Swivel fitting for a vehicle seat, vehicle seat and method for manufacturing such a swivel fitting

Abstract

Swivel fitting (2) for a vehicle seat (1), comprising: - a first fitting part (20) with a first toothing (200), - a second fitting part (21) with a second toothing (210) engaging with the first toothing (200), - an eccentric (24), - an actuating element (27) rotatably mounted on the first fitting part (20) about an axis of rotation (D), wherein the eccentric (24) can be moved by a rotation of the actuating element (27) such that the second fitting part (21) is adjusted relative to the first fitting part (20), and - an eccentric carrier (25) with a first support element (250; 250') radially supporting the eccentric (24) towards the axis of rotation and a second support element (251; 251'), wherein the first and the second support elements (250, 251; 250', 251') comprise interlocking positive locking elements (254, 255) and are arranged such that a torque acting on the actuating element (27) can be transmitted via the second support element (251; 251') to the first support element (250; 250'), characterized in that the positive locking elements (254, 255) of the first and second support elements (250, 251; 250', 251') comprise two pins formed on the first support element (250; 250'), each of which is slidably engaged with a pin on the second support element (250; 251'). The support element (251; 251') forms a positive locking element (255) in the form of a slot.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rotary fitting for a vehicle seat according to the preamble of claim 1, a vehicle seat and a method for producing such a rotary fitting.

[0002] Such a rotary fitting comprises a first fitting part with a first toothing, a second fitting part with a second toothing, wherein the second toothing is meshingly engaged with the first toothing, an eccentric and an actuating element mounted on the first fitting part so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, wherein by rotating the actuating element about the axis of rotation relative to the first fitting part, the eccentric is movable in such a way that the second fitting part is adjusted relative to the first fitting part, in particular rolls with the second toothing on the first toothing.

[0003] Such a rotary fitting can be used, in particular, for adjusting the angle of a vehicle seat backrest. For example, two rotary fittings can be arranged on the vehicle seat, which are operatively connected to one another via an actuating shaft and can be operated jointly to adjust the backrest relative to a seat part of the vehicle seat.

[0004] In such a rotary fitting, the adjustment of the first fitting part relative to the second fitting part occurs by the second fitting part rolling along the first toothing of the first fitting part with its second toothing. The number of teeth of the second toothing differs from the number of teeth of the first toothing, with the radially inner toothing in particular having at least one tooth less than the radially outer toothing.

[0005] The eccentric is used to arrange the first fitting part and the second fitting part radially to the axis of rotation without play, so that the second fitting part engages with its second toothing without play in the first toothing of the first fitting part.

[0006] Such a rotary fitting is described, for example, in DE 10 2010 038 795 A1.

[0007] The applicant is familiar with the practice of simply constructing the eccentric in the form of wedge elements and supporting them radially inward with a support element. However, this can require an assembly sequence in which the wedge elements are inserted first, followed by the support element, which can be very laborious.

[0008] US 2008 / 0136242 A1 describes a fitting with two eccentric wedges which are supported on an eccentric ring, wherein the eccentric ring engages with a drive disk.

[0009] US 2005 / 0110322 A1 describes a fitting in which eccentric wedges are arranged within a holding part.

[0010] DE 10 2013 201 514 A1 discloses a fitting with two eccentric parts arranged axially next to each other.

[0011] US 7,243,994 B2 describes a fitting with an eccentric ring with axial actuating projections.

[0012] DE 10 2004 062 049 A1 describes a fitting in which a rotating driver acts on a rotating running eccentric without any transverse force.

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a rotary fitting that is as easy to manufacture as possible.

[0014] This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.

[0015] According to this, the rotary fitting further comprises an eccentric support with a first support element supporting the eccentric radially inward with respect to the axis of rotation and a second support element, wherein the first and second support elements comprise interengaging positive locking elements and are arranged such that a torque acting on the actuating element can be transmitted to the first support element via the second support element. Furthermore, the positive locking elements of the first and second support elements comprise two pins formed on the first support element. The two pins are each displaceably (in particular radially) engaged with a positive locking element formed on the second support element in the form of a slot (or in the form of a common slot).

