Actuator, sliding rail structure, center console structure and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to an actuating mechanism, the actuating mechanism is located in the fixed rail's inner chamber of sliding rail structure, with the linear component transmission connection arranged in the inner chamber, the actuating mechanism has the drive mechanism and transmission mechanism arranged in the length direction of linear component, the drive mechanism is parallel with the length direction of linear component, transmission mechanism has: the first stage gear set, its input end with the output shaft transmission connection of drive mechanism, and the second stage gear set, its input end with the output end transmission connection of first stage gear set, and the output end is connected with linear component transmission, first stage gear set's first gear shaft and second stage gear set's second gear shaft all are parallel to the output shaft of drive mechanism, and first stage gear set and second stage gear set are arranged respectively on the both sides of the output shaft of drive mechanism. The actuating mechanism and sliding rail mechanism of the disclosure can save space, improve transmission efficiency and installation accuracy, and reduce noise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the automotive field, specifically to an actuator, a sliding rail structure having the actuator, a center console structure of a vehicle having the sliding rail structure, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In the past, the actuators used in the sliding track structure of vehicles were usually assembled in a split structure as the gearbox as the transmission mechanism. Specifically, the gearbox is usually divided into upper and lower stages. The upper gearbox and the motor as the drive mechanism are set above the upper rail, which is the movable rail in the sliding track structure, and set inside the lower rail, which is the fixed rail in the sliding track, so as to connect with the worm gear, which is the linear component, set inside the lower rail.

[0003] In the aforementioned split-type gearbox, the upper gearbox is typically connected to the lower gearbox via a vertical transmission rod. The upper and lower gearboxes are coupled using worm gears, with 90-degree staggered shafts to transmit torque and achieve spatial position conversion of each shaft. Thus, the output of the motor is transmitted to the worm via these two gearboxes, thereby converting the rotational motion of the motor and each gear into linear motion on the worm.

[0004] However, gearboxes using worm gears have low transmission efficiency. To compensate for power losses during transmission, large motors are required, which take up a lot of space, thus limiting the space available for the actuators, including the motors. Furthermore, the upper and lower rails of the sliding track mechanism are misaligned, and the two-stage split gearboxes, each with its own positioning standard, result in multiple levels of manufacturing tolerances, component tolerances, and transmission errors between the motor output and the worm gear, which acts as a linear component. Therefore, using these two-stage split gearboxes also leads to poor installation accuracy and high noise levels during transmission. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an actuator that can simultaneously achieve space saving, improved transmission efficiency and installation accuracy, and reduced noise, a sliding rail structure having the actuator, a center console structure of a vehicle having the sliding rail structure, and a vehicle.

[0006] A first aspect of this disclosure provides an actuator that is driven to a linear member. The actuator has a drive mechanism and a transmission mechanism arranged along the length direction of the linear member, the length direction of the drive mechanism being parallel to the length direction of the linear member. The transmission mechanism has: a first-stage gear set whose input end is driven to the output shaft of the drive mechanism; and a second-stage gear set whose input end is driven to the output end of the first-stage gear set and whose output end is driven to the linear member. The first gear shaft of the first-stage gear set and the second gear shaft of the second-stage gear set are both parallel to the output shaft of the drive mechanism. The first-stage gear set and the second-stage gear set are arranged on both sides of the output shaft of the drive mechanism.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the output end of the first-stage gear set is connected to the input end of the second-stage gear set via an idler gear disposed between the first gear shaft and the second gear shaft.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect, a first gear is connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism, the input end of the first-stage gear set is a second gear that meshes with the first gear, the output end of the first-stage gear set is a third gear that is coaxial with the second gear and meshes with the idler gear, the input end of the second-stage gear set is a fourth gear that meshes with the idler gear, and the output end of the second-stage gear set is a fifth gear that is coaxial with the fourth gear and meshes with the linear member.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the diameter of the fourth gear is smaller than the diameter of the fifth gear.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the diameter of the idler wheel is smaller than the diameter of the drive mechanism.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first gear shaft, the second gear shaft, and the output shaft are arranged on the same plane.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect, when viewed from above, the two sides of the drive mechanism in the width direction are located inside the extension lines of the two sides in the width direction of the transmission mechanism.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the linear member is a semi-open internal thread rack, and the output end of the second-stage gear set is a first worm gear with an external thread that meshes with the semi-open internal thread rack.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the transmission mechanism further includes a housing that accommodates the first stage gear set and the second stage gear set, the housing having a notch that exposes at least a portion of the first worm gear, such that the external thread of at least a portion of the exposed first worm gear engages with the internal thread of the semi-open internal thread rack.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the linear component is a ball screw, and the output end of the second-stage gear set is a second worm gear with an internal thread that meshes with the ball screw.

