Latch assembly and seat assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a latch assembly and a seat assembly. The latch assembly includes a motor, a worm operably coupled with the motor, a toothed plate engaged with the worm, and a latch connected to the toothed plate and configured for engagement with a seat lock of a seatback of a seat to adjustably couple the seatback with a mounting surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to striker assemblies and seating systems, including striker assemblies and seating systems that may be used, for example, in conjunction with a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] There are many problems that need to be improved in the field of latch assemblies and seat systems, such as insufficient adjustment of seat backs, cumbersome and inefficient seat back adjustment, etc. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure includes the following non-limiting examples:

[0004] 1. A latch assembly for a seat, the latch assembly comprising: a motor; a worm operably coupled to the motor; a gear segment engaged with the worm; and a latch connected to the gear segment and configured to engage with a seat latch of a seat back of a seat to adjustably couple the seat back to a mounting surface.

[0005] 2. The latch assembly according to any preceding embodiment, comprising a housing; wherein the worm and the tooth plate are at least partially disposed in the housing; and the housing is configured to be connected to the mounting surface.

[0006] 3. The latch assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the housing comprises a slot; and the latch extends from the tooth plate through the slot and out of the housing.

[0007] 4. The latch assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the housing comprises a bearing member that slidably supports the inner radial surface of the tooth plate.

[0008] 5. The latch assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the latch is connected to the tooth plate such that the latch slides together with the tooth plate relative to the housing.

[0009] 6. The latch assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the tooth plate includes a slot; and the housing includes a second bearing partially disposed in the slot of the tooth plate.

[0010] 7. The latch assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the tooth plate comprises a structural layer.

[0011] 8. The latch assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the tooth plate comprises a structural layer and an additional layer configured to reduce the play between the tooth plate and the worm.

[0012] 9. The latch assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the worm engages with at least four rack teeth of the rack.

[0013] 10. The latch assembly according to any preceding embodiment, comprising: a housing;

[0014] A first support belt disposed at a first side of the tooth plate; and

[0015] a second support belt disposed at a second side of the toothed plate;

[0016] The first supporting belt and the second supporting belt limit the lateral movement of the toothed plate.

[0017] 11. The latch assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first support strip is integrally formed with the housing.

[0018] 12. A seat assembly, comprising: a latch assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments; the seat, which includes the seat back, a seat frame and a seat base, the seat back being rotatably connected to the seat frame and / or the seat base; and a seat lock; wherein the seat lock is connected to the seat back and can selectively engage with the latch.

[0019] 13. A seat assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the latch includes a hole; in a disengaged state of the seat lock, the seat lock is not disposed in the hole; and in an engaged state of the seat lock, a portion of the seat lock is disposed in the hole.

[0020] 14. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the motor, worm, rack and latch are operably coupled such that when the seat lock engages the latch, actuation of the motor causes the seat back to rotate.

[0021] 15. A seat assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the tooth plate includes a first tooth plate position and a second tooth plate position; and when the seat lock is engaged, (i) when the tooth plate is in the first tooth plate position, the seat back is set at a first rotational position, and (ii) when the tooth plate is in the second tooth plate position, the seat back is set at a second rotational position.

[0022] 16. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the difference between the first rotational position and the second rotational position is greater than 2 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

[0023] 17. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment wherein the seat back rotates about an axis of rotation; and the toothed plate defines a portion of a circle centered about the axis of rotation.

[0024] 18. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the angle range of the tooth plate is less than or equal to 90 degrees and greater than or equal to 2 degrees.

[0025] 19. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the worm axis of the worm is disposed at an angle equal to 80 degrees or equal to 100 degrees or between 80 degrees and 100 degrees relative to the axis of rotation.

[0026] 20. A seat assembly according to any preceding embodiment wherein a motor axis of the motor is parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0027] 21. A seat assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein a motor axis of the motor is parallel to the worm axis.

[0028] 22. A seat assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein a motor axis of the motor is perpendicular to the worm axis.

[0029] 23. A seat assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the seat lock is connected to an upper portion of the seat back.

