Vehicle seat backrest adjustment mechanism with encapsulation ring

Abstract

A backrest adjustment core can comprise a first locking plate, a second locking plate, a hub, an encapsulating ring, and a spacer ring. The first locking plate has an outer circumferential surface on which first teeth are formed. The second locking plate is rotatable relative to the first locking plate and has an inner circumferential surface on which second teeth are formed. Some of the second teeth engage with some of the first teeth. The hub extends through the first and second locking plates. The encapsulating ring extends annularly around the first and second locking plates and is not pressed into the first locking plate. The spacer ring is arranged axially between the second locking plate and the encapsulating ring and radially between the hub and the encapsulating ring.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 533,820, filed August 21, 2023. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. Area

[0002] The present invention relates to a seatback adjustment mechanism for a vehicle seat assembly and, more particularly, to a seatback adjustment mechanism having an encapsulation ring. background

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and does not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0004] Vehicle seats often include a recliner core that can selectively rotate a seatback relative to a seat bottom. The recliner core is operable between a locked position, in which the seatback is prevented from rotating relative to the seat bottom, and an unlocked position, in which the seatback can be rotated relative to the seat bottom. The recliner core includes a plurality of components that must be arranged in a specific position and at a precise or specific distance from one another. However, it is often difficult to move one or more of the components to achieve the specific distance. The present disclosure provides a recliner core with an encapsulation ring in a sliding fit arrangement such that the encapsulation ring can be easily moved to achieve the specific distance from the surrounding components. Summary

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the invention and is not a comprehensive disclosure of the full scope or all features thereof.

[0006] In one form, the present invention provides a recliner core that may include a first locking plate, a second locking plate, a hub, a encapsulating ring, and a spacer ring. The first locking plate includes an outer diametrical surface on which first teeth are formed. The second locking plate is rotatable relative to the first locking plate and includes an inner diametrical surface on which second teeth are formed. Some of the second teeth engage some of the first teeth. The hub extends through the first and second locking plates. The encapsulating ring extends annularly around the first and second locking plates and is not press-fitted into the first locking plate.The spacer ring is arranged axially between the second locking plate and the encapsulation ring and radially between the hub and the encapsulation ring.

[0007] In some configurations of the recliner core of the preceding paragraph, the spacer ring has a central opening extending through the spacer ring and a body extending annularly around the central opening.

[0008] In some configurations of the recliner core according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the body has a thickness measured between a first surface and a second surface of the spacer ring, the thickness being uniform along the body.

[0009] In some configurations of the recliner core according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the first surface of the spacer ring is positioned adjacent to a lip of the encapsulation ring, and the second surface of the spacer ring is positioned adjacent to an edge of the second locking plate.

[0010] In some configurations of the backrest adjustment core according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the second surface of the spacer ring is spaced from the edge of the second locking plate.

[0011] In some configurations of the recliner core according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the encapsulation ring comprises a body having a first end and a second end, a lip extending radially inward from the first end of the body, and a flange extending radially outward from the second end of the body.

[0012] In some configurations of the backrest adjustment core according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the lip of the encapsulation ring abuts the spacer ring.

[0013] In some configurations of the recliner core according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the body of the encapsulation ring has a radially inner surface spaced from a radially outer surface of the first locking plate.

[0014] In some configurations of the recliner core according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the first locking plate has a rim disposed radially outwardly of the first teeth and extending annularly around the first teeth.

[0015] In some configurations of the recliner core according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the edge of the first locking plate has a radially outer surface spaced from a radially inner surface of the encapsulation ring.

[0016] In another form, the present invention provides a recliner core that may include a first locking plate, a second locking plate, an encapsulation ring, and a spacer ring. The second locking plate is rotatable relative to the first locking plate. The hub extends through the first locking plate and is configured to rotate to place the recliner core into a locked state and an unlocked state. The encapsulation ring extends annularly around the first and second locking plates and is not press-fitted into the first locking plate. The spacer ring is disposed axially between the second locking plate and the encapsulation ring and radially between the hub and the encapsulation ring.

[0017] In some configurations of the recliner core of the preceding paragraph, the spacer ring is positioned adjacent to the encapsulation ring and spaced from an edge of the second locking plate.

[0018] In some configurations of the recliner core according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the encapsulation ring comprises a body and a lip extending radially inwardly from one end of the body.

[0019] In some configurations of the recliner core according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the body of the encapsulation ring has a radially inner surface spaced from a radially outer surface of the first locking plate.

