阅读说明：本技术 座椅小腿托机构 (Seat shank support mechanism ) 是由 拉斐尔·彼得 基肖尔·塔尔德 帕拉舒拉姆·兰戈利 沙拉德·C·帕瓦尔 于 2021-03-04 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请涉及座椅小腿托机构。提供了一种具有用于腿部支撑构件的释放机构的交通工具座椅组件、释放机构以及为连接到座椅组件的腿部支撑件安装释放机构的方法。释放机构具有支撑构件。支撑构件用于连接到座椅底座和腿部支撑构件中的一个。臂具有可旋转地连接到支撑构件的近端区域,和远端区域,臂限定凸轮表面。偏置构件连接到支撑构件,并与臂的远端区域接触。从动件被设置用于连接到座椅底座和腿部支撑构件中的另一个,并且当腿部支撑构件在展开位置和收起位置之间旋转时,从动件可与臂的凸轮表面接合。(The present application relates to a seat calf support mechanism. A vehicle seat assembly having a release mechanism for a leg support member, a release mechanism, and a method of installing a release mechanism for a leg support connected to a seat assembly are provided. The release mechanism has a support member. The support member is for connection to one of the seat base and the leg support member. The arm has a proximal region rotatably connected to the support member, and a distal region, the arm defining a cam surface. A biasing member is connected to the support member and is in contact with the distal end region of the arm. A follower is provided for connection to the other of the seat base and the leg support member and is engageable with the cam surface of the arm as the leg support member is rotated between the deployed and stowed positions.)

1. A vehicle seat assembly comprising:

a seat base;

a leg support rotatably connected to the seat base and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position;

an arm having a proximal end region rotatably supported by one of the seat base and the leg support, the arm defining a cam surface;

a spring supported by the one of the seat base and the leg support, the spring being in contact with a distal end region of the arm; and

a follower connected to the other of the seat base and the leg support, the follower being engageable with the cam surface of the arm as the leg support is rotated between the deployed position and the stowed position.

2. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 wherein, from the deployed position, the follower biases the arm using only the force exerted on the leg support to rotate the leg support relative to the seat base.

3. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 wherein said arm defines a flat surface opposite said cam surface; and is

Wherein the spring is engageable with the planar surface of the arm to translate along the planar surface when the leg support is rotated between the deployed position and the stowed position.

4. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the spring is preloaded to bias the arm in a first direction;

wherein the camming surface defines a recess and a convex transition region between the distal region and the proximal region of the arm; and is

Wherein, in response to engagement of the follower with the transition region, the spring is further loaded and the arm rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction.

5. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 further comprising a mounting bracket defining first and second guide slots spaced from one another, the follower being received within the first and second guide slots;

wherein the arm is positioned between the first guide slot and the second guide slot and is rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket.

6. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 5 wherein said spring is a cantilevered spring member having an intermediate region between a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end supported by said mounting bracket, said intermediate region in contact with said arm.

7. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 6 wherein the spring is a first spring; and is

Wherein the vehicle seat assembly further comprises a second cantilever spring having a middle region between a first end and a second end, the first end of the second spring and the second end of the second spring being supported by the mounting bracket, the middle region of the second spring being in contact with the arm and adjacent to the middle region of the first spring.

8. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 6 wherein the proximal end region of the arm defines an aperture; and is

Wherein the vehicle seat assembly further comprises a fastener extending through the mounting bracket and the aperture of the arm to connect the arm to the mounting bracket.

9. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 8 further comprising first and second eccentric bushings connected to the mounting bracket by the fastener, wherein the arm is located between the first and second eccentric bushings;

wherein an outer surface of the first eccentric bushing contacts the spring adjacent the first end, and wherein an outer surface of the second eccentric bushing contacts the spring adjacent the second end; and is

Wherein rotation of the first and second eccentric bushings changes a preload force of the spring on the arm.

10. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 9 wherein said fastener has a shank defining a first non-circular cross-sectional shape; and is

Wherein each eccentric bushing defines a bore therethrough having a second non-circular cross-sectional shape, wherein the first and second non-circular cross-sectional shapes are form-fit to each other such that rotation of the fastener relative to the mounting bracket rotates the first and second eccentric bushings.

11. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 10 further comprising third and fourth bushings connected to the mounting bracket by the fastener, wherein the third and fourth bushings are located between the first and second eccentric bushings and the arm is located between the third and fourth bushings;

wherein each of the third bushing and the fourth bushing define a bore therethrough having the second non-circular cross-sectional shape; and is

Wherein each of the third and fourth bushings defines a cylindrical outer surface sized to be received by and in contact with the bore of the arm such that the arm rotates about the third and fourth bushings.

12. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 5 wherein the spring is a torsion spring having a middle region between a first end region and a second end region, the first and second end regions being supported by the mounting bracket, the middle region being in contact with the arm.

13. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 12 wherein at least one of the first and second end regions of the torsion spring is formed as a coil.

14. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 12 further comprising: a first fastener extending through the mounting bracket and the proximal end region of the arm to rotatably connect the arm to the mounting bracket; and

a second fastener extending through the mounting bracket and spaced apart from the first fastener, the second fastener supporting the torsion spring near the distal end region of the arm.

15. A release mechanism for a leg support member of a seat assembly, the mechanism comprising:

a support member for connection to one of the seat base and the leg support member;

an arm having a proximal region rotatably connected to the support member, and a distal region, the arm defining a cam surface;

a biasing member connected to the support member, the biasing member being in contact with the distal end region of the arm; and

a follower for connection to the other of the seat base and the leg support member, the follower being engageable with the cam surface of the arm as the leg support member is rotated between the deployed and stowed positions.

16. The mechanism of claim 15, wherein the biasing member biases the arm in a first direction; and is

Wherein the camming surface defines a recess and a convex transition region between the distal region and the proximal region of the arm; and is

Wherein, in response to engagement of the follower with the transition region, the biasing member is further loaded and the arm rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein the biasing member translates along a surface of the arm.

17. A mechanism according to claim 16 wherein the follower engages the recess and the transition region in sequence as the leg support member is rotated from the deployed position to the stowed position.

18. A method of installing a release mechanism for a leg support member connected to a seat assembly, the method comprising:

connecting a support member to one of a seat base and a leg support member, the support member defining at least one guide slot therethrough;

rotatably connecting a proximal region of an arm to the support member, the arm extending from the proximal region to a distal region, the arm defining a cam surface;

connecting a follower to the other of the seat base and the leg support member such that the follower extends through the at least one guide slot, the follower being engageable with the cam surface of the arm as the leg support member is rotated between the deployed and stowed positions;

connecting a biasing member to the support member; and

preloading the biasing member such that the biasing member contacts the distal end region of the arm to bias the arm in a first direction toward the follower.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

connecting the arm to the support member using a fastener;

supporting an eccentric bushing about the fastener for rotation with the fastener, the eccentric bushing in contact with the biasing member; and

adjusting a preload force on the biasing member by rotating the fastener and the eccentric bushing.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising moving the leg support member from a deployed position to a stowed position using only a force exerted on the leg support member, wherein, in response to the force exerted on the leg support member, the follower engages a convex region of the cam surface to further load the biasing member and rotate the arm in a second direction opposite the first direction and the biasing member translates along the arm.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a mechanism for a vehicle seat assembly having a deployable calf rest.

Background

The vehicle seat assembly may be provided with a deployable lower leg rest or leg rest. Examples of such vehicle seat assemblies are disclosed in german patent No. DE102016215741B4, chinese patent No. CN 109228987B, us patent No. 10,293,717 and korean patent publication No. KR 20190041631 a.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a vehicle seat assembly is provided with a seat base and a leg support rotatably connected to the seat base and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The arm has a proximal end region rotatably supported by one of the seat base and the leg support, wherein the arm defines a cam surface. The spring is supported by one of the seat base and the leg support, and the spring is in contact with the distal end region of the arm. The follower is connected to the other of the seat base and the leg support. The follower may engage the cam surface of the arm as the leg support is rotated between the deployed and stowed positions.

In a further embodiment, from the deployed position, the follower biases the arm using only the force exerted on the leg support to rotate the leg support relative to the seat base.

In another further embodiment, the arm defines a planar surface opposite the cam surface. The spring may engage the planar surface of the arm to translate along the planar surface as the leg support rotates between the deployed position and the stowed position.

