阅读说明：本技术 交通工具座椅组件和复位弹簧机构 (Vehicle seat assembly and return spring mechanism ) 是由 格雷戈里·皮斯泰利 弗洛里安·格布尔 阿列克谢·尼德豪斯 马蒂亚斯·布施 蒂诺·施奈德 拉 于 2020-08-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请涉及交通工具座椅组件和复位弹簧机构。提供了一种交通工具座椅组件、偏置机构和安装交通工具座椅组件的方法。扭转弹簧的第一端部区域用于固定连接至交通工具框架支架安装件,使得座椅靠背相对于弹簧的第一端部区域绕横向轴线旋转。扭转弹簧的第二端部区域从横向轴线偏移。支撑支架连接至座椅靠背,其中扭转弹簧的中间区域由支撑支架支撑以进行旋转。块由支撑支架支撑并从横向轴线偏移,其中当座椅靠背处于第一使用位置时,该块接触扭转弹簧的第二端部区域以偏置弹簧。(The present application relates to vehicle seat assemblies and return spring mechanisms. A vehicle seat assembly, biasing mechanism and method of installing a vehicle seat assembly are provided. The first end region of the torsion spring is for fixed connection to a vehicle frame bracket mount such that the seat back rotates about a lateral axis relative to the first end region of the spring. The second end region of the torsion spring is offset from the transverse axis. The support bracket is connected to the seat back, wherein the middle region of the torsion spring is supported for rotation by the support bracket. A block is supported by the support bracket and offset from the transverse axis, wherein the block contacts the second end region of the torsion spring to bias the spring when the seat back is in the first use position.)

1. A vehicle seat assembly comprising:

a seat back having a seat back bracket for connection to a fixed bracket mount, the seat back bracket and the fixed bracket mount cooperating to support rotational movement of the seat back relative to the seat base about a transverse axis from a first use position to a second folded position;

a torsion spring having a first end region adjacent the seat back bracket and for fixed connection to the fixed bracket mount such that the seat back rotates about the transverse axis relative to the first end region of the spring, an opposite second end region offset from the transverse axis, and an intermediate region between the first and second end regions;

a support bracket connected to the seat back, the middle region of the torsion spring being supported for rotation by the support bracket; and

a block supported by the support bracket and offset from the transverse axis, the block contacting the second end region of the torsion spring to bias the spring when the seat back is in the first position.

2. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the block is spaced from the second end region of the torsion spring when the seat back is in the second position, the torsion spring being unloaded.

3. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the seat back has a third position between the first position and the second position;

wherein the block contacts the second end region of the torsion spring to bias the spring when the seat back is moved between the first position and the third position; and is

Wherein the block is spaced from the second end region of the torsion spring when the seat back is moved between the third position and the second position such that the spring is unloaded.

4. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 3 wherein a distance between the block and the second end region of the torsion spring increases when the seat back moves from the third position to the second position.

5. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 3 wherein the seat back is substantially vertical in the third position.

6. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the block is a first block; and is

Wherein the vehicle seat assembly further comprises a series of blocks, one of the series of blocks being the first block, each of the series of blocks having a different thickness to provide a range of loading of the torsion spring when the seat back is in the first position.

7. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the torsion spring has a bend between the middle region and the second end region such that the middle region and the second end region are substantially parallel to each other.

8. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 further comprising the fixed bracket mount, wherein the fixed bracket mount extends from a vehicle frame.

9. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 further comprising a support post located within the seat back bracket and extending along the transverse axis such that the seat back rotates about the support post when the seat back is moved from the first position to the second position, the support post for fixed connection to the fixed bracket mount; and is

Wherein the support post is connected to the first end region of the torsion spring.

10. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 9 wherein the support post defines an aperture therethrough; and is

Wherein the first end region of the torsion spring extends substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis and through the bore.

11. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 9 further comprising a bushing positioned between the support post and the seat back bracket.

12. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the seat back has an upper end region and a lower end region opposite the upper end region;

wherein the vehicle seat assembly further comprises a seat back release mechanism supported by the upper end region; and is

Wherein the torsion spring is supported by the lower end region.

13. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the support bracket includes first and second spaced apart side plates, each of the first and second side plates having a flange for connecting to the seat back, the first and second side plates connected by a central plate, wherein the first and second side plates define first and second apertures therethrough, respectively, wherein the first and second apertures are sized to receive the intermediate region of the torsion spring, and wherein the first and second side plates define first and second faces, respectively, each of the first and second faces positioned to seat the block.

14. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 13 wherein the block includes a contact member, the contact member has first and second outer legs and first and second inner legs extending therefrom, the first inner leg and the second inner leg are positioned between the first outer leg and the second outer leg, the contact member is dimensioned to extend over the faces of the first and second side plates, wherein the first inner leg and the first outer leg cooperate to receive the first side plate therebetween, and the second inner leg and the second outer leg cooperate to receive the second side panel between the second inner leg and the second outer leg, wherein the first and second side plates bias the first and second inner legs toward each other to retain the block relative to the support bracket.

15. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 13 wherein the first and second side panels define third and fourth apertures, respectively, each of the third and fourth apertures being located between a flange and a face of the associated side panel; and is

Wherein the block includes a contact member having first and second outer legs extending therefrom and at least one inner leg between the first and second outer legs, each of the outer legs forming a protrusion, the protrusions of the first and second outer legs extending toward each other, the contact member being sized to extend over the faces of the first and second side panels, the at least one inner leg being sized to be received between the first and second side panels, and the first and second outer legs being sized to receive the first and second side panels between the first and second outer legs, wherein the protrusion of the first outer leg is received by the third aperture of the first side panel and the protrusion of the second outer leg is received by the fourth aperture of the second side panel, to retain the block relative to the support bracket.

16. A biasing mechanism for a vehicle seat assembly, comprising:

a support post sized to be received within the seat back bracket and to extend along an axis of rotation of the seat back, the support post having a first end for fixed connection relative to a vehicle frame, the support post having a second end opposite the first end and the second end defining a hole therethrough;

a biasing member having a first end region, an opposing second end region, and an intermediate region between the first and second end regions, the first end region extending through the aperture in the support post and being fixed relative to the support post;

a support bracket connected to the seat back, the middle region of the biasing member extending through the support bracket and supported for rotation therein; and

a block supported by the support bracket and offset from the axis of rotation, the block contacting the second end region of the biasing member to bias the biasing member when the seat back is rotated through a first range of motion, the block spaced from the second end region of the biasing member when the seat back is rotated through a second range of motion such that the biasing member is unloaded.

17. The biasing mechanism of claim 16, wherein the second end region of the biasing member extends along an axis that is substantially parallel to and offset from the rotational axis.

18. The biasing mechanism of claim 16, wherein the block is a first block; and is

Wherein the biasing mechanism further comprises a series of blocks, one of the series of blocks being the first block, each of the series of blocks having a different thickness to provide a range of preload to the biasing member when the seat back is in the seating position;

wherein only the first block is mounted into the associated biasing mechanism.

19. A method of installing a vehicle seat assembly, the method comprising:

rotatably coupling a seat back with respect to a seat base via a seat back bracket and a fixed bracket mount such that the seat back rotates about a transverse axis with respect to the seat base from a first use position to a second folded position;

positioning a support post into the seat back bracket;

connecting the support post to the fixed bracket mount such that the seat back bracket and the seat back rotate relative to the support post;

connecting a first end region of a biasing member to the support post such that the first end region is fixed relative to the support post;

positioning a middle region of the biasing member through an aperture in a support bracket connected to the seat back such that the middle region of the biasing member is supported for rotation in the support bracket;

attaching a block having a thickness to the support bracket, wherein the block is offset from the transverse axis;

biasing the biasing member by positioning a second end region of the biasing member in contact with the block such that a thickness of the block biases the biasing member to a particular preload when the seat back is in the first position; and

in response to a seat back release mechanism being released, rotating the seat back through a first range of motion by the biasing member in which the block contacts the second end region of the biasing member, the first range of motion including the first position, and rotating the seat back through a second range of motion by inertia of the seat back in which the block is spaced apart from the second end region of the biasing member such that the biasing member is unloaded, the second range of motion including the second position.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising selecting the block from a series of blocks, each block of the series of blocks having a different thickness associated with a different specific preload, based on a trim package selected for a vehicle and/or specifications performed on the vehicle seat assembly at end-of-line testing.

Technical Field

Various embodiments relate to a vehicle seat assembly having an upper seat back release mechanism and a return spring mechanism.