[0020] In some configurations of the backrest adjustment core according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the first locking plate has an edge that is positioned radially outward of the second locking plate.

[0021] In some configurations of the recliner core according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the edge of the first locking plate has a radially outer surface spaced from a radially inner surface of the encapsulation ring.

[0022] In another form, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a recliner core. The method may include positioning a first locking plate of the recliner core relative to a second locking plate of the recliner core, sliding-fitting a snare ring onto the first locking plate such that the first and second locking plates are received within the snare ring and the snare ring extends around the first and second locking plates, adjusting a gap between the snare ring and the second locking plate after the snare ring has been snare-fitted onto the first locking plate, and firmly attaching the first locking plate to the snare ring after adjusting the gap.

[0023] In some configurations of the method of the preceding paragraph, the encapsulation ring is slidably fitted onto the first locking plate such that the encapsulation ring is radially spaced from a radially outer surface of the first locking plate.

[0024] In some configurations of the method according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the method may further comprise positioning a spacer ring between the encapsulation ring and the second locking plate.

[0025] In some configurations of the method according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the spacer ring is positioned such that the spacer ring is axially spaced from the second locking plate.

[0026] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Illustrations

[0027] The figures described herein are for illustrating selected embodiments only and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view of a vehicle having a seat with a reclining assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the Fig. 1 shown backrest adjustment arrangement; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a backrest adjustment core of the Fig. 1 shown backrest adjustment arrangement; Fig. 4 is another perspective view of a backrest adjustment core of the Fig. 1 shown backrest adjustment arrangement; Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the Fig. 3-4 shown backrest adjustment core; Fig. 6 is another exploded view of the backrest adjustment core; Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the backrest adjustment core; Fig. 8 is a partial sectional view of the backrest adjustment core; and Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing the backrest adjustment core.

[0028] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the several views of the illustrations. Detailed description

[0029] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the invention. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0031] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "having," "including," and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of certain features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.The procedure steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring that they be performed in the order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as such. It is also understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0032] When an element or layer is described as being "on," "engaging," "connected," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly engaging," "directly connected," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in the same way (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.).As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed elements.

[0033] Although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply order unless clearly indicated by the context.Thus, a first element, a first component, a first region, a first layer, or a first section discussed below could also be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second section without departing from the teachings of the embodiments.

[0034] Spatially relative terms such as "inside," "outside," "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be used to encompass various orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation illustrated in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an "above" and "below" orientation.The device may be oriented differently (rotated by 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used here may be interpreted accordingly.

[0035] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a recliner or backrest adjustment assembly 10 is provided that can be installed in a vehicle seat assembly 12 having a backrest 14 and a seat base 16. The backrest 14 and the seat base 16 can include a backrest frame 18 and a seat base frame 20, respectively. The seat assembly 12 can be positioned in a vehicle 22, as shown in Fig. 1. The backrest adjustment assembly 10 may include a first backrest adjustment mechanism 24, a second backrest adjustment mechanism 26, a cross brace 28, and a motor 29. The first and second backrest adjustment mechanisms 24, 26 may be configured in a locked state, which prevents relative rotation between the backrest 14 and the seat surface 16, and in an unlocked state, which allows relative rotation between the backrest 14 and the seat surface 16 between an upright position ( Fig. 1), a backward tilted position (not shown) and a forward tilted position (not shown).

[0036] With reference to the Fig. 2 to 6, the first recliner mechanism 24 may include a first bracket 30, a second bracket 32, and a recliner core (or locking mechanism) 34. The first bracket 30 may include a generally circular main body 42 and a pair of mounting tabs 43 extending outwardly from the main body 42. The main body 42 may define a central opening 44 ( Fig. 5, Fig. 6). The mounting tabs 43 may include a plurality of openings 46 through which fasteners (not shown) may extend to securely attach the first bracket 30 to the seat frame 20 of the seat assembly 12 ( Fig. 1).

[0037] The second bracket 32 ​​may be generally rectangular and may have a plurality of openings 48 and a central opening 49 ( Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) through which the cross brace 28 extends. Fasteners (not shown) may extend through the plurality of openings 48 to securely attach the second bracket 32 ​​to the backrest frame 18 of the seat assembly 12 ( Fig. 1) to be attached.

[0038] The recliner core 34 may be mounted to the first and second brackets 30, 32 and may selectively allow relative rotation between the backrest 14 and the seat bottom 16. The recliner core 34 may, for example, be a round recliner core or any other suitable type of recliner core. The recliner core 34 may include a first locking plate 50, a second locking plate 52, and a locking assembly 54.

