Decoupling mechanism and seat assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a decoupling mechanism comprising a housing, a piston movably arranged in the housing, a decoupling actuator fixedly connected to the piston, and a gas generator, wherein the decoupling actuator is movable between a coupled position and a decoupled position, upon the need of decoupling, the gas generator is triggered and releases gas into a sealed first cavity of the housing to push the piston, in turn, to push the decoupling actuator, so as to make the decoupling actuator enter the decoupled position, wherein the gas generator is fixedly arranged relative to the housing in position, and a longitudinal center line of the gas generator is parallel to a longitudinal center line of the decoupling actuator; the decoupling mechanism comprises a fixed connection structure arranged directly or next to a periphery of the housing, the fixed connection structure is configured to fix the decoupling mechanism on a counterpart. In this way, the occupation of the transverse installation space can be reduced. Furthermore, the installation form can be simplified, and the installation efficiency can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a decoupling mechanism and a seat assembly. Background Technology

[0002] A decoupling mechanism known from existing technology includes a housing, a piston disposed within the housing, a decoupling actuator fixedly connected to the piston, and a gas generator. The piston is sealed to the housing on its outer periphery, the decoupling actuator is sealed to the housing, and the gas generator is mounted on the housing. When decoupling is required, the gas generator is triggered and releases gas into a cavity within the housing to push the piston, which in turn pushes the decoupling actuator, thus achieving decoupling. In this decoupling mechanism, the longitudinal centerline of the gas generator is perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the decoupling actuator, resulting in the gas generator occupying a significant amount of installation space, especially lateral installation space. In scenarios where the decoupling mechanism is applied to seat assemblies, this lateral installation space occupation can impose certain limitations on the structural layout.

[0003] Furthermore, in existing technologies, to mount the decoupling mechanism onto the mating component, a fixing plate with multiple fixing holes is typically required on the housing of the decoupling mechanism. During installation, the fixing holes on the fixing plate must first be aligned with the mating holes on the mating component, and then multiple screws must be passed through these fixing plates and secured to the mating component. This increases both cost and installation time. Additionally, the fixing plate also occupies some lateral installation space.

[0004] There is an urgent need for a decoupling mechanism that can reduce the space occupied for lateral installation. Furthermore, this decoupling mechanism can simplify the installation process and improve installation efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a decoupling mechanism that reduces the space occupied for lateral installation. Furthermore, this decoupling mechanism simplifies the installation process and improves installation efficiency.

[0006] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a seat assembly including such a decoupling mechanism.

[0007] Therefore, a first aspect of this disclosure relates to a decoupling mechanism comprising a housing, a piston movably disposed within the housing, a decoupling actuating element fixedly connected to the piston, and a gas generator, wherein the decoupling actuating element is movable between a coupled position and a decoupling position, and when decoupling is required, the gas generator is triggered and releases gas into a sealed first cavity of the housing to push the piston, thereby pushing the decoupling actuating element to move it into the decoupling position, characterized in that the gas generator is fixedly disposed relative to the housing, and the longitudinal centerline of the gas generator is parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the decoupling actuating element; wherein the decoupling mechanism includes a fixed connection structure disposed directly or adjacent to the outer periphery of the housing, the fixed connection structure being configured to fix the decoupling mechanism to a mating member.

[0008] In this decoupling mechanism, unlike the traditional vertical arrangement, the longitudinal centerline of the gas generator is parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the decoupling actuator. That is, the gas generator and decoupling actuator are arranged in parallel, reducing the lateral space required. Furthermore, in this disclosure, the gas generator is fixed relative to the housing, while the decoupling actuator is movable. When decoupling is needed, the decoupling actuator moves relative to the gas generator, while the gas generator itself remains stationary, i.e., it does not move with the decoupling actuator. This facilitates wiring the gas generator. If the gas generator were movable, for example, along with the decoupling actuator, a rigid wiring section would need to be extended from the gas generator body for wiring, and an opening would need to be provided on the housing for the rigid wiring section to pass through. This rigid wiring section needs to have a certain length and rigidity so that it can extend outside the housing at the coupling position of the decoupling actuator and will not rub against the edge of the opening due to bending deformation during movement. Furthermore, to compensate for the displacement difference between the fixed terminal block for connecting to external wiring and the movable rigid wiring part, an additional flexible wiring part is required between the terminal block and the rigid wiring part. This increases costs and complicates installation. In this disclosure, the gas generator is fixed relative to the housing, so the terminal block can be directly mounted on the gas generator without the need for additional rigid and flexible wiring parts. Therefore, the combined solution of the gas generator being fixed relative to the housing and the longitudinal centerline of the gas generator being parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the decoupling actuator in this disclosure simultaneously achieves the dual advantages of reducing lateral installation space and simplifying wiring.

