Angle adjuster for a car seat

Abstract

The present invention relates to a recliner for a car seat, comprising: a first gear having a shaft collar portion extending in the center of one face; a second gear engaging with the first gear to form eccentricity while being tangent to the inside of the first gear; a ring member combined to surround the shaft collar portion; a socket combined to surround the ring member; and a pair of wedge-shaped cams between the ring member and the second gear to restrict or release the ring member from the second gear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an angle adjuster for a car seat. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, seat back adjusters allow for forward and backward adjustment of the seat back angle relative to the seat cushion. During adjustment, the components maintain a strong coupling force to ensure the safety of vehicle occupants. Seat back adjusters can be categorized into manual types, which adjust the seat back angle via a lever, and electric types, which operate automatically using a motor and are controlled by a switch.

[0003] Figure 1 This diagram shows the existing car seat adjuster mounted on the seat back frame. Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view of an existing car seat adjuster. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the collar portion of an existing car seat adjuster.

[0004] like Figure 1 As shown, the adjuster 100 can be installed on the seat back frame SF inside the seat back SB. (As indicated...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the existing angle adjuster 100 includes: a first gear 101 having internal teeth 101a; and a second gear 102 having external teeth 102a that mesh with the internal teeth 101a of the first gear 101. The second gear 102, eccentrically engaged inside the first gear 101, is disposed between a bushing 108 and the collar portion 101b of the first gear 101. It can be held in an eccentric state by a pair of wedges 103 elastically supported by a spring 109, and simultaneously held in a locked state or an unlocking state for angle adjustment operations. The pair of wedges 103 can be held open by the elastic support at both ends of the spring 109. When the motor M is driven by the operating switch SW, and the shaft 110 connected to the motor M is rotated, the second gear 102 rotates via the rotation of the socket 105 connected to the shaft 110 and the wedges 103. Consequently, as the first gear 101 rotates, the angle of the seat back frame SF is adjusted, thereby adjusting the angle of the seat back SB. The cover 106 is attached to the inner diameter of the second gear 102 in a manner surrounding the spring 109. The guide ring 107 can be attached to surround the meshing portion of the inner teeth 101a of the first gear 101 and the outer teeth 102a of the second gear 102.

[0005] On the other hand, when an external force is applied to the seat back frame SF, the load L transmitted through the meshing part TC of the internal teeth 101a of the first gear 101 and the external teeth 102a of the second gear 102 is concentrated on the collar portion 101b of the first gear 101, causing the collar portion 101b to deform. Due to the deformation of the collar portion 101b, the meshing between the two gears of the second gear 102 and the first gear 101 is reduced, which will cause damage.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problem, the thickness of the collar portion 101b of the first gear 101 has been increased in the past. However, the increase in the thickness of the collar portion is limited. The surface roughness SU of the collar portion 101b formed by burring or forming processes is uneven, and scratches SC inevitably appear in the axial direction of the outer diameter portion. This increases the friction of the wedge 103 that rotates in contact with the collar portion 101b, thus affecting the operation of the angle adjuster.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent No. 10-2236705 (Published on April 6, 2021) Summary of the Invention

[0010] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide an adjustable angle device for a car seat, which, after being combined with an annular member at the annular portion, can distribute the load acting on the annular portion through the annular member.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide an adjuster for a car seat, which is capable of forming a first protrusion on one side of an annular member that contacts the opposite assembly surface of the socket, in order to prevent coating liquid from flowing into the interior of the annular member in the assembled state.

[0012] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the present invention provides an adjuster for an automobile seat, comprising: a first gear having a collar portion extending centrally on one side; a second gear meshing with the first gear while forming an eccentricity; an annular member configured to surround the collar portion; a socket configured to surround the annular member; and a pair of wedge-shaped cams between the annular member and the second gear to restrict or release the annular member from the second gear.

[0013] Furthermore, the annular member includes: a first inner diameter portion formed from one side to the other; and a second inner diameter portion formed from the other side to one side to communicate with the first inner diameter portion, wherein the inner diameter of the second inner diameter portion is larger than the inner diameter of the first inner diameter portion, such that a first step is formed at the boundary with the first inner diameter portion.

[0014] Furthermore, a flange is formed on the outer diameter portion of the annular member, and the flange engages with a receiving groove formed along the circumference of the annular portion of the first gear.

[0015] Furthermore, the first step of the annular member faces the end face of the collar portion.

[0016] Furthermore, one side of the annular member has at least one first protrusion, which contacts the opposite assembly surface of the socket.

