Longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat, vehicle seat and method for manufacturing a longitudinal adjuster

Abstract

The present invention relates to a longitudinal adjuster (50) for a vehicle seat (10), particularly for a motor vehicle seat, comprising: at least one first seat rail (100) having a first seat rail profile (110); at least one second seat rail (80) movable relative to the first seat rail (100); a threaded mandrel (130) assigned to the first seat rail (100) for interacting with a gear mechanism assigned to the second seat rail (80); and at least one mandrel retainer (200) for securing the threaded mandrel (130) to the first seat rail (100), wherein the mandrel retainer (200) has at least one fastening element (204) inserted through a corresponding opening (118) in the first seat rail profile (110), and the mandrel retainer (200) is securely connected to the first seat rail profile (110) by plastic deformation of the fastening element (204). The invention also relates to a vehicle seat (10) and a method for manufacturing the longitudinal adjuster (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat (particularly for a motor vehicle seat), comprising: at least one first seat rail having a first seat rail profile; at least one second seat rail movable relative to the first seat rail; a threaded mandrel assigned to the first seat rail for interacting with a gear mechanism assigned to the second seat rail; and at least one mandrel retainer for securing the threaded mandrel to the first seat rail. The invention also relates to a vehicle seat and a method for manufacturing the longitudinal adjuster. Background Technology

[0002] WO2016 / 150791 discloses a longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat (particularly for a motor vehicle seat) having at least one first seat rail, at least one second seat rail movable relative to the first seat rail, a threaded mandrel assigned to the first seat rail to interact with a gear mechanism assigned to the second seat rail, and at least one mandrel retainer for fixing the mandrel relative to the first seat rail.

[0003] DE112018000009B4 discloses a longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat, comprising a longitudinal adjuster with two track pairs. Each track pair has a first seat track designed as a bottom track, a second seat track movable relative to the first seat track and designed as a top track, and a motor and gear unit with a threaded mandrel. The threaded mandrel is connected to the first seat track. To retain the threaded mandrel in the first seat track, mandrel retainers are arranged in each of the two end regions of the threaded mandrel. The first mandrel retainer is designed as a stop element for holding the threaded mandrel in place, and the second mandrel retainer is designed as an L-shaped tab with through holes for the passage and retention of the threaded mandrel.

[0004] In existing track systems with spindle actuators for seat longitudinal adjustment, as known in the prior art (e.g., DE112018000009B4), L-shaped spindle retainers are used to secure a threaded spindle to the front end of the bottom track. These spindle retainers are angled forward or backward. The L-shaped spindle retainer typically has a drawn collar into which the threads of the threaded spindle are inserted. The drawn collar is necessary to increase the material thickness in the threaded area, for example, from about 3 mm to about 5 mm. The angled design is necessary to provide mounting space for the riveted connection between the spindle retainer and the bottom track. Furthermore, anti-rotation guards are required to properly position the spindle retainer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Purpose The object of this invention is to improve upon the type of longitudinal adjuster mentioned at the outset, particularly by providing a more cost-effective spindle retainer. Vehicle seats with such longitudinal adjusters can be manufactured more cost-effectively. This invention also aims to simplify the method of manufacturing the longitudinal adjuster.

[0006] Solution According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat (particularly for a motor vehicle seat), the longitudinal adjuster comprising: at least one first seat rail having a first seat rail profile; at least one second seat rail movable relative to the first seat rail; a threaded mandrel assigned to the first seat rail for interacting with a gear mechanism assigned to the second seat rail; and at least one mandrel retainer for securing the threaded mandrel to the first seat rail, wherein the mandrel retainer has at least one fastening element inserted through a corresponding opening in the first seat rail profile, and the mandrel retainer is securely connected to the first seat rail profile by plastic deformation of the fastening element.

[0007] Because the mandrel retainer has at least one fastening element inserted through a corresponding opening in the first seat track profile, and because the mandrel retainer is firmly connected to the first seat track profile through plastic deformation of the fastening element, the mandrel retainer can be connected to the first seat track profile through plastic deformation without the need for an additional riveting element as a separate component. At least one fastening element can itself function as a riveting element. This reduces the cost of additional components and their handling, and also reduces the installation space for the riveting head within the first track profile. The fastening element can be plastically deformed by compression riveting, swivel riveting, or hot riveting.

