A front seat adjuster unlock handle return device

Abstract

This application provides a front seat adjuster unlocking handle return device, including a seat frame, a first bracket, a second bracket, and a linkage rod. Both ends of the linkage rod are rotatably connected to the seat frame. One end of the first bracket is fixedly connected to one end of the linkage rod, so that the first bracket rotates synchronously with the linkage rod. The second bracket is disposed on the seat frame and located below the linkage rod. The other end of the first bracket is connected to the second bracket via a tension spring to reset the linkage rod. In this application embodiment, the first bracket rotates with the linkage rod, while the second bracket remains stationary in its original position with the seat frame. The tension spring is stretched by the first bracket, accumulating elastic potential energy. When the linkage rod returns to its original position, the tension spring releases its elastic potential energy, providing an additional external force to assist the internal gear of the adjuster in re-engaging, thereby completely locking the backrest.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle seat technology, and more particularly to a front seat adjuster unlock handle return device. Background Technology

[0002] To meet the strength requirements of seats, single-adjustment seats are gradually being replaced by dual-adjustment seats. Adjusters come in manual and electric modes. Electric adjusters use a motor to unlock and reset, while existing manual adjusters rely on mechanical structures, placing higher demands on the seats. For a manual single-adjustment seat, when adjusting the backrest, rotating the adjusting shaft unlocks the adjuster's gear plate. The internal spring rotates during this process, accumulating elastic potential energy. When the backrest adjustment is complete, releasing the adjusting shaft releases the accumulated elastic potential energy, resetting the adjusting shaft, re-engaging the internal gear plate, and locking the backrest. A dual-adjustment seat is a series structure of two single-adjustment seats, connected by a linkage rod. The dual-adjustment seat consists of an active adjuster, a driven adjuster, and a linkage rod. When adjusting the backrest, the active side adjuster is unlocked by rotating the adjustment shaft, and the driven side adjuster is unlocked simultaneously via the linkage rod. When the backrest adjustment is finished, the adjustment shaft is released, and the internal coil springs of the two adjusters release their elastic potential energy, causing the internal gear plates of the two adjusters to re-engage, locking the backrest.

[0003] During the iteration from a single-adjustment to a dual-adjustment system, it was found that the dual-adjustment system was more prone to issues during use, such as the unlocking mechanism failing to return to its original position after the adjuster is unlocked, resulting in the backrest not locking properly. The specific reasons are analyzed as follows: During the series welding process of the active-side adjuster, driven-side adjuster, and linkage rod, due to the accumulation of manufacturing and welding tolerances of the parts themselves, the rotation axes of the three components do not coincide. During the unlocking and resetting process of the adjuster, shear stress perpendicular to the direction of the adjuster is generated, causing additional wasted work during the rotation of the adjuster and linkage rod. The elastic potential energy of the original disc spring is insufficient to drive the adjustment shaft back to its original position, resulting in the adjuster being in a semi-unlocked state, and the backrest not being able to lock effectively, creating a driving risk.

[0004] Current common solutions mainly focus on two directions: one is to improve the manufacturing and welding processes of parts and control part errors, which places higher demands on the supplier's manufacturing capabilities; the other is to increase the size of the internal coil spring of the angle adjuster, thereby generating more elastic potential energy during the rotation of the angle adjuster to compensate for the energy loss caused by wasted effort. However, the size of the angle adjuster housing is fixed, and the original angle adjuster may not be able to accommodate the increased size of the coil spring, thus requiring the selection of a new model of angle adjuster, resulting in incompatibility with the original frame. Therefore, both of these solutions are difficult to implement, and a new, simpler, more economical, and convenient solution needs to be found. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a front seat adjuster unlock handle return device, which relates to the field of vehicle seat technology. By adding an auxiliary tension spring assembly, additional elastic potential energy is provided to assist the adjuster in returning to its locked position after unlocking.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a front seat adjuster unlock handle return device, including a seat frame, a first bracket, a second bracket, and a linkage rod; The two ends of the linkage rod are rotatably connected to the seat frame; one end of the first bracket is fixedly connected to one end of the linkage rod so that the first bracket rotates synchronously with the linkage rod. The second bracket is mounted on the seat frame and located below the linkage rod. The other end of the first bracket is connected to the second bracket via a tension spring to reset the linkage rod.

[0007] In this embodiment, the first bracket rotates with the linkage rod, while the second bracket remains stationary in its original position with the frame of the seat. The tension spring is stretched by the first bracket, accumulating elastic potential energy. When the linkage rod returns to its original position, the tension spring releases its elastic potential energy, providing an additional force from the outside to assist the internal gear plate of the angle adjuster in re-engaging, thereby completely locking the backrest.

