VEHICLE SEAT SLIDING RAIL

Abstract

A vehicle seat (10) slide (20) comprising a first profile (21) extending along a longitudinal direction (X), the first profile including a base (21a), a first side wall (21b) and a second side wall (21c), the first side wall (21b) and the second side wall (21c) respectively comprising a first series of indentations (23a) and a second series of indentations (23b); a second profile (22) extending along the longitudinal direction (X), the second profile (22) being mounted to slide on the first profile (21) along the longitudinal direction (X); and a locking device (30) for locking the sliding of the second profile (22) relative to the first profile (21). Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: SLIDE FOR VEHICLE SEAT Technical field

[0001] The present description relates to a slide for a vehicle seat and to a seat comprising such a slide. Prior art

[0002] [Fig.l] schematically represents a seat 10 of a motor vehicle.

[0003] In the following description, when reference is made to absolute position qualifiers, such as the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or relative position qualifiers, such as the terms "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc., or to orientation qualifiers, such as "horizontal", "vertical", etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures or of the seat 10 in its normal position of use.

[0004] In the following, the longitudinal direction X means the longitudinal direction X of the seat 10. The longitudinal direction X of the seat 10 is considered to be the same as the longitudinal direction X of the motor vehicle in which the seat 10 is mounted. This longitudinal direction X corresponds to the normal direction of travel of the vehicle. The longitudinal direction X is preferably horizontal. The transverse direction Y is the transverse direction Y of the seat 10. The transverse direction Y of the seat 10 thus corresponds to the transverse or lateral direction Y of the motor vehicle. This transverse direction Y corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the normal direction of travel of the vehicle. The transverse direction Y is preferably horizontal. Finally, the vertical direction Z is a vertical direction Z of the seat 10, perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0005] The seat 10 comprises a seat 11 with a seat frame 12. The seat 10 also comprises a backrest 13 with a backrest frame 14. The backrest frame 14 is mounted on the seat frame 12, pivoting about a transverse articulation axis, by at least one articulation mechanism. Such articulation mechanisms are known. Therefore, these articulation mechanisms are not described in further detail here. The seat 10 also comprises a headrest 15.

[0006] In a known manner, the vehicle seat 10 (in particular the seat 11) is mounted on one, or even two, slide(s) 20 to adjust a longitudinal position of the seat 10 in the vehicle. Also, a locking device 30 is typically provided to lock the position of the seat 10 and prevent any longitudinal movement of the seat 10.

[0007] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a slide 20 is thus known comprising: - a first profile 21 extending in a longitudinal direction X, the first profile 21 comprising a base 21a, a first side wall 21b and a second side wall 21c, the first side wall 21b and the second side wall 21c respectively comprising a first series of indentations 23a and a second series of indentations 23b, - a second profile 22 extending in the longitudinal direction X, the second profile 22 being slidably mounted on the first profile 21 in the longitudinal direction X, - a locking device 30 mounted on the second profile 22, the locking device 30 comprising a locking member 40 which comprises a first series of teeth 41a and a second series of teeth 41b intended to cooperate with the first series of indentations 23a and the second series of indentations 23b, the locking member 40 being movable between a locking position in which the first series of teeth 41a and the second series of teeth 41b are respectively engaged with the first series of indentations 23a and the second series of indentations 23b to lock the position of the second profile 22 relative to the first profile 21, and an unlocking position in which the first series of teeth 41a and the second series of teeth 41b are at a distance respectively from the first series of indentations 23a and the second series of indentations 23b thus allowing the sliding of the second profile 22 relative to the first profile 21, to the first profile 21.In a known manner, such a locking device 30 comprises a single spring 70 so as to urge the locking member 40 towards the locking position.

[0008] In a given position of the second profile 22 relative to the first profile 21 (therefore corresponding to a given longitudinal position of the seat 10 in the vehicle), there may be an offset between each series of indentations and the respective series of teeth so that the second profile 22 is not locked relative to the first profile 21. Also, it is necessary to slide the second profile 22 relative to the first profile 21 so that the locking member 40 moves under the effect of the spring 70 into the locked position as soon as each series of indentations is aligned with the respective series of teeth. However, it has been found that the spring 70 does not allow sufficiently rapid movement of the locking member 40 into the locking position when the second profile 22 slides too quickly relative to the first profile 21, for example in the event of a collision of the vehicle.This may cause the second profile 22 to travel too far relative to the first profile 21, which may compromise the safety of the occupant of the seat 10.

