Covering device for covering a rail of a longitudinal adjuster, longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat, and vehicle seat

Abstract

The invention relates to a covering device (20) for covering a rail (12) of a longitudinal adjuster (10) for a vehicle seat (1), wherein the covering device (20) comprises a cover (22) having an opening (24), wherein the opening (24) can be at least partly closed by means of at least one cover element (30) which is guided in the cover (22), and at least one protective unit (50) for protecting the cover element (30). The invention also relates to a longitudinal adjuster (10) and a vehicle seat (1) comprising a longitudinal adjuster (10) of this kind.

Description

[0001] Adient US LLC, Plymouth, Ml (US)

[0002] Cover device for covering a rail of a longitudinal adjuster, longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat, and vehicle seat

[0003] The invention relates to a covering device for covering a rail of a longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat, having the features of the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, having the features of the preamble of claim 11, as well as to a vehicle seat.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] DE 10 2016 224 588 A1 discloses a longitudinal adjuster with a rail assembly comprising a lower rail and an upper rail movably connected to the lower rail. Further disclosed is a cover (e.g., a rubber cover, a brush cover, etc.) connected to an outer profile of the lower rail and arranged to cover at least a portion of an inner profile. The cover may comprise a rubber strip connected to the outer profile and arranged at an upper portion of each side of the inner profile. The cover may extend generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inner profile. The cover covers at least a portion of the respective interstices of the lower rail. The cover serves to restrict / prevent dirt and / or fabric from entering or falling into respective interstices of the lower rail.

[0006] EP 1 209 024 A1 and EP 1 207 073 A1 disclose longitudinal adjusters for a vehicle seat, which comprise a lower rail secured to a vehicle floor and an upper rail slidably mounted on the lower rail. The longitudinal adjusters comprise a cover panel formed from a synthetic resin material and having two soft lip portions forming a gap on an inner side.

[0007] JP H10-315809 A discloses a longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat. It comprises an elongated lower rail secured to a vehicle floor and a seat-side upper rail slidably mounted on the lower rail. On an upper surface of the lower rail, two elastic covers are provided, loosely abutting each other longitudinally, through whose contact gap the upper rail passes.

[0008] Task

[0009] The invention is based on the object of improving a cover device for covering a rail of a longitudinal adjuster of the type mentioned above, in particular, providing a robust cover device for a rail that completely prevents the penetration of dirt particles or other obstructions. The invention is further based on the object of improving a longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat, in particular, providing a longitudinal adjuster with a robust cover for upwardly open areas of a rail of the longitudinal adjuster, and providing a corresponding vehicle seat.

[0010] Solution

[0011] This object is achieved according to the invention by a cover device for covering a rail of a longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat, wherein the cover device has a panel with an opening, wherein the opening can be closed at least partially by means of a rollable cover element guided in the panel. According to the invention, the cover device has at least one protective unit for protecting the cover element, in particular for securing a rolling-up function and a rolling-down function of the rollable cover element.

[0012] By providing at least one protective unit to secure the roll-up cover element, in particular its rolling-up and unrolling functions, malfunction of the roll-up cover element can be avoided.

[0013] The cover device is used in particular to cover a long rail, in particular a long floor rail, which extends, for example, in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle, such as a van, across two or more rows of seats. The cover device is provided to prevent soiling of the long rail and, in particular, a spindle arranged in this long rail. The long rail enables, for example, an adjustment range of 600 mm or more for a slide or a top rail connected to one of the adjustable seats.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments, which can be used individually or in combination with one another, are the subject of the subclaims.

[0015] A first protective unit is designed, for example, as a support unit, which is arranged, in particular, directly beneath the underside of a rolled-out cover element. The first protective unit can, in particular, be an outer protective unit, which can be arranged outside a cassette for the cover element and, for example, within a rail of a longitudinal adjuster.

[0016] For example, the support unit is arranged at a predetermined distance from the underside of the unrolled cover element such that the cover element can be rolled up and unrolled without friction during normal operation and contacts the support unit when mechanical stress acts on the surface of the cover element. By contacting the cover element and the support unit in this way, undesirable deformation of the cover element, for example due to objects falling onto the cover element or impacting objects such as a shoe heel, can be largely avoided. In particular, permanent deformation of the cover element after misuse, for example due to the impact of a high heel on the unrolled cover element, can be avoided by a support unit on the underside of the cover element.

[0017] For example, the support unit is designed as a shaped body or block body, for example a solid shaped body, for example made of plastic, or as a profile element, for example a metal bracket or plastic bracket.

[0018] The at least one support unit can, for example, be provided in certain areas to secure the cover element. For example, the support unit can be provided and arranged in spaces formed on an underside of the unrolled cover element when the cover element is in the extended or unrolled state (also called an extended, unrolled, or unwound cover element). For example, the support unit can be arranged in a space formed between a spindle end and a roll-up cassette of the cover element.

[0019] A second protective unit can, for example, be designed as a scraper unit (also called a scraper). The second protective unit can, in particular, be designed as an inner protective unit arranged inside the cassette for the cover element and / or as an outer protective unit arranged outside the cassette for the cover element. The scraper unit can be arranged such that it scrapes or sweeps a surface of the cover element, in particular to at least partially remove dirt from the surface of the cover element. This prevents dust particles or dirt particles from getting into a rail covered by the covering device, in particular into a bottom rail and / or into a spindle arranged in this rail. In addition, such a scraper unit can prevent annoying noises and scratches in the surface of the cover element.

