DRIVE DEVICE FOR AN AUTOMATICALLY SWIVEL SEAT

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a drive device for an automatically swiveling seat, comprising: a housing mounted on one side of a base plate and allowing a brake ring to be coupled to it; a pinion connected to a rotating shaft of a motor and configured to receive a rotational force when the motor is operating; an adapter gear coupled to the pinion and configured to rotate together with the pinion; a clutch rotatably mounted on an inner side of the brake ring and meshing with the adapter gear; a brake wedge rotatably mounted on an inner side of the brake ring and configured to be rotated by the clutch; a plurality of brake rollers installed between the brake wedge and the brake ring and configured to restrict or allow rotation of the brake wedge relative to the brake ring;a cover plate coupled to the housing, with the brake ring arranged between them; and a spacer arranged between the cover plate and the brake wedge, supporting the brake wedge in the direction of the clutch, and the brake wedge arranged so that it is movable in a radial direction between the spacer and the clutch, thereby improving actuation sensitivity.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATION

[0001] The present application claims priority over Korean patent application No. 10-2024-0065522, filed on May 21, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference without restriction. AREA

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a drive device of an automatically swiveling seat, in particular a drive device of an automatically swiveling seat which provides a rotational driving force for a swiveling seat of a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0003] A swivel seat is a seat configured to rotate, allowing a passenger to turn and sit in a desired direction inside a vehicle. Generally, the swivel seat is operated by a drive mechanism with a motor.

[0004] The drive mechanism of the swiveling seat comprises a fixed frame installed and attached to a floor plate inside a passenger compartment, a rotating frame rotatably mounted on one upper side relative to the fixed frame and supporting a seat upholstery frame on one upper side thereof, a ring-shaped bracket installed and configured between the fixed frame and the rotating frame to allow rotation between them relative to each other, a motor installed on the fixed frame, a reduction mechanism installed on a rotating shaft of the motor in conjunction with the motor, a brake wedge, and a coupling connecting an output side of the reduction mechanism to the rotating frame.

[0005] Here, the reduction mechanism can transfer power from the motor to a support bracket by using a worm gear coupled to a motor shaft, a reduction gear meshing with the worm gear, and a gear meshing with the reduction gear or coupling between the reduction gear and the coupling, etc.

[0006] However, the reduction mechanism of the conventional drive device has a problem in that the number of meshing gears is large and a size variation can occur in a compound section between gears, leading to friction noise or vibrations.

[0007] Furthermore, managing the size of the motor and the gears of the reduction mechanism is difficult because the motor is provided as a single module together with the drive device, and product quality deteriorates.

[0008] Furthermore, if the rotating frame is in a state where the rotating frame is restricted by the stationary frame, particularly in a state where a rotating shaft of the rotating frame is fixed, the operating efficiency and actuation sensitivity are deteriorated.

[0009] Furthermore, if an external force is applied via the seat or a large load occurs, the external force and the large load will be transferred directly to the motor and the reduction mechanism side, and thus there is a problem in that the motor and the reduction mechanism can be damaged. SUMMARY

[0010] The present disclosure is designed to solve the problem described above, and one of its tasks is to provide a drive device for an automatically swiveling seat which has improved actuation sensitivity and is smooth to operate because the rotating frame is rotated in a state in which the rotating shaft of the rotating frame is not constrained with respect to the stationary frame.

[0011] Furthermore, one objective of the present disclosure is to provide a drive device for an automatically swiveling seat that enables simple size and tolerance management and improved assembly efficiency, since the drive module and the rotating module are provided as separate modules that are mounted and installed between the rotating frame and the stationary frame. In particular, one objective of the present disclosure is to provide a drive device for an automatically swiveling seat that enables reliable operation of the drive module and reduced noise and vibration, since a structure that guides the positioning of the drive module is provided on an inner surface of the rotating module.

[0012] Furthermore, one objective of the present disclosure is to provide a drive device for an automatically pivoting seat which is capable of preventing damage to the drive module by preventing the transmission of external forces or large loads introduced via the seat to the drive module.

[0013] Furthermore, one objective of the present disclosure is to provide a drive device for an automatically pivoting seat which is able to improve the strength of the tooth engagement and reduce collision noise between the brake roller and the brake wedge, since the coupling is configured by a press connection between a gear part and a release part.

[0014] One embodiment is a drive device for an automatically swiveling seat, comprising: a housing mounted on one side of a base plate and allowing a brake ring to be coupled to it; a pinion connected to a motor's rotating shaft and configured to receive a rotational force when the motor is operating; an adapter gear coupled to the pinion and configured to rotate with the pinion; a clutch rotatably mounted on an inside of the brake ring and meshing with the adapter gear; a brake wedge rotatably mounted on an inside of the brake ring and configured to be rotated by the clutch; a plurality of brake rollers installed between the brake wedge and the brake ring and configured to restrict or allow rotation of the brake wedge relative to the brake ring;a cover plate coupled to the housing, with the brake ring arranged between them; and a spacer arranged between the cover plate and the brake wedge, supporting the brake wedge in the direction of the clutch, the brake wedge being arranged to be movable in a radial direction between the spacer and the clutch.

[0015] The drive device may further comprise: a stationary frame attached to the housing and the base plate; and a rotating frame attached to the brake wedge and the seat, wherein the rotating frame may be rotatably installed on the stationary frame such that a rotating shaft of the rotating frame is movable.