In a further embodiment, the spring is preloaded to bias the arm in the first direction. The cam surface defines a recess and a convex transition region between the distal and proximal regions of the arm. In response to the follower engaging the transition region, the spring is further loaded and the arm rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction.

In another further embodiment, the mounting bracket defines first and second guide slots spaced apart from one another, wherein the follower is received within the first and second guide slots. The arm is located between the first guide slot and the second guide slot and is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket.

In yet another embodiment, the spring is a cantilevered spring member having an intermediate region between the first end and the second end. The first and second ends are supported by the mounting bracket and the intermediate region is in contact with the arm.

In yet a further embodiment, the spring is a first spring. A second cantilever spring is provided having an intermediate region between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end of the second spring are supported by the mounting bracket. The middle region of the second spring is in contact with the arm and adjacent to the middle region of the first spring.

In another yet further embodiment, the proximal end region of the arm defines an aperture. A fastener extends through the mounting bracket and the aperture of the arm to connect the arm to the mounting bracket.

In yet a further embodiment, the first eccentric bushing and the second eccentric bushing are connected to the mounting bracket by a fastener. The arm is located between the first eccentric bushing and the second eccentric bushing. An outer surface of the first eccentric bushing contacts the spring adjacent the first end and an outer surface of the second eccentric bushing contacts the spring adjacent the second end. Rotation of the first and second eccentric bushings changes the preload force of the spring on the arm.

In yet a further embodiment, the fastener has a shank defining a first non-circular cross-sectional shape. Each eccentric bushing defines a bore therethrough having a second non-circular cross-sectional shape. The first non-circular cross-sectional shape and the second non-circular cross-sectional shape are form fit (form fit) with one another such that rotation of the fastener relative to the mounting bracket rotates the first eccentric bushing and the second eccentric bushing.

In yet a further embodiment, the third bushing and the fourth bushing are connected to the mounting bracket by a fastener. The third and fourth bushings are located between the first and second eccentric bushings, and the arm is located between the third and fourth bushings. Each of the third bushing and the fourth bushing define a bore therethrough having a second non-circular cross-sectional shape. Each of the third and fourth bushings defines a cylindrical outer surface sized to be received by and in contact with the bore of the arm such that the arm rotates about the third and fourth bushings.

In another yet further embodiment, the spring is a torsion spring, wherein the intermediate region is located between the first end region and the second end region. The first and second end regions are supported by the mounting bracket and the intermediate region is in contact with the arm.

In a further embodiment, at least one of the first end region and the second end region of the torsion spring is formed as a coil (coil).

In yet another still further embodiment, a first fastener extends through the mounting bracket and the proximal end region of the arm to rotatably connect the arm to the mounting bracket. The second fastener extends through the mounting bracket and is spaced apart from the first fastener. The second fastener supports the torsion spring near the distal end region of the arm.

In another embodiment, a release mechanism for a leg support member of a seat assembly is provided with a support member for connection to one of a seat base and a leg support member. The arm has a proximal region rotatably connected to the support member, and a distal region, the arm defining a cam surface. A biasing member is connected to the support member and is in contact with the distal end region of the arm. A follower is provided for connection to the other of the seat base and the leg support member and is engageable with the cam surface of the arm as the leg support member is rotated between the deployed and stowed positions.

In a further embodiment, the biasing member biases the arm in the first direction. The cam surface defines a recess and a convex transition region between the distal and proximal regions of the arm. In response to engagement of the follower with the transition region, the biasing member is further loaded and the arm rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction, the biasing member translating along a surface of the arm.

In yet another embodiment, the follower engages the recess and the transition region in sequence as the leg support member is rotated from the deployed position to the stowed position.

In one embodiment, a method of installing a release mechanism for a leg support connected to a seat assembly is provided. The support member is connected to one of the seat base and the leg support member and defines at least one guide slot through the support member. The proximal region of the arm is rotatably connected to the support member, and the arm extends from the proximal region to the distal region. The arm defines a cam surface. The follower is connected to the other of the seat base and the leg support member such that the follower extends through the at least one guide slot. The follower may engage the cam surface of the arm as the leg support member rotates between the deployed and stowed positions. The biasing member is connected to the support member. The biasing member is preloaded such that the biasing member contacts the distal end region of the arm to bias the arm in a first direction toward the follower.

