.

17. The pitch assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The actuator rod is rotatably coupled to the bracket; and the cam is rotatably coupled to the bracket.

18. A vehicle seat for use in a motor vehicle and capable of being repositioned between a designed position and a forward pitch position, the vehicle seat comprising: A seat cushion, which is pivotally connected to a seat base; A disc mechanism, operatively connected between the seat cushion and the seat base and configured to reposition itself between a locked state that prevents the seat cushion from pivoting relative to the seat base and an unlocked state that allows the seat cushion to pivot relative to the seat base; A pitch sector, operatively connected to the seat cushion; and a pitch assembly operatively coupled to and configured to rotate the pitch sector, the pitch assembly comprising: a drive pinion meshingly engaged with the pitch sector and including a slot; a pinion actuator having a key positioned in the slot, wherein the key is rotatable within the slot between an engaged state and an disengaged state, in which the drive pinion rotates together with the pinion actuator, and in which the drive pinion is disengaged from the pinion actuator; a cam having a cam profile with a first cam portion and a second cam portion; a drive shaft fixedly coupled to the pinion actuator and fixedly coupled to the cam; and a drive motor operatively coupled to the drive shaft and The device is configured to selectively rotate the drive shaft; and an actuator rod having a cam follower that engages with the cam profile and is operatively coupled to the disc mechanism, wherein when the cam follower engages with the first cam portion, the actuator rod is in an unactuated position and the disc mechanism is biased toward the locked state, and wherein when the cam follower engages with the second cam portion, the actuator rod is in an actuated position and the disc mechanism is in the unlocked state; wherein when the drive motor initiates rotation of the drive shaft, the cam rotates the actuator rod to the actuated position, thereby causing the disc mechanism to be in the unlocked state before the key engages with the slot; and wherein additional rotation of the drive shaft causes the pitch sector to pivot the seat cushion between the designed position and the forward pitch position.

19. The vehicle seat according to claim 18, wherein: The cam profile is configured such that when the seat cushion is in the forward tilt position, the actuator rod is held in the actuated position.

20. The vehicle seat according to claim 18, wherein: The cam profile is configured such that when the seat cushion is in the forward tilt position, the actuator rod rotates to the unactuated position.

21. The vehicle seat according to claim 18, wherein: The cam profile is configured such that when the seat cushion is in the forward tilt position and the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction, the actuator rod is in the actuated position before the key engages with the slot and the pinion actuator is connected to the drive pinion.

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