CN110053535B

CN110053535B - Clutch assembly, seat angle adjusting device and seat assembly

Info

Publication number: CN110053535B
Application number: CN201810048776.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 吴嘉杰; 张召锋
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2018-01-18
Filing date: 2018-01-18
Publication date: 2025-11-28
Anticipated expiration: 2038-01-18
Also published as: CN110053535A

Abstract

This invention provides a clutch assembly for a seat angle adjustment device. The clutch assembly includes: an annular member having a sidewall and at least one first guide groove located on the sidewall; and a clutch located within the annular member, wherein the side of the clutch further includes a first guide post received within the first guide groove. When the annular member rotates from a normal position to a deactivated position under the action of an external force, the first guide post moves within the first guide groove, causing the clutch to move axially to disengage from the locking plate of the seat angle adjustment device, thereby disabling the seat back angle adjustment function.

Description

Clutch assembly, seat angle adjusting device and seat assembly

Technical Field

The invention relates to a clutch assembly, a seat angle adjustment device comprising the clutch assembly and a seat assembly.

Background

In vehicles, seats are often equipped with an angular adjustment device to provide a better seat back position for the occupant. The angle adjustment device comprises an operating handle rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the angle of the seat back can be adjusted when the operating handle is in the unlocked position. But at some point it is undesirable for the seat back to be adjusted. For example, when a child seat is installed in the rear row or a passenger is present, it is not desirable that the angle adjusting function be triggered. Thus, there is a need for a device that can deactivate the angle adjustment function.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, a clutch assembly for a seat angle adjustment device is provided. The clutch assembly includes a ring member having an annular wall and at least one first guide slot on the annular wall, the first guide slot including a first slot portion and a second slot portion, and a clutch positioned within the ring member, wherein a side of the clutch further includes a first guide post received within the first guide slot. When the ring-shaped member rotates from the normal position to the deactivated position under the action of the external force, the first guide post moves to the first groove portion in the second groove portion of the first guide groove to move the clutch in the axial direction to be decoupled from the locking plate of the seat angle adjusting device to deactivate the seat back angle adjusting function.

In one embodiment, the first guide groove of the ring comprises a first groove portion extending circumferentially, a second groove portion and a third groove portion connecting the first groove portion and the second groove portion, wherein the first groove portion is parallel to the second groove portion and spaced apart in an axial direction, the first groove portion being closer to an end of the annular wall than the second groove portion, wherein the clutch has a first surface, a second surface, a central opening and at least one second guide groove spaced apart from the central opening and extending circumferentially, wherein the second guide groove is defined by a first arcuate inner wall and a second arcuate inner wall, the first arcuate inner wall being closer to a side of the clutch than the second arcuate inner wall, wherein the second guide groove further comprises a protrusion extending radially inward from the first arcuate inner wall, the third surface of the protrusion being flush with the first surface of the clutch, the fourth surface of the protrusion being spaced apart from the second surface of the clutch, wherein the side of the protrusion defines a fourth groove portion with the second arcuate inner wall and the first arcuate inner wall, the first and second inner walls of the second guide groove define a fifth groove portion, the fifth guide groove defining a fifth arcuate groove portion being closer to the end of the annular wall.

In another embodiment, the ring member includes a centrally located sleeve to receive the pivot shaft, and further includes a first return element disposed between the ring member and the pivot shaft, the first return element being connected to the ring member at one end and to the pivot shaft at the other end, the biasing force of the first return element causing the ring member to rotate from the deactivated position to the normal position upon removal of the external force.

In another embodiment, the ring comprises three first guide grooves, wherein the clutch further comprises three corresponding first guide posts and three second guide grooves, the clutch further comprising a central opening and a plurality of positioning grooves located at the edges of the central opening.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a seat angle adjustment device comprising a housing having an annular gear, an end plate opposite the housing, and an adjustment assembly located between the housing and the end plate, comprising a clutch assembly, wherein the clutch assembly comprises a ring member rotating between a normal position and a deactivated position, wherein the ring member has a side wall and at least one first guide groove located on the side wall, a clutch located within the ring member and moving in an axial direction, wherein the clutch is provided with a first guide post cooperating with the first guide groove, at least one locking plate located within the housing and engaging the clutch, the outer edge of the locking plate having outer teeth cooperating with the annular gear, and a cam connected to the clutch and driving the locking plate to move in a radial direction, wherein upon rotation of the ring member from the normal position to the deactivated position, the clutch moves in an axial direction to a position in which the outer teeth of the locking plate are disengaged from the normal position to keep the outer teeth of the locking plate in engagement with the annular gear of the housing to deactivate the seat back angle adjustment function.

