Rotating mechanism with dual-function supporting plate

Abstract

A swivel mechanism (20) for a seat assembly for use in a motor vehicle has: a base plate (38); a rotating plate (92) pivotally coupled to the base plate and having an inner flange (96), an outer ring (106), and an outer flange (108). The rotary mechanism also includes a retaining ring (54) having an annular portion (60) and fixedly coupled to the base plate, with the inner flange (96) axially spaced between the annular portion (60) and the base plate (38). The rotation mechanism also includes a support plate (72) including an upper channel (78) and a J-shaped channel (80) extending in a circumferential direction. The J-shaped channel has an inner side portion (82) projecting axially upward from the upper channel (78), an outer side portion (84) projecting axially downward and spaced radially outward from the inner side portion (82), where the outer side portion (84) is fixedly coupled to the base plate, and a radial portion (86) extending radially between the inner side portion and the outer side portion.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 344,215 filed on May 20, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to seat assemblies for use in automotive vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a swivel mechanism for use on an automotive seat assembly configured to allow the seat assembly to be rotated between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position. Background Art

[0004] 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. Certain seat assemblies are generally known to be capable of pivoting between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position. Certain seat assemblies are also generally known to include a swivel mechanism operatively coupled between the seat cushion and the seat base and configured to allow the seat cushion to rotate between the forward-facing position and the rearward-facing position.

[0005] The swivel mechanism typically includes an upper plate fixedly coupled to a seat cushion, a lower plate fixedly coupled to a seat base, and a swivel plate axially positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate. In addition, some swivel mechanisms typically include rollers, bearings, and / or sliding elements positioned between the upper and lower plates and the swivel plate to allow for smooth adjustment and force when rotating the swivel mechanism. In some swivel mechanisms, buffers and / or wedges are also included within the swivel mechanism to increase the mechanical stability of the locked position. In addition, local reinforcements, such as J-hooks, are typically added to the upper and / or lower plates to increase the load-bearing capacity of the swivel mechanism.

[0006] However, due in part to the clearances between the rollers, bearings and / or sliding elements relative to the upper plate, lower plate and rotating plate, the conventionally known rotating mechanisms incorporated into the seat assembly may have unacceptable looseness in the axial direction. In addition, because the J-shaped hooks are circumferentially spaced around the rotating plate, the J-shaped hooks typically have undesirable material thickness and required assembly costs.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the looseness of the rotating mechanism in the axial direction without including a wedge or a buffer in the rotating mechanism. In addition, it is desirable to reduce the material thickness of the J-hook and the assembly cost of the rotating mechanism while providing sufficient peel strength in the axial direction. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to one embodiment, a swivel mechanism for use in a seat assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The swivel mechanism includes a base plate and a swivel plate. The swivel plate is pivotally coupled to the base plate and includes: an inner flange extending in a circumferential direction around a central aperture extending through the swivel plate; an outer ring extending in a circumferential direction and radially outwardly spaced from the inner flange; and an outer flange extending upwardly from the outer ring. The swivel mechanism also includes a retaining ring including: an annular portion extending in a circumferential direction; and a leg portion protruding downwardly from the annular portion through a central aperture in the swivel plate and fixedly coupled to the base plate, wherein the inner flange is axially spaced between the annular portion and the base plate. The swivel mechanism also includes a support plate including: an upper channel extending in a circumferential direction; and a J-shaped channel extending in a circumferential direction and radially outwardly spaced from the upper channel. The J-shaped channel also includes an inner portion that protrudes axially upward from the upper channel, an outer portion that protrudes axially downward and is radially spaced outward from the inner portion, and a radial portion that extends radially between the inner portion and the outer portion, wherein the outer portion is fixedly connected to the base plate.

