INFINITELY VARIABLE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM

摘要

An infinitely variable seat recliner mechanism is provided for automobile seats. The mechanism has a first arm having a generally V-shaped camming surface thereon. The mechanism has a second arm having a pivot pin rigidly attached thereto. The first arm is mounted on the pivot pin of the second arm to enable relative rotation therebetween. There are two wedge blocks having a generally V-shaped friction surface at one end thereof slidably mounted on and retained in the generally V-shaped camming surface on the first arm. A friction surface is provided on the second arm having a generally V-shaped cross section with an included angle equal to the included angle of the friction surfaces on the wedge blocks and is capable of mating therewith. Each of the wedge blocks is capable of sliding along one leg of the V-shaped surface of the first arm and into locking engagement with the friction surface on the second arm thereby preventing rotation of the second arm relative to the first arm in one direction respectively. A spring is provided to force the wedge blocks into engagement with the friction surface on the second arm. A release mechanism is also provided to move the wedge blocks out of contact with the friction surfaces on the second arm to permit free rotation between the first and second arms.