[0009] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the decoupling mechanism also includes a fixed connection structure disposed directly or adjacent to the outer periphery of the housing, configured to secure the decoupling mechanism to the mating member. This fixed connection structure simplifies installation and improves installation efficiency. On-site installers only need to align the decoupling mechanism directly with the mating connection structure of the mating member, eliminating the need for aligning the fixing holes and screwing in multiple fixing screws as is traditionally done. Additionally, this fixed connection structure disposed directly or adjacent to the outer periphery of the housing reduces the lateral space occupied. Moreover, this fixed connection structure is coupled with, or complements, the aforementioned fixed and parallel arrangement of the gas generator. Because the gas generator employs a fixed and parallel arrangement, installation does not require dragging additional rigid and flexible wiring components and terminals connected thereto, nor does it require concern about collisions or interference between the gas generator and other structures in the environment during connection. Therefore, this fixed connection structure is highly suitable for and compatible with the fixed and parallel arrangement of the gas generator disclosed herein.

[0010] In some embodiments, the gas generator has at least one of the following features:

[0011] The gas generator is fixedly installed inside the housing;

[0012] The longitudinal centerline of the gas generator is collinear with the longitudinal centerline of the decoupling control element;

[0013] The gas generator is located at one end of the housing;

[0014] The gas generator encloses the inner cavity of the housing, so that a second cavity, which is different from the first cavity and is divided by a piston, is enclosed within the housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, a hollow gas guide tube is fixedly connected to the gas generator, and the decoupling actuator is provided with an inner hole for cooperating with the gas guide tube to enable the decoupling actuator to move relative to the gas guide tube, and a through portion for establishing fluid communication between the inner hole and the first cavity.

[0016] The gas guide tube is configured to introduce gas generated by the gas generator into the inner hole of the decoupling actuator, thereby allowing the gas to enter the first cavity through the through portion and push the piston, thereby causing the decoupling actuator to move relative to the gas guide tube to achieve decoupling.

[0017] In some embodiments, the longitudinal centerline of the air duct is collinear with the longitudinal centerline of the decoupling actuator.

[0018] In some embodiments, the gas guide tube includes a first gas guide tube section and a second gas guide tube section, wherein the second gas guide tube section is configured to engage with the inner bore of the decoupling actuator and introduce gas into the inner bore.

[0019] In some embodiments, the diameter of the first air guide section is larger than the diameter of the second air guide section; and / or there is a gap between the outer wall of the second air guide section and the inner wall of the inner hole of the decoupling actuator.

[0020] In some embodiments, the gas generator has a gas-generating unit extending from the base of the gas generator, wherein the gas-generating unit is housed in a first gas guide tube section; and / or an outwardly flared flange is provided at the edge of the first gas guide tube section, the gas guide tube being interconnected with the gas generator via the flange.

[0021] In some embodiments, a stop surface is provided on the housing for limiting the decoupling actuator when it enters the decoupling position, and a matching stop surface is provided on the decoupling actuator to cooperate with the stop surface.

[0022] In some embodiments, in the coupled position of the decoupling actuator, the distance between the end face of the free end of the second air duct section and the bottom surface of the inner hole of the decoupling actuator is greater than or equal to the travel stroke of the decoupling actuator.

[0023] In some embodiments, a first seal is provided surrounding the outside of the air duct, the first seal being fixedly positioned relative to the piston, wherein the piston is sealed to the housing via a second seal on its outer periphery, and the decoupling actuator is sealed to the housing via a third seal, wherein the first cavity is sealed by the first seal, the second seal, and the third seal.

[0024] In some embodiments, a receiving structure for a first seal extends partially from the end face of the piston facing the gas seal, the first seal being housed within the receiving structure.

[0025] In some embodiments, the air duct includes a first air duct section and a second air duct section, wherein the diameter of the first air duct section is larger than the diameter of the second air duct section, and wherein, in the coupling position of the decoupling actuator, the distance between the end face of the transition portion from the first air duct section to the second air duct section and the top surface of the receiving structure is greater than or equal to the travel stroke of the decoupling actuator.