In one embodiment, the ring comprises a body portion and a sleeve connected to the body portion and coaxial with the ring portion, wherein the sleeve is connected to the body portion via a plurality of arms.

In another embodiment, the ring is a unitary molding, the side wall is an annular wall on the body portion, the annular wall forming a receiving space to receive the clutch, and the body portion includes an end wall.

In another embodiment, the first guide groove includes a first groove portion extending in a circumferential direction, a second groove portion, and a third groove portion connecting the first groove portion and the second groove portion, wherein the first groove portion is disposed in parallel with the second groove portion and spaced apart in an axial direction, the first groove portion is further away from the lock plate than the second groove portion, wherein a distance at which the first groove portion and the second groove portion are disposed in spaced apart in the axial direction defines a displacement of the clutch in the axial direction.

In another embodiment, the clutch is annular and includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and facing the locking plate, and a side connecting the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first guide post is located on the side of the clutch and extends radially outward.

In another embodiment, the clutch has a central opening and at least one second guide groove disposed in spaced relation to the central opening and extending circumferentially, the second guide groove being defined by a first arcuate inner wall and a second arcuate inner wall, the first arcuate inner wall being closer to a side of the clutch than the second arcuate inner wall, wherein the second guide groove further includes a projection extending inwardly from the first arcuate wall, the third surface of the projection being flush with the first surface of the clutch, the fourth surface of the projection being spaced from the second surface of the plate, wherein the side of the projection defines a fourth groove portion with the second arcuate inner wall and the first arcuate inner wall, the first, second arcuate inner wall and the fourth surface of the projection defining a fifth groove portion, the fourth groove portion being closer to an end of the annular wall than the fifth groove portion.

In another embodiment, the locking plate has a second guide post extending towards the clutch, the second guide post being movable within a fourth slot portion of the second guide slot when the ring is in the normal position such that the locking plate is movable radially inwardly such that external teeth on the locking plate are separated from the ring gear of the housing to perform angular adjustment of the seat back, wherein when the ring is rotated to the deactivated position, the first guide post of the clutch moves from the second slot portion of the first guide slot to the first slot portion via the third slot portion such that the clutch moves towards the end wall of the ring, such that the second guide post of the locking plate moves from the fourth slot portion to the fifth slot portion of the clutch and cannot move with the clutch to keep the external teeth of the locking plate in engagement with the ring gear of the housing to deactivate angular adjustment.

In another embodiment, the clutch is provided with at least one detent located at the edge of the central bore in communication with the central bore, and the cam is provided with a corresponding detent pin extending towards the clutch to engage the detent of the clutch to limit relative movement between the clutch and the cam in the circumferential direction.

In another embodiment, the seat angle adjustment apparatus further comprises a handle assembly including an operating handle and a pivot shaft connected to the handle, the pivot shaft passing through the end plate, the adjustment assembly, and the housing.

In another embodiment, the seat angle adjustment apparatus further includes a first return element disposed between the ring and the pivot shaft, the first return element being connected at one end to the ring and at the other end to the pivot shaft.

In another embodiment, the seat angle adjustment apparatus further includes a driving device connected to the ring member, the driving device including a driving arm connected to the ring member and a shutter connected to the driving arm, the ring member being rotated by an external force applied to the shutter.