[0039] With reference to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the first locking plate 50 may be rotatably mounted to the first bracket 30 and have a generally circular shape. The first locking plate 50 may include an inner portion 53 and a rim or outer portion 55. The inner portion 53 may define an opening 56 and include an outer diametrical surface 58 with teeth 60 thereon. The rim 55 may be rotatably mounted to the first bracket 30 and extend 360 degrees around a circumference of the inner portion 53. In other words, the rim 55 may be disposed radially outward of the teeth 60 and extend annularly around the teeth 60. The rim 55 may have an inner diametrical surface 61 with teeth 62 thereon and an outer diametrical surface 63 ( Fig. 8) which is opposite the inner peripheral surface 61.

[0040] The second locking plate 52 may have a generally circular shape and include a plate body 64, a hub 65, and a rim 66. The plate body 64 may include projections 68, teeth 69, and a seat 71 ( Fig. 5). The projections 68 may extend from a surface of the plate body 64 and be received in corresponding openings 70 of the second bracket 32, thereby rotatably fixing the second locking plate 52 to the second bracket 32 ​​and the backrest 14 ( Fig. 1). The teeth 69 may extend 360 degrees around an outer peripheral surface 75 of the plate body 64. The seat 71 may be arranged in a central portion of the plate body 64. A retaining ring 73 may be inserted into the seat 71. The hub 65 ( Fig. 6) may extend from the central portion of the plate body 64 in a direction opposite the projections 68 and from a surface opposite the seat 71. The hub 65 may define an opening 72 extending therethrough. The rim 66 may extend 360 degrees around a periphery of the plate body 64 and may include teeth 74 ( Fig. 6) extending 360 degrees around an inner peripheral surface 79 of the rim 66.

[0041] The locking assembly 54 may include a hub 76, a bushing ring 77, a cam 78, a pair of keys 80a, 80b, and a spring or biasing member 82. The hub 76 may include a hub portion 84, a flange portion 86, and a shaft portion 88. The flange portion 86 may extend radially outward with respect to the hub portion 84 and the shaft portion 88. The shaft portion 88 may extend axially from one side of the flange portion 86, and the hub portion 84 may extend axially from the other side of the flange portion 86. The shaft portion 88 may extend through the cam 78, the bushing ring 77, the opening 56 of the first locking plate 50, and the opening 72 of the hub 65 of the second locking plate 52. The shaft portion 88 may include a plurality of radially extending projections 90. The cross member 28 ( Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) may be received in an opening 87 of the hub 76 so that the hub 76 is in driving engagement with the cross member 28. In this manner, rotation of the cross member 28 causes a corresponding rotation of the hub 76.

[0042] A transfer plate 92 may be disposed between the flange portion 86 of the hub 76 and the cam 78. The transfer plate 92 may include a plurality of first rectangular slots 94 and a plurality of second rectangular slots 96. Each projection 90 of the hub 76 may be received in a corresponding first slot 94, thereby rotatably securing the transfer plate 92 to the hub 76. The bushing ring 77 may be press-fitted into the opening 56 of the first locking plate 50 and between the inner portion 53 of the first locking plate 50 and the cam 78.

[0043] The cam 78 may be disposed around the hub 65 of the second locking plate 52. The cam 78 may include a body 98, a mounting portion 100, and a distal portion 102. The body 98 may have a circular shape and define an opening 104 that receives the hub 65 of the second locking plate 52. The body 98 may have a first portion 106 and a second portion 108. The first portion 106 may have a thickness greater than the thickness of the second portion 108 of the body 98.

[0044] The mounting portion 100 may have a rectangular shape and be formed integrally with an outer surface of the second portion 108 of the body 98. The mounting portion 100 may include an end extending through one of the second slots 96 of the transfer plate 92 such that the cam 78 and the hub 76 are rotationally connected. The distal portion 102 may be formed integrally with an outer surface of the first portion 106 such that it is 180 degrees opposite the mounting portion 100.

[0045] The wedges 80a, 80b are disposed between the body 98 of the cam 78 and the bushing ring 77. Each wedge 80a, 80b has a first end 150 and a second end 152. The first end 150 extends into a corresponding second slot 96 of the transfer plate 92. Each wedge 80a, 80b also has a curved inner surface 154 and a curved outer surface 156. The inner surface 154 can contact the first portion 106 of the body 98 and include a groove 160 formed therein. The groove 160 receives the spring 82 so that the spring 82 urges the wedges 80a, 80b outward and away from the distal portion 102 of the cam 78. The outer surface 156 may be in contact with an inner surface 162 of the bushing ring 77.

