Title of Invention

A FITTING FOR A VEHICLE SEAT

Abstract The invention relates to a fitting (10) for a vehicle seat, more particularly for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a first fitting part (11), a second fitting part (12) that is in geared connection with the first fitting part (11), a cam (27a, 27b: 127:327) that is rotatably mounted on the first fitting parts (11, 12) for driving a rolling movement of the first fitting part (11) the second fitting part (12), a driver (21) for driving the cam (27a, 27b; 127; 327) and a brake for locking the fitting (10) against torque introduced at the output side in the rest state, at least one wrap-spring brake (44) being provided as brake, said brake controlling the driver (21) and the cam (27a, 27b; 127; 327).
Full Text The invention relates to a fitting for a vehicle seat with the features of the
precharacterizing clause of claim 1.
In a fitting of this type known from DE 103 52 630 Al, a brake is placed on
the outside and, in the inoperative position of the fitting, fixes the drive shaft
in relation to the first fitting part. Torques which are introduced on the
output side, for example due to the weight of the backrest, a specific loading
of the same or due to vibrations, are therefore blocked. When the fitting is
driven, the brake is released, and therefore the fitting parts can execute their
rolling movement without hindrance.
The invention is based on the object of improving a fitting of the type
mentioned at the beginning. This object is achieved according to the
invention by a fitting with the features of claim 1. Advantageous
refinements are the subject matter of the subclaims.
Owing to the fact that at least one wrap spring brake which is activated by
the driver and/or the eccentric is provided as the brake, it is possible for the
brake to be functionally integrated into the fitting, with components of the
geared fitting being used in a dual function also to activate the brake. The
activation can take place directly, i.e. by direct bearing of the driver and/or
eccentric against wrap spring arms, which are preferably provided for
activating the wrap spring brake, and subsequently acting upon said arms, or
indirectly, i.e. with the use of intermediate components, such as disks or
separate cams. The functional integration is preferably accompanied by
structural integration, for example by arrangement of the wrap spring arms
in the center of the fitting or the accommodation of a separately designed
wrap spring bushing, which is provided as a counterpart for the braking
action, by a fitting part or the integral formation of the wrap spring bushing
with a fitting part, for example as a collar extension, step or wider bearing
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bore of the fitting part. In this case, the inner side or the outer side can be the
relevant surface for producing the braking action.
A fitting of this type, which is provided on at least one side of the vehicle
seat, is safe with regard to running-down as well as favorable with regard to
efficiency. "Running-down" is to be understood as meaning that, by means
of regular or irregular mechanical excitation (vibration or shaking), the two
fitting parts bring about a rotation of the eccentric which leads, under the
torque of the weight of the backrest, to a rolling movement of the fitting
parts with the backrest pivoting backwards. A brake of the mentioned type
does not need to be provided in the fitting on the other side of the vehicle
seat, but a brake is preferably provided on both sides of the vehicle seat. The
wrap spring brake supplies a high locking moment on the output side, but
rotates with a freewheeling moment which is low in relation to the locking
moment if a torque is introduced on the drive side.
Since torques on the drive side are introduced via the driver, the driver is
preferably designed in such a manner that it acts on the wrap spring brake in
an opening manner and releases the latter during driving, for example by the
driver having at least one driver cam which, upon bearing against a wrap
spring arm and subsequently acting upon the latter, acts on the wrap spring
brake in an opening manner. Alternatively, the driver can have a receptacle -
if appropriate affected by play - for a wrap spring arm.
Since the eccentric, on account of its mounting, firstly on the first fitting part
and secondly on the second fitting part - is situated in the force flux and, in
addition to the toothings between the fitting parts, receives the forces and
torques introduced on the output side, including the fluctuations thereof, due
to mechanical excitation, the eccentric is preferably designed in such a
manner that it acts on the wrap spring brake in a closing manner such that
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the latter can produce its locking moment and therefore its braking action,
for example by the eccentric having a control cam which, upon bearing
against a wrap spring arm with subsequent action upon the latter, acts on the
wrap spring brake in a closing manner. Alternatively, the eccentric can have
a receptacle - if appropriate affected by play - for a wrap spring arm. The
mounting of the eccentric on a fitting part is to cover all variants of the
relative mounting of eccentric and fitting part, i.e. the eccentric can be
mounted, for example, in (radially within) a collar extension or step of the
fitting part or on (radially outside) the same.
The wrap spring brake produces its locking moment preferably by bearing
against a wrap spring bushing which is rotationally fixed with respect to the
second fitting part, preferably by means of a positive fit between suitable
projections, for example radially protruding arms, of the wrap spring
bushing and an inner toothing (present because of the production process) of
the second fitting part. The wrap spring brake is preferably arranged within
the wrap spring bushing, and therefore bears against the inner wall thereof
and its wrap spring arms protrude radially inward.
The eccentric is preferably mounted at least partially, for example an
individual wedge segment of the same, with little friction both on the first
fitting part and on the second fitting part, in particular by means of a sliding
bearing and/or rolling bearing and/or surface processing and/or surface
treatment. Since the friction between the sliding bearing (or rolling bearing)
and the component sliding relative to the latter is lower than the direct
friction between the wedge segments and the fitting parts, the losses during
driving of the fitting, i.e. during the adjustment movement, are reduced, thus
increasing the efficiency of the fitting. For the same output power, a lower
driving power is therefore necessary. The freedom from play and the
strength are maintained.
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The lower friction of the sliding bearing in relation to conventional steel is
based on special surface processing and/or surface treatment. Such surface
processing (for example mechanical) or surface treatment (for example
chemical) including application of a coating can also take place directly on the
fitting parts. The lower friction of the rolling bearing in relation to the sliding
friction of conventional steel is based on the rolling friction of the rolling
bodies. The sliding bearings or rolling bearings etc. can also be provided in a
mixed combination.
The eccentric can have two wedge segments which are spread apart and, as
a result, position the fitting in the inoperative state in a manner free from
play. The wedge segments preferably move in the axially identical plane
which is parallel to the planes of movement of the fitting parts. The wedge
segments within the context of the invention may also each be formed on a
disk, with the two (eccentric) disks then being arranged offset axially with
respect to each other. The eccentric may also be in a single part - omitting
the position in which it is free from play, for example may be designed as a
sickle element or disk-shaped fixed eccentric, which simplifies production
and installation. The driver may be in a single part or a number of parts.
Since the backrest is loaded more to the rear than to the front, one wedge
segment is subjected to a higher load, and therefore basically a higher
degree of friction occurs thereon. The wedge segment which is subjected to
a higher load is preferably therefore the wedge segment mounted on both
sides by means of sliding bearings. However, the other wedge segment or -
likewise preferably - both wedge segments may also be mounted on both
sides by means of sliding bearings.
It is possible for a wrap spring brake to be provided for each of the two
5

