Slide rail structure, seat, and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sliding rail structure, a seat and a vehicle. The sliding rail structure comprises a fixed rail, a movable rail slidingly connected above and relative to the fixed rail, a rack provided along a length direction of the fixed rail, and an actuator fixedly arranged on the movable rail, the actuator being in mesh transmission with the rack through a driving gear, a gear shaft of the driving gear being orthogonal to the length direction, the actuator being configured to drive the movable rail to relatively move in the length direction relative to the fixed rail and / or lock the movable rail via the driving gear and the rack. The sliding rail structure of the present disclosure can realize high-speed movement and noise reduction at the same time with a simple structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the automotive field, and more specifically, to a sliding track structure, and a seat and vehicle having the sliding track structure. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, electric sliding track structures typically employ a drive motor for propulsion and a motor for locking to achieve relative movement between the upper and lower rails. This type of sliding track structure suffers from problems such as complex structure and assembly, limited layout, difficulty in precise control due to component and assembly tolerances, and high cost.

[0003] To simplify the structure and assembly of this dual-motor sliding track structure, a technical solution is proposed that utilizes a single motor to simultaneously achieve the relative movement and locking of the upper and lower rails of the sliding track structure (e.g., patent application CN113442801A). This integrated drive and locking sliding track structure typically employs a structure where a gear or worm gear is mounted on a ball screw, i.e., the gear or worm gear is coaxial with the ball screw. Linear movement of the upper rail with the gear or worm gear relative to the lower rail with the ball screw is achieved by rotating the internal thread of the gear or worm gear along the external thread of the ball screw.

[0004] However, the step distance of such gears or worm gears on the ball screw is very short. Therefore, when the upper rail needs to move at high speed relative to the lower rail, the rotational speed of each gear in the transmission mechanism, including the gears or worm gears, is very high, generating a lot of noise during transmission. When this sliding rail structure is applied to vehicles, it cannot meet the requirements for quiet operation inside the carriage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a sliding track structure that achieves both high-speed movement and noise reduction with a simple structure, as well as a seat and vehicle having the sliding track structure.

[0006] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a sliding track structure comprising: a fixed track; a movable track located above the fixed track and slidably connected relative to the fixed track; a rack disposed on the fixed track along its length direction; and an actuator fixedly disposed on the movable track, the actuator engaging with the rack via a drive gear, the gear shaft of the drive gear being orthogonal to the length direction, the actuator being configured to drive the movable track to move relative to the fixed track in the length direction and / or lock the movable track via the drive gear and the rack.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the actuator is horizontally arranged on the movable rail in a manner parallel to the upper surface of the movable rail.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the actuator is generally disposed between the side frames on both sides of the movable rail, and the overall height of the actuator is not higher than the side frames of the movable rail.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the actuator is vertically arranged on the movable rail in a manner perpendicular to the upper surface of the movable rail.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the actuator is integrally disposed between the side frames on both sides of the movable rail.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the actuator has a drive mechanism and a transmission mechanism connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism, the transmission mechanism including the drive gear.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the transmission mechanism includes a worm and a secondary gear set. The worm is connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism. The first input gear of the first stage gear set of the secondary gear set meshes with the worm. The first output gear of the first stage gear set meshes with the second input gear of the secondary gear set. The second output gear of the second stage gear set is the drive gear. The first input gear is coaxial with the first output gear, and the second input gear is coaxial with the second output gear.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the movable rail has a plurality of first holes, and the actuator is fixedly mounted on the movable rail by a plurality of first bolts that mate with the plurality of first holes.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the sliding track structure further includes a reinforcing member having a second hole, the gear shaft of the drive gear passing through the movable track and through the second hole via a bushing, the reinforcing member being fixed to the lower surface of the movable track in such a way that a space is provided between the reinforcing member and the movable track to accommodate the drive gear.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the reinforcement has a plurality of third holes aligned with the plurality of first holes, and the reinforcement is fixed to the lower surface of the movable rail by means of the plurality of first bolts inserted through the plurality of first holes.

[0016] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the reinforcement is formed in a reverse L-shape when viewed from above, with one side of the reverse L-shape having a second hole configured to be recessed downwards such that a space for accommodating the drive gear is provided between it and the movable rail, and when the reinforcement is fixed to the lower surface of the movable rail, the other side of the reverse L-shape contacts the lower surface of the movable rail.