[0009] Furthermore, it has been found that the inherent flexibility of the first profile 21 and the second profile 22 can lead to a repetitive movement of the second profile 22 relative to the first profile 21 in the vertical direction Z. Such a phenomenon can be such as to disengage the first series of teeth 41a and the second series of teeth 41b. of the locking member 40 of the respective series of indentations of the first profile 21. This therefore also proves harmful with regard to the safety of the occupant of the seat 10.

[0010] It is therefore desirable to find a solution to overcome these drawbacks. At the same time, given the current challenges of reducing the mass and bulk of current vehicle seats and slides, it is desirable to find a solution that does not increase the mass or volume of known vehicle seat slides. Summary

[0011] A slide for a vehicle seat is provided comprising: - a first profile extending in a longitudinal direction, the first profile comprising a base, a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall and the second side wall respectively comprising a first series of indentations and a second series of indentations, - a second profile extending in the longitudinal direction, the second profile being slidably mounted on the first profile in the longitudinal direction, - a locking device for locking the sliding of the second profile relative to the first profile, the locking device comprising: — a box fixed to the second profile and comprising at least one bottom wall, — a locking plate which comprises a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth, the locking plate being movable in a first direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, between a locking position in which the first series of teeth and the second series of teeth cooperate respectively with the first series of indentations and the second series of indentations to lock the position of the second profile relative to the first profile, and an unlocking position in which the first series of teeth and the second series of teeth are at a distance respectively from the first series of indentations and the second series of indentations allowing the sliding of the second profile relative to the first profile, — a control pin passing right through the housing in the first transverse direction while being movable in the first transverse direction between a high position and a low position, the control pin cooperating with the locking plate so that a movement of the control pin in a first direction of the first transverse direction from the high position to the low position causes a movement of the locking plate in the first direction of the first transverse direction from the locking position to the unlocking position, — a support member arranged inside the housing, the support member cooperating with the control pin so that a movement of the control pin according to the first direction of the first transverse direction causes a movement of the support member in the first direction of the first transverse direction and that a movement of the support member in a second direction of the first transverse direction causes a movement of the control pin in the second direction of the first transverse direction, — at least one first elastic means and one second elastic means arranged in the housing in support, on the one hand on the bottom wall of the housing in the first direction of the first transverse direction, and on the other hand, on the support member in the second direction of the first transverse direction to elastically stress the control pin in the second direction of the first transverse direction towards the high position.

[0012] The support member has at least one degree of freedom in rotation relative to the control pin so as to uniformly distribute a force from the control pin on each of the elastic means.

[0013] Each elastic means elastically biases the control pin towards the high position. Actuation of the control pin therefore acts against the elastic bias exerted by the first elastic means and the second elastic means to move the locking plate into its unlocked position.

[0014] Such a locking device comprising at least two elastic means also allows faster movement of the locking plate to the locking position. Thus, in the event of non-locking of the second profile relative to the first profile due to an offset between each series of teeth and the respective series of indentations, effective locking is obtained more quickly since the first series of teeth and the second series of teeth of the locking plate are aligned with the respective series of indentations of the first profile. Excessive longitudinal sliding of the second profile relative to the first profile is thus avoided. The safety of the seat occupant is therefore improved. Furthermore, the arrangement of two elastic means instead of just one to obtain this advantage makes it possible to make the locking device more compact in the first transverse direction.

[0015] The fact that the support member has at least one degree of freedom in rotation to equalize a force of the control pin on each of the elastic means makes it possible to avoid, or even eliminate, a bracing of the control pin in the housing, which could lead to blocking of the control pin or to deterioration of the locking device. In this, the support member plays the role of a lever. Thanks to the support member, the control pin can act simultaneously and equally on each elastic means, which also allows easier unlocking of the locking device.

[0016] When the first set of teeth of the locking plate cooperates with the first series of indentations of the first profile, it is understood that each tooth of the first series of teeth is engaged in an indentation of the first series of indentations. Similarly, when the second series of teeth of the locking plate cooperates with the second series of indentations of the first profile, it is understood that each tooth of the second series of teeth is engaged in an indentation of the second series of indentations.

