Continuously adjustable slide locking system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system (1) for locking a continuously adjustable slide for a vehicle seat, comprising: - the slide (2) comprising a first slide element (20), lower, configured to be fixed to a floor of the vehicle, and a second slide element (21), upper, configured to slide along the first slide element - a locking system by bracing comprising: - a rail (3), extending lengthwise along the slide, fixed relative to the first slide element - a first blocking member (4) and a second blocking member (5), mounted integral with the second slide element (21), with positions offset along a longitudinal axis of the rail (3), the first blocking member (4) configured to brace itself on the spoke, under the action of two wedging members (OC1, OC2) coming to block themselves by wedge effect in slots (FE1, FE2). (3Figure of the abstract: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Continuously adjustable slide locking system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a locking system for a continuously adjustable vehicle seat slide, as well as to a vehicle seat comprising such a locking system. Technical field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of adjustment and locking systems for a slide for a motor vehicle. It relates more particularly to adjustment systems whose slides connect a seat base to the floor of the vehicle.

[0003] In the present disclosure, and in a known manner, a vehicle seat may typically comprise: - a seat, which extends in a direction X, from a front edge to a rear edge, and extends transversely in a direction Y, from a first lateral edge to a second lateral edge, - a backrest which extends in height from the rear edge of the seat, in a Z direction, vertical, or typically inclined backwards, from a lower edge to an upper edge of the backrest, and extends transversely in a Y direction, from a first lateral edge, to a second lateral edge.

[0004] The backrest may be tiltable relative to the seat, typically by a pivot axis between the backrest frame and the seat frame, extending in the transverse direction Y.

[0005] The position of the seat in the vehicle can typically be adjusted, along the X direction, by means of an adjustment and locking system according to the present disclosure, or preferably two adjustment and locking systems, with two slides connecting the seat to the floor of the vehicle in parallel.

[0006] Thus, the or each of the two slides comprises two slide elements with a first slide element secured to the floor, typically a lower profile, and a second slide element secured to the seat base, typically an upper profile, the two slide elements being configured to slide relative to each other in the X direction.

[0007] The adjustment and locking system further comprises a locking system, including a control member which is biased, typically manually or motorized, to unlock the slide to allow the occupant of the seat to adjust the position of the seat by moving the first, movable slide element relative to said second slide element.

[0008] Once the seat position has been adjusted, the control member is released to ensure that the seat is locked in adjustment positions corresponding to adjustment steps of the slide.

[0009] For this purpose, the state of the art knows the locking systems with discontinuous adjustment which have a lock system comprising a support, integral with the second slide element, and blocking members, movable relative to the support, configured to penetrate adjustment openings integral with the first slide element in a locking state of the lock system, under the action of elastic means such as springs. The control member, when actuated, makes it possible to constrain the blocking members against the force of the springs and thus to extract the blocking members from the adjustment openings, releasing the sliding of the slide.

[0010] A first family of locking system is thus known, usually designated by those skilled in the art by the English term “step lock” for which the locking members, typically integral with one another, only ensure the locking of the slide if the relative position between the two slide elements, first slide element, and second slide element corresponds to an adjustment step of the slide.

[0011] A second family of locking system is also known, with improved security compared to the first family, usually referred to by those skilled in the art as "instant lock" which always ensures blocking of the two elements of the slide, even if the position between the two slide elements, first slide element and second slide element, is in any intermediate position between two consecutive adjustment positions.

[0012] For this purpose, the locking members are independent of each other, configured so that at least one of the members penetrates and locks in one of the adjustment openings, typically oblong, and even if the slide is in this intermediate position, between two adjustment steps, namely two consecutive adjustment positions of the slide.

[0013] The slide can then only slide over a stroke corresponding to the adjustment step of the slide. A slight sliding of the first slide element relative to the second slide element allows the other non-penetrating locking members to come into contact with and lock into the adjustment openings when the slide is moved into one (or the other) of the two consecutive adjustment positions, in order to obtain locking of the slide. In both cases, whether it is a “step lock” type locking system or an “instant lock” type locking system, the number of adjustment positions is limited to the number of locking positions allowed by the system adjustment step.

[0014] The present disclosure, however, concerns the continuously adjustable locking slide system, namely ensuring an unlimited number of adjustment positions along the length of the slide, and as opposed to the previously described adjustment and locking system, with discontinuous adjustment. Prior art

[0015] Continuously adjustable locking systems for motor vehicle seats are known from the state of the art, in particular from documents US 2003 / 0227207, DE 2 301 042 or US 2,292,718.

[0016] [Such systems comprise a rail, secured to a first fixed part of the slide, secured to a floor of the vehicle and a pair of blocking members, including a first blocking member and a second blocking member secured to a second movable part of the slide secured to the seat frame of the seat.

[0017] In a first relative position between the first locking member and the second locking member, corresponding to the unlocking of the system, the first and second locking members are configured to move freely along the rail, without blocking, allowing free sliding of the slide.

[0018] In a second relative position between the first blocking member and the second blocking member, they are buttressed on the rail under the following buttressing conditions with generation:

[0019] - of a first force generated by a first support of the second part of the slide on the first locking member ensuring a bracing of said first locking member on the rail ensuring a locking of the second slide element relative to the first slide element in a first sliding direction, by two reactions of said rail on said first locking member, with on the one hand, a first reaction between a first upper friction surface of the rail and a first wall of said first friction member and, on the other hand, a second reaction between a second lower friction surface of the rail and a second wall of said first locking member,

[0020] - of a second force generated by a second support on the second member of blocking ensuring a buttressing of said second blocking member on the rail ensuring a locking of the second slide element relative to the first slide element in a second sliding direction, by two reactions of said rail on said second blocking member, with on the one hand, a third reaction between the first upper friction surface of the rail and the third wall of said second friction member and, on the other hand, a fourth reaction between the second lower friction surface of the rail and the fourth wall of said second locking member.

[0021] For these devices of the state of the art, there may be problems of micro-displacements of the slide, caused during stresses on the seat, and therefore on the movable part of the slide, in particular stresses in alternating directions, which may typically appear due to successive accelerations and decelerations of the vehicle.