In another embodiment, the seat angle adjustment apparatus further comprises a drive means connected to the ring, the drive means being a motor that rotates the ring between a normal position and a deactivated position.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a seat assembly comprising a back rest, a seat cushion, and an angle adjustment device connected between the back rest and the seat cushion, the angle adjustment device comprising:

The device comprises a housing, an end plate opposite to the housing, an adjusting assembly positioned between the housing and the end plate, and a clutch assembly, wherein the adjusting assembly comprises a clutch assembly, the clutch assembly comprises an annular piece rotating between a normal position and a deactivated position, an annular wall of the annular piece is provided with a first guide groove, a clutch which is positioned in the annular piece and can move in the axial direction, at least one first guide post which is positioned in the annular piece and is accommodated in the first guide groove on the side surface of the clutch, a locking plate which is positioned in the end plate and is engaged with the clutch, the outer edge of the locking plate is provided with outer teeth matched with the inner gear ring, and a cam which is connected to the clutch and drives the locking plate to move in the radial direction, and the clutch is moved in the axial direction by rotating between the normal position and the deactivated position, wherein when the annular piece is positioned in the deactivated position, the outer teeth of the locking plate are kept engaged with the inner gear ring to deactivate the angle adjustment of the backrest.

In one embodiment, the first guide groove comprises a first groove part, a second groove part and a third groove part which are circumferentially extended, wherein the first groove part is parallel to the second groove part and is arranged at intervals in the axial direction, the first guide post of the clutch is positioned in the second groove part of the first guide groove in the normal position, and the first guide post moves into the first groove part through the third groove part when the annular piece rotates from the normal position to the idle position.

In another embodiment, the seat assembly further comprises a handle assembly including an operating handle and a pivot shaft connected to the operating handle and passing through the adjustment assembly, a drive arm connected to the ring and a flapper connected to the drive arm, the flapper being aligned with the safety seat interface of the seat, the insertion of the safety seat latch driving the clutch to rotate to the deactivated position.

One or more features and/or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of one or more embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a seat assembly embodying one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an enlarged view of a portion of the seat assembly of FIG. 1 showing a clutch assembly of the seat angle adjustment and a drive of the clutch assembly.

Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of the seat angle adjustment apparatus of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of the seat angle adjustment device of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 depicts a schematic view of an adjustment assembly of the seat angle adjustment apparatus of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 depicts an exploded perspective view of the adjustment assembly of the seat angle adjustment device of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 depicts another angular exploded view of the adjustment assembly of the seat angle adjustment apparatus of fig. 5.

Fig. 8A depicts a schematic view of the clutch assembly of fig. 5 in a normal position.

FIG. 8B depicts a schematic view of the clutch assembly of FIG. 5 in a deactivated position.

FIG. 8C depicts a schematic view of the positional relationship of the clutch relative to the lock-up plate when the clutch assembly is in the deactivated position as shown in FIG. 8B.

Detailed Description

As required, specific embodiments of the invention are disclosed in this specification, but it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention and can be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures 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 invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a seat assembly 100 of the present application. In one or more embodiments, the seat assembly 100 may be a vehicle seat. Vehicle seats are often equipped with an angle adjustment device to adjust the back angle to provide better comfort to the occupant. However, when the child seat is mounted on the rear seat or the occupant sits on the rear seat, it is not desirable that the angle adjusting means of the seat be triggered to rotate the backrest. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, the present application provides an angle adjustment device having a deactivated angle adjustment function. In one or more embodiments, the seat assembly 100 includes a seat cushion 102, a back 104, and an angular adjustment device 106 coupled between the seat cushion 102 and the back 104 that allows the back 104 to pivot relative to the seat cushion 102.

Referring to FIG. 2, an enlarged view of a portion of the seat assembly of FIG. 1 is depicted showing the clutch assembly 144 of the seat angle adjustment device 106 and the drive 205 of the clutch assembly 144. In one or more embodiments, the seat assembly 100 further includes a child seat interface 210. When the child seat is mounted to the seat assembly 100, the insert pin 400 of the child seat applies a force F to the stop plate 208 of the drive device 205 to rotate the clutch assembly 144 to the deactivated position to disable the seat's angular adjustment function. The specific structure of the angle adjustment device 106 is further described below.

Referring to fig. 3 with further reference to fig. 4, fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of the angle adjustment device 106 of fig. 1. Fig. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of the angle adjustment device 106 of fig. 3. In one or more embodiments, the angular adjustment device 106 includes a housing 110 mounted to the side bracket of the backrest 104, an end plate 112 mounted to the side bracket of the seat cushion 102, an adjustment assembly 114 located between the housing 110 and the end plate 112, a handle assembly 116, and a drive device 205. In one or more embodiments, the housing 110 includes a first end wall 118 having a first central aperture 120 and a first annular wall 122 extending from the first end wall 118 and having an annulus gear 124. The first end wall 118 and the first annular wall 122 cooperate to form a first receiving space 126 for receiving the adjustment assembly 114.

