Remote handle assembly with modular pulley arrangement

Abstract

A remote handle assembly for selectively unlocking components in a seat assembly for a motor vehicle, the remote handle assembly comprising: a rear housing having a boss, a spline shaft pivotally coupled to the boss about a rotational axis, and a pulley pivotally coupled to the boss about the rotational axis. The spline shaft includes a cam surface and a pulley channel extending circumferentially about the rotational axis. The spline shaft is pivotable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The pulley includes an engagement surface and an upper pulley channel extending circumferentially about the rotational axis. The pulley is pivotable between a second unactuated position and a second actuated position. The pulley is spaced between the spline shaft and the rear housing. The upper pulley channel in the pulley is axially aligned with the pulley channel in the spline shaft. The cam surface of the spline shaft is configured to frictionally engage the engagement surface on the pulley when the spline shaft is rotated toward the actuated position.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 263,953, filed November 12, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background of the Invention 1. Technical Field

[0004] This invention relates to a remote handle assembly for use in automotive seat assemblies. More specifically, this invention relates to a remote handle assembly having a modular pulley system and configured to unlock a reclining mechanism in a seat assembly.

[0005] 2. Description of related technologies

[0006] Motor vehicles typically include one or more seat assemblies having a seat cushion and a seat back for supporting a passenger above the vehicle floor. The seat assembly typically includes an inner reclining mechanism and an outer reclining mechanism that pivotally connect the seat back to the seat cushion. It is generally known that when the reclining mechanism is locked, it prevents the seat back from rotating relative to the seat cushion. The reclining mechanism typically includes an unlocking element, such as a reclining crank or release lever, actuated via a release cable.

[0007] In addition, the seat assembly typically includes a remote handle assembly configured to selectively unlock the recliner mechanism. It is generally known that the remote handle assembly includes a handle pivotable by an occupant to unlock the recliner mechanism, allowing the occupant to adjust the seat back position. Furthermore, it is generally known that the remote handle assembly is optionally actuated by an electric actuator, for example, when the seat assembly includes a fold-flat feature. Remote handle assemblies operatively connected to electric actuators are typically described as having a one-touch feature (OTF). Non-OTF remote handle assemblies rely on manual operation of the handle to release the recliner mechanism.

[0008] An exemplary non-OTF remote handle assembly described in U.S. Patent 10,675,997 includes a pulley fixedly coupled to a handle spline and operatively coupled to a release cable. In response to an occupant pivoting the handle attached to the handle spline to an actuated position, the pulley applies tension to the release cable. When tension is applied to the release cable, the recliner mechanism is unlocked. When the occupant releases the handle, a return spring rotates the pulley back to an unacted position that allows the recliner mechanism to be locked.

[0009] An exemplary OTF remote handle assembly described in Korean Patent 10-2207896 utilizes an electric actuator and a handle to unlock a reclining mechanism. The remote handle assembly includes a main pulley pivotally connected to a handle spline, which is fixedly coupled to a handle. The handle spline includes a protrusion traveling in a groove in the main pulley, allowing the main pulley to selectively disengage from the handle spline. Rotating the handle spline toward the actuated position causes the main pulley to pivot and applies tension to a release cable, thereby unlocking the reclining mechanism. A second pulley is pivotally coupled to the main pulley and operatively coupled to an actuator cable connected to the electric actuator. To automatically unlock the reclining mechanism, the electric actuator applies tension to the actuator cable, causing the second pulley to pivot and engage with the main pulley, and causing the main pulley to rotate toward the actuated position while disengaging from the handle spline. While the main pulley rotates, the handle remains stationary because the handle spline is disengaged from the main pulley.

[0010] However, disconnecting the main pulley from the handle spline increases the cost and manufacturing complexity of the OTF remote handle assembly. Furthermore, remote handle assemblies often have unique components tailored to each design application, such as unique components for different seat assemblies or for different OTF and non-OTF versions.