[0022] According to the inventors' findings, in particular during a unidirectional stress applied to the second movable part of the slide, a very small displacement is generated between the second movable part and the first fixed part of the slide, which results in a reinforcement of the force of one of the supports, namely the first support or respectively the second support depending on the direction of movement, and causes the loss of the other support, namely the second support (or respectively the first support), by breaking the bracing conditions for the blocking member having lost the support, namely first blocking member or second blocking member.

[0023] The static equilibrium of the locking member having lost its support is then no longer guaranteed and this locking member translates by a few hundredths of a millimeter until it finds an uncertain static equilibrium position. According to the inventors' findings, such a phenomenon can lead to micro-displacements, as longitudinal stresses of alternating directions occur, and such as can be encountered in a vehicle during successive accelerations and decelerations of the vehicle.

[0024] Furthermore, in such a state of the art, the slide is unlocked by tilting the two locking members, from the second position to the first position, with loss of the supports, namely first and second support. As the locking and then unlocking operations of the slide progress, the first support and the second support are successively lost at each unlocking, then regained at each locking, which can lead to losses of reference between the locking members, on the one hand, and the second slide / rail element, on the other, and over time to unsatisfactory bracing conditions due to dispersions.

[0025] Also known from document WO2023242497 A1 of the present Applicant is a system for locking a continuously adjustable slide which comprises: - the slide comprising a first, lower slide element, configured to be fixed to a floor of the vehicle, and a second, upper slide element, configured to slide along the first slide element - a buttress locking system comprising: - a rail, extending lengthwise along the slide, fixed relative to the first slide element, said rail having a first, upper friction surface and a second, lower, opposite friction surface - a first locking member and a second locking member, mounted integral with the second slide element, in positions offset along a longitudinal axis of the rail, the first locking member comprising a first wall and a second wall, facing each other, configured to rub respectively on the first surface and the second friction surface of the rail, the second locking member comprising a third wall and a fourth wall, facing each other, configured to rub respectively on the first surface and the second friction surface of the rail.

[0026] Notably, the buttress locking system also comprises: - a first cam, integral with the second slide element, and first elastic means configured to move the first cam to ensure contact with said first locking member by generating a first force between the first locking member and said first cam ensuring buttressing of said first locking member on the rail ensuring locking of the second slide element relative to the first slide element in a first sliding direction, by two reactions of said rail on said first locking member, with on the one hand, a first reaction between the first upper friction surface of the rail and the first wall of said first locking member and, on the other hand, a second reaction between the second lower friction surface of the rail and the second wall of said first locking member, - a second cam,integral with the second slide element, and second elastic means configured to move the second cam to ensure contact with said first locking member by generating a second force between the second locking member and said second cam ensuring a buttressing of said second locking member on the rail ensuring a locking of the second slide element relative to the first slide element (20) in a second sliding direction, by two reactions of said rail on said second locking member, with on the one hand, a third reaction between the first upper friction surface of the rail and the third wall of said second locking member and, on the other hand, a fourth reaction between the second lower friction surface of the rail and the fourth wall of said second locking member.

[0027] In the buttressing condition, the first cam and the second cam can respond to the micro-displacement problems in that they operate, independently of one another, respectively a first compensation on the first locking member and / or a second compensation on the second locking member as a function of the longitudinal stresses and in particular their direction.

[0028] The locking system further comprises an unlocking mechanism which is configured to cause the movement of the first cam and the movement of the second cam from their positions constrained by the first and second elastic means ensuring the buttressing of the first locking member and the second locking member on the rail and thus the locking of the slide and to a retracted position of the first cam and a retracted position of the second cam removing the buttressing of the first locking member and the second member on the rail, releasing the sliding of the slide.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of document WO2023242497, the locking system comprises first spring means between said second slide element and said first locking member so that the first locking member is always in contact with the first cam even in the retracted position of the first cam releasing the sliding of the slide, and second spring means between said second slide element and said second locking member so that the second locking member is always in contact with the second cam even in the retracted position of the second cam releasing the sliding of the slide.

[0030] By convention: - the X direction extends along a lengthwise direction of the slide, typically horizontal - the Y direction extends in a direction perpendicular to the X direction, horizontal - the Z direction extends along the vertical direction.

[0031] The figures and description of document WO2023242497 disclose two embodiments, namely: - a first embodiment for which the first cam and the second cam are each articulated along a horizontal pivot axis, typically along the Y direction - a second embodiment for which the first cam and the second cam are articulated along a vertical pivot axis, namely along the Z direction, ensuring a gain in terms of vertical compactness.

[0032] According to the inventors' findings, if the locking system of a slide for a continuously adjustable vehicle seat according to WO2023242497 is advantageous in that it makes it possible to respond to the aforementioned problems of micro-displacements, or even of support part, it can always be improved with regard to compactness, and in particular compactness in the Z direction and / or in the X direction, in particular with regard to the part of the buttress locking system extending in projection above the second slide element, typically the male profile Summary

[0033] The present disclosure improves the situation.

[0034] There is provided a system for locking a continuously adjustable slide for a vehicle seat, comprising; - the slide comprising a first, lower slide element, configured to be fixed to a floor of the vehicle, and a second, upper slide element, configured to slide along the first slide element - an arch locking system comprising: — a rail, extending lengthwise along the slide, fixed relative to the first slide element, said rail having a first, upper friction surface and a second, lower, opposite friction surface — a first locking member and a second locking member, mounted integral with the second slide element, with offset positions along a longitudinal axis of the rail, the first locking member comprising a first wall and a second wall, facing each other, configured to rub respectively on the first surface and the second friction surface of the rail, the second locking member comprising a third wall and a fourth wall, facing each other, configured to rub respectively on the first surface and the second friction surface of the rail, and in which the first slide element is a lower profile and the second slide element is an upper profile, mounted to slide along the lower profile, the first locking member and the second locking member extending internally in an interspace between the upper profile and the lower profile, said rail integral with the lower profile,received in said interspace and in the first locking member and the second locking member protrude from the upper profile through at least one opening of the upper profile.