[0016] The brake ring may have a pinion guide hole designed in such a way that one end of the pinion can be inserted into it.

[0017] The cover plate may have a complementary guide hole designed to correspond to the pinion guide hole.

[0018] The coupling can have at least one release projection that protrudes from a surface and is configured to press the brake roller in a circumferential direction, wherein the release projection can have a protruding section that protrudes from a surface that presses the brake roller and is configured to press the brake roller in a circumferential direction towards a radial inside.

[0019] Another embodiment is a drive device for an automatically swiveling seat, comprising: a drive module including a motor; and a rotating module installed between a base plate and a seat, wherein the rotating module may include: a housing mounted on one side of a base plate and allowing a brake ring to be coupled to it; a coupling rotatably mounted on an inside of the brake ring; an adapter gear configured to be rotated by the drive module and meshing with the coupling to rotate the coupling; a brake wedge rotatably mounted on an inside of the brake ring and configured to be rotated by the coupling;and a plurality of brake rollers installed between the brake wedge and the brake ring and configured to restrict or allow rotation of the brake wedge relative to the brake ring, wherein the drive module may comprise: a pinion connected to a rotating shaft of a motor and configured to receive a rotational force when the motor rotates and to transmit a rotational force to the rotating module, wherein the pinion may be attached to the adapter gear and at least a section thereof is inserted into a pinion guide hole formed on the brake ring.

[0020] The adapter gear can have an insertion hole that allows the pinion to be inserted into it, wherein the pinion can comprise: an adapter section that is inserted into the insertion hole and has a plurality of adapter grooves spaced equally apart from one another on an outer circumferential surface along a circumferential direction, wherein the adapter gear can further comprise: an adapter projection that extends from an inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole and is designed to be inserted into one of the plurality of adapter grooves.

[0021] The pinion may comprise: a pinion body attached to the drive module; an adapter section penetrating the housing and attached to the adapter gear; and a pinion end inserted into the pinion guide hole.

[0022] The drive device may further comprise a cover plate coupled to the housing, with the brake ring arranged between them, the cover plate being able to have a complementary guide hole designed to correspond to the pinion guide hole.

[0023] According to the drive device for the automatically swiveling seat as disclosed herein, one or more of the following effects occur.

[0024] Firstly, according to the present disclosure, as described above, the effect is that the actuation sensitivity is improved and the drive device is easy to operate, since the rotating frame is rotated in a state in which its rotating shaft is not restricted.

[0025] Furthermore, size and tolerance management is simplified and assembly efficiency is improved because the drive module and the rotating module are provided as separate modules that are mounted and installed between the rotating frame and the stationary frame.

[0026] In particular, the effect is that the drive module is operated stably and noise and vibrations are reduced, since a structure that guides the positioning of the drive module is provided on an inside of the rotating module.

[0027] Furthermore, the effect is that damage to the drive module can be prevented by preventing the transmission of external forces or large loads introduced via the seat to the drive module.

[0028] Furthermore, the effect is that the strength of the tooth engagement is improved and collision noises between the brake roller and the brake wedge are reduced, since the clutch is configured by a press connection and coupling between a gear part and a release part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drive device for an automatically swiveling seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows a state in which a stationary frame and a rotating frame of Fig. 1 are away. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective exploded view of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating module of a drive device for an automatically swiveling seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 are perspective exploded views of a rotating module of a drive device for an automatically swiveling seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective exploded view of a coupling of a drive device for an automatically swiveling seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective exploded view of a brake ring, an adapter gear, a pinion and a drive module of a drive device for an automatically pivoting seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional representation to describe a coupling state of an adapter gear and a pinion of a drive device for an automatically pivotable seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of a coupled section of an adapter gear and a pinion in Fig. 10. Fig. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional representation to describe an actuating structure of a clutch, a brake wedge and a brake roller of a drive device for an automatically pivoting seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 13 is an enlarged illustration to describe a case in which a brake wedge is in Fig. 12 turns. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Exemplary embodiments are described in full below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Although various modifications and alternative embodiments of the present disclosure are possible, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail. It is understood, however, that the description is not intended to limit the present disclosure to these specific embodiments, but rather that the present disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that are encompassed by the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] It is understood that when the terms "first" and "second" are used herein to describe different components, these components are not to be limited by these terms. The foregoing terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component and vice versa, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

[0033] It is understood that when a component is described as "connected" or "coupled" to another component, the two components may be directly connected or coupled, or there may be intermediate components between them. It is understood that when a component is described as "directly connected or coupled," there are no intermediate components between the two components.

[0034] The terminology used herein serves only to describe certain embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, singular forms are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] It is further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprehensive”, “includes” and / or “inclusive”, when used herein, indicate the presence of specified features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as they would normally be understood by someone with average knowledge of the field to which this disclosure belongs. It is further understood that terms such as those defined in conventionally used dictionaries should be interpreted in a manner consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and not in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly defined as such herein.