[0030] 24. A seating system comprising: a seat assembly according to any preceding embodiment; a side wall; and a floor; wherein the seat assembly is mounted to the floor; and the latch assembly is mounted to the side wall.

[0031] 25. The seating system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the side wall includes an aperture; the latch assembly is mounted to an outer surface of the side wall; and the latch extends through the aperture.

[0032] 26. The seating system of any preceding embodiment, comprising a second side wall, a second seat assembly, and a second latch assembly, the second latch assembly adjustably coupling a seat back of the second seat assembly to the second side wall.

[0033] 27. A vehicle comprising a seat system according to any preceding embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Although the claims are not limited to specific illustrations, an understanding of various aspects may be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain the innovative aspects of the examples. In addition, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and the embodiments are not limited to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. The exemplary illustrations are described in detail with reference to the drawings as follows:

[0035] Figures 1 to 3 is a schematic side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seating system in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a latch assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a latch assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 6 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a latch assembly in a first position with housing components hidden according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 7 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a latch assembly in a second position with housing components hidden according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a tooth plate in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view generally illustrating a portion of an embodiment of a tooth plate in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig.10 is an exploded perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of first and second housing components of a housing in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig.11 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a latch assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig.12 is an exploded perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a latch assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig.13 is an exploded perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of first and second housing components of a housing in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0046] Fig.14 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a latch assembly in a first position with housing components hidden according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0047] Fig.15 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a latch assembly in a second position in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0048] Fig.16 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a latch assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0049] Fig.17 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a latch assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig.18 is a schematic side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seating system in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description that follows, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments described. However, it is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various embodiments described may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 , the seating system 30 includes a seat assembly 32 that includes a seat base 40, a seat frame 42, a seat back 44, and / or a headrest 46. The seat back 44 is rotatably connected to the seat base 40 and / or the seat frame 42. The seat assembly 32 is mounted to a mounting surface 50 (e.g., a vehicle floor). The seating system 30 includes a latch assembly 60 mounted to a wall 52 (e.g., a vehicle body, a wall, a panel, etc.). The latch assembly 60 selectively and adjustably connects the seat assembly 32 to the wall 52. For example, a seat latch 62 of the seat back 44 selectively engages the latch assembly 60. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 As generally shown in FIG. 5 , the seat lock 62 includes a disengaged state in which the seat lock 62 is disengaged from the latch 70 of the latch assembly 60. Optionally, the latch assembly 60 is mounted to the outside of the wall 52 and extends at least partially through the hole 54 in the wall 52 to engage the seat lock 62. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As generally shown in FIG. 1 , the seat lock 62 includes an engaged state in which the seat lock 62 engages with the latch 70 of the latch assembly 60. When the seat lock 62 is engaged with the latch assembly 60, the latch assembly 60 can adjust the rotational position of the seat back 44 about the rotational axis 44a that can be aligned with the transverse direction Y. For example, the seat back 44 includes Figure 2 The first rotational position shown in Figure 3 , and operating the latch assembly 60 can rotate the seat back 44 between the first position and the second position. The difference between the first rotational position and the second rotational position can be, for example, greater than 2 degrees, 5 degrees, 12 degrees, 15 degrees or other values, and less than 90 degrees.

[0053] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5, the latch assembly 60 includes a latch 70, a tooth plate 72, a housing 74, a worm screw 76 (e.g., a "worm"), and a motor assembly 78. The tooth plate 72 and the worm 76 are at least partially disposed in the housing 74. The motor assembly 78 is operably coupled to the worm 76. For example, the motor assembly 78 may include a motor 84 and a transmission 86. The transmission 86 may be operably coupled to the motor 84 and the worm 76 such that actuation (e.g., rotation) of the motor 84 causes rotation of the worm 76. The worm 76 engages with the tooth plate 72 such that rotation of the worm 76 (such as via the motor assembly 78) causes movement of the tooth plate 72 relative to the housing 74. Movement of the tooth plate 72 may include sliding movement. Optionally, the tooth plate 72 defines a portion of a circle C centered on the rotation axis 44a (e.g., see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), and / or sliding movement of the tooth plate 72 includes movement of the tooth plate 72 along the circumference of the circle C. Movement of the tooth plate 72 in a generally arcuate path (which may include movement around the circumference of the circle C) may allow for a greater range and / or more efficient adjustment of the seat back 44 (such as compared to linear movement).