[0035] According to the present disclosure, said buttress locking system comprises: - a stop means integral with the second slide element, extending projecting above the upper profile, the stop means interposed between, on the one hand, a portion projecting from the first locking member extending from a first opening of the upper profile, and on the other hand a portion projecting from the second locking member extending from a second opening of the upper profile, and in which said stop means comprising: — a first stop surface facing the portion protruding from the first locking member, defining with an opposite surface of said first locking member a first slot of profile converging along a vertical component, for example of width decreasing from bottom to top, — a second stop surface facing the portion protruding from the second locking member, defining with an opposite surface of said second locking member a second slot of profile converging along a vertical component, for example of width decreasing from bottom to top, - a first wedging element extending in the first slot and first elastic means configured to constrain the first wedging element to move along the vertical component of the first slot to a first constrained clamping position in which the first wedging element is blocked by wedge effect against the first stop surface and the portion projecting from the first blocking member by generating a first force between the first blocking member and said first wedging element ensuring a bracing of said first blocking member on the rail ensuring a locking of the second slide element relative to the first slide element in a first sliding direction, by two reactions of said rail on said first blocking member, with on the one hand, a first reaction between the first upper friction surface of the rail and the first wall of said first blocking member and, on the other hand,a second reaction between the second lower friction surface of the rail and the second wall of said first locking member, - a second wedging element extending in the second slot and second elastic means configured to constrain the second wedging element to move along the vertical component of the second slot to a second constrained clamping position in which the second wedging element is blocked by wedge effect against the second stop surface and the portion projecting from the second blocking member by generating a second force between the second blocking member and said second wedging element ensuring a bracing of said second blocking member on the rail ensuring a locking of the second slide element relative to the first slide element in a second sliding direction, by two reactions of said rail on said first blocking member, with on the one hand, with on the one hand,a third reaction between the first upper friction surface of the rail and the third wall of said second locking member and, on the other hand, a fourth reaction between the second lower friction surface of the rail and the fourth wall of said second locking member, - an unlocking mechanism which is configured to cause the displacement of the first wedging element along the vertical component of the first slot and the displacement of the second wedging element along the vertical component of the second slot, from their positions constrained by the first and second elastic means ensuring the buttressing of the first locking member and the second locking member on the rail and thus the locking of the slide and up to a retracted position of the first wedging element and a retracted position of the second wedging element removing the buttresses of the first blocking member and the second member on the rail, releasing the sliding of the slide.

[0036] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented, independently of one another or in combination with one another:

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first wedging member and the second wedging member are configured to, during a longitudinal stress on the second slide element generating a micro-displacement between the second slide element and the first slide element, always guarantee the first force and the second force ensuring the buttressing of the first blocking member and the second blocking member, by allowing compensations by displacement of one of the wedging elements consisting of the first wedging element and the second wedging element, or even of the two wedging elements, by changing the point of contact between said wedging element and the blocking member constituted by the first blocking member or respectively the second blocking member, while the other wedging element,second wedging element or respectively first wedging element can remain stationary while maintaining the point of contact between said wedging element and said blocking member constituted by the first blocking member or respectively the second blocking member.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the locking system of a slide may comprise spring means between said first locking member and said second locking member so that the first locking member is always in contact with the first wedging element even in the retracted position of the first wedging element releasing the sliding of the slide, and that the second locking member is always in contact with the second wedging member even in the retracted position of the second wedging member releasing the sliding of the slide.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the spring means comprise a torsion spring comprising a winding of an elastic wire forming turns, said winding of elastic wire terminated by two ends respectively bearing on the first locking member and on the second locking member.

[0040] According to one embodiment: - the first wedging element is a first metal wire comprising a wedging portion arranged in the first slot above the first opening, the first metal wire shaped to extend below the level of the wedging portion to a hinge portion hinged to a first end of a first lever, the first lever located below the level of the first opening, the first lever comprising a second end articulated to a lateral flank of the upper profile, and in which the first elastic means comprise a first torsion spring mounted on the second end of the first lever, configured to elastically constrain the first lever in rotation in a direction driving the first metal wire upwards to the first constrained position of the first wedging element, - the second wedging element is a second metal wire comprising a wedging portion arranged in the second slot above the second opening, the second metal wire shaped to extend below the level of the wedging portion to an articulation portion articulated to a first end of a second lever, the second lever located below the level of the second opening, the second lever comprising a second end articulated to a lateral flank of the upper profile, and in which the second elastic means comprise a second torsion spring mounted on the second end of the second lever, configured to elastically constrain the second lever in rotation in a direction driving the second metal wire upwards to the second constrained position of the second wedging element.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first end of the first lever and the first end of the second lever are juxtaposed, arranged in the longitudinal direction of the slide between the second end of the first lever and the second end of the second lever, the unlocking mechanism comprising a control lever, manually actuated, articulated to the second slide element by a transverse shaft pivotally mounted on the lateral flank of the upper profile, the control lever comprising a force distribution member configured to come into contact, straddling the first lever and the second lever,configured to transmit an unlocking force to the control lever and distribute it over the first end of the first lever and over the first end of the second lever by causing the first lever to rotate around its second end against a return force from the first torsion spring and the second lever to rotate around its second end against a return force from the second spring.

[0042] According to one embodiment, said force distribution member may be entirely or partly made of an elastomeric material.

[0043] According to one embodiment, said force distribution member is pivotally mounted on the control lever, along a transverse articulation axis.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the wedging portion and the articulation portion of the first metal wire or of the second metal wire extend along two parallel axes, connected to each other by a bent portion of the metal wire.