[0009] According to another embodiment, a seat assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion, a seat base, and a rotating mechanism that pivotally couples the seat cushion to the seat base. The rotating mechanism includes a base plate fixedly coupled to the seat base and a rotating plate pivotally coupled to the base plate and fixedly coupled to the seat cushion. The rotating plate also includes: an inner flange extending in a circumferential direction around a central aperture extending through the rotating plate; an outer ring extending in a circumferential direction and radially outwardly spaced from the inner flange; and an outer flange extending upward from the outer ring. The rotating mechanism also includes a retaining ring including: an annular portion extending in a circumferential direction; and a leg portion that protrudes downward from the annular portion through a central aperture in the rotating plate and is fixedly coupled to the base plate, wherein the inner flange is axially spaced between the annular portion and the base plate. The rotating mechanism also includes a support plate, which includes: an upper channel extending in a circumferential direction; and a J-shaped channel extending in a circumferential direction and radially spaced outward from the upper channel. In addition, the J-shaped channel includes: an inner side portion protruding axially upward from the upper channel; an outer side portion protruding axially downward and radially spaced outward from the inner side portion; and a radial portion extending radially between the inner side portion and the outer side portion, wherein the outer side portion is fixedly connected to the base plate. The outer ring is axially spaced between the upper channel and the base plate, and the outer flange is radially spaced between the inner side portion and the outer side portion and axially spaced between the radial portion and the base plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as they will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly including a swivel mechanism pivotally coupled to a seat cushion and a seat base;

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a rotating mechanism;

[0013] Figure 3 According to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the rotating mechanism taken along line 3-3;

[0014] Figure 4 According to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the rotating mechanism taken along line 3-3; and

[0015] 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a known swivel mechanism for a seat assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Figures 1 to 4 Components of a seat assembly 10 for use in a motor vehicle according to the embodiments described herein are illustrated. 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 present invention in any aspect. Referring to the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0017] exist Figure 1As depicted in FIG. 1 , the seat assembly 10 includes a seat cushion 12, a seat back 14 pivotally coupled to the seat cushion 12, and a seat base 15 configured to support the seat assembly 10 above a vehicle floor 16. Without changing the scope of the present invention, the seat base 15 may include a pair of laterally spaced upright brackets 18 that are fixedly coupled directly to the vehicle floor 16 or fixedly coupled to other components of the seat base 15, such as a sliding mechanism, a height adjustment mechanism, a tilt mechanism, etc. In addition, the seat assembly 10 includes a swivel mechanism 20 that pivotally couples the seat cushion 12 to the seat base 15. The swivel mechanism 20 allows the seat cushion 12 to selectively pivot between a forward facing position and a rearward facing position relative to the seat base 15.

[0018] Reference Figure 1 The swivel mechanism 20 includes an upper structure 22 including a tubular frame 24 configured to support the seat cushion 12. The tubular frame 24 includes opposing front and rear portions 26, 28 extending between opposing inboard and outboard portions 30, 32. A pair of laterally spaced bolt passages 34 extend vertically through the front and rear portions 26, 28 of the tubular frame 24. It will be appreciated that the tubular frame 24 may be replaced by a plate, bracket, etc. without altering the scope of the present invention. The swivel mechanism 20 also includes a pair of laterally spaced seat brackets 36 fixedly coupled to the respective inboard and outboard portions 30, 32 of the tubular frame 24 and fixedly coupled to the seat cushion 12.

[0019] In addition, the swivel mechanism 20 includes a base plate 38 that is fixedly coupled to the seat base 15. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the base plate 38 is fixedly coupled to the upper portion of the riser bracket 18. Figure 2 and Figure 3, the base plate 38 includes a support plate 40 extending in a generally horizontal direction and a protrusion 42 protruding at a generally right angle from the outer edge of the support plate 40. In addition, the base plate 38 includes a central hole 44 extending through the support plate 40, the central hole 44 defining a rotation axis 46 of the rotating mechanism 20. The base plate 38 also includes a plurality of spaced apart internal grooves 48 extending axially through the base plate 38 and circumferentially spaced around the central hole 44 and radially outwardly spaced from the central hole 44. The base plate 38 also includes an upwardly facing base channel 50 extending in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis 46 and radially outwardly spaced from the internal grooves 48. The base channel 50 is configured to support and accommodate rolling elements, sliding elements, etc., as further described below. In addition, the base plate 38 includes a plurality of spaced apart outer slots 52 extending axially through the base plate 38 and spaced circumferentially about and radially outwardly from the base channel 50. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the inner groove 48 and the outer groove 52 are generally arcuate in shape. It will be understood that the size, shape, number and relative position of the inner groove 48 and the outer groove 52 may vary without changing the scope of the present invention.