[0011] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a remote handle assembly that includes common components for both OTF and non-OTF versions. Additionally, it is desirable to eliminate the component that disconnects the main pulley from the handle spline. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a remote handle assembly with fewer components, thereby reducing costs and simplifying the manufacturing process. Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to one embodiment, a remote handle assembly is provided for selectively unlocking components in a seat assembly for a motor vehicle. The remote handle assembly includes: a rear housing having a boss; a splined shaft pivotally coupled to the boss about an axis of rotation; and a pulley pivotally coupled to the boss about the axis of rotation. The splined shaft includes a cam surface and a pulley channel extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation. The splined shaft is pivotable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The pulley includes an engagement surface and an upper pulley channel extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation. The pulley is pivotable between a second unactuated position and a second actuated position. The pulley is spaced between the splined shaft and the rear housing. The upper pulley channel in the pulley is axially aligned with the pulley channel in the splined shaft. The cam surface of the splined shaft is configured to frictionally engage with the engagement surface on the pulley when the splined shaft rotates toward the actuated position. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The advantages of the present invention will be readily understood, as they become more apparent by referring to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a side view of an automobile seat assembly with a remote handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the remote controller component;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of a portion of the remote controller assembly;

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Exploded view of the remote controller components;

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A sectional perspective view of the remote handle assembly;

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional left view of a portion of the remote handle assembly;

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional right view of a portion of the remote handle assembly;

[0021] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional right-side view of a portion of the remote handle assembly, showing a single-touch feature (OTF) pulley that pivots relative to the spline shaft;

[0022] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional top view of the remote handle assembly in its unactivated state, showing the Bowden cable connected to the OTF pulley;

[0023] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A top-section view of the remote handle assembly in an actuated state;

[0024] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A top-section view of the remote handle assembly in an electrically actuated state;

[0025] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a remote handle assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 13 yes Figure 12Enlarged view of the remote controller component;

[0027] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A sectional perspective view of the remote control assembly.

[0028] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 Exploded view of the remote controller components;

[0029] Figure 16 yes Figure 13 A cross-sectional right view of a portion of the remote handle assembly;

[0030] Figure 17 yes Figure 13 A sectional top view of the remote handle assembly in its unactivated state; and

[0031] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A top-section view of the remote handle assembly in an actuated state. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figures 1 to 18 The illustration shows components of an automotive seat assembly 10 according to an embodiment described herein. Directional references such as top, bottom, upper, lower, upward, downward, longitudinal, lateral, left, right, etc., used or shown in the specification, drawings, or claims 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 several views, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding components.

[0033] like Figure 1 As depicted, the seat assembly 10 includes a seat back 12 pivotally connected to the seat cushion 14 via inner and outer reclining mechanisms 16. The reclining mechanisms 16 are configured to prevent rotation of the seat back 12 relative to the seat cushion 14 when locked. The reclining mechanisms 16 are selectively unlocked by actuating a release lever 18 operatively connected to the respective reclining mechanism 16.

[0034] The seat assembly 10 includes a remote handle assembly 20 configured to actuate a release lever 18 to remotely unlock the recliner mechanism 16. A first embodiment of the remote handle assembly 20 is described in... Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the figure, the components of the remote handle assembly 20 are mounted between the rear housing 22 and the front housing 24.

[0035] Reference Figures 2 to 5The rear housing 22 includes a base plate 26 extending between opposite sidewalls 28, 28' and between opposite endwalls 30, 30'. Each endwall 30, 30' includes a U-shaped groove 32, 32'. A generally cylindrical boss 34 projects generally perpendicularly from the base plate 26, having a longitudinally extending passage 36 therethrough. The longitudinal axis of the boss 34 defines a rotation axis 38. The rear housing 22 includes spaced-apart corner bosses 40 extending from the base plate 26. A hole 42 extends longitudinally through each of the respective corner bosses 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the hole 42 extends through the base plate 26. Each corner boss 40 includes a sidewall defining a stop surface 44. Additionally, spaced-apart brackets 46 extend generally perpendicularly from one sidewall 28 and terminate at an angle to a corresponding protrusion 48 extending from the sidewall 28. In an exemplary embodiment, the sidewall 28 adjacent to the boss 34 includes an arcuate central section 50 extending between opposite wing sections 52, 52'. The opposite wing sections 52, 52' are depicted as non-parallel; however, in an alternative embodiment, the opposite wing sections 52, 52' may be parallel to each other. Furthermore, an arcuate notch 54 extends circumferentially along the upper edge of the central section 50. Additionally, a plurality of triangular protrusions 56 having capturing surfaces 58 extend from the opposite sidewalls 28, 28' of the rear housing 22.

