A latch device for a rear seat assembly of an automobile and an associated method thereof

Abstract

A latch device (10) includes base housing (12), pusher plate (32) pivotably coupled to base housing (12), release cam (40) pivotably coupled to base housing (12), and link plate (54). Further, latch device (10) includes release pin (42) pivotably coupled to release cam (40) and link plate (54), and lock cam (52) coupled to base 5 housing (12) and pivotably coupled to link plate (54). Lock cam (51) includes first locking groove (66) and second locking groove (68). The lock cam (51), release pin (42), link plate (54), release cam (40), and pusher plate (32) are provided within base housing (12). Furthermore, latch device (10) includes actuator (105) extending through base housing (12) and coupled to release pin (42). The first locking groove 10 (66) is configured to hold striker rod (106) in first locking position. The second locking groove (68) is configured to hold striker rod (106) in second locking position.

Description

[0001] A LATCH DEVICE FOR A REAR SEAT ASSEMBLY OF AN AUTOMOBILE AND AN ASSOCIATED METHOD THEREOF FIELD OF THE INVENTION [1] The present disclosure generally relates to a seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a latch device for use in a rear seat assembly of an automobile. BACKGROUND [2] An automotive vehicle typically includes one or more seat assemblies having a seat cushion portion and a seat back portion for supporting a passenger above a vehicle floor. A rear seat assembly in an automotive vehicle, is fixedly secured to the vehicle floor and has limited adjustability due to limited space within a rear compartment of the vehicle. The rear seat assembly typically includes a seat back portion coupled to a seat cushion portion by a pivot assembly for providing selective pivotal folding of the seat back portion relative to the seat cushion portion between a generally upright use position and a folded flat position overlaying the seat cushion portion to provide additional storage space within the vehicle rear compartment. The seat back portion of the vehicle rear seat assembly is secured to a fixed striker in the automotive vehicle by a high latch device. The high latch device is selectively decoupled from the fixed striker to permit the seat back portion to be moved from an upright use position towards the folded flat position. [3] However, in existing rear seat assemblies, the range of motion of the seat back portion is limited by the high latch device coupled to the fixed striker. The occupant can sit in only one orientation and space in the vehicle rear compartment is fixed since the latch device can hold the seat back portion in only one upright use position. Also, the existing high latch device has two loop striker structure which results in increased weight and complex design and manufacturing process. The existing high latch device does not accommodate issues related to manufacturing variations / tolerances. [4] It is desirable, therefore, to provide a latch device for use in a seat assembly having a seat back portion pivotably coupled to a seat cushion portion that overcomes at least the drawbacks discussed herein. SUMMARY [5] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention. [6] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a latch device for a rear seat assembly of an automobile is disclosed. The latch device includes a base housing, a pusher plate pivotably coupled to the base housing, a release cam pivotably coupled to the base housing, and a link plate. Further, the latch device includes a release pin pivotably coupled to the release cam and the link plate, and a lock cam coupled to the base housing and pivotably coupled to the link plate. The lock cam includes a first locking groove and a second locking groove. The lock cam, the release pin, the link plate, the release cam, and the pusher plate are provided within the base housing. Furthermore, the latch device includes an actuator extending through the base housing and coupled to the release pin. The first locking groove is configured to hold a striker rod in a first locking position upon applying a first pushing force via a seat back portion to hold the seat back portion of the rear seat assembly at a first upright locking position. The second locking groove is configured to hold the striker rod in a second locking position upon applying a pulling force via the actuator and a second pushing force via the seat back portion to hold the seat back portion at a second upright locking position. The striker rod is a single-loop structure. [7] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating a latch device for a rear seat assembly of an automobile is disclosed. The method includes transmitting a first pushing force via a seat back portion to rotate a lock cam along a release direction. Further, the method includes transmitting a motion due to the rotation of the lock cam to rotate the release cam along the release direction. Furthermore, the method includes engaging a pusher plate to a striker rod having a single-loop structure. Additionally, the method includes engaging the striker rod to a first locking groove of the lock cam to hold the striker rod in a first locking position to hold the seat back portion of the rear seat assembly at a first upright locking position. The pusher plate and the release cam are pivotably coupled to a base housing. A release pin is pivotably coupled to the release cam and a link plate. The lock cam is coupled to the base housing and pivotably coupled to the link plate. The lock cam, the release pin, the link plate, the release cam, and the pusher plate are provided within the base housing. The actuator extends through the base housing and is coupled to the release pin. [8] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [9] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a rear seat assembly used in an automobile, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 is another isometric view of the rear seat assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of a latch device according to the exemplary embodiments of figures 1 and 2 of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 4 illustrates a partial assembled perspective view of the latch device used in an automobile, according to an exemplary embodiment of Figures 1-3 of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5 illustrates a partial assembled perspective view of the latch device used in an automobile, according to an exemplary embodiment of Figures 1-3 of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figures 6-10 illustrate a diagrammatical representation of working of the latch device, according to exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 11 illustrates a partial assembled perspective view of the latch device used in an automobile, according to exemplary embodiments of Figures 6-8 of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 12 illustrates a partial assembled perspective view of the latch device used in an automobile, according to another exemplary embodiment of Figures 6-8 of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 13 illustrates a partial assembled perspective view of the latch device used in an automobile, according to exemplary embodiments of Figures 9-10 of the present disclosure; and