[0017] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the movable rail has three first holes, and the actuator and the reinforcement are respectively fixed to the upper and lower surfaces of the movable rail by three first bolts and three first nuts that cooperate with the first bolts.

[0018] In some embodiments of the first aspect, a plurality of fourth holes are provided below the movable rail, and a plurality of fifth holes are provided in the reinforcement member that are aligned with the plurality of fourth holes. The reinforcement member is fixed to the lower surface of the movable rail by a plurality of second bolts that engage with the plurality of fourth holes.

[0019] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the reinforcing member is formed in a straight line when viewed from above. In some embodiments of the first aspect, the movable rail has three first holes, and the actuator is fixed to the upper surface of the movable rail by three first bolts and three first nuts that mate with the first bolts. Two fourth holes are provided below the movable rail, and the reinforcing member is fixed to the lower surface of the movable rail by two second bolts and two second nuts that mate with the second bolts.

[0020] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the drive gear is a metal gear and the rack is a metal rack.

[0021] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the drive gear includes a metal gear portion and a plastic gear portion stacked with the metal gear portion, and the rack is a metal rack.

[0022] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the plastic gear portion is larger than the metal gear portion.

[0023] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the metal gear portion is connected to the plastic gear portion by a plastic coating method.

[0024] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the rack includes a metal rack portion and a plastic rack portion stacked with the metal rack portion, and the drive gear is a metal gear.

[0025] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the plastic rack portion is larger than the metal rack portion.

[0026] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the plastic rack portion and the metal rack portion are connected by one or more of the following methods: heat fusion, bolts, spring pins, and riveting.

[0027] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the movable rail is provided with ball retainers at both ends in the width direction orthogonal to the length direction, and the movable rail is slidably connected to the fixed rail via the ball retainers.

[0028] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the step distance of the drive gear is 20 mm to 100 mm.

[0029] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a seat having the sliding rail structure provided in the first aspect, wherein the main body of the seat is connected to the movable rail.

[0030] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a vehicle having the sliding rail structure provided in the first aspect, wherein the fixed rail is mounted on or below the floor of the vehicle along the length of the vehicle, and the movable rail is connected to the seat of the vehicle.

[0031] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the vehicle is an electric vehicle.

[0032] Compared with the structure in related technologies that uses gears or worm gears coaxial with ball screws, the technical solution proposed in this disclosure can achieve a larger step distance by using a drive gear with an orthogonal gear shaft and rack meshing with the rack. When the movable rail moves at high speed relative to the fixed rail, the drive gear rotates at a low speed, thereby reducing the noise generated by the meshing friction between the drive gear and the rack. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both high-speed movement and noise reduction with a simple and low-cost structure. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The present disclosure is illustrated below with reference to the schematic accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing the sliding track structure according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a sliding track structure according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3A , Figure 3B This is a partial structural schematic diagram showing the sliding track structure according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4A , Figure 4BThis is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an actuator and a reinforcement according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the upper rail opening according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the actuator and another reinforcement according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the upper rail opening of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a drive gear and rack according to a first variation of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a drive gear and rack in a second variation of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 10A , Figure 10B This is a partial structural schematic diagram showing the sliding track structure according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of other ways to implement the present disclosure based on the preferred embodiments, and such other ways also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification are merely for clarity of description to distinguish between different objects, and do not limit the size, quantity, or other order of the objects described. Directional terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the purpose of describing this application, and do not indicate or imply that the object referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0046] First Implementation Method

[0047] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3A , Figure 3BA schematic diagram of the sliding track structure of the first embodiment is shown. The sliding track structure 10 of this embodiment includes a fixed track 100 as the lower track and a movable track 200 as the upper track. The movable track 200 is located above the fixed track 100 and is slidably connected to the fixed track 100.

[0048] The sliding track structure of this embodiment can be applied to various types of vehicles, for example, it can be well applied to electric vehicles. When the sliding track structure is applied to a vehicle, the fixed rail 100 can be fixedly installed on or below the vehicle floor along the length of the vehicle. The vehicle seat is installed on the movable rail 200 located above the fixed rail 100. By moving the movable rail 200 relative to the fixed rail 100 fixed to the vehicle floor, the fore-and-aft movement of the vehicle seat can be adjusted.