[0054] The latch 70 is connected (e.g., fixed) to the tooth plate 72 so that the latch 70 moves with the tooth plate 72. Optionally, the latch 70 is fixed at the front end 80 of the tooth plate 72. The latch 70 includes a hole 82 that engages with the seat lock 62. Optionally, the latch 70 includes a first portion 90 and a second portion 92. The first portion 90 is fixed to the tooth plate 72 such as via one or more fasteners 94 (e.g., bolts, nuts, rivets, etc.). The first portion 90 is parallel to the tooth plate 72. For example, the first portion 90 can be parallel to the XZ plane. The second portion 92 extends from the first portion 90 such as at an angle equal to or between 80 degrees and 100 degrees, and includes a hole 82 that opens approximately in the vertical direction Z in the assembled position.

[0055] Reference Figure 5, the housing 74 includes a first housing member 100 and a second housing member 102. The first housing member 100 and the second housing member 102 cooperate to at least partially define the housing interior 104. The worm 76 is at least partially disposed in a first portion 106 of the housing interior 104. Optionally, the first portion 106 is cylindrical, and / or a pair of bushings 108 are disposed at the end of the first portion 106 to rotatably support the worm 76. The tooth plate 72 is at least partially disposed in a second portion 110 of the housing interior 104. One or more bearings 120 (e.g., roller bearings) are disposed in the second portion 110 to slidably support the tooth plate 72. Optionally, the one or more bearings 120 include a plurality of bearings 120a connected to the housing to support an inner radial surface 122 of the tooth plate 72 and one or more bearings 120b connected to the housing 74 and extending through a slot 132 of the tooth plate 72. The support members 120 cooperate to facilitate the movement of the toothed plate 72 along an arcuate or circular path (e.g., around the circumference of the circle C, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). The support 120 is inserted into a recess / hole 126 of the first housing member 100 and a corresponding recess / hole 128 of the second housing member 102. A plurality of fasteners 130 connect the first housing member 100 to the second housing member 102 via holes 134, 136 of the housing members 100, 102.

[0056] The latch assembly 60 optionally includes one or more bearing strips 140 at least partially disposed in the housing 74 and / or formed integrally with the housing 74. One or more first bearing strips 140a may be disposed between the tooth plate 72 and the first housing member 100. One or more second bearing strips 140b may be disposed between the tooth plate 72 and the second housing member 102. The bearing strips 140 restrict the tooth plate 72 from moving toward the housing members 100, 102, which reduces the play in the transverse direction Y. The bearing strips 140 may include protrusions 142 extending (e.g., in the transverse direction Y) into recesses / holes 144, 146 of the housing members 100, 102. The bearing strips 140 may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and / or materials. For example, but not by way of limitation, the bearing strips 140 may be elongated, circular, triangular, rectangular, or oval, among other configurations.

[0057] The motor assembly 78 may be connected to the housing 74 via one or more fasteners 148. For example, in the example shown, the fasteners 148 secure the motor assembly 78 to the first housing member 100 and the second housing member 102.

[0058] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7, the worm 76 operably couples the motor assembly 78 with the tooth plate 72. The worm 76 optionally includes a splined portion 150 that engages with the transmission 86. The worm 76 includes a helical portion 152 that engages with a plurality of tooth plate teeth 154 extending from the outer radial surface of the tooth plate 72. Optionally, the worm 76 engages with at least four, five, six, seven or more tooth plate teeth 154. Compared to other designs with meshing gears, this configuration can provide an increased locking force to maintain the position of the seat back 44, such as during a vehicle collision (e.g., before one or both of the tooth plate 72 and the worm 76 are damaged enough to disengage). Additionally or alternatively, the engagement between the helical portion 152 and the tooth plate teeth 154 is configured so that the tooth plate 72 cannot reverse drive the worm 76 (e.g., when the worm 76 does not drive the tooth plate 72, the tooth plate teeth 154 can lock or bind on the helical portion 152).

