Clutch assembly, seat angle adjustment device, and seat assembly

Abstract

The present application provides a clutch assembly for a seat angle adjustment device. The clutch assembly comprises: a ring, wherein the ring has a side wall and at least one first guide slot on the side wall; and a clutch located in the ring, wherein the side of the clutch further comprises a first guide post accommodated in the first guide slot. When the ring is rotated from a normal position to a deactivation position under the action of an external force, the first guide post moves in the first guide slot to move the clutch in the axial direction to disengage the locking plate of the seat angle adjustment device to deactivate the seat back angle adjustment function.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a clutch assembly, a seat angle adjustment device and a seat assembly comprising the clutch assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] In vehicles, seats are usually equipped with an angle adjustment device to provide better seat back position for passengers. The angle adjustment device comprises an operating handle which can be rotated 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. However, there are times when the seat back is not desired to be adjusted. For example, when a child seat is installed at the back row or when there are passengers, the angle adjustment function is not desired to be triggered. Therefore, there is a need for a device which can deactivate the angle adjustment function. SUMMARY

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clutch assembly for a seat angle adjustment device. The clutch assembly comprises: a ring member, wherein the ring member has a ring wall and at least one first guide slot on the ring wall, the first guide slot comprising a first slot portion and a second slot portion; and a clutch located within the ring member, wherein a side of the clutch further comprises a first guide post received in the first guide slot. When the ring member is rotated from a normal position to a deactivation position under an external force, the first guide post moves from the second slot portion to the first slot portion of the first guide slot to cause the clutch to move in an axial direction to disengage from a locking plate of the seat angle adjustment device to deactivate the seat back angle adjustment function.

[0004] In one embodiment, the first guide slot of the ring member comprises a first slot portion, a second slot portion and a third slot portion connecting the first slot portion and the second slot portion, wherein the first slot portion and the second slot portion are parallel and spaced apart in the axial direction, the first slot portion is closer to an end of the ring 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 in a circumferential direction, wherein the second guide slot is defined by a first arc-shaped inner wall and a second arc-shaped inner wall, the first arc-shaped inner wall is closer to the side of the clutch than the second arc-shaped inner wall, wherein the second guide slot further comprises a protrusion extending radially inwardly from the first arc-shaped inner wall, a third surface of the protrusion is flush with the first surface of the clutch, a fourth surface of the protrusion is spaced apart from the second surface of the clutch, wherein a side of the protrusion and the second arc-shaped inner wall and the first arc-shaped inner wall define a fourth slot portion, the first and second arc-shaped inner walls of the second guide slot define a fifth slot portion, the fourth slot portion is closer to the end of the ring wall than the fifth slot portion.

[0005] In another embodiment, the ring member comprises a sleeve located at a center position to accommodate the pivot shaft, further comprising a first return element disposed between the ring member and the pivot shaft, one end of the first return element connected to the ring member and the other end connected to the pivot shaft, when the external force is removed, the biasing force of the first return element rotates the ring member from the inactivated position to the normal position.

[0006] In another embodiment, the ring member comprises three first guide slots, wherein the clutch further comprises three corresponding first guide posts and three second guide slots, the clutch further comprises a center opening and a plurality of positioning slots located at the edge of the center opening.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a seat angle adjustment device, comprising: a housing having an inner ring gear; an end plate opposite to 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 an inactivated position, wherein the ring member has a side wall and at least one first guide slot 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 slot; at least one locking plate located within the housing and engaged with the clutch, the outer edge of the locking plate having an outer gear cooperating with the inner ring gear; and a cam connected to the clutch and driving the locking plate to move in a radial direction; wherein under the action of an external force, when the ring member rotates from the normal position to the inactivated position, the clutch moves in the axial direction to a position where it is disengaged from the locking plate to keep the outer gear of the locking plate engaged with the inner ring gear of the housing to inactivate the seat back angle adjustment function.

[0008] In one embodiment, the ring member comprises a main body portion and a sleeve connected to the main body portion and coaxial with the ring portion, wherein the sleeve is connected to the main body portion via a plurality of arms.