[0019] Figure 14 illustrates a partial assembled perspective view of the latch device used in an automobile, according to another exemplary embodiment of Figures 9- 10 of the present disclosure.

[0020] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of vehicle, one or more components of the vehicle may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0021] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

[0022] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0023] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”

[0024] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and / or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and / or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

[0025] Use of the phrases and / or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and / or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and / or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and / or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and / or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

[0026] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

[0027] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a rear seat assembly (02) used in an automobile, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is another isometric view of the rear seat assembly (02) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The rear seat assembly (02) includes a seat back portion (04) pivotably coupled to a seat cushion portion (06). The seat back portion (04) is selectively movable between a plurality of upright locking positions and a folded flat position overlaying the seat cushion portion (06). Further, rear seat assembly (02) includes a latch device (10) provided to a top portion of the seat back portion (04).

[0030] Figure 3 illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of a latch device (10) according to the exemplary embodiments of figures 1 and 2 of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch device (10) includes a base housing (12) having a first opening (14), a second opening (16), a third opening (18), and a fourth opening (20). The first opening (14) and the second opening may be circular openings and provided proximate to a top end (21) and a bottom end (22) respectively of the base housing (12). The third opening (18) may be a square or a rectangle shaped opening formed in the top end (21) of the base housing (12). The fourth opening (20) may be a circular opening provided between the first opening (14) and the second opening (16) and specifically proximate to a right side of the base housing (12). It should be noted herein that the base housing (12) is a metal plate or made of partially metal with plastic over mold and used to accommodate all the components of the latch device (10).

[0031] The latch device (10) further includes a reinforcement plate (24) and a sleeve (26). The reinforcement plate (24) is a metal plate and disposed contacting an outer side (28) of the base housing (12). The reinforcement plate (24) has a fifth opening (30) which is aligned with the second opening (16) of the base housing (12). The reinforcement plate (24) is configured to provide support for static load of the latch device (10). The sleeve (26) is made of plastic material and fitted to the third opening (18) of the base housing (12).

[0032] The latch device (10) further includes a pusher plate (32), a pusher plate rivet (34), and a first biasing member (for example, a torsion spring) (36). The pusher plate rivet (34) is configured to hold the first biasing member (36) and the pusher plate (32) against the base housing (12). Specifically, the pusher plate rivet (34) extends through the first biasing member (36), a sixth opening (38) of the pusher plate (32) and pivotably fitted to the fourth opening (20) of the base housing (12). It should be noted herein that the pusher plate (32) is also a metal plate.