[0059] The tooth plate 72 includes multiple positions, including Figure 6 The first / extended position shown and Figure 7 The second / retracted position is shown. When the seat back 44 is engaged with the latch assembly 60, the extended position places the seat back 44 in the Figure 2 The first position shown, while the retracted position places the seat back 44 in Figure 3 The seat back 44 and / or the seat lock 62 may engage the latch assembly 60 at any position of the tooth plate 72. The latch assembly 60 may be actuated to move the seat back 44 to and between the first and second positions. For example, the latch assembly 60 may include and / or be connected to an electronic controller 160 and / or a user interface 162, one or both of which may control actuation of the motor 84. Figure 6 In the first / extended position of the tooth plate 72 shown, the support member 120b is disposed at the rear end 164 of the slot 132. Figure 7 In the second / retracted position of the tooth plate 72 shown, the support member 120b is disposed at the front end 166 of the slot 132. Optionally, the support member 120b can act as an end stop to limit the forward sliding movement and / or rearward sliding movement of the tooth plate 72.

[0060] refer to Figure 8, the tooth plate 72 includes one or more layers, such as a first layer 170, a second layer 172, and / or a third layer 174. The layers 170-174 are adjacent to each other, such that the second layer 172 is disposed between the first layer 170 and the third layer 174. The layers 170-174 each include layer teeth 180, 182, 184, respectively, which are at least partially aligned to define the tooth plate teeth 154. The layers 170-174 may be secured together by a set of fasteners 94 and / or a set of additional fasteners 96 (see, e.g., Figure 4 ). The layers 170-174 may include one or more materials. At least one layer 170-174 may be a structural layer that is configured to transfer force from the worm 76 to the tooth plate 72. Additionally or alternatively, at least one additional layer 170-174 may be configured to reduce the play between the tooth plate 72 and the worm 76. Optionally, the first layer 170 and the third layer 174 are structural layers and include metal, and the second layer 172 reduces the play between the tooth plate 72 and the worm 76 and includes plastic. Each of the layers 170-174 may include a layer slot 138 that aligns with the layer slots of the adjacent layers 170-174 to define the slot 132.

[0061] Reference Fig. 9 , the layer teeth 182 of the second layer 172 have a shape that is at least somewhat different from the layer teeth 180 of the first layer 170 and the layer teeth 184 of the third layer 174 to reduce the clearance between the tooth plate 72 and the worm 76. For example, the layer teeth 182 may include a larger circumferential range, a larger radial range, a different angle, or a combination thereof. In some configurations, the maximum radial ranges of the layer teeth 180-184 are equal. During normal operation, the second layer 172 and the layer teeth 182 may receive most or all of the force transmitted from the worm 76. If a strong event (e.g., a vehicle collision) occurs, the second layer 172 and the layer teeth 182 may be deformed to a certain extent and / or one or two of the first layer 170 and the third layer 174 (including teeth 180, 184) may contact the worm 76, or contact the worm 76 to a greater extent to limit the movement of the tooth plate 72 and the seat back 44. In some configurations, the tooth plate 72 may include other numbers of layers and / or other materials. For example, if it is not desired to reduce the play between the tooth plate 72 and the worm 76, the tooth plate 72 may not include a layer comprising plastic. Additionally or alternatively, if the strength of the layer comprising plastic (e.g., the second layer 172) is sufficient, one or two of the other layers 170, 174 may be omitted or replaced with a layer comprising plastic. Additional layers may be added to provide additional strength. In some configurations, the first layer 170 and the third layer 174 may include plastic, the second layer 172 may include metal, and the layer teeth 180, 184 may have different shapes and / or be larger than the layer teeth 182.