[0009] In another embodiment, the ring member is a one-piece member, the side wall is an annular wall on the main body portion, the annular wall forms an accommodation space to accommodate the clutch, and the main body portion comprises an end wall.

[0010] In another embodiment, the first guide slot comprises a first slot portion extending in a circumferential direction, a second slot portion, and a third slot portion connecting the first slot portion and the second slot portion, wherein the first slot portion and the second slot portion are parallel and spaced apart in the axial direction, and the first slot portion is farther away from the locking plate than the second slot portion, and wherein the distance between the first slot portion and the second slot portion in the axial direction defines the displacement of the clutch in the axial direction.

[0011] In another embodiment, the clutch is annular, the clutch comprises a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and facing the locking plate, and a side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first guide post is located on the side surface of the clutch and extends radially outward.

[0012] In another embodiment, the clutch has a central aperture and at least one second guide slot spaced apart from the central aperture and extending circumferentially, the second guide slot is defined by a first arcuate inner wall and a second arcuate inner wall, the first arcuate inner wall is closer to the side of the clutch than the second arcuate inner wall, wherein the second guide slot further comprises a protrusion extending inwardly from the first arcuate wall, a third surface of the protrusion is flush with the first surface of the clutch, a fourth surface of the protrusion is spaced apart from the second surface of the plate body, wherein the side of the protrusion and the second arcuate inner wall and the first arcuate inner wall define a fourth slot portion, the first, second arcuate inner wall and the fourth surface of the protrusion of the second guide slot define a fifth slot portion, the fourth slot portion is closer to the end of the annular wall than the fifth slot portion.

[0013] In another embodiment, the locking plate has a second guide post extending towards the clutch, when the ring member is in the normal position, the second guide post is movable within the fourth slot portion of the second guide slot as the clutch rotates to enable the locking plate to move radially inwardly so that the external teeth on the locking plate disengage from the internal tooth ring of the housing to perform the angular adjustment of the seat back, wherein when the ring member is rotated to the inactivated position, the first guide post of the clutch moves from the second slot portion to the first slot portion via the third slot portion of the first guide slot to enable the clutch to move towards the end wall of the ring member, thereby the second guide post of the locking plate moves from the fourth slot portion to the fifth slot portion of the clutch to be unable to move with the clutch to keep the external teeth of the locking plate engaged with the internal tooth ring of the housing to inactivate the angular adjustment.

[0014] In another embodiment, the clutch has at least one positioning slot at the edge of the central aperture in communication with the central aperture, the cam has a corresponding positioning pin extending towards the clutch to engage with the positioning slot of the clutch to limit the relative movement between the clutch and the cam in the circumferential direction.

[0015] In another embodiment, the seat angular adjustment device further comprises a handle assembly, the handle assembly comprises an operation handle and a pivot shaft connected with the handle, the pivot shaft passes through the end plate, the adjustment assembly and the housing.

[0016] In another embodiment, the seat angular adjustment device further comprises a first return element arranged between the ring member and the pivot shaft, one end of the first return element is connected to the ring member, the other end of the first return element is connected to the pivot shaft.

[0017] In another embodiment, the ring member comprises three first guide slots, wherein the clutch further comprises three corresponding first guide posts and three second guide slots, the clutch further comprises a central aperture and a plurality of positioning slots at the edge of the central aperture.

[0018] In another embodiment, the seat angle adjustment device further comprises a driving device connected to the ring member, the driving device comprising a driving arm connected to the ring member and a baffle connected to the driving arm, an external force applied on the baffle rotates the ring member.

[0019] In another embodiment, the seat angle adjustment device further comprises a driving device connected to the ring member, the driving device being a motor, the motor rotates the ring member between the normal position and the inactivated position.