[0016] This enables particularly robust and precise torque transmission while simultaneously allowing for tolerance compensation. The slot extends, for example, in a radial direction. This allows for radial displacement of the pin within the slot, thus compensating for tolerances. Potential over-determination or secondary contacts can thus be significantly reduced.

[0017] This makes it possible to design the eccentric in a particularly simple manner and also to install the fitting in a particularly simple manner. In particular, the first support element can be inserted first, followed by the eccentric, and then the second support element, which serves as the interface to the actuating element.

[0018] In one embodiment, the eccentric comprises at least one wedge element, in particular two wedge elements. Such wedge elements can be designed to be particularly resilient.

[0019] The second support element can support the eccentric, in particular the wedge element(s), in the axial direction (relative to the rotation axis). Thus, the second support element can fulfill a dual function and, in addition to its interface function, secure the eccentric in the axial direction.

[0020] In one embodiment of the rotary fitting, the second support element has a (e.g. outer) form-fitting contour which engages with a matching (e.g. inner) form-fitting contour of the actuating element.

[0021] The second support element of the eccentric support can be a sheet metal part. For example, the second support element is a stamped part. This makes the second support element particularly easy to manufacture. The second support element can be flat and level.

[0022] For example, the first toothing is designed as an external toothing and the second toothing is designed as an internal toothing.

[0023] The first support element can comprise a closed ring. This allows for particularly good stability.

[0024] Optionally, the first support element and the second support element are each formed as a single piece. This allows for particularly simple manufacturing. The first support element and the second support element are separate components.

[0025] The second support element can have axially projecting stops for the eccentric, e.g., in the form of a bent section. This enables particularly simple production of the first support element. Alternatively, the first support element comprises radially projecting stops for the eccentric, which, for example, enables particularly simple production of the second support element.

[0026] Optionally, the second support element has axially projecting stops for a third support element of the eccentric support, e.g., in the form of a bent section. This enables particularly simple production of the first support element. If the first support element has no stops on its outer surface, it can be manufactured particularly easily, e.g., using a lathe. Alternatively, the first support element comprises radially projecting stops for the eccentric, which then enables, e.g., particularly simple production of the second support element.

[0027] According to one aspect, a vehicle seat is provided which comprises a pivot fitting according to any embodiment described herein, in particular two such pivot fittings.

[0028] According to one aspect, a method for producing a rotary fitting according to any embodiment described herein is provided, comprising the following steps: arranging the first support element and the eccentric in an eccentric receptacle of the second fitting part and, thereafter, arranging the second support element in the eccentric receptacle.

[0029] This makes production particularly simple.

[0030] Optionally, a retaining element for securing the second fitting part in engagement with the first fitting part is stamped from a single piece of sheet metal. The retaining element is formed with an opening, creating a piece of stamping waste that fits the opening. The second support element is then manufactured from this piece of stamping waste. This allows for particularly material-efficient production.

[0031] The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show, in schematic representations: Fig. 1 a view of a vehicle seat; Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B exploded views of an embodiment of a rotary fitting; Fig. 3 to 6 cutaway views of the rotary fitting according to Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B in various stages of assembly; and Fig. 7 a view of a first support element and a second support element for the rotary fitting according to Fig. 2A to 6.

[0032] One in Fig. 1 schematically illustrated vehicle seat 1 comprises a seat part 10 and a backrest part 11 pivotally arranged relative to the seat part 10 via an arrangement of pivot fittings 2. The arrangement of pivot fittings 2 allows the backrest part 11 to be pivoted relative to the seat part 10 in order to adjust the inclination of the backrest part 11 relative to the seat part 10 or to bring the backrest part 11 into a pre-pivoted, for example, flat position, for example to enlarge storage space in a vehicle.

[0033] Such a vehicle seat 1 can be designed as a front seat in a vehicle. However, such a vehicle seat 1 can also be used as a rear seat in the second or third row of seats in a vehicle.

