Rail system for a vehicle seat

Abstract

A rail system with a base rail and a top rail guided in the base rail, the top rail being adjustable relative to the base rail by means of longitudinal adjustment means, wherein the longitudinal adjustment means have a threaded spindle fixed in the base rail and a spindle nut screwed onto the threaded spindle, the spindle nut being fixedly connected to the top rail by means of a transmission housing, the threaded spindle being covered in the base rail by a deformable protective element, the protective element having longitudinal edges in the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal edges above the threaded spindle overlapping in at least one overlap region in the transverse direction, the threaded spindle being covered on the top side in the at least one overlap region by the protective element, the longitudinal edges being elastically deformable in the transverse direction, so that an opening is formed between the longitudinal edges above the threaded spindle, the transmission housing connected to the top rail protruding from the opening, and the longitudinal edges being elastically deformable in the transverse direction by means of guide elements adjustable in the longitudinal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a track system for vehicle seats, particularly automobile seats. Background Technology

[0002] Track systems for vehicle seats typically have a bottom track mounted on the bottom or chassis and a top track housed within the bottom track in a longitudinally adjustable manner. In motor-driven track systems, a threaded spindle with a spindle nut screwed onto it is also provided. The threaded spindle is, for example, securely connected to the bottom track, and the spindle nut is housed in a transmission housing fixed to the top track. This allows longitudinal displacement of the top track, on which the vehicle seat or its seat structure is mounted, to be achieved by the motor-driven rotation of the spindle nut on the threaded spindle. For the sustained operation of this motor-driven longitudinal adjustment mechanism, it is essential to prevent contaminants from entering the mechanical components, where the transmission is secured by the transmission housing.

[0003] According to DE4204523 A1, a strip-shaped protective element can be used to prevent dirt from penetrating into the bottom track. This protective element extends between two longitudinal guides on a fixed bottom track fixed to the bottom. The end of the strip-shaped protective element is fixed to a movable top track and is carried along with it as the movable top track moves longitudinally, so that the groove in the fixed bottom track is gradually covered by the strip-shaped protective element.

[0004] Furthermore, in US 20040155168 A1, the length adjustment device, consisting of a threaded spindle and a spindle nut, is implemented as a continuous track-type protective element. In this case, the continuous track starts from one end of the movable top track, is guided on the top side to one end of the bottom track fixed on the bottom, deflects downward, and is guided back to the other end of the bottom track on the bottom side. From there, the continuous track deflects upward again and is guided to the other end of the top track. When the top track is adjusted longitudinally, the continuous track guided in the bottom track is also taken along, thereby achieving complete coverage of the bottom track in each longitudinal adjustment.

[0005] KR 20100120768 A also provides a flat protective element for lateral guidance, which covers the bottom rail and is fixed to the top rail on one side and wound around a roller on the other side. This allows the protective element to move with the top rail and keep the bottom rail covered during longitudinal adjustment of the top rail.

[0006] KR 20190069705 A provides a zipper system in which a slider is connected to a top track. The slider functions to close the zipper located in front of and behind it, allowing the zipper to open only in the area where the top track is located. This allows the bottom track to be covered in the area near the top track. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to construct an electrically driven track system that can simply and reliably protect mechanical components from contamination.

[0008] The solution of the present invention to achieve the above objectives lies in the orbital system described in the present invention.

[0009] Therefore, according to the invention, the longitudinal edges of the protective element located above the threaded spindle overlap in the lateral direction in at least one overlapping area, i.e., they are planarly stacked on each other, such that the threaded spindle is covered on the top side by the protective element in the at least one overlapping area, and the longitudinal edges are elastically deformable or elastically deformable in the lateral direction, i.e., toward the side or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, thereby forming an opening between the longitudinal edges above the threaded spindle, from which the transmission housing connected to the top track protrudes.

[0010] Advantageously, the mechanical components of the motor-driven track system are protected simply and effectively by using a resiliently deformable protective element that covers the threaded spindle on the top side with its initial shape, while also providing a simple solution for connecting the transmission housing to the top track. Because the protective element overlaps on the top side, it is also easy to assemble, for example, by fitting or positioning the protective element over the threaded spindle with the top side open, and then the protective element resiliently returns to its original shape, with the longitudinal edges overlapping or planarly stacked on top of each other in the overlapping area.

[0011] The longitudinal edge remains open only in the transmission housing area. This opening preferably has overlapping areas on both sides that cover the threaded spindle. In this area of ​​the opening, overlap is preferably ensured by a top rail; therefore, it is sufficient for the threaded spindle to be covered only by a protective element in the overlapping area.