[0008] Preferably, the spindle retainer is securely connected to the first seat track profile only by plastic deformation of at least one fastening element.

[0009] The spindle retainer may have at least two, particularly exactly two, fastening elements, each inserted through a corresponding opening in the first seat rail profile. The spindle retainer can be securely attached to the seat rail profile through plastic deformation of the fastening elements. By using at least two fastening elements, additional anti-rotation protection for the spindle retainer can be eliminated, allowing the spindle retainer to be correctly positioned relative to the first seat rail profile during installation of the first seat rail.

[0010] The at least one fastening element may be designed as a tab. The mandrel retainer may be made of sheet metal, particularly sheet steel. The mandrel retainer may be stamped from sheet metal (particularly sheet steel). The at least one fastening element may be designed as a sheet metal tab, particularly a sheet steel tab. The tab may have a material thickness of 4 mm to 6 mm. The tab may have the same material thickness as other areas of the mandrel retainer. The fastening element may have a substantially rectangular cross-section. The tab may have a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0011] The mandrel retainer can be a single piece. The mandrel retainer can be manufactured as a single piece. The mandrel retainer can have internal threads into which a threaded mandrel (particularly a trapezoidal thread) is screwed. The length of the internal thread can correspond to the material thickness of the mandrel retainer, particularly 4 mm to 6 mm.

[0012] Mandrel holders can be designed as flat planar parts. Mandrel holders can be designed as sheet metal parts, particularly steel sheet parts. Mandrel holders can be designed as cast parts, particularly injection-molded parts. Mandrel holders can be designed as sintered parts. Mandrel holders can be manufactured using 3D printing.

[0013] According to the invention, this objective is also achieved by a vehicle seat, particularly a motor vehicle seat, having a longitudinal adjuster according to the invention.

[0014] According to the invention, this objective is also achieved by a method for manufacturing a longitudinal adjuster according to the invention, the method comprising at least the following steps: a) Provide the mandrel retainer; b) Insert at least one fastening element of the mandrel retainer into the corresponding opening of the first seat track profile; c) Plastic deformation of the at least one fastening element, particularly on the side of the profile base of the first seat track profile away from the threaded mandrel.

[0015] In summary, and in other words, this invention makes available a track system with a mandrel drive, utilizing a cost-effective and space-optimized mandrel retainer for threaded mandrels. The mandrel retainer is designed as a flat component. The material thickness of the mandrel retainer is sufficient to allow the threads of the threaded mandrel (particularly trapezoidal threads) to be directly inserted into, and particularly screwed into, the mandrel retainer. For example, the material thickness of the mandrel retainer is 4 mm to 6 mm. At one end, preferably at the lower end, the mandrel retainer has two riveting lugs that insert through two corresponding holes in the bottom track. These two riveting lugs are then riveted together. Riveting methods for this purpose include, for example, compression riveting, oscillating riveting, or hot riveting. With the aid of the two riveting lugs, no further anti-rotation protection is required, and the process can be carried out without the riveting component as a separate part. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The invention will now be explained in more detail based on examples known in the prior art as shown in the accompanying drawings and on advantageous exemplary embodiments according to the invention. However, the invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments according to the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic side view of a vehicle seat according to the invention is shown. Figure 2 A front view of a first seat track known in the prior art is shown. Figure 3 It shows the path known from the prior art. Figure 2 Line III-III passes through the cross section of the first seat track. Figure 4 A front view of the first seat track according to the present invention is shown. Figure 5 It shows along Figure 4 The line VV passes through the cross-section of the first seat track according to the invention. Figure 6A Showing from Figure 4 The mandrel retainer of the first seat track according to the invention before insertion into the first seat track profile. Figure 6B This shows the process after insertion into the first seat track profile and before riveting the mandrel retainer. Figure 6A The mandrel retainer, and Figure 6C This is shown after insertion into the first seat track profile and after riveting the mandrel retainer. Figure 6A The mandrel retainer. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Figure 1The vehicle seat 10 according to the invention is illustrated in a highly schematic manner.

