System for locking continuously adjustable slider

Abstract

System (1) for locking a continuously adjustable slider of a vehicle seat, the system comprising:-a slider comprising a first lower slider element (20) configured to be fixed to a floor of a vehicle and a second upper slider element (21) configured to slide along the first slider element, -a system for locking by support, said system comprising:-a rail extending longitudinally along said slider and fixed relative to said first slider element, said rail having a first upper friction surface and a second lower friction surface opposite said first upper friction surface, -a first blocking member (4) and a second blocking member (5) mounted integrally with the second slider element (21) in an offset position along the longitudinal axis of the rail (3), constrained by the first and second cams (C1, C2) for locking.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for locking a slider of a continuously adjustable vehicle seat and a vehicle seat comprising such a locking system. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of systems for adjusting and locking sliders of motor vehicles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to adjustment systems whose sliders connect a cushion of a seat to a floor of the vehicle.

[0003] In the present disclosure, and in a known manner, a vehicle seat may generally include:

[0004] a cushion extending in direction X from the front edge and to the rear edge and extending laterally in direction Y from the first side edge to the second side edge,

[0005] a backrest extending vertically from a rear edge of the cushion or generally obliquely towards the rear in direction Z from a lower edge of the backrest to a lower edge and laterally in direction Y from a first side edge to a second side edge.

[0006] The backrest may be tiltable relative to the back cushion, typically by a pivot axis between the backrest frame and the back cushion frame, extending in a transverse direction Y.

[0007] The position of the seat in the vehicle can generally be adjusted in direction X by means of an adjustment and locking system according to the disclosure, or even preferably by means of two adjustment and locking systems, wherein two slides connect the cushion to the floor of the vehicle.

[0008] Thus, one or each of the two sliders comprises two slider elements, wherein a first slider element is rigidly connected to the floor (typically the lower profile) and a second slider element is rigidly connected to the back cushion of the seat (typically the upper profile), the two slider elements being configured to slide relative to each other in direction X.

[0009] The adjustment and locking system further comprises a locking system comprising a control member which is commanded, usually manually or in a motorized manner, to unlock the slider in order to allow an occupant of the seat to adjust the position of the seat by moving a first slider element movable relative to the second slider element.

[0010] Once the position of the seat is adjusted, the control member is released to lock the seat in the adjustment position corresponding to the adjustment step of the slide.

[0011] For this purpose, the prior art knows a locking system with discontinuous adjustment, which has a latching system comprising a support rigidly connected to the second slider element and a blocking member movable relative to the support, the blocking member being configured to penetrate, in the locked state of the latching system, an adjustment opening rigidly connected to the first slider element under the action of an elastic member such as a spring. When actuated, the control member can force the blocking member to resist the force of the spring and thereby withdraw the blocking member from the adjustment opening, thereby releasing the slider so that it can slide.

[0012] Thus, a first type of locking system is known, usually named “steplock” by those skilled in the art, for which a blocking member, usually rigidly connected to one another, only ensures blocking of the slide when the relative position between two slide elements (a first slide element and a second slide element) corresponds to an adjustment step of the slide.

[0013] A second type of locking system is also known, which has an improved security compared to the first type and is generally named "instantaneous lock" by those skilled in the art, and which always ensures the blocking of the two elements of the slide and this is the case 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.

[0014] For this purpose, the blocking members are independent of one another and are configured so that at least one of them penetrates and is fixed in one of the adjustment openings, which are generally rectangular, and this is the case even in this intermediate position between two adjustment steps, i.e. in two consecutive adjustment positions of the slide.

[0015] Then, the slider can no longer slide over the stroke corresponding to the adjustment step of the slider. When the slider moves in any of the two consecutive adjustment positions, a slight sliding of the first slider element relative to the second slider element enables the other blocking member that has not penetrated to face the adjustment opening and lock therein, so as to achieve the locking of the slider. In both cases, whether it is a latching system of the step lock type or the instantaneous lock type, the number of adjustment positions is limited to the number of locking positions allowed by the adjustment steps of the system.

[0016] However, the present disclosure is directed to a locking slide system with continuous adjustment, ie, one that provides an infinite number of adjustment positions over the length of the slide, and in contrast to the adjustment and locking systems described above that have discrete adjustment. Background Art

[0017] Continuously adjustable locking systems for motor vehicle seats are known from the prior art, in particular from documents US 2003 / 0227207, DE 2 301 042 or US Pat. No. 2,292,718.

[0018] Such a system comprises a track and a locking member pair, wherein the track is rigidly connected to a first fixed portion of the slider (which is rigidly connected to the floor of the vehicle), and the locking member pair comprises a first blocking member and a second blocking member, wherein the first blocking member and the second blocking member are rigidly connected to a second movable portion of the slider fixed to the cushion frame of the seat.

[0019] In a first relative position between the first blocking member and the second blocking member, corresponding to unlocking of the system, the first and second locking members are configured to move freely along the track without obstruction, thereby allowing the slider to slide freely.

[0020] In a second relative position between the first locking member and the second locking member, in a subsequent over-center condition, the following begins to apply on the track, generating:

[0021] a first force generated by a first abutment of the second slider part on the first blocking member, thereby ensuring an overcentering of the first locking member on the track, so as to ensure blocking of the second slider element relative to the first slider element in the first sliding direction by two reaction forces of the track on the first blocking member, of which on the one hand a first reaction force between a first upper friction surface of the track and a first wall of the first friction member and on the other hand a second reaction force between a second lower friction surface of the track and a second wall of the first blocking member,

[0022] - a second force generated by a second abutment on the second blocking member, thereby ensuring over-centering of the second blocking member on the track, so as to ensure locking of the second slider element relative to the first slider element in the second sliding direction by two reaction forces of the track on the second blocking member, which are, on the one hand, a third reaction force between the first upper friction surface of the track and the third wall of the second friction member and, on the other hand, a fourth reaction force between the second lower friction surface of the track and the fourth wall of the second blocking member.

[0023] With these prior art devices, small movements of the slider can be problematic due to stresses on the seat, and therefore on the movable portion of the slider, particularly stresses in alternating directions that may typically occur as a result of continuous acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle.

[0024] According to the findings of the inventors, particularly when unidirectional stress is applied to the second movable part of the slider, a very small movement is generated between the second movable part of the slider and the first fixed part, thereby strengthening the force of one of the abutments (i.e., the first abutment or the corresponding second abutment) according to the direction of the displacement, and causing the loss of the other abutment (i.e., the second abutment (or the corresponding first abutment)) by breaking the over-center condition of the blocking member that loses the abutment (i.e., the first blocking member or the corresponding second blocking member).

[0025] Since the blocking member has lost abutment, the static equilibrium of the blocking member is no longer ensured and the locking member moves a few hundredths of a millimeter until it reaches an indeterminate static equilibrium position. According to the findings of the inventors, such phenomena can cause micro-movements as and when longitudinal stresses in alternating directions occur, and as the vehicle may encounter during continuous acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle.

[0026] Furthermore, in such prior art, the slider is unlocked by tilting the two blocking members from the second position to the first position, with a simultaneous loss of abutment, i.e., the first and second abutments. When the slider is locked and then unlocked, the first and second abutments are successively lost each time the slider is unlocked, and then regained each time it is locked, which can result in a loss of reference between the blocking members and the second slider element / track, and over time, an unsatisfactory over-center condition due to these dispersions. Summary of the invention

[0027] The present disclosure improves at least all or part of the current situation.

