Cone recliner/clutch mechanism
US6719372B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20636
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A seat frame recliner mechanism includes a cylindrical element defining an inner surface with gear teeth, a journal contact area, and a notch formed in a radially extending surface. The cylindrical element, including the gear teeth, the journal contact area, and the notch are formed as an integral unit to prevent false latching. A conically shaped element has an outer surface with mating gear teeth and a mating journal contact area. A tab is positioned to be received within the notch for limiting and defining reclining movements. The conically shaped element is movable axially inward into a locked orientation with the gear teeth of the elements engaging for inhibiting relative movement of a back portion and a seat portion, and movable axially outward to an unlocked orientation with the gear teeth of the elements disengaged for permitting relative movement of the back and seat portions. The journal contact areas of the inner and outer surfaces cooperate to maintain axial alignment between the elements during relative axial movement therebetween.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.