In one or more embodiments, the adjustment assembly 114 includes a clutch assembly 128, at least one lock plate 130 positioned within the housing 110 and engaged with the clutch assembly 128, and a cam 132 coupled to the clutch assembly 128 and driving movement of the lock plate 130 in a radial direction.

In one or more embodiments, the end plate 112 is engaged with the housing 110 to enclose the adjustment assembly 114, wherein the end plate 112 includes a second end wall 134 opposite the first end wall 118 of the housing 110 and a second annular wall 136 extending from the second end wall 134. In one or more embodiments, the second end wall 134 is provided with a second central opening 138 coaxial with the first central opening 120 of the first end wall 118.

In one or more embodiments, the handle assembly 116 includes a pivot shaft 140 that passes through the housing 110, the adjustment assembly 114, and the end plate 112, and an operating handle 142 that is connected to the pivot shaft 140.

Referring to fig. 5 in conjunction with fig. 6-7, fig. 5 depicts a schematic view of the adjustment assembly 114 of fig. 4. Fig. 6 depicts an exploded perspective view of the adjustment assembly of fig. 5. Fig. 7 depicts another angular exploded view of the adjustment assembly of fig. 5. In one or more embodiments, clutch assembly 128 includes a ring 144 and a clutch 146 located within ring 144. In one or more embodiments, ring 144 includes a body portion 148 and a hollow sleeve 150 connected to body portion 148 and coaxial with body portion 148 to accommodate pivot shaft 140, wherein sleeve 150 is connected to body portion 148 via a plurality of arms 152. In one or more embodiments, the ring 144 includes a sidewall and at least one guide slot located on the sidewall. In one or more embodiments, the body portion 148 includes a third end wall 154, a third annular wall 156 extending in the axial direction L from the third end wall 154. In one or more embodiments, the side wall is a third annular wall 156 of the body portion 148. The third annular wall 156 includes at least one first guide slot 158. In one or more embodiments, the at least one guide slot is at least one first guide slot 158. In one or more embodiments, the first guide groove 158 includes a first groove portion 160 extending along the circumferential direction C of the third annular wall 156, a second groove portion 162, and a third groove portion 164 connecting the first groove portion 160 and the second groove portion 162, wherein the first groove portion 160 is parallel to the second groove portion 162 and is disposed at intervals along the axial direction L. The first slot 160 is closer to the third end wall 154 than the second slot 162. The distance that the first groove portion 60 is spaced from the second groove portion 162 in the axial direction L defines the displacement of the clutch 146 in the axial direction. Further, the third annular wall 156 forms a second receiving space 166 to receive the clutch 146. In one or more embodiments, ring 144 may be an integrally formed piece.

With continued reference to fig. 6 and 7, in one or more embodiments, the clutch 146 is annular in shape and has a first surface 168, a second surface 170 opposite the first surface 168, a side 172, a third central aperture 174, and at least one second guide slot 176 spaced from and extending circumferentially from the third central aperture 174. The second guide slot 176 is defined by a first arcuate inner wall 178 and a second arcuate inner wall 180, wherein the first arcuate inner wall 178 is closer to the clutch side 172 than the second arcuate inner wall 180. In one or more embodiments, the second guide slot 176 further includes a protrusion 182 extending radially inward from the first arcuate inner wall 178, a third surface 184 of the protrusion 182 being flush with the first surface 168 of the clutch 146, and a fourth surface 186 of the protrusion 182 being spaced apart from the second surface 170 of the clutch 146. The side 188 of the protrusion 182 defines a fourth slot 190 with the second arcuate inner wall 180 and the first arcuate inner wall 178. The fourth groove portion 190 has a smaller area in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L. In one or more embodiments, the thickness d1 of the fourth groove portion 190 can be the thickness of the protrusion 182. The fourth groove portion 190 is closer to the end of the ring 144 in the axial direction L. The first and second arcuate inner walls 178, 180 of the second guide slot 176 define a fifth slot portion 192. The fifth groove portion 192 has a larger area in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction L. In one or more embodiments, the thickness D2 of the fifth groove portion 192 may be the thickness D of the clutch 146 minus the thickness D1 of the protrusion 182. The fifth groove 190 is further from the end of the ring 144 in the axial direction L. In one or more embodiments, the clutch 146 further includes at least one first guide post 194 extending radially from the side 172. When the clutch 146 is received in the second receiving space 166 of the ring member 144, the first guide post is received in the first guide slot 158. In one or more embodiments, the ring 144 can include three first guide slots 158 circumferentially distributed along the third annular wall, and the clutch 146 can include three first guide posts 194 circumferentially distributed along the side 172 and three second guide slots 176. The three first guide posts 194 are respectively received in the three first guide slots 158. In one or more embodiments, at least one first guide post 194 is removably connected to the side 172 of the clutch for ease of installation. The clutch 146 further includes at least one detent 196 located at an edge of the third central opening 174. In one or more embodiments, the third central aperture 174 communicates with a positioning slot 196.