[0020] According to yet another aspect of the present application, there is provided 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:

[0021] a housing having an inner ring gear; an end plate opposite to the housing; an adjustment assembly located between the housing and the end plate; wherein the adjustment assembly comprises: a clutch assembly, wherein the clutch assembly comprises: a ring member rotatable between a normal position and an inactivated position, wherein a ring wall of the ring member is provided with a first guide slot; a clutch located within the ring member and movable in an axial direction, a side surface of the clutch is provided with at least one first guide post received in the first guide slot; a locking plate located within the end plate and engaged with the clutch, an outer edge of the locking plate is provided with an outer gear matched with the inner ring gear; and a cam connected to the clutch and driving the locking plate to move in a radial direction; wherein rotation of the ring member between the normal position and the inactivated position moves the clutch in the axial direction, wherein when the ring member is in the inactivated position, the outer gear of the locking plate is kept engaged with the inner ring gear to inactivate the angle adjustment of the seat backrest.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first guide slot comprises a first slot portion, a second slot portion and a third slot portion connecting the first slot portion and the second slot portion, wherein the first slot portion and the second slot portion are parallel and spaced apart in the axial direction, in the normal position, the first guide post of the clutch is located in the second slot portion of the first guide slot, and when the ring member is rotated from the normal position to the inactivated position, the first guide post moves to the first slot portion via the third slot portion.

[0023] In another embodiment, the seat assembly further comprises a handle assembly comprising an operation handle and a pivot shaft connected to the operation handle and passing through the adjustment assembly; a driving arm connected to the ring member and a baffle connected to the driving arm, the baffle is aligned with a safety seat interface of the seat, insertion of the safety seat latch drives the clutch to rotate to the inactivated position.

[0024] One or more features and / or advantages of the present application will be apparent from the detailed description, which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, one or more embodiments of which will now be described, by way of example only. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1A schematic view of a seat assembly embodying one or more example embodiments of the present application is described.

[0026] Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of the seat assembly in Figure 1 illustrating a clutch assembly of the seat angle adjustment device and a drive device of the clutch assembly.

[0027] Figure 3 A perspective view of the seat angle adjustment device in Figure 1 is described.

[0028] Figure 4 A perspective exploded view of the seat angle adjustment device in Figure 3 is described.

[0029] Figure 5 A schematic view of an adjustment assembly of the seat angle adjustment device in Figure 4 is described.

[0030] Figure 6 A perspective exploded view of the adjustment assembly of the seat angle adjustment device in Figure 5 is described.

[0031] Figure 7 Another angle perspective exploded view of the adjustment assembly of the seat angle adjustment device in Figure 5 is described.

[0032] Figure 8A describes a schematic view of a clutch assembly in a normal position in Figure 5 is described.

[0033] Figure 8B describes a schematic view of a clutch assembly in a deactivated position in Figure 5 is described.

[0034] Figure 8C A schematic view of the position relationship of the clutch relative to the lock plate when the clutch assembly is in the deactivated position as shown in Figure 8B is described. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Particular embodiments of the present application are disclosed herein; however, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely representative of the present application and can be practiced in a variety of alternatives. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features can also have been exaggerated to illustrate 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 application.

[0036] Reference is made to Figure 1 wherein Figure 1A schematic view of a seat assembly 100 of the present application is described. In one or more embodiments, the seat assembly 100 can be a vehicle seat. Vehicle seats are usually equipped with an angle adjustment device to adjust the backrest angle to provide better comfort for the passenger. However, when a child seat is installed on the rear seat or when a passenger is sitting on the seat, it is not desirable to trigger the angle adjustment device to rotate the backrest. Therefore, in one or more embodiments, the present application provides an angle adjustment device with a deactivation function. In one or more embodiments, the seat assembly 100 includes a seat cushion 102, a backrest 104, and an angle adjustment device 106 connected between the seat cushion 102 and the backrest 104 to pivot the backrest 104 relative to the seat cushion 102.

[0037] Referring to Figure 2 , a partial enlarged view of the seat assembly in Figure 1 is described, showing a clutch assembly 144 of the seat angle adjustment device 106 and a drive device 205 of the clutch assembly 144. In one or more embodiments, the seat assembly 100 further includes a child seat interface 210. When a child seat is installed to the seat assembly 100, an insertion pin 400 of the child seat exerts a force F on a stop plate 208 of the drive device 205 to rotate the clutch assembly 144 to a deactivation position to disable the angle adjustment function of the seat. Please refer to the following further description of the specific structure of the angle adjustment device 106.