[0020] The stripping unit can, for example, be arranged in an area of ​​an entrance of a cassette and / or within a cassette for the cover element. An outer stripping unit, in particular arranged outside the cassette, can strip dirt from the cover element before the cassette. Alternatively or additionally, the stripping unit can be integrated into the cassette as an inner stripping unit. In particular, the stripping unit can be integrated into a cassette base. For example, the stripping unit is integrated into a recess in the cassette base. The inner stripping unit is configured such that dirt stripped from the cover element by this stripping unit can be guided out of the cassette via the recess.

[0021] The wiping unit can, for example, be designed in the form of a brush that is constantly in contact with the cover element, in particular a surface of a rolling spring. The wiping unit can also be provided and configured to prevent noise between the coiled spring sections of the rolling spring.

[0022] The stripping unit can in particular be arranged such that it is always in contact with the cover element, for example the surface of a roller spring, in particular a constant spring or a spiral spring, regardless of whether the cover element is rolled up (also called wound up) or unrolled (also called unwound or unrolled).

[0023] For example, the stripping unit is arranged such that it strips or sweeps a surface of an unrolled cover element (also called unrolled or unwound cover element) before re-rolling.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the stripping unit can be arranged such that it strips or sweeps a surface of a rolled-up cover element (also called wound cover element) before it is rolled out (also called unrolling or unwrapping).

[0025] For example, the stripping unit can be designed to be flexible. For example, the stripping unit is designed as a spring arm. The spring force of the stripping unit is, for example, adjusted such that the stripping unit is always in contact with the surface of the cover element. Additionally or alternatively, the stripping unit can also create permanent contact with the cover element through its geometry and elasticity. For example, the stripping unit is designed as a plastic spring element. Furthermore, an additional spring can be provided for the stripping unit, which generates a constant spring force to maintain permanent contact with the cover element, regardless of temperature fluctuations.

[0026] In addition, the wiping unit can have a wiping lip or wiping edge that is in contact with the surface of the cover element. The wiping unit can have a flexible arm or spring arm, at the free end of which the wiping lip or wiping edge is provided, which is in contact, in particular in permanent contact, with the surface of the cover element. For example, the wiping lip is designed as a sharp wiping lip. In particular, the wiping lip can be designed as a sharp rubber lip. The wiping edge can be designed as a sharp wiping edge. Alternatively, the wiping edge can be designed as a brush edge and provided with bristles. In particular, the wiping lip extends transversely to the rolling direction or unrolling direction of the cover element and across the entire width of the cover element. This allows the cover element to be freed of dirt across its entire width.

[0027] The underlying object is further achieved according to the invention by a longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat. The longitudinal adjuster has at least one first rail and at least one second rail arranged displaceably relative to the first rail, wherein the first rail has a cover device as described above.

[0028] The first rail can be a floor rail that can be embedded in a vehicle floor. The first rail can be a rail that is extended compared to the second rail (also called a long rail or long rail). The first rail can have a base section. The first rail can have two legs projecting from opposite sides of the base section. The first rail can have end sections that are bent back inward at the ends of the legs remote from the base section. The first rail can have a substantially egg-shaped cross-section. The longitudinal adjuster can have a spindle drive arranged between the first rail and the second rail for displacing the second rail relative to the first rail. The spindle drive can have a spindle. The spindle can have an external thread. The spindle drive can have a gear that can be driven by a motor. The gear can be held in the second rail.

[0029] According to a first embodiment of the spindle drive, the spindle can be fixed in the first rail by means of two spindle holders. The spindle can be held rotationally fixed. The gear can have a spindle nut with an internal thread, which is operatively connected to the external thread of the spindle. The gear can be movable along the spindle by being driven by the motor.

[0030] According to a second embodiment of the spindle drive, the spindle can be connected to the gear unit in a rotationally fixed manner at one end section of the spindle. The spindle drive can have a spindle block fixed in the first rail and having an internal thread, which is operatively connected to the external thread of the spindle. The spindle can be rotatably screwed into the spindle block. The spindle block can be movable along the driven spindle.

[0031] The cover device can be installed together with the first rail of the longitudinal adjuster in a vehicle floor in such a way that essentially only an upper region of the cover of the cover device is visible in the vehicle. The first rail can be enclosed laterally at least in sections by the cover. The first rail can be covered by the cover. The second rail, which is displaceably mounted in the first rail, can preferably protrude upwards out of the opening in the cover in the direction of the vehicle seat. The opening in the cover in front of and behind the second rail can be covered by means of the cover element. The cover element can be designed as a roller spring, in particular a constant force spring or spiral spring, which can be pulled out of a cassette located at one end of the first rail. The roller spring can be guided laterally and above the first rail.The roller spring can be coupled to the second rail (also called top rail, runner or carriage) to follow its movement and cover or close the opening in the panel of the first rail (also called bottom rail or floor rail).

[0032] The underlying object is further achieved according to the invention by a vehicle seat with a longitudinal adjuster according to the previous description.

[0033] A guide enclosing the first rail (bottom rail) can have lateral guideways in which the cover element, in particular a roller spring, is guided laterally. The guide is preferably located above the first rail and rests on it (even if a vehicle occupant steps on the cover).

[0034] Further preferably, a cassette (also called a receiving chamber or winding cassette) for the cover element designed as a rolling spring is located at each end of the rail. These two rolling springs can each be suspended at a first end within the cassette. The rolling springs can have a tendency to relax and always assume a maximum diameter when rolled up. Within the cassette, the position of the rolling spring can be predetermined by means of rollers or webs.