[0026] In some embodiments, the bore is configured as a blind bore; and / or the bore extends along the longitudinal direction of the decoupling actuator.

[0027] In some embodiments, the base of the gas generator is connected to the wall of the housing by a riveting connection structure.

[0028] In some embodiments, a fourth seal is provided at the location of the riveted connection between the gas generator and the housing; and / or

[0029] The base of the gas generator includes a recessed portion, and the wall of the housing includes an inwardly recessed protrusion. The recessed portion of the gas generator and the protrusion of the housing form a riveted connection structure.

[0030] In some embodiments, the end face of the gas generator is connected to the end of the housing by a press-fit connection structure.

[0031] In some embodiments, the gas generator and the decoupling actuator have their opposite piston-side free ends positioned on either side of the piston.

[0032] In some embodiments, the fixed connection structure is located at the other end of the housing opposite to the gas generator.

[0033] In some embodiments, the fixed connection structure is constructed as a threaded connection structure, a welded connection structure, or a riveted connection structure.

[0034] In some embodiments, the fixed connection structure is constructed as a threaded connection structure, and the housing is provided with an actuating part for the tightening tool to operate on.

[0035] In some embodiments, a flange is provided on the outer periphery of the housing, the flange being configured as a riveting connection structure to engage with an inwardly turned mating riveting structure of a mating member.

[0036] A second aspect of this disclosure relates to a seat assembly, characterized in that the seat assembly includes a decoupling mechanism according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0037] In some embodiments, the decoupling mechanism is mounted on the seat assembly via a mounting bracket, wherein the mounting bracket, as a mating component, includes a mating connection structure that mates with the fixed connection structure of the decoupling mechanism.

[0038] The technical features mentioned above, those to be mentioned below, and those shown individually in the accompanying drawings can be combined arbitrarily, provided that the combined technical features are not contradictory. All feasible combinations of features are the technical content explicitly described herein. Any one of the multiple sub-features contained in the same statement can be applied independently, without necessarily being applied together with other sub-features. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The present disclosure will be further described below with reference to the illustrative drawings and exemplary embodiments. Wherein:

[0040] Figure 1A A schematic perspective view of a seat assembly equipped with a decoupling mechanism according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 1B Show Figure 1A A schematic perspective view of a portion of the seat assembly.

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a decoupling mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 A schematic exploded view of the decoupling mechanism.

[0044] Figure 4 Show Figure 2 A schematic longitudinal section view of the decoupling mechanism in the coupling position of the decoupling actuator, showing the flow path of the gas generated by the gas generator.

[0045] Figure 5 Show Figure 2 A schematic longitudinal section view of the decoupling mechanism in the decoupling position of the decoupling actuator, showing the forces acting on the piston and the decoupling actuator during gas generation in the gas generator.

[0046] Figure 6 Show Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the air duct of the decoupling mechanism.

[0047] Figure 7 Show Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the decoupling control element of the decoupling mechanism.

[0048] Figure 8 Show Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the decoupling mechanism, showing the effective area of ​​the piston during the gas generation process in the gas generator.

[0049] Figure 9 Show Figure 2 Another schematic cross-sectional view of the decoupling mechanism shows the force-bearing area of ​​the decoupling actuator during the gas generation process of the gas generator.

[0050] Figure 10 A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a decoupling mechanism according to another embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0051] Figure 11 A schematic side view of a decoupling mechanism according to another embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0052] Figure 12 Show Figure 11 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the decoupling mechanism and the mounting bracket.

[0053] Figure 13 Show Figure 12 A schematic perspective view of the mounting bracket before installation. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The decoupling mechanism 400 according to this disclosure can be used in a seat assembly 100, such as a seat assembly 100 of a transportation vehicle. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, a seat assembly 100 equipped with this decoupling mechanism 400 may include a first plate 210 mating with a seat cushion assembly 200 and a second plate 310 disposed on a backrest assembly 300. The decoupling mechanism 400 can decouple the control element 402 (see [reference]) during normal operation of the vehicle. Figure 2 The first plate 210 and the second plate 310 are coupled together, thereby placing the first plate 210 and the second plate 310 in a non-pivotable locked state (e.g., Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown), and when the unlocking conditions are met, the decoupling actuator 402 decouples from the first plate 210 and the second plate 310, thereby changing the first plate 210 and the second plate 310 from a non-pivotable locked state to a pivotable state, and the guide groove 320 on the second plate 310 can guide the backrest assembly 300 to rotate forward along the guide 220 fixed on the first plate 210. It should be understood that the means of transport disclosed herein can be broadly understood and may include, but is not limited to, land vehicles, such as motor vehicles of various types (especially cars, commercial vehicles, buses, etc.), water vehicles, and air vehicles, etc.