[0020] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 As depicted in , the rotating mechanism 20 also includes a retaining ring 54 that is fixedly coupled to the base plate 38. The retaining ring 54 is generally annular in shape and has a central passage 58 that extends axially through the retaining ring 54 and defines the central axis of the retaining ring 54. The central passage 58 has a longitudinal axis that is configured to be generally aligned with the rotation axis 46 of the rotating mechanism 20 when the retaining ring 54 is assembled with the base plate 38. The retaining ring 54 includes an annular portion 60 that extends in a circumferential direction around the central passage 58 and extends radially outward. The retaining ring 54 also includes an outer rim 62 that extends upward from the outer edge of the annular portion 60. In addition, the retaining ring 54 includes a downwardly facing J-shaped channel 64 extending from the inner edge of the annular portion 60, and the retaining ring 54 has a leg portion 66 that extends circumferentially around the central passage 58. The retaining ring 54 also includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart internal projections 68 extending from the leg portions 66 in a downward axial direction and configured to engage in a mating manner with corresponding internal grooves 48 in the base plate 38. During assembly, the internal projections 68 are inserted into the corresponding internal grooves 48, and then one or more of the internal projections 68 are fixedly coupled to the base plate 38 via welds 70. It will be appreciated that one or more of the internal projections 68 may be fixedly coupled to the base plate 38 via welds 70, friction fit, a riveting process, mechanical fasteners, etc. without altering the scope of the present invention.

[0021] The rotating mechanism 20 also includes a support plate 72 fixedly coupled to the base plate 38 and radially spaced from the retaining ring 54. The support plate 72 includes an inner ring 74 extending circumferentially around a central opening 76 in the support plate 72. The central opening 76 has a longitudinal axis configured to be generally aligned with the rotation axis 46 of the rotating mechanism 20 when the support plate 72 is assembled with the base plate 38. The inner diameter of the central opening 76 in the support plate 72 is preferably greater than the outer diameter of the outer edge 62 of the retaining ring 54. The support plate 72 includes a downwardly facing upper channel 78 having an arc shape and extending generally radially outward from the inner ring 74. In addition, the support plate 72 includes a downwardly facing J-shaped channel 80, which extends in a circumferential direction and has spaced apart inner and outer portions 82 and 84, which extend axially downward from a radial portion 86, wherein the inner portion 82 of the J-shaped channel 80 extends upward from the outer edge of the upper channel 78. The support plate 72 also includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart external projections 88 extending from the outer side 84 of the J-shaped channel 80 in a downward axial direction and configured to engage in a mating manner with corresponding external slots 52 in the base plate 38. During assembly, the external projections 88 are inserted into the corresponding external slots 52 and one or more of the external projections 88 are fixedly coupled to the base plate 38 via welds 90. It will be appreciated that one or more of the external projections 88 may be fixedly coupled to the base plate 38 via welds 90, friction fit, a riveting process, mechanical fasteners, etc. without altering the scope of the present invention.

[0022] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3, the rotating mechanism 20 also includes a rotating plate 92 axially spaced between the retaining ring 54, the support plate 72 and the base plate 38. The rotating plate 92 is generally annular and has a central aperture 94 extending axially through the rotating plate 92 and defined by an inner flange 96 extending circumferentially around the central aperture 94. The central aperture 94 has a longitudinal axis configured to be generally aligned with the rotation axis 46 of the rotating mechanism 20 when the rotating plate 92 is assembled with the base plate 38. The rotating plate 92 also includes a downwardly facing U-shaped channel 98, which includes a spaced inner wall 100 and an outer wall 102 extending downwardly from a radial wall 104, wherein the inner wall 100 extends upwardly from the outer edge of the inner flange 96. The inner wall 100 is configured so that when the retaining ring 54 and the rotating plate 92 are assembled with the base plate 38, the inner wall 100 is radially outwardly spaced from the outer edge 62 of the retaining ring 54. In addition, the outer wall 102 is configured so that when the rotating plate 92 and the support plate 72 are assembled with the base plate 38, the outer wall 102 is radially spaced inward from the inner ring 74 of the support plate 72. The rotating plate 92 also includes an outer ring 106 extending radially outward from the lower end of the outer wall 102 and an outer flange 108 protruding axially upward from the outer ring 106. The outer wall 102, the outer ring 106, and the outer flange 108 form an upwardly facing C-shaped channel 109. The outer ring 106 is configured to be axially spaced between the base channel 50 in the base plate 38 and the upper channel 78 in the support plate 72 when assembled as part of the rotating mechanism 20. In addition, the outer flange 108 is configured to extend into the J-shaped channel 80 in the support plate 72, wherein the outer flange 108 is radially spaced between the inner side portion 82 and the outer side portion 84 and axially spaced from the radial portion 86.