[0012] Furthermore, this protective element can be manufactured to be lightweight, for example, made of fatigue-resistant materials (such as plastics or metals), so that it can elastically recover to its initial shape after repeated elastic deformation. Corrosion-resistant materials can also be used in this case. In addition, good optical quality perception is achieved through this invention.

[0013] Preferably, a sleeve-shaped protective element (i.e., with a sleeve as the initial shape) can be provided as the protective element. This protective element is positioned in the overlapping area, completely surrounding the threaded spindle in a sleeve-like manner. The longitudinal edge of the sleeve-shaped protective element overlaps the threaded spindle in the overlapping area in the lateral direction and is elastically deformable in the lateral direction, or is capable of elastically deforming in the lateral direction, to form an opening for the transmission housing above the threaded spindle. Therefore, the protective element can be reliably installed in a simple manner, thereby providing sufficient protection for the threaded spindle in the relevant area.

[0014] As an alternative, a strip-shaped protective element can be provided, consisting of two longitudinally extending partial strips placed side-by-side in the transverse direction. The longitudinal edges of the partial strips overlap in the transverse direction above the threaded spindle, such that the threaded spindle is covered on the top side by the partial strips. The longitudinal edges are elastically deformable in the transverse direction, or capable of elastically deforming in the transverse direction, to form an opening above the threaded spindle. Therefore, if the strip-shaped protective element, consisting of two partial strips, is not placed completely around the threaded spindle, especially in the overlapping area, the threaded spindle can be easily covered from above with less material consumption. This at least prevents relevant contaminants from entering from above.

[0015] Furthermore, preferably, the protective element is secured to the threaded spindle by means of a retainer whose end is adjacent to and / or fixed to the retainer of the threaded spindle to prevent longitudinal movement of the protective element. The above measures prevent longitudinal movement of the protective element to avoid unintended movement during longitudinal adjustment of the top track or transmission housing, thereby preventing the threaded spindle from being unprotected from above.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the longitudinal edge can be elastically deformed in the lateral direction by a guide element that can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction, or by the guide element itself. Additionally, when the top track is longitudinally adjusted, the area around the transmission housing can be opened selectively and easily. In this case, it is proposed that the guide element is constituted by or can be constituted by the transmission housing itself. Depending on the specific embodiment and application, the transmission housing itself can ensure that the protective element is opened on the top side, thereby achieving a simple structure.

[0017] Furthermore, preferably, the longitudinal edge, which elastically deforms in the lateral direction, is arranged in the region of the transmission housing between the top rail and the transmission housing. This ensures reliable guidance of the protective element without additional components.

[0018] Furthermore, preferably, as the distance from the transmission housing increases, the longitudinal edges originating from the transmission housing continuously approach each other within the formed opening until the longitudinal edges overlap laterally in the overlapping area. This ensures a smooth transition between the opening and the overlapping area, wherein this transition is particularly related to the elasticity of the selected material and (if applicable) the type of guiding element, thus allowing for targeted adaptation of the transition. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the vehicle seats is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 Detailed diagram of the vehicle seat track system;

[0022] Figure 3 The image shown is in a disassembled state according to one embodiment. Figure 2 The shown orbital system;

[0023] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 3 A side view of the orbital system;

[0024] Figures 4a to 4f According to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the orbital system;

[0025] Figure 5 A top view of a track system according to another embodiment is shown; and

[0026] Figures 5a to 5e According to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the orbital system. Detailed Implementation

[0027] according to Figure 1 A vehicle seat 1 for automobiles has a seat component 2 and a backrest 3, wherein the vehicle seat 1 is connected on both sides to the bottom 5 of the vehicle or an element fixed to the bottom via a support structure of the seat component 2 on two track systems 4, the two track systems being arranged parallel to each other and extending in the longitudinal direction X. Figure 2 In the detailed drawing, the track system 4 has a bottom track 6 fixed on the bottom and a top track 7 guided in the bottom track 6 in a longitudinally movable manner, wherein the load-bearing structure of the seat component 2 is fixed on the top track 7 by a corresponding fixing member 8 so as to enable longitudinal adjustment of the vehicle seat 1.