directions of rotation of the driver. As a result, the wedge segment which is
subjected to the stronger load (running wedge) is immediately and directly
locked in both directions during a running-down movement without first a
deviation due to an idling path which is present until it bears against the
associated wrap spring arm taking place. The wedge segment which is
subjected to less load (locking wedge) then takes on the position which is
free from play in the inoperative state of the fitting.
The fitting according to the invention can be operated both manually and
also by motor and can be used in vehicle seats, preferably for an angle-
adjustable seat component, in particular seat part or backrest, for adjusting
an angle within the seat component, for example the inclination of the seat
cushion relative to a base, the inclination of a thigh support relative to the
seat frame or the inclination of rockers, which serve to adjust the seat height,
with respect to the seat frame or with respect to a base, or for adjusting an
angle relative to another seat component, for example the inclination of the
backrest relative to the seat part.
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to five
exemplary embodiments with modifications, illustrated in the accompanying
drawing, in which:
Fig. 1 shows an exploded illustration of the first exemplary
embodiment,
Fig. 2 shows a partial view of the first exemplary embodiment with the
driver only partially indicated,
Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section of a fitting according to the
invention,
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Fig. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a vehicle seat,
Fig. 5 shows an exploded illustration of the second exemplary
embodiment,
Fig. 6 s hows a partial view of the second exemplary embodiment
without a driver,
Fig. 7 shows an exploded illustration of the third exemplary
embodiment,
Fig. 8 shows an exploded illustration of the fourth exemplary
embodiment without the second fitting part,
Fig. 9 shows a view of the fourth exemplary embodiment without a
driver,
Fig. 10 shows an exploded illustration of the fifth exemplary
embodiment,
Fig. 11 shows a view of the fifth exemplary embodiment with the driver
only partially indicated,
Fig. 12 shows a schematic diagram of the modification with two wrap
spring brakes, and
Fig. 13 shows a perspective partial view of the modification with two
wrap spring brakes.