[0055] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the decoupling mechanism 400 according to this disclosure includes a housing 408, a piston 406 movably disposed in the housing 408, a decoupling actuating member 402 fixedly connected to the piston 406, and a gas generator 403, wherein the decoupling actuating member 402 can be coupled at a coupling position (e.g., Figure 4 (as shown) and decoupling location (such as) Figure 5 The movement is between (as shown). When decoupling is required, the gas generator 403 is triggered and releases gas into the sealed first cavity 409 (also known as the work cavity) of the housing 408 to push the piston 406, which in turn pushes the decoupling actuator 402 and retracts it so that the decoupling actuator 402 enters the decoupling position. Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe non-pivotable locked state of the first plate 210 and the second plate 310 corresponds to the coupling position of the decoupling actuator 402, while the pivotable state of the first plate 210 and the second plate 310 corresponds to the decoupling position of the decoupling actuator 402.

[0056] In some embodiments, the gas generator 403 is fixedly positioned relative to the housing 408, and the longitudinal centerline L1 of the gas generator 403 is parallel to the longitudinal centerline L2 of the decoupling actuator 402. Here, the free ends 402a of the actuators of the gas generator 403 and the decoupling actuator 402, which are opposite to the piston 406, are located on both sides of the piston 406. Since the gas generator 403 is fixedly positioned relative to the housing 408 and arranged parallel to the decoupling actuator 402, a terminal block 403b can be fixedly provided on the gas generator 403, and correspondingly, an electrical or electronic device 600 (such as...) can be directly connected to the terminal block 403b for the gas generator 403. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown in the figure, no additional wiring section is needed, which is advantageous for on-site installation and final wiring.

[0057] from Figure 2 and Figure 4 As can be clearly seen, the gas generator 403 can be fixedly disposed at one end of the housing 408 within the housing 408. Here, the gas generator 403 encloses the inner cavity of the housing 408, such that the second cavity 410 within the housing 408, which is divided by the piston 406 and is different from the first cavity 409, is closed. This enclosed arrangement of the gas generator 403 advantageously prevents foreign objects from entering the housing 408. If the gas generator 403 is movably configured, for example, along with the decoupling actuator 402, a wiring section needs to be extended for wiring the gas generator 403. This wiring section needs to ensure that it can extend outside the housing 408 in the coupling position of the decoupling actuator 402. Thus, an opening needs to be provided between the housing 408 and the wiring section to ensure that the wiring section can move through the opening. This may cause foreign objects, such as dust, to enter the housing 408 through the opening under some operating conditions. Under extreme operating conditions, the accumulated dust may even obstruct the movement of the piston 406, which may cause the decoupling mechanism 400 to fail to perform the decoupling function and cause a malfunction. The gas generator 403 disclosed herein is able to seal the inner cavity of the housing 408 based on its fixed and parallel arrangement structure, so that the second cavity 410 inside the housing 408 is sealed, thereby preventing foreign objects from entering the inner cavity of the housing 408 and preventing them from accumulating in the inner cavity and hindering the movement of the piston 406, thereby enabling very reliable operation of the decoupling mechanism 400 of the gas generator 403.

[0058] from Figure 2It can also be seen that the longitudinal centerline L1 of the gas generator 403 is collinear with the longitudinal centerline L2 of the decoupling control element 402. This allows for a compact structure with less lateral space required.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, to introduce gas generated by gas generator 403 into first chamber 409, a hollow gas guide tube 404 is fixedly provided on gas generator 403, and a through portion 413 is provided in decoupling actuator 402 for cooperating with gas guide tube 404 to allow decoupling actuator 402 to move relative to gas guide tube 404, for establishing fluid communication between inner hole 415 and first chamber 409. Gas guide tube 404 is configured to introduce gas generated by gas generator 403 into inner hole 415 of decoupling actuator 402, thereby allowing gas to enter first chamber 409 via through portion 413 and push piston 406, thereby causing decoupling actuator 402 to move relative to gas guide tube 404 to achieve decoupling. The through portion 413 can be as follows: Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 It is shown to be disposed on the wall of the inner hole 415. The through portion 413 of the decoupling actuator 402 always leads to the first cavity 409.