[0046] The spring 82 includes a curved (or arcuate) body 140, a first leg 141, and a second leg 142. The body 140 extends at least partially around the flange portion 86 of the hub 76. The first leg 141 extends from a first end of the body 140, and the second leg 142 extends from a second end of the body 140. The first and second legs 141, 142 extend through a corresponding second rectangular slot 96 of the transfer plate 92 and are received in the grooves 160 of the keys 80a, 80b, respectively.

[0047] With reference to the Fig. 3 to 8, an encapsulation ring 130 may extend annularly around the first and second locking plates 50, 52. During assembly of the backrest adjustment core 34, the encapsulation ring 130 may be slid or slip-fitted onto the first locking plate 50 and then secured (e.g., welded) to the first locking plate 50. The encapsulation ring 130 may not be pressed onto the second locking plate 50. The encapsulation ring 130 may include a body 132, a lip 134 extending radially inward from a first axial end of the body 132, and a flange 135 extending radially outward from a second axial end of the body 132. The body 132 may (e.g.,by laser welding) to the first locking plate 50 to hold the recliner core 34 together and also to cover a periphery of the recliner core 34, thereby preventing dirt and fluid from entering and damaging the recliner core 34. The body 132 may include a radial inner surface 144 and a radial outer surface 146. The radial inner surface 144 may be separated from the outer peripheral surface 63 (. Fig. 8) of the edge 55 of the first locking plate 50. In other words, a gap 148 may be formed between the radially inner surface 144 of the encapsulation ring 130 and the radially outer surface of the first locking plate 50. A circular cap 136 may be attached to the flange portion 86 of the hub 76 (e.g., by laser welding) and cover the recliner core 34, thereby preventing dirt and fluid from entering and damaging the recliner core 34.

[0048] A spacer ring 170 may be disposed between the second locking plate 52 and the encapsulation ring 130. In particular, the spacer ring 170 may be disposed between the edge 66 of the second locking plate 52 and the lip 134 of the encapsulation ring 130. The spacer ring 170 is durable. In other words, the spacer ring 170 will not burn, melt, or otherwise dissolve. The spacer ring 170 may have a central opening 172 and a body 174. The central opening 172 may extend axially through the spacer ring 170. The body 174 may extend annularly around the central opening 172. The body 174 may have a first surface 176 ( Fig. 5) and a second surface 178 ( Fig. 6). The body 174 may have a thickness 175 measured between the first and second surfaces 176, 178. The thickness 175 may be uniform along the body 174. The first surface 176 may abut the lip 134 of the encapsulation ring 130. The first surface 176 may sealingly abut the lip 134 of the encapsulation ring 130, thereby preventing dirt and fluid from entering and damaging the recliner core 34. The second surface 178 may be disposed adjacent the edge 66 of the second locking plate 52. A gap 179 may be provided axially between the second surface 178 of the spacer ring 170 and the edge 66 of the second locking plate 52. For example, in some embodiments, the gap 179 may range from about 0.05 millimeters (mm) to about 0.25 mm. The body 174 may have an inner radial end 180 and an outer radial end 182.The inner radial end 180 may be aligned with one end of the lip 134 of the encapsulation ring 130. The inner radial end 180 may be radially spaced from the teeth 69 of the second locking plate 52 during movement of the second locking plate 52. The outer radial end 182 may be axially spaced from the body 132 of the encapsulation ring 130. The spacer ring 170 may be made of a plastic material, a metal material, or another suitable material.

[0049] The structure and function of the second backrest adjustment mechanism 26 may be similar or identical to that of the first backrest adjustment mechanism 24 and will therefore not be described again in detail.

[0050] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 8, an operation of the backrest adjustment arrangement 10 is described in detail. Before actuating an actuation switch 143 (in Fig. 1), which controls the motor 29 of the seat assembly 12, the spring 82 urges the wedges 80a, 80b outwardly so that the wedges 80a, 80b are wedged between the first portion 106 of the body 98 of the cam 78 and the bushing ring 77. In this manner, the first and second recliner mechanisms 24, 26 are in the locked state, preventing relative rotation between the backrest 14 and the seat bottom 16.

