Annular latch mechanism for powered long rail assembly

Abstract

An annular latch release device with an annular latch for an automobile seat assembly includes: a mounting bracket; a shaft rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket; a rotating cam pivotally coupled to the shaft and including a ratchet gear having a notch and a cam having a cam side portion and an actuation portion; a plunger operatively coupled to the cam and displaceable between a raised position engaged with the cam side portion and a lowered position engaged with the actuation portion; a lever arm coupled to the shaft in a pivotable manner; an arm pawl pivotally coupled to the lever arm and configured to engage in a meshing manner with an adjacent recess on the ratchet gear; and a bracket pawl pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket and configured to engage in a meshing manner with an adjacent recess on the ratchet gear.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 412,047, filed on September 30, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to seat assemblies for use in automotive vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to loop latch mechanisms for use in automotive seat assemblies. Background Art

[0004] Motor vehicles typically include one or more seat assemblies having a seat cushion and a seat back for supporting an occupant above the vehicle floor. It is generally known that some motor vehicles include an elongated rail system configured to provide fore-aft adjustability of the seat assembly along laterally spaced elongated rails. It is also generally known that the seat assembly includes opposing annular latch mechanisms configured to lock the seat assembly to the elongated rails.

[0005] Usually, seat assembly comprises annular latch release device, and this annular latch release device is configured to selectively unlock annular latch mechanism to allow the front-rear adjustment of seat assembly.In addition, annular latch release device usually allows annular latch mechanism to relock after seat assembly is repositioned.

[0006] An exemplary ring latch release device includes a crossbar operatively connected between the ring latch mechanisms and a motor operatively connected to the crossbar. To unlock the ring latch mechanisms, the motor rotates the crossbar, which in turn unlocks the ring latch mechanisms. The motor rotates the crossbar a second time to allow the ring latch mechanisms to relock.

[0007] However, when included in certain seat assemblies, the motor and crossbar may cause footwell and packaging issues.

[0008] Desirably, the seat assembly includes a ring latch release without a crossbar operatively coupled between opposing ring latch mechanisms. Summary of the invention

[0009] According to one embodiment, a ring latch release device for a car seat assembly is provided, the ring latch release device having a ring latch that can be repositioned between a locked state and an unlocked state. The ring latch release device includes: a mounting bracket; a shaft, the shaft is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket; a rotating cam, the rotating cam is pivotally connected to the shaft, and the rotating cam includes a ratchet gear with a plurality of circumferentially spaced notches, and the rotating cam includes a cam having an actuating portion and a cam side portion. The ring latch release device also includes a plunger, which is operatively connected to the cam and can be shifted between a raised position and a lowered position. When the plunger is engaged with the cam side portion, the plunger is in a raised position. When the plunger is engaged with the actuating portion, the plunger is in a lowered position. The annular latch release device also includes: a lever arm, which is pivotally connected to the shaft; an arm pawl, which is pivotally connected to the lever arm and is configured to engage with an adjacent notch on the ratchet gear in a meshing manner; and a bracket pawl, which is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and is configured to engage with an adjacent notch on the ratchet gear in a meshing manner.

[0010] According to another embodiment, a long guide rail assembly for use in a motor vehicle is provided. The long guide rail assembly includes an upper channel slidably connected to the long guide rail and a seat base fixedly connected to the upper channel. The long guide rail assembly also includes an annular latch operatively connected between the upper channel and the long guide rail, and configured to lock the upper channel to the long guide rail when the annular latch is in a locked state, thereby preventing the upper channel from moving relative to the long guide rail. When the annular latch is in an unlocked state, the upper channel can be displaced along the long guide rail. The long guide rail assembly also includes an annular latch release device, which includes: a mounting bracket fixedly connected to the seat base; a shaft rotatably connected to the mounting bracket; and a rotating cam pivotally connected to the shaft. The rotating cam also includes a ratchet gear having a plurality of circumferentially spaced notches, and includes a cam having an actuating portion and a cam side portion. The ring latch release also includes a plunger operatively coupled to the cam, operatively coupled to the ring latch, and capable of shifting between a raised position and a lowered position. The ring latch release also includes a lever arm pivotally coupled to the shaft; an arm pawl pivotally coupled to the lever arm and configured to engage in meshing with an adjacent notch on the ratchet gear; and a bracket pawl pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket and configured to engage in meshing with an adjacent notch on the ratchet gear. When the plunger is engaged with the cam side portion, the plunger is in the raised position, and when the plunger is engaged with the actuating portion, the plunger is in the lowered position. When the plunger is in the lowered position, the ring latch is in an unlocked state, and when the plunger is in the raised position, the ring latch is in a locked state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The 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:

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a powered long rail assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, the powered long rail assembly including a seat base, opposing upper channels, a long rail, a ring latch, and a ring latch release;

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of a portion 2 of a seat base;

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a left rear perspective view of part 2;

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 a right front cutaway perspective view of part 2;

[0016] Figure 5 It is taken along line 5-5 Figure 4 a partially transparent cross-sectional view of the annular latch release in an unactuated state and the annular latch in a locked state;

[0017] Figure 6 It was taken along line 6-6 Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A top view of

[0019] Figure 8 The invention is a device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprising a mounting bracket, a lever arm, a plunger, an arm pawl, a bracket pawl, a pawl spring and a rotating cam. Figure 5 An exploded view of the ring latch release device;

[0020] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Left side view of the mounting bracket;

[0021] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Right side view of the mounting bracket;

[0022] Fig.11 yes Figure 8 A stereoscopic view of one of the latches of the latch;

[0023] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 The claw and Figure 8 A partially transparent side view of the pawl spring assembly;

[0024] Fig.13 yes Figure 5 A partially transparent partial side view of a ring latch release device of FIG. 1 showing the arm pawl assembled with the lever arm and the bracket pawl assembled with the mounting bracket;

[0025] Fig.14 yes Figure 8 A top view of a rotating cam;

[0026] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 A left side view of the rotating cam;

[0027] Fig.16 It is taken along line 5-5 Figure 4 a partially transparent cross-sectional view of the annular latch release in an unactuated state, the plunger in a raised position, and the annular latch in a locked state;

[0028] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 an enlarged view of a portion 17;

[0029] Fig.18 yes Fig.16 , showing a partially actuated ring latch release with the lever arm partially rotated forward and the ring latch in a locked state;

[0030] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 , which shows the ring latch release in an actuated state, with the lever arm engaged with the front stop on the mounting bracket, the plunger in a lowered position, and the ring latch in an unlocked state;

[0031] Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 , which shows the ring latch release in an actuated state, with the lever arm partially rotated rearward, the plunger in a lowered position, and the ring latch in an unlocked state;

[0032] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 , which shows the ring latch release in an actuated state, with the lever arm engaged with the rear stop on the mounting bracket, the plunger in a lowered position, and the ring latch in an unlocked state;

[0033] Fig. 22 yes Fig.21 , which shows the ring latch release in an actuated state, with the lever arm partially rotated forward, the plunger in a lowered position, and the ring latch in an unlocked state;

[0034] Fig.23 yes Fig. 22 , which shows the ring latch release in an unactuated state, with the lever arm engaged with the front stop on the mounting bracket, the plunger in a raised position, and the ring latch in a locked state;

[0035] Fig.24 yes Fig.23 , showing the ring latch release in an unactuated state, with the lever arm partially rotated rearward, the plunger in a raised position, and the ring latch in a locked state; and