[0036] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The front housing 24 includes a plurality of U-shaped protrusions 60 extending at approximately right angles from the outer surface 62 of the front housing 24. A groove 64 in each of the U-shaped protrusions 60 is configured to engage in a mating manner with a capturing surface 58 of a corresponding protrusion 56 on the rear housing 22 when the front housing 24 is assembled with the rear housing 22, such as... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, spaced-apart mounting holes 66 and centrally positioned spline holes 68 extend through the front housing 24. When the front housing 24 is assembled with the rear housing 22, the mounting holes 66 are substantially aligned with the holes 42 in the rear housing 22.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 9 As depicted, the remote handle assembly 20 also includes a power cable assembly 70 and a mechanism cable assembly 72. The power cable assembly 70 includes a housing 74, a power Bowden cable 76, and a power cable attachment 78. The proximal end of the housing 74 is fixedly coupled to the power cable attachment 78, which is fixedly coupled to one of the U-shaped slots 32, 32' in the rear housing 22. The power Bowden cable 76 extends longitudinally through the housing 74 and through a passage 80 in the power cable attachment 78. Figure 5 And extends into cavity 82 in rear housing 22.

[0038] Reference Figures 2 to 5The mechanism cable assembly 72 includes an inner housing 84 and an outer housing 84', an outer Bowden cable 86 and an inner Bowden cable 86' (i.e., a release Bowden cable), and a manual cable attachment 88. The proximal ends of the housings 84, 84' are fixedly coupled to the manual cable attachment 88, which is fixedly coupled to another U-shaped groove in the U-shaped grooves 32, 32' of the rear housing 22. The Bowden cables 86, 86' extend longitudinally through the respective housings 84, 84' and through the respective passages 90, 90' in the manual cable attachment 88. Figure 5 And extends into cavity 82 in rear housing 22.

[0039] Reference Figures 4 to 9 The remote handle assembly 20 also includes a splined shaft 92 pivotally coupled to the rear housing 22. (See reference...) Figures 6 to 8 The splined shaft 92 includes a generally cylindrical section 94 having an external spline 96 and a longitudinally extending passage 98 through the cylindrical section 94. A sector 100 extends radially from the proximal end of the cylindrical section 94. A pulley channel 102 (i.e., a splined shaft pulley) extends circumferentially along the outer portion of the sector 100 between a rear side 104 and a front side 106 of the sector 100. Opposing attachment holes 108 extend axially through the sector 100 and abut the pulley channel 102. Each attachment hole 108 includes a cable groove 110 extending generally radially outward to the outer side of the sector 100. Figure 8 As best shown in the diagram, the cylindrical section 94 of the arm 112, adjacent to the spline shaft 92, protrudes radially from the fan-shaped portion 100. The arm 112 is configured to fit within a recess 54 in the central section 50 of the rear housing 22, as... Figure 5 As shown. Figure 6 As depicted, the stop boss 114 protrudes from the rear side portion 104 of the fan-shaped portion 100. (See reference...) Figure 8 The front side portion 106 defines a cam surface for the sector portion 100 and includes a second boss 116 spaced between the side sections 118 and 120. Figure 7 As depicted, the sector 100 also includes a generally U-shaped notch 122 extending between the recessed portion 124 of the sector 100 and the wall frame 125. Without changing the scope of the invention, the spline shaft 92 may have one or two pulley channels 102.

[0040] Reference Figures 4 to 9 The remote handle assembly 20 also includes a single-touch feature (OTF) pulley 126 pivotally coupled to the rear housing 22. (See reference...) Figure 4 The OTF pulley 126 includes a base 128 having a generally fan-shaped shape and extending between a rear portion 130 and a front portion 132. The base 128 includes a spring recess 134, such as... Figure 4As illustrated in the diagram. Additionally, the collar 136 projects generally vertically from the distal portion of the base 128 and terminates at the edge 138. Furthermore, a passage 140 extends longitudinally through the collar 136 and the base 128. The longitudinal axis of the collar 136 defines the axis of rotation 38 of the OTF pulley 126.

