← Back to Patent Explorer
US5352019A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Motor vehicle seat movable in the longitudinal direction in the tipped state

Assignee: Johnson Controls Metals and Mechanisms GmbH and Co KG
•
Filing: 1993-06-18
•
Granted: 1994-10-04
•
Expires: 2013-06-18
📄 Original PDF 🌐 Google Patents 🔄 Sync Now

Abstract

Abstract A motor vehicle seat includes a longitudinal guide with a locking mechanism with a release device for locking and unlocking the locking mechanism in an engaged and in an unengaged position to allow movement of the seat. The backrest can be tipped forward and is connected to the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism unlocks when the backrest is tipped forward and for allowing manual movement of the motor vehicle seat in a longitudinal direction. A memory device serves to find the previously engaged position of the locking mechanism.

Inventors

  • 👤 Heinz Bauer
  • 👤 Burckhard Becker
  • 👤 Ernst-Reinhard Frohnhaus

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-06 15:25
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60N; B60N2/00; B60N2/02; B60N2/04; B60N2/12; B60N2/123

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim 369 words
A motor vehicle seat comprising: a) a longitudinal guide having a locking mechanism (40) that can be locked in an engaged position, said locking mechanism (40) having a release device for unlocking said locking mechanism (40) from said engaged position: b) a backrest that can be tipped forward connected to the locking mechanism (40) of the longitudinal guide through the release device for unlocking the locking mechanism (40) when the backrest is tipped forward, and for allowing manual movement of the motor vehicle seat in a longitudinal direction, and c) a memory device for finding the previously engaged position of the locking mechanism (40) following a manual longitudinal movement, wherein: the longitudinal guide further comprises, a floor track (32), a seat track (34) that is guided by said floor track (32), and to which the locking mechanism (40) is connected, a notched bar (36) having notches, and arranged on the floor track (32); the memory device has a drag lever (48) fixed at the seat track (34) in a longitudinally movable and swivelable manner, and a memory pin (80) that engaged the notches of the notch bar (36); the release device including an unlocking lever (54) having an unlocking arm (56) that acts in conjunction with the locking mechanism (40), the unlocking lever (54) being swivelably supported around a bearing axle (64) connected to the seat track (34), and connected to the backrest in a movement dependent manner, characterized by: the drag lever (48) being held in a guiding part (50) in a longitudinally movable manner, and swivelably attached to the unlocking lever (54) at a distance from the bearing shaft (64), and having a counterstop (82); and a blocking lever 72 which is i) swivelably supported around a lever axle (74) which is connected to a seat track (34) at a distance from the bearing axle (64), said blocking lever (72), ii) having a recess (76) for holding the unlocking lever (54) in a blocking position, and said blocking lever (72), iii) featuring a stop (78) for the counterstop (82), for having the stop (78) and the counterstop (82) meet, when the blocking lever (72) swivels out of the blocking position and the unlocking lever (54) is released.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 369 words
A motor vehicle seat comprising: a) a longitudinal guide having a locking mechanism (40) that can be locked in an engaged position, said locking mechanism (40) having a release device for unlocking said locking mechanism (40) from said engaged position: b) a backrest that can be tipped forward connected to the locking mechanism (40) of the longitudinal guide through the release device for unlocking the locking mechanism (40) when the backrest is tipped forward, and for allowing manual movement of the motor vehicle seat in a longitudinal direction, and c) a memory device for finding the previously engaged position of the locking mechanism (40) following a manual longitudinal movement, wherein: the longitudinal guide further comprises, a floor track (32), a seat track (34) that is guided by said floor track (32), and to which the locking mechanism (40) is connected, a notched bar (36) having notches, and arranged on the floor track (32); the memory device has a drag lever (48) fixed at the seat track (34) in a longitudinally movable and swivelable manner, and a memory pin (80) that engaged the notches of the notch bar (36); the release device including an unlocking lever (54) having an unlocking arm (56) that acts in conjunction with the locking mechanism (40), the unlocking lever (54) being swivelably supported around a bearing axle (64) connected to the seat track (34), and connected to the backrest in a movement dependent manner, characterized by: the drag lever (48) being held in a guiding part (50) in a longitudinally movable manner, and swivelably attached to the unlocking lever (54) at a distance from the bearing shaft (64), and having a counterstop (82); and a blocking lever 72 which is i) swivelably supported around a lever axle (74) which is connected to a seat track (34) at a distance from the bearing axle (64), said blocking lever (72), ii) having a recess (76) for holding the unlocking lever (54) in a blocking position, and said blocking lever (72), iii) featuring a stop (78) for the counterstop (82), for having the stop (78) and the counterstop (82) meet, when the blocking lever (72) swivels out of the blocking position and the unlocking lever (54) is released.