[0018] The vehicle seat 10 is described below using three spatial directions that extend perpendicularly to each other. When the vehicle seat 10 is installed in a vehicle, the longitudinal direction x extends substantially horizontally and preferably parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal direction, which corresponds to the vehicle's normal direction of travel. The lateral direction y, extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction x, is also horizontally oriented in the vehicle and extends parallel to the vehicle's lateral direction. The vertical direction z extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction x and perpendicularly to the lateral direction y. When the vehicle seat 10 is installed in a vehicle, the vertical direction z extends parallel to the vehicle's vertical axis.

[0019] The terms used for positions and orientations such as left, right, front, rear, above, below, lateral, side, and both sides refer to the viewing direction of an occupant seated in a conventional seating position on the seat surface of the seat substructure 12 (seat portion) of the vehicle seat 10, wherein the vehicle seat 10 is installed in the vehicle in a suitable use position for passenger transport and is oriented as usual in the direction of travel. However, the vehicle seat 10 may also be installed in a different orientation, such as laterally relative to the direction of travel. Unless otherwise described below, the vehicle seat 10 is constructed in a mirror-symmetric manner with respect to a plane extending perpendicular to the lateral direction y.

[0020] The backrest 14 is connected to the seat substructure 12 on both sides by corresponding fittings 16 so that the tilt can be adjusted about the backrest pivot axis L.

[0021] The seat substructure 12 has a seat longitudinal adjuster 50 for longitudinally adjusting the vehicle seat 10. In the present case, the seat longitudinal adjuster 50 includes seat rail pairs 60 on both sides. Each of the two seat rail pairs 60 has a first seat rail 100 and a second seat rail 80. In an exemplary embodiment, the first seat rail 100 is designed as a bottom rail and is specifically connectable to the vehicle floor by screws. In an exemplary embodiment, the second seat rail 80 is a top rail connected to a longitudinally adjustable portion of the seat substructure 12. The second seat rail 80 is longitudinally movably guided on the first seat rail 100. The second seat rail 80 can be longitudinally moved relative to the first seat rail 100 by an electrically driven spindle actuator. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment (not shown), the first seat rail may be a top rail, and the second seat rail may be a bottom rail.

[0022] The two seat track pairs 60 are substantially mirror images of each other, such that only one seat track pair 60 will be described below. This description applies to both seat track pairs 60 unless otherwise described below.

[0023] The first seat track 100 has a first seat track profile 110, which is made of a machined steel sheet. The second seat track 80 has a second seat track profile 90, which is also made of a machined steel sheet.

[0024] When installed in a vehicle, the first seat rail profile 110 and the second seat rail profile 90 each extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction x, with the possibility of forming a small acute angle with the longitudinal direction x. The first seat rail profile 110 and the second seat rail profile 90 are joined to each other at the rear using their profiles. The first seat rail profile 110 has an upwardly opening, generally C-shaped profile cross-section, and has a downwardly bent profile end portion 112 at its end. The first seat rail profile 110 has a substantially planar profile base 114, which is abutted on both sides by upwardly bent outer profile side portions 116. At its end opposite to the profile base 114, the upwardly bent profile side portion 116 transitions into the downwardly bent profile end portion 112. In the present case, the profile base 114 forms a web with a C-shaped profile cross-section. In the present case, each of the two profile side portions 116 forms a flange with a C-shaped profile cross-section.

[0025] The second seat track 80 has a generally U-shaped profile section with a downward opening and upward-bent end portions. The second seat track profile 90 has a substantially planar web that, when viewed parallel to the transverse direction y, is abutted on both sides by downward-bent limbs. At its ends opposite the web, the downward-bent limbs transition into upward-bent end portions.

[0026] The upwardly bent end portion of the second seat track profile 90 is guided in the outer profile end portion 112 of the first seat track profile 110. Rolling elements are arranged between the first seat track profile 110 and the second seat track profile 90 in the lower and upper rolling element raceways, and these rolling elements facilitate relative movement between the second seat track profile 90 and the first seat track profile 110.