[0036] Fig.25 yes Fig.24 , which shows the ring latch release device in an unactuated state, wherein the lever arm is engaged with the rear stop on the mounting bracket, the plunger is in a raised position, and the ring latch is in a locked state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figures 1 to 25 Components of an annular latch release device 10 for use in a powered long rail assembly 12 configured to displace a seat for a motor vehicle along a fixed long rail for seat position adjustment are illustrated according to an embodiment described herein. Directional references such as top, bottom, upper, lower, upward, downward, lengthwise, widthwise, 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, like reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the powered long rail assembly 12 includes a seat base 14 configured to support a car seat assembly (not shown) above a vehicle floor. The seat base 14 includes a central section 16 extending laterally between opposite side arms 18. The side arms 18 include a latch release cavity 20 defined by laterally spaced inner and outer side walls 22 and 24 projecting from a base wall 26. Figure 2 As shown, the side arm 18 includes a generally omega-shaped profile extending along the upper surface of the inner side wall 22, and the inner side wall 22 includes an arcuate portion 28 extending between opposing support projections 30, 32, generally vertical wall sections 34, 36 extending upward from the distal ends of the respective support projections 30, 32, and mounting sections 38, 40 extending generally horizontally away from the upper ends of the respective vertical wall sections 34, 36. In addition, the side arm 18 includes spaced upper screw holes 42, 44 and spaced lower screw holes 46, 48 extending transversely through the inner side wall 22. In addition, the side arm 18 also includes a spring hole 50 extending transversely through the inner side wall 22. The side arm 18 also includes an axial hole 52 extending transversely through the outer side wall 24 and defining a rotation axis 54. The rotation axis 54 is aligned with the radial center of the arcuate portion 28 in the inner side wall 22. Additionally, the side arm 18 includes spaced apart threaded apertures 56 , 58 extending transversely through the outer side wall 24 , with the axial aperture 52 being longitudinally spaced apart between the threaded apertures 56 , 58 .

[0039] The side arm 18 also includes spaced plunger holes 60, 62 extending vertically through the base wall 26. In addition, the side arm 18 includes a recessed cavity 64 extending vertically downward from the base wall 26 and spaced between the plunger holes 60, 62. The recessed cavity 64 has a generally cylindrical shape and includes an outer wall 66 extending circumferentially around a bottom wall 68. The recessed cavity 64 includes a passage 70 extending axially through the bottom wall 68, so that the bottom wall 68 forms a protrusion extending circumferentially around the passage 70. The side arm 18 also includes spaced guide ridges 72, 74 protruding from the inner side of the outer side wall 24 and extending in the vertical direction. The shaft hole 52 is spaced between the guide ridges 72, 74. In addition, the side arm 18 includes inner walls 76, 78 protruding upward from the base wall 26 and spaced between the inner side wall 22 and the outer side wall 24. Support ridges 80, 82 extend generally vertically along the outer side surface of the respective inner walls 76, 78.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The power rail assembly 12 also includes an opposing base plate 84 having an elongated generally rectangular shape and configured to be fixedly coupled to the lower surface of the base wall 26 of the corresponding side arm 18. Figure 5 The base plate 84 includes spaced apart leg holes 84a extending vertically therethrough and configured to align with the plunger holes 60, 62 in the base wall 26 of the side arm 18 when the base plate 84 is assembled with the seat base 14. In addition, the base plate 84 includes an additional clearance hole 84b extending vertically therethrough.

[0041] like Figure 1 As depicted in FIG. 1 , the powered long rail assembly 12 also includes laterally spaced upper channels 86 that are slidably coupled to respective long rails 88 and configured to be displaced along the long rails 88. Figure 1 and Figure 6 As depicted in FIG. 1 , the upper channel 86 has a generally inverted U-shaped cross-sectional profile and extends in the longitudinal direction. The upper channel 86 includes opposite first and second side walls 90, 92 and a top wall 94 extending transversely between the opposite first and second side walls 90, 92. Figure 5 As depicted in FIG. 1 , the top wall 94 of the upper channel 86 includes a lower hole 94a extending vertically therethrough, which is configured to align with the plunger holes 60, 62 in the base wall 26 of the side arm 18 and the leg hole 84a in the base plate 84 when the upper channel 86 is assembled with the seat base 14 and the base plate 84. In addition, the top wall 94 includes spaced spring holes 94b, 94c. Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, a portion of the side walls 90, 92 is bent upward to form an outer channel wall 96 that is spaced apart from the side walls 90, 92 and defines a generally U-shaped channel 98 therebetween. A plurality of U-shaped grooves 100 are disposed in the side walls 90 and are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction along the upper channel 86. The U-shaped grooves 100 include opposing side grooves 102, 104 extending from a groove base 106. In addition, the U-shaped grooves 100 include tabs 108 extending downward and defined by the side grooves 102, 104 and the groove base 106. The upper channel 86 also includes a plurality of second U-shaped grooves 110 disposed in the outer channel wall 96 and configured to be laterally aligned with the U-shaped grooves 100 in the side walls 90. The U-shaped grooves 110 include opposing side grooves 112, 114 extending from a groove base 116. In addition, the U-shaped grooves 110 include tabs 118 extending downward and defined by the side grooves 112, 114 and the groove base 116. It should be understood that the size, shape, and length of the upper passage 86 and U-shaped channels 100 , 110 may vary without changing the scope of the present invention.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 6 , the long guide rail 88 is an elongated channel having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional profile in which opposing side walls 120, 122 extend upward from a bottom wall 124. The bottom wall 124 of the long guide rail 88 is configured to be fixedly attached to the vehicle floor. In addition, the long guide rail 88 includes a top wall 126 extending between the opposing side walls 120, 122, and the side walls 120, 122 have an elongated opening 128 extending in a longitudinal direction. The long guide rail 88 includes opposing flanges 130 extending downward from the top wall 126 and extending longitudinally along the elongated opening 128. At least one of the flanges 130 includes vertical notches or grooves 132 spaced apart along the longitudinal length of the flange 130 and locking tabs 134 spaced apart between adjacent vertical grooves 132. Alternatively, the vertical grooves 132 may be replaced by notches and / or holes as required by a particular application and latch configuration. As Figure 6 , when the upper channel 86 is assembled with the long rails 88, the flanges 130 of the long rails 88 project downwardly within the corresponding U-shaped channels 98 and are laterally spaced between the side walls 90, 92 of the upper channel 86 and the outer channel wall 96. It should be understood that the size, shape and length of the long rails 88 and the slots 132 may vary without changing the scope of the present invention.

[0043] like Figure 1 , the side arms 18 are fixedly coupled to respective upper channels 86 with the base plates 84 spaced vertically between the base walls 26 of the side arms 18 and the top walls 94 of the upper channels 86. As is generally known in the art, the upper channels 86 are configured to be displaceable along respective elongated rails 88 via a powered drive assembly (not shown) or by manually repositioning a seat assembly attached to the seat base 14.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the powered long rail assembly 12 also includes opposing annular latches 136 configured to lock the upper channel 86 to the corresponding long rail 88 so that the vehicle seat assembly remains in any one of its seating positions during use and system loading events. Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The annular latch 136 includes a latch retainer 138 having a plurality of generally U-shaped rings 140 having ring side portions 142, 144 extending transversely through the U-shaped groove 100 in the side wall 90 of the upper channel 86 and through the U-shaped groove 110 in the outer channel wall 96 of the upper channel 86. Figure 3 and Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment includes four U-shaped rings 140, however, any suitable number of U-shaped rings 140 may be used without changing the scope of the invention. Alternatively, the annular latch 136 is described as a "4-ring" latch. Optionally, the U-shaped ring 140 may be replaced by one or more fingers, plates and / or pins. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As depicted in , the latch retainer 138 also includes a release trigger 146 extending along the upper surface, which is used to disengage the annular latch 136 from the elongated guide rail 88.