[0017] The first profile may be intended to be fixed to a floor of a vehicle, in particular of the automobile type. The second profile may be intended to be fixed to a seat of the vehicle, in particular to a seat base. The seat may thus be able to slide in the longitudinal direction relative to the floor of the vehicle.

[0018] The first profile and the second profile may define a hollow interior space between them. The locking plate of the locking device may be arranged in the hollow interior space.

[0019] The indentations of the first series and the second series may be arranged along the longitudinal direction.

[0020] The first transverse direction may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The first transverse direction may coincide with a vertical direction.

[0021] The first elastic means and the second elastic means can be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, preferably by being arranged on each side of the control pin in the longitudinal direction, said at least one degree of freedom in rotation of the support member relative to the control pin being around a second direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0022] Such a locking device is advantageously more compact in the second transverse direction. This makes it possible to reduce the space occupied by the slide.

[0023] Such an arrangement ensures uniform movement of the locking plate along the first transverse direction. In other words, this makes it possible in particular to limit, or even eliminate, rotation of the locking plate around the longitudinal direction, which could cause partial and weak locking.

[0024] The support member can therefore pivot around an axis extending in the second transverse direction.

[0025] The second transverse direction may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the first transverse direction. The second transverse direction may correspond to a transverse direction of the seat.

[0026] The control pin may comprise a bearing face arranged inside the housing. The bearing member may comprise a central portion which comprises a first wall and a second wall arranged on each side of the control pin in the second transverse direction, the first wall and the second wall each comprising a bearing face rounded around an axis extending in the second direction, the bearing face of the first wall and the bearing face of the second wall each bearing on the bearing face of the control pin in the first transverse direction.

[0027] The support in the first transverse direction of the support face of the control pin on the support face of each wall of the support member allows the movement of the support member in the first direction of the first transverse direction when the control pin is moved in the first direction of the first transverse direction. It is therefore understood that the support member is made integral with the control pin in the first transverse direction by the force exerted by each elastic means on the support member in the second direction of the first transverse direction, which keeps each wall of the support member in support (or in abutment) on the support face of the control pin. Remarkably, the support member is distinct (i.e. structurally independent) from the control pin.

[0028] Furthermore, the rounded shape of the bearing face of each wall of the bearing member forms a linear support along the second transverse direction between the bearing face of each wall of the bearing member and the bearing face of the control pin, which provides the degree of freedom in rotation around the second direction.

[0029] The first wall and the second wall may each extend in a respective plane parallel to the longitudinal direction and the first transverse direction.

[0030] The control pin may comprise a stop collar. The bearing face of the control pin may be formed by the stop collar.

[0031] The support member may comprise an opening delimited by the first wall and the second according to the second transverse direction. The control pin may pass through the opening of the support member.

[0032] The control pin can be secured to the locking plate.

[0033] Thus, a movement of the control pin in the second direction of the first transverse direction from the low position to the high position causes a movement of the locking plate in the second direction of the transverse direction from the unlocking position to the locking position.

[0034] Furthermore, the arrangement of at least two elastic means makes it possible to increase the return force (i.e. in the second direction of the first transverse direction) which is exerted on the control pin. In other words, the force which tends to return and / or maintain the control pin towards / in the high position is increased. Consequently, due to the connection between the control pin and the locking plate, the force applied to the locking plate when the latter is in the locking position is increased. As a result, the locking plate is maintained in the locking position even though the second profile and the locking device would be moved in the first transverse direction relative to the first profile due to the intrinsic flexibility of the first profile and the second profile. Involuntary unlocking of the slide is therefore limited or even eliminated, which further improves the safety of the seat occupant. This results in faster and more secure locking, ensuring greater safety for the seat occupant.

[0035] The locking plate may be integral with a first end of the control pin. The central portion of the locking plate may comprise an opening in which the first end of the control pin is received by snap-fastening (or clipping).

[0036] The support member may comprise a first leg and a second leg extending on each side of the central part in the longitudinal direction, the first elastic means being supported, on the one hand, on the first leg of the support member in the second direction of the first transverse direction, and on the other hand, on the bottom wall of the housing in the first direction of the first transverse direction, and the second elastic means being supported, on the one hand, on the second leg of the support member in the second direction of the first transverse direction, and on the other hand, on the bottom wall of the housing in the first direction of the first transverse direction.