A vehicle seat 1 for a motor vehicle has a seat part 3 and a backrest 4 which
can be adjusted in its inclination relative to the seat part 3. A hand wheel 5,
which can be actuated manually in order to adjust the inclination, on one
side of the vehicle seat 1 rotates a drive shaft (not illustrated specifically)
which is arranged horizontally in the transition region between seat part 3
and backrest 4 and, on both sides of the vehicle seat 1, engages in a
rotationally fixed manner in a respective fitting 10. The backrest 4 is
connected to the seat part 3 by means of the two fittings 10.
The fitting 10 is designed as a geared fitting, in which a first fitting part 11
and a second fitting part 12 are connected to each other for adjustment and
fixing via a gear designed as an eccentric epicyclic gear. The two fitting
parts 11 and 12 have an essentially flat shape and are composed of steel. The
first fitting part 11 is connected fixedly to the structure supporting the hand
wheel 5 and the drive shaft (in the present case, the structure of the backrest
4), for which reason, in the exemplary embodiment, the first component 11
is illustrated in a manner fixed on the backrest and therefore at the top in the
drawing. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, the second fitting part
12 is fixed on the seat part, i.e. is connected to the structure of the seat part
3, and is illustrated at the bottom in the drawing. The positions of the fitting
parts 11 and 12 may be interchanged, depending on requirements, i.e. the
direction of the force flux through the fitting 10 may be the opposite way
around to the previously mentioned arrangement of the fitting parts 11 and
12. The terms "mounting" and "supporting" used below are therefore not
intended to be limiting with regard to the direction of the force flux.
In order to form the gear, a toothed wheel 16 with an outer toothing is
embossed on the second fitting part 12 and a toothed ring 7 with an inner
toothing is embossed on the first fitting part 11, said toothings meshing with
each other. The diameter of the outside circle of the outer toothing of the
8

toothed wheel 16 is smaller by at least one tooth height than the diameter of
the root circle of the inner toothing of the toothed ring 17. The
corresponding difference in the number of teeth of toothed wheel 16 and
toothed ring 17 permits a rolling movement of the toothed ring 17 on the
toothed wheel 16. On the side facing the toothed wheel 16, the first fitting
part 11 has an integrally formed collar extension 19 concentrically with
respect to the inner toothing of the toothed ring 17.
To this extent, all of the exemplary embodiments agree. The first and the
second exemplary embodiments are first of all described together below.
A driver 21 is mounted with play by means of a hub 22 in the collar
extension 19. The driver 21, which is composed of plastic and the
arrangement of which defines the direction details used, is provided
centrally with a bore 23 which matches the external splines of the drive shaft
and runs axially. Furthermore, the driver 21 has an integrally formed driver
segment 25 which is arranged in a curved manner about part of the collar
extension 19. Two wedge segments 27a and 27b are supported, at least
indirectly by means of their curved inner side, on the collar extension 19
and, by means of their curved outer sides, support a first sliding bearing 28
which is pressed into the second fitting part 12 in a rotationally fixed
manner. The friction between the outer side of the metallic wedge segments
27a and 27b and the inner side of the bushing-shaped, first sliding bearing
28 is significantly lower than the direct friction between the wedge segments
27a and 27b in the fitting parts 11 or 12 would be.
The driver segment 25 grasps with play between the narrow sides of the
wedge segments 27a and 27b while the mutually facing wide sides of the
wedge segments 27a and 27b each support an angled end finger of a spring
coiled annularly, referred to below as omega spring 30. The omega spring
9

30 pushes the wedge segments 27a and 27b apart in the circumferential
direction and therefore positions the fitting 10 in a manner free from play in
the inoperative state. The driver 21 is secured axially on the outer side of the
first fitting part 11 by means of a securing ring 31 which is clipped on. In
order to absorb the axially acting forces, a respective holding plate (not
illustrated in the drawing) is welded in a manner known per se onto the two
fitting parts 11 and 12 and engages over the other fitting part in each case
without obstructing the adjustment movement.
The wedge segments 27a and 27b define an eccentric which is located in the
force flux between the fitting parts 11 and 12 and is mounted thereon. The
driver segment 25, which can also be classed as the eccentric, is located
outside the force flux. The eccentric as an extension of the direction of
eccentricity, presses the toothed wheel 16 and the toothed ring 17 into each
other at an engagement point defined in this manner. During driving by
means of the rotating drive shaft, a torque is first transmitted to the driver 21
and then to the eccentric which is defined in this manner and which slides
along the first sliding bearing 28, shifting the direction of eccentricity and
therefore shifting the engagement point of the toothed wheel 16 in the
toothed ring 17, which is depicted as a wobbling rolling movement of the
fitting parts 11 and 12 on each other.
Owing to the weight of the backrest 4, which is customarily situated
obliquely, and a pressure exerted on the backrest 4 by the occupant, a
differentiation can be made in the case of the wedge segments 27a and 27b
between a first wedge segment 27a, which is subjected to a higher load and
is in front during an upward movement of the backrest 4, and a second
wedge segment 27b which is subjected to a lower load. The efficiency of the
fitting 10 depends noticeably on the friction between the first wedge
segment 27a and the collar extension 19. According to the invention, in
10