[0033] The latch device (10) further includes a release cam (40), a release pin (42), and a plastic washer (44). The release cam (40) includes a seventh opening (46), and an eighth opening (48) provided proximate to a top end (50) and a bottom end (52) respectively. The release pin (42) is configured to be pivotably coupled to the release cam (40). Specifically, one end of the release pin (42) is coupled to the eighth opening (48) of the release cam (40). The plastic washer (44) is disposed between the release cam (40) and the base housing (12). Specifically, the seventh opening (46) of the release cam (40), a ninth opening (53) of the plastic washer (44), and the first opening (14) of the base housing (12) are coaxially aligned. A stopper pin (55) is provided to the base housing (12) to limit the rotation of the release cam (40), along a latching direction.

[0034] The latch device (10) further includes a lock cam (51), a link plate (54), a push nut (56), and a plastic bush (58). In the illustrated embodiment, the lock cam (51) includes a plastic portion (60) and a metal portion (62). The plastic portion (60) includes a tenth opening (64), first and second locking grooves (66, 68), and a protruded portion (70). The link plate (54) is a metal plate and has eleventh and twelfth openings (72, 74) formed respectively at either ends. The other end of the release pin (42) is pivotably coupled to the eleventh opening (72) of the link plate (54). The plastic bush (58) is provided between the other end of the release pin (42) and the link plate (54) and configured to reduce metal contact and generation of noise during operation. The protruded portion (70) of the plastic portion (60) is pivotably coupled to the twelfth opening (74) of the link plate (54). The push nut (56) is fitted to the protruded portion (70) of the plastic portion (60) and configured to function as a stopper and hold the link plate (54) against the protruded portion (70). The lock cam (51) is disposed inside the base housing (12) such that the tenth opening (64) of the lock cam (51) is coaxially aligned to the second opening (16) of the base housing (12). The first and second locking grooves (66, 68) are formed proximate to each other and configured to hold a striker rod (not shown in FIG. 1) in a first locking position or a second locking position respectively to hold the seat back portion (04) selectively at first or second upright locking positions. An actuator (not shown in FIG.1) extends through the sleeve (26) and connected to the release pin (42). Specifically, one end of the actuator is connected to the release pin. (42). In one embodiment, the actuator may be made of a fabric such as a cloth. The actuator is configured to be actuated to transmit motion via the release pin (42), the release cam (40), and the link plate (54) to the lock cam (51). It should be noted herein that the pusher plate (32) is configured to hold release cam (40) at a certain position so that lock cam (51) can back drive when the striker rod hits lock cam (51).

[0035] The latch device (10) further includes an anti-chuck cam (76) disposed contacting the lock cam (51). The anti-chuck cam (76) includes a thirteenth opening (78), a plurality of radially protruded portions (80), and an axially protruded portion (82). Specifically, the thirteenth opening (78) of the anti-chuck cam (76) is coaxially aligned with the tenth opening (64) of the lock cam (51).

[0036] The latch device (10) further includes a second biasing member (for example, a torsion spring) (84) and an anti-chuck cam pin (86). The anti-chuck cam (76) is coupled via the second biasing member (84) to the protruded portion (70) of the lock cam (51). The anti-chuck cam (76) is configured to accommodate / compensate any design variations in dimensions / tolerance between the striker rod and first and second locking grooves (66, 68), for example plus or minus 5 mm positional variation of the striker rod and the first and second locking grooves (66, 68).

[0037] The latch device (10) further includes a release pivot member (88) and a release cam biasing member (for example, spring) (90). The release pivot member (88) extends through the release cam biasing member (90), the seventh opening (46) of the release cam (40), the ninth opening (53) of the plastic washer (44), to the first opening (14) of the base housing (12). A bolt (not shown in FIG. 1) is fitted to a through hole (91) of the release pivot member (88) to couple the latch device (10) to the seat back portion (04) of the rear seat assembly.