In a further embodiment, the arms are connected to the support member using fasteners. An eccentric bushing is supported about the fastener for rotation therewith and is in contact with the biasing member. The preload force on the biasing member is adjusted by rotating the fastener and the eccentric bushing.

In yet another embodiment, the leg support member is moved from the deployed position to the stowed position using only the force exerted on the leg support member. In response to a force exerted on the leg support member, the follower engages a convex region of the cam surface to further load the biasing member and rotate the arm in a second direction opposite the first direction, and the biasing member translates along the arm.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of a vehicle seat assembly having a deployable calf support and mechanism according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a release mechanism in a first deployed position according to one embodiment and for use with the seat assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of the mechanism of FIG. 2 in a second position between a deployed position and a stowed position;

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the mechanism of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a release mechanism according to another embodiment and for use with the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 1.

Detailed Description

As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are provided herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

Fig. 1 shows a vehicle seat assembly 10, the vehicle seat 10 having a seat back 12, a seat base 14, and a leg support 16. The seat base may be formed from or include a portion of the vehicle frame 20, or may be a separate component that is connected to the vehicle frame. In one example, the vehicle seat assembly 10 may be disposed in a second row of seats.

The leg support 16 or leg support member is rotatably connected to the seat base 14 such that the leg support 16 may be folded, pivoted, or rotated between a first position and a second position. In the example shown in fig. 1, the first position is a stowed position, allowing the seat occupant to rest their feet on the underlying floor. The second position is the deployed position, shown in phantom. In the deployed position, the leg support member supports a lower leg region, such as the lower leg, of the seat occupant.

The leg support member is rotatably connected to the seat base using a mechanism 22. In the non-limiting example shown, the mechanism 22 is provided by a four bar linkage mechanism, and other mechanisms are also contemplated for use with the leg support member.

The mechanism 22 is also provided with an electric motor. The electric motor may be operated or controlled by the seat occupant to selectively deploy the leg support from the stowed position to the deployed position.

The vehicle seat assembly 10 has a release mechanism 24. A release mechanism 24 is connected to the seat base 14 and the leg support 16 and is operable to release the leg support 16 from the deployed position to the stowed position when the leg support is in the deployed position only in response to a force or load applied to the leg support. Thus, the seat occupant can release the leg support member from the deployed position by merely exerting a force on the leg support member using their legs. The force required to release the release mechanism 24 may have an associated threshold to prevent inadvertent release of the leg support. The release mechanism 24 is used to release the leg support without activating the electric motor and operates independently of the electric motor.

In the prior art, to return the leg support from the deployed position to the stowed position, the seat occupant needs to actuate one or more mechanisms. For example, in various prior art techniques, the seat occupant may need to operate an electric motor to retract the leg supports, or may need to actuate a lever or other input of the mechanism 22.

Fig. 2-4 show a release mechanism 100 according to an embodiment. The release mechanism 100 may be used as the release mechanism 24 shown in fig. 1 for use with the vehicle seat assembly 10. The release mechanism 100 is connected to or supported by both the leg support 16 and the seat base 14.

The release mechanism 100 has a mounting bracket 102. The mounting bracket 102 may be connected to an end region of an actuator rod 104, the actuator rod 104 being connected to a motor of the mechanism 22 and being connected to the seat base 14 or being supported by the seat base 14. The actuator rod 104 may be moved by a motor, through a lead screw or the like, to move the leg support from the stowed position to the deployed position. In other examples, the mounting bracket 102 may be connected to the leg support 16 or supported by the leg support 16.

In one example, as shown, the mounting bracket 102 has a first guide slot and a second guide slot 106. The guide slots 106 may be aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other. The guide slots 106 may be formed by opposing side regions of the mounting bracket 102 (e.g., for a U-shaped mounting bracket 102).

The arm 110 is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 102. The arm 110 has a proximal region 112 and a distal region 114. The proximal end region 112 is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 102 and associated seat base. The proximal end region 112 of the arm defines an aperture 116. Fasteners 118 extend through the mounting bracket 102 and the arm apertures 116 to couple the arm 110 to the mounting bracket 102.

As shown in fig. 4, the arm 110 is positioned within the mounting bracket 102 and between the first and second guide slots 106.