[0028] A system for locking a continuously adjustable slide block of a vehicle seat is proposed, the system comprising:

[0029] - the slider, the slider comprising a first lower slider element and a second upper slider element, the first lower slider element being configured to be fixed to a vehicle floor, the second upper slider element being configured to slide along the first slider element,

[0030] - A system for locking by support, said system comprising:

[0031] a track extending longitudinally along the slider, the track being fixed relative to the first slider element, the track having a first upper friction surface and an opposite second lower friction surface,

[0032] a first blocking member and a second blocking member, the first blocking member and the second blocking member being mounted so as to be rigidly connected to the second slider element, wherein the positions of the first blocking member and the second blocking member are offset along the longitudinal axis of the track, the first blocking member comprising a first wall and a second wall facing each other, the first wall and the second wall being configured to rub against a first friction surface and the second friction surface of the track, respectively, the second blocking member comprising a third wall and a fourth wall facing each other, the third wall and the fourth wall being configured to rub against the first friction surface and the second friction surface of the track,

[0033] a first cam rigidly connected to the second slider element, and a first elastic member configured to move the first cam to ensure contact with the first locking member by generating a first force between the first blocking member and the first cam, thereby ensuring overcentering of the first blocking member on the track, so as to ensure blocking of the second slider element in a first sliding direction relative to the first slider element by two reaction forces of the track on the first blocking member, on the one hand a first reaction force between a first upper friction surface of the track and a first wall of the first blocking member, and on the other hand a second reaction force between a second lower friction surface of the track and a second wall of the first blocking member,

[0034] a second cam rigidly connected to the second slider element, and a second elastic member configured to move the second cam to ensure contact with the first blocking member by generating a second force between the second blocking member and the second cam, thereby ensuring overcentering of the second blocking member on the track, so as to ensure blocking of the second slider element relative to the first slider element in a second sliding direction by two reaction forces of the track on the second blocking member, of which on the one hand a third reaction force between the first upper friction surface of the track and the third wall of the second blocking member and on the other hand a fourth reaction force between the second lower friction surface of the track and the fourth wall of the second blocking member,

[0035] - an unlocking mechanism, which is configured to drive the first cam and the second cam to move from their positions restricted by the first elastic member and the second elastic member to ensure the over-centering of the first blocking member and the second blocking member on the track and thereby ensure the locking of the slider to the retracted position of the first cam and the retracted position of the second cam, thereby eliminating the over-centering of the first blocking member and the second member on the track, thereby releasing the slider so that it can slide.

[0036] The features disclosed in the following paragraphs may be optionally implemented. The features may be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first cam and the second cam are configured to ensure the over-centering of the first blocking member and the second blocking member by allowing compensation by means of the following operation during the generation of a small movement between the second slider element and the first slider element by the longitudinal stress on the second slider element, while still ensuring the first force and the second force: moving one of the two cams or even both cams, i.e. the first cam and / or the corresponding second cam, changes the contact point between the cam and the blocking member, i.e. the first blocking member or the corresponding second blocking member, while the other cam, i.e. the second cam or the corresponding first cam, can remain stationary while maintaining the contact point between the cam and the blocking member, i.e. the first blocking member or the corresponding second blocking member.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the system includes: a first spring member between the second slider element and the first blocking member, so that the first blocking member is always in contact with the first cam even in the retracted position of the first cam that releases the sliding of the slider; and a second spring member between the second slider element and the second blocking member, so that the second blocking member is always in contact with the second cam even in the retracted position of the second cam that releases the sliding of the slider.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the first cam and the second cam are hinged on a support rigidly connected to the second slider element and are configured to pivot independently on the support under the action of the first elastic member and the second elastic member, and wherein:

[0040] - the first cam comprises an eccentric first cam surface configured to come into contact with the first blocking element during pivoting according to the direction of rotation imposed by the first elastic member, wherein a radius between a pivoting center of the first cam and a contact point with the first blocking element increases,

[0041] The second cam comprises an eccentric second cam surface configured to come into contact with the second blocking element during pivoting according to the rotational direction imposed by the second elastic member, wherein a radius between a pivoting center of the second cam and a contact point with the second blocking element increases.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first cam and the second cam are inserted between the first blocking member and the second blocking member and are restricted by the first elastic member and the second elastic member to separate the first blocking member and the second blocking member, thereby ensuring that the first blocking member and the second blocking member are over-centered relative to the track.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first cam and the second cam are hinged to the support so as to share a common pivot axis.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the first and second resilient members comprise a single spring member interconnecting the first and second cams.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the first cam includes a cylindrical body and an eccentric first cam surface radially protruding from the cylindrical body and intended to contact the first blocking member, a first lug centered about the rotation axis of the first cam and the axis of the cylindrical body, and a second lug coaxial with the first lug at the opposite end of the cylindrical body, the first lug and the second lug being configured to cooperate with a bearing surface of a support rigidly connected to the second movable slider element, and wherein the second cam includes a second cam surface intended to contact the second blocking member and an opposing concave surface having a curvature radius corresponding to the radius of the cylindrical body of the first cam, the opposing concave surface being configured to slide on the cylindrical surface of the body to allow the second cam to pivot relative to the first cam.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the first cam and the second cam are restricted in their restricted positions, thereby ensuring the locking of the slider by over-centering the first blocking member and the second blocking member on the track realized by the spring, the spring being a torsion spring with a helical coil comprising a first end rotationally connected to the first cam and a second end rotationally connected to the second cam, the cylindrical body of the first cam comprising an annular housing configured to accommodate the helical coil of the torsion spring, and a first linear cavity radially extending from the annular housing for the first end of the torsion spring to ensure the rotational connection of the first end with the first cam, the body of the second cam comprising a second linear cavity for the second end of the torsion spring to ensure the rotational connection of the second end with the first cam.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the first cam is articulated to the support about a first pivot axis and the second cam is articulated to the support about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being parallel to and independent of the first pivot axis.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the unlocking mechanism includes a control member that can move within a limited stroke, in particular along the vertical direction Z, and the control member is configured to move from a first stationary position to a second position, thereby forcing the first cam and the second cam to resist the first elastic member and the second elastic member to their retracted position.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the first slider element is a lower profile and the second slider element is an upper profile slidably mounted along the lower profile, the first blocking member and the second blocking member extend internally in a gap between the upper profile and the lower profile, and the track is rigidly connected to the lower profile and accommodated in the gap.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first and the second blocking member protrude from the upper profile through at least one opening of the upper profile, and wherein in particular the first and the second cam are at least partially arranged outside the gap, above the upper profile.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the lower profile forming the first slider part comprises a base and at least one upward wing extending from the base, and wherein the rail is fixed to the at least one upward wing of the lower profile in the gap by a tongue protruding from an opening in the wall of the upward wing into the gap, the tongue being typically obtained by stamping.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the first cam and the second cam are arranged rigidly connected to the second slider element above the track and optionally at least partially arranged outside the gap, and wherein when the system is in operation, the movable assembly is embedded in the second slider element, in particular accommodated in the gap,

[0053] The assembly comprises:

[0054] a first stopper positioned on the side of the track opposite to the first cam, the first stopper being configured to provide, under the action of a first elastic portion of the movable assembly, a positioning reference for the first blocking member in the direction of the slide on the side of the track opposite to the first cam,

[0055] - a second stopper, which is positioned on the side of the track opposite to the second cam and is configured to provide a positioning reference for the second blocking member in the direction of the slider on the side of the track opposite to the second cam under the action of the first elastic part of the movable assembly.

[0056] According to a second embodiment, the lower section forming the first slider portion comprises a base, and the upper section comprises a main wall carrying the at least one opening, the first blocking element and the second blocking element passing through the at least one opening, and wherein the first cam and the second cam are arranged outside the gap, above the upper section, the first cam and the second cam being configured to pivot along different pivot axes or pivot axes that may be combined to share the same pivot axis, the pivot axes being oriented in a vertical direction, the vertical direction being orthogonal to the base of the lower section or to the main wall of the upper section.

[0057] According to such a second embodiment, the unlocking mechanism may include a transmission member, which can be translated along the transverse direction Y above the main wall and parallel to the main wall within a limited stroke, and the transmission member is configured to move from a first stationary position to a second position, thereby restricting the first cam and the second cam to their retracted positions against the first elastic member and the second elastic member.

[0058] According to such a second embodiment, the system may include a control member, which is pivotally hinged to the upper section, and the control member is transverse to the upper section along a rotation axis oriented along the sliding direction X of the slider, and the control member is configured to control the transmission member to translate from the first stationary position to the second position when the lever is pressed.