[0045] The annular latch 136 also includes spaced apart coil springs 148 that spring bias the latch keeper 138 upward (arrow 149) toward a locked position 150, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown. In the locked position 150, the U-shaped ring 140 is vertically positioned so that the tabs 108, 118 in the upper channel 86 extend vertically downward between the ring side portions 142, 144. When in the locked position 150, the annular latch 136 is positioned so that the ring side portions 142, 144 extend through the vertical slots 132 in the long guide rails 88, wherein the locking tabs 134 in the long guide rails 88 extend vertically through the U-shaped ring 140 and / or extend vertically between adjacent ring side portions 142, 144. The coil spring 148 spring biases the latch retainer 138 and the U-shaped ring 140 upward (arrow 149) toward an engaged state with the upper ends of the U-shaped slots 100, 110 in the upper channel 86, as shown. Figure 5Movement of the upper channel 86 along the long rail 88 is prevented by engagement between the tabs 108, 118 in the upper channel 86 and the locking tabs 134 and U-shaped rings 140 in the long rail 88. When the U-shaped rings 140 engage the vertical slots 132 in the flanges 130 of the long rail 88, the upper channel 86 and the attached seat base 14 are locked to the long rail 88 so that the seat base 14 remains in any one of the seating positions during a system loading event.

[0046] Reference Figure 5 During assembly of the annular latch 136, the upper end 152 of the coil spring 148 is inserted through the spring holes 94b, 94c in the top wall 94 of the upper channel 86 and through the clearance hole 84b in the base plate 84 to fixedly couple the upper spring end 152 to the top wall 94. In addition, the lower end 156 of the coil spring 148 is fixedly coupled to the lower portion 138a of the latch retainer 138.

[0047] exist Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Fig. 20 , the U-shaped ring 140 of the annular latch 136 is shown in the unlocked position 158. In the unlocked position 158, the U-shaped ring 140 is vertically spaced from the tabs 108, 118 in the upper channel 86 and vertically spaced from the locking tabs 134 in the elongated rail 88. When the U-shaped ring 140 is disengaged from the tabs 108, 118 and the locking tabs 134, the upper channel 86 can be displaced along the elongated rail 88. When the U-shaped ring 140 is moved to the unlocked position 158 relative to the locking tabs 134 in the flange 130 of the elongated rail 88, the upper channel 86 and the attached seat base 14 can be repositioned along the elongated rail 88. It will be appreciated that the U-shaped ring 140 may remain engaged with the tabs 108 , 118 in the upper channel 186 while the U-shaped ring 140 is vertically spaced apart from the locking tabs 134 in the elongated rail 88 without altering the scope of the present invention.

[0048] exist Figure 1 , the powered long rail assembly 12 also includes a ring latch release 10 mounted in a latch release cavity 20 in each of the side arms 18. The ring latch release 10 is operatively coupled to an adjacent ring latch 136 and is configured to automatically disengage the ring latch 136 from the long rail 88 and unlock the seat base 14 from the long rail 88. Alternatively, the ring latch release 10 in combination with the ring latch 136 is described as a ring latch mechanism 10, 136.

[0049] Reference Figures 3 to 8 , the annular latch release device 10 includes a plunger 160 configured to disconnect the annular latch 136. Figure 5As depicted in FIG. 1 , the plunger 160 is configured to reposition the latch retainer 138 downward (arrow 149 ′), thereby repositioning the U-shaped ring 140 from the locked position 150 to the unlocked position 158. Figure 4 and Figure 8 As depicted in , plunger 160 includes a top plate 162 having a generally rectangular shape with opposite side portions 164, 166 and opposite ends 168, 170 extending between a top surface 172 and an opposite bottom surface 174. Projecting downwardly from bottom surface 174 are spaced apart legs 176, 178 having a generally cylindrical shape and tapered ends forming an actuation surface 180. Figure 5 As shown, the legs 176, 178 are sized and shaped to extend through the corresponding plunger holes 60, 62 in the base wall 26 of the latch release cavity 20 in the side arm 18. In addition, the legs 176, 178 extend through the holes 84a, 94a in the base plate 84 and the top wall 94 of the upper channel 86, respectively. Figure 6 and Fig. 20 , the actuation surface 180 is configured to frictionally engage with the release trigger 146 on the latch holder 138 when the plunger 160 is displaced downwardly (arrow 149'). When the plunger 160 is assembled with the annular latch 136, the coil spring 148 spring biases the release trigger 146 of the latch holder 138 upwardly (arrow 149) toward an engaged state in which it engages with the actuation surface 180 of the plunger legs 176, 178.

[0050] exist Figure 8 and Fig. 20 As depicted in , the plunger 160 also includes a recessed cavity 184 located in the bottom surface 174 of the top plate 162, the recessed cavity 184 having a generally cylindrical sidewall 185 extending downwardly from the cavity base 186. In addition, the plunger 160 includes a spring boss 188 that projects downwardly from the cavity base 186 and projects outwardly from the recessed cavity 184. The recessed cavity 184 is spaced between the legs 176, 178 on the top plate 162. The outer diameter of the spring boss 188 is less than the inner diameter of the recessed cavity 64 in the base wall 26 of the side arm 18. In addition, when the plunger 160 is assembled with the side arm 18, the spring boss 188 has a longitudinal axis that is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the recessed cavity 64 in the base wall 26, wherein the plunger legs 176, 178 extend at least partially through the plunger holes 60, 62. Referring to Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the side 164 of the top plate 162 includes spaced apart alignment notches 190, 192 ( Figure 8). The alignment notches 190, 192 are configured to engage in a mating manner with corresponding guide ridges 72, 74 in the side arm 18 when the plunger 160 is assembled with the side arm 18. When assembled, the inner side 166 of the top plate 162 is adjacent to the support ridges 80, 82 in the latch release cavity 20, such as Figure 3 As shown in the figure.

[0051] exist Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Fig. 20 As depicted in , the annular latch release device 10 also includes a return spring 194 that is configured to spring bias the plunger 160 upward (arrow 149) toward an engaged state with a rotating cam 196, which is further described below. The return spring 194 is a helical compression spring having an upper end 198, a lower end 200, and a passage 202 extending axially therethrough. The upper end 198 of the return spring 194 is positioned in the recessed cavity 184 in the top plate 162 of the plunger 160, wherein the spring boss 188 extends at least partially through the return spring 194 into the passage 202, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 In addition, the lower end 200 of the return spring 194 is positioned in the recessed cavity 64 in the base wall 26 of the side arm 18.

[0052] exist Figures 3 to 10 As depicted in , the annular latch release device 10 also includes a mounting bracket 204 that is configured to be fixedly coupled to the inner side wall 22 within the latch release cavity 20. Figures 7 to 10 , the mounting bracket 204 is a generally T-shaped bracket having opposite front and rear surfaces 206, 208 and a contoured wall 210 extending between the front and rear surfaces 206, 208. The contoured wall 210 includes a top portion 212, outer portions 214, 216, intermediate portions 218, 220, inner portions 222, 224, and a bottom portion 226. The top portion 212, the intermediate portions 218, 220, and the bottom portion 226 extend in a longitudinal direction, wherein the intermediate portions 218, 220 are vertically spaced between the top portion 212 and the bottom portion 226. The outer portions 214, 216 and the inner portions 222, 224 extend in a generally vertical direction, wherein the inner portions 222, 224 are longitudinally spaced between the outer portions 214, 216. The top portion 212 extends between upper ends of the outer portions 214, 216. The lower ends of the outer portions 214, 216 abut the respective distal ends of the middle portions 218, 220. The proximal ends of the middle portions 218, 220 abut the respective upper ends of the inner portions 222, 224. In addition, a bottom portion 226 extends between the lower ends of the inner portions 222, 224.

[0053] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the mounting bracket 204 includes spaced apart upper bosses 228, 230 and spaced apart lower bosses 232, 234 that protrude away from the front surface 206. The upper bosses 228, 230 include respective threaded inserts 236a, 236b having threaded passages 238a, 238b extending transversely therethrough. The threaded passages 238a, 238b are positioned on the mounting bracket 204 so that when the rear surface 208 of the mounting bracket 204 is attached to the inner side wall 22, the threaded passages 238a, 238b align with respective upper screw holes 42, 44 ( Figure 2 ) are laterally aligned. The lower bosses 232, 234 include respective threaded inserts 236c, 236d having threaded passages 238c, 238d extending laterally therethrough. The threaded passages 238c, 238d are positioned on the mounting bracket 204 such that when the rear surface 208 of the mounting bracket 204 is attached to the inner side wall 22, the threaded passages 238c, 238d align with respective lower screw holes 46, 48 ( Figure 2 ) Horizontal alignment.