order to reduce this friction, a second sliding bearing 41 is provided which
sits in a more or less immovable manner (adhering) on the first wedge
segment 27a and slides with little friction on the collar extension 19, i.e.
corresponds functionally to the first sliding bearing 28.
In the first exemplary embodiment, the second sliding bearing 41 is
designed as a ring segment which extends over somewhat less than the inner
side of the first wedge segment 27a, while, in the second exemplary
embodiment, the second sliding bearing 41 is designed as a ring which is
more or less completely closed and on which the wedge segment 27b which
is subjected to a lower load also sits. Since the two exemplary embodiments
otherwise correspond - apart from geometrical adaptations to the shape of
the second sliding bearing 41, components which are identical and act in an
identical manner bear the same reference numbers. In a modification to both
exemplary embodiments, the second sliding bearing 41 on the inner side of
the collar extension 19 is arranged in a region free from the hub 22, and the
first wedge segment 27a which is subjected to a stronger load is mounted
therein by means of an extension arm.
The friction between the first wedge segment 27a and the collar extension
19 not only has an effect on the efficiency but also on the self-locking of the
gear of the fitting 10. So that at least one of the two fittings 10 of the vehicle
seat 1 remain self-locking in spite of the first wedge segment 27a being
mounted in a sliding manner on two sides and, in the inoperative state, is
locked against torques introduced on the output side, according to the
invention, in the case of this fitting 10, a brake which is effective in the
inoperative state of the fitting 10 is provided, namely a wrap spring brake
44, which is arranged in a wrap spring bushing 46 and, on account of its
prestress, bears frictionally against the inner wall thereof. The wrap spring
bushing 46, which is produced, for example, from an aluminum alloy or
11

from plastic, is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the second fitting
part 12 by three groups of three radially (and/or axially) protruding wrap
spring bushing arms 48 which are offset with respect to one another by 120°
in each case engaging with a positive fit in the inner toothing produced on
the rear side of the toothed wheel 16 by the embossing operation.
For activation, the wrap spring brake 44 has a radially inwardly protruding
wrap spring arm 50 at each of its ends. The first wedge segment 27a is
provided with an axially protruding control cam 51 which is arranged
between the two wrap spring arms 50 with play in the circumferential
direction. "Between" or "within" is to be understood in each case as
meaning an arrangement which relates to the smaller of the two possible
angular ranges in the circumferential direction while "outside" relates to the
larger of the two possible angular ranges in the circumferential direction. A
bearing of the control cam 51 against a wrap spring arm 50 with subsequent
action upon the latter acts in a closing manner on the wrap spring brake 44,
i.e. brakes the wrap spring brake 44 - owing to an increasing outside
diameter of the same and increased friction on the wrap spring bushing 46 -
and prevents rotation of the components defining the eccentric relative to the
second fitting part 12. With blockage of the eccentric, the first fitting part 11
is also fixed relative to the second fitting part 12.
In order to cancel the braking action of the wrap spring brake 44 during
driving of the driver 21, firstly, at the end of the driver segment 25 which is
assigned to the first wedge segment 27a, a first driver cam 53 is provided on
the driver 21 and, secondly, a second driver cam 55 is provided in the region
which is arranged at approximately identical radial spacing between the
ends of the driver segment 25, said driver cams both protruding axially. The
wrap spring arms 50 together with the control cam 51 are arranged with play
between the two driver cams 53 and 55 (within the context of the above
12

definition), i.e. the driver cams 53 and 55 are arranged in the circumferential
direction outside the wrap spring arms 50. When the driver 21 is rotated,
first of all one of the driver cams 53 or 55 passes to bear against a wrap
spring arm 50 and acts upon the latter, which acts in an opening manner
(releasing) on the wrap spring brake 44 - owing to a slightly reducing
outside diameter of the same with reduced friction at the wrap spring
bushing 46 - and cancels the braking action. As the movement continues, the
eccentric drives the above-described rolling movement of the fitting parts 11
and 12 on each other.
The third exemplary embodiment according to fig. 7 is identical to the
previous exemplary embodiments, in particular to the second exemplary
embodiment, unless described differently below, for which reason
components which are identical or are essentially identical bear the same
reference numbers.
The driver 21, which is not changed in design, is mounted in the collar
extension 19 of the first fitting part 11 while a sickle segment 127 is
supported on the collar extension 19 (i.e. on the outer side thereof), said
sickle segment being arranged in a sickle-shaped manner about a part of the
collar extension 19 and, by means of its curved outer side, supporting the
first sliding bearing 28, which is pressed into the second fitting part 12 in a
rotationally fixed manner. In terms of its shape and function, the sickle
segment 127 corresponds to an integral combination of the two wedge
segments 27a and 27b. The driver segment 25 grasps with play between the
narrow sides of the sickle segment 127. The securing ring 31 and the
holding plates (not illustrated in the drawing) correspond to the previous
exemplary embodiments.
The sickle segment 127 defines an eccentric which is located in the force
13