[0023] exist Figure 2 As shown in , the rotating mechanism 20 includes a plurality of spaced shoulder bolts 110 corresponding to the number of bolt passages 34 in the tubular frame 24. The shoulder bolts 110 include a lower end fixedly coupled to the rotating plate 92 and an upper threaded end 112 extending axially upward from the rotating plate 92. During assembly, the shoulder bolts 110 are inserted through the corresponding bolt passages 34 in the tubular frame 24. Next, the threaded nut 114 is fixedly coupled to the threaded end 112 of the shoulder bolt 110, thereby fixedly coupling the rotating plate 92 to the tubular frame 24. It will be understood that without changing the scope of the present invention, the shoulder bolts 110 may include a shaft extending from a bolt head (not shown) and terminating at an upper threaded end 112, wherein the shaft is inserted through a hole in the rotating plate 92 and the bolt head abuts against the lower side of the rotating plate 92.

[0024] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3, the rotating mechanism 20 also includes a lower rolling element 116, which is axially assembled between the rotating plate 92 and the base plate 38 and is configured to allow the rotating plate 92 to rotate relative to the base plate 38. The lower rolling element 116 is generally annular and has a passage extending axially through the lower rolling element 116. The lower rolling element 116 also includes a plurality of spaced rollers 118 supported in a retainer 120. During assembly, before the rotating plate 92 is assembled with the base plate 38, the lower rolling element 116 is inserted into the base channel 50 in the base plate 38. The base channel 50 in the base plate 38 and the lower surface of the outer ring 106 of the rotating plate 92 are configured as the lower ring and the upper ring for the lower rolling element 116, respectively. It will be understood that the lower rolling element 116 can be replaced by a lower sliding element (not shown), a ball bearing, a cylindrical bearing, a needle bearing, etc. without changing the scope of the present invention.

[0025] In addition, the rotating mechanism 20 also includes an upper rolling element 122, which is axially assembled between the support plate 72 and the rotating plate 92 and is configured to allow the rotating plate 92 to rotate relative to the support plate 72. The upper rolling element 122 is generally annular and has a passage extending axially through the upper rolling element 122. The upper rolling element 122 also includes a plurality of spaced rollers 124 supported in a retaining frame 126. During assembly, before the support plate 72 is assembled with the base plate 38, the upper rolling element 122 is inserted into the C-shaped channel 109, thereby abutting the upper surface of the outer ring 106 in the rotating plate 92. After assembly, the upper rolling element 122 is axially spaced between the upper channel 78 in the bearing plate 72 and the outer ring 106 in the rotating plate 92. The upper surface of the outer ring 106 and the lower surface of the upper channel 78 are configured as the lower ring and the upper ring for the upper rolling element 122, respectively. It will be appreciated that the upper rolling elements 122 may be replaced by upper sliding elements (not shown), ball bearings, cartridge bearings, needle bearings, etc. without changing the scope of the present invention.

[0026] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 As depicted in , the rotating mechanism 20 also includes a sliding element 128 that is axially assembled between the retaining ring 54 and the rotating plate 92 and is configured to allow the rotating plate 92 to rotate relative to the retaining ring 54. The sliding element 128 is alternatively described as a central sliding element 128. In more detail, the sliding element 128 is generally disc-shaped, has a passage extending axially through the sliding element 128, and is formed of a low friction material. Figure 3 The sliding element 128 is configured to face the lower surface of the annular portion 60 of the retaining ring 54 and the upper surface of the inner flange 96 of the rotating plate 92 .