[0049] In some embodiments, the movable rail 200 may be provided with ball retainers 900 at both ends in the width direction orthogonal to the length direction, and the movable rail 200 may be slidably connected to the fixed rail 100 via the ball retainers.

[0050] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the fixed rail 100 can be configured as a hollow rail structure. Two slits are formed along the length direction on the upper surface of the fixed rail 100. The movable rail 200 is configured with lower frame edges formed on both sides of its lower surface in the width direction orthogonal to the length direction, allowing the slits of the fixed rail 100 to pass through and engage with the fixed rail 100. Ball retainers 900 are fitted at the ends of each lower frame edge, and balls are fitted above and below each ball retainer 900. However, the construction of the fixed rail and the movable rail is not limited to this; any rail structure capable of fulfilling their respective functions can be used.

[0051] As a mechanism for enabling the movable rail 200 to perform linear motion on the fixed rail 100, replacing the ball screw or complex worm gear racks such as U-shaped ones used in related technologies, in this embodiment, as... Figure 3B As shown, the sliding track structure 10 adopts a simple metal rack 300, such as a straight rack. The rack 300 is provided on the fixed rail 100 along the length direction of the fixed rail 100. For example, the rack 300 can be provided on the side wall inside the fixed rail 100 by locking and positioning it with the fixed rail 100 by bolts or spring pins, but it is not limited to this.

[0052] The sliding track structure 10 also includes an actuator 400, which is used to simultaneously drive and / or lock the movable track 200. The actuator 400 is fixedly mounted on the movable track 200.

[0053] Specifically, such as Figure 3Aand Figure 3B As shown, the actuator 400 includes a drive mechanism 500 and a transmission mechanism 600. The drive mechanism 500 is, for example, a single motor capable of powering the sliding track structure; a small motor may be used. The output shaft of the drive mechanism 500 is connected to the transmission mechanism 600, thereby directly transmitting the output power to the transmission mechanism 600.

[0054] The transmission mechanism 600 is equipped with a worm gear and matching gear structure, which enables the output of the drive mechanism 500 to be reduced in speed and increased in torque, and also enables it to perform stepless self-locking (locking) function.

[0055] Furthermore, instead of a gear or worm gear coaxial with a ball screw and mounted on it, the drive mechanism for transmitting the output power of the actuator 400 and converting it into linear motion on the rack 300 is used in related technologies. Figure 3B As shown, the transmission mechanism 600 includes a metal drive gear 610 whose gear shaft is orthogonal to the length direction of the rack 300, and the external teeth of the drive gear 610 mesh with the rack 300 for transmission.

[0056] When the drive mechanism 500 in the actuator 400 rotates forward or reverse, the transmission mechanism 600 transmits the output of the drive mechanism 500 to the rack 300 via the drive gear 610, thereby driving the movable rail 200 to reciprocate relative to the fixed rail 100 in the length direction. The actuator 400 can lock the movable rail 200 at any position via the transmission mechanism 600. Thus, the actuator 400 of the sliding rail structure 10 can integrate driving and locking into one unit.

[0057] In related technologies, where a gear or worm gear is coaxial with a ball screw, the step distance of the gear or worm gear on the ball screw (i.e., the distance the gear or worm gear moves on the ball screw per revolution) is very short, for example, 8 mm. Therefore, when it is necessary to move the movable rail relative to the fixed rail at a high speed, for example, at a speed of 80 to 100 mm / s, the rotational speed of the gear or worm gear is very high. In contrast, in this embodiment, the drive gear can obtain a larger step distance (i.e., the distance the drive gear moves on the rack per revolution), for example, a step distance of 20 mm to 100 mm. Therefore, when the movable rail moves relative to the fixed rail at a high speed (e.g., at a speed of 80 to 100 mm / s), the rotational speed of the drive gear is lower.