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 48 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 1, configured for having the release of the locking mechanism (40) by means of the unlocking arm (56) of the unlocking lever (54) lag mechanically behind the engagement of the memory pin (80) in a notch of the notched bar (36).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 54 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 2, further comprising drag connection means associated with the blocking lever (72) for, during an adjustment of seat position through manual actuation for release of locking mechanism (40), pulling the block lever (72) from its blocking position, in the event that it is in the blocking position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 31 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 2, further comprising a bearing block (62) fastened to the seat track (34) for supporting the bearing shaft (64) and the lever axle (74).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 54 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 1, further comprising drag connection means associated with the blocking lever (72) for, during an adjustment of seat position through manual actuation for release of locking mechanism (40), pulling the block lever (72) from its blocking position, in the event that it is in the blocking position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 31 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 5, further comprising a bearing block (62) fastened to the seat track (34) for supporting the bearing shaft (64) and the lever axle (74).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 31 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 1, further comprising a bearing block (62) fastened to the seat track (34) for supporting the bearing shaft (64) and the lever axle (74).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 40 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the stop (78) of the blocking lever (72) comprises a bolt that extends parallel to the lever axle (74) and passes through a curved, oblong hole in the bearing block (62).
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 30 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 1, further comprising a hinge fitting (22) of the backrest connected to the unlocking lever (54) by means of a Bowden cable (70).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 23 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the bearing axle (64) and the lever axle (74) extend parallel to each other.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 69 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 1, further comprising a drag guide connecting the unlocking lever (54) with the drag lever (48) through one elongated hole provided in guiding part (50), the drag path of which corresponds to the engagement path of the memory pin (80), and wherein the memory pin (80) is elastically preloaded in the direction of the notched bar (36) by means of a spring.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 432 words
A motor vehicle seat comprising: a) a longitudinal guide having a locking mechanism (40) that can be locked in an engaged position, said locking mechanism (40) having a release device for unlocking said locking mechanism from said engaged position, b) a backrest configured for being tipped forward and connected to the locking mechanism (40) through the release device for unlocking the locking mechanism (40) when the backrest is tipped forward and for allowing manual movement of the motor vehicle seat in a longitudinal direction, and c) a memory device for finding the previously engaged position of the locking mechanism (40) following such manual movement upon return of the backrest to a non-tipped position, wherein; the longitudinal guide further comprises a floor track (32), a seat track (34) guided by said floor track (32), with said locking mechanism (40) connected to said seat track (34), a notched bar (36) having notches and arranged on said floor track (32) for locking said seat through its seat track (34) in a fixed position through engagement between one of its notches and said locking mechanism (40); the memory device comprising a drag lever (48) attached to said seat track (34) in both a longitudinally movable and a tiltable manner, and a memory pin (80) for engaging the notches of notch bar (36); said release device comprising an unlocking lever (54) with an unlocking arm (56) for operating with said locking mechanism (40) for causing locking and unlocking thereof, said unlocking lever (54) being supported for motion about a bearing axle (64) which is connected to the seat track (34), and said unlocking fever (54) being connected to the backrest for pivoting movement thereof about said bearing axle (64) upon tilting movement of the backrest; and said motor vehicle seat further characterized by: said drag lever (48) being held in a guiding part (50) for longitudinal movement thereof along the guiding part (40), and tiltably attached to said unlocking lever (54) at a distance from the bearing shaft (64), and said drag lever (48) having a counterstop (82); and a blocking lever (72) which i) is supported for movement about a lever axle (74), said lever axle (74) being connected to said seat track (34) at a distance from the bearing axle (64), ii) has a recess (76) for holding the unlocking lever (54) in a blocking position for unlocking locking mechanism (40), and iii) has a stop (78) for meeting said counterstop (82) when said blocking lever (72) moves about said lever axle (74) to permit the unlocking lever (54) to move from the blocking position.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 432 words