[0037] In addition, the following exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for persons skilled in the art in order to describe the present disclosure more fully. Accordingly, the shapes and sizes of elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drive device for an automatically swiveling seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a state in which a stationary frame and a rotating frame of Fig. 1 are away, Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective exploded view of Fig. 3, Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating module of a drive device for an automatically swiveling seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 are perspective exploded views of a rotating module of a drive device for an automatically swiveling seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective exploded view of a coupling of a drive device for an automatically swiveling seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective exploded view of a brake ring, an adapter gear, a pinion and a drive module of a drive device for an automatically pivoting seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view to describe a coupling state of an adapter gear and a pinion of a drive device for an automatically pivotable seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of a coupled section of an adapter gear and a pinion in Fig. 10, Fig. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional representation for describing an actuating structure of a clutch, a brake wedge and a brake roller of a drive device for an automatically pivoting seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and Fig. Figure 13 is an enlarged illustration to describe a case in which a brake wedge is in Fig. 12 turns.

[0039] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 illustrates that a drive device 10 for the automatically swiveling seat according to the present disclosure is arranged between a stationary frame 20 and a rotating frame 30 and rotates the seat when the drive device 10 is actuated.

[0040] The fixed frame 20 can, for example, be mounted on a vehicle floor plate (not illustrated) or can be part of the floor plate. Such a fixed frame 20 is attached to the vehicle and can be coupled to a housing 210, which will be described below.

[0041] The rotating frame 30 can, for example, be a frame mounted on a seat (not illustrated) or that configures the seat. Such a rotating frame 30 is provided to rotate relative to the stationary frame 20 when the drive device 10 is actuated and can be coupled to a brake wedge 260, which will be described below.

[0042] Furthermore, as in Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the drive device for the automatically swiveling seat according to the present disclosure, configured with a drive module 100, a rotating module 200, and a pinion 300, with each of the rotating module 200 and the drive module 100 being assembled and provided in a modular form. The pinion 300 can be provided as a separate part or in a state where it is mounted in the drive module 100.

[0043] This means that a motor 110 and the pinion 300 are contained in the drive module 100, are provided as separate modules and are mounted in the rotating module 200, making tolerance management and assembly easy.

[0044] The rotating module 200 is powered by the drive module 100 and may include components for supporting the rotation of the stationary frame 20 and the rotating frame 30. More specifically, the rotating module 200 may include an adapter gear 220 to which the drive module 100 is connected. Furthermore, the rotating module 200 may also include the housing 210, a wheel cover 230, a brake ring 240, a coupling 250 with which the adapter gear 220 engages, the brake wedge 260, a brake roller 270, and a cover plate 280.

[0045] At least one part of the drive module 100 is coupled to a stationary part of the rotating module 200 or the stationary frame 20, and at the same time the pinion 300 provided in the drive module 100 is connected to a rotating part of the rotating module 200.

[0046] For example, if at least part of the drive module is coupled to the rotating module 200 or to the side of the stationary frame 20, the pinion 300 is connected to the adapter gear 220. In this case, when the pinion 300 is connected to the adapter gear 220, a rotating shaft of the pinion 300 is coaxial with a rotating shaft of the adapter gear 200, and when the pinion 300 rotates, the adapter gear 200 can rotate together.

[0047] Furthermore, the pinion 300 is inserted into at least one of a pinion guide hole 242 and an additional guide hole 282 formed in the brake ring described below, and one of these may be aligned with the rotating module 200. Additionally, a pinion guide section 241 and an additional guide section 281 prevent wobble as the pinion 300 rotates, thus preventing interference and friction between gears and minimizing noise and vibration. The pinion 300 is described in more detail below.

[0048] The drive module 100 can include the motor 100, a gearbox housing 120 and the pinion 300.

[0049] The Motor 100 is powered by drawing electricity from a vehicle's battery, and when a passenger controls a switch provided in the seat, the Motor 100 can be turned on and off and its direction of rotation can be set.

[0050] Motor 110 generates a rotational force by absorbing power, and this rotational force can be output by pinion 300. That is, a rotating shaft (not illustrated) of motor 110 is connected to pinion 300, and when motor 110 is running, pinion 300 rotates to output the rotational force.

[0051] The gearbox housing 120 allows the motor 110 to be mounted on it and accommodates at least part of the motor 110 and the gear (not illustrated). At least part of the pinion 300 is arranged inside the gearbox housing 120, and another part of it is arranged to protrude from the gearbox housing 120 and be connected to the rotating module 200.

[0052] A reduction mechanism can be provided inside the gearbox housing 120 to improve the output of the motor 110.

[0053] Additionally, the rotating shaft of the pinion 300 can be arranged so that it is parallel to a rotating shaft of the rotating module 200 and can move along the rotating shaft of the rotating module 200 to connect to the rotating module 200. Meanwhile, the pinion 300 can comprise a pinion body 310, an adapter section 320, and a pinion end 330 and absorb the rotational force of the motor 110.

[0054] With reference to Fig. 9. The pinion body 310 can be attached to the drive module 100; more precisely, the pinion body 310 can be attached to the adapter gear 220 and can rotate together with the adapter gear 220. The pinion body 310 can be arranged coaxially with a rotating shaft of the adapter gear 220 and have a groove into which at least a portion of the pinion is inserted and secured. Additionally, the pinion body 310 is inserted into an interior of the gearbox housing 120 and is attached to the adapter gear 220. Furthermore, the pinion body 310 is arranged below the adapter gear 220, and the adapter section 320 can be arranged on the pinion body 310. The adapter section 320 is provided for connection to a rotating part of the rotating module 200. More precisely, the adapter section 320 is inserted into an insertion hole 221 of the adapter gear 220, which is described below.The adapter section 320 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and its rotating shaft can be arranged coaxially with the rotating shaft of the pinion 300 and the adapter gear 220. Additionally, the adapter section 320 can have a plurality of adapter grooves 321, each of which forms part of an outer circumferential surface of the recessed adapter section 320, and the plurality of adapter grooves 321 can be provided to be spaced equally apart from one another along a circumferential direction.

