Cone recliner/clutch mechanism

摘要

A seat frame recliner mechanism includes a cylindrical element defining an inner surface with gear teeth, a journal contact area, and a notch formed in a radially extending surface. The cylindrical element, including the gear teeth, the journal contact area, and the notch are formed as an integral unit to prevent false latching. A conically shaped element has an outer surface with mating gear teeth and a mating journal contact area. A tab is positioned to be received within the notch for limiting and defining reclining movements. The conically shaped element is movable axially inward into a locked orientation with the gear teeth of the elements engaging for inhibiting relative movement of a back portion and a seat portion, and movable axially outward to an unlocked orientation with the gear teeth of the elements disengaged for permitting relative movement of the back and seat portions. The journal contact areas of the inner and outer surfaces cooperate to maintain axial alignment between the elements during relative axial movement therebetween.