flux between the fitting parts 11 and 12 and is mounted thereon. In an
extension of the direction of eccentricity, the eccentric presses the toothed
wheel 16 and the toothed ring 17 into each other at an engagement point
defined in this manner. During driving by means of the rotating drive shaft,
a torque is first of all transmitted to the driver 21 and then to the eccentric
which is defined in this manner and which slides along the first sliding
bearing 28 shifting the direction of eccentricity and therefore shifting the
engagement point of the toothed wheel 16 in the toothed ring 17, which is
depicted as a wobbling rolling movement of the fitting parts 11 and 12 on
each other.
Analogously to the previous exemplary embodiments, the efficiency of the
fitting 10 depends noticeably on the friction between the sickle segment 127
and the collar extension 19. As in the second exemplary embodiment, the
second sliding bearing 41, which is designed as a more or less completely
closed ring, is provided to reduce this friction. The second sliding bearing
41 is either mounted immovably on the collar extension 19, for example is
pressed in in a slotted embodiment or is adhering in a closed embodiment,
and allows the sickle segment 127 to slide along with little friction, or the
second sliding bearing 41 sits more or less immovably (adhering) on the
sickle segment 127 and slides with little friction along the collar extension
19, i.e. corresponds in each case functionally to the first sliding bearing 28.
So that, in the inoperative state, the fitting 10 remains self-locking and is
locked against torques introduced on the output side, the wrap spring brake
44 is again provided. The wrap spring bushing 46 which receives it and
holds it frictionally has wrap spring bushing arms 48 protruding radially all
around, which can also be realized in the two previous exemplary
embodiments. The wrap spring bushing arms 48 engage with a positive fit in
the inner toothing produced on the rear side of the toothed wheel 16 by the
14

embossing operation.
For activation, the wrap spring brake 44 again has the two wrap spring arms
50 while the sickle segment 127 is provided with the axially protruding
control cam 51 which is arranged between the two wrap spring arms 50. The
abovementioned definition for "between", "within" and "outside" applies. A
bearing of the control cam 51 against a wrap spring arm 50 with subsequent
action upon the latter acts on the wrap spring brake 44 in a closing manner.
In order to cancel the braking action of the wrap spring brake 44 during
driving of the driver 21, a first driver cam 53 and a second driver cam 55 are
again provided on the driver 21 and receive the wrap spring arms 50
between them. When the driver 21 is rotated, first of all one of the driver
cams 53 or 55 comes to bear against a wrap spring arm 50 and acts upon the
latter, this acting on the wrap spring brake 44 in an opening (releasing)
manner and canceling the braking action. During continued movement, the
eccentric drives the above-described rolling movements of the fitting parts
11 and 12 on each other.
The fourth exemplary embodiment according to figures 8 and 9 is similar to
the previous exemplary embodiments, in particular the second exemplary
embodiment, unless described differently below, for which reason
components which are identical or are essentially identical bear the same
reference numbers.
The driver 21 firstly comprises a hub 22 for mounting with play in the collar
extension 19 of the first fitting part 11 and for receiving the drive shaft in a
central bore 23, the hub 22 having a covering disk on the end side which
faces outward. Secondly, the driver 21 comprises a separately formed,
perforated driver disk 224 which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner
to the hub 22 and has two integrally formed driver segments 25 which are
15

arranged in a semicircular manner around part of the collar extension 19 and
have a gap between them. An eccentric ring 226 is supported on the collar
extension 19 and the two wedge segments 27a and 27b are supported in
turn, by means of their curved inner side, on said eccentric ring and, by
means of their curved outer sides, support a first sliding bearing 28 which is
pressed into the second fitting part 12 in a rotationally fixed manner. The
friction conditions are as in the previous exemplary embodiments.
The two driver segments 25 grasp with play between the narrow sides of the
wedge segments 27a and 27b while the mutually facing wide sides of the
wedge segments 27a and 27b each support an angled end finger of an omega
spring 30, the omega spring 30 being arranged on the other side of the driver
disk 224 and the end fingers reaching through a slotted guide of the driver
disk 224. The omega spring 30 pushes the wedge segments 27a and 27b
apart in the circumferential direction and therefore positions the fitting 10 in
the inoperative state in a manner free from play. The securing ring 31 and
the holding plates (not illustrated in the drawing) correspond to the previous
exemplary embodiments.
The wedge segments 27a and 27b and the eccentric ring 226 define an
eccentric which is located in the force flux between the fitting parts 11 and
12 and is mounted on the latter. As an extension of the direction of
eccentricity, the eccentric pushes the toothed wheel 16 and the toothed ring
17 into each other at an engagement point defined in this manner. During
driving by means of the rotating drive shaft, a torque is first of all
transmitted to the driver 21 and then to the eccentric which is defined in this
manner and slides along the first sliding bearing 28 shifting the direction of
eccentricity and therefore shifting the engagement point of the toothed
wheel 16 in the toothed ring 17, which is depicted as a wobbling rolling
movement of the fitting parts 11 and 12 on each other.
16