[0054] The mounting bracket 204 also includes a curved block 240 having a generally arcuate shape having a peripheral wall 242 protruding from the front surface 206 and terminating at an end face 244. The mounting bracket 204 also includes a spring pin 246 protruding outwardly from the end face 244 and a threaded insert 248 insert molded into the curved block 240 and having a threaded passage 250 extending at least partially through the curved block 240. The peripheral wall 242 includes a front stop 252 extending along an upper front portion of the peripheral wall 242. In addition, the mounting bracket 204 includes a keyhole slot 254 extending between the front surface 206 and the rear surface 208 and having a slot portion 256 extending from a generally circular portion 258. The keyhole slot 254 is positioned between the top portion 212 and the curved block 240. The circular portion 258 has a radial center that is configured to be generally aligned with the rotation axis 54 when the rear surface 208 of the mounting bracket 204 is attached to the inner side wall 22 of the side arm 18, wherein the threaded passages 238a to 238d are generally aligned with the corresponding upper screw holes 42, 44 and lower screw holes 46, 48. In addition, the mounting bracket 204 includes a recessed channel 260 that extends circumferentially around the circular portion 258 of the keyhole slot 254. The mounting bracket 204 also includes a channel wall 262 that protrudes from the recessed channel 260 and abuts the front surface 206. The mounting bracket 204 also includes a rear stop 264 that protrudes from the front surface 206. Referring to Figure 7 and Fig.10, the mounting bracket 204 includes spaced apart projections 266, 268 that protrude away from the rear surface 208 and are vertically spaced apart between the top portion 212 and the intermediate portions 218, 220, wherein the keyhole slots 254 are spaced apart between the projections 266, 268. The projections 266, 268 are sized and shaped to engage with corresponding bearing projections 30, 32 ( ) on the inner sidewall 22 when the mounting bracket 204 is assembled with the inner sidewall 22. Figure 2 ) frictionally engage. The mounting bracket 204 also includes locating pins 270, 272 that protrude vertically upward from the upper surface of the corresponding protrusions 266, 268. In addition, the locating pins 270, 272 have pin ends 274, 276 that are vertically spaced below the top portion 212 of the mounting bracket 204. It will be understood that the shape and size of the mounting bracket 204 can vary without changing the scope of the present invention.

[0055] exist Figures 6 to 8 As depicted in FIG. 1 , the annular latch release device 10 also includes a bearing assembly 280 including a bearing frame 282 having a generally omega shape having a generally cylindrical portion 284 extending between opposite front and rear faces 286, 288. The cylindrical portion 284 includes a bearing bore 290 extending axially therethrough and having a longitudinal axis configured to align with the axis of rotation 54 after the bearing assembly 280 is assembled as a part of the annular latch release device 10. In addition, the bearing frame 282 includes opposing bosses 292, 294 extending generally tangentially away from the cylindrical portion 284 and including a top surface 296 opposing the boss mounting surfaces 298, 300. In addition, the bearing frame 282 includes spaced apart pin holes 302, 304 extending between the respective boss mounting surfaces 298, 300 and the top surface 296. The bearing frame 282 is configured to be assembled with the mounting bracket 204, wherein the boss mounting surfaces 298, 300 frictionally engage the upper surfaces of the corresponding protrusions 266, 268, and the locating pins 270, 272 extend at least partially through the corresponding pin holes 302, 304 in the bearing frame 282, as shown. Figure 7 As shown in the figure. Figure 2 as well as Figures 6 to 8 The lower surface of the cylindrical portion 284 of the bearing frame 282 is configured to engage with the arcuate portion 28 of the inner wall 22 in a mating manner, wherein the protrusions 266, 268 of the mounting bracket 204 are vertically spaced between the boss mounting surfaces 298, 300 and the corresponding support protrusions 30, 32.

[0056] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown in FIG. 1 , the bearing assembly 280 also includes a bearing 306 having an aperture 308 extending axially therethrough. The bearing 306 has an outer circumference configured to be inserted into the bearing hole 290 in the bearing frame 282. When assembled as part of the annular latch release device 10, the bearing aperture 308 has a longitudinal axis that is generally aligned with the rotation axis 54.

[0057] exist Figure 8 As depicted in , the annular latch release device 10 also includes a shaft 310 having a generally cylindrical shape having a cylindrical surface 312 extending between an inner end 314 and an outer end 316. The shaft 310 has an outer diameter that is sized and shaped to engage with a bearing aperture 308 in the bearing 306 in a mating manner so that the shaft 310 is pivotally coupled to the bearing 306. In addition, the annular latch release device 10 includes a bushing 318 having an opening 320 extending axially therethrough and a rim 321 extending around the opening 320. The opening 320 in the bushing 318 has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft 310 so that the shaft 310 can be inserted into the opening 320 in the bushing 318, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As depicted in .

[0058] Reference Figure 8 , the annular latch release device 10 also includes a rear plate 322 having a generally L-shaped cross-sectional profile having a top flange 324 protruding at a generally right angle from a rear bracket 326. The rear bracket 326 includes a recessed central portion 328 spaced between end bosses 330, 332 having clearance holes 334, 336 extending transversely therethrough. When the rear plate 322 is assembled with the mounting bracket 204, the clearance holes 334, 336 are sized and shaped to align with the corresponding threaded passages 238a. In addition, the rear bracket 326 includes a cutout 338 along a lower edge having a semicircular shape and configured to provide clearance for the bearing 306 when the rear plate 322 is assembled as part of the annular latch release device 10. In addition, the top flange 324 includes a lower surface 340 that is configured to align with the inner side wall 22 ( Figure 2 ) are frictionally engaged with the mounting sections 38, 40, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As depicted in .

[0059] exist Figure 6 and Figure 8As depicted in , the annular latch release device 10 also includes a lever arm 342 having an elongated shape extending between a distal end 344 and a proximal end 346, the lever arm 342 having a front surface 348 opposite the rear surface 350, and a contoured peripheral wall 352 extending around the circumference of the lever arm 342 and extending between the front surface 348 and the rear surface 350. The lever arm 342 also includes a front stop 354 extending along a front portion of the peripheral wall 352, the front stop 354 being configured to frictionally engage with the front stop 252 on the mounting bracket 204, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 In addition, the lever arm 342 includes a rear stop 356 extending along a rear portion of the peripheral wall 352, and the rear stop 356 is configured to frictionally engage with the rear stop 264 on the mounting bracket 204, as shown. Fig.17 Therefore, when the lever arm 342 rotates about the axis 310 , the front stop 252 and the rear stop 264 limit the range of rotational movement of the lever arm 342 .

[0060] Reference Figure 8 , the lever arm 342 also includes a spring hole 358 extending between the front surface 348 and the rear surface 350 adjacent the distal end 344 of the lever arm 342. In addition, the lever arm 342 includes a pivot hole 360 ​​extending through the lever arm 342 adjacent the proximal end 346 of the lever arm 342. The pivot hole 360 ​​is sized and shaped to be pivotally coupled with the shaft 310 when assembled as part of the ring latch release device 10. The lever arm 342 also includes a cable groove 362 having a generally keyhole shape and positioned adjacent to the spring hole 358 and spaced between the pivot hole 360 ​​and the spring hole 358. In addition, the lever arm 342 includes a biasing pin 364 protruding from the front surface 348 of the lever arm 342 adjacent to the pivot hole 360 ​​and spaced between the pivot hole 360 ​​and the cable groove 362. The lever arm 342 also includes a screw hole 365 extending inwardly from the front surface 348 and spaced between the biasing pin 364 and the cable slot 362. It will be appreciated that the size, relative position, and shape of the spring hole 358, pivot hole 360, cable slot 362, biasing pin 364, screw hole 365, and lever arm 342 may vary without changing the scope of the present invention.