[0055] An adapter projection 222, provided in the insertion hole 221 of the adapter gear 220, is inserted into at least a portion of the plurality of adapter grooves 321. Additionally, the adapter groove 321 is configured to be open at the top and bottom, and the adapter projection 222 is inserted into the adapter groove 321 through a lower opening thereof to engage with the adapter groove 321.

[0056] The pinion 300 can have its pinion end 330 on a top surface of the adapter section 320. The pinion end 330 is inserted into and supported by the pinion guide hole 242 formed in the brake ring 240. With this configuration, when the pinion 300 rotates, a shaft of the pinion 300 is aligned, and the pinion 300 rotates without wobble, thus preventing interference between the adapter gear 220 and the clutch 250.

[0057] Additionally, the pinion end 330 can pass through the pinion guide hole 242 and can be inserted into a complementary guide hole 282 formed in the cover plate 280.

[0058] When the pinion body 310 of the pinion 300 is attached to the drive module 100 and the drive module 100 is connected to the rotating module 200, the pinion 300 passes through a pinion through-hole 213 of the housing 210, the adapter section 320 is arranged inside the adapter gear 220, and the pinion end 330 passes through the gear cover 230 and is inserted into the pinion guide hole 242. Additionally, the pinion end 330 can be inserted into the complementary guide hole 282.

[0059] With reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. Meanwhile, in section 7, the housing 210, the adapter gear 220, the wheel cover 230, the brake ring 240, the coupling 250, the brake wedge 260, the brake roller 270 and the cover plate 280 of the rotating module 200 are described.

[0060] The housing 210 can be configured in a way that allows it to accommodate at least part of the coupling 250 and the adapter gear 220. More precisely, a section of the housing 210 in which the adapter gear 220 is accommodated is coupled to the wheel cover 230, and the adapter gear 220 can be rotatably mounted in a space between the housing 210 and the wheel cover 230.

[0061] That is, a coupling receiving section 211 is provided in the housing 210, and at least a part of the coupling 250 is arranged therein, and a gear receiving section 212 is provided in the housing 210, and an adapter gear 220 is arranged in the gear receiving section 212, and the wheel cover 230 can be coupled to the housing 210.

[0062] The coupling receiving section 211 provides a circular cavity so that a gear part 252 of the coupling 250 can be arranged in it, and a through hole can be formed in the middle of it.

[0063] The gear mounting section 212 provides a space with a circular cylindrical shape that accommodates the adapter gear 220. A pinion through-hole 213, through which the pinion 300 can pass, is formed in the center of this space. The gear cover 230 is coupled to the gear mounting section 212 so that the adapter gear 220 located inside can be supported. In this case, a slot can be provided in the gear cover 230 to allow the pinion end 330 of the pinion 300, described below, to pass through it.

[0064] The housing 210 can be designed in a form capable of accommodating the clutch 250, the brake wedge 260, and the brake roller 270. The clutch 250, the brake wedge 260, and the brake roller 270 can be rotatably arranged within the housing 210.

[0065] The housing 210 is formed in a shape in which an axial side (top) is open, a flange projects outwards in a radial direction from an outer circumferential surface of the open side, and a plurality of holes are formed in the flange to allow a fastening element 201 to be attached to it.

[0066] The brake ring 240 and the cover plate 280 can be coupled to the housing 210. More precisely, the housing 210 can be firmly coupled to the brake ring 240 and the cover plate 280 by means of the fastening element 201, such as a piece or the like. Additionally, a hook is formed in the flange of the housing 210, and this hook can be coupled to the cover plate 280. A space formed by the coupling between the housing 210, the brake ring 240, and the cover plate 280 can accommodate the adapter gear 220, the wheel cover 230, the coupling 250, the brake wedge 260, and the brake roller 270.

[0067] The adapter gear 220 can transmit the rotational force of the motor 110 to the coupling 250. The adapter gear 220 can mesh with the coupling 250. In this case, since the adapter gear 220 only meshes with the coupling 250, the mounting variation between the adapter gear 220 and the coupling 250 can be reduced, and the size can be easily managed.

[0068] The adapter gear 220 is formed in a circular block shape with a specific thickness, and a gear tooth may be formed on an outer circumferential surface. The adapter gear 220 is connected to the pinion 300 and can rotate together with the pinion 300 by absorbing the rotational force of the motor 110.

[0069] The adapter gear 220 is shaped to be coupled with the pinion 300 of the motor 110. More precisely, the adapter gear 220 has an insertion hole 221 in its center, into which the pinion 300 is inserted and coupled.

[0070] Additionally, the adapter gear 220 has at least one adapter projection 222 in the insertion hole 221, so that the pinion 300 can be coupled to it.