Background

The vehicle seat assembly may be provided with a spring mechanism to bias the vehicle seat back toward the forwardly folded position when the seat back is released. Examples of vehicle seat assemblies can be found in U.S. patent nos. 9,308,840, 8,360,529, 8,899,679, and 6,631,954.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a vehicle seat assembly is provided with a seat back having a seat back bracket for connection to a fixed bracket mount. The seat back bracket and the fixed bracket mount cooperate to support the seat back for rotational movement about a transverse axis relative to the seat base from a first use position to a second folded position. The vehicle seat assembly has a torsion spring (torsion spring) having a first end region, an opposite second end region, and an intermediate region between the first and second end regions. The first end region is adjacent the seat back bracket and is for fixed connection to the bracket mount such that the seat back rotates about the transverse axis relative to the first end region of the spring. The second end region is offset from the lateral axis. The support bracket is connected to the seat back, wherein the middle region of the torsion spring is supported for rotation by the support bracket. The mass is supported by the support bracket and offset from the lateral axis, wherein the mass contacts the second end region of the torsion spring to bias the spring when the seat back is in the first position.

According to a further embodiment, when the seat back is in the second position, the block is spaced from the second end region of the torsion spring, the torsion spring being unloaded.

According to another further embodiment, the seat back has a third position between the first position and the second position. The block contacts the second end region of the torsion spring to bias the spring as the seat back moves between the first position and the third position. The block is spaced from the second end region of the torsion spring when the seat back moves between the third position and the second position such that the spring is unloaded.

According to a further embodiment, the distance between the mass and the second end region of the torsion spring increases when the seat back moves from the third position to the second position.

According to a still further embodiment, the seat back is substantially vertical in the third position.

According to a further embodiment, the block is a first block. The vehicle seat assembly has a series of blocks, one of which is a first block. Each of the series of blocks has a different thickness to provide a range of loading of the torsion spring when the seat back is in the first position.

According to another further embodiment, the torsion spring has a curvature between the middle region and the second end region, such that the middle region and the second end region are substantially parallel to each other.

According to a further embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly has a fixed bracket mount, wherein the fixed bracket mount extends from the vehicle frame.

According to another further embodiment, the support post is located within the seat back bracket and extends along the transverse axis such that the seat back rotates about the support post when moving from the first position to the second position. The support column is for fixed connection to the bracket mount. The support post is connected to a first end region of the torsion spring.

According to a further embodiment, the support post defines a hole therethrough. The first end region of the torsion spring extends substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis and through the aperture.

According to a still further embodiment, the bushing is located between the support post and the seat back bracket.

According to a further embodiment, the seat back has an upper end region and a lower end region opposite the upper end region, wherein the first side of the seat back faces in the vehicle front direction. The vehicle seat assembly has a seat back release mechanism supported by the upper end region. The torsion spring is supported by the lower end region.

According to another further embodiment, the support bracket includes a first side plate and a second side plate spaced apart from each other, wherein each of the first side plate and the second side plate has a flange for connecting to the seat back. The first and second side panels are connected by a central panel. The first and second side panels define first and second apertures therethrough, respectively. The first and second apertures are sized to receive the middle region of the torsion spring. The first and second side panels define first and second faces, respectively, wherein each of the first and second faces is positioned to seat a block.

According to a further embodiment, the block includes a contact member having first and second outer legs and first and second inner legs extending from the contact member. The first inner leg and the second inner leg are positioned between the first outer leg and the second outer leg. The contact member is sized to extend over the faces of the first and second side plates. The first inner leg and the first outer leg cooperate to receive the first side panel therebetween. The second inner leg and the second outer leg cooperate to receive the second side panel therebetween. The first and second side plates bias the first and second inner legs toward each other to retain the block relative to the support bracket.

According to a still further embodiment, the first and second side plates of the support bracket define third and fourth apertures, respectively, each of the third and fourth apertures being located between a face of the associated side plate and the flange. The block includes a contact member having first and second outer legs extending from the contact member and at least one inner leg. At least one inner leg is positioned between the first outer leg and the second outer leg. Each outer leg forms a protrusion, wherein the protrusions of the first and second outer legs extend toward each other. The contact member is sized to extend over the faces of the first and second side plates. At least one inner leg is sized to be received between the first side panel and the second side panel. The first and second outer legs are sized to receive the first and second side panels therebetween. The projection of the first outer leg is received by the third aperture of the first side plate and the projection of the second outer leg is received by the fourth aperture of the second side plate to retain the block relative to the support bracket.