[0058] As described above, the sliding track structure 10 drives the movable rail (upper rail) to move relative to the fixed rail (lower rail) via a rack 300 and a drive gear 610. Compared to related technologies that use a gear or worm gear coaxial with a ball screw, the drive gear 610, with its external gear meshing with the rack 300 and its gear shaft orthogonal to the rack 300, has a larger step distance on the rack 300. This allows the drive gear 610 to achieve the same sliding distance between the movable rail and the fixed rail within the same time frame at a lower rotational speed. Therefore, when the movable rail moves at high speed relative to the fixed rail, the low rotational speed of the drive gear 610 reduces noise generated by the meshing friction between the drive gear 610 and the rack 300 during transmission. In other words, this embodiment achieves both high-speed movement and noise reduction simultaneously using this simple and low-cost track structure. When this track structure is applied to a vehicle, it meets the noise reduction requirements of the passenger compartment.

[0059] In this embodiment, as Figure 3A As shown, the actuator 400 is horizontally arranged on the movable rail 200 in a manner parallel to the upper surface of the movable rail 200, that is, the length direction of the actuator 400 is parallel to the upper surface of the movable rail 200. The drive mechanism 500 and the transmission mechanism 600 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The figure shows a configuration in which the length direction of the actuator 400 is perpendicular to the length direction of the movable rail 200, but it is not limited to this. The actuator 400, including the drive mechanism 400 and the transmission mechanism 600, can be arranged at any position in the horizontal direction that can be rotated about the gear shaft of the drive gear 610, which is the output shaft of the transmission mechanism 600. For example, the length direction of the actuator 400 can be parallel to the length direction of the movable rail 200, or it can be inclined relative to the length direction of the movable rail 200.

[0060] In some embodiments, the movable rail 100 may have upwardly curved side frames formed on both sides of its upper surface. The actuator 400 may be configured to be integrally disposed between the side frames on both sides of the movable rail 100, and the overall height of the actuator 400 may not be higher than the side frames of the movable rail.

[0061] The sliding track structure 10 arranges the actuator 400 horizontally on the movable rail 200 in the manner described above, resulting in a small area occupied by the actuator 400 in the vertical direction, saving space and providing more installation space and easier arrangement for the upper fittings (such as seats). Furthermore, since the actuator 400 can be configured to any position in the horizontal direction around the gear shaft of the drive gear 610, which serves as the output shaft of the transmission mechanism 600, it provides more clearance for the upper fittings, allowing for more flexible installation and arrangement freedom.

[0062] In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism 600 may include a worm gear connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism 500, and a secondary gear set meshing with the worm gear. However, it is not limited to this, and other combinations may be used for the gear structure inside the transmission mechanism. The housing 620 of the transmission mechanism 600 houses the gear structure inside the transmission mechanism to protect these internal structures.

[0063] In some embodiments, the worm gear can be directly connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism 500, or it can be connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism 500 via other structures such as a flexible shaft.

[0064] In some embodiments, the secondary gear set consists of two gear sets, each with a coaxial input gear and an output gear. The first input gear of the first-stage gear set meshes with a worm gear for both driving and self-locking functions. The first output gear of the first-stage gear set meshes with the second input gear of the second-stage gear set, which serves as the drive gear 610. The first output gear may have a smaller gear diameter and number of teeth than the second input gear. Therefore, when the first output gear drives the second input gear to rotate, the rotational speed of the second output gear (drive gear 610), which rotates coaxially with the second input gear, decreases while its torque increases, achieving a speed reduction and torque increase effect.

[0065] In addition, this simple structure, which uses a drive gear 610 meshing with a rack 300, can save space in the internal area formed between the movable rail and the fixed rail.

[0066] The actuator 400, which is composed of the drive mechanism 500 and the transmission mechanism 600 in the above manner, has the advantages of compact structure, simple assembly process and small layout space.

[0067] Next, the installation method of actuator 40 will be explained.

[0068] Reference Figures 3A to 5 The movable rail 200 has three first holes 210, and the housing 620 of the transmission mechanism 600 of the actuator 400 has three through portions 630 corresponding to the three first holes 210. The actuator 400 is positioned on the movable rail 200 by using three first bolts 710 that mate with the three first holes 210 to sequentially pass through the through portions 630 and the first holes 210 of the transmission mechanism 600. In this embodiment, three first holes 210, through portions 630, and first bolts 710 are provided in a matching arrangement, but this is not a limitation; two or more of each can be provided.