In one or more embodiments, the cam 132 includes a fourth central aperture 198 and at least one locating pin 200 surrounding the fourth central aperture 198 and extending toward the clutch. In one or more embodiments, the clutch 146 includes three detents 196 and the cam 132 includes three detents 200 that are respectively received within the three detents 196 to limit relative movement of the clutch 146 and the cam 132 in the circumferential direction. Rotation of the cam 132 causes the lock plate 130 to move in a radial direction.

In one or more embodiments, the locking plate 130 includes an external tooth 202 provided at an outer edge thereof that mates with the ring gear 124 of the housing 110 and at least one second guide post 204 extending toward the clutch 146. The second guide post 204 may be configured to engage the fourth slot 190 of the second guide slot 176 of the clutch 146 to rotate with the clutch 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment assembly 114 includes three locking plates 130 evenly distributed on a circle formed by the ring members 144. In one or more embodiments, the clutch 146 includes three second guide slots 176 and the lock plate 130 includes three second guide posts 204 that mate with the three guide slots. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, any suitable number of second guide slots 176 and locking plates 130 may be included.

With further reference to fig. 8A and 8B, in conjunction with fig. 5, fig. 8A depicts the clutch assembly 128 in a normal position. Fig. 8B depicts the clutch assembly 128 in a deactivated position. The ring 144 is rotatable under the influence of an external force from a normal position a shown in fig. 8A to a deactivated position B shown in fig. 8B. The movement of the first guide post 194 within the first guide groove 158 moves the clutch 146 in the axial direction L to be decoupled from the lock plate 130 of the seat angle adjustment device 106 to deactivate the seat back angle adjustment function.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, in one or more embodiments, the angular adjustment device 106 further includes a drive 205 coupled to the sleeve 150 of the ring 144. In one or more embodiments, the drive 205 includes a drive arm 206 connected to the sleeve 150 of the ring 144 and a baffle 208 connected to the drive arm 206. Referring to fig. 2, in one or more embodiments, the bezel 208 may be aligned with a child seat interface 210 of the seat assembly 100. Thus, upon installation of the child seat, the flapper 208 is subjected to a force F, which causes the ring 144 to rotate from the normal position A shown in FIGS. 2 and 8A to the deactivated position B shown in FIG. 8B. In other embodiments, the drive 205 may also employ a motor or electric machine 300 to drive the ring 144, and a switch may be provided on the vehicle's center console to enable the motor or electric machine.

Referring to fig. 6, in one or more embodiments, the clutch assembly 128 includes a first return element 212 disposed between the ring member 144 and the pivot shaft 140, wherein the first return element 212 is connected to the ring member 144 at one end and the pivot shaft 140 at the other end, and wherein upon removal of an external force, the biasing force of the first return element 212 rotates the ring member 144 to the normal position B. In one or more embodiments, the sleeve 150 of the ring 144 is provided with a first slot 214 and the pivot shaft 140 is provided with a second slot (not shown). The first return element 212 is connected at one end to a first slot 214 on the sleeve 150 of the ring 144 and at the other end to a second slot on the pivot shaft 140 for ease of installation. Further, the adjustment assembly 114 also includes a second return element 216 disposed between the end plates 112 of the cam 132 to return the cam 132 to the initial position.