[0061] exist Figure 8 As depicted in FIG. 1 , the annular latch release device 10 includes an arm latch 366 and a bracket latch 368. The arm latch 366 and the bracket latch 368 may be substantially the same components, such as Figure 8 However, it will be appreciated that the size, shape, position, etc. of the arm latch 366 and / or the bracket latch 368 may vary without changing the scope of the present invention. Figure 6 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the pawl 366, 368 includes an outer wall 370 extending between a front surface 372 and a rear surface 374. In addition, the pawl 366, 368 includes a pivot aperture 376 extending between the front surface 372 and the rear surface 374 and defining a rotation axis 378 of the pawl 366, 368. The pawl 366, 368 also includes a spring cavity 380 having a mouth opening 382 along the outer wall 370 and a tail opening 384 spaced from the mouth opening 382, ​​wherein the spring cavity 380 is adjacent to the pivot aperture 376 extending laterally through the pawl 366, 368. The spring cavity 380 includes an inner wall 386 adjacent the tail opening 384. In addition, the pawl 366, 368 includes a tooth segment 388, 388' having an upper face 388a extending at an acute angle from a lower face 388b.

[0062] Reference Figure 8 , the annular latch release device 10 also includes an arm pawl spring 392 and a bracket pawl spring 394. The arm pawl spring 392 and the bracket pawl spring 394 can be substantially the same components, such as Figure 8 However, it will be appreciated that the size, shape, location, etc. of the arm pawl spring 392 and / or the bracket pawl spring 394 may vary without changing the scope of the present invention. Fig.12 , the pawl springs 392, 394 are coil springs having a spring coil 396 and a passage 402 extending through the spring coil 396, the spring coil 396 having a hooked end 398, a straight end 400. The pawl springs 392, 394 are sized and shaped such that the spring coil 396 can be inserted into the spring cavity 380 in the corresponding pawl 366, 368, wherein the passage 402 through the spring coil 396 is aligned with the pivot aperture 376, the straight end 400 is inserted through the tail opening 384, and the hooked end 398 protrudes through the mouth opening 382. In operation, the straight end 400 of the pawl springs 392, 394 frictionally engages the interior wall 386 within the spring cavity 380.

[0063] exist Figure 8 As depicted in , the ring latch release device 1 also includes an arm screw 404 and a bracket screw 406, which are used to attach the arm pawl 366 and the bracket pawl 368 to the lever arm 342 and the mounting bracket 204, respectively. Fig.12 and Fig.13, the arm latch 366 and the arm latch spring 392 are assembled to the lever arm 342 by inserting the threaded end of the arm screw 404 through the pivot aperture 376 in the arm latch 366 and through the passage 402 in the arm latch spring 392 after the arm latch spring 392 is inserted into the spring cavity 380 of the arm latch 366. Next, the threaded end of the arm screw 404 is fixedly coupled to the threaded hole 365 in the lever arm 342. In addition, the hooked end 398 of the arm latch spring 392 is operatively coupled to the biasing pin 364 protruding from the lever arm 342. After assembly with the lever arm 342, the straight end 400 of the arm latch spring 392 engages with the inner wall 386 in the spring cavity 380 of the arm latch 366 and spring biases the arm latch 366 in a counterclockwise direction (arrow 408) around the arm screw 404, as shown. Fig.13 Observed in.

[0064] Reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 , the bracket pawl 368 and the bracket pawl spring 394 are assembled to the mounting bracket 204 by inserting the threaded end of the bracket screw 406 through the pivot aperture 376 in the bracket pawl 368 and through the passage 402 in the bracket pawl spring 394 after the bracket pawl spring 394 is inserted into the spring cavity 380 of the bracket pawl 368. Next, the threaded end of the bracket screw 406 is fixedly coupled to the threaded passage 250 in the mounting bracket 204. In addition, the hooked end 398 of the bracket pawl spring 394 is operatively coupled to the spring pin 246 protruding from the mounting bracket 204. After assembly with the mounting bracket 204, the straight end 400 of the bracket pawl spring 394 engages the interior wall 386 in the spring cavity 380 within the bracket pawl 368 and spring biases the bracket pawl 368 in a counterclockwise direction (arrow 410) about the bracket screw 406, as shown. Fig.13 Observed in.

[0065] Rotating cam 196 Fig.14 and Fig.15 See Fig.14 , the rotating cam 196 includes a cam shaft 416 having an outer surface 418 extending in a longitudinal direction between opposite inner and outer ends 420 and 422. The cam shaft 416 also includes an axial aperture 424 that extends longitudinally through the cam shaft 416 and has a longitudinal axis configured to be aligned with the rotation axis 54. In addition, the outer surface 418 of the cam shaft 416 has an approximate axial radius 425 as measured from the longitudinal axis of the axial aperture 424. Figure 4 As depicted in , the shaft aperture 424 is sized and shaped to pivotally couple with the shaft 310 when the shaft 310 is inserted into the shaft aperture 424 during assembly of the annular latch release device 10. Fig.14and Fig.15 As shown, the rotating cam 196 includes a cam 426 having opposite cam wings 428, 430 that radially project from an outer surface 418 of the cam shaft 416 adjacent the outer end 422. The cam wings 428, 430 include respective distal ends 432, 434 that extend a cam radial distance 436 from the longitudinal axis of the shaft aperture 424. The cam radial distance 436 is greater than the shaft radius 425. The cam 426 has a generally elliptical shape having an engagement surface 438 that extends in the longitudinal direction between the outer end 422 and the opposite rear face 440 and extends around the outer periphery of the cam 426. The engagement surface 438 includes an actuation portion 441 having a curved profile at the distal ends 432, 434. The engagement surface 438 also includes a cam side portion 442 that extends between the actuation portion 441 and the outer surface 418 of the cam shaft 416 , as viewed from the outboard end 422 .

[0066] exist Fig.14 and Fig.15 As depicted in , the rotating cam 196 includes a ratchet gear 443 located at the inner end 420 of the cam shaft 416, the ratchet gear 443 having a longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft aperture 424. The ratchet gear 443 includes an outer surface 444 extending in a circumferential direction. The outer surface 444 includes a plurality of recesses 446, 448, 450, 452 spaced circumferentially along the outer surface 444. Each of the recesses 446, 448, 450, 452 includes a front surface 454 adjacent to a rear surface 456. In Fig.15 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the ratchet gear 443 includes four equally spaced notches 446, 448, 450, 452, wherein each notch 446, 448, 450, 452 corresponds to approximately 90° of rotation of the ratchet gear 443. The notches 446, 448, 450, 452 are sized and shaped to meshingly engage with the toothed sections 388, 388′ on the pawls 366, 368, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 When the tooth segment 388, 388' engages one of the notches 446, 448, 450, 452, the upper and lower faces 388a, 388b of the tooth segment 388, 388' frictionally engage the respective front and rear surfaces 454, 456 of the notch 446, 448, 450, 452.