[0035] A second end of the respective rolling spring can be attached to the second rail, in particular suspended therein. When one of the rolling springs is pulled, initiated by a change in the position of the second rail, the rolling spring can be pulled out of the cassette. The rolling spring can be rolled out or unrolled (also called unwindable) around a suspension point, with a concomitant reduction in the diameter of the rolling spring. When the second rail moves back towards the respective cassette, the rolling spring can be rolled up or rolled in within the cassette by a spring force of the rolling spring. The rolling spring is arranged so as to be rolled up within the cassette itself. The proposed solution has the advantage of providing a continuous panel with a dimensionally stable and quietly rollable or unrollable cover element.

[0036] If a cover element in the form of a roller spring is provided in the longitudinal direction to the front and to the rear, the forces acting on the second rail by the cover elements cancel each other out, so that an adjusting force of a longitudinal adjuster according to the invention does not increase compared to longitudinal adjusters without a cover device according to the invention.

[0037] In summary, and in other words, a support unit is provided as a first protective unit under the cover element, in particular under the roller spring or under the cover spring, to prevent permanent deformation after misuse (e.g., bending or deformation due to a high heel) of the cover element, which is designed, for example, as a thin metal strip. In areas where a spindle of the power drive system is arranged, support is provided by the spindle of the power drive system. In areas where no spindle is present, additional support is required.In other words, support is only required in areas of the first rail, bottom rail, or floor rail where no spindle or other component, such as a spindle holder, spindle nut, or the like, is located. The spindle itself or the respective components themselves serve as such a support if the distance between the spindle and the cover element (roller spring or cover spring) or between the respective component and the cover element is not too large. The support unit (also called support for short) can be realized by metal brackets or plastic parts that are connected to the lower profile, in particular the floor rail or bottom rail (first rail).

[0038] A dust wiper (wiper unit) is provided as a second protective unit for the roll-up cover element (also called a roll-form cover with a constant force spring). The wiper is always in contact with the rolling spring, in particular a spiral spring made of spring strip steel, regardless of whether it is wound up or unwound. This is achieved by a spring force. The rolling spring can be generated directly by the geometry of the wiper, in particular a plastic spring element. An additional spring is also conceivable, which generates a constant spring force, regardless of temperature fluctuations. This prevents dust particles or dirt particles from entering the floor rail or bottom rail and onto the spindle. The wiper itself lies across the entire width of the spring coil. It has a sharp wiping edge to reliably remove dirt.

[0039] Figures and embodiments of the invention

[0040] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to advantageous embodiments illustrated in the figures. However, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. They show:

[0041] Fig. 1 : a schematic representation of a vehicle seat according to the invention,

[0042] Fig. 2: a partial perspective view of the covering device according to the invention,

[0043] Fig. 3: a partial longitudinal section of the cover device in the area of ​​a bearing device for a cover element of the cover device,

[0044] Fig. 4: a partial longitudinal section of a further embodiment of a covering device in the area of ​​a captive mounting for a covering element of the covering device,

[0045] Fig. 5: a cross-section of a cover device mounted on a rail of a longitudinal adjuster,

[0046] Fig. 6: a perspective view of the covering device according to the invention mounted on a rail arrangement of a longitudinal adjuster, Fig. 7: a sectioned perspective view of the covering device according to the invention with protective units designed as a support unit and a stripping unit,

[0047] Fig. 8: in a sectional view, the covering device according to the invention with protective units designed as a support unit and a stripping unit and mounted on the rail arrangement,

[0048] Fig. 9: in a sectional view, the covering device according to the invention with protective units designed as a support unit and a stripping unit without showing the rail arrangement,

[0049] Fig. 10: a sectioned perspective view of the cover device according to the invention mounted on the rail arrangement with mounted drive unit,

[0050] Fig. 11: a partial sectional view of the cover device according to the invention, omitting the rail arrangement according to Figure 10 and showing the drive unit according to Figure 10,

[0051] Fig. 12: a sectional view of a cassette with rolled-up cover element and stripping unit for the cover element, and

[0052] Fig. 13: an enlarged view of the sectional view according to Figure 12 in the area of ​​the stripping unit.

[0053] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0054] A vehicle seat 1, shown schematically in Figure 1, is described below using three spatial directions running perpendicular to one another. In a vehicle seat 1 installed in the vehicle, a longitudinal direction x runs largely horizontally and preferably parallel to a vehicle longitudinal direction that corresponds to the normal direction of travel of the vehicle. A transverse direction y, which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x, is also oriented horizontally in the vehicle and runs parallel to a vehicle transverse direction. A vertical direction z runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x and perpendicular to the transverse direction y. In a vehicle seat 1 installed in the vehicle, the vertical direction z runs parallel to the vehicle's vertical axis.

[0055] The position and direction information used, such as front, rear, top, and bottom, refer to the viewing direction of an occupant sitting in the vehicle seat 1 in a normal seating position, with the vehicle seat 1 installed in the vehicle, in a position suitable for passenger transport with the backrest 4 upright and oriented in the direction of travel as usual. However, the vehicle seat 1 according to the invention can also be installed in a different orientation, for example, transversely to the direction of travel.

[0056] The vehicle seat 1, in particular a motor vehicle seat, has a seat part 2 and a backrest 4. The backrest 4 is adjustable in its inclination relative to the seat part 2. The vehicle seat 1 has a longitudinal adjuster 10 for adjusting a seat's longitudinal position. The longitudinal adjuster 10 has, as a rail arrangement 11 (shown in Figure 6), at least one first rail 12 and at least one second rail 14 arranged such that it can be moved relative to the first rail 12. In the present case, the seat part 2 is connected, in particular screwed, to the second rail 14 of the longitudinal adjuster 10. A seat height adjustment device (not shown) can also be arranged between the seat part 2 and the second rail 14 of the longitudinal adjuster 10.