[0060] from Figure 2 It can also be seen that the longitudinal centerline of the air duct 404 is collinear with the longitudinal centerline L2 of the decoupling control element 402. This allows for a compact arrangement of the air duct 404 and the decoupling control element 402 with minimal lateral space occupation.

[0061] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the air guide tube 404 includes a first air guide tube section 404a and a second air guide tube section 404b, wherein the second air guide tube section 404b is configured to mate with the inner bore 415 of the decoupling actuation member 402 and introduce gas into the inner bore 415. Furthermore, the inner bore 415 is constructed as a blind bore. The inner bore 415 extends along the longitudinal direction of the decoupling actuation member 402. In the coupled position, the air guide tube 404 can be as follows... Figure 2 As shown, its second air guide section 404b extends into the inner hole 415.

[0062] The two sections of the gas guide tube 404 are designed to connect and cooperate with the gas generator 403 on the one hand, and to cooperate with the inner hole 415 of the decoupling control member 402 on the other. Here, the gas guide tube 404 can be constructed as an irregularly shaped gas guide tube 404. The diameter of the first gas guide tube section 404a can be larger than the diameter of the second gas guide tube section 404b. The gas generating unit 403a of the gas generator 403 can be accommodated in the larger-diameter first gas guide tube section 404a, which extends from the base of the gas generator 403. Furthermore, an outwardly flared flange 414 is provided at the edge of the first gas guide tube section 404a, and the gas guide tube 404 and the gas generator 403 are interconnected via the flange 414. On the second air duct section 404b side, there is a gap between the outer wall of the second air duct section 404b and the inner wall of the inner hole 415 of the decoupling control member 402, so that the gas coming out of the second air duct section 404b can continuously enter the first cavity 409 through the inner hole 415 and the through part 413.

[0063] from Figures 2 to 5 As can be seen, in order to prevent gas from the gas generator 403 from entering the second chamber 410, or to ensure the airtightness of the first chamber 409, a first seal 412 is provided to surround the outside of the gas guide tube 404, especially the outside of the second gas guide tube section 404b. The first seal 412 is fixedly positioned relative to the piston 406, for example, fixedly installed in a receiving structure 406a that partially extends from the end face of the piston 406 facing the gas generator 403. This first seal 412 can be constructed as a sealing block. In addition, to ensure the airtightness of the first chamber 409, the piston 406 is also sealed to the housing 408 on its outer periphery, for example, by a second seal 405 (such as an O-ring), and the decoupling actuator 402 is sealed to the housing 408, for example, by a third seal 411 (such as a sealing block). Here, the first chamber 409 is sealed together by the first seal 412, the second seal 405, and the third seal 411.

[0064] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, a stop surface 416 is provided on the housing 408 to limit the decoupling operating member 402 when it enters the decoupling position, and a matching stop surface 417 is provided on the decoupling operating member 402 to cooperate with the stop surface 416. This can effectively limit the movement stroke of the decoupling operating member 402.

[0065] To ensure that the air duct 404 does not adversely impede or hinder the movement of the decoupling actuator 402 when it enters the decoupling position, in the coupled position, the distance between the end face of the free end of the second air duct section 404b and the bottom surface of the inner hole 415 of the decoupling actuator 402 is greater than or equal to the travel distance of the decoupling actuator 402. Furthermore, in the coupled position of the decoupling actuator 402, the distance between the end face of the transition portion from the first air duct section 404a to the second air duct section 404b and the top surface of the receiving structure 406a is greater than or equal to the travel distance of the decoupling actuator 402. If the movement stroke of the decoupling actuator 402 is limited by the combined action of the stop surface 416 of the housing 408 and the mating stop surface 417 of the decoupling actuator 402, then in the coupled position, the distance between the end face of the free end of the second air duct section 404b and the bottom surface of the inner hole 415 of the decoupling actuator 402 should be greater than or equal to the distance between the stop surface 416 of the housing 408 and the mating stop surface 417 of the decoupling actuator 402.