[0038] The latch device (10) further includes a lock pivot member (92), a plastic main bush (94), and a lock cam biasing member (for example, spring) (96). The lock pivot member (92) extends through a fourteenth opening (98) of the plastic main bush (94), the lock cam biasing member (96), the thirteenth opening (78) of the anti-chuck cam (76), the tenth opening (64) of the lock cam (51), the second opening (16) of the base housing (12) to the fifth opening (30) of the reinforcement plate (24). A bolt (not shown in FIG. 1) is fitted to a through hole (100) of the lock pivot member (92) to couple the latch device (10) to the seat back portion (04) of the rear seat assembly (02).

[0039] Figure 4 illustrates a partial assembled perspective view of the latch device (10) used in an automobile, according to an exemplary embodiment of Figures 1-3 of the present disclosure. As discussed herein, the latch device (10) includes the base housing (12) which is a metal plate or partially metal with plastic over mold and used to accommodate all the components of the latch device (12). The pusher plate (32) is pivotably coupled against the base housing (12). Further, the release pin (42) is configured to be pivotably coupled to the release cam (40) and the link plate (54). Furthermore, the lock cam (51) is pivotably coupled to the link plate (54). The first and second locking grooves (66, 68) of the lock cam (51) are formed proximate to each other and configured to hold a striker rod (not shown in FIG. 2) in a first locking position or a second locking position respectively to hold the seat back portion selectively at first or second upright locking positions. The actuator is configured to be actuated to transmit motion via the release pin (42), the release cam (40), and the link plate (54) to the lock cam (51).

[0040] The latch device (10) further includes the anti-chuck cam (76) disposed contacting the lock cam (51). The anti-chuck cam (76) is configured to accommodate / compensate any design variations in dimensions / tolerance between the striker rod and first and second locking grooves (66, 68).

[0041] Further, the release pivot member (88) extends through the release cam biasing member (90), the release cam (40), the plastic washer (44), to the base housing (12). A bolt (102) is fitted to the through hole (91) of the release pivot member (88) to couple the latch device (10) to the seat back portion (04) of the rear seat assembly (02). Furthermore, the lock pivot member (92) extends through the plastic main bush (94), the lock cam biasing member (96), the anti-chuck cam (76), the lock cam (51), the base housing (12) to the reinforcement plate (24). A bolt (104) is fitted to a through hole (100) of the lock pivot member (92) to couple the latch device (10) to the seat back portion (04) of the rear seat assembly (02).

[0042] Figure 5 illustrates a partial assembled perspective view of the latch device (10) used in an automobile, according to an exemplary embodiment of Figures 1-3 of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator (105) is a flexible actuator made of a fabric such as a cloth extends through the sleeve (26) and connected to the release pin (42). Specifically, one end of the actuator (105) is connected to the release pin. (42) The actuator (105) is configured to be actuated to transmit motion via the release pin (42), the release cam (40), and the link plate (54) to the lock cam (51).

[0043] Figures 6-10 illustrate a diagrammatical representation of working of the latch device (10), according to exemplary embodiments of FIGS.1-5 of the present disclosure. When a first pushing force is applied via the seat back portion (04), the lock cam (51) is rotated along a release direction. In one embodiment, the release direction may be along a clock wise direction. In another embodiment, the release direction may be along an anticlock wise direction. The motion due to the rotation of the lock cam (51) is transmitted to rotate the release cam (40) along the release direction. Further, the pusher plate (32) is actuated to engage the striker rod (106) to a side of the lock cam (51). In one embodiment, the side of the lock cam (51) may be a right side of the lock can (51). In another embodiment, the side of the lock cam (51) may be a left side of the lock cam (51). Furthermore, the pusher plate (32) is configured to push the striker rod (106) to engage the striker rod (106) to the first locking groove (66) of the lock cam (51). The first locking groove (66) holds the striker rod (106) in a first locking position to hold the seat back portion at the first upright locking position. Figures 6-8 illustrate the sequence of steps to operate the latch device (10) to hold the seat back portion (04) at the first upright locking position.