[0034] In the example shown, the vehicle seat 1 is connected via an optional height adjustment device 12 to a likewise optional longitudinal adjustment device 13 and via the longitudinal adjustment device 13 to a vehicle floor 14 in a longitudinally adjustable manner.

[0035] To connect the backrest part 11 to the seat part 10, two pivot fittings 2 can be arranged on opposite sides of the backrest part 11, for example. The pivot fittings 2 are coupled to one another in a conventional manner, for example via an actuating shaft, so that the pivot fittings 2 can be actuated jointly via the actuating shaft.

[0036] Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B show an embodiment of a rotary fitting 2 of the vehicle seat 1 according to Fig. 1. The pivot fitting 2 is designed as a wobbling pivot fitting. The pivot fitting 2 has a first fitting part 20, which is assigned to an adjustment assembly, for example, the backrest part 11 (and is, for example, firmly connected to a frame part of the backrest part 11). A second fitting part 21, in contrast, is assigned to another adjustment assembly, for example, the seat part 10 (and is, for example, firmly connected to a frame part of the seat part 10).

[0037] The first fitting part 20 comprises a toothing configured as an internal toothing 200. The second fitting part 21 comprises a toothing configured as an external toothing 210. Via the external toothing 210, the second fitting part engages with the internal toothing 200 of the first fitting part 20, which extends within a peripheral wall 201, and can be adjusted in a wobbling manner relative to the first fitting part 20. The internal toothing 200 is concentric with a rotational axis D of the rotary fitting 2.

[0038] The external toothing 210 of the second fitting part 21 is formed on a circumferential flange portion 211 of the second fitting part 21. The flange portion 211 rests against a bottom portion 202 of the first fitting part 20 such that the second fitting part 21 is adjustable with the first fitting part 20 through the toothing engagement of the toothings 200, 210.

[0039] The second fitting part 21 is axially fixed to the first fitting part 20 by a retaining element 205. The retaining element 205 is firmly connected to the first fitting part 20 and encloses the flange portion 211 of the second fitting part 21 relative to the base portion 202 of the first fitting part 20 such that the second fitting part 21 is axially fixed but adjustable relative to the first fitting part 20 in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis D. The retaining element 205 serves as a cover.

[0040] The toothings 200, 210 differ in their number of teeth. Thus, the external toothing 210 of the second fitting part 21 has at least one tooth less than the internal toothing 200 of the first fitting part 20. This causes the rotational position of the second fitting part 21 to change when the second fitting part 21 rolls within the first fitting part 20, thus pivoting the adjustment assembly associated with the second fitting part 21 toward the adjustment assembly associated with the first fitting part 20.

[0041] While the first fitting part 20 is concentric to the rotational axis D, the second fitting part 21 rotates eccentrically to the rotational axis D within the first fitting part 20. The external toothing 210 of the second fitting part 21 is concentric with an eccentric recess 213 formed in the second fitting part 21. The second fitting part 21 is firmly connected or connectable to the associated adjustment assembly via a collar 212 surrounding the eccentric recess 213.

[0042] A bearing bush 22 is located in the eccentric receptacle 213 of the second fitting part 21, which, for example, is firmly connected to the second fitting part 21. Also arranged in the eccentric receptacle 213 are an eccentric 24 formed by wedge elements 240, 241 and a multi-part eccentric carrier 25.

[0043] The eccentric carrier 25 comprises a first carrier element in the form of an inner wedge carrier 250, a second carrier element in the form of a driver 251 and, in the example shown, also a third carrier element in the form of an outer wedge carrier 252.

[0044] The inner wedge support 250 is mounted on a bearing pin 204 of the first fitting part 20 and is rotatably mounted thereon about the rotation axis D. The inner wedge support 250 comprises an annular section with a circumferential surface. The wedge elements 240, 241 rest against the circumferential surface and are supported radially inwardly by the inner wedge support 250 (relative to the rotation axis D). The outer wedge support 252 is annular (here in the form of an open ring) and accommodates the wedge elements 240, 241 and the inner wedge support 250.