According to another embodiment, a biasing mechanism for a vehicle seat assembly is provided. The support post is sized to be received within the seat back bracket and extends along an axis of rotation of the seat back. The support post has a first end for fixed connection relative to the vehicle frame. The support post has a second end opposite the first end and the second end defines a hole therethrough. The biasing member has a first end region, an opposite second end region, and an intermediate region between the first and second end regions. The first end region extends through an aperture in the support post and is fixed relative to the support post. A support bracket is provided that is connected to the seat back, wherein a middle region of the biasing member extends through the support bracket and is supported for rotation in the support bracket. The mass is supported by the support bracket and offset from the axis of rotation. The block contacts the second end region of the biasing member to bias the biasing member when the seat back is rotated through the first range of motion. When the seat back rotates through the second range of motion, the block is spaced from the second end region of the biasing member such that the biasing member is unloaded.

According to a further embodiment, the second end region of the biasing member extends along an axis substantially parallel to and offset from the rotational axis.

According to another further embodiment, the block is a first block. The biasing mechanism includes a series of blocks, one of which is a first block. Each of the series of blocks has a different thickness to provide a range of preload to the biasing member when the seat back is in the seating position.

According to one embodiment, a method of installing a vehicle seat assembly is provided. The seat back is rotatably coupled relative to the seat base by a seat back bracket and a fixed bracket mount such that the seat back rotates about a transverse axis relative to the seat base from a first use position to a second folded position. The support post is positioned into the seat back bracket and connects the support post to the fixed bracket mount such that the seat back bracket and the seat back rotate relative to the support post. The first end region of the biasing member is connected to the support post such that the first end region is fixed relative to the support post. The middle region of the biasing member is positioned through an aperture in a support bracket connected to the seat back such that the middle region of the biasing member is supported for rotation in the support bracket. A block having a thickness is coupled to the support bracket, wherein the block is offset from the lateral axis. The biasing member is biased by positioning the second end region of the biasing member in contact with the block when the seat back is in the first position such that the thickness of the block biases the biasing member to a particular preload. In response to the seat back release mechanism being released, the seat back rotates through a first range of motion via the biasing member and the seat back rotates through a second range of motion via inertia of the seat back. The mass contacts the second end region of the biasing member over a first range of motion, wherein the first range of motion includes a first position. In a second range of motion, the block is spaced from the second end region of the biasing member such that the spring is unloaded, wherein the second range of motion includes a second position.

According to a further embodiment, the blocks are selected from a series of blocks, each block of the series of blocks having a different thickness associated with a different specific preload. The blocks are selected based on the trim package (package) selected for the vehicle and/or the specification (gauge) implemented on the vehicle seat assembly at the end-of-line test.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle seat assembly and a portion of a vehicle according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly and a biasing mechanism according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the biasing mechanism of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a support bracket and block for use with the biasing mechanism of FIG. 3, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the block of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a series of blocks used with the biasing mechanism of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention 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 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle seat assembly 10 and a portion 12 of a vehicle (e.g., a vehicle frame). In one example, the vehicle seat assembly 10 is provided as a rear vehicle seat assembly, such as a second row seat or a third row seat.

The vehicle seat assembly 10 has a seat back 14 rotatably connected to a vehicle frame 12. The vehicle frame 12 may form a channel or opening behind the seat back for accessing the trunk from the vehicle passenger area of the vehicle. A seat base or seat cushion may be provided on the vehicle frame 12.

The seat back 14 is shown in a first use position 16 in fig. 1. The seat back 14 may be rotated or folded forward to the second folded position 18. The vehicle seat back 14 may also have a third position 20 between the first and second positions 16, 18, the vehicle seat 10 moving past the third position 20 when the vehicle seat 10 is folded or unfolded.

The seat back 14 rotates about a transverse axis 22 of the vehicle and vehicle seat assembly. The longitudinal axis 24 and the vertical axis 26 are also shown in fig. 1. The axes 22, 24, 26 may be orthogonal to each other. In one example, the seat back 14 extends generally along a vertical axis 26 with the seat back in the third position 20. As used herein, the term "substantially" includes angles within 10 degrees or within 5 degrees of the angle or direction.

The seat back 14 has a seat back release mechanism 28 to hold the seat back to the vehicle frame 12 in the use position 20. The seat back release mechanism may be provided by an upper latch mechanism 28. When the upper latch mechanism 28 is released, the seat back 14 is free to fold or rotate forward toward the third and second positions 20, 18. Generally, to reengage the upper latch mechanism 28, the seat back 14 is pushed toward the first position 16 and the frame 12, and the latch is engaged without user actuation.