[0038] Referring to Figure 3 and further referring to Figure 4 , Figure 3 , a perspective view of the angle adjustment device 106 in Figure 1 is described. Figure 4 , a perspective exploded view of the angle adjustment device 106 in Figure 3 is described. In one or more embodiments, the angle adjustment device 106 includes a housing 110 mounted to a side bracket of the backrest 104, an end plate 112 mounted to a 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 opening 120, and a first annular wall 122 extending from the first end wall 118 and having an inner ring gear 124. The first end wall 118 and the first annular wall 122 together form a first receiving space 126 accommodating the adjustment assembly 114.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the adjustment assembly 114 includes a clutch assembly 128, at least one locking plate 130 located within the housing 110 and engaged with the clutch assembly 128, and a cam 132 connected to the clutch assembly 128 and driving the locking plate 130 to move in a radial direction.

[0040] 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.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the handle assembly 116 includes a pivot shaft 140 passing through the housing 110, the adjustment assembly 114 and the end plate 112 and an operating handle 142 connected to the pivot shaft 140.

[0042] Reference is made to Figure 5 and in conjunction with Figures 6-7 , Figure 5 A schematic view of the adjustment assembly 114 in Figure 4 is described. Figure 6 A perspective exploded view of the adjustment assembly in Figure 5 is described. Figure 7 Another perspective exploded view of the adjustment assembly in Figure 5 is described. In one or more embodiments, the clutch assembly 128 includes a ring member 144 and a clutch 146 located within the ring member 144. In one or more embodiments, the ring member 144 includes a main body portion 148 and a hollow sleeve 150 connected to and coaxial with the main body portion 148 to accommodate the pivot shaft 140, wherein the sleeve 150 is connected to the main body portion 148 via a plurality of arms 152. In one or more embodiments, the ring member 144 includes a side wall and at least one guide slot on the side wall. In one or more embodiments, the main body portion 148 includes a third end wall 154, a third annular wall 156 extending from the third end wall 154 along the axial direction L. In one or more embodiments, the side wall is the third annular wall 156 of the main 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 the at least one first guide slot 158. In one or more embodiments, the first guide slot 158 includes a first slot portion 160, a second slot portion 162 and a third slot portion 164 connecting the first slot portion 160 and the second slot portion 162 extending along a circumferential direction C of the third annular wall 156, wherein the first slot portion 160 and the second slot portion 162 are parallel and spaced apart along the axial direction L. The first slot portion 160 is closer to the third end wall 154 than the second slot portion 162. The distance by which the first slot portion 60 and the second slot portion 162 are spaced apart along the axial direction L defines the axial displacement of the clutch 146. Further, the third annular wall 156 forms a second receiving space 166 to accommodate the clutch 146. In one or more embodiments, the ring member 144 can be a one-piece member.