[0057] The longitudinal adjuster 10 in the present case has a second rail 14 with a length L2, wherein a length L1 of the first rail 12 is greater than the length L2 of the second rail 14, in particular the length L1 of the first rail 12 corresponds to a multiple of the length L2 of the second rail 14. The first rail 12 is also called a long rail. The second rail 14 is also called a runner or carriage. The present longitudinal adjuster 10 is a longitudinal adjuster 10 with, compared to a conventional device for seat longitudinal adjustment, an extended adjustment path with a larger adjustment range for the vehicle seat 1 or several vehicle seats 1 that can be fastened to the first rail 12.

[0058] The first rail 12 and the second rail 14 of the longitudinal adjuster 10 can form a first pair of rails. The longitudinal adjuster 10 can have a second pair of rails, which is not shown in the figures for illustrative reasons and is preferably arranged symmetrically to the first pair of rails.

[0059] A covering device 20 is provided to cover open areas of the first rail 12 (lower rail).

[0060] The covering device 20 comprises at least one covering element 30, which covers an area of ​​a rail opening 13 (shown in Figure 5) of the first rail 12 not covered by the second rail 14. For this purpose, the covering element 30 is designed as a rollable element in order to variably cover the second rail 14, in particular its rail opening 13 (shown in Figure 5), when the second rail 14 moves relative to the first rail 12.

[0061] In the embodiment according to Figure 1, the covering device 20 comprises two covering elements 30, each of which is fastened or detachably fastened with a first end 30a to the ends of the second rail 14 and is mounted with a second end 30b to be rolled up on associated ends of the first rail 12.

[0062] Figure 2 shows a partial perspective view of the cover device 20 according to the invention.

[0063] The first rail 12, in particular a lower rail, comprises a cover 22 in the direction of the second rail 14. The cover 22 is designed as a cover frame surrounding the, in particular, elongated or slot-shaped, rail opening 13 (shown in Figure 5) of the first rail 12. The cover 22 rests above or on the first rail 12. This allows the cover 22 to be supported on the first rail 12. In addition, the cover 22 can also cover side areas of the first rail 12.

[0064] The cover 22 can be a plastic element, in particular a plastic cover. The first rail 12 is designed in particular as a profile component, in particular as a metal profile component.

[0065] To cover the rail opening 13 (shown in Figure 5), the covering device 20 comprises the covering element 30, which is shown in Figure 2 in the unrolled or rolled-out state and thus covering the rail opening 13.

[0066] The panel 22 can be provided with an integrated, in particular molded, guide channel 26 or a separate guide channel 26. The guide channel 26 can be formed only laterally, in particular on opposite longitudinal sides, of the panel 22.

[0067] The guide channel 26 serves to guide the cover element 30 when adjusting the vehicle seat 1. The guide channel 26 is located above or on the first rail 12.

[0068] The cover element 30 has an outer edge portion 32. The lateral outer edge portions 32 of the cover element 30, in particular the lateral outer edge portions 32 extending along the longitudinal extent of the cover element 30, are guided, for example, by means of the lateral guide channels 26 of the panel 22 when the cover element 30 is rolled up or unrolled.

[0069] Figure 3 shows a partial longitudinal section of the covering device 20 in the region of a storage device, in particular a cassette 28, for receiving the covering element 30 in the rolled-up state.

[0070] In the present case, the covering device 20 has a first cassette 28 at a rear end of the first rail 12 in the longitudinal direction x, in which a covering element 30 is provided. Preferably, the covering device 20 has a second cassette 28 at a front end of the first rail 12 in the longitudinal direction x. This second cassette 28 is structurally identical to the first cassette 28, but is constructed or arranged mirror-symmetrically to the first cassette 28. The second cassette 28 has a corresponding further cover element 30. The following description generally referring to "the cassette 28" applies to both the first cassette 28 and the structurally identical second cassette 28.

[0071] The cassettes 28 can be arranged on the end faces of the first rail 12. Alternatively, the cassettes 28 can also be arranged within the first rail 12 at its front end and its rear end. A further alternative provides for the cover elements 30 to be provided without cassettes 28. For this purpose, for example, corresponding winding elements, in particular rollers, deflection rollers, webs, can be arranged within the first rail 12 at the front end and the rear end, in particular integrated, for example, molded onto it.

[0072] The first end 30a of the cover element 30 is connected to the second rail 14 (shown in Figure 1), in particular suspended in a receptacle of the second rail 14. The second end 30b of the cover element 30 is connected to a holding device 34 in the cassette 28 associated with the cover element 30.

[0073] The cover device 20 serves to cover one of the rails 12, 14 of the longitudinal adjuster 10, in particular the rail opening 13 of the first rail 12 (shown in Figure 5). The cover device 20 has a cover 22 with an opening 24. The cover device 20 can be installed in a vehicle floor such that only an upper region of the cover 22 is visible in the vehicle. The cover 22 is an external plastic cover.

[0074] The first rail 12 can additionally be laterally enclosed at least in sections by the panel 22 and covered by it. The second rail 14, which is slidably mounted in the first rail 12, projects upwards out of the opening 24 of the panel 22 in the direction of the vehicle seat 1. The guide channel 26 for guiding and holding the respective edge section 32 of the cover element 30 is arranged on both sides of the opening 24. The guide channel 26 is designed in the shape of a slot in the panel 22, as shown in detail in Figure 5, for example.