[0069] The sliding track structure 10 is also provided with a reinforcement 800 for supporting the gear shaft 640. Figure 4A and Figure 4B A schematic diagram of the reinforcement component is shown. When assembled, the reinforcement component 800 is fixed to the lower surface of the movable rail 200 such that a space is provided between it and the movable rail 200 to accommodate the drive gear 610. A second hole 810 is provided in the reinforcement component 800.

[0070] In some embodiments, the reinforcement 800 can be formed in the shape of a tortoise shell, such as... Figure 4A , Figure 4B The reinforcement member 800 can be formed into an inverted L-shape when viewed from above. One side of the inverted L-shape with the second hole 810 is recessed downwards to provide a space between it and the movable rail 100 to accommodate the drive gear 610. When the reinforcement member 800 is fixed to the lower surface of the movable rail 200, the other side of the inverted L-shape can contact or be in close contact with the lower surface of the movable rail 200.

[0071] When the actuator 40 is mounted on the movable rail 200, the gear shaft 640 of the drive gear 610 can pass through the movable rail 200 via a slot 230 (or through hole) provided on the movable rail 200, and pass through the second hole 810 of the reinforcement 800 via a bushing 820. Thus, the reinforcement 800 provides support for the gear shaft 640 of the drive gear 610, thereby providing sufficient strength to ensure that the gear shaft 640 can withstand bending moments even under large forces such as collisions, and self-positioning can be achieved through the engagement of the gear shaft 640 and the second hole 810. To more reliably ensure the bending moment of the gear shaft 640, it can be as follows: Figure 5 As shown, two first openings 210 are respectively formed on the front and rear (length direction) sides of the groove 230, and the actuator 40, including the drive gear 610 with the gear shaft 640, is fixed to the other first opening 210 in a triangular fixing manner.

[0072] The reinforcement 800 has three third holes 830 (or two or more) aligned with the three first holes 210, to facilitate positioning during assembly. The first bolt 710, which passes through the transmission mechanism 600 and the first hole 210, further passes through the third hole 830 of the reinforcement 800, and is then screwed and tightened with three nuts 720 (or two or more) located on the opposite side of the movable rail 200. This securely connects the actuator 400, the movable rail 200, and the reinforcement 800, i.e., the actuator 400 and the reinforcement 800 are integrally fixed to the movable rail 200.

[0073] Figure 6A schematic diagram of another reinforcement component 800A is shown. This reinforcement component 800A, upon assembly, is fixed to the lower surface of the movable rail 200 such that a space is provided between it and the movable rail 200 to accommodate the drive gear 610. This reinforcement component 800A also has a second hole 810A through which the gear shaft 640 of the drive gear 610 passes. This allows the gear shaft 640 to be supported by passing through the second hole 810A via a bushing, providing sufficient strength to ensure the bending moment of the gear shaft 640, and enabling self-positioning through the engagement of the gear shaft 640 with the second hole 810A.

[0074] The difference with reinforcement component 800A is that, when viewed from above, reinforcement component 800A can be formed into a straight line. Reinforcement component 800A does not use bolts 720 to integrally fix it to the movable rail 200 with the actuator 400; instead, it uses a method such as... Figure 7 As shown, two fourth holes 220 are provided below the movable rail 200. The reinforcing member 800A has two fifth holes 840A aligned with the two fourth holes 220. The reinforcing member 800A is fixed to the lower surface of the movable rail 200 using two second bolts 730 that mate with the two fourth holes 220 and two second nuts 740 that are screwed onto and tightened with the two second bolts 730. In this embodiment, two fourth holes 220, two fifth holes 840A, two second bolts 730, and two second nuts 740 are provided in a matched manner, but this is not a limitation; three or more of each can be provided.

[0075] By using the reinforcement 800A constructed in the above manner, the strength and stability of the fixed connection between the actuator 400, the movable rail 200 and the reinforcement 800 can be further improved.

[0076] Next, we will describe a variation of the drive gear and rack.

[0077] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the drive gear and rack in a first modified example. In this first modified example, to optimize noise reduction and quiet operation, a drive gear 610A is used instead of a metal drive gear 610. The drive gear 610A is configured as a stacked structure in which a plastic gear portion 612A is stacked on top of a metal gear portion 611A. The metal gear portion 611A can be connected to the plastic gear portion 612A by means of plastic coating or the like.