[0027] Two seat track profiles 90 and 110 form an installation space between them. Within the installation space, a threaded mandrel 130, connected to the first seat track profile 110, is arranged in the longitudinal direction x of the seat track pair 60, wherein threads, particularly trapezoidal threads, are formed on the outer side of the mandrel. A gear mechanism, driven by a motor of the longitudinal adjuster 50 and mounted in a housing permanently connected to the second seat track 80, has, in addition to additional gear elements geared to each other, a mandrel nut that gears into and is movable toward the threaded mandrel 130. When the motor drives the gear mechanism, the gear mechanism moves along the threaded mandrel 130, thereby clamping the second seat track 80 and the upper structure of the vehicle seat 10 connected thereto.

[0028] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A first seat track 100, known in the prior art, is shown. The first seat track 100 has a first seat track profile 110, a threaded mandrel 130, and at least one mandrel retainer 150. The mandrel retainer 150 is fastened to the front end of the threaded mandrel 130. Preferably, another mandrel retainer is also fastened to the rear end of the threaded mandrel 130. The mandrel retainer 150 is used to fasten the threaded mandrel 130 to the first seat track profile 110 of the first seat track 100. By means of the mandrel retainer 150, the threaded mandrel 130 is spaced apart from and fixed relative to the profile base 114 of the first seat track profile 110.

[0029] The mandrel retainer 150 is L-shaped and angled to the rear. The mandrel retainer 150 has a drawn collar 152 with internal threads into which the threaded mandrel 130 is screwed. The drawn collar 152 is necessary to increase the material thickness of the mandrel retainer 150 to the required dimensions in the threaded area. The L-shape of the mandrel retainer 150 needs to provide mounting space for the rivet 160 of the riveted connection between the mandrel retainer 150 and the first seat rail profile 110. Furthermore, the mandrel retainer 150 has an anti-rotation guard 154 to position the mandrel retainer 150 correctly relative to the first seat rail profile 110 during installation of the first seat rail 100.

[0030] Figure 4 and Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of a first seat rail 100 of a longitudinal adjuster 50 having two seat rail pairs 60 according to the present invention is shown. Each of the two seat rail pairs 60 has a first seat rail 100, a second seat rail 80 movable relative to the first seat rail 100, a threaded mandrel 130 assigned to the first seat rail 100 to interact with a gear mechanism assigned to the second seat rail 80, and at least one mandrel retainer 200 for fixing the threaded mandrel 130 relative to the first seat rail 100.

[0031] The spindle retainer 200 is a flat planar component, particularly made of sheet steel. For example, the material thickness of the spindle retainer 200 can be from 4 mm to 6 mm. In the present case, the spindle retainer 200 is mirror-symmetric with respect to the plane, particularly with respect to a plane extending parallel to the transverse direction y and parallel to the vertical direction z. This plane can also be the plane of symmetry of the first seat track profile 110.

[0032] The mandrel retainer 200 has a hole with an internal thread 202 into which the threaded mandrel 130 is screwed. The length of the internal thread 202 corresponds to the material thickness of the mandrel retainer 200, which is, for example, in the range of 4 mm and 6 mm.

[0033] To connect the mandrel retainer 200 to the first seat rail 100, the mandrel retainer 200 has two fastening elements 204, which are designed as tabs. The two fastening elements 204 are integrated with the rest of the mandrel retainer 200. The two fastening elements 204 are inserted into corresponding openings 118 in the first seat rail profile 110. On the side of the profile base 114 of the first seat rail profile 110 opposite to the threaded mandrel 130, the fastening elements 204 are plastically deformed, particularly riveted, to securely connect the mandrel retainer 200 to the first seat rail profile 110. The fastening elements 204 can be plastically deformed by compression riveting, roll riveting, or hot riveting.