In one or more embodiments, the third central opening 174 of the clutch 146, the fourth central opening 198 of the cam 132, and the pivot shaft 140 of the handle assembly 116 are shaped such that the clutch 146 and the cam 132 do not rotate in a circumferential direction relative to the pivot shaft 140 such that relative movement may occur in an axial direction. Further, the sleeve 150 of the ring 144 and the pivot shaft 140 of the handle assembly 116 may be configured such that the ring 144 may rotate in a circumferential direction relative to the pivot shaft 140 without relative movement in the axial direction L relative to the pivot shaft 140.

In one or more embodiments, when ring member 144 is in normal position a, clutch 146 is received in second receiving space 166 of ring member 144, first guide post 194 of clutch 146 is positioned within second slot portion 162 of first guide slot 158, and clutch 146 is axially closer to detent plate 130. The second guide post 204 of the locking plate 130 is positioned in the fourth groove portion 190 of the second guide groove 176 of the clutch 146 such that the locking plate 130 can be interlocked with the clutch 146. When the handle 142 of the handle assembly 116 is pulled to adjust the seat angle, the clutch 146 moves within the second slot 162 via the first guide post 194 and rotates within the second receiving space 166, e.g., in a counterclockwise direction, under the drive of the pivot shaft 140. At the same time, the cam 132 is also driven to rotate by the pivot shaft 140. At this time, the second guide post 204 of the locking plate 130 may move within the fourth groove portion 190 of the second guide groove 176 of the clutch 146 such that the locking plate 130 can move radially inward such that the external teeth 202 on the locking plate 130 are separated from the ring gear 124 of the housing 110 to adjust the angle of the seat back 104. That is, when the first guide post 194 of the clutch 146 is positioned in the second groove portion 162 and the second guide post 204 of the locking plate 130 is positioned in the fourth groove portion 190 of the second guide groove 176 of the clutch 146, the seat back angle adjusting function can be performed. The normal position a of fig. 8A is a position of the clutch when the angle adjusting function of the seat back can be performed. When the handle 142 of the handle assembly 116 is released, the clutch 146, cam 132, and handle assembly 116 return to the original positions under the action of the second return element 216, at which time the latch plate 130 is allowed to move radially outward under the action of the cam 132 such that the external teeth 202 on the latch plate 130 engage with the ring gear 124 of the housing 110 to lock the angle of the seat back 104.

With further reference to fig. 8C in combination with fig. 8B, fig. 8C depicts the positional relationship of the lock plate 130 and the clutch 146 when the clutch assembly 128 is in the deactivated position B. In one or more embodiments, as the ring 144 rotates from the normal position a to the deactivated position B, the first guide post 194 of the clutch 146 moves from the second slot portion 162 to the first slot portion 160 of the first guide slot 158 via the third slot portion 164 such that the clutch 146 moves in the axial direction L along the pivot axis 140 of the handle assembly 116 toward the housing 110 or the third end wall 154 of the ring 144, i.e., the clutch 146 moves in a direction away from the locking plate 130. In one or more embodiments, the distance that the first slot 160 is spaced from the second slot 162 in the axial direction L is set such that the second guide post 204 of the lock plate 130 moves from the fourth slot 190 to the fifth slot 192 of the second guide slot 176 of the clutch 146 as the clutch 146 moves axially toward the third end wall 154 of the ring 144 or away from the lock plate 130. At this time, the clutch 146 is released from the lock plate 130. Since the fifth slot 192 is sized and shaped to not engage the second guide post 204 of the lock plate 130, the lock plate 130 is not carried by the clutch 146. That is, the clutch 146 and the lock plate 130 are released from interlocking. The locking plate 130 does not move in the radial direction, and thus the external teeth 202 of the locking plate 130 can be kept engaged with the ring gear 124 of the housing 110 to disable the angular adjustment.

The application provides an angle adjusting device, which can prevent the angle adjusting function of a seat back from being activated even if an operating handle is operated when a clutch assembly is in a non-use position. In this way, the seat back can be prevented from undesirably toppling. Further, the present application enables automatic deactivation of the seat angle adjustment function when the user installs the child seat by the driving means provided adjacent to the child seat interface.