[0078] In some embodiments, the plastic gear portion 612A may have a slightly larger size than the metal gear portion 611A; for example, the plastic gear portion 612A may be about 1 mm larger than the metal gear portion 611A. During normal operation, the plastic gear portion 612A of the drive gear 610A meshes with the metal rack 300, thereby further reducing noise generated by the meshing friction between the drive gear and the rack. On the other hand, in the event of a collision or other severe conditions, the metal gear portion 611A of the drive gear 610A meshes with the metal rack 300, thereby ensuring strength and preventing the movable rail from failing to lock with its mating counterpart. This ensures that the movable rail will not slide with the mating counterpart due to locking failure, thus preventing a safety hazard to passengers.

[0079] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the drive gear and rack in the second modified example. In this first modified example, to optimize noise reduction and quietness, instead of a metal rack 300, a rack 300A is used with a laminated structure in which a plastic rack portion 302A is stacked on top of a metal rack portion 301A. The plastic rack portion 302A can be connected to the metal rack portion 301A by one or more of the following methods: heat fusion, bolts, spring pins, riveting.

[0080] In some embodiments, the plastic rack portion 302A may have a slightly larger size than the metal rack portion 301A; for example, the plastic rack portion 302A may be about 1 mm larger than the metal rack portion 301A. During normal operation, the plastic rack portion 302A of the rack 300A meshes with the metal drive gear 610, thereby further reducing noise generated by the meshing friction between the drive gear and the rack. On the other hand, in the event of a collision or other severe working conditions, the metal rack portion 301A of the rack 300A meshes with the metal drive gear 610, thereby ensuring strength and preventing the movable rail from failing to lock with its mating counterpart. This ensures that the movable rail will not slide with the mating counterpart due to locking failure, thus preventing a safety hazard to passengers.

[0081] Second Implementation Method

[0082] Figure 10A , Figure 10B A schematic diagram of the sliding track structure according to the second embodiment is shown. The difference between this second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the actuator 400A of the sliding track structure 10A is vertically arranged on the movable rail 200, perpendicular to the upper surface of the movable rail 200. That is, the length direction of the actuator 400A is perpendicular to the upper surface of the movable rail 200, and the drive mechanism 500A and the transmission mechanism 600A are arranged side-by-side in the vertical direction.

[0083] In some embodiments, the actuator 400A may be configured such that its overall width does not exceed the width of the movable rail 100. When upwardly curved side frames are formed on both sides of the upper surface of the movable rail 100, the actuator 400A may be configured to be disposed between the side frames on both sides of the movable rail 100.

[0084] The sliding track structure 10A arranges the actuator 400A vertically on the movable rail 200, so that the area occupied by the actuator 400A in the width direction is small and space is saved, thereby providing more installation space and more convenient arrangement for other accessories (such as seats) in the width direction.

[0085] It should be noted that the features or combinations of features of the apparatus according to this disclosure described above, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned and / or shown only in the drawings, can be used not only in the corresponding combinations, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0086] This disclosure has been described through the above embodiments; however, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this disclosure to the scope of the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this disclosure, and all such variations and modifications fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A sliding track structure, characterized in that, include: Fixed rail; A movable rail located above the fixed rail and slidably connected to the fixed rail; A rack is provided on the fixed rail along the length direction of the fixed rail; as well as An actuator that is fixedly mounted on the movable rail. The actuator is driven by a drive gear meshing with the rack, and the gear shaft of the drive gear is orthogonal to the length direction. The actuator is configured to drive the movable rail to move relative to the fixed rail in the length direction and / or lock the movable rail via the drive gear and the rack.

2. The sliding track structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator is horizontally arranged on the movable rail in a manner parallel to the upper surface of the movable rail.

3. The sliding track structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The actuator is configured between the side frames on both sides of the movable rail, and the overall height of the actuator is not higher than the side frames of the movable rail.

4. The sliding track structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator is vertically mounted on the movable rail in a manner perpendicular to the upper surface of the movable rail.

5. The sliding track structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The actuator is configured as a whole between the side frames on both sides of the movable rail.