The seat back 14 has a first side 30 and a second side 32 opposite the first side. When the seat back 14 is in the first position 16, the first side 30 faces the vehicle cabin, or in a forward direction of the vehicle. Thus, when the seat back 14 is in the first position 16, the second side faces in the vehicle rear direction or the rear luggage compartment. The seat back 14 also has an upper end region 34 and a lower end region 36 opposite the upper end region. The seat back release mechanism is supported by an upper end region 34 of the seat back.

To bias seat back 14 from first position 16 toward second position 18 when the seat back release mechanism is actuated, a biasing mechanism 50 may be provided. Fig. 2-3 illustrate one example of a biasing mechanism 50 according to the present disclosure. The biasing mechanism 50 may be disposed at the lower end region 36 of the seat back and may be disposed on the first side 30 of the seat back such that it is subsequently covered by the cushion and trim material for the left vehicle seat, the right vehicle seat, and/or the center back region of the vehicle seat assembly.

The biasing mechanism 50 according to the present disclosure allows for an adjustable force to be provided by the biasing mechanism 50 to the seat back 14. The biasing mechanism 50 may be the only biasing mechanism that provides the ejection force for the seat back 14. The force applied by the biasing mechanism 50 to the seat back 14 may need to be varied and preselected, for example, during assembly based on different trim selections of the vehicle and the vehicle seat assembly, etc. For example, when the vehicle is provided with multiple trim packages, or when there are tolerance variations (variations in trim) during assembly, friction between the seat back 14 and surrounding vehicle trim may prevent the seat back from folding forward. The biasing mechanism 50 according to the present disclosure allows for adjustment of the force provided by the biasing mechanism to provide a spring force to the seat back within a particular range or meeting a particular standard. In one example, the biasing mechanism 50 is preloaded such that when the upper latch mechanism 28 is released, the ejection force applied to the seat back 14 by the biasing mechanism causes the seat back to rotate from the first position 16 to the third position 20 without any additional input or force applied by the user. When the seat back 14 reaches the third position 20, the seat back is moving and its inertia and momentum causes it to continue to move forward from the third position 20 to the second position 18 without any additional input or force being applied by the user. Thus, to release the seat back 14 from the first use position to the second folded position, the user need only release the upper latch mechanism 28, for example, by using a latch release handle or tab to release the upper latch mechanism 28.

Referring to fig. 2-3, the seat back 14 has seat back brackets 38, 40 that rotatably connect the seat back to fixed bracket mounts 42, 44 on the vehicle frame 12 such that the seat back 14 rotates about the rotational axis 22 or the transverse axis 22. As used herein, "fixed" refers to a component that is securely mounted or fastened and is restricted from moving. Thus, the fixed bracket mounts 42, 44 are fixed and restrained from movement relative to the vehicle frame 12. Thus, when the seat back is moved from the first position 16 to the second position 18, the vehicle seat and associated seat back brackets 38, 40 move relative to the fixed bracket mounts 42, 44. The fixed bracket mounts 42, 44 may be connected to the vehicle frame 12, for example, using fasteners or by a process such as welding. In other examples, the fixed vehicle mounts 42, 44 may be integrally formed with the vehicle frame 12.

The biasing mechanism 50 has a support post 52. The support posts extend from a first end 54 to a second end 56. The support post 52 cooperates with the seat back bracket 38 and the fixed bracket mount 42. In one example, the support post 52 extends through the seat back bracket 38 and provides a hinge pin about which the seat back 14 rotates. As shown in fig. 2-3, the seat back bracket 38 receives a support post 52 therein. The support post 52 extends along the rotational axis 22 of the seat back 14 or along the lateral axis 22 of the vehicle seat assembly. Thus, when moving from the first position 16 to the second position 18, the seat back 14 rotates about the support post 52.

The first end 54 of the support post 52 is fixed and connected to the fixed bracket mount 42 and the vehicle frame 12. The first end 54 of the post may define a form-fitting shape 58(form fit shape), such as a square or other polygonal shape, or other more complex shape, such as a star shape. The bracket mount 42 defines a corresponding form-fitting shape to mate with the first end 54 of the support column 52 and secure the support column 52 to the bracket mount. The first end 54 may additionally define a threaded bore 60, the threaded bore 60 being sized to receive a fastener 62, such as a bolt, to connect the support post 52 to the bracket mount 42. In another example, the first end 54 of the post may be press or interference fit into the bracket mount 42 in addition to or as an alternative to fasteners to connect the support post to the bracket mount.