[0016] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the transmission mechanism further includes a housing that accommodates the first-stage gear set and the second-stage gear set, the housing having a lead screw hole through which a ball screw passes.

[0017] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the transmission mechanism further has a housing accommodating the first-stage gear set and the second-stage gear set, the housing having: a lower housing for mounting the output shaft of the drive mechanism, the first-stage gear set and the second-stage gear set; and an upper housing covering the output shaft of the drive mechanism, the first-stage gear set and the second-stage gear set mounted on the lower housing from above, the upper housing and the lower housing being assembled and fixed by a plurality of first bolts.

[0018] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the lower housing is provided with a first groove for accommodating the output shaft of the drive mechanism, a second groove for accommodating the first-stage gear set, and a third groove for accommodating the second-stage gear set.

[0019] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the end of the output shaft is fixed in the first groove by means of an axial clearance elimination member, the two ends of the first gear shaft of the first stage gear set are directly or by means of a first shim in the second groove, and the two ends of the second gear shaft of the second stage gear set are directly or by means of a second shim in the third groove.

[0020] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a sliding track structure comprising: a fixed rail having an inner cavity; a movable rail slidably connected above the fixed rail and connected to the fixed rail; an actuator as described in the first aspect, fixedly disposed below the movable rail and disposed within the inner cavity of the fixed rail; and a linear member disposed within the inner cavity of the fixed rail and extending along the length direction of the fixed rail, wherein the actuator is configured to cooperate with the linear member to drive the movable rail to move relative to the fixed rail along the length direction of the fixed rail and / or lock the movable rail.

[0021] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the movable rail has an upper movable rail, a lower movable rail, and a connecting portion. The upper movable rail is located above the fixed rail, and the lower movable rail is located in the inner cavity of the fixed rail. The upper movable rail and the lower movable rail are connected by the connecting portion. An allowance opening is provided on the fixed rail along the length direction of the fixed rail for the connecting portion to pass through. When viewed from above, the lower movable rail is located on one side of the allowance opening.

[0022] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the actuator is fixedly mounted on the lower movable rail, and the linear member is fixedly disposed in the inner cavity at a position matching the actuator. When viewed from above, the linear member is located on the other side of the clearance opening.

[0023] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the transmission mechanism is fixedly mounted to the side wall of the lower movable rail by a plurality of second bolts, the drive mechanism is provided with a locking part, and the side wall of the lower movable rail is provided with a slot for engaging with the locking part.

[0024] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a center console structure for a vehicle, which includes the sliding rail structure described in the second aspect, wherein the movable rail is fixedly connected to the center console of the vehicle.

[0025] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a vehicle having the sliding rail structure described in the second aspect, wherein the fixed rail is mounted on or below the floor of the vehicle along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the movable rail is fixedly connected to the center console or seat of the vehicle.

[0026] In some embodiments of the third or fourth aspect, the center console is located inside the armrest box of the vehicle.