[0067] exist Figure 8As depicted in , the annular latch release device 10 also includes a front plate 460 having a generally rectangular shape, the front plate 460 having opposite inner side portions 462 and outer side portions 464, and a flange 466 extending along a top surface 468 and protruding laterally away from the inner side portion 462. In addition, the front plate 460 includes spaced apart screw holes 470, 472 extending between the inner side portion 462 and the outer side portion 464. The front plate 460 includes an axial boss 474 that is spaced apart between the screw holes 470, 472 and protrudes away from the inner side portion 462 and includes a recessed hole 476. The annular latch release device 10 also includes front screws 478, 480 having threaded shafts 482 that are configured to be inserted into corresponding screw holes 470, 472 in the front plate 460 during assembly. Referring to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 , the front plate 460 is configured to be assembled with the inner side portion 462 abutting the outer side wall 24 of the side arm 18 and the outer side portion 464 facing away from the outer side wall 24, wherein the screw holes 470, 472 on the front plate 460 are aligned with the corresponding threaded holes 56, 58 on the outer side wall 24, and the shaft boss 474 protrudes into the shaft hole 52 in the outer side wall 24. In addition, the recessed hole 476 is configured so that after the front plate 460 is assembled with the outer side wall 24 of the side arm 18, the longitudinal axis of the recessed hole 476 is aligned with the rotation axis 54. The front screws 478, 480 are configured so that the threaded shaft 482 is engaged in a meshing manner with the corresponding threaded holes 56, 58 during assembly.

[0068] Still Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the ring latch release device 10 includes a plurality of bracket screws 484 having threaded shafts 485, and the plurality of bracket screws 484 are configured to engage in meshing manner with corresponding threaded passages 238a to 238d in the mounting bracket 204. In addition, the ring latch release device 10 includes a tension spring 486 having opposite hook-shaped ends 488, 490. The ring latch release device 10 also includes a cable attachment 492, which has a key engagement feature 494, which is configured to be inserted into the cable groove 362 in the lever arm 342. Referring to FIG. Figure 1 , the powered long rail assembly 12 also includes an actuator 496 operatively connected to an opposing latch release cable 498. The actuator 496 is configured to selectively actuate the opposing latch release cable 498 by applying tension to the latch release cable 498, as is generally known in the art. The actuator 496 is fixedly coupled to the central section 16 of the seat base 14, wherein the latch release cable 498 is routed to the corresponding side arm 18.

[0069] The following describes the assembly of each of the ring latch release devices 10 with the powered long rail assembly 12. For simplicity, it is assumed that the seat base 14 is preassembled with the base plate 84, the upper channel 86 and the long rail 88, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown. In addition, it is assumed that the actuator 496 and the latch release cable 498 are preassembled to the seat base 14. In addition, it is assumed that the annular latch 136 is preassembled with the upper channel 86 by connecting the upper end 152 of the coil spring 148 to the spring hole 94b in the top wall 94 of the corresponding upper channel 86, thereby connecting the lower end 156 to the lower portion 138a of the corresponding latch retainer 138, and by assembling the U-shaped ring 140 with the corresponding latch retainer 138, as shown. Fig.16 It will be appreciated that the order of assembly of the components of the powered long rail assembly 12 and the annular latch release device 10 may vary without changing the scope of the present invention.

[0070] Reference Fig.16 To assemble the annular latch release device 10 with the seat base 14, the return spring 194 is inserted into the recessed cavity 64 in the base wall 26 of the side arm 18 within the latch release cavity 20. Next, the plunger 160 is inserted into the latch release cavity 20 by inserting the lower portions of the plunger legs 176, 178 into the corresponding plunger holes 60, 62 in the base wall 26, wherein the spring boss 188 is inserted into the passage 202 by the return spring 194. The plunger legs 176, 178 are also inserted into the leg holes 84a in the base plate 84 and into the lower holes 94a in the top wall 94 of the upper channel 86, wherein the alignment notches 190, 192 are slidably engaged with the corresponding guide ridges 72, 74 on the outer side wall 24 of the side arm 18, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Fig.16 In addition, the front plate 460 is assembled to the outer side wall 24 by inserting the shaft boss 474 into the shaft hole 52 in the outer side wall 24, inserting the threaded ends 482 of the front screws 478, 480 into the corresponding screw holes 470, 472 in the front plate 460, and fixedly coupling the threaded ends 482 to the corresponding threaded holes 56, 58 in the outer side wall 24.

[0071] Next, if Fig.13As depicted in , the mounting bracket 204 is assembled with the bracket pawl 368 by inserting the bracket pawl spring 394 into the spring cavity 380 in the bracket pawl 368 and connecting the hooked end 398 of the bracket pawl spring 394 to the spring pin 246 protruding from the mounting bracket 204. Next, the bracket screw 406 is inserted into the pivot aperture 376 through the passage 402 in the bracket pawl spring 394 and fixedly coupled to the threaded passage 250 in the mounting bracket 204. In addition, the shaft 310 is assembled with the bearing assembly 280 by inserting the inner end 314 of the shaft 310 into the bearing aperture 308 in the bearing assembly 280, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 as shown in .

[0072] After the shaft 310 is assembled with the bearing assembly 280 and the bracket pawl 368 is assembled with the mounting bracket 204, the outboard end 316 of the shaft 310 is inserted into the keyhole slot 254 in the mounting bracket 204 and the locating pins 270, 272 are inserted into the corresponding pin holes 302, 304 in the bearing frame 282, thereby engaging the boss mounting surfaces 298, 300 with the corresponding protrusions 266, 268 on the mounting bracket 204. Next, the outboard end 316 of the shaft 310 is inserted through the opening 320 in the bushing 318 until the bushing rim 321 abuts the recessed channel 260 in the mounting bracket 204.

[0073] Next, the lever arm 342 is assembled with the arm latch 366 by inserting the arm latch spring 392 into the spring cavity 380 in the arm latch 366 and connecting the hooked end 398 of the arm latch spring 392 to the biasing pin 364, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 318. The arm screw 404 is inserted through the passage 402 in the arm latch spring 392 into the pivot aperture 376 and fixedly coupled to the screw hole 365 in the lever arm 342. After the lever arm 342 and the arm latch 366 are assembled together, the outboard end 316 of the shaft 310 is inserted through the pivot aperture 360 ​​in the lever arm 342, wherein the rear surface 350 of the lever arm 342 faces the bushing 318. The lever arm 342 is positioned on the shaft 310 adjacent to the bushing 318 and axially aligned with the curved block 240 on the mounting bracket 204, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As depicted in .

[0074] Next, the outboard end 316 of the shaft 310 is inserted into the shaft aperture 424 in the rotating cam 196, wherein the inboard end 420 of the rotating cam 196 faces the lever arm 342. The inboard end 420 of the rotating cam 196 is positioned on the shaft 310, wherein the toothed sections 388, 388' of the arm and bracket pawls 366, 368 are inserted into the adjacent notches 446, 448, 450, 452 in the ratchet gear 443, as shown in FIG. Fig.17After the rotating cam 196 is assembled to the shaft 310, the outer end 316 of the shaft 310 is inserted into the recessed hole 476 in the shaft boss 474 protruding from the front plate 460, and the cylindrical portion 284 of the bearing frame 282 is inserted into the arcuate portion 28 of the inner side wall 22 of the side arm 18. Next, the rear plate 322 is assembled by abutting the end bosses 330, 332 against the inner side wall 22, aligning the clearance holes 334, 336 with the upper screw holes 42, 44 in the inner side wall 22 and the threaded passages 238a, 238b in the mounting bracket 204, and engaging the lower surface 340 of the top flange 324 with the mounting sections 38, 40 on the inner side wall 22. Next, the threaded shafts 485 of two bracket screws 484 are inserted through the corresponding clearance holes 334, 336 in the rear plate 322, and fixedly coupled to the threaded passages 238a, 238b in the upper bosses 228, 230 in the mounting bracket 204. Additionally, the threaded shafts 485 of the remaining bracket screws 484 are inserted through the corresponding lower screw holes 46, 48 in the inner side wall 22, and fixedly coupled to the threaded passages 238c, 238d in the lower bosses 232, 234 on the mounting bracket 204. After the mounting bracket 204 is fixedly coupled to the inner side wall 22, one hooked end 488 of the tension spring 486 is inserted through the spring hole 358 in the lever arm 342, and the opposite hooked end 490 is inserted into the spring hole 50 in the inner side wall 22 of the side arm 18, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 Next, the end of the adjacent latch release cable 498 is fixedly coupled to the cable attachment 492 , and the key engagement feature 494 of the cable attachment 492 is inserted into the cable slot 362 in the lever arm 342 .