[0028] In this case, longitudinal adjustment is performed by a longitudinal adjustment device 10, which has a threaded spindle 11 extending in the longitudinal direction X and a transmission housing 12, in which a transmission device 12a with a spindle nut 12b is arranged. The threaded spindle 11 is securely connected to the bottom rail 6 within the bottom rail 6 via end retainers 13 and 14. The transmission housing 12 with the transmission device 12a is securely connected to the top rail 7 via a receiving area 15. The transmission device 12a has a drive interface 12c through which it can be connected to a driver or motor (not shown), thereby allowing the spindle nut 12b to rotate. The spindle nut 12b is screwed onto the threaded spindle 11 so that when the longitudinal adjustment device 10 is driven by a motor, linear adjustment of the top rail 7 relative to the bottom rail 8 in the longitudinal direction X is achieved via the transmission device 12a.

[0029] according to Figure 3 A sleeve-shaped protective element 16 is also arranged between the front and rear retainers 13 and 14. In the illustrated embodiment, this sleeve-shaped protective element at least partially surrounds the threaded spindle 11 in a sleeve-like manner, thereby protecting the threaded spindle 11 from contaminants (e.g., dust, sand) or small objects. In this case, the sleeve-shaped protective element 16 is arranged between the retainers 13 and 14 to prevent the sleeve-shaped protective element 16 from moving relative to the threaded spindle 11 in the longitudinal direction X. This can be achieved, for example, by having the ends 16a and 16b of the sleeve-shaped protective element 16 abut against the retainers 13 and 14. In this way, the sleeve-shaped protective element 16 surrounding the threaded spindle 11 cannot be moved past the front and rear retainers 13 and 14. Furthermore, the ends 16a and 16b of the sleeve-shaped protective element 16 can also be connected to the retainers 13 and 14 in a suitable manner.

[0030] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve-shaped protective element 16 can be opened on the top side to release the path to the transmission housing 12 during longitudinal adjustment in a motor-driven manner. For this purpose, the sleeve-shaped protective element 16 has a sleeve shape as its initial shape, which, on the top side, i.e., towards the top track 7, is closed in the overlapping area 17 by longitudinal edges 16c, 16d overlapping transversely to the longitudinal direction X or along the transverse direction Y, thereby covering the threaded spindle 11. The longitudinal edges 16c, 16d can be elastically deformed towards the side, i.e., along the transverse direction Y, by any guide element 18, so that these longitudinal edges no longer overlap, thereby forming an opening 19 in the sleeve-shaped protective element 16 in the area surrounding the guide element 18, through which the transmission housing 12 can extend from the sleeve-shaped protective element 16 into the receiving area 15.

[0031] If the guide element 18 moves along the longitudinal direction X, the opening 19 also moves accordingly along the longitudinal direction X. The longitudinal edges 16c and 16d, which overlap along the transverse direction Y, open in front of the guide element 18 in the direction of movement and, due to the elasticity of the material of the sleeve-shaped protective element 16, close again or overlap again behind the guide element 18 in the direction of movement. That is, by the guide element 18 displacing the sleeve-shaped protective element 16 laterally or along the transverse direction Y in the region of the transmission housing 12, the threaded spindle 11 is no longer covered by the sleeve-shaped protective element 16 in this region, but is instead covered by the top track 7, particularly as from... Figure 2 or Figure 3 As can be seen from the text.

[0032] To ensure that the longitudinal edges 16c, 16d or the sleeve-shaped protective element 16 can sustainably achieve this elastic deformation in the transverse direction Y, the sleeve-shaped protective element 16 is made of a fatigue-resistant material, ensuring that it returns to its initial shape (sleeve shape) after repeated elastic deformation. For example, metal or plastic can be selected as the material. In this case, depending on the elasticity of the material, openings 19 extending in the transverse direction Y and longitudinal direction X respectively are formed in front of and behind the guide element 18 in the longitudinal direction X by "extrusion" for the transmission housing 12.

[0033] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the guide element 18 is formed by the transmission housing 12 itself, ensuring that the longitudinal edges 16c and 16d elastically deform laterally in front of and behind the transmission housing 12 along the longitudinal direction X, thereby forming correspondingly extending openings 19 around the transmission housing 12. However, other components can also be provided in front of and behind the transmission housing 12 as the guide element 18 to ensure that the longitudinal edges 16c and 16d elastically deform in the lateral direction Y.