The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention, but various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clutch assembly for a seat angle adjustment device, comprising:

A ring member having an annular wall and at least one first guide groove on the annular wall, the first guide groove including a first groove portion and a second groove portion, and

A clutch positioned within the ring, wherein a side of the clutch further includes a first guide post received within the first guide slot;

Wherein when the ring member is rotated from a normal position to a deactivated position by an external force, the first guide post moves to the first groove portion at the second groove portion of the first guide groove to move the clutch in an axial direction to be decoupled from a lock plate of the seat angle adjusting device to deactivate a seat back angle adjusting function.

2. The clutch assembly of claim 1, wherein the first guide slot of the annular member includes a first slot portion extending circumferentially, a second slot portion and a third slot portion connecting the first slot portion and the second slot portion, wherein the first slot portion is disposed parallel to the second slot portion and spaced apart in the axial direction, the first slot portion being closer to the end of the annular wall than the second slot portion, wherein the clutch has a first surface, a second surface, a central opening, and at least one second guide slot spaced apart from the central opening and extending circumferentially, wherein the second guide slot is defined by a first arcuate inner wall and a second arcuate inner wall, the first arcuate inner wall being closer to a side of the clutch than the second arcuate inner wall, wherein the second guide slot further includes a projection extending radially inward from the first arcuate inner wall, the third surface of the projection being closer to the first surface of the clutch, the fourth surface of the projection being flush with the first surface of the clutch, the second arcuate inner wall being spaced apart from the second arcuate inner wall, the fifth arcuate inner wall defining a side of the fourth arcuate slot portion, and the fourth arcuate slot portion.

3. A clutch assembly as claimed in claim 2, the ring member including a centrally located sleeve to receive a pivot shaft, further comprising a first return element disposed between the ring member and the pivot shaft, the first return element being connected at one end to the ring member and at the other end to the pivot shaft, the biasing force of the first return element rotating the ring member from the rest position to the normal position upon removal of the external force.

4. The clutch assembly of claim 1, the ring comprising three of the first guide slots, wherein the clutch further comprises three corresponding first guide posts and three second guide slots, the clutch further comprising a central aperture and a plurality of detents located at an edge of the central aperture.

5. A seat angle adjustment apparatus comprising:

a housing having an inner gear ring;

an end plate opposite the housing, and

An adjustment assembly between the housing and the end plate, comprising:

A clutch assembly, wherein the clutch assembly comprises an annular member rotating between a normal position and a deactivated position, wherein the annular member has a side wall and at least one first guide groove on the side wall, the first guide groove comprising a first groove portion and a second groove portion;

At least one lock plate located within the housing and engaged with the clutch, the lock plate outer edge having outer teeth that mate with the ring gear, and

A cam connected to the clutch and driving the locking plate to move in a radial direction;

Wherein when the ring member is rotated from the normal position to the deactivated position by an external force, the first guide post moves to the first groove portion at the second groove portion of the first guide groove to move the clutch in the axial direction to a position of being decoupled from the lock plate to keep the external teeth of the lock plate engaged with the ring gear of the housing to deactivate the seat back angle adjustment function.

6. The seat angle adjustment apparatus of claim 5 wherein the ring includes a body portion and a sleeve connected to and coaxial with the body portion, wherein the sleeve is connected to the body portion via a plurality of arms.

7. The seat angle adjustment apparatus of claim 6 wherein the ring is an integrally formed piece, the side wall is an annular wall on the body portion, the annular wall forms a receiving space to accommodate the clutch, and the body portion includes an end wall.

8. The seat angle adjustment apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first guide groove includes a first groove portion, a second groove portion, and a third groove portion that connects the first groove portion and the second groove portion, wherein the first groove portion is parallel to the second groove portion and spaced apart in the axial direction, the first groove portion is further away from the lock plate than the second groove portion, wherein a distance by which the first groove portion and the second groove portion are spaced apart in the axial direction defines a displacement of the clutch in the axial direction.

9. The seat angle adjustment apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the clutch is annular, the clutch including a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and facing the lock plate, and a side connecting the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first guide post is located on the side of the clutch and extends radially outward.