[0043] With continued reference to Figure 6 and Figure 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 surface 172, a third central opening 174, and at least one second guide slot 176 spaced apart from the third central opening 174 and extending circumferentially. The second guide slot 176 is defined by a first arc-shaped inner wall 178 and a second arc-shaped inner wall 180, where the first arc-shaped inner wall 178 is closer to the side surface 172 of the clutch than the second arc-shaped inner wall 180. In one or more embodiments, the second guide slot 176 further includes a protrusion 182 extending radially inward from the first arc-shaped inner wall 178, a third surface 184 of the protrusion 182 is flush with the first surface 168 of the clutch 146, and a fourth surface 186 of the protrusion 182 is spaced apart from the second surface 170 of the clutch 146. A side surface 188 of the protrusion 182 defines a fourth slot portion 190 with the second arc-shaped inner wall 180 and the first arc-shaped inner wall 178. The fourth slot portion 190 has a smaller area in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction L. In one or more embodiments, a thickness d1 of the fourth slot portion 190 can be a thickness of the protrusion 182. The fourth slot portion 190 is closer to the end of the annular member 144 in the axial direction L. The first and second arc-shaped inner walls 178, 180 of the second guide slot 176 define a fifth slot portion 192. The fifth slot portion 192 has a larger area in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction L. In one or more embodiments, a thickness d2 of the fifth slot portion 192 can be a thickness D of the clutch 146 minus the thickness d1 of the protrusion 182. The fifth slot portion 190 is farther away from the end of the annular member 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 surface 172. The first guide post is received in the first guide slot 158 when the clutch 146 is received in the second receiving space 166 of the annular member 144. In one or more embodiments, the annular member 144 can include three first guide slots 158 distributed circumferentially along the third annular wall, and the clutch 146 can include three first guide posts 194 distributed circumferentially along the side surface 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, the at least one first guide post 194 is detachably connected to the side surface 172 of the clutch to facilitate installation. The clutch 146 further includes at least one positioning slot 196 at an edge of the third central opening 174. In one or more embodiments, the third central opening 174 is in communication with the positioning slot 196.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the cam 132 includes a fourth central aperture 198 and at least one positioning pin 200 extending around the fourth central aperture 198 and towards the clutch. In one or more embodiments, the clutch 146 includes three positioning slots 196 and the cam 132 includes three positioning pins 200 respectively received in the three positioning slots 196 to limit the relative movement of the clutch 146 and the cam 132 in the circumferential direction. The rotation of the cam 132 can cause the locking plate 130 to move in the radial direction.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the locking plate 130 includes an outer tooth 202 on its outer edge configured to cooperate with the inner ring gear 124 of the housing 110 and at least one second guide post 204 extending towards the clutch 146. The second guide post 204 can be configured to engage with 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 144. In one or more embodiments, the clutch 146 includes three second guide slots 176 and the locking plate 130 includes three second guide posts 204 configured to cooperate 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 can be included.

[0046] Further reference is made to FIGS. 8A and 8B, and in conjunction with Figure 5 FIG. 8A illustrates the clutch assembly 128 in a normal position. FIG. 8B illustrates the clutch assembly 128 in a deactivated position. The ring 144 can be rotated from the normal position A shown in FIG. 8A to the deactivated position B shown in FIG. 8B under the action of an external force. The first guide post 194 moves within the first guide slot 158 to move the clutch 146 in the axial direction L to disengage the locking plate 130 of the seat angle adjustment device 106 to deactivate the seat back angle adjustment function.

[0047] Reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one or more embodiments, the angle adjustment device 106 further includes a drive device 205 connected to the sleeve 150 of the ring 144. In one or more embodiments, the drive device 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. Reference is made to Figure 2 In one or more embodiments, the baffle 208 can be aligned with a child seat interface 210 of the seat assembly 100. In this way, when a child seat is installed, the baffle 208 will be subjected to a force F, causing the ring 144 to rotate from the normal position A shown in FIG. 8A to the deactivated position B shown in FIG. 8B. Figure 2and the normal position A shown in Fig. 8A is rotated to the inactivated position B shown in Fig. 8B. In other embodiments, the driving device 205 can also employ a motor or an electric machine 300 to drive the ring member 144, and a switch can be provided on the center console of the vehicle to activate the motor or the electric machine.

[0048] With reference to Figure 6 In one or more embodiments, the clutch assembly 128 comprises a first return element 212 disposed between the ring member 144 and the pivot shaft 140, wherein one end of the first return element 212 is connected to the ring member 144 and the other end is connected to the pivot shaft 140, and when the external force is removed, 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 member 144 is provided with a first slot 214, and the pivot shaft 140 is provided with a second slot (not shown). One end of the first return element 212 is connected to the first slot 214 on the sleeve 150 of the ring member 144, and the other end is connected to the second slot on the pivot shaft 140 for easy installation. Further, the adjustment assembly 114 further comprises a second return element 216 disposed between the end plate 112 of the cam 132 to return the cam 132 to the initial position.