[0041] Reference Figure 7 The OTF pulley 126 includes a boss 142, which is generally cylindrical in shape, protrudes from a base 128, and terminates on an upper surface 144. An attachment orifice 146 extends longitudinally through the boss 142 and through the bottom surface 148 of the base 128. The boss 142 also includes a sidewall 150 and an endwall 152 extending downward from the upper surface 144. Additionally, the sidewall 150 is sized and shaped to frictionally engage with the outer section 118 of the splined shaft 92 after assembly. Figure 9 As shown in the image.

[0042] like Figure 7 As shown, the OTF pulley 126 also includes an upper pulley channel 154 (i.e., the first mechanism pulley), which extends circumferentially from an opening in the side wall 150 along the end wall 152 of the boss 142, through an aperture 146 in the boss 142, and terminates at another opening on the front side portion 132. The upper pulley channel 154 is sized and shaped to be axially aligned with the pulley channel 102 in the spline shaft 92 when the OTF pulley 126 is assembled with the spline shaft 92, such as... Figure 7 As shown in the diagram. During assembly, the upper pulley channel 154 and the pulley channel 102 form a single pulley channel.

[0043] Furthermore, the upper groove 156 extends radially from the orifice 146 through the end wall 152 of the boss 142, extends axially through the upper surface 144 of the boss 142, and abuts the upper pulley channel 154. A portion of the orifice 146 adjacent to the upper groove 156 defines an upper attachment position for one of the Bowden cables 86, 86' in the mechanism cable assembly 72, wherein the upper groove 156 allows the Bowden cable 86, 86' to be inserted into the orifice 146 and along the upper pulley channel 154.

[0044] like Figure 6 As depicted, the outer wall 158 extends circumferentially along the base 128 between the cylindrical boss 142 of the OTF pulley 126 and the rear side portion 130. (See reference...) Figure 7The OTF pulley 126 includes a lower pulley channel 160 (i.e., a second mechanism pulley) that extends circumferentially from an opening in the rear portion 130 along the outer wall 158 through an aperture 146 in the boss 142 and terminates at another opening on the front portion 132. Furthermore, a lower groove 162 extends radially from the aperture 146 through the outer wall 158, extends axially through the bottom surface 148 of the base 128, and abuts the lower pulley channel 160. A portion of the aperture 146 adjacent to the lower groove 162 defines a lower attachment position for another Bowden cable of Bowden cables 86, 86' in the mechanism cable assembly 72, wherein the lower groove 162 allows Bowden cables 86, 86' to be inserted into the aperture 146 and along the lower pulley channel 160.

[0045] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the OTF pulley 126 includes a central pulley channel 164 (i.e., an electric actuator pulley) that extends circumferentially from a cable opening 166 in the rear portion 130 along the outer wall 158 through an aperture 146 and terminates at a third opening in the front portion 132. A narrow slot 168 extends between the central pulley channels 164 and through a wall portion 170 adjacent to the rear portion 130 of the OTF pulley 126 and the outer wall 158. The narrow slot 168 allows the electric Bowden cable 76 to be inserted into the central pulley channel 164. Additionally, the central pulley channels 164 are axially spaced between the upper pulley channel 154 and the lower pulley channel 160.

[0046] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 Flange 172 extends from boss 142 along base 128 and generally toward axis of rotation 38. Flange 172 includes intermediate wall 174 offset from proximal end wall 176. Intermediate wall 174 and proximal end wall 176 form mating surfaces that are sized and shaped to frictionally engage with second boss 116 and inner section 120 of spline shaft 92, respectively, after assembly. Figure 9 As shown in the diagram. More specifically, the sidewall 150, the intermediate wall 174, and the proximal wall 176 define a pulley cam surface configured to frictionally engage with a fan-shaped cam surface formed by a second boss 116 spaced between the side sections 118, 120.

[0047] like Figure 4As shown, the remote handle assembly 20 also includes a pulley spring 178, a spline shaft spring 180, and a pair of threaded inserts / nuts 182. The pulley spring 178 is a torsion spring having opposite spring legs 184, 186 and a ring portion with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the collar 136. The spline shaft spring 180 is also a torsion spring, having opposite spring legs 188, 190 and a ring portion with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical section 94 of the spline shaft 92. The threaded inserts / nuts 182 have a proximal end sized and shaped to fit within a corresponding hole 42 in the rear housing 22, and a distal end sized and shaped to fit within a corresponding mounting hole 66 in the front housing 24.