[0027] Compared to the structure of a two-stage gearbox with separate upper and lower parts in related technologies, the actuator and the sliding track structure with the actuator of this disclosure adopt a two-stage gear set with the gear shafts parallel to the output shaft of the drive mechanism. The first-stage gear set and the second-stage gear set are arranged on both sides of the output shaft of the drive mechanism. Therefore, the transmission efficiency of the actuator can be greatly improved, the size of the actuator in the width and height directions can be reduced to save space, and the installation accuracy of the actuator 4 can be improved to achieve noise reduction and quiet operation. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The present disclosure is illustrated below with reference to the schematic accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional assembly diagram showing the sliding track structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing a sliding track structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional assembly diagram showing the actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a top view showing the actuator in a state without the upper housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the transmission cooperation between the actuator and the linear component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a sliding track structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8A , Figure 8B This is an exploded perspective view showing the actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure mounted on a movable rail. Detailed Implementation

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a sliding track structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The sliding track structure 10 in this embodiment includes a fixed rail 100 as the lower rail and a movable rail 200 as the upper rail, the movable rail 200 being above the fixed rail 100 and slidably connected to the fixed rail 100.

[0040] The fixed rail 100 is configured as a hollow rail structure with an inner cavity 110. A linear member 300 is provided in the inner cavity 110 of the fixed rail 100 for the movable rail 200 to move linearly on the fixed rail 100. The linear member 300 extends along the length direction of the fixed rail 100, that is, the linear member 300 is arranged parallel to the fixed rail 100.

[0041] In this embodiment, the linear component 300 is a semi-open internal thread rack, but it is not limited to this. Other components that enable the movable rail 200 to move linearly on the fixed rail 100 can also be used, such as a ball screw. The two ends of the semi-open internal thread rack 300 are fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the inner cavity 110 of the fixed rail 100 by bolts, but it is not limited to this. Spring pins or other connecting components or means can also be used for fixing.

[0042] The sliding track structure 10 also includes an actuator 400, which is fixedly disposed below the movable rail 200 and cooperates with a semi-open internal thread rack 300 to drive the movable rail 200 to move relative to the fixed rail 100 in the length direction of the fixed rail 100 and / or lock the actuator 400 of the movable rail 200.

[0043] Next, the specific structure of the execution mechanism 400 will be explained.

[0044] The actuator 400 includes a drive mechanism 500 and a transmission mechanism 600, which are arranged along the length of the fixed rail 100. The drive mechanism 500 can be, for example, a single motor capable of powering the sliding rail structure, and its length direction is parallel to the length direction of the semi-open internal thread rack 300, which is a linearly constructed structure (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0045] like Figures 3-6 As shown, the transmission mechanism 600 adopts a two-stage gear set, but unlike the structure of the two-stage split gearbox in related technologies, the transmission mechanism 600 in this embodiment adopts an integrated gearbox.

[0046] Specifically, the two-stage gear set includes a first-stage gear set 610 and a second-stage gear set 620. The input end of the first-stage gear set 610 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 500, which serves as a drive mechanism. The output end of the first-stage gear set 610 is connected to the input end of the second-stage gear set 620. The output end of the second-stage gear set 620 is connected to a semi-open internal thread rack 300, which serves as a linear component. The transmission mechanism 600 also includes a housing 630 that accommodates the first-stage gear set 610 and the second-stage gear set 620.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first gear shaft 611 of the first-stage gear set 610 and the second gear shaft 621 of the second-stage gear set 620 are both parallel to the output shaft 510 of the motor 500, and the first-stage gear set 610 and the second-stage gear set 620 are arranged on both sides of the output shaft 510 of the motor 500. In some embodiments, the first gear shaft 611, the second gear shaft 621 and the output shaft 510 may, for example, be arranged in approximately the same plane.

[0048] In the two-stage split gearboxes of related technologies, the upper gearbox is connected to the lower gearbox via a vertical transmission rod. The upper and lower gearboxes are respectively equipped with worm gears, and torque is transmitted by means of 90-degree staggered shafts. The transmission efficiency of a single-stage gearbox using worm gears is usually around 60%, while the transmission efficiency of a two-stage gearbox is about 60% × 60% = 36%. That is, the transmission efficiency of the two-stage split gearboxes in related technologies is very low. In order to compensate for the power loss generated during the transmission process and ensure the output power of the gearbox, a high-power, large-size motor is required as the input.