The second end 56 of the support post 52 defines an aperture 64 therethrough. The bore 64 may extend generally transverse or perpendicular to the axis of rotation 22.

One or more bushings 66, such as a pair of sleeve bushings, may be disposed between the support post 52 and the vehicle seat bracket to reduce friction between the seat back bracket 38 and the support post 52 as the seat back 14 rotates. The bushing 66 may be formed from a low friction material such as plastic. A spring washer may be used to position the bushing 66 relative to the support post 52.

The biasing mechanism 50 has a biasing member 70, such as a torsion spring 70 or a torsion bar spring 70 (torque bar spring). With the torsion spring 70, when a load is applied, one end of the spring rotates through a torsion angle, and the applied load may be a torque or torsion force that generates a shear stress in the torsion spring. The torsion spring 70 has a first end region 72, an opposite second end region 74, and an intermediate region 74 between the first and second end regions. The torsion spring 70 extends from adjacent the seat back bracket 38 to partially across the seat back 14 and may be spaced from the other seat back bracket 40 as shown.

The first end region 72 is adjacent the seat back bracket 38 and is fixedly connected to the vehicle frame 12 or the bracket base 42 such that the seat back 14 rotates about the transverse axis 22 relative to the first end region 72 of the torsion spring 70. The first end region 72 of the torsion spring is connected to the second end of the support post 52. In the example shown, the first end region 72 of the torsion spring extends transversely to the rotational axis 22 or transverse axis 22 and extends through a hole in the support column 52. Fasteners such as post bushings 80 and spring washers 82 may be used to locate and connect the first end region 72 of the torsion spring into the bore of the support post 52. The first end region 72 of the torsion spring is thus fixed and connected to the support post 52, and likewise to the bracket mount 42 and the vehicle frame 12.

The second end region 76 of the torsion spring is offset from the transverse axis 22. In the example shown, the second end region 76 of the torsion bar spring extends along an axis that is generally parallel to the axis of rotation 22 and offset from the axis of rotation 22. Furthermore, the torsion angle of the second end region can be varied relative to the angle of the unloaded torsion bar spring when the torsion bar spring is loaded. For example, when the torsion bar is spring loaded, the second end region 76 rotates about the rotational axis 22 at varying twist angles. The second end region 76 may have a zero twist angle when the torsion bar spring is in an unloaded state, and the twist angle may increase when the seat back is rotated toward the first position and the second end region is rotated about the axis of rotation 22. For example, the second end region may be rotated about the axis of rotation 22 from an unloaded state to a loaded state in the first use position through a rotational angle of ten, twenty, thirty, forty or more degrees, or other value. In one example, the torsion bar spring is overbent in the unloaded position such that the second end region of the torsion bar lies flat along the block to reduce stress and wear.

The middle region 74 of the torsion spring extends generally parallel to the rotational axis 22 or along the lateral axis 22 and is offset from the second end region 76.

In the example shown, the spring 70 has a curved portion 78 between the middle region 74 and the second end region 76. The bend 78 may be configured in a U-shape such that the intermediate region 74 and the second end region 76 are substantially parallel to each other. In another example, the bend 78 in the torsion spring 70 may be curved or shaped, e.g., having an S-shaped bend, such that the second end region 76 is spaced from the middle region 74 in the lateral direction.

The biasing mechanism 50 has a support bracket 90 connected to the first side 30 of the seat back 14. The support bracket 90 may be attached to the seat back 14 using fasteners or by another process such as welding.

The middle region 74 of the torsion spring extends through the support bracket 90 and is supported for rotation by the support bracket 90. Note that the middle and second end regions 74, 76 of the torsion spring do not rotate through the same angular range as the seat back 14.