Analogously, to the previous exemplary embodiments, the efficiency of the
fitting 10 depends noticeably on the friction between the eccentric ring 226
and the collar extension 19. As in the second exemplary embodiment, the
second sliding bearing 41, which is designed as a more or less completely
closed ring, is provided to reduce this friction. The second sliding bearing
41 is either pressed onto the collar extension 19 and allows the eccentric
ring 226 to slide along with little friction, or the second sliding bearing 41
sits more or less immovably on the eccentric ring 226 and slides with little
friction on the collar extension 19, i.e. corresponds in each case functionally
to the first sliding bearing 28.
So that the fitting 10 remains self-locking in the inoperative state and is
blocked against torques introduced on the output side, the wrap spring brake
44 is again provided. The wrap spring bushing 46 which receives it and
holds it frictionally has wrap spring bushing arms 48 protruding radially all
the way around. The wrap spring bushing arms 48 engage with a positive fit
in the inner toothing produced on the rear side of the toothed wheel 16 by
the embossing operation.
For activation, the wrap spring brake 44 again has the two wrap spring arms
50 while the eccentric ring 226 is provided with the axially protruding
control cam 51 which reaches through an opening in the driver disk 224 and
is arranged in the circumferential direction between the two wrap spring
arms 50. The abovementioned definition for "between", "within" and
"outside" applies. A bearing of the control cam 51 against a wrap spring arm
50 with subsequent action upon the latter acts on the wrap spring brake 44 in
a closing manner. In order to cancel the braking action of the wrap spring
brake 44 during driving of the driver 21, a first driver cam 53 and a second
driver cam 55 are again provided on the hub 22 and hold the wrap spring
17

arms 50 between them. When the driver 21 is rotated, one of the driver cams
53 or 55 first of all comes to bear against a wrap spring arm 50 and acts
upon the latter, which acts on the wrap spring brake 44 in an opening
(releasing) manner and cancels the braking action. During the further
movement, the eccentric drives the above-described rolling movement of the
fitting parts 11 and 12 on each other.
The fifth exemplary embodiment according to figures 10 and 11 is similar to
the previous exemplary embodiments, in particular the third exemplary
embodiment, unless described differently below, for which reason parts
which are identical or are essentially identical bear the same reference
numbers.
A solid eccentric 327 has a basic body which is in the shape of a cylindrical
disk and which, by means of its outer side, supports the first sliding bearing
28, which is pressed into the second fitting part 12 in a rotationally fixed
manner, and an integrally formed hub which is arranged eccentrically with
respect to the center of the basic shape and is mounted in the collar
extension 19 of the first fitting part 11 by means of the second sliding
bearing 41. The second sliding bearing 41 is pressed, for example, into the
collar extension 19 and allows the solid eccentric 327 to slide along with
little friction (and is designed in this case as a closed ring) or sits more or
less immovably on the solid eccentric 327 and slides with little friction in
the collar extension 19 (and is designed in this case as a more or less
completely closed ring). The second sliding bearing 41 corresponds in each
case functionally to the first sliding bearing 28 and, owing to the reduced
friction, influences the efficiency of the fitting 10 analogously to the
previous exemplary embodiment.
The driver 21 is mounted rotatably by means of its hub 22 within the hollow
18

hub of the solid eccentric 327 and is coupled to it for carrying it along by an
idling path, i.e. the driver 21 carries along the solid eccentric 327 in the
circumferential direction after passing through the idling path. The securing
ring 31 and the holding plates (not illustrated in the drawing) correspond to
the previous exemplary embodiments.
The solid eccentric 327 forms an eccentric which is located in the force flux
between the fitting parts 11 and 12 and is mounted on the latter. As an
extension of the direction of eccentricity, the eccentric pushes the toothed
wheel 16 and the toothed ring 17 into each other at an engagement point
defined in this manner. During driving by means of the rotating drive shaft,
a torque is first of all transmitted to the driver 21 and then to the eccentric
which is defined in this manner and slides along the first sliding bearing 28
shifting the direction of the eccentricity and therefore shifting the
engagement point of the toothed wheel 16 in the toothed ring 17, which is
depicted as a wobbling rolling movement of the fitting parts 11 and 12 on
each other.
So that the fitting 10 remains self-locking in the inoperative state and is
blocked against torques introduced on the output side, a wrap spring brake
44 is again provided. The wrap spring bushing 46 which receives it and
holds it frictionally has wrap spring bushing arms 48 protruding radially all
the way around. The wrap spring bushing arms 48 engage with a positive fit
in the inner toothing produced on the rear side of the toothed wheel 16 by
the embossing operation.
For activation, the wrap spring brake 44 again has the two wrap spring arms
50 while the solid eccentric 327 is provided with the axially protruding
control cam 51 which is arranged between the two wrap spring arms 50. The
abovementioned definition for "between", "within" and "outside" applies. A
19