[0017] Furthermore, the opposing assembly surfaces of the socket have at least one second protrusion located between a plurality of first protrusions.

[0018] Moreover, the ring-shaped component is formed by sintering.

[0019] Furthermore, the outer diameter portion of the ring-shaped component is ground.

[0020] Furthermore, the socket includes: a first connecting portion extending from the center and connecting to a first inner diameter portion of the annular member; and a second connecting portion extending from the first connecting portion and connecting to an inner diameter portion of the collar portion, wherein the second connecting portion is configured such that its outer diameter is smaller than that of the first connecting portion, thereby forming a second step at the boundary with the first connecting portion.

[0021] Furthermore, the second step is planar with the first step of the annular member, and the end face of the collar portion is in contact with the second step.

[0022] Invention Effects

[0023] The present invention can prevent deformation of the collar by dispersing the load acting on the collar by the ring member after the collar is combined with the ring member.

[0024] Moreover, the present invention can ensure the meshing performance of the first gear and the second gear by distributing the load.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention can prevent the coating adhesive from flowing into the interior of the annular member by means of a first protrusion of the annular member that contacts the opposite assembly surface of the socket. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the state in which the adjuster of an existing car seat is installed on the seat back frame.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view of an existing car seat adjuster.

[0028] Figure 3This is a diagram showing the collar portion of an existing car seat adjuster.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an adjustable seat for a car seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a side cross-sectional view of an adjuster for a car seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of part A.

[0032] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of the annular component according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the load acting on the collar portion of an adjustable car seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] 200: Car seat adjuster; 210: First gear; 212: Collar portion; 220: Second gear; 230: Annular member; 231: First inner diameter portion; 232: Second inner diameter portion; 233: First step; 234: Flange portion; 235: First protrusion; 240: Wedge cam; 250: Socket; 260: First cover; 270: Second cover; 280: Elastic member; 290: Connecting member Detailed Implementation

[0035] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, it should be noted that when labeling the constituent elements of the drawings, the same reference numerals should be used as much as possible for the same constituent elements, even in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related well-known structures or functions will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would obscure the essence of the invention. Moreover, although preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to or restricted thereto, and can be implemented in various ways by those skilled in the art.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an adjustable seat for a car seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] like Figure 4As shown, the car seat adjuster 200 of the present invention includes: a first gear 210 having a collar portion 212 extending centrally on one side; a second gear 220 internally connected to the first gear 210; an annular member 230 coupled to the collar portion 212; a socket 250 coupled to the annular member 230; and a pair of wedge-shaped cams 240 located between the annular member 230 and the second gear 220, elastically supported by an elastic member 280. For example, the elastic member 280 can be a spring.

[0038] A connecting member 290 can be engaged within the inner diameter portion of the second gear 220. The connecting member 290 can be located between the inner diameter portion of the second gear 220 and the wedge-shaped cam 240. For example, the connecting member 290 can be a bushing or a bearing.

[0039] The two ends of the curved extension of the elastic member 280 will be pushed in a direction away from each other by the upper ends of the two wedge-shaped cams 240. The elastic member 280 can be coupled to the socket 250. The elastic member 280 can be located between the first cover 260 and the socket 250.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a side cross-sectional view of an adjustable car seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of part A.

[0041] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first gear 210 may have internal teeth 211 in its inner diameter portion. The internal teeth 211 may mesh with the second gear 220. A receiving groove 213 may be formed along the circumference of the collar portion 212 of the first gear 210.

[0042] The outer diameter of the second gear 220 can be smaller than the outer diameter of the first gear 210. The second gear 220 can mesh with the first gear 210 to form an eccentricity. The second gear 220 has external teeth 221 on its outer diameter portion. The external teeth 221 of the second gear 220 can mesh with the internal teeth 211 of the first gear 210.

[0043] The wedge cam 240 can be configured in an arc shape. The wedge cam 240 can be configured such that its width gradually increases towards one end. A pair of wedge cams 240 can be coupled between the annular member 230 and the second gear 220. The pair of wedge cams 240 can restrict or release the relationship between the annular member 230 and the second gear 220.

[0044] The annular member 230 is assembled to surround the collar portion 212. The annular member 230 includes a first inner diameter portion 231 and a second inner diameter portion 232.

[0045] The first inner diameter portion 231 can be formed to extend from one side of the annular member 230 toward the other side of the collar portion 212.