[0059] Such a second embodiment may have an overall dimension in the vertical direction extending above the upper section, in particular including the unlocking mechanism, the first cam and the second cam, the overall dimension in the vertical direction above the upper section being less than 25 mm, in particular less than 20 mm, such as 17 mm.

[0060] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a cushion and a backrest, and a continuously adjustable locking system according to the present disclosure, a first slider element of the continuously adjustable locking system being anchored to the floor of the vehicle and a second slider element of the continuously adjustable locking system being rigidly connected to the chassis of the cushion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and analysis of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure 1a

[0063] [ Figure 1a ] shows an embodiment of a locking system for a continuously adjustable slider for a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure.

[0064] Figure 1b

[0065] [ Figure 1b ] is a cross-sectional view in the YZ plane perpendicular to the axis of the slider, showing a movable upper section of the slider intended to be attached to a cushion, a fixed lower section of the slider intended to be attached to a vehicle floor, and a track housed in a space (hereinafter referred to as the gap) between the upper and lower sections, the track being attached to the lower section by a tongue protruding into the gap from an opening in the wall of the upward wing of the track, the tongue usually obtained by stamping.

[0066] Figure 2a

[0067] [ Figure 2a ] is a view of a system with hidden upper and lower sections, showing a track; a support member attached to the upper section on which the first cam and the second cam are hinged, above the track, inserted between the first blocking member and the second blocking member, the two blocking members being offset along the axis of the track; and an assembly, the assembly being rigidly connected to the upper section, thereby forming a first stop member for the first blocking member and a second stop member for the second blocking member below the track, providing positioning references for the first blocking member and the second blocking member along the sliding axis of the slider, respectively, the first blocking member and the second blocking member being held against the two stops by the elastic portion of the assembly.

[0068] Figure 2b

[0069] [ Figure 2b ]yes Figure 2a A view of the system shown, where Figure 2a The section from the opposite side is still hidden.

[0070] Figure 3

[0071] [ Figure 3 ]yes Figure 1a A cross-sectional view of the slider in the XZ plane shows the first cam and the second cam protruding from the upper opening of the upper section mainly outside the space between the upper section and the lower section of the slider, the first leaf spring forming a first spring member, which restricts the first blocking member to the first cam even when the sliding of the slider is released by the retraction of the first cam, and the second leaf spring forming a second spring member, which restricts the second blocking member to the second cam even when the sliding of the slider is released by the retraction of the second cam.

[0072] Figure 4a

[0073] [ Figure 4a] is a view of the system and in particular of the actuator for the unlocking mechanism.

[0074] Figure 4b

[0075] [ Figure 4b ]yes Figure 4a A cross-sectional view of the control member at its rest position, in which the control member is pressed at its upper rest position so that it moves downward, wherein the first stud of the first cam abuts against the second stud of the second cam, thereby causing the cam to rotate in opposite directions relative to the first elastic member and the second elastic member, thereby allowing the first blocking member and the second blocking member to move toward each other into the retracted position of the cam, thereby releasing the sliding of the slider.

[0076] Figure 5a

[0077] [ Figure 5a ] shows an exploded view of a first cam and a second cam sharing the same rotation axis, the first cam comprising a cylindrical body and a convex eccentric cam surface radially protruding from the cylindrical body intended to contact the first blocking member, and a first lug (visible) and a second lug (not visible) centered on the rotation axis and the axis of the cylindrical body, the lugs being configured to cooperate with a bearing surface of a support rigidly connected to a second movable slider element, the second cam comprising an eccentric convex cam surface intended to contact the second blocking member and a relative concave surface, wherein the radius of curvature corresponds to the cylindrical body of the first cam, the relative concave surface being configured to slide on the cylindrical surface of the body to allow pivoting of the second cam, the first cam and the second cam being restricted in their restricted positions, thereby ensuring that the first blocking member and the second blocking member are locked by an over-center slider on the track by a torsion coil spring, the torsion coil spring comprising a first end rotationally connected to the first cam and a second end rotationally connected to the second cam.

[0078] Figure 5b

[0079] [ Figure 5b ]yes Figure 4a From and Figure 5a In a view seen from the side opposite to the side of the torsion spring, the cylindrical body of the first cam includes an annular housing for the spiral coil of the torsion spring, and a first linear cavity extending radially from the annular housing and forming a housing for the first end of the torsion spring, and the body of the second cam includes a second linear cavity forming a housing for the second end of the torsion spring.

[0080] Figure 6a

[0081] [ Figure 6a] shows an embodiment which is not part of the claimed disclosure, according to the cross-sectional plane, when the slider is not subjected to longitudinal forces and is in a relative position between the first blocking member and the second blocking member over-center relative to the track, under the action of the spring element combining the first blocking member and the second blocking member together, under the following conditions, generated:

[0082] a first force generated by a first abutment of the second slider part on the first locking member, thereby ensuring an overcentering of the first blocking member on the track, so as to ensure a higher blocking of the second slider element than the first slider element in a second sliding direction below by two reaction forces of the track on the first blocking member, of which on the one hand a first reaction force between a first upper friction surface of the track and a first wall of the first friction member and on the other hand a second reaction force between a second lower friction surface of the track and a second wall of the first blocking member,

[0083] - a second force generated by a second abutment on the second blocking member, thereby ensuring over-centering of the second blocking member on the track, so as to ensure locking of the second slider element relative to the first slider element in the second sliding direction by two reaction forces of the track on the second blocking member, which are, on the one hand, a third reaction force between the first upper friction surface of the track and the third wall of the second blocking member and, on the other hand, a fourth reaction force between the second lower friction surface of the track and the fourth wall of the second friction member.

[0084] Figure 6b

[0085] [ Figure 6b ] is a continuous view when the second slider element is subjected to a unidirectional stress applied to the second movable part of the slider, this stress generates a very small movement between the second movable part of the slider and the first fixed part, which increases the force of one of the abutments (i.e., the first abutment) and causes the loss of the other abutment (i.e., the second abutment) by breaking the over-center condition of the blocking member (the second blocking member) that loses the abutment, thereby generating a small movement problem according to the longitudinal stress on the slider, especially the stress in the alternating direction.

[0086] Figure 7a

[0087] [ Figure 7a ] is a view showing an over-center condition for ensuring locking of a slider according to the disclosure claimed herein, which includes:

[0088] a first cam rigidly connected to the second slider element, and a first elastic member configured to move the first cam to generate a first force between the first blocking member and the first cam in order to ensure overcentering of the first blocking member on the track in order to ensure locking of the second slider element relative to the first slider element in the first sliding direction by two reaction forces of the track on the first blocking member, a first reaction force between a first upper friction surface of the track and a first wall of the first friction member on the one hand, and a second reaction force between a second lower friction surface of the track and a second wall of the first friction member on the other hand,

[0089] - a second cam, which is rigidly connected to the second slider element, and a second elastic member, which is configured to generate a second force between the second blocking member and the first cam, thereby ensuring the over-centering of the second blocking member on the track, so as to ensure the locking of the second slider element relative to the first slider element in the second sliding direction by two reaction forces of the track on the second blocking member, which are, on the one hand, a third reaction force between the first upper friction surface of the track and the third wall of the second friction member, and, on the other hand, a fourth reaction force between the second lower friction surface of the track and the fourth wall of the second friction member.

[0090] Figure 7b

[0091] [ Figure 7b ] is when the second slider element is subjected to a longitudinal stress that generates a small movement between the second slider element and the first slider element Figure 7a A continuous view of the invention, by reinforcing the over-centering of the first blocking member on the track, the first force between the first cam and the first blocking member is amplified, by allowing compensation, by the displacement of the second cam under the action of the second elastic member, by changing the contact point between the second cam and the second member so as to always ensure the second force between the second cam and the second blocking member, thereby ensuring the over-centering of the second blocking member on the track, thereby solving the problem. Figure 6b The instability and micro movement issues of the slider shown.

[0092] Figure 7c

[0093] [ Figure 7c] is a continuous view, which shows that the unlocking slider is retracted by the first cam and the second cam against the rebound force of the first elastic member and the second elastic member, in particular, the first spring member between the second slider element and the first blocking member that limits the blocking member is still stationary on the cam surface of the first cam, and the second spring between the second slider element and the second blocking member that limits the second blocking member is still stationary on the cam surface of the second cam.