[0062] Reference Fig.10 , showing a first housing member 100 and a second housing member 102. The first housing member 100 and the second housing member 102 include a first housing interior portion 106 for the worm 76, a second housing interior portion 110 for the tooth plate 72, recesses / holes 126, 128 for the support 120, holes 134, 136 for the fastener 130, and recesses / holes 144, 146 for the support band 140.

[0063] Reference Fig.11 , Figure 1-Figure 3 The illustrated seat system 30 may include a latch assembly 1060, such as in place of the latch assembly 60. The latch assembly 1060 includes one or more components similar to those described in connection with the latch assembly 60. For example, Fig.12 10, the latch assembly 1060 includes a latch 1070, a tooth plate 1072, a housing 1074 having a first housing member 1100 and a second housing member 1102, a worm 1076, and a motor assembly 1078 having a motor 1084 and a transmission 1086. The first housing member 1100 and the second housing member 1102 define a housing interior 1104 having a first portion 1106 and a second portion 1110. A pair of bushings 1108 are disposed in the first portion 1106 to rotatably support the worm 1076. A set of bearings 1120 are connected to the housing 1074 and support an inner radial surface 1122 of the tooth plate 1072. The set of bearings 1120 extend into recesses / holes 1126, 1128 of the housing members 1100, 1102. A set of fasteners 1130 connect the housing members 1100, 1102 together via corresponding holes 1134, 1136. A set of support bands 1140 (including support bands 1140a, 1140b) have protrusions 1142 that extend into recesses / holes 1144, 1146 of the housing members 1100, 1102 and limit the lateral play of the tooth plate 1072. The worm 1076 includes a spline portion 1150 that engages with the transmission 1086, and the worm 1076 includes a helical portion 1152 that engages with the tooth plate teeth 1154 of the tooth plate 1072. A set of fasteners 1148 connects the motor assembly 1078 to the housing 1074.

[0064] The latch 1070 is connected to one side of the tooth plate 1072 and extends through the slot 1112 of the second housing member 1102. The latch 1070 includes an L-shaped ring defining a hole 1082, the L-shaped ring including an end fixed to the tooth plate 1072, and includes a circular cross-section, but may include other configurations. Optionally, the latch 1070 defines a plane that is perpendicular to the seat back 44 in the assembled configuration. The slot 1112 in the second housing member 1102 is arcuate, and the angular range of the slot 1112 corresponds to the angular adjustment / rotation of the seat back 44 provided via the latch assembly 1060.

[0065] Reference Fig.13 , a first housing member 1100 and a second housing member 1102 of a housing 1074 are shown. The first housing member 1100 and the second housing member 1102 cooperate to define a first housing interior portion 1106 for the worm 1076 and a second housing interior portion 1110 for the tooth plate 1072. The first housing member 1100 and the second housing member 1102 include recesses / holes 1126, 1128 for a support 1120, holes 1134, 1136 for a fastener 1130, and recesses / holes 1144, 1146 for a support band 1140.

[0066] Reference Fig.14 As with the latch assembly 60, the helical portion 1152 of the worm 1076 of the latch assembly 1060 engages with the plurality of rack teeth 1154 of the rack 1072. Actuation of the motor assembly 1078 rotates the worm 1076 to slide the rack 1072, thereby moving the latch 1070. Fig.11 and Fig.14 As shown, the latch 1070 includes a first / extended position. In the first / extended position, the latch 1070 is disposed at or near the front end 1164 of the slot 1112 (see Fig.11 ).like Fig.15 As shown, the latch 1070 includes a second / retracted position. In the second / retracted position, the latch 1070 is disposed at or near the rear end 1166 of the slot 1112. The motor assembly 1078, the worm 1076, and the tooth plate 1072 are operably coupled to move the latch 1070 to the first position and the second position and a position between the first position and the second position, thereby adjusting the rotational position of the seat back 44. When the latch 1070 moves with the tooth plate 1072, the latch 1070 slides in the slot 1112, which can limit the latch 1070 and / or the tooth plate 1072 in the radial direction (relative to the rotation axis 44a, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 Additionally or alternatively, the slot 1112 can limit the maximum sliding movement range of the latch 1070 and / or the tooth plate 1072.