[0045] The driver 251 is arranged along the rotational axis D next to the inner wedge support 250 and the wedge elements 240, 241. The wedge elements 240, 241 are supported by the driver 251 in an axial direction (relative to the rotational axis D). For this purpose, the driver 251 includes a projection 258 that radially covers or at least overlaps the wedge elements 240, 241. This prevents the wedge elements 240, 241 from rising axially.

[0046] The wedge elements 240, 241 of the eccentric assembly 24 are preloaded against each other by a spring element 26. The spring element 26 acts with spring ends 260 on the mutually facing head ends 242 of the wedge elements 240, 241 and loads them toward each other in the direction of spreading.

[0047] The wedge elements 240, 241 serve to bring the first fitting part 20 and the second fitting part 21 into meshing engagement with one another without play. The wedge elements 240, 241 are spaced apart from one another by the action of the spring element 26 and press the second fitting part 21, with its external toothing 210, into engagement with the internal toothing 200 of the first fitting part 20. The wedge elements 240, 241 are spaced apart and wedged together by the action of the spring element 26. The fitting parts 20, 21 are thus held in meshing engagement with one another without play. Furthermore, the wedging locks the position of the fitting parts 20, 21 relative to one another in a self-locking manner.

[0048] The outer wedge carrier 252 is slidably movable relative to the bearing bush 22 and is adjusted together with the inner wedge carrier 250 and the driver 251 upon (sufficiently wide) actuation of the actuating element 27.

[0049] An actuating element 27 is operatively connected to the eccentric carrier 25. The actuating element 27 extends with a shaft 270 through a bearing opening 203 of the first fitting part 20, which is concentric with the rotational axis D, and is mounted on the first fitting part 20 so as to be rotatable about the rotational axis D. The bearing opening 203 extends through the bearing pin 204.

[0050] Via a (star-shaped) positive-locking contour 272, the actuating element 27 engages in a form-fitting manner with a suitably designed positive-locking contour 257 of the driver 251 of the eccentric carrier 25 and is thereby connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the driver 251 of the eccentric carrier 25. A rotation of the actuating element 27 about the rotation axis D relative to the first fitting part 20 thus leads to a rotation of the driver 251 about this rotation axis D. The actuating element 27 is designed to introduce a torque into the driver 251.

[0051] The driver 251 comprises further form-locking elements in the form of slots 255, specifically two slots 255 running along a common straight line. A pin 254 engages each of the two slots 255 of the driver 251. As a result, the inner wedge carrier 250 is driven into the rotational movement when the driver 251 rotates about the rotation axis D (relative to the first fitting part 20). Via the slots 255 and pins 254, the driver 251 can introduce a torque into the inner wedge carrier 251. The driver 251 thus has a dual function, serving both to axially secure the wedge elements 240, 241 and to couple the inner wedge carrier 250 to the actuating element 27.

[0052] The inner wedge support 250 comprises a plurality of stops 253A-253D, each in the form of a radially projecting block. Each of the wedge elements 240, 241 is assigned a stop 253A, 253B and arranged circumferentially adjacent thereto. If the actuating element 27 is rotationally actuated, the inner wedge support 250 rotates relative to the first fitting part 20. Depending on the direction of rotation, one of the stops 253A, 253B assigned to the wedge elements 240, 241 strikes an end portion of the corresponding wedge element 240, 241. Two further stops 253C, 253D are assigned to the outer wedge support 252 and arranged circumferentially adjacent to a driving contour 256 of the outer wedge support 252. The driving contour 256 of the outer wedge carrier 252 is formed by two inwardly bent (spaced apart by a gap) open ends of the outer wedge carrier 252.

[0053] If the inner wedge support 250 is rotated in a pivoting direction by actuating the actuating element 27, for example, by an electric motor via an actuating shaft concentric with the rotational axis D, the inner wedge support pivots in the pivoting direction and is brought closer to the associated wedge element 240, 241 with one of its stops 253A, 253B. By acting on the wedge element 240, 241, this wedge element 240, 241 is brought closer to the other wedge element 240, 241, thus canceling the wedging effect of the wedge elements 240, 241 in the eccentric receptacle 213. The pivot fitting 2 is thus released.