bearing of the control cam 51 against a wrap spring arm 50 with subsequent
action upon the latter acts on the wrap spring brake 44 in a closing manner.
In order to cancel the braking action of the wrap spring brake 44 during
driving of the driver 21, a first driver cam 53 and a second driver cam 55 are
again provided on the driver 21 and hold the wrap spring arms 50 between
them. When the driver 21 is rotated, first of all one of the driver cams 53 or
55 comes to bear against a wrap spring arm 50 and acts upon the latter,
which acts on the wrap spring brake 44 in an opening (releasing) manner
and cancels the braking action. During further movement, the eccentric
drives the above-described rolling movement of the fitting parts 11 and 12
on each other.
For all of the exemplary embodiments, a modification is possible, according
to which one wrap spring brake 44 is provided per direction of rotation, said
wrap spring brakes closing in opposite directions. A wrap spring arm 50 of
each wrap spring brake 44 is then fitted or attached in some other way,
preferably in a manner free from play, on the first wedge segment 27a,
sickle segment 127, solid eccentric 327 or the respective control cam 51
while the two other wrap spring arms 50 are acted upon by a respective
driver cam 53 or 55 - after passing through a small idling path, which is
illustrated schematically in fig. 12. During driving of the driver 21, one of
the two wrap spring brakes 44 is opened (released) by the driver cam 53 or
55 and the other by the first wedge segment 27a etc. The two wrap spring
brakes 44 are preferably arranged axially next to each other in the same
wrap spring bushing 46, as illustrated in fig. 13.
For all of the exemplary embodiments, a further modification is possible,
according to which the wrap spring bushing is formed integrally with the
second fitting part 12 by the material region which forms the bearing
opening to receive the first sliding bearing 28 being somewhat extended
20

axially in the manner of a collar extension and, by means of its outer side,
i.e. its rear side which faces away from the supporting side, holding the
wrap spring brake 44.
With the arrangement of the wrap spring brake 44 on the outer side of the
wrap spring bushing, the manner of operation of the wrap spring brake 44 is
reversed, i.e. an increase of the diameter acts in an opening (releasing)
manner while a contraction with reduction of the diameter acts in a closing
(braking) manner. Accordingly, two radially outwardly protruding control
cams 51 are provided on the first wedge segment 27a, sickle segment 127 or
solid eccentric 327 and hold the wrap spring arms 50 between them (within
the meaning of the abovementioned definition for "between", "within" and
"outside") and the driver cam 53 is then arranged between said wrap spring
arms 50. In the case of two wedge segments 27a and 27b, the already
mentioned mounting of the first wedge segment 27a is by means of an
extension arm in the collar extension 19 (on its inner side) and of the second
wedge segment 27b on the collar extension 19 (on its outer side).
21

List of reference numbers
1 Vehicle seat
3 Seat part
4 Backrest
5 Hand wheel
10 Fitting
11 First fitting part
12 Second fitting part
16 Toothed wheel
17 Toothed ring
19 Collar extension
21 Driver
22 Hub
23 Bore
25 Driver segment
27a First wedge segment
27b Second wedge segment
28 First sliding bearing
30 Omega spring
31 Securing ring
41 Second sliding bearing
44 Wrap spring brake
46 Wrap spring bushing
48 Wrap spring bushing arms
50 Wrap spring arm
51 Control cam
53 First driver cam
55 Second driver cam
127 Sickle segment
22

224 Driver disk
226 Eccentric ring
327 Solid eccentric
23

WE CLAIM:
1. A fitting for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, with
a first fitting part (11), a second fitting part (12) in geared connection
with the first fitting part (11), an eccentric (27a, 27b; 127; 327) which
is mounted rotatably on the fitting parts (11, 12) and is intended for
driving a rolling movement of first fitting part (11) and second fitting
part (12), a driver (21) for driving the eccentric (27a, 27b; 127; 327)
and a brake for locking the fitting (10) in the inoperative state against
torques introduced on the output side, characterized in that at least
one wrap spring brake (44) is provided as the brake and is activated
by the driver (21) and/or the eccentric (27a, 27b; 127; 327).
2. The fitting as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, for activation,
the wrap spring brake (44) has two wrap spring arms (50).
3. The fitting as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the driver (21) acts on the wrap spring brake (44) in an opening
manner and releases the latter during driving.
4. The fitting as claimed in claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the
driver (21) has at least one driver cam (53, 55) which, upon bearing
against a wrap spring arm (50) and acting upon the latter, acts on the
wrap spring brake (44) in an opening manner.
5. The fitting as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the eccentric (27a, 27b; 127; 327) acts on the wrap spring brake
(44) in a closing manner.
6. The fitting as claimed in claims 2 and 5, characterized in that the
24