[0049] In contrast, in this embodiment, since the gear shafts (first gear shaft 611 and second gear shaft 621) of the two-stage gear sets in the transmission mechanism 600 are parallel to the output shaft 510 of the motor 500, and the first-stage gear set 610 and the second-stage gear set 620 are arranged on both sides of the output shaft 510 of the motor 500, no spatial conversion is required during torque transmission. The transmission efficiency of the transmission mechanism 600 can reach over 95%. Therefore, compared with the two-stage split gearbox in related technologies, the transmission mechanism 600 in this embodiment can significantly improve transmission efficiency. Because the transmission efficiency of the transmission mechanism 600 is very high, there is no need to use a high-power, large-size motor to compensate for transmission losses. Instead, in this embodiment, a small-size, small-diameter motor can meet the output power and drive requirements of the actuator 400.

[0050] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from above, the width of the motor 500 is less than the overall width of the transmission mechanism 600, and the two sides of the motor 500 in the width direction are located inside the extension lines of the two sides of the transmission mechanism 600 in the width direction. That is, the vertical projection of the two sides of the motor 500 in the width direction is located inside the extension lines of the two sides of the transmission mechanism 600 in the width direction. When viewed from above, the diameter of the motor 500 is less than the total width in the width direction of the two-stage gear set consisting of the first-stage gear set 610 and the second-stage gear set 620.

[0051] In this way, since the width of the motor 500 is within the width range of the transmission mechanism 600, the overall width of the actuator 400 is defined by the width of the transmission mechanism 600. Furthermore, the motor 500 will not come into contact with the semi-open internal thread rack 300 that is connected to the second-stage gear set 620. Therefore, it will not interfere with the transmission of the second-stage gear set 620 relative to the semi-open internal thread rack 300.

[0052] Furthermore, since the first gear shaft 611 and the second gear shaft 621 of the first-stage gear set 610 and the second-stage gear set 620 are both arranged parallel to the output shaft 510 of the motor 500, and the first-stage gear set 610 and the second-stage gear set 620 are arranged on both sides of the output shaft 510 of the motor 500, the width of the transmission mechanism 600 including these two gear sets can be made very small. Therefore, the overall width of the actuator 400 can be made very small. In addition, since the first gear shaft 611, the second gear shaft 621 and the output shaft 510 can be arranged on approximately the same plane, the overall height of the actuator 400 can also be made very small.

[0053] As described above, compared with the sliding track structure of related technologies that uses upper and lower split gearboxes and large-size motor actuators installed on the movable and fixed rails respectively, the actuator 400 of this embodiment can be formed with very small overall width and height dimensions, can be integrated into one unit, and occupies very little space. Therefore, the actuator 400 can be installed as a whole in the inner cavity 110 of the fixed rail 100 without occupying the space above the movable rail 200. This provides more installation space and more convenient arrangement for upper fittings or accessories (such as the center console or seats of a vehicle) in the height direction. At the same time, the actuator installed in the inner cavity 110 of the fixed rail is not easily observed, which achieves an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0054] In one specific embodiment, the transmission mechanism 600 includes a first gear 601 connected to the output shaft 510 of the motor 500. For example, the first gear 601 is sleeved on the output shaft 510 of the motor 500 and rotates together with the output shaft 510. The input end of the first-stage gear set 610 is a second gear 612 that meshes with the first gear 601, and its output end is a third gear 613 coaxial with the second gear 612. Alternatively, the second gear 612 and the third gear 613 can be described as the input and output ends of the first gear shaft 611. The input end of the second-stage gear set 620 is a fourth gear 622 that is connected to the third gear 613 of the first-stage gear set 610, and its output end is a fifth gear 623 coaxial with the fourth gear 622. Alternatively, the fourth gear 622 and the fifth gear 623 can be described as the input and output ends of the second gear shaft 621.