[0008] Optionally, when the linkage rod is in its initial state during reset, the tension spring is in a stretched state.

[0009] In this embodiment, the tension spring will provide tension to the linkage rod in any state. If the double angle adjuster fails to return to its original position after unlocking, causing the backrest to be unable to lock, the tension spring can still use its tension force to reset the linkage rod.

[0010] Optionally, the two ends of the linkage are respectively connected to an active side adjuster and a passive side adjuster, and both the active side adjuster and the passive side adjuster are provided with a reset torsion spring.

[0011] In this embodiment, the reset torsion spring and the tension spring work together to reset the linkage rod, so that the linkage rod can drive the seat back to fully return to its original position and lock it.

[0012] Optionally, the first bracket and the second bracket are disposed at the end away from the active side adjuster, or the first bracket and the second bracket are disposed at the end close to the driven side adjuster.

[0013] In this embodiment, since the end diameters of the linkage rod located on the active side adjuster and the driven side angle adjuster are different, the corresponding structures of the first bracket are also different. During the production process, the first bracket with different structures is set according to actual needs.

[0014] Optionally, the first bracket is provided with a fixing hole and a connecting hole. The fixing hole is fixedly connected to the linkage rod, and the connecting hole is connected to the tension spring. The diameter of the fixing hole is larger than the diameter of the connecting hole.

[0015] In the embodiments of this application, by designing fixing holes and connecting holes of different diameters, rapid assembly is facilitated.

[0016] Optionally, the second bracket is an L-shaped plate, and the vertical surface of the second bracket is connected to the seat frame, while the horizontal surface is connected to the tension spring.

[0017] Optionally, the second bracket has a hanging hole on its horizontal surface, and one end of the tension spring is hooked into the hanging hole.

[0018] Optionally, the vertical surface of the second bracket is welded to the seat frame or fixedly connected by at least two bolts.

[0019] In this embodiment, the second bracket is connected to the tension spring through a hanging hole, allowing for quick replacement when the tension spring is damaged. The other side of the bracket is connected to the seat frame by welding or bolts to ensure sufficient stability. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a front seat adjuster unlock handle return device provided in this application embodiment; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first support provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second support provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a front seat adjuster unlock handle return device provided in another embodiment of this application; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first bracket provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. First bracket; 2. Tension spring; 3. Second bracket; 4. Fixing hole; 5. Connecting hole; 6. Hanging hole. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To better understand the technical solutions in this specification, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this specification. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this specification without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0025] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this specification. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] During the iteration from a single-adjustment to a dual-adjustment system, it was found that the dual-adjustment system was more prone to issues during use, such as the unlocking mechanism failing to return to its original position after the adjuster is unlocked, resulting in the backrest not locking properly. The specific reasons are analyzed as follows: During the series welding process of the active-side adjuster, driven-side adjuster, and linkage rod, due to the accumulation of manufacturing and welding tolerances of the parts themselves, the rotation axes of the three components do not coincide. During the unlocking and resetting process of the adjuster, shear stress perpendicular to the direction of the adjuster is generated, causing additional wasted work during the rotation of the adjuster and linkage rod. The elastic potential energy of the original disc spring is insufficient to drive the adjustment shaft back to its original position, resulting in the adjuster being in a semi-unlocked state, and the backrest not being able to lock effectively, creating a driving risk.

[0027] In view of this, according to Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this application embodiment provides a front seat adjuster unlock handle return device, including a seat frame, a first bracket 1, a second bracket 3, and a linkage rod; Both ends of the linkage rod are rotatably connected to the seat frame, and the unlocking handle of the adjuster (not shown in the figure) is fixed to the linkage rod. One end of the first bracket 1 is fixedly connected to one end of the linkage rod so that the first bracket 1 rotates synchronously with the linkage rod; The second bracket 3 is mounted on the seat frame and located below the linkage rod. The other end of the first bracket 1 is connected to the second bracket 3 via a tension spring 2 to reset the linkage rod.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first bracket 1 rotates with the linkage rod, and the second bracket 3 remains stationary in its original position with the frame of the seat. The tension spring 2 is stretched by the first bracket 1 and accumulates elastic potential energy. When the linkage rod returns to its original position, the tension spring 2 releases its elastic potential energy and provides an additional force from the outside to assist the internal gear plate of the angle adjuster to re-engage, thereby completely locking the backrest.