[0054] Upon further rotation, the inner wedge support 250, with one of its further stops 253C, 253D, also comes into contact with one of the ends of the outer wedge support 252, thereby driving the outer wedge support 252 along with it. By acting on the wedge elements 240, 241, the eccentric 24 is pivoted in the eccentric receptacle 213, thereby adjusting the second fitting part 21 relative to the first fitting part 20. The outer wedge support 252 is thereby driven along.

[0055] After the actuation has ended, the wedge elements 240, 241 are again spread apart from one another due to the spring action of the spring element 26 and wedge themselves together.

[0056] The actuating element 27 also has a central positive-locking opening 271, via which the actuating element 27 is usually connected to an actuating shaft extending along the rotational axis D in such a way that the actuating element 27 can be adjusted manually and / or by electric motor via the actuating shaft.

[0057] A sealing element 28, which rests on the outside of the first fitting part 20 and is placed on the shaft 270 of the actuating element 27, seals the interior of the rotary fitting 2 from the environment. An axial locking ring 29, with several inwardly projecting portions, engages in a groove on the shaft 270 of the actuating element 27, thus securing the actuating element 27 to the first fitting part 20.

[0058] Fig. Figures 3 to 6 show different stages of the production of the rotary fitting. First, as shown in Fig. 3, the two fitting parts 20, 21, the outer and inner wedge supports 252, 250, and the wedge elements 240, 241 are assembled. For example, the inner wedge support 250 is first placed onto the bearing pin 204 of the first fitting part 20, then the outer wedge support 252 and the bearing bush 22 are placed on top, and the wedge elements 240, 241 are inserted into the space between the inner and outer wedge supports 250, 252. The second fitting part 21 is then inserted and secured to the first fitting part 20 by means of the retaining element 205. This makes it particularly easy to insert the wedge elements 240, 241.

[0059] In a subsequent step, the driver 251 is mounted. For this purpose, the driver 251 is placed with its slots 255 onto the pins 254 of the inner wedge carrier 250 (in the axial direction).

[0060] Optionally, the driver 251 is manufactured in such a way that a predetermined switching play of the rotary fitting 2 is achieved. For this purpose, parts of the rotary fitting 2 can be measured, e.g. in the partially assembled state according to Fig. 3, and the driver 251 is manufactured depending on the measurement results, e.g. punched out.

[0061] Fig. 4 shows the mounted driver 251, where it can also be seen how the projections 258 (in the view of the Fig. 4 only a part of the projections 258 can be seen) secure the wedge elements 240, 241 axially.

[0062] Fig. 5 also shows the subsequently mounted spring element 26. This spring element engages with its spring ends 260 in grooves on the head ends 242 of the wedge elements 240, 241. An (annular) section of the spring element 26 extends on the side of the driver 251 facing away from the wedge elements 240, 241.

[0063] Fig. Figure 6 shows the finished rotary fitting 2. The actuating element 27 is inserted into the bearing opening 203 and axially secured. The positive-locking contour 272 of the actuating element 27 engages the positive-locking contour 257 of the driver 251.

[0064] The axial locking mechanism effectively prevents the wedge elements 240, 241 and the outer wedge support 252 from rising axially and losing their overlap around the inner wedge support 250 or the second fitting part 21. Furthermore, tilting of the inner wedge support on the bearing journal can be prevented.

[0065] Fig. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a first support element in the form of an inner wedge support 250' and a second support element in the form of a driver 251' for the rotary fitting 2 according to Fig.2A to 6. Here, the driver 251' comprises stops 259A-259D for the wedge elements 240, 241 (stops 259A, 259B) and for the outer wedge support 252 (stops 259C, 259D). The inner wedge support 250' therefore does not comprise such stops and has a cross-section whose outer circumferential surface line forms a circle. The outer surface of the inner wedge support 250' has the shape of a ring without any jumps.

[0066] Such an inner wedge beam 250' is particularly easy to manufacture.