[0046] The second inner diameter portion 232 is connected to the first inner diameter portion 231. The second inner diameter portion 232 is formed from one side to the other. The second inner diameter portion 232 may be configured such that its inner diameter is larger than that of the first inner diameter portion 231.

[0047] Since the second inner diameter portion 232 is formed such that its inner diameter is larger than that of the first inner diameter portion 231, a first step 233 can be formed at the boundary with the first inner diameter portion 231. The first step 233 can be assembled to face the end face 212a of the collar portion 212.

[0048] A flange 234 may be formed on the outer diameter portion of the annular member 230. The flange 234 may be shaped to conform to the receiving groove 213 of the first gear 210. The flange 234 may be engaged with the receiving groove 213 of the first gear 210.

[0049] At least one first protrusion 235 may be provided on one side of the annular member 230. The first protrusion 235 may be configured in a plurality of concentric circles on one side, thereby forming a concave-convex surface. The first protrusion 235 protrudes and is assembled to contact the opposing assembly surface of the socket 250.

[0050] The first protrusion 235 contacts the opposite assembly surface of the socket 250 to form an airtight structure with the opposite assembly surface of the socket 250, thereby preventing external foreign objects or coating liquid from seeping into the interior of the adjuster.

[0051] The socket 250 is assembled to surround the annular member 230. When the socket 250 rotates, the wedge-shaped cam 240 can rotate. The inner diameter of the socket 250 can be formed into a square-shaped angular structure. A shaft (not shown) for transmitting power can be integrated into the inner diameter of the socket 250. The shaft can be connected to a motor (not shown).

[0052] The socket 250 may have at least one second protrusion 255 that protrudes toward the annular member 230 on the opposite assembly surface that contacts the first protrusion 235. The second protrusion 255 may be assembled between a plurality of first protrusions 235 on one side of the annular member 230.

[0053] Due to the structure of the first protrusion 235 and the second protrusion 255, the penetration of external foreign objects or coating liquid can be completely blocked.

[0054] The socket 250 includes a first connecting portion 251 and a second connecting portion 252. The first connecting portion 251 extends from the center toward the collar portion 212. The first connecting portion 251 can be connected to the first inner diameter portion 231 of the annular member 230. The second connecting portion 252 extends from the first connecting portion 251. The second connecting portion 252 can be connected to the inner diameter portion of the collar portion 212.

[0055] The second joint 252 can be formed such that its outer diameter is smaller than that of the first joint 251. Since the second joint 252 is formed such that its outer diameter is smaller than that of the first joint 251, a second step 253 can be formed at the boundary between the first joint 251 and the second joint 252.

[0056] The second step 253 can be assembled to form a plane with the first step 233 of the annular member 230. The second step 253 can be assembled to contact the end face 212a of the collar portion 212.

[0057] A first cover 260 can be attached to the inner diameter portion of the second gear 220. The first cover 260 prevents the wedge-shaped cam 240, socket 250, elastic member 280, etc., attached to the inside of the second gear 220 from disengaging. For example, the first cover 260 can be welded to the inner diameter portion of the second gear 220.

[0058] A second cover 270 can be attached to the outer diameter portion of the first gear 210. The second cover 270 is attached to the meshing portion surrounding the inner teeth 211 of the first gear 210 and the outer teeth 221 of the second gear 220, and can prevent the second gear 220 from disengaging from the first gear 210.

[0059] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of the annular component according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown, the annular member 230 can be constructed from a different component than the collar portion 212. The annular member 230 can be formed by sintering.

[0061] By polishing the outer diameter of the sintered annular component 230, scratches on the outer diameter are removed and the surface roughness is optimized. This minimizes the friction of the wedge cam 240 that contacts the annular component 230, thus enabling the wedge cam 240 to operate smoothly.

[0062] Next, the loads acting on the collar portion of the present invention will be described.

[0063] Figure 8This is a diagram illustrating the load acting on the collar portion of the adjuster of an automobile seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Previously, when an external force was applied to the seat back frame, the load transmitted through the meshing part of the internal teeth of the first gear and the external teeth of the second gear was concentrated on the collar of the first gear, causing deformation in the collar. Due to the deformation of the collar, the meshing between the two gears of the second gear and the first gear was reduced, resulting in damage.

[0065] However, the present invention does not increase the thickness of the collar portion itself, but rather achieves the effect of increasing the thickness of the collar portion by combining the collar portion with an annular member.