[0051] When a user actuates the actuation switch 143, the motor 29 drives the cross member 28, causing rotation of the hub 76. Clockwise rotation of the hub 76 (as viewed from the hub portion 84 of the hub 76) causes the transfer plate 92, the cam 78, and the wedges 80a, 80b to rotate relative to the first locking plate 50 and the bushing ring 77. Rotation of the hub 76, the transfer plate 92, the cam 78, and the wedges 80a, 80b causes the second locking plate 52 to rotate relative to the first locking plate 50 and the bushing ring 77 in an oscillating pattern. In this manner, a portion of the teeth 74 of the second locking plate 52 engages a portion of the teeth 60 of the first locking plate 50 at various points along the rotational path as the second locking plate 52 rotates about the first locking plate 50, thereby rotating the backrest 14.

[0052] The positioning of the encapsulation ring 130 relative to the second locking plate 52 allows the recliner core 34 to achieve a predetermined torsional friction between the second locking plate 52 and the first locking plate 50 (i.e., friction between the locking plates 50, 52 that resists relative rotation between the locking plates 50, 52). An encapsulation ring press-fitted into the second locking plate 52 would result in torsional friction exceeding the predetermined torsional friction and preventing oscillating movement of the second locking plate 52. Similarly, an encapsulation ring spaced from the second locking plate 52 by more than a predetermined distance would result in torsional friction less than the predetermined torsional friction and may cause the second locking plate 52 to disengage from the first locking plate 50.Thus, by precisely positioning the encapsulation ring 130, the predetermined torsional friction is achieved for a smooth movement of the second locking plate 52 relative to the first locking plate 50 in an oscillating pattern.

[0053] The encapsulation ring 130 is arranged in a slip-fit ​​configuration relative to the first locking plate 50. The slip-fit ​​configuration allows the encapsulation ring to move freely relative to the first locking plate 50. Accordingly, the slip-fit ​​configuration allows the gap 179 to be more effectively reached axially between the spacer ring 170 and the second locking plate 52, thus more effectively achieving the predetermined torsional friction. Advantageously, the slip-fit ​​configuration of the encapsulation ring 130 allows the encapsulation ring 130 to move in small increments to more effectively reach the gap 179, compared to when the encapsulation ring 130 is arranged in a press-fit configuration. After reaching the gap 179, the encapsulation ring 130 is secured or attached (e.g., welded) to the first locking plate 50.

[0054] To achieve the sliding fit arrangement of the encapsulation ring 130, the spacer ring 170 is provided. The spacer ring 170 allows the encapsulation ring 130 to be spaced apart from the second locking plate 52. Furthermore, the spacer ring 170 provides support for the second locking plate 52 and assists in preventing wobble between the second locking plate 52 and the encapsulation ring 130 during the oscillating movement of the second locking plate 52 relative to the first locking plate 50.

[0055] Fig.9 illustrates a method 200 for manufacturing the recliner core 34. At 202, the first locking plate 50, the second locking plate 52, the hub 76, the bushing ring 77, the cam 78, the keys 80a, 80b, the spring 82, the transfer plate 92, the encapsulation ring 130, and the spacer ring 170 of the recliner core 34 may be provided. At 204, the spacer ring 170 may be positioned relative to the encapsulation ring 130. The spacer ring 170 may be positioned within the encapsulation ring 130. In one example, the spacer ring 170 may be attached to the encapsulation ring 130. In another example, the spacer ring 170 may be loosely received within the encapsulation ring 130.

[0056] At 206, the first and second locking plates 50, 52 may be positioned relative to one another. In one example, a fastener may be used to position the first and second locking plates 50, 52. A first arm of the fastener may engage the first locking plate 50, and a second arm of the fastener may engage the second locking plate 52. The first arm may position the first locking plate 50 such that the teeth 60 of the first locking plate 50 engage the teeth 74 of the second locking plate 52. Additionally, some or all of the hub 76, bushing ring 77, cam 78, keys 80a, 80b, spring 82, and transfer plate 92 may be assembled.

[0057] At 208, the encapsulation ring 130 may be slide-fitted to the spacer ring 170 on the first locking plate 50. The first and second locking plates 50, 52 may be received within the encapsulation ring 130, and the encapsulation ring 130 may extend around the first and second locking plates 50, 52. At 210, the encapsulation ring 130 may be positioned to adjust the gap 179 after the encapsulation ring 130 has been slide-fitted onto the first locking plate 50. The encapsulation ring 130 may be easily moved to position or adjust the gap 179 because the encapsulation ring 130 is slide-fitted onto the second locking plate 52, as opposed to being an interference fit onto the second locking plate 52.