[0045] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat comprising a seat and a backrest as well as a locking system for a continuously adjustable slide according to the present disclosure, the first slide element of which is anchored to a floor of the vehicle and the second slide element of which is secured to a frame of the seat. Brief description of the drawings

[0046] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig.l

[0047] [Fig.l] shows a vehicle seat comprising a seat and a backrest and comprising two locking slide locking systems, comprising two slides in parallel, of which a first slide element formed by a lower profile is integral with a floor of the vehicle and a second slide element formed by an upper profile is integral with a seat frame of the seat Fig. 2

[0048] [Fig.2] is a detail view of one of the two continuously adjustable slide systems of the seat of [Fig.l] comprising a first locking member and a second locking member configured to respectively brace themselves on an internal rail in an inter-space, the first locking member and the second locking member being projecting through the upper profile respectively through a first opening and a second through opening. Fig. 3

[0049] [Fig.3] is a detail view of [Fig.2], illustrating a stop means with a body integral with the upper slide profile, interposed, in the lengthwise direction between the first opening and the second opening, the stop means comprising: - a first stop surface extending vertically, opposite a portion projecting from the first locking member, defining, with an opposite surface of the portion projecting from the first locking member, a first profile slot converging along a vertical component, of decreasing width from bottom to top, inside which a first wedging element is wedged to ensure the buttressing of the first locking member on the rail, - a second stop surface extending vertically, opposite a portion projecting from the second locking member, defining, with an opposite surface of the portion projecting from the second locking member, a second profile slot converging along a vertical component, of decreasing width from bottom to top, inside which a second wedging element is wedged to ensure the bracing of the second blocking member on the rail. Fig. 4

[0050] [Fig.4] is an exploded view of the continuously adjustable slide system of [Fig.2], Fig. 5

[0051] [Fig.5] illustrates, on the left, a sectional view along a plane parallel to XZ, and on the right a detailed perspective view, illustrating: - the first constrained position of the first wedging element clamped in the first slot by wedge effect, causing the first blocking element to be buttressed on the rail and the first constrained position of the first wedging element clamped in the first slot by wedge effect under the action of a first lever elastically constrained by a first torsion spring, causing the first blocking element to be buttressed on the rail to ensure the blocking of the slide in a first sliding direction; - the second constrained position of the second wedging element clamped in the second slot by wedge effect under the action of a second lever elastically constrained by a second torsion spring, causing the second blocking element to be buttressed on the rail and the second constrained position of the second wedging element clamped in the second slot by wedge effect, causing the second blocking element to be buttressed on the rail to ensure the blocking of the slide in a second sliding direction. Fig. 6

[0052] [Fig.6] is a view including the sectional view and the perspective view of [Fig.5], after unlocking the sliding of the slide by removing the bracing conditions between the rail on the one hand, and the first and second locking members, unlocking obtained by rotating the first lever around its second end against the return force of the first torsion spring causing the first wedging element to descend into the first slot to a position eliminating the wedging, and by rotating the second lever around its second end against the return force of the second torsion spring causing the second wedging element to descend into the second slot to a position eliminating the wedging, the view notably illustrating a torsion spring secured to an insert secured to the upper profile, having a first end bearing on the first locking member, and a second end . . Fig. 7A

[0053] [Fig.7A] shows the locking system of a continuously adjustable slide in the first constrained position of the first wedging element and the second constrained position of the second wedging element, ensuring the locking of the slide, illustrating in particular an unlocking mechanism comprising a control lever articulated to the upper profile along a transverse axis by a transverse shaft in an unstressed position of the unlocking mechanism. Fig. 7B

[0054] [Fig.7B] illustrates the locking system of a slide according to [Fig.7A], after rotation of the control lever around the transverse shaft, the unlocking mechanism comprising a force distribution member, articulated to the control lever configured to come into contact simultaneously with two facing ends belonging to the first lever and to the second lever to ensure the simultaneous rotations of the two levers, namely the first lever and the second lever, in opposite directions of rotation, causing a downward movement of the first wedging element in the first slot, in an enlarged zone of the first slot ensuring the suppression of the wedge effect and thus the suppression of the bracing conditions between the first locking member and the rail, as well as a downward movement of the second wedging element in the second slot,in an enlarged area of ​​the second slot ensuring the elimination of the wedge effect and thus the elimination of the bracing conditions between the second locking member and the rail. Description of the embodiments

[0055] Also the present disclosure relates to a system 1 for locking a continuously adjustable slide for a vehicle seat, comprising; - the slide 2 comprising a first slide element 20, lower, configured to be fixed to a floor of the vehicle, and a second slide element 21, upper, configured to slide along the first slide element - a locking system by bracing.

[0056] The buttress locking system allows the slide to be locked continuously in an unlimited number of locking positions over the useful travel of the slide, and as opposed to a discontinuous adjustment system comprising a limited number of locking positions

[0057] The buttress locking system is self-sufficient in the sense that it does not complement a locking system of the discontinuous adjustment type, and comprising notches ensuring such discontinuous adjustment.

[0058] In the figures, the orthogonal reference XYZ is oriented so that the X axis is oriented along the sliding axis of the slide, the Y direction along the direction horizontal, and transverse to the slide, perpendicular to X, and the Z axis along the vertical.

[0059] The first slide element 20 comprises a lower profile PINF, having a section with a base extending substantially along a plane parallel to the XY plane, extended by one or even two rising wings. The second slide element 21 comprises an upper profile PSUP, having a section, with a main wing 210 extending substantially along a plane parallel to the XY plane, extended by two descending wings 211, 212. The terminal portions of the rising wings and the terminal portions of the descending wings are intertwined and form rolling tracks for rolling members such as balls or the like.

[0060] The figures illustrate a slide with an asymmetrical profile, namely that the vertical dimensions of the two descending (resp. ascending) wings are unequal. In general, the present disclosure is applicable whether the profiles are asymmetrical as illustrated or symmetrical (not illustrated).

[0061] The buttress locking system comprises a rail 3 which extends lengthwise along the slide, fixed relative to the first slide element 20. The rail 3 is fixed to the first slide element 20. For this purpose the lower profile PINF forming the first slide part 20 may comprise the base and at least one rising wing extending from the base.

[0062] The rail 3 may be secured to said at least one rising wing of the lower profile PINF in said interspace between the upper profile and the lower profile, in particular by tabs LG projecting into said interspace coming from openings in the wall of the rising wing. The tabs may typically be obtained by stamping, and may be distributed along the length of the rail 3 to ensure fixing of the rail. The position of the tabs relative to the locking members allows the locking members, first and / or second locking members, in the unlocked state of the slide to slide relative to the first slide element 21, moving successively along the tabs, and without the tabs hindering the movement of the locking members.This allows the rail to be firmly fixed along its length, including the sliding travel of the locking devices, and not only at these ends, outside this travel.

[0063] The rail 3 comprises a first, upper friction surface 30 and a second, lower, opposite friction surface 31. According to one embodiment, the first friction surface 30 and the second, lower, opposite friction surface 31 may be planar, the rail having a substantially rectangular section. The rail may, however, have another section such as a circular section, the first surface 30 and the second surface 31 then being non-planar.