[0027] exist Figure 3As shown in , the rotating mechanism 20 also includes a flange sliding element 134, which is assembled with the inner flange 96 of the rotating plate 92 and is configured to allow the rotating plate 92 to rotate relative to the retaining ring 54 and the base plate 38. The flange sliding element 134 is generally annular, has a passage extending axially through the flange sliding element 134 and is formed of a low friction material. In addition, the flange sliding element 134 includes a spaced upper flange 136 and a lower flange 138, which extend radially outward from the distal wall 140 so that the flange sliding element 134 has a generally U-shaped cross-section. During assembly, the inner flange 96 of the rotating plate 92 is inserted between the upper flange 136 and the lower flange 138 of the flange sliding element 134.

[0028] Reference Figure 3 , the rotating mechanism 20 includes a "net-building" assembly function that reduces looseness in the Z direction (i.e., the axial direction 46). To assemble the rotating mechanism 20, the lower rolling element 116 is inserted into the base channel 50 in the base plate 38. Next, the flange sliding element 134 is assembled with the inner flange 96 of the rotating plate 92. The rotating plate 92 is placed on the base plate 38, wherein the lower rolling element 116 is spaced between the base channel 50 in the base plate 38 and the lower surface of the outer ring 106. Next, the upper rolling element 122 is placed in the C-shaped channel 109, thereby resting on the upper surface of the outer ring 106. In addition, the sliding element 128 is placed on the upper surface of the inner flange 96. After the upper rolling element 122 and the sliding element 128 are assembled with the rotating plate 92, the inner protrusion 68 of the retaining ring 54 is inserted into the corresponding internal groove 48 in the base plate 38. In addition, the outer protrusions 88 of the support plate 72 are inserted into the corresponding outer grooves 52 in the base plate 38. Before the support plate 72 and the retaining ring 54 are welded to the base plate 38, a load is applied to the upper surface of the support plate 72 against the upper channel 78 and the radial portion 86, as illustrated by arrows A and B, and a load is applied to the upper surface of the annular portion 60 of the retaining ring 54, as illustrated by arrow C. In addition, when the welds 70, 90 are formed to fixedly couple the retaining ring 54 and the support plate 72 to the base plate 38, a load (arrows A, B, and C) is applied against the retaining ring 54 and the support plate 72. The loads (arrows A, B, C) applied to the top of the support plate 72 and the retaining ring 54 during the welding process eliminate gaps in the rolling area and the sliding area. The design of the retaining ring 54 and support plate 72 allows for a Z-direction web build and eliminates looseness because the retaining ring 54 and support plate 72 are configured so that loads (arrows A, B, C) can be applied during the welding process.

[0029] Also in Figure 3As shown in , the support plate 72 has a dual function. The first function of the support plate 72 is to axially support and accommodate the upper rolling element 122, the outer ring 106 of the rotating plate 92, and the lower rolling element 116 between the upper channel 78 of the support plate 72 and the base channel 50 in the base plate 38. In addition, the second function of the support plate 72 is to provide peel strength (arrow D) against loads through the rotating plate 92. More specifically, the support plate 72 includes a J-shaped channel 80, which acts as a continuous "J-shaped hook" to provide peel strength (arrow D) against loads through the rotating plate 92. The material thickness of the J-shaped channel 80 can be reduced compared to the material thickness of the conventional "4-corner" J-shaped hook included in some known rotating mechanisms because the J-shaped channel 80 provides 360° coverage around the rotating plate 92.

[0030] In contrast, an exemplary known rotating mechanism 144 is shown in FIG5 , in which the first function of supporting rolling elements and the second function of providing peel strength (arrow D) against loads are performed by separate components rather than the dual-function supporting plate 72 of the present invention. The known rotating mechanism 144 includes: a base plate 146 having a lower channel 148; a lower rolling element 150 positioned within the lower channel 148; an upper plate 152 fixedly coupled to the base plate 146 and having an upper channel 154; and an upper rolling element 156 positioned within the upper channel 154. The known rotating mechanism 144 also includes a rotating plate 158 axially spaced between the base plate 146 and the upper plate 152 and extending between the lower rolling element 150 and the upper rolling element 156, such that the rotating plate 158 is pivotably coupled to the base plate 146 and the upper plate 152. Therefore, the first function of supporting and accommodating the lower rolling elements 150 and the upper rolling elements 156 is performed by the upper plate 152 in the known rotating mechanism 144 .