[0066] The following is based on the above explanation and in conjunction with Figure 8 and Figure 9 Describe the operation of the decoupling mechanism 400 according to this disclosure.

[0067] When decoupling is required, the gas generator 403 ignites and generates gas. The generated gas travels through the gas conduit 404 to the inner bore 415 of the decoupling actuator 402 (e.g., a switching pin). The gas then passes through the through-hole 413 in the bore wall of the decoupling actuator 402 to reach the first cavity 409 (e.g., the cavity formed by the piston 406, housing 408, and decoupling actuator 402). Figure 4 (As indicated by the arrow in the image). Figure 8 The effective area A of the first cavity 409 is shown in the figure, while Figure 9 The force-bearing area B of the bottom surface of the inner hole 415 is shown. Since area A > area B, the thrust F1 on the piston 406 is greater than the thrust F2 on the decoupling actuator 402 (e.g., Figure 5 As shown, the pushed piston 406 drives the decoupling actuator 402, which is fixedly connected to it (e.g., via a thread), to retract. Gas generated by the gas generator 403 initially enters the first chamber 409 directly through the through-hole 413. Subsequently, after the gas guide pipe 404 overlaps with the through-hole 413 in the lateral direction, it is continuously transmitted to the first chamber 409 through the gap between the gas guide pipe 404 and the inner hole 415 of the decoupling actuator 402, and through the through-hole 413. The gas entering the first chamber 409 causes the first chamber 409 to expand and continuously pushes the end face of the piston 406, thereby pushing the piston 406 and continuously driving the decoupling actuator 402 to retract. Finally, the decoupling actuator 402 reaches the stop surface 416 of the housing 408, thus causing the decoupling actuator 402 to enter the decoupling position.

[0068] During the retraction of the decoupling actuator 402, because the gas generator 403 seals the inner cavity of the housing 408, especially the second cavity 410, the thrust F1 acting on the piston 406 must overcome the resistance generated when the second cavity 410 is compressed. Figure 5 As shown, in the final decoupled position, since the first seal 412 is housed in the receiving structure 406a that extends partially from the end face of the piston 406, there is still space on both sides of the receiving structure 406a. This provides space for the compression of air in the second cavity 410, thereby controlling the resistance generated by the compressed air in the second cavity 410.

[0069] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the base of the gas generator 403 can be connected to the wall of the housing 408 via a riveting connection structure. For this purpose, the base of the gas generator 403 may include a recess 403c, and the wall of the housing 408 includes an inwardly recessed protrusion 408a, with the recess 403c of the gas generator 403 and the protrusion 408a of the housing 408 forming a riveting connection structure. Furthermore, to ensure a seal, a fourth seal 407 is provided between the gas generator 403 and the housing 408 at the location of the riveting connection structure. In other embodiments, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the end face of the gas generator 403 can be connected to the end of the housing 408 via a press-fit connection structure. For this purpose, an inward flange 418 is provided on the edge of the housing 408, which can surround the stepped portion 419 of the gas generator 403.

[0070] Finally based on Figures 1A to 5 This invention describes a connection method of the decoupling mechanism 400 to the mating component. Thanks to the fixed and parallel arrangement of the gas generator 403, the decoupling mechanism 400 can be quickly screwed onto the mating component using a threaded connection without concern about interference between the gas generator 403 and other components of the seat assembly 100 during installation. If the gas generator 403 were vertically arranged, its laterally protruding shape might interfere with other structures in the environment when the decoupling mechanism 400 is screwed on; however, this does not occur with the parallel arrangement of the gas generator 403 disclosed herein. This simplifies the installation process and improves installation efficiency. Figures 2 to 5 As shown, a threaded connection structure 408b can be directly and circumferentially provided on the outer periphery of the housing 408, especially on its outer wall. The threaded connection structure 408b can be located at the other end of the housing 408 opposite to the gas generator 403. For example... Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the decoupling mechanism 400 is mounted on the seat assembly 100 via a mounting bracket 500. The mounting bracket 500, as a mating component, includes a mating thread structure that mates with the threaded connection structure 408b of the decoupling mechanism 400. The mounting bracket 500 can be fixed to the first plate 210. Furthermore, to facilitate tightening of the decoupling mechanism 400 with a tightening tool, such as… Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 3 As shown, a working part 420 for tightening tools is provided on the housing 408.