[0064] The buttress locking system comprises a first locking member 4 and a second locking member 5, with offset positions along a longitudinal axis of the rail 3 which extends along the longitudinal direction X. The first locking member 4 and the second locking member 5 are mounted integral with the second slide element 21, namely movable with it, with offset positions along a longitudinal axis of the rail 3. The first locking member 4 and the second locking member 5 extend respectively in length along a vertical direction, along the direction Z, or slightly inclined relative to this direction by a few degrees, with an inclination of less than 25°, for example less than 10°

[0065] The first locking member 4 comprises a first wall 40 and a second wall 41, facing each other, configured to rub respectively on the first surface 30 and the second friction surface 31 of the rail.The first wall 40 and the second wall 41 may be formed by two opposite side walls of a groove in the first locking member, and as illustrated in the figures.

[0066] The second locking member 5 comprises a third wall 50 and a fourth wall 51, facing each other, configured to rub respectively on the first surface 30 and the second friction surface 31 of the rail 3. The third wall 40 and the fourth wall 41 may be formed by two opposite side walls of a groove in the second locking member 5, and as illustrated in the figures.

[0067] Generally, said rail 3 is integral with the lower profile PINF, received in said interspace and the first locking member 4 and the second locking member 5 extend internally in the interspace between the upper profile PSUP and the lower profile PIN. and protrude from the upper profile through at least one opening OV of the upper profile PSUP. In particular, the first locking member 4 passes through the upper profile PSUP through a first opening OV1 of the main wing, and the second locking member 5 passes through the upper profile PSUP in particular through a second opening OV2 of the main wing, the first opening OV1 and the second opening OV2 offset in the longitudinal direction of the slide.

[0068] The buttress locking system notably comprises a stop means BT secured to the second slide element 21, extending projecting above the upper profile PSUP, the stop means interposed between, on the one hand, the portion projecting from the first locking member 4 extending from the first opening OV1 of the upper profile PSUP, and on the other hand a portion projecting from the second locking member 5 extending from the second opening OV2 of the upper profile PSUP.

[0069] Said BT stop means comprises: — a first stop surface SA1 facing the portion protruding from the first locking member 4, defining with an opposite surface of said first locking member 4 a first slot FE1 of profile converging along a vertical component, for example of width decreasing from bottom to top along the vertical direction Z, said width seen along the direction X, along the length of the slide, — a second stop surface SA2 facing the portion protruding from the second locking member 5, defining with an opposite surface of said second locking member ) a second slot FE2 of profile converging along a vertical component, for example of width decreasing from bottom to top along the direction Z, the width seen along the direction X, along the length of the slide.

[0070] The stop means may be formed by a single-piece body, integral with the upper profile of the slide, and as illustrated in the figures, and forming the first stop surface SA1 and the second stop surface SA2, by two opposite surfaces of the body, possibly parallel to each other, offset in the direction X.

[0071] Optionally, the stop means may comprise, according to an embodiment not illustrated, two separate, or even distinct, bodies respectively forming the first stop surface SA1 and the second stop surface SA2.

[0072] The buttress locking system also comprises a first wedging element OC1 extending in the first slot FE1 and first elastic means ELI configured to constrain the first wedging element OC1 to move along the vertical component of the first slot FE1 to a first constrained clamping position PCI (illustrated as an example in [Fig. 5]) in which the first wedging element OC1 is blocked by a wedge effect against the first stop surface SA1 and the portion projecting from the first blocking member 4.

[0073] The first constrained position PCI generates a first force FC1 between the first locking member 4 and said first wedging element OC1 ensuring a bracing of said first locking member 4 on the rail 3 ensuring a locking of the second slide element 21 relative to the first slide element 20 in a first sliding direction SI, by two reactions of said rail on said first locking member, with on the one hand, a first reaction RAi between the first upper friction surface 30 of the rail and the first wall 40 of said first locking member 4 and, on the other hand, a second reaction RBi between the second lower friction surface 31 of the rail and the second wall 41 of said first locking member 4.

[0074] The buttress locking system further comprises a second wedging element OC2 extending into the second slot FE2 and second elastic means EL2 configured to constrain the second wedging element wedging OC2 to the displacement according to the vertical component of the second slot FE2 to a second constrained clamping position PC2 in which the second wedging element OC2 is blocked by wedge effect against the second stop surface SA2 and the portion protruding from the second blocking member 5.

[0075] The second constrained position PC2 generates a second force FC2 between the second locking member 5 and said second wedging element OC2 ensuring a bracing of said second locking member 5 on the rail 3 ensuring a locking of the second slide element 21 relative to the first slide element in a second sliding direction S2, by two reactions of said rail on said first locking member, with on the one hand, with on the one hand, a third reaction RA2 between the first upper friction surface 30 of the rail and the third wall 50 of said second locking member and, on the other hand, a fourth reaction RB2 between the second lower friction surface 31 of the rail and the fourth wall 51 of said second locking member 5.

[0076] The locking system further comprises an unlocking mechanism 6 which is configured to cause the displacement of the first wedging element OC1 along the vertical component of the first slot FE1 and the displacement of the second wedging element OC2 along the component of the second slot FE2 from their constrained positions PCI, PC2 by the first and second elastic means ELI, EL2 ensuring the buttressing of the first blocking member and the second blocking member on the rail and thus the locking of the slide and up to a retracted position of the first wedging element OC1 and a retracted position of the second wedging element OC2 removing the buttressing of the first blocking member 4 and the second member 5 on the rail 3, releasing the sliding of the slide.

[0077] The passage from the first constrained position PCI of the first wedging member OC1 to the retracted position is obtained by moving the first wedging member OC1 along the first stop surface SA1 along the vertical component of the first slot FE1, and for example from top to bottom according to an embodiment notably illustrated in the figures.

[0078] The passage from the second constrained position PC2 of the second wedging member OC2 to the retracted position is obtained by moving the second wedging member OC2 along the second stop surface SA2 along the vertical component of the slot, and for example from top to bottom according to an embodiment illustrated in the figures.