10. The seat angle adjustment apparatus of claim 9 wherein the clutch has a central aperture and at least one second guide slot spaced from the central aperture and extending circumferentially, the second guide slot being defined by a first arcuate inner wall and a second arcuate inner wall, the first arcuate inner wall being closer to a side of the clutch than the second arcuate inner wall, wherein the second guide slot further includes a projection extending inwardly from the first arcuate inner wall, the third surface of the projection being flush with the first surface of the clutch, the fourth surface of the projection being spaced from the second surface of the clutch, wherein the side of the projection defines a fourth slot with the second arcuate inner wall and the first arcuate inner wall, the first arcuate inner wall and the fourth surface of the projection defining a fifth slot, wherein the fourth slot is closer to an end wall of the ring than the fifth slot.

11. The seat angle adjustment apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the lock plate has a second guide post that extends toward the clutch, the second guide post being movable within a fourth groove portion of the second guide groove when the ring member is in the normal position such that the lock plate is movable radially inward so that external teeth on the lock plate are separated from an inner ring gear of the housing to perform angle adjustment of the seat back, wherein when the ring member is rotated to the deactivated position, a first guide post of the clutch moves from the second groove portion of the first guide groove to the first groove portion via the third groove portion such that the clutch moves toward an end wall of the ring member, whereby the second guide post of the lock plate moves from the fourth groove portion to the fifth groove portion of the clutch without being movable together with the clutch to hold the external teeth of the lock plate in engagement with the inner ring gear of the housing.

12. The seat angle adjustment apparatus of claim 11 wherein the clutch is provided with at least one detent located at an edge of the central aperture in communication with the central aperture, and wherein the cam is provided with a corresponding detent pin extending toward the clutch to engage the detent of the clutch to limit relative movement between the clutch and the cam in a circumferential direction.

13. The seat angle adjustment apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a handle assembly including an operating handle and a pivot shaft connected to the handle, the pivot shaft passing through the end plate, the adjustment assembly, and the housing.

14. The seat angle adjustment apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a first return element disposed between the ring and the pivot shaft, the first return element being connected to the ring at one end and to the pivot shaft at the other end.

15. The seat angle adjustment apparatus of claim 5 wherein the ring includes three of the first guide slots, wherein the clutch further includes three corresponding first guide posts and three second guide slots, the clutch further including a central aperture and a plurality of detents located at an edge of the central aperture.

16. The seat angle adjustment apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a driving device connected to the ring member, the driving device including a driving arm connected to the ring member and a shutter connected to the driving arm, the external force applied to the shutter rotating the ring member.

17. The seat angle adjustment apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a drive connected to the ring, the drive being a motor that rotates the ring between the normal position and the deactivated position.

18. A seat assembly comprising:

a backrest;

A seat cushion;

An angle adjustment device connected between the backrest and the seat cushion, the angle adjustment device comprising:

a housing having an inner gear ring;

an end plate opposite the housing;

an adjustment assembly located between the housing and the end plate;

Wherein, the regulation subassembly contains:

A clutch assembly, wherein the clutch assembly comprises:

A ring member rotatable between a normal position and a deactivated position, wherein an annular wall of the ring member is provided with a first guide groove including a first groove portion and a second groove portion;

A clutch which is positioned in the annular piece and can move in the axial direction, wherein the side surface of the clutch is provided with at least one first guide post which is accommodated in the first guide groove;

a lock plate located in the end plate and engaged with the clutch, the lock plate having an outer periphery with an outer tooth mating with the ring gear, and

Wherein the first guide post moves the clutch in the axial direction when the ring member rotates from the normal position to the deactivated position by an external force, wherein the external teeth of the locking plate remain engaged with the ring gear to deactivate angular adjustment of the backrest when the ring member is in the deactivated position, when the second groove portion of the first guide groove moves to the first groove portion.

19. The seat assembly of claim 18 wherein the first guide slot includes a first slot portion, a second slot portion, and a third slot portion connecting the first and second slot portions, wherein the first slot portion is parallel to the second slot portion and spaced apart in the axial direction, wherein in the normal position the first guide post of the clutch is located within the second slot portion of the first guide slot, and wherein when the ring is rotated from the normal position to the deactivated position the first guide post is moved into the first slot portion via the third slot portion.

20. The seat assembly of claim 19 further comprising a handle assembly including an operating handle and a pivot shaft connected to operate the operating handle and passing through the adjustment assembly, a drive arm connected to the ring and a flapper connected to the drive arm, the flapper being aligned with a safety seat interface of the seat, insertion of a safety seat latch driving rotation of a clutch to the deactivated position.