[0066] like Figure 8 As shown, the car seat adjuster 200 of the present invention can distribute the load L acting on the collar portion 212 through the meshing part of the inner teeth 211 of the first gear 210 and the outer teeth 221 of the second gear 220 by the ring member 230, rather than acting directly on the collar portion 212, thereby preventing deformation of the collar portion 212.

[0067] In addition, the ring member 230 can be used to strengthen the collar portion 212 and distribute the load, thereby ensuring the meshing performance of the first gear 210 and the second gear 220.

[0068] On the other hand, according to the present invention, by means of the first protrusion 235 of the annular member 230 that contacts the opposite assembly surface of the socket 250, the assembly part of the socket 250 and the annular member 230 is formed into an airtight structure, thereby preventing external foreign matter or coating liquid from penetrating into the interior of the annular member 230 and enabling the socket 250 and the annular member 230 to operate smoothly.

[0069] Previously, since the collar portion 212 was manufactured by burring or forming, scratches would appear on the outer diameter portion of the collar portion 212, resulting in uneven surface roughness. Furthermore, since the collar portion 212 was integrally formed with the first gear 210, it was not easy to process the outer diameter portion of the collar portion 212.

[0070] However, in this invention, since the annular member 230 is constructed separately from the collar portion 212, the outer diameter of the sintered collar portion 212 can be easily ground in post-processing such as barrel finishing. This grinding process optimizes the surface roughness of the outer diameter of the collar portion 212 and completely removes scratches. By grinding the outer diameter of the collar portion 212, friction of the wedge cam 240, which contacts the collar portion 212, can be minimized, allowing the wedge cam 240 to operate smoothly.

[0071] Next, the angle adjustment of the seat back of the present invention will be explained.

[0072] like Figure 8 As shown, the motor (illustration omitted) is driven by the operating switch (illustration omitted), causing the shaft (illustration omitted) connected to the motor to rotate.

[0073] As the shaft rotates, the socket 250 and the wedge cam 240 connected to the shaft can rotate. The second gear 220 can rotate through the rotation of the socket 250 and the wedge cam 240.

[0074] When the second gear 220 rotates, the first gear 210 rotates accordingly. As the first gear 210 rotates, the angle of the seat back frame (not shown) can be adjusted, and consequently, the angle of the seat back (not shown) can be adjusted.

[0075] The present invention is preferably applied to an electric angle adjuster that operates automatically by means of a motor powered by an operating switch.

[0076] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical spirit of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications, alterations, and substitutions without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this invention are not intended to limit but rather to explain the technical spirit of the invention, and the scope of the technical spirit of the invention should not be limited by the above embodiments and drawings. The scope of protection of this invention should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical spirit within their equivalents should be included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A car seat adjuster, characterized in that, include: The first gear has a collar portion extending from the center of one side; The second gear meshes with the first gear while being internally connected, forming an eccentricity; A ring-shaped component, assembled to surround the ring portion; The socket is assembled to surround the ring-shaped member; as well as A pair of wedge-shaped cams are positioned between the annular member and the second gear to either restrict or release the interaction between the annular member and the second gear. The annular component includes: The first inner diameter portion is formed from one side to the other. as well as The second inner diameter portion is formed from one side to the other side to communicate with the first inner diameter portion. The second inner diameter portion is formed such that its inner diameter is larger than that of the first inner diameter portion, so that a first step is formed at the boundary with the first inner diameter portion.

2. The car seat adjuster according to claim 1, characterized in that, A flange is formed on the outer diameter portion of the annular member, and the flange engages with a receiving groove formed along the circumference of the annular portion of the first gear.

3. The car seat adjuster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first step of the annular component faces the end face of the collar portion.

4. The car seat adjuster according to claim 1, characterized in that, One side of the annular member has at least one first protrusion, which contacts the opposite assembly surface of the socket.

5. The car seat adjuster according to claim 4, characterized in that, The socket's opposite assembly surfaces have at least one second protrusion located between a plurality of first protrusions.

6. The car seat adjuster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ring-shaped component is formed by sintering.

7. The car seat adjuster according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer diameter portion of the ring component is ground.

8. The car seat adjuster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The socket includes: A first connecting portion extends from the center and connects to the first inner diameter portion of the annular member; and The second joint extends from the first joint and is joined to the inner diameter portion of the collar portion. The second joint is formed such that its outer diameter is smaller than that of the first joint, so that a second step is formed at the boundary with the first joint.

9. The car seat adjuster according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second step is planar with the first step of the annular member, and the end face of the annular portion is in contact with the second step.

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