[0079] According to one embodiment: - the first wedging member OC1 comprises a wedging portion, extending in the transverse direction Y along the depth of the first slot FE1 which may be of circular section, when viewed along the plane XZ, - the second wedging member OC2 comprises a wedging portion, extending in the transverse direction Y along the depth of the second slot FE2 which may be of circular section, when viewed along the plane XZ,

[0080] The diameter of the circular section of the wedging portion (of the first wedging member OC1 and / or of the second wedging member OC2) may advantageously be of small size, for example between 3 mm and 6 mm.

[0081] Such a construction makes it possible to limit the size of the assembly comprising the first locking member 4, second locking member 5, stop means BT, first and second wedging members OC1, OC2, when viewed along the direction X, longitudinal to the slide.

[0082] Preferably, the first wedging member OC1 and the second wedging member OC2 are independent, configured to, during a longitudinal stress on the second slide element 21 generating a micro displacement between the second slide element 21 and the first slide element 20, always guarantee the first force FC1 and the second force FC2 ensuring the buttressing of the first blocking member 4 and the second blocking member 5, by allowing compensations by displacement of one of the wedging elements consisting of the first wedging element OC1 and the second wedging element OC2, or even of the two wedging elements, by changing the point of contact between said wedging element and the blocking member constituted by the first blocking member 4 or respectively the second blocking member 5, while the other wedging element,second wedging element OC2 or respectively first wedging element (OC1) can remain stationary while maintaining the point of contact between said wedging element and said blocking member constituted by the first blocking member or respectively the second blocking member.

[0083] In other words, the first wedging element OC1 and second wedging element OC2 operate, independently of one another, respectively a first compensation on the first blocking member 4 and / or a second compensation on the second blocking member 5 as a function of the longitudinal stresses and in particular their direction.

[0084] The continuously adjustable slide locking system may comprise spring means MR between said first locking member 4 and said second locking member 5, the spring means configured so that the first locking member 4 is always in contact with the first wedging element OC1 even in the retracted position of the first wedging element C01 releasing the sliding of the slide, and that the second locking member 5 is always in contact with the second wedging member C02 even in the retracted position of the second wedging member C02 releasing the sliding of the slide.

[0085] Under the effect of the spring means MR, the first wedging member OC1 is also in contact with the first stop surface SA1, and the second wedging member OC2 is in contact with the second stop surface SA2, in the retracted positions of the members OC1, OC2.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the spring means MR comprise a torsion spring comprising a winding of an elastic wire forming turns, said winding of elastic wire terminated by two ends respectively bearing on the first locking member 4 and on the second locking member 5.

[0087] As illustrated in [Fig.6], the torsion spring can force the first locking member 4 and the second locking member 5 respectively to tilt in opposite directions so as to always guarantee contact of the first wedging member OC1 with the first locking member 4, as well as with the first stop surface SA1, and always guarantee contact of the second wedging member OC2 with the second locking member 5, as well as with the second stop surface SA2.

[0088] Generally, a support, typically plastic, forms an insert IST received in the interspace between the upper profile PSUP and the lower profile PINF. The insert IST is slidably secured to the upper profile PSUP, fixed in particular to the main, upper wall of the upper profile 21. The insert-forming support comprises a cavity opening in the transverse direction, receiving the internal portions of the first locking element 4 and of the second locking element 5.

[0089] It is noted that said torsion spring can be fixed to the insert, between the two locking members 4, 5, the coil winding mounted on a protruding lug of the insert in the transverse direction Y.

[0090] Generally speaking, it is also noted that the insert may comprise a first reference stop BR4 configured to come into contact with the first blocking member 5 in order to block it in the longitudinal direction X, and a second reference stop BR5 configured to come into contact with the second blocking member 5 in order to block it in the longitudinal direction X. The first reference stop BR4 and the second reference stop BR5 are directed towards each other, and configured to maintain a maximum gap between the two blocking members 4, 5.

[0091] According to one embodiment (illustrated in the figures) the first wedging element OC1 may be a first metal wire, typically of circular section, comprising the wedging portion arranged in the first slot FE1 above the first opening OV1, the first metal wire shaped to extend in particular according to a transverse component Y, and according to a vertical component Z, below the level of the wedging portion up to an articulation portion of the metal wire articulated at a first end of a first lever LV1.

[0092] The first lever LV1 is located below the level of the first opening OV1, the first lever LV 1 comprising a second end articulated to a lateral flank of the upper profile PSUP, in particular and in which the first elastic means ELI comprise a first torsion spring mounted on the second end of the first lever, configured to elastically constrain the first lever LV 1 in rotation in a direction driving the first metal wire upwards to the first constrained position of the first wedging element.

[0093] The first lever LV 1 is articulated to the articulation portion of the metal wire along a pivot axis, extending in the transverse direction Y. For this purpose, the first end of the first lever LV 1 comprises a first orifice inside which the articulation portion of the metal wire is free to pivot.

[0094] The first lever LV 1 is articulated to the side of the upper profile along a pivot axis, extending in the transverse direction Y. For this purpose, a first axis AX1 is fixed to the upper profile of the slide, and the second end of the lever comprises a second orifice inside which the first axis is free to pivot.

[0095] The first axis AX1 can typically pass through an orifice in the downcomer 212 of the upper profile and be fixed in a mounting orifice in the insert IST.

[0096] The second wedging element OC2 may be a second metal wire comprising a wedging portion arranged in the second slot FE2 above the second opening OV2, the second metal wire shaped to extend below the level of the wedging portion to a hinge portion articulated at a first end of a second lever LV2.

[0097] The second lever LV2 is located below the level of the second opening OV2, the second lever LV2 comprising a second end articulated to a lateral flank of the upper profile PSUP. The second elastic means EL2 comprise a second torsion spring mounted on the second end of the second lever LV2, configured to elastically constrain the second lever LV2 in rotation in a direction driving the second metal wire upwards to the second constrained position of the second wedging element OC2.

[0098] The second lever LV2 is articulated to the articulation portion of the metal wire along a pivot axis, extending in the transverse direction Y. For this purpose, the first end of the second lever LV2 comprises a first orifice inside which the articulation portion of the metal wire is free to pivot.

[0099] The second lever LV2 is articulated to the side of the upper profile along a pivot axis, extending along the transverse direction Y. For this purpose, a second axis AX2 is fixed to the upper profile of the slide, and the second end of the lever comprises a second orifice inside which the first axis is free to pivot.