[0075] Both the opening 24 of the cover 22 and the rail opening 13 of the first rail 12 can be partially closed by means of the cover element 30 guided in the cover 22. By at least partially covering the opening 24 and the rail opening 13 by means of the cover element 30, a view of a spindle 60 of an electrical adjustment device (shown in Figures 10 and 11) arranged inside the first rail 12 is prevented, for example.

[0076] The opening 24 of the cover 22 can, as shown in Figure 3, extend slightly above the cassette 28. The cassette 28 is essentially closed at the top, thus preventing the penetration of dirt or the like into the cassette 28. Furthermore, the permanently covered cassette 28 has the advantage that the cover element 30 in the cassette 28 cannot be inadvertently pushed downward by external stress.

[0077] The cover element 30 is arranged in the respective cassette 28 in a rolled-up or wound-up state. The cover 22 preferably has a stripping element 40 in an entrance area of ​​the cassette 28 as a protective unit 50 for the cover element 30. In this case, the stripping element 40 is a brush or a stripping lip, in particular a rubber lip. The stripping element 40 is in contact with a surface of the cover element 30. The stripping element 40 thus prevents dirt from penetrating the cassette 28 when the cover element 30 is retracted or pushed into the cassette 28.

[0078] The cover element 30 is preferably designed to be resilient. In this case, the cover element 30 is designed as a roller spring.

[0079] The holding device 34 is a cylindrical shaft in the present case. The holding device 34 is fixedly arranged in the cassette 28. Alternatively or additionally, the holding device 34 can also be rotatably mounted. The holding device 34 is arranged eccentrically in the cassette 28. The holding device 34 has a receptacle for securing the second end 30b of the cover element 30, in particular a slot for suspending the second end 30b.

[0080] A number of support elements 35, in particular a plurality of webs 36 with rollers 38 rotatably mounted thereon, are arranged in the cassette 28. The support elements 35 serve to guide and support the cover element 30 during rolling up or unrolling. The webs 36 with the rollers 38 are preferably arranged in corner regions of the cassette 28, viewed in the transverse direction y. The webs 36 with the rollers 38 serve to guide or support the cover element 30. By means of the webs 36 or the rollers 38, the cover element 30 can be steered into a corresponding circular path when rolled up into the cassette 28.

[0081] The cover element 30, in particular in the form of a constant-force spring, in particular a coil spring, tends to relax and always assumes a maximum diameter in a coiled state. The cover element 30 can be pulled out of the cassette 28, in particular through a slot-shaped housing opening 29, by means of a force F1 introduced by the second rail 14. In the opposite direction, the cover element 30 can be retracted or pushed into the cassette 28 by means of a force F2. The force F2 preferably results from an elastic preload of the cover element 30, which is designed as a coil spring.

[0082] Figure 4 shows a detail of a longitudinal section of a further embodiment of a covering device 20 in the region of a captive mounting for a covering element 30 of the covering device 20.

[0083] The cover element 30 can be designed to be resilient. The cover element 30 can be a constant force spring, in particular a roll spring.

[0084] The cover element 30 is arranged in a cassette 28 in a captive manner. A first end 30a of the cover element 30 can be connected to the second rail 14, as previously described. For the captive arrangement of the cover element 30 in the cassette 28, the cover element 30 has a corresponding length that is longer than a predetermined required unrolling length for covering the first rail 12. In this case, a second end 30b of the cover element 30 can be arranged unsecured in the cassette 28. The cover element 30, as a constant force spring, is held in a rolled-up state in the cassette 28 due to its restoring force.

[0085] Furthermore, the spring force of the cover element 30 is dimensioned such that the cover element 30 is securely mounted in the cassette 28 even when unrolling or rolling up. Furthermore, the cassette 28 can have, at least on the inside, a shape and / or dimensions such that the cover element 30 is securely mounted in the cassette 28 both in the rolled-up state and when rolling up or unrolling. For example, the cassette 28 can have support elements 35 on the inside, in particular arcuate projections 42 and / or webs 36, for guiding and supporting the cover element 30 in the cassette 28. The cassette 28 comprises a housing with a housing opening 29 directed in the direction of the upper second rail 14, in particular a slot-shaped housing opening 29, through which the free end 30a of the cover element 30 is led out.The housing opening 29 is dimensioned such that the cover element 30 is stored in the cassette 28 in a captive manner both in the fully rolled-up state and in the unrolled state with a predetermined unrolling length.

[0086] Alternatively or additionally, the cover element 30, in particular the second end 30b of the cover element 30, can be held in the cassette 28 by means of a fastening or the previously described holding device 34. For example, the second end 30b of the cover element 30 can be releasably fastened to an inner wall of the cassette 28, for example, can be positively applied, in particular clamped, to a retaining projection, a locking lug, or a retaining groove.

[0087] Figure 5 shows a cross section of the cover device 20 mounted on the first rail 12 of the longitudinal adjuster 10. The cover device 20 serves to cover the first rail 12. In particular, an upwardly directed rail opening 13 is covered by the cover element 30 in the unrolled state.

[0088] The cover device 20 has the panel 22 with the opening 24. The cover device 20 can be recessed into a vehicle floor and mounted on the first rail 12 in such a way that only an upper portion of the panel 22 is visible in the vehicle. The panel 22 is an external plastic panel.

[0089] The first rail 12 can additionally be laterally enclosed and covered by the cover 22, at least in sections. For this purpose, the cover 22 comprises extensions 23 projecting vertically in the direction of the first rail 12. The extensions 23, for example in the form of walls, extend laterally, in particular on both long sides, of the first rail 12 in the longitudinal direction x.