[0055] The fifth gear 623 is the last stage gear that meshes with the semi-open internal thread rack 300. In some embodiments, the fifth gear 623 can be, for example, a large-lead worm gear (first worm gear) with external threads. The external thread of the fifth gear 623 engages with the internal thread of the semi-open internal thread rack 300. When the motor 500 starts, the transmission proceeds from the output shaft 510 of the motor 500 to each stage of the gears in the transmission mechanism 600, ultimately driving the fifth gear 623 to perform linear motion on the semi-open internal thread rack 300. This achieves linear motion of the movable rail 200, on which the actuator 400 is located, on the fixed rail 100, on which the semi-open internal thread rack 300 is located. The use of a large-lead worm gear for the fifth gear 623 enables high-speed operation of the movable rail 200 on the fixed rail 100. Furthermore, when the large-lead worm gear engages with the semi-open internal thread rack 300 to meet the self-locking condition, the movable rail 200 can be locked.

[0056] In some embodiments, the diameter of the fourth gear 622 is preferably smaller than the diameter of the fifth gear 623, which is a worm gear with a large lead, thereby avoiding interference between the fourth gear 622 and the meshing of the fifth gear 623 and the semi-open internal thread rack 300.

[0057] In other embodiments, when the linear component uses a ball screw instead of a semi-open internal thread rack, the fifth gear (i.e., the last gear) of the second-stage gear set 620 can also be a worm gear (second worm gear) that meshes with the ball screw through an internal thread.

[0058] In this embodiment, to more reliably ensure that the motor 500 does not interfere with the semi-open internal thread rack 300, an idler gear 641 can be provided between the first gear shaft 611 and the second gear shaft 621. This idler gear 641 meshes with both the output end of the first-stage gear set 610 and the input end of the second-stage gear set 620, that is, it meshes with both the third gear 613 and the fourth gear 622. To ensure that the actuator 400 has a relatively small overall width, the diameter of the idler gear 641 is preferably designed to be smaller than the diameter of the motor 500.

[0059] Furthermore, if the dimensions of the third gear 613 and the fourth gear 622 are such that the motor 500 will not interfere with the semi-open internal thread rack 300 when the two gears mesh directly, the idler gear 641 may not be provided.

[0060] The housing 630 of the transmission mechanism 600 has: a lower housing 631, which mounts the output shaft 510 of the motor 500, the first gear set 610 and the second gear set 620; and an upper housing 632, which covers from above the output shaft 510 of the motor 500, the first gear set 610 and the second gear set 620 mounted on the lower housing 631.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, first mounting holes 651 and second mounting holes 652 are respectively provided at corresponding positions on the periphery of the upper housing 632 and the lower housing 631, and multiple first bolts 710 ( Figure 4 Five bolts (shown, but not limited to) are threaded through the respective mounting holes of the upper housing 632 and the lower housing 631 to fasten the upper housing 632 and the lower housing 631, thereby assembling and securing the two together.

[0062] In this embodiment, the housing 630 is provided with a notch 633, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, after the upper housing 632 and the lower housing 631 are assembled, the notch 633 corresponds to the position of the second gear set 620. The notch 633 exposes at least a portion of the fourth gear 622 and the fifth gear 623, which is a worm gear with a large lead, so that the external thread of the exposed portion of the fifth gear 623 meshes with the internal thread of the semi-open internal thread rack 300. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the fourth gear 622 may be completely covered by the housing 630, while only at least a portion of the fifth gear 623 is exposed.

[0063] In other embodiments, when the linear component uses a ball screw instead of a semi-open internal thread rack, the housing 630 may not have the above-mentioned notch, but instead completely cover the fourth and fifth gears, and a screw hole for the ball screw to pass through is provided at the position corresponding to the ball screw on the housing. That is, the transmission mechanism causes its housing to be sleeved on the ball screw and move on the ball screw along with the output of the drive mechanism.