[0029] In some embodiments, when the linkage rod is in its initial state during reset, the tension spring 2 is in a stretched state.

[0030] In this embodiment, the tension spring 2 will provide tension to the linkage rod in any state. If the double angle adjuster fails to return to its original position after unlocking, causing the backrest to be unable to lock, the tension spring 2 can still use its tension force to reset the linkage rod.

[0031] Specifically, in the initial / reset state: when the driver does not operate the lever, the linkage is in the initial position. At this time, the tension spring 2 is in a stretched state. This stretched spring stores elastic potential energy and generates a continuous pulling force, attempting to contract. This pulling force acts on the linkage through the first bracket 1, generating a torque that causes the linkage to rotate in the reset direction, thereby ensuring that the seat back is stable in the initial position.

[0032] Unlocking Operation: When the driver pulls the lever to unlock the seat adjuster, the seat back will rotate the linkage rod. The rotation of the linkage rod will cause the first bracket 1 to move as well. The movement of the first bracket 1 increases the distance between it and the second bracket 3, thereby further stretching the tension spring 2. At this time, the driver needs to overcome a greater tension force on the tension spring 2.

[0033] Automatic return to position: When the driver releases the seat back, the overstretched spring 2 returns to its original state. Its contraction pulls the first bracket 1, which in turn drives the linkage rod to rotate in the opposite direction, automatically returning to the initial position. The seat back also resets, and the seat adjuster locks again.

[0034] In some embodiments, the two ends of the linkage are respectively connected to an active side adjuster and a passive side adjuster, and both the active side adjuster and the passive side adjuster are provided with a return torsion spring.

[0035] In this embodiment, the reset torsion spring and the tension spring 2 work together to reset the linkage rod, so that the linkage rod can drive the seat back to fully return to its original position and lock it.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first bracket 1 and the second bracket 3 are disposed at one end away from the active side adjuster, or the first bracket 1 and the second bracket 3 are disposed at one end close to the passive side adjuster.

[0037] Active side adjuster: refers to the side adjuster equipped with the unlocking handle. The driver directly operates the handle to unlock the adjuster on this side.

[0038] The driven side adjuster: refers to the adjuster on the other side of the seat. It has no handle, but is connected to the active side adjuster via an adjuster linkage rod, enabling synchronous unlocking.

[0039] The return torque generated by the auxiliary return device = spring tension × lever arm (effective length of the first bracket 1). Placing it on the driven side away from the center of rotation is equivalent to increasing the lever arm of the entire linkage system against torsion. This means that a smaller spring tension is required to achieve the same return torque. Therefore, a smaller, softer spring can be used, reducing the operating force and making the handle easier to operate, while still ensuring a strong return effect.

[0040] The lever of the angle adjuster undergoes slight torsional deformation when transmitting torque. Installing the return device on the driven side provides a counter-torque directly on the opposite side, helping to counteract this deformation and making the entire unlocking and return process smoother, reducing the risk of potential jamming or abnormal noise.

[0041] Compared to placing the auxiliary return device on the active side, it is more advantageous to place it on the driven side. The active side typically houses multiple mechanisms such as the angle adjuster, unlocking handle, height adjuster, and slide rail adjustment handle, resulting in cramped space. Placing the return device on the driven side effectively avoids the complex structure of the active side, providing more ample and ideal space for the extension and retraction of the tension spring 2 and the swing of the bracket, thus reducing design complexity.

[0042] If the adjuster linkage breaks, the active and passive sides will lose their linkage. In this case, if the return mechanism is installed on the passive side, it can still indirectly pull the seat back to the locked position via the frame and other structures using its return force, providing an additional safety backup and reducing the risk of the seat failing to lock due to a single component failure. Because the return mechanism acts directly on the passive side, it can actively and forcibly pull the entire linkage system (including the adjusters on both sides) back to the precise initial locking position. This ensures that the passive side adjuster also returns to its original position and locks completely, avoiding the problem of incomplete return on the passive side due to linkage gaps or friction, thus guaranteeing synchronous locking on both sides of the seat and greatly improving safety.

[0043] In the embodiments of this application, according to Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, since the end diameters of the linkage rod located on the active side adjuster and the driven side angle adjuster are not the same, the corresponding structures of the first bracket 1 are also different. During the production process, the first bracket 1 with different structures is set according to actual needs.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first bracket 1 is provided with a fixing hole 4 and a connecting hole 5. The fixing hole 4 is fixedly connected to the linkage rod, and the connecting hole 5 is connected to the tension spring 2. The diameter of the fixing hole 4 is larger than the diameter of the connecting hole 5.