[0044] When the actuator (105) is pulled to transmit a pulling force, the release pin (42) is further pulled upwards resulting in further rotation of the lock cam (51) along the release direction. As a result, the release cam (40) is further rotated along the release direction. Further, the striker rod (106) is engaged to the second locking groove (68) of the lock cam (51). The function of the pusher plate (54) is to retain release cam (40) at a certain position to create a gap between the lock cam (51) and release cam (40) when the striker rod (106) is not in a locking zone. The second locking groove (68) holds the striker rod (106) in a second locking position to hold the seat back portion at the second upright locking position. Figures 9-10 illustrate the sequence of steps to operate the latch device (10) to hold the seat back portion (04) at the second upright locking position. The anti-chuck cam (76) is configured to accommodate / compensate any design variations in dimensions / tolerance between the striker rod (106) and first and second locking grooves (66, 68).

[0045] Figure 11 illustrates a partial assembled perspective view of the latch device (10) used in an automobile, according to exemplary embodiments of Figures 6-8 of the present disclosure. The illustrated embodiment shows the striker rod (106) engaged to the first locking groove (66) of the lock cam (51). The first locking groove (66) holds the striker rod (106) in the first locking position to hold the seat back portion (04) at the first upright locking position. The locking contact profile of the anti-chuck cam (76) is positioned at a left side and the locking contact profile of the lock cam (51) is positioned at a right side with reference to the striker rod (106).

[0046] Figure 12 illustrates a partial assembled perspective view of the latch device (10) used in an automobile, according to another exemplary embodiment of Figures 6-8 of the present disclosure. The illustrated embodiment shows the striker rod (106) engaged to the first locking groove (66) of the lock cam (51). The first locking groove (66) holds the striker rod (106) in the first locking position to hold the seat back portion (04) at the first upright locking position. The locking contact profile of the anti-chuck cam (76) is positioned at the right side and the locking contact profile of the lock cam (51) is positioned at the left side with reference to the striker rod (106).

[0047] Figure 13 illustrates a partial assembled perspective view of the latch device (10) used in an automobile, according to exemplary embodiments of Figures 9-10 of the present disclosure. The illustrated embodiment shows the striker rod (106) engaged to the second locking groove (68) of the lock cam (51). The second locking groove (68) holds the striker rod (106) in the second locking position to hold the seat back portion (04) at the second upright locking position. The locking contact profile of the anti-chuck cam (76) is positioned at the left side and the locking contact profile of the lock cam (51) is positioned at the right side with reference to the striker rod (106).

[0048] Figure 14 illustrates a partial assembled perspective view of the latch device (10) used in an automobile, according to another exemplary embodiment of Figures 9-10 of the present disclosure. The illustrated embodiment shows the striker rod (106) engaged to the second locking groove (68) of the lock cam (51). The second locking groove (68) holds the striker rod (106) in the second locking position to hold the seat back portion (04) at the second upright locking position. The locking contact profile of the anti-chuck cam (76) is positioned at the right side and the locking contact profile of the lock cam (51) is positioned at the left side with reference to the striker rod (106).

[0049] The latch device (10) further includes an anti-chuck cam (76) disposed contacting the lock cam (51). The anti-chuck cam (76) includes a thirteenth opening (78), a plurality of radially protruded portions (80), and an axially protruded portion (82). Specifically, the thirteenth opening (78) of the anti-chuck cam (76) is coaxially aligned with the tenth opening (64) of the lock cam (51).

[0050] The latch device (10) further includes a second biasing member (for example, a torsion spring) (84) and an anti-chuck cam pin (86). The anti-chuck cam (76) is coupled via the second biasing member (84) to the protruded portion (70) of the lock cam (51).

[0051] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed herein, the occupant can sit in more than one orientation and space in the automotive vehicle rear compartment can be adjusted since the latch device can hold the seat back portion in a plurality of upright use positions. Also, the exemplary striker rod has a single loop striker structure which results in reduced weight and simplified design and manufacturing process. The exemplary latch device can also accommodate issues related to manufacturing variations / tolerances.