[0064] return Figure 4 The lower housing 631 of the housing 630 may be provided with a first groove 6311 for accommodating the output shaft 510 of the motor 500, a second groove 6312 for accommodating the first-stage gear set 610, and a third groove 6313 for accommodating the second-stage gear set 620. Thus, as... Figure 5 As shown, during the assembly of the actuator 400, by installing the output shaft 510 of the motor 500, the first-stage gear set 610, and the second-stage gear set 620 in the corresponding grooves of the lower housing 631, it can be ensured that the motor and each stage of the gear set adopt the same positioning reference, and there is no misalignment or the misalignment between the motor and each stage of the gear set is small. Therefore, the manufacturing tolerance, part tolerance, and transmission error between the output shaft of the motor and the last stage gear of the transmission mechanism can be reduced, the installation accuracy of the actuator 400 can be improved, and noise can be reduced to ensure good sound quality.

[0065] In some embodiments, when the motor 500 is placed in the first groove 6311, there may be a gap between the end of the output shaft 510 and the first groove 6311. In this case, to prevent the first gear 601 sleeved on the output shaft 510 from moving axially and causing excessive noise, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, an axial clearance elimination element 720 is provided axially between the end of the output shaft 510 and between the first gear 601 and the first groove 6311. Two clearance elimination elements 720 are shown in the figure, but it is not limited to this. There may be one clearance elimination element 720 or more than three.

[0066] The first gear shaft 611 of the first-stage gear set 610 and the second gear shaft 621 of the second-stage gear set 620 can be directly mounted (locked) at both ends in the second groove 6312 and the third groove 6313, or they can be mounted (locked) in the second groove 6312 and the third groove 6313 respectively with the help of shims. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the two ends of the first gear shaft 611 of the first-stage gear set 610 are directly abutted against the second groove 6312, and the two ends of the second gear shaft 621 of the second-stage gear set 620 are abutted against the third groove 6313 by means of several shims 730. This method, through direct abutment or abutment with the aid of shims, ensures axial fixation of the first-stage gear set 610 and the second-stage gear set 620, thereby reducing noise.

[0067] Next, we will explain the specific structure of the movable and fixed rails, as well as the installation method of the actuator.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a sliding track structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the movable rail 200 may have an upper movable rail 210, a lower movable rail 220, and a connecting portion 230.

[0069] When the movable rail 200 and the fixed rail 100 are slidably assembled together, the upper movable rail 210 is located above the fixed rail 100, and the lower movable rail 220 is located in the inner cavity 110 of the fixed rail 100. The upper movable rail 210 and the lower movable rail 220 are connected by a connecting part 230. Figure 7As shown, the upper movable rail 210 may have upwardly curved side frames formed on both sides of its upper surface, but the upper movable rail 210 may also have other shapes, such as a flat plate surface. In this embodiment, a pair of left and right connecting portions 230 extend downward from the lower surface of the upper movable rail 210, and a lower movable rail 220 is connected to the lower end of each connecting portion 230. In this embodiment, each lower movable rail 220 extends outward (in opposite directions) from the lower end of each connecting portion 230, thereby allowing the lower movable rail 220 to engage with the top surface of the inner cavity 110 of the fixed rail 100, and facilitating the installation of the actuator 400 from the outer side of the fixed rail 100. The specific installation method will be described later.