[0058] At 212, the encapsulation ring 130 may be secured or attached (ie, firmly attached) to the first locking plate 50 after the gap 179 has been adjusted. One or more spot welds may be placed between the rim 55 of the first locking plate 50 and the flange 135 of the encapsulation ring 130.

[0059] The foregoing description of the embodiments is for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable and may be used in a selected embodiment as appropriate, even if not specifically shown or described. They may also be varied in many respects. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 533,820

[0001]

Claims

[1] Backrest adjustment core, comprising: a first locking plate having an outer peripheral surface on which first teeth are formed; a second locking plate rotatable relative to the first locking plate and including an inner peripheral surface on which second teeth are formed, some of the second teeth engaging some of the first teeth; a hub extending through the first and second locking plates; an encapsulation ring which extends annularly around the first and second locking plates and is not pressed into the first locking plate; and a spacer ring arranged axially between the second locking plate and the encapsulation ring and radially between the hub and the encapsulation ring. [2] The seatback adjustment core of claim 1, wherein the spacer ring has a central opening extending through the spacer ring and a body extending annularly around the central opening. [3] The recliner core of claim 2, wherein the body has a thickness measured between a first surface and a second surface of the spacer ring, the thickness being uniform along the body. [4] The recliner core of claim 3, wherein the first surface of the spacer ring is positioned adjacent to a lip of the encapsulation ring and the second surface of the spacer ring is positioned adjacent to an edge of the second locking plate. [5] The seatback adjustment core of claim 4, wherein the second surface of the spacer ring is spaced from the edge of the second locking plate. [6] The recliner core of claim 1, wherein the encapsulation ring comprises a body having a first end and a second end, a lip extending radially inward from the first end of the body, and a flange extending radially outward from the second end of the body. [7] Backrest adjustment core according to claim 6, wherein the lip of the encapsulating ring abuts the spacer ring. [8] The seatback adjustment core of claim 6, wherein the body of the encapsulating ring has a radially inner surface spaced from a radially outer surface of the first locking plate. [9] The seatback adjustment core of claim 1, wherein the first locking plate has a rim disposed radially outwardly of the first teeth and extending annularly around the first teeth. [10] The seatback adjustment core of claim 9, wherein the edge of the first locking plate has a radially outer surface spaced from a radially inner surface of the encapsulation ring. [11] Backrest adjustment core, comprising: a first locking plate; a second locking plate rotatable relative to the first locking plate; a hub extending through the first locking plate and configured to rotate to place the recliner core into a locked state and an unlocked state; an encapsulation ring which extends annularly around the first and second locking plates and is not pressed into the first locking plate; and a spacer ring arranged axially between the second locking plate and the encapsulation ring and radially between the hub and the encapsulation ring. [12] The seatback adjustment core of claim 11, wherein the spacer ring is positioned adjacent to the encapsulation ring and spaced from an edge of the second locking plate. [13] The recliner core of claim 11, wherein the encapsulation ring comprises a body and a lip extending radially inwardly from one end of the body. [14] The recliner core of claim 13, wherein the body of the encapsulating ring has a radially inner surface spaced from a radially outer surface of the first locking plate. [15] The seatback adjustment core of claim 11, wherein the first locking plate has an edge positioned radially outward of the second locking plate. [16] The seatback adjustment core of claim 15, wherein the edge of the first locking plate has a radially outer surface spaced from a radially inner surface of the encapsulation ring. [17] A method for producing a backrest adjustment core, comprising: positioning a first locking plate of the backrest adjustment core relative to a second locking plate of the backrest adjustment core; slidingly fitting an encapsulation ring onto the first locking plate such that the first and second locking plates are received in the encapsulation ring and the encapsulation ring extends around the first and second locking plates; adjusting a gap between the encapsulation ring and the second locking plate after the encapsulation ring has been slidably fitted onto the first locking plate; and firmly attaching the first locking plate to the encapsulation ring after adjusting the gap. [18] The method of claim 17, wherein the encapsulation ring is slidably fitted onto the first locking plate such that the encapsulation ring is radially spaced from a radially outer surface of the first locking plate. [19] The method of claim 17, further comprising positioning a spacer ring between the encapsulation ring and the second locking plate. [20] The method of claim 19, wherein the spacer ring is positioned such that the spacer ring is axially spaced from the second locking plate.

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