[0071] In addition to the threaded connection structure 408b described above, in other embodiments, it is also conceivable that the fixed connection structure directly surrounding the outer periphery of the housing 408 may be constructed as a welded connection structure or a riveted connection structure. A welded connection structure can be formed by applying solder directly to the outer periphery of the housing 408, which can connect the housing 408 to the mating connection structure of the mounting bracket 500, such as the edge of a receiving hole for receiving the housing 408. A riveted connection structure can be as follows... Figure 12 Connect in that way. For example... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, regarding the decoupling mechanism 400, a flange 430 is provided on the outer periphery of the housing 408 at the end opposite to the gas generator 403. This flange 430 forms a riveting connection structure, which is located close to the outer periphery of the housing 408. The flange 430 can be formed by machining or tube processing. The flange 430, as the riveting connection structure, can cooperate with the mating riveting structure of the mounting bracket 500, such as an inwardly turned mating connection structure, thereby fixing the decoupling mechanism 400 to the mounting bracket 500. Specifically, as... Figure 13 As shown, before riveting, a protrusion 510 protruding axially is provided on the mounting bracket 500. To secure the decoupling mechanism 400 to the mounting bracket 500, after inserting the decoupling mechanism 400 into the protrusion 510, the protrusion 510 is deformed by press riveting, for example, by turning it inward to form a deformable portion 520, which can enclose the flange 430 (see...). Figure 12 ), thus as Figure 12The decoupling mechanism 400 is fixed to the mounting bracket 500 via a press-fit connection. In another embodiment (not shown), it is also conceivable that the outer wall of the housing 408 is sleeved together with the receiving structure of the mounting bracket 500, and the outer wall of the housing 408 is connected to the receiving structure of the mounting bracket 500 by a press-fit structure that surrounds the housing 408 in the circumferential direction. In this case, the riveting connection structure is directly arranged around the outer periphery of the housing 408. In this disclosure, "adjacent" means that the fixing connection structures are arranged adjacent to each other or separated by a very small gap relative to the outer periphery of the housing 408. This small gap is insufficient to provide mounting holes as used in the prior art, but sufficient to provide the circumferential fixing connection structure of this disclosure.

[0072] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “the one” as used herein should include the plural forms unless the context explicitly states otherwise. It is understood that the terms “comprising” and “including,” and other similar terms, when used in the application documents, specifically describe the presence of the stated operation, element, and / or component, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The term “and / or” as used herein includes all arbitrary combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals always denote similar elements.

[0073] The thickness of the elements in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. It is also understood that if an element is described as being on, coupled to, or connected to another element, then the element may be directly formed on, coupled to, or connected to the other element, or there may be one or more intermediate elements between them. Conversely, if the expressions "directly on," "directly coupled to," and "directly connected to" are used herein, it indicates that there is no intermediate element. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly, such as "between" and "directly between," "attached" and "directly attached," "adjacent" and "directly adjacent," etc.

[0074] Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “over,” “under,” etc., are used to describe the relationship of one element, layer, or region relative to another element, layer, or region, as shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these terms should also encompass other orientations of the device in addition to those described in the accompanying drawings.

[0075] It is understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0076] It can also be considered that all the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can be arbitrarily combined with each other. Furthermore, all individual technical features in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other, as long as the combined technical features are not contradictory. All technically feasible combinations of features are the technical content described in this application.

[0077] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely for understanding this disclosure and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make modifications based on the above embodiments, and these modifications will not depart from the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A decoupling mechanism, the decoupling mechanism comprising a housing (408), a piston (406) movably disposed within the housing, a decoupling actuating element (402) fixedly connected to the piston, and a gas generator (403), wherein, The decoupling actuator is movable between a coupled position and a decoupling position. When decoupling is required, a gas generator is triggered and releases gas into the sealed first cavity (409) of the housing to push the piston, which in turn pushes the decoupling actuator to move it into the decoupling position. The decoupling actuator is characterized in that... The gas generator is fixedly positioned relative to the housing, and the longitudinal centerline (L1) of the gas generator is parallel to the longitudinal centerline (L2) of the decoupling actuator. The decoupling mechanism includes a fixed connection structure disposed directly or adjacent to the outer periphery of the housing, the fixed connection structure being configured to fix the decoupling mechanism to the mating member.