A motor vehicle seat comprising: a) a longitudinal guide having a locking mechanism (40) that can be locked in an engaged position, said locking mechanism (40) having a release device for unlocking said locking mechanism from said engaged position, b) a backrest configured for being tipped forward and connected to the locking mechanism (40) through the release device for unlocking the locking mechanism (40) when the backrest is tipped forward and for allowing manual movement of the motor vehicle seat in a longitudinal direction, and c) a memory device for finding the previously engaged position of the locking mechanism (40) following such manual movement upon return of the backrest to a non-tipped position, wherein; the longitudinal guide further comprises a floor track (32), a seat track (34) guided by said floor track (32), with said locking mechanism (40) connected to said seat track (34), a notched bar (36) having notches and arranged on said floor track (32) for locking said seat through its seat track (34) in a fixed position through engagement between one of its notches and said locking mechanism (40); the memory device comprising a drag lever (48) attached to said seat track (34) in both a longitudinally movable and a tiltable manner, and a memory pin (80) for engaging the notches of notch bar (36); said release device comprising an unlocking lever (54) with an unlocking arm (56) for operating with said locking mechanism (40) for causing locking and unlocking thereof, said unlocking lever (54) being supported for motion about a bearing axle (64) which is connected to the seat track (34), and said unlocking fever (54) being connected to the backrest for pivoting movement thereof about said bearing axle (64) upon tilting movement of the backrest; and said motor vehicle seat further characterized by: said drag lever (48) being held in a guiding part (50) for longitudinal movement thereof along the guiding part (40), and tiltably attached to said unlocking lever (54) at a distance from the bearing shaft (64), and said drag lever (48) having a counterstop (82); and a blocking lever (72) which i) is supported for movement about a lever axle (74), said lever axle (74) being connected to said seat track (34) at a distance from the bearing axle (64), ii) has a recess (76) for holding the unlocking lever (54) in a blocking position for unlocking locking mechanism (40), and iii) has a stop (78) for meeting said counterstop (82) when said blocking lever (72) moves about said lever axle (74) to permit the unlocking lever (54) to move from the blocking position.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 45 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 12 wherein said unlocking arm (54) is connected with respect to said memory pin (80) to lag behind the engagement of memory pin (80) in a notch of notched bar (36) when operated to release locking mechanism (40).
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 43 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 12 further comprising drag connection means associated with the blocking lever (72) for pulling the blocking lever (72) from its blocking position to permit manual release of locking mechanism (40) during manual adjustment of seat position.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 31 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 12, further comprising a bearing block (62) fastened to the seat track (34) for supporting the bearing shaft (64) and the lever axle (74).
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 40 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 12, wherein the stop (78) of the blocking lever (72) comprises a bolt that extends parallel to the lever axle (74) and passes through a curved, oblong hole in the bearing block (62).
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 30 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 12, further comprising a hinge fitting (22) of the backrest connected to the unlocking lever (54) by means of a Bowden cable (70).
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 23 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 12, wherein the bearing axle (64) and the lever axle (74) extend parallel to each other.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 69 words
A motor vehicle seat according to claim 12, further comprising a drag guide connecting the unlocking lever (54) with the drag lever (48) through one elongated hole provided in guiding part (50), the drag path of which corresponds to the engagement path of the memory pin (80), and wherein the memory pin (80) is elastically preloaded in the direction of the notched bar (36) by means of a spring.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 560 words
A motor vehicle seat comprising: a) a longitudinal guide having a locking mechanism (40) that can be locked in an engaged position, said locking mechanism having a release device for unlocking said locking mechanism (40) from said engaged position, b) a backrest configured for being tipped forward and connected to the locking mechanism (40) through the release device for unlocking the locking mechanism (40) when the backrest is tipped forward and for allowing manual movement off the motor vehicle seat in a longitudinal direction, and c) a memory device for finding the previously engaged position of the locking mechanism (40) following such manual movement upon return of the backrest to a non-tipped position, wherein; the longitudinal guide further comprises a floor track (32), a seat track (34) guided by said floor track (32), with said locking mechanism (40) connected to said seat track (34), a notched bar (36) having notches and arranged on said floor track (32) for locking said seat through its seat track (34) in a fixed position through engagement between one of its notches and said locking mechanism (40); the memory device comprising a drag lever (48) attached to said seat track (34) in both a longitudinally movable and a tiltable manner, and a memory pin (80) for engaging the notches of notch