eccentric (27a, 27b; 127; 327) has a control cam (51) which, upon
bearing against a wrap spring arm (50) and acting upon the latter, acts
on the wrap spring brake (44) in a closing manner.
7. The fitting as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the wrap spring brake (44) bears against a wrap spring bushing
(46) which is rotationally fixed with respect to the second fitting part
(12), or bears against a wrap spring bushing (46) formed integrally
with the second fitting part (12).
8. The fitting as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the separately
formed wrap spring bushing (46) has a plurality of radially protruding
wrap spring bushing arms (48) which engage with a positive fit in an
inner toothing of the second fitting part (12).
9. The fitting as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that a collar
extension, which serves to support the eccentric (27a, 27b; 127; 327),
serves with its rear side, which faces away from the supporting side,
as the integrally formed wrap spring bushing.
10. The fitting as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the wrap spring brake (44) is integrated structurally into the
fitting (10).
11. The fitting as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the eccentric (27a, 27b; 127; 327) is mounted with little friction
both on the first fitting part (11) and on the second fitting part (12), in
particular by means of a sliding bearing (28, 41) and/or rolling
bearing and/or surface processing and/or surface treatment.
25

12. The fitting as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the eccentric (27a, 27b; 127; 327) is defined at least by two
wedge segments (27a, 27b) or by a sickle segment (127) or is
designed as a solid eccentric (327).
13. The fitting as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in
that a respective wrap spring brake (44) is provided for both
directions of rotation of the driver (21).
14. An angle-adjustable seat component (3, 4) of a vehicle seat, in
particular motor vehicle seat, with a fitting (10) as claimed in one of
the preceding claims for adjusting an angle within the seat component
(3, 5) or relative to another seat component (3, 4).
15. A vehicle seat, in particular motor vehicle seat, with at least one
angle-adjustable seat component (3, 4) as claimed in claim 14.
26

The invention relates to a fitting (10) for a vehicle seat, more particularly
for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a first fitting part (11), a second fitting part
(12) that is in geared connection with the first fitting part (11), a cam (27a, 27b:
127:327) that is rotatably mounted on the first fitting parts (11, 12) for driving a
rolling movement of the first fitting part (11) the second fitting part (12), a
driver (21) for driving the cam (27a, 27b; 127; 327) and a brake for locking the
fitting (10) against torque introduced at the output side in the rest state, at least
one wrap-spring brake (44) being provided as brake, said brake controlling the
driver (21) and the cam (27a, 27b; 127; 327).

Documents:

01859-kolnp-2007-abstract.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-claims.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-correspondence others 1.1.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-correspondence others 1.2.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-correspondence others 1.3.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-correspondence others.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-description complete.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-drawings.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-form 1 1.1.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-form 1.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-form 18.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-form 2.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-form 3 1.1.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-form 3.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-form 5 1.1.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-form 5.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-gpa.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-international publication.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-international search report.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-priority document 1.1.pdf

01859-kolnp-2007-priority document.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-(01-06-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-ABSTRACT 1.1.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE 1.2.pdf

1859-kolnp-2007-correspondence-1.3.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE) 1.1.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-DRAWINGS 1.1.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECIEVED.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-FORM 1-1.1.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-FORM 1-1.2.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-FORM 13-1.1.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-FORM 13.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-FORM 18.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-FORM 2-1.1.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-FORM 3-1.1.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-FORM 3.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-FORM 5-1.1.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-FORM 5-1.2.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-FORM 5-1.3.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-DRAWINGS.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-LETTER PATENT.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-OTHERS 1.1.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-OTHERS 1.2.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-OTHERS.pdf

1859-kolnp-2007-pa-1.1.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-PA.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-PRTITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

1859-KOLNP-2007-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT-1.1.pdf

abstract-01859-kolnp-2007.jpg


Patent Number 248341
Indian Patent Application Number 1859/KOLNP/2007
PG Journal Number 27/2011
Publication Date 08-Jul-2011
Grant Date 05-Jul-2011
Date of Filing 24-May-2007
Name of Patentee KEIPER GMBH & CO. KG
Applicant Address HERTELSBRUNNENRING 2, 67657 KAISERSLAUTERN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 STEMMER, JÜRGEN EIBENWEG 38, 42897 REMSCHEID
2 EWALD, TOBIAS ASBACHTAL 24, 45257 ESSEN
3 SCHOLZ, GRIT HERDERSTR. 24A, 42853 REMSCHEID
4 NORBISRATH, ANDREAS SEDANSTR. 45, 42281 WUPPERTAL
5 KOMAINDA, ARTUR BUCHENSTR. 20, 42855 REMSCHEID
6 FINNER, HOLGER KASTANIENWEG 6, 42499 HÜCKESWAGEN
7 LEHMANN, ULRICH IMPEKOVENER STR. 30, 53347 ALFTER
8 MESSERSCHMIDT, RAINER DÜSSELTHALER STR. 45, 40211 DÜSSELDORF
PCT International Classification Number B60N 2/225
PCT International Application Number PCT/EP2006/005255
PCT International Filing date 2006-06-02
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 DE 10 2005 028 779.4 2005-06-22 Germany