[0049] 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 so that the clutch 146 and the cam 132 do not rotate relative to the pivot shaft 140 in the circumferential direction, so that relative movement in the axial direction can occur. Further, the sleeve 150 of the ring member 144 and the pivot shaft 140 of the handle assembly 116 can be arranged so that the ring member 144 can rotate relative to the pivot shaft 140 in the circumferential direction without relative movement in the axial direction L relative to the pivot shaft 140.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, when the ring member 144 is in the normal position A, the clutch 146 is housed in the second housing space 166 of the ring member 144, the first guide post 194 of the clutch 146 is located in the second slot portion 162 of the first guide slot 158, and the clutch 146 is axially closer to the locking plate 130. The second guide post 204 of the locking plate 130 is located in the fourth slot portion 190 of the second guide slot 176 of the clutch 146 so that the locking plate 130 can be linked with the clutch 146. When the handle 142 of the handle assembly 116 is pulled to adjust the angle of the seat, the clutch 146 rotates in the second housing space 166, for example, in the counterclockwise direction, by the movement of the first guide post 194 in the second slot portion 162 under the driving of the pivot shaft 140. At the same time, the cam 132 also rotates under the driving of the pivot shaft 140. At this time, the second guide post 204 of the locking plate 130 can move in the fourth slot portion 190 of the second guide slot 176 of the clutch 146 so that the locking plate 130 can move radially inwardly, and the external teeth 202 on the locking plate 130 are separated from the internal tooth ring 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 located in the second slot portion 162 and the second guide post 204 of the locking plate 130 is located in the fourth slot portion 190 of the second guide slot 176 of the clutch 146, the angle adjustment function of the seat back can be realized. The normal position A of FIG. 8A is the position of the clutch when the angle adjustment function of the seat back can be realized. When the handle 142 of the handle assembly 116 is released, the clutch 146, the cam 132, and the handle assembly 116 return to the original position under the action of the second return element 216, and at this time the locking plate 130 can move radially outwardly under the action of the cam 132 so that the external teeth 202 on the locking plate 130 are engaged with the internal tooth ring 124 of the housing 110 to lock the angle of the seat back 104.

[0051] Further reference Figure 8C and in conjunction with FIG. 8B, Figure 8CThe position relationship between the locking plate 130 and the clutch 146 when the clutch assembly 128 is in the inactivated position B is described. In one or more embodiments, when the ring 144 is rotated from the normal position A to the inactivated position B, the first guide post 194 of the clutch 146 moves from the second slot portion 162 of the first guide slot 158 to the first slot portion 160 via the third slot portion 164, so that the clutch 146 moves in the axial direction L towards the third end wall 154 of the ring 144 or the housing 110, i.e. the clutch 146 moves in a direction away from the locking plate 130. In one or more embodiments, the first slot portion 160 and the second slot portion 162 are spaced apart in the axial direction L by a distance arranged such that when the clutch 146 moves in the axial direction towards the third end wall 154 of the ring 144 or in a direction away from the locking plate 130, the second guide post 204 of the locking plate 130 moves from the fourth slot portion 190 of the second guide slot 176 of the clutch 146 to the fifth slot portion 192. At this time, the clutch 146 and the locking plate 130 are disengaged. Since the fifth slot 192 is sized and shaped such that it cannot engage with the second guide post 204 of the locking plate 130, the locking plate 130 cannot be driven by the clutch 146. That is, the clutch 146 and the locking plate 130 are disengaged. The locking plate 130 cannot move in the radial direction, so that the outer teeth 202 of the locking plate 130 can remain engaged with the inner tooth ring 124 of the housing 110 to inactivate the angular adjustment.

[0052] The present application provides an angular adjustment device, when the clutch assembly is in the inactivated position, the angular adjustment function of the seat backrest cannot be activated even if the operating handle is operated. In this way, the seat backrest can be prevented from being undesirably tilted. Further, the present application provides a driving device arranged adjacent to the child seat interface, which can automatically inactivate the angular adjustment function of the seat when the user installs the child seat.

[0053] The above only describes the preferred embodiments of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A clutch assembly for a seat angle adjustment device, comprising: An annular member, wherein the annular member has an annular wall and at least one first guide groove located on the annular wall, the first guide groove including a first groove portion and a second groove portion; and The clutch is located within the annular component, wherein the side of the clutch also includes a first guide post accommodated within the first guide groove; When the annular component rotates from its normal position to its deactivated position under the action of an external force, the first guide post moves from the second groove of the first guide groove to the first groove, causing the clutch to move in the axial direction to disengage from the locking plate of the seat angle adjustment device and deactivate the seat back angle adjustment function.