[0100] The second axis AX2 can typically pass through an orifice of the descent wing 212 of the upper profile and come to be fixed in a mounting orifice of the insert IST.

[0101] The wedging portion and the articulation portion of the first metal wire (or the second metal wire) may extend along two parallel axes, connected to each other by a bent portion of the metal wire.

[0102] It is noted that the first end of the first lever LV1 and the first end of the second lever LV2 can be juxtaposed, arranged in the longitudinal direction of the slide between the second end of the first lever LV1 and the second end of the second lever LV2.

[0103] The unlocking mechanism 6 may comprise a control lever, typically manually operated, for example accessible by the occupant of the seat, below a front portion of the seat.

[0104] The control lever can be articulated to the second slide element 21 by a transverse shaft 60 pivotally mounted on the lateral flank of the upper profile PSUP, in particular pivoting on a bearing secured to a descending wing 212 of the upper profile.

[0105] The control lever comprising a force distribution member 61 configured to come into contact, straddling the first lever LV 1 and the second lever LV2. The force distribution member is configured to transmit an unlocking force of the control lever and distribute it over the first end of the first lever LV 1 and over the first end of the second lever L2 by causing the rotation of the first lever LV1 around its second end against a return force of the first torsion spring and the rotation of the second lever LV2 around its second end against a return force of the second spring, and until the first locking member 4 and the second locking member 5 are unlocked.

[0106] The effect distribution member 61 may be entirely or partly made of an elastomeric material, at least at the level of a contact zone with the levers LV1, LV2.

[0107] Such a design comprising metal wires shaped to function as wedging members OC1, OC2 and levers (first lever LV1 and LV2) elastically constrained, makes it possible to limit the size of the system in the vertical direction Z, in particular the size above the upper profile, in that the levers (first and second lever) are offset below the main wing 210 of the upper profile 210, located in a lateral zone of the profile which is not very troublesome during integration with a seat.

[0108] Such a design makes it easier to integrate such a slide system with a seat, in particular its attachment to the seat frame, in that the volume of the locking system located above the main wing 210 of the upper profile is reduced, and in comparison with a design as taught by WO2023242497.

[0109] The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle seat comprising a seat and a backrest as well as a locking system for a continuously adjustable slide according to the present disclosure, the first slide element 20 of which is anchored to a floor of the vehicle and the second slide element 21 of which is secured to a frame of the seat.

[0110] The seat may typically have two continuously adjustable slide locking systems, comprising two slides in parallel. In such a case the control lever may be shared by the two slides, the transverse shaft 60 articulated to the upper profiles of the two slides. List of reference signs

[0111] - 1: Locking system for a vehicle slide with continuous adjustment, - 2. Slide - 20. First slide element, - 200. Base, - 201, 202. Rising wings, - LG. Tabs - PINF. Lower profile, - 21. Second slide element, - 210. Main wing, - 211,212. Descending wings - PSUP. Upper profile - 3. Rail, - 30. First friction surface, - 31. Second friction surface, - 4. First blocking organ, - 40,41. Respectively first wall and second wall (configured to brace on the rail), - 5. Second blocking organ, - 50,51. Respectively third wall and fourth wall (configured to brace on the rail), - BT. Stop means, BR4, BR5. First and second reference stop - ELI, EL2. First and second elastic means, - OC1. First wedging element, - OC2. Second wedging element, - FE1. First slit, - FE2. Second slit, -YES. First meaning, - S2. Second meaning

Claims

1. Claims System (1) for locking a continuously adjustable slide for a vehicle seat, comprising; - the slide (2) comprising a first slide element (20), lower, configured to be fixed to a floor of the vehicle, and a second slide element (21), upper, configured to slide along the first slide element - a locking system by buttressing comprising: — a rail (3), extending lengthwise along the slide, fixed relative to the first slide element, said rail having a first friction surface (30), upper and a second friction surface, lower (31), opposite — a first locking member (4) and a second locking member (5), mounted integrally with the second slide element (21), with offset positions along a longitudinal axis of the rail (3), the first locking member (4) comprising a first wall (40) and a second wall (41), facing each other, configured to rub respectively on the first surface (30) and the second friction surface (31) of the rail, the second locking member (5) comprising a third wall (50) and a fourth wall (51), facing each other, configured to rub respectively on the first surface (30) and the second friction surface (31) of the rail (3), and in which the first slide element (20) is a lower profile (PINF) and the second slide element (21) is an upper profile (PSUP), mounted to slide along the lower profile (PINF),the first locking member (4) and the second locking member (5) extending internally in an interspace between the upper profile (PSUP) and the lower profile (PINF), said rail secured to the lower profile (PINF), received in said interspace and in the first locking member (4) and the second locking member (5) protrude from the upper profile through at least one opening (OV) of the upper profile (PSUP), characterized in that said buttress locking system comprises: - a stop means (BT) integral with the second slide element (21), extending projecting above the upper profile (PSUP), the stop means interposed between, on the one hand, a portion protruding of the first locking member (4) extending from a first opening (OV1) of the upper profile (PSUP), and on the other hand a portion projecting from the second locking member (5) extending from a second opening (OV2) of the upper profile (PSUP), and in which said stop means (BT) comprising: — a first stop surface (SA1) facing the portion protruding from the first locking member (4), defining with an opposite surface of said first locking member (4) a first slot (FE1) of profile converging along a vertical component, for example of width decreasing from bottom to top, — a second stop surface (SA2) facing the portion protruding from the second locking member (5), defining with an opposite surface of said second locking member (5) a second slot (FE2) of profile converging along a vertical component, for example of width decreasing from bottom to top, - a first wedging element (OC1) extending in the first slot (FE1) and first elastic means (ELI) configured to constrain the first wedging element (OC1) to move along the vertical component of the first slot (FE1) to a first constrained clamping position (PCI) in which the first wedging element (OC1) is blocked by a wedge effect against the first stop surface (SA1) and the portion projecting from the first blocking member (4) by generating a first force (FC1) between the first blocking member (4) and said first wedging element (OC1) ensuring a buttressing of said first blocking member (4) on the rail (3) ensuring a locking of the second slide element (21) relative to the first slide element in a first sliding direction (SI), by two reactions of said rail on said first blocking member, with on the one hand,a first reaction (RAI) between the first upper friction surface (30) of the rail and the first wall (40) of said first locking member (4) and, on the other hand, a second reaction (RB1) between the second lower friction surface (31) of the rail and the second wall (41) of said first locking member (4), - a second wedging element (OC2) extending in the second slot and second elastic means (EL2) configured to constrain the second wedging element (OC2) to move according to the vertical component of the second slot,