[0037] The first leg and the second leg of the support member may be connected to each other by the first wall and the second wall. The opening of the support member may be delimited by the first leg and the second leg in the longitudinal direction.

[0038] The first leg and the second leg may each extend in a respective plane parallel to the longitudinal direction and the second transverse direction.

[0039] The force applied to the locking plate by the first elastic means and the second elastic means may be greater than or equal to 70 N when the locking plate is in the locking position.

[0040] The first elastic means and the second elastic means may each comprise a spring, in particular a helical spring.

[0041] The second profile may comprise a base opposite the base of the first profile in the first transverse direction, the distance in the first transverse direction separating the base of the first profile and the base of the second profile being less than or equal to 40 mm, preferably less than or equal to 35 mm.

[0042] Such a slide is advantageously compact in the first transverse direction. This makes it possible to reduce the space occupied by the slide.

[0043] The second profile may comprise a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall of the first profile and the first side wall of the second profile can cooperate to form a raceway for balls. Similarly, the second side wall of the first profile and the second side wall of the second profile can cooperate to form a raceway for balls. The first side wall and the second side wall of the first profile can be arranged on each side of the base of the first profile in the second transverse direction. Similarly, the first side wall and the second side wall of the second profile can be arranged on each side of the base of the second profile in the second transverse direction.

[0044] The control pin may comprise a shaft extending in the first transverse direction. The control pin may protrude from the second profile through an opening formed through the base of the second profile.

[0045] The housing may be disposed within the hollow interior space defined by the first profile and the second profile.

[0046] The housing may comprise a first pair of side walls spaced apart from each other in the second transverse direction and a second pair of side walls spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. The first pair of side walls, the second pair of side walls and the bottom wall of the housing define an interior volume of the housing. Each side wall of the first pair of side walls may extend in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction and the first transverse direction. Each side wall of the second pair of side walls may extend in a plane parallel to the first transverse direction and the second transverse direction. When an element is said to be "in the housing", this means that it is arranged in the interior volume defined by the housing.The housing may further comprise a first housing in which the first elastic means is received and a second housing in which the second elastic means is received.

[0047] The bottom wall of the housing may include an opening for the passage of the control pin. The housing may include a tubular wall extending from the bottom wall into the housing around the opening through the bottom wall. The shaft of the control pin may be received in the tubular wall of the housing. The tubular wall of the housing thus serves as a guide for the sliding of the control pin in the first transverse direction.

[0048] The locking plate may comprise a central portion extending in the longitudinal direction. The locking plate may comprise two lateral portions arranged on either side of the central portion in the second transverse direction. Each lateral portion comprises one of the first series of teeth and the second series of teeth.

[0049] The housing may comprise at least one snap-on (or clip-on) fixing device for being fixed to the second profile. In particular, the housing may comprise a first and second fixing devices each connected to one of the walls of the second pair of side walls of the housing.

[0050] According to another aspect, there is provided a vehicle seat comprising a slide as described above and a seat, the second profile of the slide being fixed to the seat, in particular to a frame of the seat. Brief description of the drawings

[0051] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which:

[0052] [Fig-1] is a schematic view of a vehicle seat;

[0053] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a slide of the vehicle seat of [Fig.l];

[0054] [Fig.3] is a sectional view of a locking device according to the state of the technique for a slide for a vehicle seat of [Fig.2];

[0055] [Fig.4] is an exploded view of a locking device for a slide for a vehicle seat according to this description;

[0056] [Fig.5] is a sectional view of the locking device of [Fig.4] in a first sectional plan;

[0057] [Fig.6] is a sectional view of the locking device of [Fig.4] in a second section plane, in a “locked” configuration;

[0058] [Fig.7] is a sectional view of the locking device of [Fig.4] in the second section plane, in an “unlocked” configuration;

[0059] [Fig.8] is an isolated perspective view of a control pin and a support member of the locking device of [Fig.4]. Description of the embodiments

[0060] Reference is now made to Figures 4 to 7 which show a locking device 30 for a slide 20 for a vehicle seat 10 as described with reference to the prior art.