[0067] A swivel fitting of the type described can be advantageously used to pivot a backrest part toward a seat part of a vehicle seat. However, such a swivel fitting can also be used for other purposes on a vehicle.

[0068] Several rotary fittings can be used in a combined manner, for example coupled via an actuating shaft, via which the rotary fittings can be operated together, in particular by electric motor. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle seat 10 Seat part 11 Backrest part 12 Height adjustment device 13 Longitudinal adjustment device 2 rotating fittings 20 first fitting part 200 first gearing (internal gearing) 201 peripheral wall 202 floor section 203 Warehouse opening 204 bearing journals 205 Holding element 21 second fitting part 210 second gearing (external gearing) 211 Flange section 212 Bund 213 Eccentric mount 22 Bearing bush 24 eccentric 240, 241 wedge elements 242 headboards 25 eccentric supports 250, 250' first beam element (inner wedge beam) 251, 251' second carrier element (driver) 252 third support element (outer wedge support) 253A-253D stop 254 pen 255 slot 256 Driving contour 257 Form-fitting contour 258 overhang 259A-259D stop 26 spring element 260 spring ends 27 Actuating element 270 shaft 271 Form-lock opening 272 Form-fitting contour 28 Sealing element 29 Axial retaining ring D axis of rotation FB vehicle floor

Claims

[1] Rotating fitting (2) for a vehicle seat (1), comprising: - a first fitting part (20) with a first toothing (200), - a second fitting part (21) with a second toothing (210) engaging with the first toothing (200), - an eccentric (24), - an actuating element (27) mounted on the first fitting part (20) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (D), wherein the eccentric (24) can be moved by rotation of the actuating element (27) such that the second fitting part (21) is adjusted relative to the first fitting part (20), and - an eccentric carrier (25) with a first carrier element (250; 250') supporting the eccentric (24) radially towards the axis of rotation and a second carrier element (251; 251'), wherein the first and the second carrier element (250, 251; 250', 251') comprise interlocking form-fitting elements (254, 255) and are arranged such that a torque acting on the actuating element (27) can be transmitted via the second carrier element (251; 251') to the first carrier element (250; 250'), characterized by that the form-locking elements (254, 255) of the first and second carrier elements (250, 251; 250', 251') comprise two pins formed on the first carrier element (250; 250'), each of which is displaceably engaged with a form-locking element (255) in the form of a slot formed on the second carrier element (251; 251'). [2] Rotating fitting (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the eccentric (24) has at least one wedge element (240, 241). [3] Rotating fitting (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the second support element (251; 251') supports the eccentric (24) in the axial direction. [4] Rotating fitting (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second carrier element (251; 251') has a form-fitting contour (257) which engages with a matching form-fitting contour (272) of the actuating element (27). [5] Rotating fitting (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second support element (251; 251') of the eccentric support (25) is a sheet metal part. [6] Rotating fitting (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first toothing (200) is designed as an external toothing and the second toothing (210) is designed as an internal toothing. [7] Rotating fitting (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first carrier element (250; 250') comprises a self-contained ring. [8] Rotating fitting (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first support element (250; 250') and the second support element (251; 251') are each formed in one piece. [9] Rotating fitting (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second support element (250') has axially projecting stops (259A, 259B) for the eccentric (24). [10] Rotating fitting (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second support element (250') has axially projecting stops (259C, 259D) for a third support element (252) of the eccentric support (25). [11] Vehicle seat (1), characterized by a rotary fitting (2) according to one of the preceding claims. [12] Method for producing a rotary fitting (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the following steps: - arranging the first support element (250; 250') and the eccentric (24) in an eccentric receptacle (213) of the second fitting part (21) and then - Arranging the second carrier element (251; 251') in the eccentric receptacle (213). [13] Method according to claim 12, characterized by that a holding element (205) for securing the second fitting part (21) in engagement with the first fitting part (20) is punched from a piece of sheet metal, wherein the holding element (205) is formed with an opening so that a piece of punching waste is produced which fits the opening, wherein the second carrier element (251; 251') is produced from this piece of punching waste.

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