[0034] Two lateral support surfaces 206 extend parallel to the lateral direction y and serve to laterally support the mandrel retainer 200 against overturning moments acting about the longitudinal axis x. Furthermore, the lateral support surfaces 206 limit the depth to which the fastening elements 204 are inserted into the corresponding openings 118. The mandrel retainer 200 has a generally rectangular base surface from which two fastening elements 204 project downwards, and the two support surfaces 206 project laterally.

[0035] Figures 6A to 6C Various states are shown during the method of manufacturing the longitudinal adjuster 50 according to the present invention described above. Figure 6A A spindle retainer 200 is shown, which is configured for mounting in a first seat track profile 110, and the fastening element 204 remains undeformed. Figure 6B A preliminary assembly is shown, in which the fastening element 204 of the spindle retainer 200 has been inserted into the corresponding opening 118 of the first seat track profile 110. The fastening element 204 is still undeformed, and therefore the spindle retainer 200 is not yet securely attached to the seat track profile 110. Figure 6CThe image shows the state after plastic deformation of the fastening element 204 on the side of the profile base 114 of the first seat track profile 110 away from the threaded mandrel 130. The fastening element 204 can be plastically deformed by compression riveting, swivel riveting, or hot riveting.

[0036] The features disclosed in the above description, claims and drawings may be important individually and collectively for the implementation of the invention in its various configurations, provided that they remain within the scope of the claims.

[0037] List of reference numerals 10 Vehicle Seats 12 Seat Substructure 14 Backrest 16 accessories 50 longitudinal adjuster 60 Seat Track Pairs 80 Second Seat Track 90 Second seat track profile 100 First Seat Track 110 First Seat Track Profile 112 Profile end section 114 Profile base 116 Profile Side Section 118 Opening 130 threaded mandrel 150 mandrel retainer 152 Deep drawing collar 154 Anti-rotation protective components 160 Riveting Parts 200 mandrel retainer 202 Internal Thread 204 Fastening Components 206 Support Surface L Backrest pivot axis x Vertical direction y (horizontal direction) z Vertical direction

Claims

1. A longitudinal adjuster (50) for a vehicle seat (10), particularly for a motor vehicle seat, comprising: at least one first seat rail (100) having a first seat rail profile (110); at least one second seat rail (80) movable relative to the first seat rail (100); a threaded mandrel (130) assigned to the first seat rail (100) for interacting with a gear mechanism assigned to the second seat rail (80); and at least one mandrel retainer (200) for securing the threaded mandrel (130) to the first seat rail (100), characterized in that, The spindle retainer (200) has at least one fastening element (204) inserted through a corresponding opening (118) in the first seat track profile (110), and the spindle retainer (200) is securely connected to the first seat track profile (110) by plastic deformation of the fastening element (204).

2. The longitudinal adjuster (50) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spindle retainer (200) has at least two, in particular exactly two, fastening elements (204), which are respectively inserted into corresponding openings (118) in the first seat track profile (110), and the spindle retainer (200) is securely connected to the seat track profile (110) by plastic deformation of the fastening elements (204).

3. The longitudinal adjuster (50) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one fastening element (204) is designed as a tab, particularly a metal sheet tab.

4. The longitudinal adjuster (50) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protrusion has a material thickness of 4 mm to 6 mm.

5. The longitudinal adjuster (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The spindle retainer (200) is a single piece, particularly manufactured as a single piece.

6. The longitudinal adjuster (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The mandrel retainer (200) has an internal thread (202), into which the threaded mandrel (130) is screwed.

7. The longitudinal adjuster (50) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The length of the internal thread (202) corresponds to the material thickness of the mandrel retainer (200), specifically 4 mm to 6 mm.

8. The longitudinal adjuster (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The spindle retainer (200) is designed as a flat planar component, particularly a sheet metal component.

9. A vehicle seat (10), particularly a motor vehicle seat, having a longitudinal adjuster (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for manufacturing a longitudinal adjuster (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising at least the following method steps: a) Provide a mandrel retainer (200); b) Insert at least one fastening element (204) of the spindle retainer (200) into the corresponding opening (118) of the first seat track profile (110); c) Plastic deformation of at least one fastening element (204), particularly on the side of the profile base (114) of the first seat track profile (110) facing away from the threaded mandrel (130).

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