[0070] Two clearance openings 120 are provided along the length of the fixed rail 100. When the movable rail 200 and the fixed rail 100 are slidably assembled together, the two clearance openings 120 correspond to the positions of the connecting portions 230 of the movable rail 200, allowing the connecting portions 230 to pass through. Figure 7 As shown, when assembled and viewed from above, each lower movable rail 220 is located on the outer side (one side) of the clearance opening 120 within the inner cavity 110. The actuator 400 is fixedly mounted on one of the lower movable rails 220. A predetermined gap (not shown in the figure) exists between the actuator 400 and the top and bottom surfaces of the inner cavity of the fixed rail 100. Furthermore, a semi-open internal thread rack 300, serving as a linear member, is positioned within the inner cavity 110 corresponding to the actuator 400. Specifically, when viewed from above, the semi-open internal thread rack 300 is located on the inner side (the other side) of the clearance opening 120 within the inner cavity 110. Because the linear member clearance opening 120 is located on the inner side below, the linear member within the inner cavity 110 is not easily visible through the clearance opening, thus achieving an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0071] Figure 8A , Figure 8B This is an exploded perspective view showing the actuator installed on the movable rail according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Multiple third mounting holes 221 are provided on the outer side wall of the lower movable rail 220, and multiple fourth mounting holes 653 are provided on the side of the lower housing 631 of the transmission mechanism 600 on the side where the first-stage gear set is located. After aligning the actuator 400 with the mounting position of the lower movable rail 220, the third mounting holes on the lower movable rail 220 are aligned with the fourth mounting holes on the lower housing 631. Multiple second bolts 740 are inserted through the corresponding mounting holes, thereby fixing the actuator 400 onto the movable rail 200.

[0072] Furthermore, the motor 500, which serves as the drive mechanism, may also be provided with an engaging part 520, such as... Figures 3-5As shown, the engaging portion 520 can, for example, be provided at the end opposite to the output shaft of the motor 500, and is located on the same side as the fourth mounting hole. Figure 8B As shown, a slot 222 can be provided on the outer side wall of the lower movable rail 220, and the engaging part 520 engages with the slot 222, thereby realizing the engagement between the motor 500 and the lower movable rail 220 of the movable rail 200. When the movable rail 200 and the fixed rail 100 are slidably assembled together, the engaging part 520 is located in the inner cavity 110 of the fixed rail 100.

[0073] The sliding track structure of this embodiment can be applied to various types of vehicles. For example, the sliding track structure can be used to drive the vehicle's center console, that is, the vehicle's center console assembly (center console structure) includes a sliding track structure and a center console, wherein the movable rail of the sliding track structure is connected to the center console.

[0074] When this sliding rail structure is applied to a vehicle, the fixed rail can be fixedly installed on or below the vehicle floor along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The vehicle's center console can be located inside the vehicle's armrest box (not shown), which is positioned above the sliding rail structure and fixedly connected to the movable rail. Thus, under the action of the drive mechanism, the armrest box and the internal center console move back and forth along the length of the fixed rail (the front-rear direction of the vehicle).

[0075] In other embodiments, the sliding track structure of this embodiment can also be used to drive the vehicle seat. In this case, the movable rail in the sliding track structure is fixedly connected to the seat, and the drive mechanism drives the seat to reciprocate along the length direction of the fixed rail (the longitudinal direction of the vehicle). It should be noted that when applying the sliding track structure to drive the linear movement of the seat, depending on the required moving speed of the seat, it is sometimes necessary to set a larger drive mechanism and require the fixed rail to have a larger internal cavity space.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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. An actuator, which is connected to a linear component for transmission, characterized in that, The actuator has a drive mechanism and a transmission mechanism arranged along the length direction of the linear member, wherein the length direction of the drive mechanism is parallel to the length direction of the linear member. The transmission mechanism has: The first-stage gear set has its input end connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism. as well as The second-stage gear set has its input end connected to the output end of the first-stage gear set, and its output end connected to the linear component. The first gear shaft of the first-stage gear set and the second gear shaft of the second-stage gear set are both parallel to the output shaft of the drive mechanism. The first-stage gear set and the second-stage gear set are arranged on both sides of the output shaft of the drive mechanism.

2. The actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output end of the first-stage gear set is connected to the input end of the second-stage gear set via an idler gear disposed between the first gear shaft and the second gear shaft.

3. The actuator according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first gear is connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism. The input end of the first-stage gear set is a second gear that meshes with the first gear, and the output end of the first-stage gear set is a third gear that is coaxial with the second gear and meshes with the idler gear. The input end of the second-stage gear set is the fourth gear that meshes with the idler gear, and the output end of the second-stage gear set is the fifth gear that is coaxial with the fourth gear and meshes with the linear component.