In one example, and as shown in fig. 3, the support bracket 90 is formed from a first side plate 92 and a second side plate 94, the first side plate 92 and the second side plate 94 being spaced apart from each other along the transverse axis 22 and interconnected by a central plate 96. Each of the first and second side plates 92, 94 has a flange 98 for connection to the seat back 14. The center plate 96 is positioned spaced apart from the flange 98. The first and second side plates 92, 94 define first and second apertures 100, 102, respectively, therethrough. The first and second apertures 100, 102 are sized to receive the middle region 74 of the torsion spring. In one example, the support bracket 90 may be formed from a single piece of material, such as by a stamping process or the like. The support bracket may be provided with mirror symmetry so that it can be used on either a left or right side vehicle seat assembly. The first and second side panels 92, 94 define first and second faces 104, 106, respectively. As described below, the first and second faces 104, 106 are positioned to seat the block 110 and may be provided by edge surfaces of the first and second side panels 92, 94.

A pair of spring bushings 108 may be provided and inserted into the bores 100, 102 to support the torsion spring 70 for rotation relative to the support bracket 90 and also to stabilize the torsion spring 70 and reduce movement such as wobble. In another example, only one bushing 108 may be used with the support bracket 90.

The biasing mechanism 50 has a block 110 supported by the support bracket 90 and offset from the transverse axis 22. The block 110 is positioned to contact the second end region 76 of the torsion spring to bias and preload the spring 70 when the seat back 14 is in the first position 16. The blocks 110 are located on the first and second faces 104, 106 of the support bracket 90.

In one example, and as shown in fig. 3, the block 110 has a contact member 112, the contact member 112 having first and second outer legs 114, 116 and first and second inner legs 118, 120 extending therefrom. The block 110 may be integrally formed and may be formed of a material that reduces noise, vibration, and harshness, such as a plastic or elastomeric material. The contact member 112 is dimensioned to extend over the faces 104, 106 of the first and second side plates. The outer surface 122 of the damping member may be contoured, e.g., have a concave shape, to mate with and receive the second end region 76 of the torsion spring.

The opposite sides of the contact members 112 may be provided with form-fitting shapes to mate with corresponding form-fitting shapes on the faces 104, 106 of the side plates 92, 94 of the support bracket. In the example shown, the faces 104, 106 define a pair of angled recesses, and the block 110 defines a corresponding pair of angled projections that cooperate with the angled recesses to prevent the block 110 from sliding on the faces and relative to the bracket 90.

The first inner leg 118 and the second inner leg 120 of the block 110 are located between the first outer leg 114 and the second outer leg 116. The first inner leg 118 and the first outer leg 114 define a recess therebetween and cooperate to receive the first side plate 92. The second inner leg 120 and the second outer leg 116 define a recess therebetween and cooperate to receive the second side panel 94.

The first and second inner legs 118, 120 may be shaped such that they are laterally spaced from each other by a distance greater than the distance between the first and second side plates 92, 94 of the support bracket prior to the mounting block 110. Thus, the first inner leg 118 and the second inner leg 120 are biased toward each other to mount the block 110. In addition, the first and second side plates 92, 94 bias the first and second inner legs 118, 120 toward each other to retain the block 110 relative to the support bracket 90 such that the first and second inner legs 118, 120 function like a spring clip. In a further example, and as shown, the distance between the first leg 118 and the second leg 120 increases in a direction away from the contact member 112.

As shown in fig. 6, the block 110 has an associated height H or thickness. The height H of the block 110 changes the preload on the torsion spring 70. The second end region 76 of the torsion spring 70 contacts the block 110 to bias the torsion spring 70 when the seat back 14 is rotated through a first range of motion, for example, when the seat back 14 is moved between the first position 16 and the third position 20. The torsion spring 70 exerts a maximum force on the seat back 14 when the seat back is in the first position 16, and the force exerted by the torsion spring 70 on the seat back 14 decreases as the seat back rotates from the first position 16 toward the third position 20.

When the seat back 14 is rotated through the second range of motion, such as when the seat back is moved between the third position 20 and the second position 18, the second end region 76 of the spring is spaced from the block 110 such that the torsion spring 70 is unloaded or in a free state. Thus, the torsion spring 70 does not exert any force on the seat back 14 when the seat back is moved between the third position 20 and the second position 18. As the seat back 14 rotates from the third position 20 to the second position 18, the angular distance between the second end region 76 of the spring and the block 110 increases. By spacing the block 110 from the torsion spring 70 within the second range of motion, the force required by a user to move the seat back 14 from the second position 18 to the third position 20 (e.g., when returning the seat back to the first position 16) is reduced and therefore made easier for the user.