bar (36); said release device comprising an unlocking lever (54) with an unlocking arm (56) for operating with said locking mechanism (40) for causing locking and unlocking thereof, said unlocking lever (54) being supported for motion about a bearing axle (64) which is connected to the seat track (34), and said unlocking lever (54) being connected to the backrest for pivoting movement thereof about said bearing axle (64) upon tilting movement of the backrest, and said unlocking arm (54) is connected with respect to said memory pin (80) to lag behind the engagement of memory pin (80) in a notch of notched bar (36) when operated to release locking mechanism (40); and said motor vehicle seat further characterized by: said drag lever (48) being held in a guiding part (50) for longitudinal movement thereof along the guiding part (40), and tiltably attached to said unlocking lever (54) at a distance from the bearing shaft (64), and said drag lever (48) having a counterstop (82); a blocking lever (72) which i) is supported for movement about a lever axle (74), said lever axle (74) being connected to said seat track (34) at a distance from the bearing axle (64), ii) has a recess (76) for holding the unlocking lever (54) in a blocking position for unlocking locking mechanism (40), and iii) has a stop (78) for meeting said counterstop (82) when said blocking lever (72) moves about said lever axle (74) to permit the unlocking lever (54) to move from the blocking position; drag connection means associated with the blocking lever (72) for pulling the blocking lever (72) from its blocking position to permit manual release of locking mechanism (40) during manual adjustment of seat position; a bearing block (62) fastened to the seat track (34) for supporting the bearing shaft (64) and lever axle (74); and said stop ( 78 ) of the blocking lever (72) comprising a bolt which extends parallel to lever axle (74), and passes through a curved, oblong opening in bearing block (62) for movement therein to contact counterstop (82).
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 560 words
A motor vehicle seat comprising: a) a longitudinal guide having a locking mechanism (40) that can be locked in an engaged position, said locking mechanism having a release device for unlocking said locking mechanism (40) from said engaged position, b) a backrest configured for being tipped forward and connected to the locking mechanism (40) through the release device for unlocking the locking mechanism (40) when the backrest is tipped forward and for allowing manual movement off the motor vehicle seat in a longitudinal direction, and c) a memory device for finding the previously engaged position of the locking mechanism (40) following such manual movement upon return of the backrest to a non-tipped position, wherein; the longitudinal guide further comprises a floor track (32), a seat track (34) guided by said floor track (32), with said locking mechanism (40) connected to said seat track (34), a notched bar (36) having notches and arranged on said floor track (32) for locking said seat through its seat track (34) in a fixed position through engagement between one of its notches and said locking mechanism (40); the memory device comprising a drag lever (48) attached to said seat track (34) in both a longitudinally movable and a tiltable manner, and a memory pin (80) for engaging the notches of notch bar (36); said release device comprising an unlocking lever (54) with an unlocking arm (56) for operating with said locking mechanism (40) for causing locking and unlocking thereof, said unlocking lever (54) being supported for motion about a bearing axle (64) which is connected to the seat track (34), and said unlocking lever (54) being connected to the backrest for pivoting movement thereof about said bearing axle (64) upon tilting movement of the backrest, and said unlocking arm (54) is connected with respect to said memory pin (80) to lag behind the engagement of memory pin (80) in a notch of notched bar (36) when operated to release locking mechanism (40); and said motor vehicle seat further characterized by: said drag lever (48) being held in a guiding part (50) for longitudinal movement thereof along the guiding part (40), and tiltably attached to said unlocking lever (54) at a distance from the bearing shaft (64), and said drag lever (48) having a counterstop (82); a blocking lever (72) which i) is supported for movement about a lever axle (74), said lever axle (74) being connected to said seat track (34) at a distance from the bearing axle (64), ii) has a recess (76) for holding the unlocking lever (54) in a blocking position for unlocking locking mechanism (40), and iii) has a stop (78) for meeting said counterstop (82) when said blocking lever (72) moves about said lever axle (74) to permit the unlocking lever (54) to move from the blocking position; drag connection means associated with the blocking lever (72) for pulling the blocking lever (72) from its blocking position to permit manual release of locking mechanism (40) during manual adjustment of seat position; a bearing block (62) fastened to the seat track (34) for supporting the bearing shaft (64) and lever axle (74); and said stop ( 78 ) of the blocking lever (72) comprising a bolt which extends parallel to lever axle (74), and passes through a curved, oblong opening in bearing block (62) for movement therein to contact counterstop (82).

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1997-10-03 1998-04-04 1998-10-04 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2001-10-03 2002-04-04 2002-10-04 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2005-10-03 2006-04-04 2006-10-04 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

Assigned Categories & Tags

No categories assigned to this patent yet.

Assign Category Tag