[0048] Figures 3 to 9 The illustration shows a method for assembling a remote handle assembly 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 4 Insert the proximal end of the threaded insert / nut 182 into the corresponding hole 42 in the rear housing 22. Slide the OTF pulley 126 onto the boss 34 in the rear housing 22, wherein the passage 140 is aligned with the boss 34 and the bottom surface 148 of the OTF pulley 126 faces the rear housing 22. Slide the pulley spring 178 onto the OTF pulley 126, wherein the collar 136 extends through the ring portion of the pulley spring 178. Insert one spring leg 186 into the spring recess 134 in the OTF pulley 126. Abut the other spring leg 184 against the ledge 46 extending from the protrusion 48 in the rear housing 22, as... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. Next, the splined shaft 92 is slid onto the boss 34 in the rear housing 22, wherein the boss 34 is aligned with the passage 98 in the splined shaft 92, and wherein the cylindrical section 94 is oriented away from the OTF pulley 126. See reference. Figure 7 The ring portion of the spline shaft spring 180 is slid on the cylindrical portion 94 of the spline shaft 92, and one of the spline spring legs 190 is inserted into the recess 122 in the spline shaft 92. For example... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, another spline spring leg of the spline spring leg 188 abuts against the wall bracket 46 and protrusion 48 in the rear housing 22.

[0049] Reference Figure 9 A pulley spring 178 is operatively connected between the OTF pulley 126 and the rear housing 22. The pulley spring 178 applies a biasing force to the OTF pulley 126, thereby causing the OTF pulley 126 to move along... Figure 9The rotation is observed to be clockwise. The pulley spring 178 causes the rear side 130 of the OTF pulley 126 to engage frictionally with the stop surface 44 in the rear housing 22 when the OTF pulley 126 is not actuated. Additionally, a spline shaft spring 180 is operatively connected between the spline shaft 92 and the rear housing 22. The spline shaft spring 180 applies a biasing force to the spline shaft 92, thereby causing the spline shaft 92 to rotate in the clockwise direction as observed in the diagram. Figure 9 The clockwise rotation observed in the figure. The spline shaft spring 180 causes the stop boss 114 on the spline shaft 92 to engage frictionally with the stop surface 44 in the rear housing 22 when the spline shaft 92 is not actuated.

[0050] Also refer to Figure 9 After the splined shaft spring 180 is assembled with the splined shaft 92, the electric cable attachment 78 and the manual cable attachment 88 are inserted into the corresponding U-shaped slots 32, 32' in the rear housing 22. The ball fitting 192 is then securely attached to the proximal end of the electric Bowden cable 76. (Refer to...) Figures 6 to 9 The electric Bowden cable 76 is inserted into the central pulley channel 164, passing through the narrow slot 168 in the outer wall 158 of the OTF pulley 126 and through the opening in the rear side portion 130, such that the ball fitting 192 abuts against the rear side portion 130. The electric Bowden cable 76 is slidably connected to the central pulley channel 164. Furthermore, since the ball fitting 192 is larger than the opening in the rear side portion 130, the electric Bowden cable 76 is held within the central pulley channel 164.

[0051] The outer Bowden cable 86 and the inner Bowden cable 86' terminate at corresponding crossbar stop sleeves 194. The crossbar stop sleeve 194 of one of the Bowden cables 86, 86' is inserted into the upper attachment position in the orifice 146 of the OTF pulley 126, wherein the Bowden cable 86, 86' is inserted through the upper groove 156 and into the upper pulley channel 154. The Bowden cable 86, 86' is also inserted into the pulley channel 102 in the spline shaft 92. Additionally, the crossbar stop sleeve 194 of the other Bowden cable 86, 86' is inserted into the lower attachment position in the orifice 146, wherein the Bowden cable 86, 86' is inserted through the lower groove 162 and into the lower pulley channel 160 in the OTF pulley 126. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The front housing 24 is slid onto the splined shaft 92, wherein the cylindrical section 94 extends through the splined hole 68 in the front housing 24. The front housing 24 is fixedly connected to the rear housing 22 by snapping the U-shaped protrusion 60 on the front housing 24 onto the triangular protrusion 56 on the rear housing 22.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The distal ends 196, 196' of the outer Bowden cable 86 and the inner Bowden cable 86' are operatively connected to the release lever 18 of the corresponding recliner mechanism 16. The remote handle assembly 20 is configured to actuate the release lever 18 by applying tension to the outer Bowden cable 86 and the inner Bowden cable 86' to remotely unlock the recliner mechanism 16.