[0094] Figure 8

[0095] [ Figure 8 ] is a perspective view of a locking system for a continuously adjustable slide according to a second embodiment, and Figure 1a Compared to the embodiment shown, the second embodiment has an improved vertical compactness.

[0096] Fig. 9

[0097] [ Fig. 9 ]yes Figure 8 A horizontal cross-sectional view of the system shown, the horizontal cross-sectional view showing the unlocking mechanism, the first cam and the second cam sharing the same vertical pivot axis, the first cam and the second cam being restrained in their restrained positions by the first elastic member and the second elastic member, the first elastic member being formed by a first torsion spring engaged with the first cam, and the second elastic member being formed by a second torsion spring engaged with the second cam.

[0098] Fig.10

[0099] [ Fig.10 ]yes Figure 8 A view of the system is shown with the cover of the unlocking mechanism removed, the view showing on the left a view of the unlocking mechanism in its first static position with the slide locked, and on the right a view of the mechanism in the second position: the first cam and the second cam are forced to resist the first elastic member and the second elastic member to their retracted position, thereby releasing the sliding of the slide, the pivoting of the two cams is obtained by pressing a lever of a pivot control member in a pivoting direction substantially oriented in the sliding direction, the pivoting of the control member slidingly drives a transmission member slidably mounted in a transverse direction, the transmission member supporting a first stop member cooperating with the first cam and a second stop member cooperating with the second cam to force the cams to their retracted position.

[0100] Fig.11

[0101] [ Fig.11 ] is a comparative view, which shows on the right Figures 8 to 10The improved vertical compactness of the second embodiment, in which a vertical pivot axis is used for the first cam and the second cam, wherein the overall dimension above the upper section follows the dimension L2, typically equal to 17 mm, and compared to the first embodiment in which the cams (i.e., the first cam and the second cam) have a pivot axis oriented in a transverse horizontal direction, the overall dimension above the upper section follows the dimension L1, typically equal to 30 mm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0102] The following drawings and descriptions contain determinative elements to the greatest extent possible. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions are provided not only to enhance the understanding of the present disclosure, but also to contribute to its definition where appropriate.

[0103] from Figure 6a To begin with, the figure shows a locking system which is neither part of the claimed disclosure nor part of the prior art, but which shares its disadvantages with respect to the problem of small movements, comprising a first fixed slider element 20 and a second slider element 21, as well as a track 3 rigidly connected to the first fixed slider element, and two blocking members which can be tilted from a first relative position (separated) allowing the sliders to slide freely to a second position (closed together under the action of a spring) ensuring that the sliders are locked.

[0104] When the slider is not subjected to longitudinal stress, such as Figure 6a As shown, and at a second relative position between the first blocking member 4 and the second blocking member 5, under the action of the spring element Ru, the first and second members 4, 5 are in an over-center position on the track 3, thereby generating a force F on the first blocking member 4 res1 , and generates a force F on the second blocking member 4 res2 , which tends to bring the first blocking member 4 and the second blocking member 5 closer together under an over-center condition on the track, thereby generating:

[0105] -First Force F sens1 , the first force is generated by the first abutment of the second slider part 21 on the first blocking member 4, thereby ensuring the over-centering of the first blocking member 4 on the track 3, so as to ensure the locking of the second upper slider element 21 relative to the first lower slider element 20 in the first sliding direction by two reaction forces of the track on the first blocking member, one of which is a first reaction force R between the first upper friction surface of the track and the first wall of the first friction member A1 , and on the other hand a second reaction force R between the second lower friction surface of the track and the second wall of the first blocking member B1 ,

[0106] - Second force F sens2, the second force is generated by the second abutment on the second blocking member 5, thereby ensuring the over-centering of the second blocking member 5 on the track 3, while locking the second slider element in the second sliding direction relative to the first slider element by two reaction forces of the track on the second blocking member, one of which is a third reaction force R between the first upper friction surface of the track and the third wall of the second friction member A2 , and on the other hand, a fourth reaction force between the second lower friction surface of the track and the fourth wall of the second blocking member.

[0107] The longitudinal stress on the second slider element 21 (e.g., of the order of 50 N to 200 N, e.g., in the direction S1) causes the first force F sens1 Enhanced, but may lead to the loss of the second abutment and thereby counteract the second force F sens2 .

[0108] According to the findings of the inventors, the static equilibrium of the second blocking element 5, which loses its abutment, is then no longer guaranteed and the second blocking member 5 translates a few hundredths of a millimeter until it reaches an indeterminate static equilibrium position. According to the findings of the inventors, such an operation can thus lead to micro-movements when longitudinal stresses are applied in alternating directions.

[0109] The slide is unlocked by tilting the two blocking elements 4, 5 away from each other from the second position to the first position, in which the abutment is lost, namely the first and second abutment. When the slide is locked and unlocked, the first and second abutments are successively lost each time the slide is unlocked and then restored again each time it is locked, which can lead to a loss of reference and, over time, to an unsatisfactory over-centering condition due to the fact that the dispersion and over-centering conditions vary over time.

[0110] Reference now Figure 1a , which illustrates the disclosure as claimed.

[0111] Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a system 1 for locking a continuously adjustable slide of a vehicle seat, the system comprising:

[0112] a slider 2 comprising a first lower slider element 20 and a second upper slider element 21 , the first lower slider element being configured to be fixed to a vehicle floor, the second upper slider element being configured to slide along the first slider element,

[0113] -System for locking by means of supports.

[0114] The system for locking by support allows the slide to be locked continuously in an infinite number of locking positions within the effective travel of the slide, in contrast to discrete adjustment systems with a limited number of locking positions.

[0115] The system for locking by means of a support is self-sufficient in the sense that it does not supplement a locking system of the discrete adjustment type, wherein the notches ensure such discrete adjustment.

[0116] In the figure, an orthogonal reference system XYZ is oriented so that axis X is oriented along the sliding axis of the slider, direction Y is in a horizontal direction transverse to the slider and perpendicular to X, and axis Z is in a vertical direction.

[0117] The first slider element 20 may comprise a lower profile PINF, wherein the cross section has a base 200 extending substantially in a plane parallel to the XY plane, the base being extended by one or two upward wings 201, 202. The second slider element 21 may comprise an upper profile PSUP, wherein the cross section has a main wing 210 extending substantially in a plane parallel to the XY plane, the main wing being extended by one or two downward wings 211, 212. The ends of the upward wings 201, 202 and the ends of the downward wings 211, 212 interlock and form a raceway for rolling elements such as balls or the like.

[0118] Figure 1a A slider having an asymmetric cross-section is shown, ie the vertical dimensions of the two downward (respectively upward) wings are unequal. In general, the present disclosure applies whether the cross-section is asymmetric as shown or symmetric (not shown).

[0119] The system for locking by support comprises a rail 3 extending longitudinally along the slider which is fixed relative to the first slider element 20. The rail 3 is attached to the first slider element 20. For this purpose, the lower profile PINF forming the first slider part 20 may comprise a base 200 and at least one upward wing 201, 202 extending from the base.

[0120] The track 3 can be fixed to at least one upward wing 201 of the lower profile PINF in the gap between the upper and lower profiles, in particular by means of a tongue 2010 protruding from an opening in the wall of the upward wing 201 into said gap. The tongue 2010 can generally be obtained by stamping and can be distributed along the length of the track 3 to fix the track. The position of the tongue relative to the blocking member enables the blocking member (i.e. the first and / or second blocking member) to slide relative to the first slider element 21 in the unlocked state of the slider by continuously moving along the tongue, and the tongue does not hinder the movement of the blocking member, as according to Figure 1b This allows the track to be securely fixed along its length, which includes the sliding travel of the blocking member, and not just at its ends outside of that travel.

[0121] The track 3 has a first upper friction surface 30 and an opposite second lower friction surface 31. According to one embodiment, the first friction surface 30 and the opposite second lower friction surface 31 may be flat, wherein the track has a substantially rectangular cross section. However, the track may have another cross section, such as a circular cross section, in which case the first surface 30 and the second surface 31 are non-planar.