4. The actuator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the fourth gear is smaller than the diameter of the fifth gear.

5. The actuator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The diameter of the idler wheel is smaller than the diameter of the drive mechanism.

6. The actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first gear shaft, the second gear shaft, and the output shaft are arranged on the same plane.

7. The actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, When viewed from above, the two sides of the drive mechanism in the width direction are located inside the extension lines of the two sides in the width direction of the transmission mechanism.

8. The actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The linear component is a semi-open internal thread rack, and the output end of the second-stage gear set is a first worm gear with an external thread that meshes with the semi-open internal thread rack.

9. The actuator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism also has a housing that accommodates the first-stage gear set and the second-stage gear set. The housing is provided with a notch that exposes at least a portion of the first worm gear, such that the external thread of the exposed portion of the first worm gear engages with the internal thread of the semi-open internal thread rack.

10. The actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The linear component is a ball screw, and the output end of the second-stage gear set is a second worm gear with an internal thread that meshes with the ball screw.

11. The actuator according to claim 10, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism also has a housing that accommodates the first-stage gear set and the second-stage gear set. The housing has a screw hole through which the ball screw passes.

12. The actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism also has a housing that accommodates the first-stage gear set and the second-stage gear set. The housing has: The lower housing houses the output shaft of the drive mechanism, the first-stage gear set, and the second-stage gear set for mounting; and The upper housing covers from above the output shaft, first-stage gear set, and second-stage gear set of the drive mechanism, which are mounted on the lower housing. The upper housing and the lower housing are assembled and fixed by a plurality of first bolts.

13. The actuator according to claim 12, characterized in that, The lower housing is provided with a first groove for accommodating the output shaft of the drive mechanism, a second groove for accommodating the first-stage gear set, and a third groove for accommodating the second-stage gear set.

14. The actuator according to claim 13, characterized in that, The end of the output shaft is fixed in the first groove by means of an axial clearance elimination component. Both ends of the first gear shaft of the first stage gear set are directly or by means of the first shim engaged in the second groove. The two ends of the second gear shaft of the second stage gear set are directly or by means of the second shim and are engaged in the third groove.

15. A sliding track structure, characterized in that, include: Fixed rail with an internal cavity; A movable rail that is slidably connected to the fixed rail above the fixed rail; The actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, is fixedly disposed below the movable rail and within the cavity of the fixed rail; and The linear member is disposed within the cavity of the fixed rail and extends along the length of the fixed rail. The actuator is configured to cooperate with the linear member to drive the movable rail to move relative to the fixed rail along the length direction of the fixed rail and / or lock the movable rail.

16. The sliding track structure according to claim 15, characterized in that, The movable rail has an upper movable rail, a lower movable rail, and a connecting part. The upper movable rail is located above the fixed rail, and the lower movable rail is located in the inner cavity of the fixed rail. The upper movable rail and the lower movable rail are connected by the connecting part. An opening is provided on the fixed rail along its length for the connecting part to pass through. When viewed from above, the lower movable rail is located on one side of the opening.

17. The sliding track structure according to claim 16, characterized in that, The actuator is fixedly installed on the lower movable rail. The linear component is fixedly disposed in the inner cavity at a position that matches the actuator. When viewed from above, the linear component is located on the other side of the clearance opening.

18. The sliding track structure according to claim 17, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism is fixed to the side wall of the lower movable rail by multiple second bolts. The drive mechanism is provided with a locking part, and the side wall of the lower movable rail is provided with a slot that engages with the locking part.

19. A center console structure for a vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle has a sliding track structure as described in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the movable track is fixedly connected to the center console of the vehicle.

20. The center console structure according to claim 19, characterized in that, The center console is located inside the armrest box of the vehicle.

21. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle has a sliding track structure according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the fixed track is installed on or below the floor of the vehicle along the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the movable track is fixedly connected to the center console or seat of the vehicle.

22. The vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that, The center console is located inside the armrest box of the vehicle.

Images