[0067] refer to Fig.16 and Fig.17 Optionally, the motor 84, 1084 of the motor assembly 78, 1078 can be directly connected to the worm 76, 1076, for example without the need for a transmission device, and / or can be arranged so that the motor axis 84a, 1084a is concentric with the worm axis 76a, 1076a.

[0068] Reference Fig.18 The seat system 30 may include a plurality of seat components, such as a first seat component 32 and a second seat component 32 2 . Second seat component 32 2 The seat base 40 may be included 2 、Seat frame 42 2 、Seat back 44 2 and / or headrest 46 2 In some examples, the seat assemblies 32, 32 2 The seating system 30 may include a first latch assembly 60, 1060 that adjustably couples the seat back 44 of the first seat assembly 32 to the first wall 52, and may include a second seat assembly 32 that adjustably couples the seat back 44 of the first seat assembly 32 to the first wall 52. 2 Seat back 44 2 Connected to the second wall 52 2 The second latch assembly 60 2 ,1060 2 The electronic controller 160 and / or the user interface 162 may individually and / or independently control the latch assemblies 60, 1060, 60 2 ,1060 2 , to adjust the seat back 44, 44 2 The rotational position (e.g., tilt angle) of the

[0069] In an example, a controller (e.g., electronic controller 160) may include an electronic controller and / or include an electronic processor, such as a programmable microprocessor and / or a microcontroller. In an embodiment, the controller may include, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The controller may include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium), and / or an input / output (I / O) interface. The controller may be configured to perform various functions, including those described in more detail herein, using appropriate programming instructions and / or codes embodied in software, hardware, and / or other media. In an embodiment, the controller may include a plurality of controllers. In an embodiment, the controller may be connected to a display, such as a touch screen display.

[0070] Various examples / embodiments for various devices, systems, and / or methods are described herein. Many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples / embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the examples / embodiments can be practiced without such specific details. In other examples, well-known operations, parts, and elements are not described in detail so as not to obscure the examples / embodiments described in this specification. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the examples / embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and therefore it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein can be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0071] References to "example", "in an example", "according to an example", "various embodiments", "according to an embodiment", "in an embodiment", "embodiment", "according to some configurations", "in some configurations", etc. throughout the specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the example / embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases "example", "in an example", "according to an example", "in various embodiments", "according to an embodiment", "in an embodiment", "embodiment", "according to some configurations", "in some configurations", etc. throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, particular features, structures, and / or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples / embodiments. Therefore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics shown or described in conjunction with one embodiment / example may be combined in whole or in part with the features, structures, functions, and / or characteristics of one or more other embodiments / examples without restriction, as long as such combination is not illogical or inoperative. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0072] It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited, and may include one or more of such elements unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Any directional references (e.g., positive, negative, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are used only for identification purposes to help the reader understand the present disclosure and do not create limitations, particularly with respect to the position, orientation, or use of the examples / embodiments.

[0073] "One or more" includes a function performed by one element, a function performed by more than one element (e.g., in a distributed manner), several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the above. The term "set" or "group" of elements may be any number of elements, including only one element.

[0074] It should also be understood that, although in some cases, the terms first, second, etc. are used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element can be called a second element, and similarly, a second element can be called a first element without departing from the scope of the various embodiments described. Both the first element and the second element are elements, but they are not the same element.

[0075] The terms used in the description of the various embodiments described herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limited. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein relates to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more items in the associated listed items. The use of "and" and "or" should be interpreted broadly (e.g., regarded as "and / or"). For example and without limitation, the use of "and" does not necessarily require all listed elements or features, and the use of "or" is inclusive, unless such a construction is originally illogical. It should be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "includes", "including", "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0076] References to engagement (e.g., attachment, connection, connection, etc.) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between the connection of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connection, indirect connection, fixed connection, removable connection, operational connection, indirect contact and / or direct contact. Therefore, reference to engagement does not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected / coupled and are in a fixed relationship with each other. The connection of electrical components (if any) may include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections and / or wireless connections, etc. The use of "for example" and "such as" in this specification should be interpreted broadly and used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to such examples.