2. (FE2) to a second constrained clamping position (PC2) in which the second wedging element (OC2) is blocked by wedge effect against the second stop surface (SA2) and the portion projecting from the second blocking member (5) by generating a second force (FC2) between the second blocking member (5) and said second wedging element (OC2) ensuring a buttressing of said second blocking member (5) on the rail (3) ensuring a locking of the second slide element (21) relative to the first slide element in a second sliding direction (S2), by two reactions of said rail on said first blocking member, with on the one hand, with on the one hand, a third reaction (RA2) between the first upper friction surface (30) of the rail and the third wall (50) of said second blocking member and, on the other hand,a fourth reaction (RB2) between the second lower friction surface (31) of the rail and the fourth wall (51) of said second locking member (5), - an unlocking mechanism (6) which is configured to cause the displacement of the first wedging element (OC1) along the vertical component of the first slot (FE1) and the displacement of the second wedging element (OC2) along the vertical component of the second slot (FE2), from their constrained positions (PCI, PC2) by the first and second elastic means (ELI, EL2) ensuring the buttressing of the first locking member and the second locking member on the rail and thus the locking of the slide and up to a retracted position of the first wedging element (OC1) and a retracted position of the second wedging element (OC2) removing the buttressing of the first locking member (4) and the second member (5) on the rail (3), releasing the sliding of the slide., System (1) for locking a continuously adjustable slide according to claim 1, in which the first wedging element (OC1) and the second wedging element (OC2) are configured to, during a longitudinal stress on the second slide element (21) generating a micro displacement between the second slide element (20) and the first slide element (20), always guarantee the first force (FC1) and the second force (FC2) ensuring the buttressing of the first blocking member (4) and the second blocking member (5), by allowing compensations by moving one of the wedging elements consisting of the first wedging element (OC1) and the second wedging element (OC2), or even both wedging elements, by changing the point of contact between said wedging element and the blocking member constituted by the first blocking member (4) or respectively the second blocking member (5), while the other wedging element, second wedging element (OC2) or respectively first wedging element (OC1) can remain stationary while maintaining the point of contact between said wedging element and said blocking member constituted by the first blocking member or respectively the second blocking member.

3. Locking system for a continuously adjustable slide according to one of claims 1 to 2, comprising spring means (MR) between said first locking member (4) and said second locking member (5) so that the first locking member (4) is always in contact with the first wedging element (OC1) even in the retracted position of the first wedging element (OC1) releasing the sliding of the slide, and that the second locking member (5) is always in contact with the second wedging element (OC2) even in the retracted position of the second wedging element (OC2) releasing the sliding of the slide.

4. A continuously adjustable slide locking system according to claim 3, wherein the spring means (MR) comprise a torsion spring comprising a winding of an elastic wire forming turns, said winding of elastic wire terminated by two ends respectively resting on the first locking member (4) and on the second locking member (5).

5. A continuously adjustable slide locking system according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: - the first wedging element (OC1) is a first metal wire comprising a wedging portion arranged in the first slot (FE1) above the first opening (OV1), the first metal wire shaped to extend below the level of the wedging portion to an articulation portion articulated to a first end of a first lever (LV1), the first lever located below the level of the first opening (OV1), the first lever (LV1) comprising a second end articulated to a lateral flank of the upper profile (PSUP), and wherein

6. the first elastic means (ELI) comprise a first torsion spring mounted on the second end of the first lever, configured to elastically constrain the first lever (LV1) in rotation in a direction driving the first metal wire upwards to the first constrained position of the first wedging element,, - the second wedging element (OC2) is a second metal wire comprising a wedging portion arranged in the second slot (FE2) above the second opening (OV2), the second metal wire shaped to extend below the level of the wedging portion to an articulation portion articulated to a first end of a second lever (LV2), the second lever located below the level of the second opening (OV2), the second lever (LV2) comprising a second end articulated to a lateral flank of the upper profile (PSUP), and in which the second elastic means (EL2) comprise a second torsion spring mounted on the second end of the second lever (LV2), configured to elastically constrain the second lever (LV2) in rotation in a direction driving the second metal wire upwards to the second constrained position of the second wedging element (OC2). Locking system for a continuously adjustable slide according to claim 5, in which the first end of the first lever (LV1) and the first end of the second lever (LV2) are juxtaposed, arranged in the longitudinal direction of the slide between the second end of the first lever (LV1) and the second end of the second lever (LV2), the unlocking mechanism (6) comprising a manually actuated control lever, articulated to the second slide element (21) by a transverse shaft (60) pivotally mounted on the lateral flank of the upper profile (PSUP), the control lever comprising a force distribution member (61) configured to come into contact, straddling the first lever and the second lever,configured to transmit an unlocking force of the control lever and distribute it over the first end of the first lever (LV1) and over the first end of the second lever (L2) by causing the rotation of the first lever (LV1) around its second end against a return force of the first torsion spring and the rotation of the, second lever (LV2) around its second end against a return force of the second spring.

7. Continuously adjustable slide locking system according to claim 6 wherein said force distribution member (61) is wholly or partly made of an elastomeric material.

8. Continuously adjustable slide locking system according to claim 6 or 7, in which said force distribution member is pivotally mounted on the control lever, along a transverse articulation axis.

9. A continuously adjustable slide locking system according to one of claims 5 to 8, in which the wedging portion and the articulation portion of the first metal wire or the second metal wire extend along two parallel axes, connected to each other by a bent portion of the metal wire.

10. Vehicle seat comprising a seat and a backrest as well as a locking system for a continuously adjustable slide according to one of claims 1 to 9, the first slide element (20) of which is anchored to a floor of the vehicle and the second slide element (21) is integral with a frame of the seat.

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