2. The decoupling mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas generator has at least one of the following characteristics: The gas generator is fixedly installed inside the housing; The longitudinal centerline of the gas generator is collinear with the longitudinal centerline of the decoupling control element; The gas generator is located at one end of the housing; The gas generator encloses the inner cavity of the housing, so that a second cavity, which is different from the first cavity and is divided by a piston, is enclosed within the housing.

3. The decoupling mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, A hollow gas duct (404) is fixedly connected to the gas generator, and the decoupling control member is provided with an inner hole (415) for cooperating with the gas duct so that the decoupling control member can move relative to the gas duct, and a through part (413) for establishing fluid communication between the inner hole and the first cavity. The gas guide tube is configured to introduce gas generated by the gas generator into the inner bore of the decoupling actuator, thereby allowing the gas to enter the first chamber via the through-hole and push the piston, thus causing the decoupling actuator to move relative to the gas guide tube to achieve decoupling; and / or The longitudinal centerline of the air duct is collinear with the longitudinal centerline of the decoupling control element; and / or The gas guide tube includes a first gas guide tube section (404a) and a second gas guide tube section (404b), wherein the second gas guide tube section is configured to mate with the inner bore of the decoupling actuator and introduce gas into the inner bore; and / or The diameter of the first air duct section is larger than the diameter of the second air duct section; and / or There is a gap between the outer wall of the second air duct section and the inner wall of the decoupling actuator's inner bore; and / or The gas generator has a gas-generating unit (403a) extending from the base of the gas generator, wherein the gas-generating unit is housed in a first gas guide section; and / or An outwardly flared flange (414) is provided at the edge of the first gas guide pipe section, and the gas guide pipe and the gas generator are interconnected through the flange; and / or The housing is provided with a stop surface (416) for limiting the decoupling actuator when it enters the decoupling position, and the decoupling actuator is provided with a mating stop surface (417) that cooperates with the stop surface; and / or In the coupled position of the decoupling actuator, the distance between the end face of the free end of the second air duct section and the bottom surface of the inner hole of the decoupling actuator is greater than or equal to the movement stroke of the decoupling actuator.

4. The decoupling mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, A first seal (412) is provided surrounding the outside of the air duct, the first seal being fixedly positioned relative to the piston. The piston is sealed to the housing via a second seal (405) on its outer periphery, and the decoupling actuator is sealed to the housing via a third seal (411). The first cavity is sealed by the first, second, and third seals; and / or A receiving structure (406a) for a first seal is partially extended from the end face of the piston facing the gas seal, the first seal being received within the receiving structure; and / or The air duct includes a first air duct section (404a) and a second air duct section (404b). The diameter of the first air duct section is larger than the diameter of the second air duct section. In the coupling position of the decoupling actuator, the distance between the end face of the transition portion from the first air duct section to the second air duct section and the top surface of the receiving structure is greater than or equal to the movement stroke of the decoupling actuator.

5. The decoupling mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner hole is constructed as a blind hole; and / or the inner hole extends along the longitudinal direction of the decoupling actuator.

6. The decoupling mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base of the gas generator is connected to the wall of the housing via a riveting connection structure; and / or A fourth seal (407) is provided at the location of the riveted connection structure between the gas generator and the housing; and / or The base of the gas generator includes a recess (403c), and the wall of the housing includes an inwardly recessed protrusion (408a). The recess of the gas generator and the protrusion of the housing form a riveted connection structure; and / or The end face of the gas generator is connected to the end of the housing by a press-fit connection structure.

7. The decoupling mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas generator and the free end (402a) of the decoupling actuator, which is opposite to the piston, are located on both sides of the piston; and / or The fixed connection structure is located at the other end of the housing opposite to the gas generator; and / or The fixed connection structure is constructed as a threaded connection structure, a welded connection structure, or a riveted connection structure; and / or The fixed connection structure is constructed as a threaded connection structure, and the housing is provided with an actuating part (420) for the tightening tool to operate on; and / or A flange (430) is provided on the outer periphery of the housing, the flange being configured as a riveting connection structure for engaging with the inwardly turned mating riveting structure of the mating part.

8. A seat assembly, characterized in that, The seat assembly (100) includes a decoupling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The seat assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The decoupling mechanism is mounted on the seat assembly via a mounting bracket (500), wherein the mounting bracket, as a mating component, includes a mating connection structure that mates with the fixed connection structure of the decoupling mechanism.

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