[0031] The known rotating plate 158 also includes an upwardly facing U-shaped channel 160 that extends circumferentially around the outer periphery of the rotating plate 158. Alternatively, the U-shaped channel 160 can be replaced by a J-shaped hook (not shown) fixedly coupled to the rotating plate 158, as is generally known in the art. The known rotating mechanism 144 also includes a J-shaped hook 162 that is riveted to the base plate 146 at four locations spaced apart around the outer periphery of the rotating plate 158, and the J-shaped hook 162 is generally described as a "4-corner" J-shaped hook 162. The J-shaped hook 162 includes an inverted J-shaped hook portion 164 that is configured to interlock with the upwardly facing U-shaped channel 160 of the rotating plate 158. The J-shaped hook 162 provides local reinforcement for the known rotating mechanism 144 to improve the load-bearing capacity of the known rotating mechanism 144. Thus, the secondary function of providing peel strength against load (arrow D′) is performed by the J-hook 162 in the known swivel mechanism 144 .

[0032] Figure 4 A second embodiment 20' of the rotating mechanism is shown in Figure 4 In the drawings, like primed reference numerals indicate like elements to those described above. Figure 4 The second embodiment shown in FIG. 1 describes a central rolling element 128 ′, which replaces Figure 3 . Only the significant differences between the two embodiments are reflected in the drawings and the following description. The central rolling element 128' includes a plurality of spaced rollers 130 supported within a retaining frame 132. In addition, the second embodiment includes a retaining ring 54' having a modified annular portion 60' having a lower surface configured as an upper ring for the central rolling element 128'. It will be understood that the central rolling element 128' can be replaced by a central sliding element 128, a ball bearing, a cartridge bearing, a needle bearing, etc. without changing the scope of the present invention.

[0033] As discussed above, the seat assembly 10 of the present invention includes a rotating mechanism 20, 20', which includes a dual-function support plate 72 and a retaining ring 54 fixedly coupled to the base plate 38. In addition, the rotating mechanism 20, 20' includes rolling elements 116, 122, 128' and / or sliding elements 128 that pivotally couple the rotating plate 92 to the support plate 72, the retaining ring 54, and the base plate 38. The support plate 72 performs a first function of supporting and accommodating the rolling elements 116, 122 against the base plate 38. In addition, the support plate 72 performs a second function of providing peel strength (arrow D) against loads through the rotating plate 92. The retaining ring 54 and the support plate 72 are configured to reduce the assembly cost of the rotating mechanism 20, 20' and reduce looseness of the rolling elements 116, 122, 128' and / or the sliding element 128 in the axial direction. Additionally, because the support plate 72 circumferentially surrounds the rotating plate 92 , the material thickness of the support plate 72 can be reduced compared to the typical material thickness of known J-shaped hooks while providing sufficient peel strength in the axial direction.

[0034] The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terms that have been used are intended to have the nature of descriptive words rather than restrictive words. In light of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Therefore, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be implemented in a manner other than that specifically described.

Claims

1. A swivel mechanism for use in a seat assembly for a motor vehicle, the swivel mechanism comprising: Base plate; a rotating plate pivotally coupled to the base plate and comprising: an inner flange extending in a circumferential direction around a central aperture extending through the rotating plate; an outer ring extending in the circumferential direction and spaced radially outward from the inner flange; and an outer flange extending upwardly from the outer ring; a retaining ring comprising: an annular portion extending in the circumferential direction; and a leg portion projecting downwardly from the annular portion through the central aperture in the rotating plate and fixedly coupled to the base plate, wherein the inner flange is axially spaced between the annular portion and the base plate; and A support plate, the support plate comprising: an upper channel extending in the circumferential direction; and a J-shaped channel extending in the circumferential direction and radially spaced apart from the upper channel, the J-shaped channel comprising: an inner portion protruding axially upward from the upper channel; an outer portion protruding axially downward and radially spaced apart from the inner portion; and a radial portion extending radially between the inner portion and the outer portion, wherein the outer portion is fixedly connected to the base plate.

2. The rotating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The outer ring is axially spaced between the upper channel and the base plate, and the outer flange is radially spaced between the inner and outer portions and axially spaced between the radial portion and the base plate.

3. The rotating mechanism according to claim 2, further comprising: An upper rolling element or an upper sliding element pivotally couples the upper channel of the support plate and the outer ring of the rotating plate.