2. The clutch assembly of claim 1, wherein the first guide groove of the annular member includes a circumferentially extending first groove portion, a second groove portion, and a third groove portion connecting the first groove portion and the second groove portion, wherein the first groove portion and the second groove portion are parallel and spaced apart in the axial direction, the first groove portion being closer to the 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 arc-shaped inner wall is closer to the side of the clutch than the second arc-shaped inner wall. The second guide groove further includes a protrusion extending radially inward from the first arc-shaped inner wall. The third surface of the protrusion is flush with the first surface of the clutch, and the fourth surface of the protrusion is spaced apart from the second surface of the clutch. The side of the protrusion, the second arc-shaped inner wall, and the first arc-shaped inner wall define a fourth groove. The first arc-shaped inner wall, the second arc-shaped inner wall, and the fourth surface of the protrusion define a fifth groove. The fourth groove is closer to the end of the annular wall than the fifth groove.

3. The clutch assembly of claim 2, wherein the annular member includes a sleeve located at a central position to receive a pivot shaft, and further includes a first reset element disposed between the annular member and the pivot shaft, one end of the first reset element being connected to the annular member and the other end being connected to the pivot shaft, wherein when the external force is removed, the biasing force of the first reset element causes the annular member to rotate from the deactivated position to the normal position.

4. The clutch assembly of claim 1, wherein the annular member includes three first guide grooves, wherein the clutch further includes three corresponding first guide posts and three second guide grooves, and the clutch further includes a central opening and a plurality of positioning grooves located at the edge of the central opening.

5. A seat angle adjustment device, comprising: A housing having an internal gear ring; End plates opposite to the housing; and An adjustment assembly located between the housing and the end plate includes: A clutch assembly comprising an annular member that rotates between a normal position and a deactivated position, the annular member having a sidewall and at least one first guide groove located on the sidewall, the first guide groove including a first groove portion and a second groove portion; and a clutch located within the annular member and movable in an axial direction, wherein the clutch is provided with a first guide post that engages with the first guide groove. At least one locking plate located within the housing and engaged with the clutch, the outer edge of the locking plate having external teeth that mate with the internal gear ring; and A cam connected to the clutch and driving the locking plate to move in the radial direction; When the annular component rotates from the normal position to the deactivated position under the action of external force, the first guide post moves from the second groove of the first guide groove to the first groove, causing the clutch to move in the axial direction to a position where it is disengaged from the locking plate, so as to keep the external teeth of the locking plate engaged with the internal gear ring of the housing to deactivate the seat back angle adjustment function.

6. The seat angle adjustment device according to claim 5, wherein the annular member includes a main body and a sleeve connected to and coaxial with the main body, wherein the sleeve is connected to the main body via a plurality of arms.

7. The seat angle adjustment device according to claim 6, wherein the annular member is an integrally formed member, the side wall is an annular wall on the main body, the annular wall forms a receiving space to accommodate the clutch, and the main body includes an end wall.

8. The seat angle adjustment device according to claim 7, wherein the first guide groove includes a first groove portion, a second groove portion, and a third groove portion connecting the first groove portion and the second groove portion in a circumferentially extending manner, wherein the first groove portion and the second groove portion are parallel and spaced apart in the axial direction, the first groove portion being further away from the locking plate relative to the second groove portion, wherein the axially spaced distance between the first groove portion and the second groove portion defines the axial displacement of the clutch.

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

10. The seat angle adjustment device of claim 9, wherein the clutch has a central opening and at least one second guide groove spaced apart from and extending circumferentially from the central opening, 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 the side of the clutch than the second arcuate inner wall, wherein the second guide groove further includes a protrusion extending inward from the first arcuate inner wall, a third surface of the protrusion being flush with a first surface of the clutch, a fourth surface of the protrusion being spaced apart from the second surface of the clutch, wherein the side of the protrusion, the second arcuate inner wall, and the first arcuate inner wall define a fourth groove portion, the first arcuate inner wall of the second guide groove, the second arcuate inner wall, and the fourth surface of the protrusion define a fifth groove portion, wherein the fourth groove portion is closer to the end wall of the annular member than the fifth groove portion.