[0071] With this configuration, the pinion 300 of the motor 110 is attached to the adapter gear 220, and the output of the motor 110 is delivered directly to the adapter gear 220, which can reduce operating losses and minimize operating friction noise.

[0072] With reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. The adapter gear 220 is attached to the pinion 300 when the adapter projection 222 is inserted into at least a portion of the plurality of adapter grooves 321. If, in addition, an external force is applied via the seat or a large load occurs, the adapter gear 220 and the pinion 300 are in neutral, and the external force or large load is prevented from being delivered to the rotating module 200 or the drive module 100. That is, when an external force or a large load is applied, the adapter projection 222 is temporarily disengaged from the adapter groove 321, moves along the outer circumferential surface of the adapter section 320, and is inserted into an adjacent adapter groove 321, thus preventing the external force or large load from being delivered to the rotating module 200 or the drive module 100 when the adapter gear 220 and the pinion 300 are in neutral.

[0073] In this case, the number of adapter projections 222 provided in the adapter gear 220 is less than the number of adapter grooves 321 provided in the pinion 300. Consequently, when an external force or a large load is applied to the drive device 10, slippage occurs between the adapter gear 220 and the pinion 300. This slippage prevents the rotational force from being transmitted between the adapter gear 220 and the pinion 300. Therefore, if the adapter gear 220 rotates due to the external force or the large load, the rotational force cannot be delivered to the motor 110 via the pinion 300, thus preventing damage to the motor 110.Since in this case the pinion end 330 of the pinion 300 is inserted into the pinion guide hole 242 of the brake ring 240, the pinion 300 can maintain a state in which it is parallel to the rotating shaft of the clutch 250 when slippage occurs between the pinion 300 and the adapter gear 220.

[0074] The wheel cover 230 can be coupled to the housing 210 and can accommodate the adapter gear 220 in order to be rotatable within it.

[0075] The wheel cover 230 can be inserted into an interior space of the housing 210 and coupled to it. The wheel cover 230 can be shaped to match the shape of the adapter gear 220. Therefore, the adapter gear 220 can be stably held in a space between the wheel cover 230 and the housing 210 and can be rotated stably.

[0076] The brake ring 240 is coupled to the housing 210, and one of its inner circumferential surfaces is designed to be a circumferential surface. The brake ring 240 can be rigidly coupled to the housing 210. The flange of the housing 210 can have a shape identical to a shape of the brake ring 240.

[0077] The brake ring 240 can be arranged to surround the clutch 250 and the brake wedge 260. The brake roller 270 can be arranged between the brake ring 240 and the brake wedge 260. In other words, the clutch 250, the brake wedge 260, and the brake roller 270 can be arranged inside the brake ring 240.

[0078] Additionally, the brake ring 240 can have the pinion guide section 241, which supports the pinion 300. The pinion guide section 241 guides the mounting position of the pinion 300 and supports it, thus preventing any change in the pinion's orientation when the motor is operating. For example, the pinion guide section 241 can have the pinion guide hole 242, into which the pinion end 330 of the pinion 300 is inserted. With this configuration, the change in orientation of the pinion 300 is prevented, the change in orientation of the adapter gear 220, which rotates together with the pinion 300, is prevented, interference between the gear tooth of the adapter gear 220 and the gear tooth 252a of the clutch 250 can be prevented, and the rotational force of the motor 110 can be transmitted stably.

[0079] The clutch 250 can be rotated by absorbing a rotational force from the motor 110. More precisely, the clutch 250 can be designed in a hollow, circular block shape. One end of the clutch 250 engages with the adapter gear 220, and the other end is designed to transmit the rotational force to the brake wedge 260.

[0080] In the present disclosure, the coupling 250 can be configured with a release part 251 and the gear part 252. The release part 251 and the gear part 252 are each made of a different material and are coupled together to form the coupling 250.

[0081] With reference to Fig. 8 For example, the unlocking part 251 and the gear part 252 can be provided as a ring shape, a press-fit groove 251d and a press-fit projection 252b provided in each of these are connected to each other and inserted to be coupled.

[0082] The gear part 252 is configured to mesh with the adapter gear 220 and can be made of a metal material, such as steel, with a relatively higher strength. A gear tooth 252a, which meshes with the adapter gear 220, is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the gear part 252, and a plurality of press-fit projections 252b, which project inwards and are equidistant from one another in a circumferential direction, are provided on an inner circumferential surface of the gear part 252.

[0083] The release element 251 is configured to transmit the rotational force to the brake wedge 260 and can be made of a plastic or resin material with relatively lower strength. This allows the release element 251 to absorb vibrations and noise when the rotational force is transmitted to the brake wedge 260 and the brake roller 270, and when a rotating shaft of the brake wedge 260 moves, the release element 251 can transmit the rotational force to the brake wedge 260 smoothly.

[0084] For example, the unlocking part 251 can have a coupling section 251c projecting in an axial direction from one surface thereof and inserted into an inside of the gear part 252, and a plurality of unlocking projections 251a projecting in an axial direction from another surface thereof and configured to release a locked state of the brake roller 270.

[0085] The coupling section 251c can have a plurality of press-fit grooves 252d, one outer circumferential surface of which is coupled to an inner circumferential surface of the gear part 252 to come into close contact with it, and one part of an outer circumferential surface of which is recessed in a shape corresponding to the press-fit projection 252b along a circumferential direction. Additionally, the coupling section 251c can have a plurality of deformable projections 251e, which are part of the outer circumferential surface of the coupling section 251c, projecting and spaced equally apart from one another in a circumferential direction.