[0077] Although processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in conjunction with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that these methods may be practiced with steps in a different order, by performing certain steps simultaneously, with additional steps, and / or by omitting certain described steps.

[0078] As used herein, the term "if" is optionally interpreted to mean "when..." or "upon..." or "in response to determining..." or "in response to detecting...", as the context requires. Similarly, the phrases "if it is determined" or "if [the condition or event] is detected" are optionally interpreted to mean "upon determining..." or "in response to determining..." or "upon detecting [the condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [the condition or event]", as the context requires.

[0079] It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes may be made in detail or structure without departing from the disclosure.

Claims

1. A latch assembly for a seat, wherein: The latch assembly comprises: motor; a worm operably coupled to the motor; a tooth plate engaged with the worm; and A latch is connected to the tooth plate and is configured to engage a seat lock of a seat back of the seat to adjustably couple the seat back to a mounting surface.

2. The latch assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The latch assembly includes a housing; The worm and the tooth plate are at least partially disposed in the housing; and The housing is configured for connection with the mounting surface.

3. The latch assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The housing includes a slot; and The latch extends from the tooth plate through the slot and out of the housing.

4. The latch assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The housing includes a bearing that slidably supports an inner radial surface of the tooth plate.

5. The latch assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The latch is connected to the tooth plate such that the latch slides with the tooth plate relative to the housing.

6. The latch assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The tooth plate includes a groove; and The housing includes a second bearing partially disposed in the slot of the tooth plate.

7. The latch assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The tooth plate includes a structural layer.

8. The latch assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The tooth plate includes a structural layer and an additional layer configured to reduce the play between the tooth plate and the worm.

9. The latch assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The worm is engaged with at least four rack teeth of the rack.

10. The latch assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The latch assembly includes: a housing; A first support belt disposed at a first side of the toothed plate; and a second support belt disposed at a second side of the toothed plate; Wherein, the first supporting belt and the second supporting belt limit the lateral movement of the tooth plate.

11. The latch assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The first support band is formed integrally with the housing.

12. A seat assembly, wherein: The seat assembly comprises: The latch assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11; The seat, the seat comprising the seat back, a seat frame and a seat base, the seat back being rotatably coupled to the seat frame and / or the seat base; and the seat lock; Wherein, the seat lock is connected to the seat back and can be selectively engaged with the latch.

13. The seat assembly of claim 12, wherein: The latch includes a hole; In the disengaged state of the seat lock, the seat lock is not disposed in the hole; and In an engaged state of the seat lock, a portion of the seat lock is disposed in the hole.

14. The seat assembly of claim 12, wherein: The motor, the worm, the tooth plate, and the latch are operably coupled such that when the seat lock is engaged with the latch, actuation of the motor causes rotation of the seat back.

15. The seat assembly of claim 12, wherein: The tooth plate includes a first tooth plate position and a second tooth plate position; and In the engaged state of the seat lock, (i) when the tooth plate is in the first tooth plate position, the seat back is disposed in a first rotational position, and (ii) when the tooth plate is in the second tooth plate position, the seat back is disposed in a second rotational position.

16. The seat assembly of claim 15, wherein: A difference between the first rotational position and the second rotational position is greater than 2 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

17. The seat assembly of claim 12, wherein: The seat back rotates about a rotation axis; and the toothed plate defines a portion of a circle centered on the rotation axis.

18. The seat assembly of claim 17, wherein: The angle range of the tooth plate is less than or equal to 90 degrees and greater than or equal to 2 degrees.

19. The seat assembly of claim 17, wherein: The worm axis of the worm is arranged at an angle equal to 80 degrees or equal to 100 degrees or between 80 degrees and 100 degrees relative to the rotation axis.

20. The seat assembly of claim 19, wherein: A motor axis of the motor is parallel to the rotation axis.

21. The seat assembly of claim 19, wherein: A motor axis of the motor is parallel to the worm axis.

22. The seat assembly of claim 19, wherein: A motor axis of the motor is perpendicular to the worm axis.

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