[0053] The seat assembly 10 also includes an electric actuator 198 operatively coupled to the remote handle assembly 20 via an electric Bowden cable 76. The distal end 200 of the electric Bowden cable 76 is operatively coupled to the electric actuator 198. When the electric actuator 198 is actuated, it applies tension to the electric Bowden cable 76. When the electric actuator 198 is deactivated, the tension is removed from the electric Bowden cable 76.

[0054] like Figure 1 As illustrated, the seat assembly 10 also includes a recliner handle 202, which is positioned for easy access by an occupant and operatively coupled to the remote handle assembly 20. The recliner handle 202 has an internal spline configured to engage with an external spline 96 on a splined shaft 92 in a mating manner. The recliner handle 202 is rotatable about the axis of rotation 38 of the splined shaft 92 between an unactuated position (shown as recliner handle 202) and an actuated position (shown as recliner handle 202'). The corresponding unactuated and actuated positions of the splined shaft 92 are respectively located at... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, the reclining handle 202 is spring-biased toward the unacted position by a splined shaft spring 180 operatively connected between the splined shaft 92 and the rear housing 22.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 and Figures 9 to 11 To unlock the reclining mechanism 16, the occupant rotates the reclining handle 202 about the rotation axis 38 from the unacted position toward the... Figure 1 The actuation position is shown in element 202'. Rotate the tilting handle 202 to the actuation position 202' so that the spline shaft 92 moves along the direction shown in the figure. Figure 10The rotation is observed to be counterclockwise (arrow 204). The front side 106 of the spline shaft 92 frictionally engages with the flange 172 on the OTF pulley 126, causing the OTF pulley 126 to rotate together with the spline shaft 92 in a counterclockwise direction (arrow 204). The spline shaft 92 and the OTF pulley 126 can rotate counterclockwise (arrow 204) until the front side 132 of the flange 172 frictionally engages with one of the stop surfaces 44 in the rear housing 22. As the OTF pulley 126 rotates counterclockwise (arrow 204), tension is applied to the outer Bowden cable 86 and the inner Bowden cable 86' (arrow 206). However, the counterclockwise rotation of the OTF pulley 126 (arrow 204) does not apply tension to the electric Bowden cable 76, because the electric Bowden cable 76 can slide freely along the central pulley channel 164. The recliner handle 202 allows the occupant to release the recliner mechanism 16 via the upper pulley channel 154 and the lower pulley channel 160 in the OTF pulley 126.

[0056] OTF pulleys 126 to Figure 10 Rotation of the actuation position shown applies tension to the outer Bowden cable 86 and the inner Bowden cable 86' (arrow 206), which actuates the release lever 18 to unlock the recliner mechanism 16. When the occupant holds the recliner handle 202 in the actuation position 202' and the recliner mechanism 16 is unlocked, the occupant can pivot the seat back 12 relative to the seat cushion 14.

[0057] After the occupant releases the reclining handle 202, the spline shaft spring 180 causes the spline shaft 92 to rotate clockwise around the axis of rotation 38. Figure 9 Arrow 204' in the middle) from the actuation position ( Figure 10 Rotate to the unacted position. Figure 9 This returns the reclining handle 202 to the unacted position. Figure 1 Additionally, pulley spring 178 causes OTF pulley 126 to rotate clockwise (arrow 204') about rotation axis 38 from the actuated position ( Figure 10 Rotate to the unacted position. Figure 9 This is because the load applied to the OTF pulley 126 by the splined shaft 92 has been removed. When the OTF pulley 126 returns to the unacted position... Figure 9 When the tension is removed from the outer Bowden cable 86 and the inner Bowden cable 86', the tension applied to the release lever 18 is removed and the reclining mechanism 16 is automatically relocked.