[0122] The system for locking by bracing comprises a first blocking member 4 and a second blocking member 5, the positions of which are offset along the longitudinal axis of the track 3, which extends in the longitudinal direction X. The first blocking member 4 and the second blocking member 5 are rigidly mounted on the second slider element 21, i.e. movable together with the second slider element in a position offset along the longitudinal axis of the track 3. The first blocking member 4 and the second blocking member 5 each extend longitudinally in the vertical direction along the direction Z or are slightly inclined by a few degrees to this direction, wherein the inclination is less than 25°, for example less than 10°.

[0123] The first blocking member 4 includes a first wall 40 and a second wall 41 facing each other, which are configured to rub against the first surface 30 and the second friction surface 31 of the track respectively. The first wall 40 and the second wall 41 can be formed by two opposite side walls of the groove in the first blocking member, and as shown in the figure.

[0124] The second blocking member 5 includes a third wall 50 and a fourth wall 51 facing each other, which are configured to rub against the first surface 30 and the second friction surface 31 of the track 3, respectively. The third wall 40 and the fourth wall 41 can be formed by two opposite side walls of the groove in the second blocking member 4, and as shown in the figure.

[0125] When the first slider element 20 is a lower profile PINF and the second slider element 21 is an upper profile PSUP slidably mounted along the lower profile PINF, the first blocking member 4 and the second blocking member 5 can advantageously extend inwardly (at least partially) into the gap between the upper profile PSUP and the lower profile PINF, and the track is rigidly connected to the lower profile PINF received in the gap.

[0126] The system for locking by support comprises a first cam C1 limited by a first elastic element EL1 (usually a spring), which ensures the over-centering of the first blocking member 4 on the track 3 to ensure the locking of the slider when the second slider element 21 is subjected to stress in the direction S1. The system for locking by support comprises a second cam C2 limited by a second elastic element EL2 (usually a spring), which ensures the over-centering of the second blocking member 5 on the track 3 to ensure the locking of the slider when the second slider element 21 is subjected to stress in the direction S2. The first elastic element EL1 can generate a torque between 0.1NM and 0.5NM on the first cam c1. The second elastic element EL2 can generate a torque between 0.1NM and 0.5NM on the second cam C2.

[0127] like Figure 7a As shown, in the locked state of the slider, the first cam C1 and the first elastic member EL1 rigidly connected to the second slider element 21 are configured to move the first cam C1 to ensure contact with the first blocking member 4 by generating a first force FC1 between the first blocking member 4 and the first cam C1 (i.e., the first force FC1 generated by the first cam C1 on the first blocking member 4).

[0128] This first force FC1 ensures the over-centering of the first blocking member 4 on the rail 3, which causes the locking of the second slider element 21 relative to the first slider element 20 in the first sliding direction S1 by two reaction forces of the rail on the first blocking member, one of which is a first reaction force R between the first upper friction surface 30 of the rail and the first wall 40 of the first blocking member 4. A1 , and on the other hand a second reaction force R between the second lower friction surface 31 of the track and the second wall 41 of the first blocking member 4 B1 .

[0129] like Figure 7a As shown, in the locked state of the slider, the second cam C2 and the second elastic member EL2 rigidly connected to the second slider element are configured to move the second cam C2 to ensure contact with the second blocking member by generating a second force FC2 between the second blocking member 5 and the second cam C2 (i.e., the second force FC2 generated by the second cam C2 on the second blocking member 5).

[0130] This second force FC2 ensures the over-centering of the second blocking member 5 on the rail 3 to ensure the locking of the second slider element 21 relative to the first slider element 20 in the second sliding direction S2 by two reaction forces of the rail on the second blocking member, one of which is a third reaction force R between the first upper friction surface 30 of the rail and the third wall 50 of the second friction member.A2 , and on the other hand a fourth reaction force R between the second lower friction surface 31 of the track and the fourth wall 51 of the second blocking member 5 B2 .

[0131] Advantageously, the first cam C1 and the second cam C2 are configured to ensure that the first force FC1 and the second force FC2 are still maintained during the small movement (hereinafter referred to as micro-movement) generated between the second slider element 20 and the first slider element 20 by allowing compensation by means of the following operation, thereby ensuring the over-centering of the first blocking member 4 and the second blocking member 5: moving one of the two cams or even both cams, i.e. the first cam C1 and / or the corresponding second cam C2, changes the contact point between the cam and the blocking member 4, i.e. the first blocking member or the corresponding second blocking member 5, while the other cam, i.e. the second cam C2 (or the corresponding first cam C1), can remain stationary while maintaining the contact point between the cam and the locking member, i.e. the first blocking member or the corresponding second blocking member.

[0132] In other words, the first cam and the second cam respectively perform a first compensation of the first blocking member and / or a second compensation of the second blocking member independently of each other depending on the longitudinal stress and in particular depending on its direction.

[0133] For example, Figure 7b As shown, the longitudinal stress of 50N to 200N of the second slider element 21 in the direction S1 ensures a very slight movement of the second slider element 21 relative to the first slider element 20, which causes the first force FC1 of the first cam C1 on the first blocking member to increase and Figure 7a Compared with the situation in , there is no longitudinal stress, and generally there is no change in the contact point between the first cam C1 and the first blocking member 4, and the first cam C1 remains stationary, while allowing compensation for the gap generated by the movement between the second cam C2 and the second blocking member 5, the gap is still filled by the action of the second elastic member EL2 that pivots the cam C2, and the first force FC1 and the second force FC2 are still guaranteed to ensure the over-centering of the first blocking member 4 and the second blocking member 5, and thereby the over-centering condition ensures the locking of the slider in the first direction S1 and the second direction S2.

[0134] This advantageously solves the problem of through-center fracture in longitudinal stress conditions, e.g. Figure 6b As shown, and more generally solves the problem of through-center breakage in the prior art known to the applicant.

[0135] Typically, the first cam C1 and the second cam C2 can be hinged on a support member 7, which is rigidly connected to the second element, the movable slider 21, the first cam C1 and the second cam C2, and the first cam and the second cam are configured to pivot independently on the support member under the action of the first elastic member EL1 and the second elastic member EL2.

[0136] When the first slider element 20 is a lower profile PINF, and the second slider element 21 is an upper profile PSUP slidably mounted along the lower profile PINF, the first blocking member 4 and the second blocking member 5 housed inside the profiles PINF, PSUP can protrude from the upper profile through at least one opening OV of the upper profile PSUP (particularly the opening of the main wing 210). In such embodiments, in particular, the first cam C1 and the second cam C2 can be at least partially or even mostly arranged outside the gap, above the upper profile PSUP.

[0137] The first cam C1 may include an eccentric first cam surface SC1 configured to come into contact with the first blocking element 4 during pivoting according to a rotational direction applied by the first elastic member EL1 , wherein a radius between a pivot center of the first cam C1 and a contact point with the first blocking element 4 increases.

[0138] The second cam C2 may include an eccentric second cam surface SC2 configured to come into contact with the second blocking element 4 during pivoting according to a rotational direction imposed by the second elastic member EL2, wherein a radius between a pivot center of the second cam C2 and a contact point with the first blocking element 5 is increased.

[0139] According to the present disclosure, the slider system includes an unlocking mechanism 6, which is configured to drive the first cam C1 and the second cam C2 to move from their positions PC1 and PC2, which are respectively restricted by the first elastic member EL1 and the second elastic member EL2 to ensure that the first blocking member 4 and the second blocking member 5 are over-center on the track 3 and thereby ensure that the slider is locked, to the retracted position of the first cam C1 and the retracted position of the second cam C2, thereby eliminating the over-center of the first blocking member and the second member on the track, thereby releasing the slider so that it can slide.

[0140] The unlocking mechanism 6 comprises a control member 60 movable within a limited stroke, in particular in the vertical direction Z, configured to move from a first rest position PR1 to a second position, thereby forcing the first and second cams C1 and C2 to resist the first and second elastic members EL1 and EL2 to their retracted positions.