[0086] With this configuration, when the unlocking part 251 and the gear part 252 are coupled together, the deformable projection 251e is pressed and deformed onto the inner circumferential surface of the gear part 252, and the press-fit projection 252b is deformed and inserted into the press-fit groove 251d, thereby enabling the unlocking part 251 to be press-fitted and coupled to the gear part 252.

[0087] The release projection 251a is configured to extend along a circumference from another surface of the release part 251, and the release projection 251a can be provided in a plurality to be spaced equally apart from one another in a circumferential direction. Additionally, a guide projection 262, described below, a pair of brake rollers 270, and a pair of elastic elements 271 are arranged between the plurality of release projections 251a.

[0088] Both ends of the release projection 251a in a circumferential direction are arranged such that they face the brake roller 270 and come into contact with the brake roller 270 and press it when the motor 110 is operating.

[0089] The release projection 251a can have a projecting section 251b. The projecting section 251b first comes into contact with the brake roller 270 when the clutch 250 rotates and spaces the brake roller 270 away from an inner circumferential surface of the brake ring 240. More precisely, the projecting section 251b faces a surface that presses the brake roller 270 and is designed to press the brake roller 270 radially inward in a circumferential direction.

[0090] With reference to Fig.13, when the coupling 250 rotates, a direction of movement a1 of the release projection 251a is a direction of rotation of the coupling 250, and a support direction a2, in which the projecting section 251b supports the brake roller 270, is in the direction of a radially inner side than the direction of movement a1 of the release projection 251a. That is, a point b, at which the projecting section 251b presses the brake roller 270, is not located on a circumferential end face in the release projection 251a, but on a radially inner surface of the projecting section 251b.

[0091] Since the protruding section 251b is designed to push the brake roller 270 radially inwards when the clutch 250 rotates, the brake roller 270 can be safely spaced away from the brake ring 240, and the restricted state of the brake wedge 260 can be stably released.

[0092] The brake wedge 260 is arranged on a radial inside of the brake ring 240 and is positioned between the clutch 250 and the cover plate 280 along an axial direction.

[0093] The brake wedge 260 is designed to have a ring shape and has a wedge surface 261 and a guide projection 262 on an outer circumferential surface.

[0094] The brake wedge 260 has a plurality of wedge surfaces 261 on an outer circumferential surface. Each of the wedge surfaces 261 can form a wedge space between the wedge surface 261 and an inner circumferential surface of the brake ring 240.

[0095] The wedge surface 261 is formed with a pair of inclined surfaces, the wedge spaces are formed by both inclined surfaces on both sides in one direction of rotation, and since the brake roller 270 is provided on each inclined surface, rotation of the brake wedge 260 in both directions of rotation is impossible.

[0096] For example, the wedge surface 261 can be formed from two inclined surfaces 261a and 261b, one of which is high in the middle and becomes lower in both directions.

[0097] The brake roller 270 is provided on each of the inclined surfaces 261 and 261b. When the brake roller 270 moves upwards (towards the center of the wedge surfaces 261) along the corresponding inclined surface 261a and 261b, the brake roller 270 is caught between the brake wedge 260 and the brake ring 240, and the brake wedge 260 is restricted in both directions of rotation relative to the brake ring 240. When the brake roller 270 moves downwards along the inclined surface 261a and 261b, the engagement is released, and rotation of the brake wedge 260 is free.

[0098] Meanwhile, the brake wedge 260 can have a plurality of guide projections 262, which are radially shaped and project from an outer circumferential surface. The number of guide projections 262 is the same as the number of release projections 251a formed in the clutch 250 and is half the number of brake rollers 270.

[0099] The plurality of guide projections 262 have a height equal to the center of the brake wedge 260 in a radial direction and are spaced equally apart from one another along an outer circumferential surface of the brake wedge 260. An outer end surface of the guide projection 262 in a radial direction can be formed in an arc shape with the same curvature as that of the inner circumferential surface of the brake ring 240. Therefore, the brake wedge 260 can be slidably rotated in a stable manner when in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the brake ring 240. In this case, the brake wedge 260 is arranged such that it is able to move in a radial direction within a space formed between a spacer 290 and the coupling 250. That is, the rotating shaft of the brake wedge 260 is arranged such that it is movable without being restricted at any point.The rotational shaft of the brake wedge 260 may not coincide with the rotational shaft of the clutch 250, and movement is permitted depending on a rotational condition. For example, a gap may be formed between the brake wedge 260 and the inner circumferential surface of the brake ring 240, or if the guide projection 262 is deformed, the brake wedge 260 may move in a horizontal direction on the inner surface of the brake ring 240.

[0100] Therefore, the brake wedge 260 does not require a guide to align its rotating shaft with a central shaft of the clutch 250, resulting in effects such that power loss due to friction can be reduced and actuation sensitivity can be improved as a result.

[0101] With this configuration, when the drive module 100 is operating, the rotating frame 30 rotates around a rotary shaft on a top side of the stationary frame 20, and the rotary shaft of the rotating frame 30 can move.

[0102] Meanwhile, in an assembled state, the release projection 251a and the pair of brake rollers 270 are arranged between the guide projections 262.