[0034] exist Figures 4a to 4f The deformation of the longitudinal edges 16c, 16d through the transmission housing 12 is exemplarily shown in different sectional views, which correspond to... Figure 4 The section lines shown are BB to GG. Therefore, Figure 4a The protective element 16 in (BB) still has its initial shape or sleeve shape, wherein the protective element 16 is positioned completely around the threaded spindle 11 and thus covers the threaded spindle on the top side. Figure 4b (CC) and Figure 4cIn (DD), the sleeve-shaped protective element 16 has been opened on the top side and the threaded spindle 11 is partially exposed, while the transmission housing 12 does not directly adjoin the longitudinal edges 16c and 16d in this area as the guide element 18. In this case, as the distance from the transmission housing 12 decreases, the longitudinal edges 16c and 16d gradually open further in the transverse direction Y.

[0035] Only Figure 4d In (EE), the transmission housing 12 is adjacent to the longitudinal edges 16c, 16d and directly presses these longitudinal edges outward in the transverse direction Y. In this case, the longitudinal edges 16c, 16d extend between the transmission housing 12 and the top track 7 on different sides of the transmission. Figure 4e (FF) and Figure 4f In (GG), the longitudinal edges 16c and 16d are elastically reset and pushed back to their initial shape, wherein as the distance from the transmission housing 12 increases, the longitudinal edges 16c and 16d further move toward each other (in the lateral direction Y) and Figure 4f In the middle, it overlaps again in the initial shape / sleeve shape (along the transverse direction Y), thus covering the threaded spindle 11 again toward the top side. Therefore, when using homogeneous materials, the longitudinal edges 16c, 16d are deformed substantially symmetrically in front of and behind the transmission housing 12.

[0036] according to Figure 5 An alternative embodiment is proposed, in which instead of a sleeve-shaped protective element 16, a strip-shaped protective element 20 is provided, consisting of two partial strips 21 and 22 placed side-by-side with each other in the transverse direction Y. This achieves the same function as in the previous embodiment, namely protecting the threaded spindle 11 from contamination, since the partial strips 21 and 22 cover the threaded spindle 11 at least in the overlapping area 17. In this case, the strip-shaped protective element 20 is also arranged with its ends 20a and 20b between the end-side retainers 13 and 14 of the threaded spindle 11, wherein the movement of the strip-shaped protective element 20 in the longitudinal direction X is restricted by the retainers 13 and 14. This can be achieved by supplementarily fixing the strip-shaped protective element 20 to the retainers 13 and 14 at the end sides.

[0037] In this exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal edges 20c and 20d of the strip protective element 20, formed by the inner edges of the two partial strips 21 and 22 extending in the longitudinal direction X, can also be pushed out or elastically deformed from their initial position toward the side or in the transverse direction Y by the guide element 18 to form an opening 19 for the transmission housing 12. In front of and behind the opening 19, the two partial strips 21 and 22 overlap in the overlapping area 17 along the longitudinal edges 20c and 20d in the transverse direction Y, thereby protecting the threaded spindle 11 from contamination. Here, as the distance from the transmission housing 12 increases, the longitudinal edges 20c and 20d also continuously approach each other from both sides of the transmission housing 12 until these longitudinal edges overlap again in the overlapping area 17 in the transverse direction Y.

[0038] according to Figures 5a to 5e The sectional view in the middle, to be consistent with Figures 4a to 4f Similarly, longitudinal mobility of the transmission housing 12 can also be achieved through the elastic deformation of the longitudinal edges 20c and 20d in the transverse direction Y. Unlike the previous embodiment, some strips 21 and 22 of the strip protective element 20 do not surround the bottom side of the threaded spindle 11; however, this is not absolutely necessary based on the structure of the track system 4, as dirt may mainly penetrate from above.

[0039] Appendix Label Table

[0040] 1 Vehicle Seat

[0041] 2 Seat Components

[0042] 3 backrests

[0043] 4-track system

[0044] 5 bottom

[0045] 6 Bottom Rail

[0046] 7 top tracks

[0047] 8 fixed components

[0048] 10. Longitudinal Adjustment Device

[0049] 11 threaded spindle

[0050] 12 Transmission device housing

[0051] 12a transmission device

[0052] 12b spindle nut

[0053] 13 Front retainer

[0054] 14 Rear retainer

[0055] 15 storage areas

[0056] 16 sets of cylindrical protective elements

[0057] The ends of the sleeve-shaped protective element 16 (16a, 16b)

[0058] Longitudinal edge of sleeve-shaped protective element 16 (16c, 16d)