6. The sliding track structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The actuator has a drive mechanism and a transmission mechanism connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism, the transmission mechanism including the drive gear.

7. The sliding track structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes a worm and a secondary gear set. The worm is connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism. The first input gear of the first stage gear set of the secondary gear set meshes with the worm. The first output gear of the first stage gear set meshes with the second input gear of the secondary gear set. The second output gear of the second stage gear set is the drive gear. The first input gear and the first output gear are coaxial, and the second input gear and the second output gear are coaxial.

8. The sliding track structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The movable rail has multiple first holes, and the actuator is fixedly mounted on the movable rail by multiple first bolts that cooperate with the multiple first holes.

9. The sliding track structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sliding track structure also includes a reinforcing member with a second hole. The gear shaft of the drive gear passes through the movable rail and through the second hole via a bushing. The reinforcement is fixed to the lower surface of the movable rail in such a way that a space is provided between it and the movable rail to accommodate the drive gear.

10. The sliding track structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The reinforcement has a plurality of third holes aligned with the plurality of first holes, and the reinforcement is fixed to the lower surface of the movable rail by means of the plurality of first bolts inserted through the plurality of first holes.

11. The sliding track structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, When viewed from above, the reinforcement part is formed in a reverse L-shape. The side of the reverse L-shape with the second hole is recessed downwards to provide a space between it and the movable rail to accommodate the drive gear. When the reinforcement is fixed to the lower surface of the movable rail, the other side of the reverse L-shape contacts the lower surface of the movable rail.

12. The sliding track structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, The movable rail has three first holes, and the actuator and the reinforcement are fixed to the upper and lower surfaces of the movable rail respectively by three first bolts and three first nuts that cooperate with the first bolts.

13. The sliding track structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, Multiple fourth holes are provided below the movable rail. The reinforcement has a plurality of fifth holes aligned with the plurality of fourth holes, and the reinforcement is fixed to the lower surface of the movable rail by a plurality of second bolts that mate with the plurality of fourth holes.

14. The sliding track structure according to claim 13, characterized in that, The reinforcement component forms a straight line when viewed from above.

15. The sliding track structure according to claim 13, characterized in that, The movable rail has three first holes, and the actuator is fixed to the upper surface of the movable rail using three first bolts and three first nuts that mate with the first bolts. Two fourth holes are made below the movable rail, and the reinforcement is fixed to the lower surface of the movable rail by two second bolts and two second nuts that cooperate with the second bolts.

16. The sliding track structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The drive gear is a metal gear, and the rack is a metal rack; Alternatively, the drive gear may include a metal gear portion and a plastic gear portion stacked with the metal gear portion, and the rack may be a metal rack; Alternatively, the rack may include a metal rack portion and a plastic rack portion stacked with the metal rack portion, and the drive gear may be a metal gear.

17. The sliding track structure according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the drive gear includes a metal gear portion and a plastic gear portion stacked with the metal gear portion, the size of the plastic gear portion is larger than that of the metal gear portion; Alternatively, when the rack comprises a metal rack portion and a plastic rack portion stacked with the metal rack portion, the size of the plastic rack portion is larger than that of the metal rack portion.

18. The sliding track structure according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the drive gear comprises a metal gear portion and a plastic gear portion stacked with the metal gear portion, the metal gear portion is connected to the plastic gear portion by a plastic coating method. Alternatively, when the rack comprises a metal rack portion and a plastic rack portion stacked with the metal rack portion, the plastic rack portion and the metal rack portion are connected by one or more of the following methods: heat fusion, bolts, spring pins, and riveting.

19. The sliding track structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The movable rail is provided with ball retainers at both ends in the width direction orthogonal to the length direction, and the movable rail is slidably connected to the fixed rail via the ball retainers.

20. The sliding track structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The step distance of the drive gear is 20mm to 100mm.

21. A type of seat, characterized in that, The seat has a sliding track structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the main body of the seat is connected to the movable track.

22. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle has a sliding track structure according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the fixed track is installed on or below the floor of the vehicle along the length direction of the vehicle, and the movable track is connected to the vehicle's counters.

23. The vehicle according to claim 22, characterized in that, The vehicle in question is an electric vehicle.

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