[0090] A guide channel 26 is arranged on each side of the opening 24 of the cover 22 for guiding and holding the respective edge portion 32 of the cover element 30. The guide channel 26 is slit-shaped in the cover 22. Two guide channels 26 are provided, which extend laterally, in particular on both long sides, of the cover 22 in the longitudinal direction x.

[0091] The respective guide channel 26 can be formed on the underside of the cover 22. Alternatively, as shown, the cover device 20 can comprise, in addition to the cover 22, a side cover 44 for the first rail 12, which is arranged laterally of the first rail 12 and below the cover 22. At the end of the side cover 44 directed toward the cover 22, the guide channel 26 can be formed in the form of a longitudinal groove or a recess, as shown in Figure 5.

[0092] The opening 24 can be partially closed by means of the cover element 30 guided in the panel 22. By at least partially covering the opening 24 by the cover element 30, a view of, for example, a spindle of an electrical adjustment arranged inside the first rail 12 is prevented.

[0093] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the cover device 20 according to the invention mounted on a rail arrangement 11 of the longitudinal adjuster 10. The rail arrangement 11 comprises the first rail 12 and the second rail 14.

[0094] The cover device 20 is shown in a rolled-out state of the cover element 30, the first end 30a of which (shown in Figure 1) is formed with the second rail 14 for closing or covering the opening 24 of the panel 22 and the rail opening 13 (shown in Figure 5). The panel 22 can comprise fastening elements 22.2 at its longitudinal ends 22.1, in particular the front longitudinal ends. By means of the fastening elements 22.2, the cover device 20 can be arranged and fastened in the vehicle in the assembled state, in particular embedded and fastened in the vehicle floor (not shown in detail).

[0095] The panel 22 comprises extensions 23 projecting vertically downwards in the direction of the first rail 12. The first rail 12 can additionally be completely or at least partially enclosed laterally by the extensions 23 or at least partially covered. The extensions 23, for example in the form of walls, extend laterally, in particular on both long sides, of the first rail 12 in the longitudinal direction x.

[0096] Figure 7 shows a sectioned perspective view of the cover device 20 according to the invention for covering the first rail 12, on which the second rail 14 is movably mounted.

[0097] The cover device 20 comprises the panel 22 with the opening 24. The opening 24 can be closed or covered at least in sections by means of the cover element 30 guided in the panel 22. In Figure 7, the cover element 30 is coupled to the second rail 14 by means of corresponding coupling elements 30.1, for example, locking receptacles or the like, and counter-coupling elements 14.1, for example, locking hooks or the like, and covers the opening 24 between the panel 22 and the upper rail 14.

[0098] According to the invention, the covering device 20 comprises a plurality of protective units 50. A first protective unit 50.1 is designed, for example, as a support unit 52. A second protective unit 50.2 is designed, for example, as a stripping unit 54. In addition, the stripping element 40 (shown in Figure 3) can serve as a further protective unit 50.

[0099] The respective protective unit 50 serves in particular to protect the cover element 30, in particular to ensure a rolling-up function and a rolling-out function of the cover element 30.

[0100] The stripping unit 54 can be arranged such that it strips or sweeps a surface of the cover element 30, in particular to at least partially remove dirt from the surface of the cover element 30. As a protective unit 50, the stripping element 40 can be arranged, for example, in a region of an entrance of the cassette 28 or on the panel 22 in the region of the entrance of the cassette 28, as shown in Figure 3. Additionally or alternatively, the stripping unit 54 can be arranged as a protective unit 50 within the cassette 28 for the cover element 30. The stripping unit 54 and / or the stripping element 40 can be designed, for example, in the form of a brush, which is always in contact with the cover element 30, in particular a roller spring.The stripping unit 54 and / or the stripping element 40 can further be provided and configured to avoid noise between the rolled-up spring regions of the cover element 30 designed as a rolling spring.

[0101] Figure 8 shows a sectional view of the cover device 20 according to the invention with protective units 50 designed as a support unit 52 and a stripping unit 54, mounted on the rail assembly 11. The support unit 52 is arranged directly below the underside of the unrolled cover element 30. The cover element 30 is guided along the longitudinal sides of the panel 22.

[0102] The support unit 52 is arranged relative to the underside of the unrolled cover element 30 such that the cover element 30 contacts the support unit 52 when mechanical stress acts on the surface of the cover element 30. Such contact between the cover element 30 and the support unit 52 largely prevents undesired deformation of the cover element 30, for example, due to objects falling onto the cover element 30 or impacting objects such as a shoe heel. In particular, permanent deformation of the cover element 30 after misuse, for example, due to the impact of a high heel on the unrolled cover element 30, can be prevented by such a solid support unit 52 on the underside of the cover element 30.

[0103] For example, the support unit 52 is formed as a shaped body 56. The shaped body 56 can be solid or block-shaped in the direction of the cover element 30. For example, the shaped body 56 can have a reinforcing body 56.1 in the direction of the cover element 30. The reinforcing body 56.1 can have dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the cover element 30. The reinforcing body 56.1 has a flat surface in the direction of the cover element 30. In the direction of the first rail 12, the reinforcing body 56.1 can be provided with reinforcing ribs 56.2.

[0104] In the direction of the first rail 12, the support unit 52, in particular the shaped body 56, can be profile-shaped. For example, the shaped body 56 can have two fastening arms 56.3 extending perpendicularly from the reinforcing body 56.1 in the direction of the first rail 12. The fastening arms 56.3 engage in corresponding fastening receptacles 12.1 of the first rail 12.