[0141] Figure 4a and 4bSuch an embodiment is shown by way of example. In the upper rest position of the control member 60, as Figure 4a and 4b As shown, the control member 60 is pressed to move downward, wherein the first stud PL1 of the first cam C1 and the second stud PL2 of the second cam C2 come into abutment, thereby causing the cam to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction applied by the first elastic member EL1 and the second elastic member EL2.

[0142] exist Figure 4b In general, the studs PL1 and PL2 belonging to the first cam C1 and the second cam C2, respectively, can pass through two rectangular, curved, kidney-shaped holes in the support.

[0143] Generally speaking, and in the first embodiment shown, the first cam C1 and the second cam C2 are inserted between the first blocking member 4 and the second blocking member 5, and are limited by the first elastic member EL1 and the second elastic member EL2 to separate the first blocking member 4 and the second blocking member 5, thereby ensuring that the first blocking member and the second blocking member are over-centered relative to the track. In such a case, the force applied to the control member causes the first and second blocking members 4 and 5 to move together into the retracted position of the cams C1, C2, thereby releasing the slider so that it can slide.

[0144] According to a second embodiment not shown, the first and second cams may not be arranged between the two blocking elements 4 and 5 , but on either side thereof.

[0145] Generally speaking, in both the first and second embodiments, the first cam may be hinged to the support about a first pivot axis, and the second cam may be hinged to the support about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being parallel to and independent of the first pivot axis.

[0146] When the first cam C1 and the second cam C2 are inserted between the first blocking member 4 and the second blocking member 5, the first cam C1 and the second cam C2 can be hinged to the support so as to share the same pivot axis AC1C2. Such an embodiment is advantageous in terms of compactness (along the longitudinal direction X). The first elastic member EL1 and the second elastic member EL2 can further include the same spring member RC1C2 connecting the first cam C1 and the second cam C2 to each other. Figure 5a and 5b Such embodiments are shown by way of example.

[0147] The first cam C1 may include a cylindrical body C10 and an eccentric cam surface SC1 protruding radially from the cylindrical body, intended to come into contact with the first blocking member 4, and a first lug ER1 centered on the axis of rotation and the axis of the cylindrical body C10, the first lug being configured to cooperate with a bearing surface of a support rigidly connected to the second movable slider element, and a second lug ER2 coaxial with the opposite end of the cylindrical body, the second lug being configured to cooperate with a bearing surface of a support rigidly connected to the second movable slider element. The first lug ER1 and the second lug ER2 rotate the first cam relative to the support.

[0148] The second cam C2 comprises a cam surface SC2 designed to come into contact with the second blocking member 5 and an opposite concave surface having a radius of curvature corresponding to the radius of the cylindrical body C10 of the first cam C1. The opposite concave surface is configured to slide on the cylindrical surface of the body to allow the second cam to pivot relative to the first cam. The first cam C1 and the second cam C2 are restrained in their restrained positions, thereby ensuring that the first and second blocking members 4 and 5 are locked by the over-center slider on the track 3 by the torsion coil spring RC1C2, the torsion coil spring comprising a first end connected in rotation with the first cam C1 and a second end connected in rotation with the second cam C2.

[0149] Generally speaking, and if Figure 5b As shown, the cylindrical body of the first cam C1 may include an annular housing AL, which is configured to accommodate the spiral coil of the torsion spring, and a first linear cavity CAV1 radially extending from the annular housing to accommodate the first end E1 of the torsion spring, thereby ensuring the rotational connection of the first end with the first cam C1, and the body of the second cam includes a second linear cavity CAV2 to accommodate the second end E2 of the torsion spring, thereby ensuring the rotational connection of the second end with the first cam C2.

[0150] According to an advantageous embodiment, the system may further comprise:

[0151] a first spring member MR1 located between the second slider element 21 and the first blocking member 4 so that, even in the retracted position of the first cam C1, the first blocking member 4 is always in contact with the first cam 4, thereby releasing the slider so that it can slide, and

[0152] a second spring member MR2 located between the second slider element 21 and the second blocking member 5 so that, even in the retracted position of the second cam C2, the second blocking member 5 is always in contact with the second cam C2, thereby releasing the slider so that it can slide.

[0153] As a result, over time, on the one hand, the contact between the first cam C1 and the first blocking element 4 is never lost due to locking / unlocking of the slide, and on the other hand, the contact between the second cam C2 and the second blocking element 5 is never lost due to locking / unlocking of the slide.

[0154] This ensures repeatability and reliability of over-centre over time, advantageously without loss of reference, and in contrast to prior art systems known to the applicant.

[0155] The first spring member MR1 and the second spring member MR2 may include leaf springs. Figure 3 and 4a It can be seen, and generally speaking, these leaf springs can be formed on a cover. This cover overlaps the first and second cams, and the portion of the blocking member protruding from the opening Ov. Such covers are usually injection-molded plastic.

[0156] In general, the first cam C1 and the second cam C2 are arranged rigidly connected to the second slider element 21 on the track and optionally at least partially arranged outside the gap. According to at least one advantageous embodiment, the system can include a mobile assembly 8 mounted on the second slider element 21 and in particular housed in the gap between the upper section and the lower section.

[0157] Such assemblies 8 include:

[0158] a first stopper 81, which is positioned on the side of the track 3 opposite to the first cam C1, the first stopper 81 being configured to provide a positioning reference for the first blocking member 4 in the direction of the slide under the action of a first elastic portion 810 of the movable assembly, the first stopper 81 and the elastic portion being positioned on the side of the track opposite to the first cam C1,

[0159] - A second stopper 82, which is positioned on the side of the track opposite to the first cam, and the second stopper is configured to provide a positioning reference for the second blocking member 5 in the direction of the slider under the action of the first elastic portion 820 of the movable assembly, and the second stopper 82 and the elastic portion 820 are positioned on the side of the track opposite to the second cam C2.

[0160] Such a movable assembly ensures that the first and second blocking members 4 and 5 always remain in the positions indicated by the stops (i.e., the first and second stops 81, 82) even when the slider slides by moving the blocking members along the track 3. Such a moving assembly with the stops 81, 82 helps ensure repeatability and reliability of over-centering over time without loss of reference and in contrast to prior art systems.

[0161] Figures 1a to 5b The first embodiment shown in Figures 7a and 7b shows cams, a first cam C1 and a second cam C2, which are arranged along a pivot axis A oriented in a substantially horizontal transverse direction Y. C1C2 Articulated.

[0162] Such an arrangement in which the cam is positioned above the upper section PSUP results in an overall dimension of the locking mechanism and the cam above the main wall 210 in the vertical direction Z of Fig.11 The dimension marked as L1 in Fig.11 In the system shown on the left, the dimension is typically greater than or equal to 30 mm.

[0163] Fig.11 The second embodiment shown on the right side of significantly improves the compactness and reduces the overall size to L2, which is less than 25 mm, or even less than 20 mm, such as 17 mm.

[0164] Figures 8 to 10 This second embodiment with improved vertical compactness is shown by way of example.

[0165] According to this second embodiment, the first cam C1 and the second cam C2 are arranged outside the gap, on the upper section PSUP, and the first cam C1 and the second cam C2 are configured to pivot along different pivot axes or pivot axes that may coincide and thus share the same pivot axis AC1C2.

[0166] It is worth noting that the pivot axis is oriented in a vertical direction Z, which is generally orthogonal to the base 200 of the lower section PINF and / or orthogonal to the main wall 210 of the upper section PSUP.

[0167] Such an orientation of the cams C1 , C2 with a vertical pivot axis is advantageous since it limits the overall size of the cams C1 , C2 in the vertical direction Z and compared with an articulation of the cams along a substantially horizontal pivot.

[0168] According to such a second embodiment, the unlocking mechanism 6 may comprise a transmission member 62 mounted for translational movement within a limited travel in a direction Y transverse to the sliding direction of the slide.