[0103] Installation grooves 262a are formed on both radial side surfaces of the guide projection 262, and an elastic element 271 can be inserted into and seated on the installation groove 262a. In an uncompressed state, part of the elastic element 271 protrudes towards an outside of the installation groove 262a and can contact and support the brake roller 270.

[0104] Meanwhile, an output element 263 can be provided on the brake wedge 260. The output element 263 is coupled to the rotating frame 30 and transmits the rotational force of the brake wedge 260 to the rotating frame 30.

[0105] With this configuration, a rotation of the brake wedge 260 can rotate the rotating frame 30 and a cushion frame of the seat through the output element 263.

[0106] The brake roller 270 is installed between the wedge surface 261 of the brake wedge 260 and the inner circumferential surface of the brake ring 240.

[0107] The brake roller 270 is provided as a pair on each wedge surface 261. That is, the brake roller 270 is arranged in a number on each inclined surface of the wedge surface 261. In addition, the release projection 251a is provided between the pair of brake rollers 270.

[0108] The elastic element 271 presses the brake roller 270 in a wedge gap direction, so that the brake roller 270 is trapped in the wedge gap, thereby restricting rotation of the brake roller 260 with respect to the brake ring 240.

[0109] The elastomer can be used as a material for the elastic element 271; it is a plastic that has elasticity like rubber and excellent malleability.

[0110] After the brake roller 270 and the elastic element 271 are installed, the cover plate 280 is mounted to the flange of the housing 210 by means of a coupling element, such as a screw, etc. The cover plate 280 is an approximately circular flat plate, and its outer circumferential surface can have a shape corresponding to the flange of the housing 210.

[0111] The cover plate 280 is coupled to the housing 210 and can accommodate the adapter gear 220, the wheel cover 230, the coupling 250, the brake wedge 260 and the brake roller 270 on the inside.

[0112] A hole may be formed in the center of the cover plate 280. The output element 263 may be exposed through this hole. The exposed output element 263 may be coupled to the rotating frame 30 and transmit the rotational force of the brake wedge 260. The rotating frame 30 is coupled to the rotating frame to which the seat's upholstery frame is mounted.

[0113] The cover plate 280 can have a complementary guide section 281 to prevent the pinion 300 from changing its orientation. The complementary guide section 281 is a protruding side of the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate 280, and the complementary guide hole 282 can be formed at a position facing the pinion guide hole 242. A portion of the pinion end 330 of the pinion 300 can be inserted into the complementary guide hole 282, and the complementary guide section 281 supports one side of the pinion 300, thus supporting one position of the pinion 300.

[0114] With this configuration, the pinion 300 passes through the pinion through hole 213 and the adapter section is attached to the adapter gear 220, and the pinion end 330 passes through the wheel cover 230 and is inserted into the pinion guide hole 242 and the complementary guide hole 282 to be supported by it.

[0115] In the meantime, a spacer 105 can also be arranged between the brake wedge 260 and the cover plate 280. The spacer 105 covers the brake wedge 260 and prevents damage between the cover plate 280 and the brake wedge 260. The operation of the drive device of the automatically swiveling seat according to this disclosure is described below.

[0116] The brake roller 270 is typically pressed towards the wedge space by the elastic element 271, and when the brake roller 270 is caught between the wedge surface 261 of the brake wedge 260 and the inner circumferential surface of the brake ring 240, the brake wedge 260 enters a locked state in which rotation of the brake wedge 260 relative to the brake ring 240 is impossible. Since the brake ring 240 is attached to the housing 210, the brake wedge 260 is also fixed.

[0117] The brake rollers 270 restrict the brake wedge 260 on both inclined surfaces 261a and 261b of the wedge surface 261, restricting the rotation of the brake wedge 260 in both directions of rotation.

[0118] Additionally, as described above, the brake roller 270 is trapped between the brake ring 240 and the brake wedge 260 without a gap, thus restricting the rotation of the brake wedge 260. Therefore, movement in the direction of rotation of the brake wedge 260 cannot occur. Furthermore, since the rotating frame 30, which is coupled to the brake wedge 260, is restricted and its rotation is impossible, movement in the direction of rotation of the seat is seemingly prevented.

[0119] Meanwhile, when the motor 110 is running and the driver activates the switch, pinion 300 rotates, and the adapter gear 220, which is attached to pinion 300, also rotates. Additionally, clutch 250, which engages with adapter gear 220, rotates. In this case, since pinion 300 is not engaged with adapter gear 220 and is inserted into and secured to the insertion hole 221 formed in adapter gear 220, it is possible to prevent power loss due to gear coupling, and an adapter structure between adapter gear 220 and pinion 300 can be provided.

[0120] Meanwhile, the release projection 251a contacts the brake roller 270 on one side according to the rotation of the clutch 250 and presses the brake roller 270.

[0121] Accordingly, when the brake roller 270, which is moved by the release projection 251a, moves in a direction opposite to the wedge space (a bottom of the inclined surface 261b) and a gap is formed between the brake roller 270 and the wedge surface 261, the restricted state of the brake wedge 260 is released.