The arm defines a cam surface 120 or first surface 120. The arm also defines a second surface 122 opposite the cam surface 120. Camming surface 120 defines a recess 124 and a convex transition region 126, recess 124 and convex transition region 126 being located between distal region 114 and proximal region 112 of the arm. In various examples, the cam surface 120 may include one or more linear, concavely curved, convexly curved, or other contoured shapes known in the art. The second surface 122 may be a flat surface as shown, or may be formed with other shapes.

The release mechanism 100 is provided with a follower 130 or pin 130. When the mounting bracket 102 is supported by the seat base 14, the follower 130 may be connected to the leg support 16 or supported by the leg support 16. Alternatively, the follower 130 may be connected to or supported by the seat base when the mounting bracket is supported by the leg support.

The follower 130 or pin is received by the first and second guide slots 106 and moves within the guide slots 106 as the leg support 16 moves between the stowed and deployed positions. As leg support 16 rotates between the deployed and stowed positions, follower 130 engages or contacts cam surface 120 of arm 110.

One or more springs 140 or biasing members 140 are provided. In the example shown in fig. 2-4, the release mechanism 100 has a pair of springs 140. In other examples, the release mechanism may have a single spring, or may have three or more springs.

Each spring 140 is supported by or connected to the mounting bracket 102 and the seat base 14. The spring 140 is in contact with the second surface 122 and the distal region 114 of the arm 110.

As shown, each spring 140 may be a cantilever spring. Each spring 140 has a first end 142 and a second end 144. The first end 142 and the second end 144 are supported by the mounting bracket 102 or are connected to the mounting bracket 102. As shown, the first end 142 and the second end 144 may be received by apertures in the mounting bracket 102. As shown in fig. 2-4, the springs 140 may be bent or otherwise shaped such that each spring 140 extends from a hole in the mounting bracket to the second surface 122 and then along the second surface 122 of the arm. The springs 140 may also be arranged as shown in fig. 4, with one spring nested within the other.

The spring intermediate region 146 is located between the first end 142 and the second end 144 of the spring. The middle region 146 of each spring is in contact with the arm 110. For a release mechanism 100 having multiple springs 140, the middle regions 146 of the springs may be positioned adjacent to each other, as shown in FIG. 4. The middle region 146 of the spring is in contact with the second surface 122 or flat surface of the arm 110 and translates or slides along the second surface 122 as the leg support 16 rotates between the deployed and stowed positions.

The spring 140 is preloaded when the spring 140 is installed into the release mechanism 100 such that the arm 110 is biased in a first direction. In the example shown in fig. 2-3, the first direction is clockwise. The release mechanism may require multiple springs 140 to provide the desired preload force from the springs 140 to the arm 110.

To operate the release mechanism such that the leg support is released from the deployed position to the stowed position, the seat occupant exerts a force on the leg support 16. The force on the leg support causes the follower 130 to apply a force to the cam surface 120 of the arm 110 such that the follower 130 engages the cam surface 120 and biases the arm 110 to rotate the leg support 16 relative to the seat base 14 using only the force applied to the leg support.

In response to the follower 130 engaging the transition region 126 of the arm's cam surface, the spring 140 is further loaded and the arm 110 rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction. As the follower 130 moves along the cam surface 120, the middle region 146 of the spring may translate or move along the second surface 122 of the arm. For the example shown in fig. 2-3, the second direction is counterclockwise.

As shown in fig. 1-2, when the release mechanism releases the leg support 16 from the deployed position, the follower 130, in turn, engages the recess 124 and the transition region 126 and moves toward the proximal end of the arm 110 and within the guide slot 106. The leg support member 16 is released by the mechanism 100 and rotates from the deployed position to the stowed position.

In one or more examples, it may be desirable to adjust the preload force of the spring 140 on the arm 110. By increasing the preload force provided by the spring 140 to the arm 110, the force on the leg support 16 required to release the release mechanism 100 is also increased. Similarly, by reducing the preload force provided by the spring 140 on the arm 110, the force on the leg support 16 required to release the release mechanism 100 is also reduced.

The fastener 118 has a shank 150 defining a first non-circular cross-sectional shape. In the example shown, the non-circular shape is a square; however, other non-circular shapes are also contemplated.

