Disc recliner assembly with fold-flat latch link mechanism

Abstract

A recliner assembly allows adjustment of the seat back relative to the seat cushion between a plurality of reclined seating positions and further allows the seat back to move from a seating position to a fowardly folded-flat position and back to the original seating position. The recliner assembly comprises a seat back bracket rotatably assembled to a seat cushion bracket. The seat back bracket is fixedly attached to the seat back. The cushion bracket is fixedly attached to the seat cushion. The recliner assembly further includes a disc recliner having an outer disc rotatably assembled to and releasably lockingly engaged with an inner disc. The inner disc is fixedly attached to the seat cushion bracket. A shaft rotatably journalized to the outer and inner discs is moveable from an unreleased position to a released position, whereby the outer disc is released from locking engagement with the inner disc. A latch link having first and second ends is pivotally mounted at its first end to the outer disc. The second end of the latch link is defined by a cam surface. A slot is formed in the latch link adjacent to the cam surface. A striker pin outwardly extends from the seat back bracket. The striker pin is rotatably held by and releasable from latching engagement with the slot formed in the latch link. A biasing member biases the slot formed in the latch link against the striker pin of the seat back bracket.