4. The rotating mechanism according to claim 3, further comprising: A lower rolling element or a lower sliding element pivotally couples the outer ring of the rotating plate and the base plate.

5. The rotating mechanism according to claim 4, further comprising: A central rolling element or a central sliding element pivotally couples the annular portion of the retaining ring and the base plate.

6. The rotating mechanism according to claim 5, further comprising: A flange sliding element is fixedly coupled to the inner flange of the rotating plate.

7. The rotating mechanism according to claim 2, further comprising: an upper rolling element pivotally coupling the upper channel of the support plate and the outer ring of the rotating plate; a lower rolling element pivotally coupling the outer ring of the rotating plate and the base plate; as well as a central rolling element pivotally coupling the annular portion of the retaining ring and the base plate; Wherein, the rotating plate is pivotally connected to the supporting plate, the base plate and the retaining ring through the upper rolling element, the lower rolling element and the central rolling element respectively.

8. The rotating mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The upper passage extends circumferentially about a central opening extending axially through the support plate; and The J-shaped channel extends circumferentially around the support plate.

9. The rotating mechanism according to claim 8, wherein: The central opening has a diameter greater than an outer diameter of the retaining ring.

10. The rotating mechanism according to claim 2, further comprising: A tubular frame is fixedly coupled to the rotating plate.

11. A seat assembly for a motor vehicle, the seat assembly comprising: Seat cushions; seat base; as well as A swivel mechanism pivotally coupling the seat cushion to the seat base, the swivel mechanism comprising: a base plate fixedly coupled to the seat base; a swivel plate pivotally coupled to the base plate and fixedly coupled to the seat cushion, the swivel plate comprising: an inner flange extending in a circumferential direction around a central aperture extending through the swivel plate; an outer ring extending in the circumferential direction and spaced radially outwardly from the inner flange; and an outer flange extending upwardly from the outer ring; a retaining ring comprising: an annular portion extending in the circumferential direction; and a leg portion projecting downwardly from the annular portion through the central aperture in the rotating plate and fixedly coupled to the base plate, wherein the inner flange is axially spaced between the annular portion and the base plate; and A support plate, the support plate comprising: an upper channel extending in the circumferential direction; and a J-shaped channel extending in the circumferential direction and spaced radially outward from the upper channel, the J-shaped channel comprising: an inner portion protruding axially upward from the upper channel; an outer portion protruding axially downward and spaced radially outward from the inner portion; and a radial portion extending radially between the inner portion and the outer portion, wherein the outer portion is fixedly coupled to the base plate; wherein the outer ring is axially spaced between the upper channel and the base plate, and the outer flange is radially spaced between the inner portion and the outer portion and axially spaced between the radial portion and the base plate.

12. The seat assembly of claim 11, further comprising: an upper rolling element or an upper sliding element, the upper rolling element or the upper sliding element pivotally coupling the upper channel of the support plate and the outer ring of the rotating plate; a lower rolling element or a lower sliding element pivotally coupling the outer ring of the rotating plate and the base plate; as well as A central rolling element or a central sliding element pivotally couples the annular portion of the retaining ring and the base plate.

13. The seat assembly of claim 12, further comprising: A flange sliding element is fixedly coupled to the inner flange of the rotating plate.

14. The seat assembly of claim 13, wherein: The upper passage extends circumferentially about a central opening extending axially through the support plate; and The J-shaped channel extends circumferentially around the support plate.

15. The seat assembly of claim 14, further comprising: A tubular frame is fixedly coupled to the rotating plate and to the seat cushion.

16. The seat assembly of claim 15, further comprising: A plurality of shoulder bolts fixedly couple the rotating plate to the tubular frame.

17. The seat assembly of claim 16, wherein: The base plate includes a plurality of spaced apart internal slots; and The retaining ring includes a plurality of spaced apart internal projections that are inserted into corresponding internal grooves in the base plate.

18. The seat assembly of claim 17, wherein: The base plate includes a plurality of spaced apart exterior slots; and The support plate includes a plurality of spaced apart external projections that are inserted into corresponding external slots in the base plate.

19. The seat assembly of claim 11, wherein: The seat base includes a pair of laterally spaced riser supports.

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