The first and second eccentric bushings 152, 154 are connected to the mounting bracket 102 by fasteners 118. The arm 110 is positioned between the first eccentric bushing 152 and the second eccentric bushing 154. The mounting bracket 102 is also positioned between the first eccentric bushing 152 and the second eccentric bushing 154.

Each eccentric bushing 152, 154 defines a bore 156 therethrough having a second non-circular cross-sectional shape. The second non-circular shape may be the same as or similar to the first non-circular shape. The first and second non-circular cross-sectional shapes are form-fit to each other such that rotation of the fastener 118 relative to the mounting bracket 102 rotates the first and second eccentric bushings 152, 154.

An outer surface 158 of the first eccentric bushing 152 contacts the spring 140 adjacent the first end 142 of the spring, and wherein an outer surface 158 of the second eccentric bushing 154 contacts the spring 140 adjacent the second end 144 of the spring. The outer surface 158 of each eccentric bushing 152, 154 is eccentric relative to the center or longitudinal axis of the fastener 118 and the bores of the mounting bracket 102 and the arm 110.

As the fastener 118 rotates relative to the mounting bracket 102, the positive fit provided by the first and second non-circular shapes causes the first and second eccentric bushings 152, 154 to rotate as the fastener 118 rotates. Accordingly, the position of the first and second eccentric bushings 152, 154 may be adjusted relative to the mounting bracket 102, the arm 110, and the spring 140. The first and second non-circular shapes also maintain the position of the first and second eccentric bushings 152, 154 relative to each other such that their respective outer surfaces 158 remain aligned.

As the fastener 118 and eccentric bushings 152, 154 are rotated, the outer surface 158 of the eccentric bushings contact the spring 140 and exert a force on the spring 140 that moves the intermediate region 146 of the spring toward or away from the distal end 114 of the arm, which in turn causes an adjustment to the position of the intermediate region 146 of the spring 140 contacting the arm 110 and changes the position of the preload force of the spring on the arm. Thus, rotation of the first and second eccentric bushings 152, 154 changes the preload force of the spring on the arm, increasing as the intermediate region 146 of the spring moves toward the distal end 114 of the arm. Fig. 2-3 illustrate the eccentric bushings 152, 154 interacting with the spring to provide a lower preload force on the arm, as indicated by the eccentric position of the bushings 152, 154 relative to the spring 140. If the eccentric bushings in fig. 2-3 were rotated 180 degrees, the eccentric bushings 152, 154 interacting with the spring 140 would provide a higher preload force on the arm 110.

The release mechanism 100 also has a third bushing 160 and a fourth bushing 162 that are connected to the mounting bracket 102 by fasteners 118. The bushings 160, 162 allow the arm 110 to rotate relative to the fastener 118 because the shank of the fastener has a first non-circular shape.

The third and fourth bushings 160, 162 are located between the first and second eccentric bushings 152, 154, and the arm 110 is located between the third and fourth bushings 160, 162. Each of the third and fourth bushings 160, 162 defines a bore having a second non-circular cross-sectional shape through the third and fourth bushings 160, 162. Each of the third and fourth bushings 160, 162 also defines a cylindrical outer surface 164, the cylindrical outer surface 164 being sized to be received by and in contact with the cylindrical bore of the arm 110 such that the arm 110 rotates about the third and fourth bushings 160, 162 and the arm rotates relative to the fastener 118 and the first and second bushings 152, 154.

To mount the release mechanism 100 to a seat assembly having a leg support member 16, such as the vehicle seat assembly 10 of fig. 1, a support member (e.g., a mounting bracket) is connected to the seat base or leg support member. The proximal end region of the arm is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket using a fastener. The eccentric bushing is supported by the fastener for rotation therewith.

A follower is connected to the other of the seat base and the leg support member such that the follower extends through the guide slot of the mounting bracket and such that the follower engages the cam surface of the arm as the leg support member rotates between the deployed position and the stowed position.

One or more biasing members or springs are then attached to the mounting bracket. The springs are preloaded such that they contact the distal end regions of the arms to bias the arms in a first direction toward the follower. The spring is in contact with the eccentric bushing. The preload force on the biasing member is adjusted by rotating the fastener and the eccentric bushing, if necessary.