[0075] Refer to the following Figures 16 to 25 The function of the annular latch release device 10 is described. Fig.16 and Fig.17 , the ring latch release device 10 is initially shown in an unactuated state, wherein the ring latch 136 is in a locked state. The lever arm 342 is in an unactuated position, wherein the rear stop 356 is frictionally engaged with the rear stop 264 on the mounting bracket 204. There is no tension in the latch release cable 498. Fig.16 As viewed in FIG. 4 , the extension spring 486 spring biases the lever arm 342 in a clockwise rotational direction (arrow 500 ). When there is no tension in the latch release cable 498 , the extension spring 486 keeps the lever arm 342 engaged with the rear stop 264 .

[0076] Reference Fig.16 and Fig.17, the rotating cam 196 is positioned so that when the lever arm 342 is in the unactuated position and the annular latch 136 is in the locked state, one of the cam side portions 442 engages with the top surface 172 of the plunger 160. The return spring 194 spring biases the top surface 172 of the plunger 160 upward (arrow 149) toward the engaged state with the rotating cam 196. Thus, when the lever arm 342 is in the unactuated position, the plunger 160 is in the raised position.

[0077] In addition, the toothed section 388 of the arm latch 366 engages with the notch 452 on the upper side of the ratchet gear 443 (eg, Fig.17 ), and the toothed section 388' on the bracket pawl 368 engages with the notch 450. The pawl springs 392, 394 ( Fig.13 ) The toothed sections 388, 388' of the arm and bracket pawls 366, 368 are spring biased in a counterclockwise direction (arrows 408, 410) about the respective arm screws 404 and bracket screws 406 toward an engaged state with the respective notches 452, 450. Fig.16 , the latch keeper 138 is spring biased upward (arrow 149) by the coil spring 148 toward an engaged state with the actuation surfaces 180 on the plunger legs 176, 178. The annular latch 136 is in the locked position 150, wherein the U-shaped ring 140 engages the tabs 108, 118, 134 on the upper channel 86 and the long rail 88, because the plunger 160 is in the raised position.

[0078] When the unlocking process is initiated, the actuator 496 ( Figure 1 ) applies tension (arrow 502) to the latch release cable 498, which causes the lever arm 342 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction (arrow 500') about the axis 310, as shown in FIG. Fig.184. The toothed section 388 of the arm pawl 366 remains engaged with the notch 452 in the ratchet gear 443, causing the rotating cam 196 to rotate with the lever arm 342. However, when the rotating cam 196 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 500'), the toothed section 388' on the bracket pawl 368 is rotated in the clockwise direction (arrow 410') and disengages the toothed section 388' from the notch 450 because the bracket pawl 368 is pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket 204. When the lever arm 342 rotates the rotating cam 196 in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 500'), the actuating portion 441 of the rotating cam 196 engages with the top surface 172 of the plunger 160. When the actuating portion 441 rotates into contact with the plunger 160, the plunger 160 is displaced downward (arrow 149'), which in turn displaces the latch keeper 138 downward. It will be appreciated that a clockwise rotational direction and a counterclockwise rotational direction may be alternately described as a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction different from the first rotational direction, etc. without changing the scope of the present invention.

[0079] When the ratchet gear 443 rotates, the tooth segment 388' on the bracket pawl 368 slides along the outer surface 444 of the ratchet gear 443 until the tooth segment 388' engages with the adjacent notch 448, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 The lever arm 342 rotates in a counterclockwise direction (arrow 500') in response to the tension (arrow 502) applied to the latch release cable 498 until the front stop 354 on the lever arm 342 engages the front stop 252 on the mounting bracket 204. The plunger 160 is displaced to the lowered position by the actuating portion 441 of the rotating cam 196, which causes the U-shaped ring 140 to disengage from the tabs 108, 118, 134 and the long guide rail 88 on the upper channel 86, which in turn unlocks the annular latch 136, as shown. Fig.19 The amount of downward movement of the plunger 160 is approximately equal to the difference between the shaft radius 425 and the cam radial distance 436, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 shown.

[0080] Reference Fig.19 and Fig. 20 After the lever arm 342 engages the front stop 252 on the mounting bracket 204, the actuator 496 ( Figure 1) releases tension from the latch release cable 498. The tension spring 486 causes the lever arm 342 to rotate in a clockwise direction (arrow 500) about the axis 310. The toothed segment 388 on the arm pawl 366 rotates clockwise (arrow 408') about the arm screw 404, so that when the lever arm 342 rotates clockwise (arrow 500), the toothed segment 388 disengages from the notch 452. When the lever arm 342 rotates clockwise (arrow 500), the toothed segment 388 slides along the outer surface 444 toward the notch 450. However, the rotating cam 196 is maintained with the actuating portion 441 engaged with the plunger 160 because the toothed segment 388' on the bracket pawl 368 engages with the notch 448, and the bracket pawl 368 is pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket 204. Thus, when the lever arm 342 is rotated in the clockwise direction (arrow 500) by the tension spring 486, the plunger 160 is maintained in the lowered position and the annular latch 136 is maintained in the unlocked state. The tension spring 486 rotates the lever arm 342 in the clockwise direction (arrow 500) until the rear stop 356 on the lever arm 342 frictionally engages the rear stop 264 on the mounting bracket 204 and the toothed section 388 on the arm pawl 366 engages the notch 450, as shown. Fig.21 shown.

[0081] The annular latch 136 is held in place Fig.21 The unlocked state shown in FIG. 4 will be in the unlocked state until the locking process is started. When the locking process is started, the actuator 496 ( Figure 1 ) applies tension (arrow 502) to the latch release cable 498, which causes the lever arm 342 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction (arrow 500') about the axis 310, as shown in FIG. Fig.21 The toothed section 388 of the arm latch 366 remains engaged with the notch 450 in the ratchet gear 443, thereby causing the rotating cam 196 to rotate with the lever arm 342. Fig. 22 , the tooth segment 388' on the bracket pawl 368 rotates in a clockwise direction (arrow 410') in response to the counterclockwise rotation (arrow 500') of the ratchet gear 443, which causes the tooth segment 388' to disengage from the notch 448. When the lever arm 342 rotates the rotating cam 196 in a counterclockwise direction (arrow 500'), the actuating portion 441 of the rotating cam 196 rotates upward away from the top surface 172 of the plunger 160. When the actuating portion 441 rotates upward (arrow 500') away from the plunger 160, the plunger 160 is displaced upward (arrow 149) by the return spring 194, which in turn causes the coil spring 148 to displace the latch keeper 138 upward (arrow 149).

[0082] When the lever arm 342 rotates counterclockwise (arrow 500'), the tooth segment 388' on the bracket pawl 368 slides along the outer surface 444 on the ratchet gear 443 until the tooth segment 388' engages with the adjacent notch 446, as shown in FIG. Fig.23 As shown. The lever arm 342 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction (arrow 500') by the tension in the latch release cable 498 until the front stop 354 on the lever arm 342 engages the front stop 252 on the mounting bracket 204, with the cam side portion 442 oriented toward the top surface 172 of the plunger 160. The return spring 194 displaces the plunger 160 upward (arrow 149) to maintain engagement between the cam side portion 442 of the rotating cam 196 and the top surface 172 of the plunger 10, which returns the plunger 160 to the raised position. As the plunger 160 moves upward (arrow 149), the U-shaped ring 146 moves to the locked position 150 engaging the tabs 108, 118, 134 and the long guide rail 88 on the upper channel 86, which causes the annular latch 136 to lock, as shown. Fig.23 As depicted in .