[0058] Reference Figure 11When the occupant activates the folding-flat function, the electric actuator 198 applies tension to the electric Bowden cable 76 (arrow 208), causing the OTF pulley 126 to rotate counterclockwise around the rotation axis 38 (arrow 204) from the unacted position. Figure 9 Rotate to the actuation position. Figure 11 OTF pulley 126 to the actuation position ( Figure 11 The rotation of the seat back 12 applies tension (arrow 206) to the outer Bowden cable 86 and the inner Bowden cable 86', thereby actuating the release lever 18 and unlocking the recliner mechanism 16. When the recliner mechanism 16 is unlocked, the seat back 12 can rotate so that the seat back 12 covers the seat cushion 14. During the fold-flat function, the recliner handle 202 is disengaged from the electric actuator 198, so that the recliner handle 202 remains stationary, while the electric actuator 198 rotates the OTF pulley 126. The spline shaft 92 is disengaged from the OTF pulley 126 because, as the OTF pulley 126 rotates, the Bowden cables 86, 86' attached to the upper attachment position slide freely along the pulley channel 102 in the spline shaft 92.

[0059] To relock the reclining mechanism 16, the electric actuator 198 removes tension from the electric Bowden cable 76, which allows the pulley spring 178 to rotate the OTF pulley 126 clockwise (arrow 204') about the axis of rotation 38 toward the unacted position. Figure 9 Rotation. The tension is removed from the outer Bowden cable 86 and the inner Bowden cable 86', which removes the tension applied to the release lever 18 and causes the reclining mechanism 16 to automatically relock.

[0060] The second embodiment of the remote controller assembly 20 is in Figures 12 to 18 The figures are shown in the diagram, wherein similar reference numerals with double apostrophes denote elements similar to those described above. The second embodiment depicts a non-OTF version of the remote handle assembly 20”. Only the significant differences between the two embodiments are reflected in the figures and the following description. In the second embodiment of the remote handle assembly 20”, the rear housing 22” has a reduced depth compared to the rear housing 22 in the first embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 12 The outer Bowden cable 86” of the mechanism cable assembly 72” extends longitudinally through the housing 84”, through the passage 90” in the manual cable attachment 88”, and into the rear housing 22”. (See reference...) Figure 15 After the threaded insert / nut 182, splined shaft 92, and splined shaft spring 180 are assembled with the rear housing 22", the crossbar stop sleeve 194" is inserted into the attachment hole 108 on the splined shaft 92, and the outer Bowden cable 86" is inserted into the... Figure 17The pulley channel 102 is reflected in the diagram, and the front housing 24 is attached to the rear housing 22. It should be understood that one or more Bowden cables 86" may be attached to the spline shaft 92 without changing the scope of the invention.

[0061] Remote controller component 20” Figure 17 The image is shown in its fully assembled state, with the splined shaft 92 in the unacted position. Rotating the tilting handle 202 counterclockwise (arrow 204) to the actuated position rotates the splined shaft 92 to... Figure 18 The actuated position is shown in the diagram. In the actuated position, the front side 106 of the spline shaft 92 frictionally engages with the stop surface 44 in the rear housing 22". As the spline shaft 92 rotates toward the actuated position, tension (arrow 206) is applied to the outer Bowden cable 86", thereby unlocking the recliner mechanism 16. When the occupant releases the recliner handle 202, the spline shaft spring 180 automatically rotates the spline shaft 92 clockwise (arrow 204') to the unacted position. Figure 17 The tension is removed from the outer Bowden cable 86”, which removes the tension applied to the release lever 18 and causes the reclining mechanism 16 to automatically relock.

[0062] As described above, the remote handle assemblies 20, 20” of the present invention include common components in both the OFT and non-OFT versions, wherein the depth of the rear housings 22, 22” is adjusted to accommodate additional components in the OFT version. Furthermore, when the electric actuator 198 applies tension to the electric Bowden cable 76, the spline shaft 92 disengages from the OTF pulley 126 without requiring additional disconnection components. The reduction in components in the remote handle assemblies 20, 20” and the use of common components between the OTF and non-OFT versions reduce component costs and manufacturing complexity.