The leg support member is moved from the deployed position to the stowed position using only the force exerted on the leg support member. In response to a force exerted on the leg support member, the follower engages the convex region of the cam surface to further load the spring and rotate the arm in the second direction such that the spring translates or moves along the arm.

Fig. 5 shows a release mechanism 200 according to an embodiment. The release mechanism 200 may be used as the release mechanism 24 shown in fig. 1 for use with the vehicle seat assembly 10. Elements that are the same or similar to elements described with respect to fig. 1-4 are given the same reference numerals and are generally described above with respect to fig. 1-4. The operation of the mechanism 200 is similar to the operation of the mechanism 100 described above.

The arm 110 has a proximal end 112, and the arm 110 is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 102 and the seat base 14 by a first fastener 202. The pin 130 is connected to the leg support 16. The follower 130 engages the cam surface of the arm.

The mechanism 200 has a spring 140. The spring 140 is a torsion spring 204 and has an intermediate region 206 located between a first end region 208 and a second end region 210. The first end region 208 and the second end region 210 are supported by respective plates 212 on second fasteners 214 on the mounting bracket 102. The second fastener 214 extends through the mounting bracket 102 adjacent the distal end region 114 of the arm 110 and is spaced apart from the first fastener 202. The second fastener 214 supports the torsion spring 204 near the distal end region 114 of the arm.

The intermediate region 206 is in contact with the second surface of the arm 110. As shown in fig. 5, the torsion spring 204 has first and second coiled portions 216 or coils, each coiled portion 216 being located between the intermediate region 206 and the associated end region 208, 210.

The position of the plate 212 may be adjusted to adjust the tension in the spring 204 and change the preload applied by the spring 204 to the arm 110.

In general, referring to fig. 1-5, follower 130 can engage cam surface 120 of arm 110 as leg support 16 moves from the deployed position to the stowed position based on the force on leg support 16 exceeding a threshold. In one example, the threshold is 400 newtons, although other values are contemplated and the threshold may be based on the geometry of the seat assembly 10 and the maximum load to be applied to the motor. As the leg support 16 rotates relative to the seat base 14, the follower follows the cam surface 120. The spring 140 is compressed in response to the follower 130 engaging the cam surface 120 such that the arm 110 rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction.

As the profile of the cam surface 120 changes, the follower 130 moves the arm 110, and the spring is elastically deformed. As the arm moves, the amount of force exerted by the spring 140 on the arm 110 changes as the follower 130 moves relative to the cam surface 120. For example, the follower 130 moving over the transition region 126 involves a large amount of deflection of the spring 140 over a short distance of the cam surface 120 because the transition region 126 is a steep profile and convex shape.

The spring 140 keeps the arm 110 in contact with the follower 130. In response to the force exerted on leg support 16, follower 130 exerts a force on arm 110. If the force exerted by the follower 130 on the arm 110 is greater than the preload force exerted by the spring 140 on the arm 110, the follower 130 moves along the cam surface 120, the spring 140 elastically deforms such that the arm 110 rotates in the second direction, and the intermediate region 146 of the spring can move along the second surface 122 of the arm 110. It is noted that the preload force applied to the spring 140 can be set or adjusted to correspond to a desired threshold force on the leg support to release the mechanism. It is also noted that the value of the preload force may or may not be equal to the value of the threshold force, based on the geometry of the seat assembly 10 and the location at which the force is respectively applied to the assembly 10.

To move the leg support 16 from the deployed position to the stowed position, the user exerts a force on the leg support that will overcome the preload force exerted by the spring 140 without the need for operating a lever or other user input associated with the mechanism 22, and without the need for operating the motor of the mechanism 22. This simplifies operation of the seat occupant and also provides load protection for the motor when the leg support is released based on the preload force. The eccentric bushings 152, 154 or plate 212 provide fine tuning or control of the preload force applied to the arm 110 by the spring 140. In one example, the preload force may vary by twenty percent or more using an eccentric bushing or plate.

Additionally, the type and location of the spring 140 according to the present disclosure provides a release mechanism with a smaller package size, particularly in the vertical direction, which allows for use with reduced clearance under the seat assembly, allows for lowering of the seat assembly within a vehicle or the like, and the like.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the disclosure. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, the features of the various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the disclosure.