[0052] In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of “or” means “and / or.” Furthermore, use of the terms “including” or “having” is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A latch device (10) for a rear seat assembly (02) of an automobile, the latch device (10) comprising: a base housing (12); a pusher plate (32) pivotably coupled to the base housing (12); a release cam (40) pivotably coupled to the base housing (12); a link plate (54); a release pin (42) pivotably coupled to the release cam (40) and the link plate (54); a lock cam (51) coupled to the base housing (12) and pivotably coupled to the link plate (54), wherein the lock cam (51) comprises a first locking groove (66) and a second locking groove (68), and wherein the lock cam (51), the release pin (42), the link plate (54), the release cam (40), and the pusher plate (32) are provided within the base housing (12); and an actuator (105) extending through the base housing (12) and coupled to the release pin (42), wherein the first locking groove (66) is configured to hold a striker rod (106) in a first locking position upon applying a first pushing force via a seat back portion (04) to hold the seat back portion (04) of the rear seat assembly (02) at a first upright locking position, wherein the second locking groove (68) is configured to hold the striker rod (106) in a second locking position upon applying a pulling force via the actuator (105) and a second pushing force via the seat back portion (04) to hold the seat back portion (04) at a second upright locking position, and wherein the striker rod (106) is a single-loop structure.

2. The latch device (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a stopper pin (55) provided to the base housing (12), wherein the stopper pin (55) is configured to limit the rotation of the release cam (40) along a latching direction.

3. The latch device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock cam (51) comprises a plastic portion (60) and a metal portion (62), wherein the plasticportion comprises the first locking groove (66) and the second locking groove (68), and wherein the metal portion (62) is coupled to the release cam (40).

4. The latch device (10) as claimed in claim 3, comprising a push nut (56) fitted to the plastic portion (60) of the lock cam (51), wherein the push nut (56) is configured to function as a stopper and hold the link plate (54) against the plastic portion (60) of the lock cam (51).

5. The latch device (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plastic bush (58) provided between an end of the release pin (42) and the link plate (54), wherein the plastic bush (58) is configured to separate a contact between the release pin (42) and the link plate (54) to reduce generation of noise during an operation of the latch device (10).

6. The latch device (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an anti-chuck cam (76) disposed contacting and coupled to the lock cam (51).

7. The latch device (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the anti-chuck cam (76) comprises a plurality of radially protruded portions (80), and wherein the anti-chuck cam (76) is configured to accommodate any design variations in tolerance between the striker rod (106) and the first and second locking grooves (66, 68).

8. The latch device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (105) is configured to be actuated to transmit the pulling force via the release pin (42), the release cam (40), and the link plate (54) to the lock cam (51).

9. The latch device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (105) is a flexible actuator.

10. A method for operating a latch device (10) for a rear seat assembly (02) of an automobile, the method comprising:transmitting a first pushing force via a seat back portion (04) to rotate a lock cam (51) along a release direction; transmitting a motion due to the rotation of the lock cam (51) to rotate the release cam (40) along the release direction; engaging a pusher plate (32) to a striker rod (106) comprising a single-loop structure; and engage the striker rod (106) to a first locking groove (66) of the lock cam (51) to hold the striker rod (106) in a first locking position to hold the seat back portion (04) of the rear seat assembly (02) at a first upright locking position, wherein the pusher plate (32) and the release cam (40) are pivotably coupled to a base housing (12), wherein a release pin (42) is pivotably coupled to the release cam (40) and a link plate (54), wherein the lock cam (51) is coupled to the base housing (12) and pivotably coupled to the link plate (54), wherein the lock cam (51), the release pin (42), the link plate (54), the release cam (40), and the pusher plate (32) are provided within the base housing (12), and wherein a actuator (105) extends through the base housing (12) and is coupled to the release pin (42).

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, comprising transmitting a pulling force via the actuator (105) and a second pushing force via the seat back portion (04) to engage the striker rod (106) to a second locking groove (68) of the lock cam (51) to hold the striker rod (106) in a second locking position to hold the seat back portion (04) of the rear seat assembly (02) at a second upright locking position.

12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the release direction is along a clockwise or an anticlockwise direction.

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