[0105] In summary, the support unit 52, in particular the molded body 56, can be designed as a block body, for example, a solid molded body, for example, made of plastic. Alternatively or additionally, the support unit 52 can be designed as a profile element, for example, a metal bracket or plastic bracket.

[0106] The at least one support unit 52 can, for example, be provided in certain regions to secure the cover element 30. For example, the support unit 52 can be provided and arranged in free spaces 58 formed on an underside of the unrolled cover element 30 in the extended or unrolled state of the cover element 30 (also called the unrolled or unrolled cover element 30). For example, the support unit 52 can be arranged in a free space 58 formed between the second rail 14 and the cassette 28 (also called the roll-up cassette) of the cover element 30.

[0107] Figure 9 shows a sectional view of the covering device 20 according to the invention with protective units 50 designed as a support unit 52, a stripping element 40 and a stripping unit 54, without showing the rail arrangement 11 and with only a partial view of the first rail 12.

[0108] The support unit 52 is arranged at a predetermined distance 59 from the underside of the unrolled cover element 30 such that the cover element 30 can be rolled up or unrolled further without friction during normal operation and, in the event of mechanical stress on its upper side, contacts the support unit 52. In other words, a molded body or plastic carrier, for example, is arranged as the support unit 52 beneath the cover element 30, which is designed, for example, as a roll-formed spring.

[0109] A small distance 59 or gap is provided between the support unit 52 and the unrolled cover element 30, which is necessary to prevent bending of the cover element 30 during misuse. This prevents permanent deformation.

[0110] The support unit 52 is arranged in an interior space of the first rail 12. The support unit 52 is attached to the first rail 12 by means of the fastening arms 56.3. Figure 10 shows a sectioned perspective view of the cover device 20 according to the invention mounted on the rail arrangement 11 with the drive unit 60 installed.

[0111] The covering device 20 serves in particular to cover the first rail 12, which is designed as a long rail and extends, for example, in the longitudinal direction x of a vehicle, such as a van, across two or more rows of seats. The covering device 20 is provided to prevent soiling of the long rail and, in particular, a spindle 62 of the drive unit 60 arranged in this long rail.

[0112] The first rail 12 designed as a long rail enables, for example, an adjustment range of 600 mm or more for the second rail 14 designed as a slide or top rail (shown in Figure 7 or 9), which is connected to one of the adjustable vehicle seats 1.

[0113] The spindle 62 serves as a support for the unrolled cover element 30. A spindle holder 64 also serves as a support for the unrolled cover element 30.

[0114] In the free space 58 between the drive unit 60 and the cassette 28 for the cover element 30, the support unit 52 is arranged as a protective unit 50 to support and protect the cover element 30.

[0115] Figure 11 shows a partial sectional view of the cover device 20 according to the invention, partially omitting the rail arrangement 11 according to Figure 10 and partially showing the drive unit 60 according to Figure 10. The spindle holder 64 is not shown. Only the first rail 12, the cassette 28 for the cover element 30, and the cover 22 in the area of ​​the cassette 28 are shown.

[0116] In a spindle area 100, the spindle 62 serves as a protective unit 50 and support for the cover element 30. In a holder area 102, the spindle holder 64 shown in Figure 10 serves as a protective unit 50 and support for the cover element 30. A free area 103 provides access to screws for fastening the first rail 12 in the vehicle. In a support area 104, the support unit 52 serves as a protective unit 50 and support for the cover element 30.

[0117] There is a larger distance in the longitudinal direction x between the support area 104 and the spindle area 100, since the spindle holder 64 (shown in Figure 10) serves as a support in the holder area 102. The free area 103 must be designed so small that incorrect operating forces acting from above on the cover element 30 cannot cause deformation.

[0118] Figure 12 shows a sectional view of the cassette 28 with rolled-up cover element 30 and stripping unit 54 for the cover element 30 in detail.

[0119] The stripping unit 54 can, in particular, be arranged such that it is always in contact with the cover element 30, for example, the coil spring, in particular a coilable constant spring or a coilable spiral spring. In particular, the stripping unit 54 is in permanent contact with the cover element 30, regardless of whether the cover element 30 is coiled (also called wound) or uncoiled (also called unwound).

[0120] For example, the scraper unit 54 is arranged to scrape or sweep a surface of the cover element 30 before rolling out or unrolling and before rerolling or rerolling.

[0121] For example, the stripping unit 54 can be designed to be flexible. For example, the stripping unit 54 comprises a spring arm 54.1. The spring force of the stripping unit 54, in particular of the spring arm 54.1, is configured, for example, such that the stripping unit 54 is always in contact with the surface of the cover element 30.

[0122] Additionally or alternatively, the stripping unit 54 can also be provided with a geometry and

[0123] Elasticity creates permanent contact with the cover element 30. For example, the stripping unit 54 is designed as a plastic spring element. Furthermore, an additional spring can be provided for the stripping unit 54, which generates a constant spring force to maintain permanent contact with the cover element 30, regardless of temperature fluctuations.

[0124] Furthermore, the wiping unit 54 can have a wiping lip 54.2 and / or wiping edge 54.3 that is in contact with the surface of the cover element 30. For example, the wiping lip 54.2 and / or the wiping edge 54.3 is provided at a free end of the spring arm 54.1. For example, the wiping lip 54.2 is designed as a sharp wiping lip. In particular, the wiping lip 54.2 can be designed as a sharp rubber lip. The wiping edge 54.3 can be designed as a sharp wiping edge 54.3. Alternatively, the wiping edge 54.3 can be designed as a brush edge and provided with bristles. In particular, the wiping lip 54.2 and / or the wiping edge 54.3 extends transversely to the rolling-up or unrolling direction of the cover element 30 and across the entire width of the cover element 30.