[0063] 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. In view of the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations of the invention are possible. 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 remote handle assembly for selectively unlocking components in a seat assembly for a motor vehicle, the remote handle assembly comprising: Rear housing, the rear housing having a boss; A splined shaft, pivotally connected to the boss about a rotation axis, wherein the splined shaft includes a cam surface and a pulley channel extending circumferentially about the rotation axis, and wherein the splined shaft is pivotable between an unacted position and an actuated position; and A pulley, pivotally connected to the boss about the axis of rotation, wherein the pulley includes a mating surface and an upper pulley channel extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, wherein the pulley is pivotable between a second unacted position and a second acted position, wherein: The pulleys are spaced between the splined shaft and the rear housing; The upper pulley channel in the pulley is axially aligned with the pulley channel in the spline shaft; and The cam surface of the spline shaft is configured to frictionally engage with the engagement surface on the pulley when the spline shaft rotates toward the actuated position.

2. The remote handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The pulley also includes an attachment port connected to the upper pulley channel and a central pulley channel extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation, and wherein the remote handle assembly further includes: Release Bowden cable, the release Bowden cable being fixedly connected to the attachment orifice, wherein the release Bowden cable extends along the upper pulley channel and along the pulley channel in the spline shaft; and An electric Bowden cable is slidably connected to the central pulley channel.

3. The remote handle assembly according to claim 2, wherein, Rotating the spline shaft from the unacted position to the actuated position causes the pulley to rotate to the second actuated position, and causes tension to be applied to the release Bowden cable.

4. The remote handle assembly according to claim 3, wherein, Applying tension to the electric Bowden cable causes the pulley to rotate to the second actuated position, and causes tension to be applied to the released Bowden cable, while the spline shaft remains in the unacted position.

5. The remote handle assembly of claim 4, further comprising a spline shaft spring operatively connected between the spline shaft and the rear housing to bias the spline shaft toward the unactuated position.

6. The remote handle assembly of claim 5 further includes a pulley spring operatively connected between the pulley and the rear housing to bias the pulley toward the second unacted position.

7. The remote handle assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The pulley also includes: A sliding wheel channel, the sliding wheel channel extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation; and The second attachment port is connected to the lower pulley channel.

8. The remote handle assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The remote handle assembly also includes a second release Bowden cable, which is fixedly connected to the second attachment port and extends along the pulley channel.

9. The remote handle assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The splined shaft also includes a third attachment port that connects to the pulley channel to provide an alternative attachment location for releasing the Bowden cable.

10. The remote handle assembly of claim 9, wherein, The spline shaft further includes a cylindrical section and a fan-shaped section, the cylindrical section having a passage extending longitudinally along the axis of rotation, the fan-shaped section extending radially from the proximal end of the cylindrical section, and wherein the pulley channel extends circumferentially along the outer end of the fan-shaped section.

11. The remote handle assembly of claim 10, wherein, The cylindrical section includes an external spline configured to connect with the handle of the tilting device.

12. The remote handle assembly of claim 11, wherein, The pulley includes a collar and a sector-shaped base. The collar has a second passage extending along the axis of rotation. The sector-shaped base extends radially from the collar, wherein the upper pulley channel, the central pulley channel, and the lower pulley channel extend circumferentially along the outer end of the sector-shaped base.

13. The remote handle assembly of claim 12, wherein, The boss protrudes through the second passage in the collar of the pulley and into the passage in the cylindrical section of the spline shaft.

14. The remote handle assembly of claim 13, wherein, The pulley spring includes a spring ring, and the collar protrudes into the spring ring.

15. The remote handle assembly of claim 14, wherein, The spline shaft spring includes a second spring ring, and the cylindrical section of the spline shaft protrudes into the second spring ring.

16. The remote handle assembly of claim 15, further comprising a front housing having a splined hole, wherein, When the front housing is fixedly connected to the rear housing, at least a portion of the cylindrical section of the spline shaft extends through the spline bore.

17. The remote handle assembly of claim 16, wherein, The pulley channel in the spline shaft includes a first pulley channel and a second pulley channel, wherein the upper pulley channel is axially aligned with the first pulley channel, and the lower pulley channel is axially aligned with the second pulley channel.

18. The remote handle assembly of claim 17, wherein, The release Bowden cable extends along the upper pulley channel and the first pulley channel, and the second release Bowden cable extends along the lower pulley channel and the second pulley channel.

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