[0059] 17 overlapping regions

[0060] 18 guiding elements

[0061] 19 openings

[0062] 20-bar protective element

[0063] The ends of the 20a, 20b strip protective elements 20

[0064] Longitudinal edge of 20c, 20d strip protective element 20

[0065] 21, 22 partial stripes

[0066] X longitudinal direction

[0067] Y-direction

Claims

1. A track system (4) for a vehicle seat (1), the track system having a bottom track (6) for connection to a bottom (5) of a vehicle and a top track (7) guided in the bottom track (6) for connection to a seat component (2) of the vehicle seat (1), wherein the top track (7) is adjustable relative to the bottom track (6) in a longitudinal direction (X) by a longitudinal adjustment device (10). The longitudinal adjustment device (10) has a threaded spindle (11) fixed in the bottom rail (6) and a spindle nut (12b) screwed onto the threaded spindle (11). The spindle nut is securely connected to the top rail (7) via a transmission housing (12) so that the top rail (7) can be moved longitudinally (X) by the motor drive of the longitudinal adjustment device (10) in a manner guided by the bottom rail (6). The threaded spindle (11) is at least partially covered in the bottom rail (6) by deformable protective elements (16; 20) extending in the longitudinal direction (X), wherein the protective elements (16; 20) have longitudinal edges (16c, 16d; 20c, 20d) extending in the longitudinal direction (X). Its features are, The longitudinal edges (16c, 16d; 20c, 20d) located above the threaded spindle (11) overlap in at least one overlapping area (17) in the transverse direction (Y), such that the threaded spindle (11) is covered on the top side by the protective element (16; 20) in the at least one overlapping area (17), wherein the at least one overlapping area (17) extends along the length of the threaded spindle (11) in the longitudinal direction (X), and the longitudinal edges (16c, 16d; 20c, 20d) are elastically deformable in the transverse direction (Y), thereby forming an opening (19) between the longitudinal edges (16c, 16d; 20c, 20d) located above the threaded spindle (11) at a position adjacent to the at least one overlapping area (17), from which the transmission housing (12) connected to the top rail (7) protrudes, and The longitudinal edges (16c, 16d; 20c, 20d) can be elastically deformed in the lateral direction (Y) by a guide element (18) adjustable in the longitudinal direction (X) or by the guide element elastically deformed in the lateral direction to change the longitudinal position of the opening (19) and the at least one overlapping area (17), wherein the guide element (18) is formed by the transmission housing (12).

2. The track system (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sleeve-shaped protective element (16) is provided as a protective element, which is placed completely around the thread spindle (11) in the overlapping area (17). The longitudinal edges (16c, 16d) of the sleeve-shaped protective element (16) overlap the thread spindle (11) in the overlapping area (17) in the transverse direction (Y) and are capable of elastic deformation in the transverse direction (Y) to form the opening (19) above the thread spindle (11).

3. The track system (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A strip-shaped protective element (20) is provided as a protective element, which is composed of two partial strips (21, 22) extending in the longitudinal direction (X). The partial strips are placed side by side in the transverse direction (Y), and the longitudinal edges (20c, 20d) of the partial strips overlap in the overlapping area (17) above the thread spindle (11) in the transverse direction (Y), such that the thread spindle (11) is covered on the top side by the partial strips (21, 22). The longitudinal edges (20c, 20d) are elastically deformable in the transverse direction (Y) to form the opening (19) above the thread spindle (11). The strip protective element (20), which consists of two partial strips (21, 22), is placed in the overlapping area (17).

4. The track system (4) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The strip-shaped protective element (20), which consists of two partial strips (21, 22), is not placed completely around the threaded spindle (11) in the overlapping area (17).

5. The track system (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The threaded spindle (11) is covered on the top side by the top rail (7) in the area of ​​the opening (19).

6. The orbital system (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective element (16; 20) is adjacent to the retainer (13, 14) of the threaded spindle (11) by means of its ends (16a, 16b; 20a, 20b) and / or fixed to the retainer of the threaded spindle to prevent the protective element (16; 20) from moving in the longitudinal direction (X).

7. The track system (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The longitudinal edges (16c, 16d; 20c, 20d) that elastically deform in the transverse direction (Y) are arranged in the region of the transmission housing (12) between the top track (7) and the transmission housing (12).

8. The orbital system (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that, As the distance from the transmission housing (12) increases, the longitudinal edges (16c, 16d; 20c, 20d) originate from the transmission housing (12) and continuously approach each other in the formed opening (19) until the longitudinal edges overlap in the overlapping area (17) in the lateral direction (Y).

9. The orbital system (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective elements (16; 20) are made of fatigue-resistant materials so that they can elastically recover to their initial shape after repeated elastic deformation.

10. The orbital system (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective elements (16; 20) are made of plastic or metal so that they can elastically return to their corresponding initial shape after repeated elastic deformation.

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