[0045] In this embodiment, by designing fixing holes 4 and connecting holes 5 of different diameters, rapid assembly is facilitated.

[0046] In some embodiments, the second bracket 3 is an L-shaped plate, and the vertical surface of the second bracket 3 is connected to the seat frame, while the horizontal surface is connected to the tension spring 2.

[0047] In this embodiment, the L-shaped structure forms a natural "reinforcing rib," effectively transmitting and distributing the horizontal tension generated by the tension spring 2 to the vertical seat frame plate through the vertical surface. This force transmission path is more direct and rational, avoiding structural distortion. Compared to simple flat or straight structures, the L-shaped cross-section has a higher flexural modulus, better resisting bending deformation caused by the continuous and alternating loads of the tension spring 2, ensuring the long-term stability of the second support 3.

[0048] In some embodiments, the second bracket 3 has a hanging hole 6 on its horizontal surface, and one end of the tension spring 2 is hooked into the hanging hole 6.

[0049] In this embodiment, the connection between the hanging hole 6 and the spring hook is a classic and mature method. During assembly, it can be simply hooked in by hand, making the operation very simple and efficient. The cost of punching a hanging hole 6 on the stamped part is almost negligible, and no additional connecting parts (such as bolts or pins) are required.

[0050] The hook can rotate and swing slightly within the hanging hole 6. This flexible connection can adapt to the slight changes in the angle of the tension spring 2 during the rotation of the linkage rod, avoiding motion interference and additional stress concentration.

[0051] In some embodiments, the vertical surface of the second bracket 3 is welded to the seat frame or fixedly connected by at least two bolts. Specifically, due to the presence of the adjuster, the vertical surface of the second bracket 3 is actually fixed to the lower connecting plate of the adjuster, which serves as a mounting component for fixing the adjuster to the seat.

[0052] In this embodiment, welding achieves a completely rigid connection, resulting in the highest structural strength, no risk of loosening, and space saving. Using two or more bolts effectively prevents the bracket from rotating relative to the frame (the biggest drawback of a single-bolt connection). This ensures that the installation position of the second bracket 3 is absolutely stable under the cyclic tension of the tension spring 2, serving as a reliable "foundation" for the entire return device.

[0053] The tension spring 2 will undergo tens of thousands of stretching and returning cycles throughout the seat's lifespan, and its fixing points must be able to withstand such high-frequency alternating loads. Welding or multi-bolt connections are designed for such critical stress points, ensuring the device's durability.

[0054] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this specification should be included within the scope of protection of this specification.

Claims

1. A front seat recliner release handle return device, characterized by, This includes the seat frame, the first bracket, the second bracket, and the linkage rod; The two ends of the linkage rod are rotatably connected to the seat frame; one end of the first bracket is fixedly connected to one end of the linkage rod so that the first bracket rotates synchronously with the linkage rod. The second bracket is mounted on the seat frame and located below the linkage rod. The other end of the first bracket is connected to the second bracket via a tension spring to reset the linkage rod.

2. The front seat recliner unlock handle return device of claim 1, wherein When the linkage is in its initial state during reset, the tension spring is in a stretched state.

3. The front seat recliner unlock handle return device of claim 2, wherein The two ends of the linkage are respectively connected to an active side adjuster and a passive side adjuster. Both the active side adjuster and the passive side adjuster are equipped with a return torsion spring. The return torsion spring and the tension spring work together to reset the linkage.

4. The front seat recliner unlock handle return device of claim 3, wherein The first bracket and the second bracket are located at the end away from the active side adjuster.

5. The front seat recliner unlock handle return device of claim 3, wherein The first bracket and the second bracket are located at one end near the driven side adjuster.

6. The front seat recliner unlock handle return device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The first bracket is provided with a fixing hole and a connecting hole. The fixing hole is fixedly connected to the linkage rod, and the connecting hole is connected to the tension spring.

7. The front seat recliner unlock handle return device of claim 6, wherein The diameter of the fixing hole is larger than the diameter of the connecting hole.

8. The front seat recliner unlock handle return device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The second bracket is an L-shaped plate, and the vertical surface of the second bracket is connected to the seat frame, while the horizontal surface is connected to the tension spring.

9. The front seat recliner unlock handle return device of claim 8, wherein, The second bracket has a hanging hole on its horizontal surface, and one end of the tension spring is hooked into the hanging hole.

10. The front seat recliner unlock handle return device of claim 8, wherein The vertical surface of the second bracket is welded to the seat frame or fixedly connected by at least two bolts.

Images