[0122] In this case, the brake roller 270, which is moved by the release projection 251a, moves while the elastic element 271 is compressed and comes into contact with the guide projection 262. That is, in a state where the release projection 251a, the brake roller 270, and the guide projection 262 are in close contact with each other, the brake wedge 260 continues to rotate as the release projection 251a continuously presses the brake roller 270 and the guide projection 262 in accordance with a rotation of the clutch 250.

[0123] In this case, the brake roller 270, which is not directly moved by the release projection 251a, moves in a direction opposite to the wedge gap (a lower side of the inclined surface 261a) due to the rotation of the brake wedge 260. The restricted state is released, and the rotation of the brake wedge 260 can no longer be restricted. Therefore, the rotation of the brake wedge 260 is possible as described above.

[0124] When the brake wedge 260 is rotated as above, the rotating frame 30 of the seat swivel device coupled to it is rotated by the output element 263 and the seat is rotated in a direction selected by the passenger.

[0125] After the seat has been turned in a desired direction, the rotation of the clutch 250 stops when the passenger stops operating the switch, when the power supply to the motor 110 is stopped.

[0126] Since the release projection 251a can no longer press the brake roller 270 and the brake roller 270 returns to its original position due to the restoring force of the elastic element 271, the brake wedge 260 is again restricted by the brake ring 240 and its rotation in both directions is made impossible, thus fixing the seat in it.

[0127] The present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments, but these exemplary embodiments are illustrative and the present disclosure is not limited to them. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can modify or improve the exemplary embodiments within the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0128] All simple modifications or changes to the present disclosure are within the scope of the present disclosure and the specific scope of the present disclosure may be evident from the accompanying claims. REFERENCE MARK 10 Drive device 100 drive module 200 rotating module 220 adapter gear 222 Adapter protrusion 240 brake ring 242 Pinion guide hole 251 Release part 251b highlighted section 251d Press connection groove 252 Gear part 252b press connection projection 270 brake roller 281 complementary leadership section 290 spacers 310 pinion body 321 Adapter slot 110 engine 210 cases 221 Insertion hole 230 wheel cover 241 Pinion guide section 250 clutch 251a Unlocking projection 251c Coupling section 251e deformable projection 252a Gear tooth 260 brake wedge 280 Cover plate 282 complementary guide hole 300 sprockets 320 adapter 330 pinion end QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] KR 10-2024-0065522

[0001]

Claims

[1] Drive device for an automatically swiveling seat, comprising: a housing that is mounted on one side of a base plate and allows a brake ring to be coupled to it; a pinion gear that is connected to a motor's rotating shaft and is configured to receive a rotational force when the motor is operating; an adapter gear that is coupled to the pinion and configured to rotate together with the pinion; a coupling which is rotatably installed on an inside of the brake ring and engages with the adapter gear; a brake wedge which is rotatably installed on an inside of the brake ring and is configured to be rotated by the clutch; a multitude of brake rollers installed between the brake wedge and the brake ring and configured to restrict or allow rotation of the brake wedge relative to the brake ring; a cover plate coupled to the housing, with the brake ring positioned between them; and a spacer that is positioned between the cover plate and the brake wedge and supports the brake wedge in the direction of the clutch, wherein the brake wedge is movably arranged in a radial direction between the spacer and the clutch. [2] Drive device according to claim 1, further comprising: a fixed frame that is attached to the housing and the base plate; and a rotating frame attached to the brake wedge and the seat, wherein the rotating frame is installed on the stationary frame in such a way that a rotating shaft of the rotating frame is movable. [3] Drive device according to claim 1, wherein the brake ring has a pinion guide hole which is designed such that one end of the pinion can be inserted into it. [4] Drive device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling has at least one release projection which protrudes from a surface and is designed such that it presses the brake roller in a circumferential direction, and wherein the release projection has a protruding section that extends from a surface which presses the brake roller and is designed such that it presses the brake roller circumferentially towards a radial inside. [5] Drive device for an automatically swiveling seat, comprising: a drive module with a motor; and a rotating module installed between a base plate and a seat, the rotating module comprises the following: a housing that is mounted on one side of a base plate and allows a brake ring to be coupled to it; a coupling that is rotatably installed on an inside of the brake ring; an adapter gear configured to be rotated by the drive module and meshing with the clutch to rotate the clutch; a brake wedge which is rotatably mounted on an inner side of the brake ring and is configured to be rotated by the clutch; and a variety of brake rollers that are installed between the brake wedge and the brake ring and are configured to restrict or allow rotation of the brake wedge relative to the brake ring, the drive module includes the following: a pinion gear that is connected to a motor's rotating shaft and is configured to receive a rotational force when the motor rotates, and to transmit a rotational force to the rotating module, and wherein the pinion is attached to the adapter gear and at least one section of it is inserted into a pinion guide hole formed on the brake ring. [6] Drive device according to claim 5, wherein the adapter gear has an insertion hole that allows the pinion to be inserted into it, the pinion includes the following: an adapter section that is inserted into the insertion hole and has a plurality of adapter grooves spaced equally apart from each other on an outer circumferential surface along a circumferential direction, and the adapter gear further comprises the following: an adapter projection that extends from an inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole and is designed to be inserted into one of the multiple adapter grooves. [7] Drive device according to claim 5, wherein the pinion comprises the following: a pinion body that is attached to the drive module; an adapter section that penetrates the housing and is attached to the adapter gear; and a pinion end that is inserted into the pinion guide hole.

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