[0125] The spring arm 54.1 is punched out of the cassette 28, for example. The wiping edge 54.3 and / or the wiping lip 54.2 protrude from the spring arm 54.1 toward the cover element 30. The spring arm 54.1 is inclined toward the interior of the cassette 28 and is preloaded.

[0126] Figure 13 shows an enlarged view of the sectional view according to Figure 12 in the area of ​​the stripping unit 54.

[0127] The stripping unit 54 has in particular the shape of the spring arm 54.1 which is formed in one piece and is partially cut out or punched out or formed from a wall, in particular a bottom wall, of the cassette 28, with an integrated, in particular molded-on stripping lip 54.2 and / or stripping edge 54.3.

[0128] The spring arm 54.1 is inclined relative to the wall or floor plane of the cassette 28 and preloaded so that the wiping lip 54.2 and / or the wiping edge 54.3 are / is always in contact with the surface of the cover element 30. The features disclosed in the above description, the claims, and the figures can be important both individually and in combination for the implementation of the invention in its various embodiments.

[0129] Although the invention has been described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description, the representations are to be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not restrictive. In particular, the choice of the proportions of the individual elements shown in the drawings is not to be interpreted as required or restrictive. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments explained. Further variants of the invention and their implementation will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the preceding disclosure, the figures and the claims. Terms used in the claims such as "comprise", "have", "include", "contain" and the like do not exclude further elements or steps. The use of the indefinite article does not exclude a plurality. A single device can perform the functions of several units or devices mentioned in the claims.

[0130] List of reference symbols

[0131] 1 vehicle seat

[0132] 2 seat part

[0133] 4 backrest

[0134] 10 longitudinal adjusters

[0135] 11 Rail arrangement

[0136] 12 first rail

[0137] 12.1 Mounting bracket

[0138] 13 Rail opening

[0139] 14 second rail

[0140] 14.1 Negative feedback element

[0141] 20 Cover device

[0142] 22 aperture

[0143] 22.1 Longitudinal end

[0144] 22.2 Fastening element

[0145] 23 Extension

[0146] 24 Opening

[0147] 26 guide channel

[0148] 28 cassette

[0149] 29 Housing opening

[0150] 30 cover element

[0151] 30.1 Coupling element

[0152] 30a first end

[0153] 30b second end

[0154] 32 edge section

[0155] 34 Holding device

[0156] 35 Support element 36 Web

[0157] 38 roll

[0158] 40 scraper element

[0159] 42 lead

[0160] 44 Side cover

[0161] 50 protection units

[0162] 50.1 first protection unit

[0163] 50.2 second protection unit

[0164] 52 support unit

[0165] 54 Stripping unit

[0166] 54.1 Spring arm

[0167] 54.2 Wiper lip

[0168] 54.3 Scraper edge

[0169] 56 molded bodies

[0170] 56.1 Reinforcing body

[0171] 56.2 Reinforcing ribs

[0172] 56.3 Mounting arm

[0173] 58 open space

[0174] 59 distance

[0175] 60 drive unit

[0176] 62 spindle

[0177] 64 spindle holders

[0178] 100 spindle range

[0179] 102 Holder area

[0180] 103 outdoor area

[0181] 104 support area

[0182] F1 Power

[0183] F2 Force L1 Length of the first rail

[0184] L2 Length of the second rail x Longitudinal direction y Transverse direction z Vertical direction

Claims

Patent claims 1. Cover device (20) for covering a rail (12) of a longitudinal adjuster (10) for a vehicle seat (1), wherein the cover device (20) has a panel (22) with an opening (24) which can be closed at least in sections by means of at least one movable cover element (30) guided in the panel (22), characterized in that at least one protective unit (50) is provided for securing the cover element (30).

2. Covering device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that a support unit (52) is arranged as a first protective unit (50.1) below an underside of the unrolled covering element (30).

3. Cover device (20) according to claim 2, characterized in that the support unit (52) is arranged at a predetermined distance (59) from the underside of the unrolled cover element (30) such that the cover element (30) can be rolled up or unrolled without friction during normal operation and contacts the support unit (52) when mechanical stress acts on the surface of the unrolled cover element (30).

4. Covering device (20) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the support unit (52) is designed as a profile element, a shaped body and / or a block body.

5. Cover device (20) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the support unit (52) is arranged in a free space (58) formed between a spindle (62) and a cassette (28) of the cover element (30). Covering device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a stripping unit (54) is provided as a second protective unit (50.2) and is arranged such that it strips a surface of the covering element (30) before it is rolled up or unrolled. Covering device (20) according to claim 6, characterized in that the stripping unit (54) has a stripping lip (54.2) and / or a stripping edge (54.3) that is in contact with the surface of the covering element (30). Covering device (20) according to claim 6, characterized in that the stripping unit (54) has a flexible arm or spring arm (54.1), at the free end of which a stripping lip (54.2) and / or a stripping edge (54.3) is provided, which is in contact with the surface of the covering element (30). Cover device (20) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the wiper lip (54.2) is designed as a rubber lip.Cover device (20) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the wiper lip (54.2) and / or the wiper edge (54.3) extends transversely to the rolling-up or unrolling direction and across the entire width of the cover element (30). Longitudinal adjuster (10) for a vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, wherein the longitudinal adjuster (10) comprises at least one first rail (12) and at least one second rail (14) arranged displaceably relative to the first rail (12), characterized in that the first rail (12) has a cover device (20) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle seat (1) with a longitudinal adjuster (10) according to claim 11.

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