During operation, the second end region 76 of the torsion spring 70 applies a rearward force to the lower end region 36 of the seat back 14 at a location below the rotational axis 22. This causes the seatback portion (e.g., upper end region 34) above the axis of rotation 22 to rotate forward and move toward the folded position.

In another example, and as contemplated herein, the biasing mechanism 50 may be positioned on the second side 32 of the seat back 14 and the second end region 76 of the torsion spring 70 is positioned above the rotational axis 22 to exert a forward force on the seat back 14 such that the lower end region 36 of the seat back rotates rearward and the seat back moves toward the folded position.

Fig. 4-5 illustrate another example of a support bracket 90 and block 110 for use with the biasing mechanism 50 of fig. 1-3. For simplicity, elements that are the same as or similar to those described above with respect to fig. 1-3 are given the same reference numerals.

The first and second side plates 92, 94 of the support bracket also define third and fourth apertures 130, 132, respectively. Note that the fourth hole 132 is shown in fig. 4 with a dotted line. The third and fourth apertures 130, 132 may each extend through the associated side panel 92, 94. Each of the third and fourth apertures 130, 132 is located between the faces 104, 106 and the flange 98 of the associated side plate 92, 94 and is spaced from the faces 104, 106 and the flange 98.

The block 110 has at least one inner leg 118, 120 sized to be received between the first and second side plates 92, 94, and in the example shown, the block 110 is provided with a pair of inner legs 118, 120.

The block 110 also has first and second outer legs 114, 116, the first and second outer legs 114, 116 being sized to receive the first and second side plates 92, 94 therebetween. Each of the first and second outer legs 114, 116 forms or defines a protrusion 134, 136. The protrusions 134, 136 of the first and second outer legs 114, 116 extend toward each other.

The projection 134 of the first outer leg 114 is received by the third aperture 130 of the first side plate 92 and the projection 136 of the second outer leg 116 is received by the fourth aperture 132 of the second side plate 94 to retain the block 110 relative to the support bracket 90.

In alternative examples, the inner legs 118, 120 may be provided with protrusions extending outwardly towards the associated outer legs 114, 116, and the outer legs may be devoid of protrusions.

In addition, the block 110 may be attached to the support bracket 90 using fasteners such as push-in clamp fasteners.

Referring to fig. 6, a series of blocks 140 may be provided for use with the biasing mechanism 50. The block 110 described above with reference to fig. 2-5 may be one of a series of blocks 140. A series of blocks 140 may include two blocks, three blocks, four blocks, or more blocks. Each of the blocks has a different thickness to provide a range of loading or preload to the torsion spring 70 when the seat back 14 is in the first use position.

The vehicle seat assembly 10 may be mounted by rotatably coupling the seat back 14 relative to the seat base via the seat back bracket 38 and the fixed bracket mount 42 such that the seat back rotates about the transverse axis 22 relative to the seat base from a first use position to a second folded position. The seat back 14 may be connected to a fixed bracket mount 42 on the vehicle frame 12 for rotation.

The support post 52 is positioned into the seat back bracket 38 and connected to the fixed bracket mount such that the seat back bracket 38 and the seat back 14 rotate relative to the support post 52.

The first end region 72 of the torsion spring 70 is connected to the support post 52 such that the first end region 72 is fixed relative to the support post 52. The middle region 74 of the spring is positioned through an aperture in a support bracket 90 attached to the seat back such that the middle region 74 of the spring is supported for rotation therein.

The block 110 is connected to the support bracket 90, the block 110 being offset from the transverse axis 22. The block 110 has a thickness. The block 110 may be selected from a series of blocks 140, each block in the series of blocks 140 having a different thickness associated with a different particular preload. The block 110 may be selected based on the trim package selected for the vehicle and/or the specifications performed on the vehicle seat assembly at the end of line testing.

When the seat back 14 is in the first position 16, the torsion spring 70 is biased by positioning the second end region 76 of the spring in contact with the block 110 such that the thickness of the block 110 biases the torsion spring 70 to a particular preload.

In response to the seat back release mechanism being released, the seat back 14 rotates through a first range of motion via the torsion spring 70 and the seat back 14 rotates through a second range of motion via inertia of the seat back. The block 110 contacts the second end region 76 of the spring over a first range of motion, wherein the first range of motion includes the first position 16. In a second range of motion, which includes the second position 18, the mass 110 is spaced from the second end region 76 of the torsion spring 70 such that the torsion spring 10 is unloaded.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. 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.