[0083] Reference Fig.23 After the lever arm 342 engages the front stop 252 on the mounting bracket 204, the actuator 496 ( Figure 1 ) Release tension from latch release cable 498. Fig.24 , in response to the removal of tension from the latch release cable 498, the tension spring 486 causes the lever arm 342 to rotate in a clockwise direction (arrow 500) about the axis 310. As the lever arm 342 rotates clockwise (arrow 500), the tooth segment 388 on the arm pawl 366 disengages from the notch 450 and slides along the outer surface 444 toward the notch 448. However, the rotating cam 196 is maintained with the cam side portion 442 engaged with the plunger 160 because the tooth segment 388' on the bracket pawl 368 engages with the notch 446 and the bracket pawl 368 is pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket 204. Therefore, when the lever arm 342 is rotated in a clockwise direction (arrow 500) by the tension spring 486, the plunger 160 remains in the raised position and the annular latch 136 remains in the locked state. Referring to Fig.25 , the tension spring 486 causes the lever arm 342 to rotate in a clockwise direction (arrow 500) until the rear stop 356 on the lever arm 342 frictionally engages the rear stop 264 on the mounting bracket 204 and the tooth section 388 on the arm pawl 366 engages the recess 448, thereby returning the annular latch release device 10 to the unactuated state, in which the annular latch 136 is in a locked state.

[0084] As described above, the powered long rail assembly 12 of the present invention includes an annular latch release 10 configured to selectively unlock an annular latch 136 operatively coupled between the upper channel 86 and the long rail 88. The powered long rail assembly 12 includes an actuator 496 operatively coupled to a latch release cable 498 and configured to apply tension to the latch release cable 498 to actuate the annular latch release 10. During an unlocking operation, the actuator 496 causes the annular latch release 10 to rotate the rotating cam 196, thereby moving the plunger 160 downward and unlocking the annular latch 136. The annular latch 136 remains in an unlocked state until the actuator 496 applies tension to the latch release cable 498, which causes the annular latch release 10 to rotate the rotating cam 196, thereby moving the plunger 160 upward, thereby allowing the annular latch 136 to be repositioned to a locked state.

[0085] The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it will be appreciated that the terms used are intended to have the nature of descriptive rather than restrictive terms. In view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Therefore, it will be appreciated that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced in a manner other than that specifically described.

Claims

1. A ring latch release device for a vehicle seat assembly, the ring latch release device having a ring latch that can be repositioned between a locked state and an unlocked state, the ring latch release device comprising: Mounting bracket; a shaft rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket; a rotating cam pivotably coupled to the shaft, the rotating cam comprising a ratchet gear having a plurality of circumferentially spaced notches, and the rotating cam comprising a cam having an actuating portion and a cam side portion; a plunger operatively coupled to the cam and displaceable between a raised position and a lowered position, wherein the plunger is in the raised position when the plunger is engaged with the cam side portion and the plunger is in the lowered position when the plunger is engaged with the actuation portion; a lever arm pivotably coupled to the shaft; an arm pawl pivotally coupled to the lever arm and configured to meshingly engage an adjacent notch on the ratchet gear during pivotal movement of the lever arm; and A bracket pawl is pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket and is configured to meshingly engage an adjacent notch on the ratchet gear and lock the annular latch in the locked state.

2. The annular latch release device according to claim 1, further comprising: A return spring spring biases the plunger toward the raised position.

3. The annular latch release device according to claim 2, further comprising: A rear stop is configured to frictionally engage the lever arm when the lever arm is rotated about the axis in a first rotational direction.

4. The annular latch release device according to claim 3, wherein: The lever arm is spring biased toward the rear stop.

5. The annular latch release device according to claim 4, further comprising: A front stop is configured to frictionally engage the lever arm when the lever arm is rotated about the axis in a second rotational direction different from the first rotational direction.

6. The annular latch release device according to claim 5, further comprising: A latch release cable is operatively coupled to the lever arm and configured to apply tension to the lever arm to rotate the lever arm in the second rotational direction.

7. The annular latch release device according to claim 6, further comprising: An arm pawl spring is operatively coupled between the lever arm and the arm pawl and is configured to spring bias the arm pawl toward an engaged state with the ratchet gear.

8. The annular latch release device according to claim 7, further comprising: A bracket pawl spring is operatively coupled between the mounting bracket and the bracket pawl and is configured to spring bias the bracket pawl toward an engaged state with the ratchet gear.

9. The annular latch release device according to claim 8, further comprising: A bearing is pivotally coupled to the shaft.

10. The annular latch release device according to claim 9, further comprising: A bearing frame is fixedly coupled to the bearing and to the mounting bracket.

11. The annular latch release device according to claim 7, wherein: When the lever arm is rotated in the second rotational direction, the arm pawl engaging the adjacent notch in the ratchet gear causes the rotating cam to rotate with the lever arm.

12. The annular latch release device according to claim 11, wherein: The bracket pawl disengages from the ratchet gear when the lever arm is rotated in the second rotational direction.

13. The annular latch release device according to claim 11, wherein: When the lever arm rotates in the first rotational direction, the bracket pawl engaged with the ratchet gear prevents the rotating cam from rotating in the first rotational direction.

14. The annular latch release device according to claim 13, wherein: When the lever arm is rotated in the first rotational direction, the arm pawl disengages from the ratchet gear.

15. The annular latch release device of claim 14, further comprising: An actuator is configured to selectively apply tension to the latch release cable.

16. An elongated rail assembly for use in a motor vehicle, comprising: an upper channel slidably coupled to the elongated guide rail; a seat base fixedly coupled to the upper channel; an annular latch operatively coupled between the upper channel and the elongated rail and configured to lock the upper channel to the elongated rail when the annular latch is in a locked state, thereby preventing the upper channel from moving relative to the elongated rail, and wherein the upper channel is displaceable along the elongated rail when the annular latch is in an unlocked state; and an annular latch release device, the annular latch release device comprising: a mounting bracket, the mounting bracket fixedly connected to the seat base; a shaft, the shaft rotatably connected to the mounting bracket; a rotating cam, the rotating cam is pivotally connected to the shaft and includes a ratchet gear having a plurality of circumferentially spaced notches and includes a cam having an actuating portion and a cam side portion; a plunger, the plunger is operatively connected to the cam and is operatively connected to the annular latch and can be shifted between a raised position and a lowered position; a lever arm, the lever arm is pivotally connected to the shaft; an arm pawl, the arm pawl is pivotally connected to the lever arm and is configured to engage in meshing manner with an adjacent notch on the ratchet gear during pivotal movement of the lever arm; and a bracket pawl, the bracket pawl is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and is configured to engage in meshing manner with an adjacent notch on the ratchet gear and lock the annular latch in the locked state; wherein when the plunger is engaged with the cam side portion, the plunger is in the raised position, and when the plunger is engaged with the actuating portion, the plunger is in the lowered position; and Wherein, when the plunger is in the lowered position, the annular latch is in the unlocked state, and when the plunger is in the raised position, the annular latch is in the locked state.

17. The long guide rail assembly according to claim 16, further comprising: a latch release cable operatively coupled to the lever arm; an actuator operatively coupled to the latch release cable and configured to apply tension to the latch release cable; as well as front and rear stops that limit the range of rotational motion of the lever arm; Wherein, when the actuator applies tension to the latch release cable, the latch release cable causes the lever arm to rotate about the axis in a second rotational direction until the lever arm engages with the front stop, the arm pawl engaging with the adjacent notch in the ratchet gear causes the rotating cam to rotate with the lever arm, and the bracket pawl disengages from the ratchet gear.

18. The long rail assembly according to claim 17, wherein: the lever arm being spring biased in a first rotational direction different from the second rotational direction and toward an engaged state with the rear stop; and When the actuator removes tension from the latch release cable, the lever arm automatically rotates in the first rotational direction until the lever arm engages the rear stop, the bracket pawl engaging the adjacent notch in the ratchet gear prevents the rotating cam from rotating with the lever arm, and the arm pawl disengages from the ratchet gear.

Images