11. The seat angle adjustment device according to claim 10, wherein the locking plate has a second guide post extending toward the clutch, wherein when the annular member is in the normal position, the second guide post can move within the fourth groove of the second guide groove when the clutch rotates, allowing the locking plate to move radially inward so that the external teeth on the locking plate separate from the internal gear ring of the housing to perform the seat back angle adjustment, wherein when the annular member rotates to the deactivated position, the first guide post of the clutch moves from the second groove of the first guide groove through the third groove to the first groove so that the clutch moves toward the end wall of the annular member, thereby the second guide post of the locking plate moves from the fourth groove of the clutch to the fifth groove and cannot move with the clutch to keep the external teeth of the locking plate engaged with the internal gear ring of the housing and deactivate the angle adjustment.

12. The seat angle adjustment device according to claim 11, wherein the clutch is provided with at least one positioning groove located at the edge of the central opening and communicating with the central opening, and the cam is provided with a corresponding positioning pin extending toward the clutch to engage with the positioning groove of the clutch thereby restricting the relative movement between the clutch and the cam in the circumferential direction.

13. The seat angle adjustment device according to claim 12, further comprising a handle assembly, the 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 device according to claim 13, further comprising a first reset element disposed between the annular member and the pivot shaft, one end of the first reset element being connected to the annular member and the other end being connected to the pivot shaft.

15. The seat angle adjustment device according to claim 5, wherein the annular member includes three first guide grooves, wherein the clutch further includes three corresponding first guide posts and three second guide grooves, and the clutch further includes a central opening and a plurality of positioning grooves located at the edge of the central opening.

16. The seat angle adjustment device according to claim 5, further comprising a drive device connected to the annular member, the drive device comprising a drive arm connected to the annular member and a baffle connected to the drive arm, wherein the external force applied to the baffle rotates the annular member.

17. The seat angle adjustment device according to claim 5, further comprising a drive device connected to the annular member, the drive device being a motor, the motor rotating the annular member in the normal position and the off position.

18. A seat assembly comprising: Backrest; Seat cushion; An angle adjustment device connected between the backrest and the seat cushion, the angle adjustment device comprising: A housing having an internal gear ring; End plate opposite to the housing; An adjustment assembly located between the housing and the end plate; in, The adjustment component includes: Clutch assembly, wherein the clutch assembly includes: A ring-shaped component that rotates between a normal position and a deactivated position, wherein the annular wall of the ring-shaped component is provided with a first guide groove, the first guide groove including a first groove portion and a second groove portion; A clutch located within an annular component and movable in the axial direction, wherein at least one first guide post is provided on the side of the clutch and housed within the first guide groove; A locking plate located within the end plate and engaged with the clutch, the outer edge of the locking plate having external teeth that mate with the internal gear ring; as well as A cam connected to the clutch and driving the locking plate to move in the radial direction; When the annular component rotates from the normal position to the deactivated position under the action of external force, the first guide post moves from the second groove of the first guide groove to the first groove, causing the clutch to move along the axial direction. When the annular component is in the deactivated position, the outer teeth of the locking plate engage with the inner gear ring, thus deactivating the backrest angle adjustment.

19. The seat assembly of claim 18, wherein the first guide groove includes a circumferentially extending first groove, a second groove, and a third groove connecting the first groove and the second groove, wherein the first groove and the second groove are parallel and spaced apart in the axial direction, wherein in the normal position, the first guide post of the clutch is located in the second groove of the first guide groove, and when the annular member rotates from the normal position to the deactivated position, the first guide post moves via the third groove into the first groove.

20. The seat assembly of claim 19, further comprising a handle assembly including an operating handle and a pivot shaft connected to and passing through the adjustment assembly; a drive arm connected to the annular member and a baffle connected to the drive arm, the baffle being aligned with the safety seat interface of the seat, wherein a safety seat pin insertion drive clutch is rotated to the deactivated position.

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