[0169] The transmission member 62 is mounted so as to be movable in translation, above and parallel to the main wall 210, which is configured to move from a first rest position PR (in particular, as shown in Fig.10 The first cam C1 and the second cam C2 move to the second position P2, thereby forcing the first elastic member EL1 and the second elastic member EL2 to their retracted positions, and Fig.10For this purpose, it is noted that at the second position P2, the transmission member 62 includes a first stopper 621 configured to engage with the first cam C1 and a second stopper 622 configured to engage with the second cam C2.

[0170] It should be noted that said transmission member 62 preferably extends in height in the vertical direction Z, substantially overlapping the two cams and therefore having no increase in its vertical dimension relative to the vertical dimension of the cams.

[0171] The system may comprise a pivot control member 61 pivotably articulated on the upper section PSUP, preferably transversely thereto, in particular on the downward wall extending the main wall 210. The pivot control member 61 is preferably articulated along an axis of rotation oriented in the sliding direction X of the slider.

[0172] The control member 61 is configured to control the transmission member 62 to translate from the first rest position PR1 to the second position P2 when the lever LV of the control member 61 is pressed.

[0173] Note that the control member 61 preferably extends vertically in the vertical direction Z (overlapping with the two cams or even below the cams if necessary) to one side of the upper section SUP, and therefore its vertical dimension is not increased relative to the vertical dimension of the cams.

[0174] In this way and advantageously, the system can have an overall dimension L2 extending above the upper section SUP in the vertical direction Z, the system in particular comprising an unlocking mechanism 6, a first cam C1 and a second cam C2, the first and second cams protruding above the upper section, the dimension L2 being, for example, less than 25 mm, or even less than 20 mm, such as 17 mm.

[0175] Such a second embodiment with limited vertical dimensions is advantageous because it can be integrated into more restricted environments.

[0176] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a cushion and a backrest, and a continuously adjustable locking system 1 according to the present disclosure, a first slider element 20 of the continuously adjustable locking system being anchored to the floor of the vehicle and a second slider element 21 of the continuously adjustable locking system being rigidly connected to the chassis of the cushion.

[0177] Reference numerals list

[0178] -1. A system for locking the sliders of continuously adjusted vehicles,

[0179] -2. Slider,

[0180] -20. The first slider element,

[0181] -200. Base,

[0182] -201, 202. Upward wing,

[0183] -2010.tongue,

[0184] -PINF. Lower section,

[0185] -21. Second slider element,

[0186] -210.Main wing,

[0187] -211, 212. Downward wing,

[0188] -PSUP. Upper section,

[0189] -3. Tracks,

[0190] -30. The first friction surface,

[0191] -31. Second friction surface,

[0192] -4. a first blocking member,

[0193] -40, 41. are the first wall and the second wall respectively (arranged to be over-center on the track),

[0194] -5. A second blocking member,

[0195] -50, 51. are the third wall and the fourth wall respectively (arranged to be over-center on the track),

[0196] -EL1, EL2. A first elastic member and a second elastic member,

[0197] -C1. First cam,

[0198] -C2. Second cam,

[0199] - SC1. Eccentric cam surface (first cam),

[0200] -SC2. Eccentric cam surface (second cam),

[0201] - ER1, ER2. First lug and second lug (rotation of first cam),

[0202] -FC1. A first force between the first cam and the first blocking member 4 generated by the first elastic member EL1,

[0203] -FC2. A second force between the second cam and the second blocking member 5 generated by the second elastic member EL2,

[0204] -S1, S2 are respectively the first direction and the second direction of movement of the second slider element which can be moved relative to the first slider element,

[0205] -6. Unlocking parts,

[0206] -60. Unlock the control component,

[0207] -61. Pivot unlocking control member ( Figures 8 to 11 ),

[0208] -62. Transmission components,

[0209] -621, 622. A first stopper and a second stopper (of a transmission member cooperating with the first cam and the second cam, respectively),

[0210] - PL1, PL2. The first stud and the second stud (belonging to the first cam and the second cam and engaging with the control member 60),

[0211] -RC1C2. Springs (especially torsion coil springs),

[0212] - E1, E2. First end and second end (helical spring),

[0213] -LA. Ring housing (spiral ring),

[0214] -CAV1, CAV2. Linear cavity (E1 end and E2 end),

[0215] -7. Support parts,

[0216] -8. Assemblies,

[0217] -81, 82. A first stopper and a second stopper,

[0218] -810, 820. A first elastic portion and a second elastic portion,

[0219] -42, 52. A first guide wall and a second guide wall (respectively belonging to the first blocking member and the second blocking member),

[0220] - Ov. opening (of the upper section of the locking member),

[0221] -MR1, MR2. A first spring member and a second spring member,

[0222] - PC1, PC2. The cam (first and second) positions are limited by the first elastic member and the second elastic member, thereby ensuring the over-center condition on the track and therefore the locking of the slider,

[0223] - RA1, RB1. First reaction force and second reaction force (overcenter of first blocking member 4),

[0224] -RA2, RB2. The third and fourth reaction forces (overcentering of the first blocking member 4),

[0225] -Fres1, Fres2. On the first blocking member and the second blocking member by a spring ( Figure 6a Ru in the middle, or Figure 7c where MR1 and MR2 generate the force.

Claims

1. A system (1) for locking at least one continuously adjustable slider of a vehicle seat, the system comprising: - a slider (2), comprising a first lower slider element (20) and a second upper slider element (21), the first lower slider element being configured to be fixed to a vehicle floor, the second upper slider element being configured to slide along the first slider element, - A system for locking by support, said system comprising: a track (3) extending longitudinally along the slider, the track being fixed relative to the first slider element, the track having a first upper friction surface (30) and an opposite second lower friction surface (31), a first blocking member (4) and a second blocking member (5), the first blocking member and the second blocking member being mounted so as to be rigidly connected to the second slider element (21), wherein the positions of the first blocking member and the second blocking member are offset along the longitudinal axis of the track (3), the first blocking member (4) comprising a first wall (40) and a second wall (41) facing each other, the first wall and the second wall being configured to rub against a first friction surface (30) and the second friction surface (31) of the track, respectively, the second blocking member (5) comprising a third wall (50) and a fourth wall (51) facing each other, the third wall and the fourth wall being configured to rub against the first friction surface (30) and the second friction surface (31) of the track (3), a first cam (C1) rigidly connected to the second slider element, and a first elastic element (EL1) configured to move the first cam (C1) to ensure contact with the first blocking member (4) by generating a first force (FC1) between the first blocking member (4) and the first cam (C1) so as to ensure over-centering of the first blocking member (4) on the track (3) so as to ensure locking of the second slider element relative to the first slider element in a first sliding direction (S1) by two reaction forces of the track on the first blocking member, one of which is a first reaction force (R1) between a first upper friction surface (30) of the track and a first wall (40) of the first blocking member (4). A1 ), and on the other hand a second reaction force (R B1 ), a second cam (C2) rigidly connected to the second slider element, and a second elastic element (EL2) configured to move the second cam (C2) to ensure contact with the first blocking member by generating a second force (FC2) between the second blocking member (5) and the second cam (C2), thereby ensuring over-centering of the second blocking member (5) on the track (3), thereby ensuring locking of the second slider element (21) relative to the first slider element (20) in the second sliding direction (S2) by two reaction forces of the track on the second blocking member, one of which is a third reaction force (R2) between the first upper friction surface (30) of the track and the third wall (50) of the second blocking member. A2 ), and on the other hand a fourth reaction force (R B2 ), - an unlocking mechanism (6), which is configured to drive the first cam (C1) and the second cam (C2) to move from their positions (PC1, PC2) respectively limited by the first elastic member and the second elastic member to ensure the over-centering of the first blocking member and the second blocking member on the track and thereby ensure the locking of the slider to the retracted position of the first cam and the retracted position of the second cam, thereby eliminating the over-centering of the first blocking member and the second member on the track, thereby releasing the slider so that it can slide.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first cam (C1) and the second cam (C2) are configured to ensure the over-centering of the first blocking member (4) and the second blocking member (5) by allowing compensation by means of the following operation during the generation of a small movement of the longitudinal stress on the second slider element (21) between the second slider element (21) and the first slider element (20): one of the two cams or even both cams, namely the first cam (C1) and / or the corresponding second cam (C2), changes the contact point between the cam and the blocking member, namely the first blocking member (4) or the corresponding second blocking member (5), while the other cam, namely the second cam (C2) or the corresponding first cam (C1), is able to remain stationary while maintaining the contact point between the cam and the blocking member, namely the first blocking member or the corresponding second blocking member.

3. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, comprising: A first spring member (MR1) between the second slider element (21) and the first blocking member (4) ensures that the first blocking member (4) is always in contact with the first cam (4) even in the retracted position of the first cam (C1) that releases the sliding movement of the slider; and a second spring member (MR2) between the second slider element (21) and the second blocking member (5) ensures that the second blocking member (5) is always in contact with the second cam (C2) even in the retracted position of the second cam (C2) that releases the sliding movement of the slider.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first cam (C1) and the second cam (C2) are hinged on a support (7) rigidly connected to the second slider element and are configured to pivot independently on the support under the action of the first elastic member and the second elastic member (EL1, EL2), and wherein: - the first cam (C1) comprises an eccentric first cam surface (SC1) configured to come into contact with the first blocking element (4) during pivoting according to the direction of rotation imposed by the first elastic element (EL1), wherein the radius between the pivoting center of the first cam (C1) and the contact point with the first locking element (4) increases, -The second cam (C2) comprises an eccentric second cam surface (SC2), which is configured to come into contact with the second blocking element (5) during pivoting according to the rotation direction imposed by the second elastic member (EL2), wherein the radius between the pivot center of the second cam (C2) and the contact point with the first blocking element (5) increases.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The first cam (C1) and the second cam (C2) are inserted between the first blocking member (4) and the second blocking member (5), and are restricted by the first elastic member (EL1) and the second elastic member (EL2) to separate the first blocking member (4) and the second blocking member (5), thereby ensuring that the first blocking member and the second blocking member are over-centered relative to the track.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that The first cam (C1) and the second cam (C2) are hinged to the support so as to share the same pivot axis (A C1C2 ).

7. The system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The first elastic member (EL1) and the second elastic member (EL2) include a single spring member (RC1C2) interconnecting the first cam (C1) and the second cam (C2).

8. The system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The first cam (C1) includes a cylindrical body (C10) and an eccentric first cam surface (SC1) radially protruding from the cylindrical body and intended to contact the first blocking member (4), as well as a first lug (ER1) centered on the rotation axis of the first cam (C1) and the axis of the cylindrical body (C10), and a second lug (ER2) coaxial with the first lug (ER1) at the opposite end of the cylindrical body, the first lug and the second lug being configured to cooperate with a bearing surface of a support member rigidly connected to the second movable slider element, and wherein the second cam (C2) includes a second cam surface (SC2) intended to contact the second blocking member (5) and a relative concave surface having a curvature radius corresponding to the radius of the cylindrical body (C10) of the first cam (C1), the relative concave surface being configured to slide on the cylindrical surface of the body to allow the second cam to pivot relative to the first cam.

9. The system according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that The first cam (C1) and the second cam (C2) are constrained in their stressed positions, thereby ensuring the locking of the slider by over-centering the first blocking member and the second blocking member (4, 5) on the track (3) by the spring (RC1C2), the spring being a torsion coil spring comprising a first end (E1) rotationally connected to the first cam (C1) and a second end (E2) rotationally connected to the second cam (C2), the cylindrical body of the first cam (C1) comprising an annular housing (AL) configured to accommodate the helical coil of the torsion spring, and a first linear cavity (CAV1) radially extending from the annular housing for the first end (E1) of the torsion spring to ensure the rotational connection of the first end with the first cam (C1), the body of the second cam comprising a second linear cavity (CAV2) for the second end (E2) of the torsion spring to ensure the rotational connection of the second end with the second cam (C2).

10. The system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The first cam is articulated to the support about a first pivot axis, and the second cam is articulated to the support about a second pivot axis, which is parallel to and independent of the first pivot axis.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The unlocking mechanism (6) comprises a control member (60) capable of moving within a limited stroke, in particular along the vertical direction Z, and the control member is configured to move from a first static position (PR1) to a second position, thereby forcing the first cam (C1) and the second cam (C2) to resist the first elastic member (EL1) and the second elastic member (EL2) to their retracted position.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The first slider element (20) is a lower profile (PINF), and the second slider element (21) is an upper profile (PSUP) slidably mounted along the lower profile (PINF), the first blocking member (4) and the second blocking member (5) extend internally in a gap between the upper profile (PSUP) and the lower profile (PINF), and the track is rigidly connected to the lower profile (PINF) and accommodated in the gap.

13. The locking system (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that The first blocking member (4) and the second blocking member (5) protrude from the upper profile (PSUP) through at least one opening (OV) of the upper profile (PSUP), and in particular, the first cam (C1) and the second cam (C2) are at least partially arranged outside the gap and above the upper profile (PSUP).

14. Locking system (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The bottom profile (PINF) forming the first slider part (20) comprises a base (200) and at least one upward wing (201, 202) extending from the base, and wherein the track (3) is fixed to the at least one upward wing (201) of the bottom profile (PINF) in the gap by means of a tongue (2010) protruding from an opening in the wall of the upward wing (201) into the gap, the tongue (2010) being typically obtained by stamping.

15. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The first cam (C1) and the second cam (C2) are arranged rigidly connected to the second slider element (21) above the track and, when the system is according to claim 9, are optionally arranged at least partially outside the gap, and wherein when the system is according to claim 9, the movable assembly (8) is embedded in the second slider element (21), accommodated in the gap, The assembly (8) comprises: a first stop (81) positioned on the side of the track (3) opposite to the first cam (C1), the first stop (81) being configured to provide a positioning reference for the first blocking member (4) in the direction of the slide on the side of the track opposite to the first cam under the action of a first elastic portion (810) of the movable assembly, - a second stopper (82), which is positioned on the side of the track opposite to the second cam, and is configured to provide a positioning reference for the second blocking member (5) in the direction of the slider on the side of the track opposite to the second cam under the action of the first elastic part (820) of the movable assembly.

16. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that The lower section (PINF) forming the first slider portion (20) comprises a base (200), and the upper section (PSUP) comprises a main wall (210) carrying the at least one opening (OV), the first blocking element (4) and the second blocking element (5) passing through the at least one opening, and wherein the first cam (C1) and the second cam (C2) are arranged outside the gap, above the upper section (PSUP), the first cam (C1) and the second cam (C2) being configured to move along different pivot axes or possibly merged so as to share the same pivot axis (A C1C2 ) is pivoted about a pivot axis oriented in a vertical direction (Z), the vertical direction being orthogonal to the base (200) of the lower section (PINF) or orthogonal to the main wall (210) of the upper section (PSUP).

17. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that The unlocking mechanism (6) includes a transmission member (62), which can be moved translationally along a transverse direction Y on the main wall (210) and parallel to the main wall within a limited stroke, and the transmission member is configured to move from a first static position (PR1) to a second position (P2), thereby forcing the first cam (C1) and the second cam (C2) to resist the first elastic member (EL1) and the second elastic member (EL2) to their retracted position.

18. A system according to claim 16 or 17, comprising a control member (61), which is pivotally hinged on the upper profile (PSUP), and is transverse to the upper profile (PSUP) along a rotation axis oriented along the sliding direction X of the slider, and the control member (61) is configured to control the transmission member (62) to translate from the first stationary position (PR1) to the second position (P2) when the lever (LV) is pressed.

19. A system according to any one of claims 16 to 18, having an overall dimension (L2) extending above the upper section (SUP) along the vertical direction (Z), and in particular including the unlocking mechanism (6), the first cam (C1) and the second cam (C2), and wherein the overall dimension (L2) is less than 25 mm.

20. A vehicle seat comprising a cushion and a backrest, and a continuously adjustable locking system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein a first slider element (20) of the continuously adjustable locking system is anchored to the floor of the vehicle and a second slider element (21) of the continuously adjustable locking system is rigidly connected to the frame of the cushion.

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