[0061] The slide 20 comprises a first profile 21 and a second profile 22 each extending in a longitudinal direction X. The first profile 21 comprises a base 21a, a first side wall 21b and a second side wall 21c. Similarly, the second profile 22 comprises a base 22a, a first side wall 22b and a second side wall 22c. The base 22a of the second profile 22 faces the base 21a of the first profile 21 in a first direction transverse to the longitudinal direction X. The first transverse direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The first transverse direction here coincides with the vertical direction Z of the seat 10 as described with reference to the known state of the art. In the remainder of the description, the first transverse direction will be referred to as the “vertical direction Z”. A second transverse direction is further defined, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and to the vertical direction Z. The second transverse direction coincides with the transverse direction Y of the seat 10 as described with reference to the known state of the art. In the remainder of the description, the second transverse direction will be referred to as the “transverse direction Y”.

[0062] The first side wall 21b and the second side wall 21c of the first profile 21 are arranged on each side of the base 21a of the first profile 21 in the transverse direction Y. Similarly, the first side wall 22b and the second side wall 22c of the second profile 22 are arranged on each side of the base 22a of the second profile 22 in the transverse direction Y. The first profile 21 and the second profile 22 define between them a hollow interior space 24. The hollow interior space 24 is delimited in the vertical direction Z by the base 21a of the first profile 21 and the base 22a of the second profile 22.

[0063] The second profile 22 is mounted on the first profile 21 sliding in the longitudinal direction X. The first side wall 21b of the first profile 21 and the first side wall 22b of the second profile 22 cooperate to form a first raceway for balls. Similarly, the second side wall 21c of the first profile 21 and the second side wall 22c of the second profile 22 cooperate to form a second raceway for balls. The first profile 21 may be intended to be fixed to a floor 16 of a vehicle, in particular of the automobile type. The second profile 22 may be intended to be fixed to a seat 10 of the vehicle, in particular to a seat 11 of the seat 10. The seat 10 may thus be able to slide in the longitudinal direction X relative to the floor 16 of the vehicle.

[0064] Finally, the first side wall 21b and the second side wall 21c of the first profile 21 respectively comprise a first series of indentations 23a and a second series of indentations 23b. The indentations of the first series and the second series are arranged along the longitudinal direction X. The first side wall 22b and the second side wall 22c of the second profile 22 respectively comprise a first series of holes 25a and a second series of holes 25b.

[0065] The locking device 30 firstly comprises a housing 80. The housing 80 is arranged inside the hollow interior space 24 which is defined by the first profile 21 and the second profile 22. The housing 80 is fixed to the second profile 22. The housing 80 comprises a first pair of side walls 81a; 81b spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction Y and a second pair of side walls 82a; 82b spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X. The housing 80 also comprises a bottom wall 83. Each side wall of the first pair of side walls 81a; 81b extends in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the vertical direction Z. Each side wall of the second pair of side walls 82a; 82b extends in a plane parallel to the vertical direction Z and the transverse direction Y. The bottom wall 83 extends here in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y. The first pair of side walls 81a; 81b, the second pair of side walls 82a; 82b and the bottom wall 83 of the housing 80 define an interior volume 85 of the housing 80. When an element is said to be “in the housing 80” or “inside the housing 80”, this means that it is arranged in the interior volume 85 defined by the housing 80. Conversely, when an element is said to be “outside the housing 80”, this means that it is not arranged in the interior volume 85 defined by the housing 80.

[0066] The housing 80 comprises at least one snap-on (or clip-on) fixing device for being fixed to the second profile 22. In particular, the housing 80 here comprises a first and a second fixing device 84a; 84b each connected to one of the walls of the second pair of side walls 82a; 82b of the housing 80. Such fixing devices 84a; 84b are known and will not be described in more detail.

[0067] The locking device 30 also comprises a locking plate 40. As seen in [Fig. 4], the locking plate 40 extends in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y. The locking plate 40 comprises a central portion 42 in the transverse direction Y. The locking plate 40 comprises two lateral portions 43a; 43b arranged on either side of the central portion 42 in the transverse direction Y. The lateral portions 43a; 43b of the locking plate 40 respectively comprise a first series of teeth 41a and a second series of teeth 41b. Each tooth of the first series of teeth 41a and of the second series of teeth 41b extends from the central portion 42 in the transverse direction Y, respectively in a first direction and in a second direction of the transverse direction Y.Each tooth of the first series of teeth 41a passes through one of the holes of the first series of holes 25a of the second profile 22. Each tooth of the second series of teeth 41b passes through one of the holes of the second series of holes 25b of the second profile 22.

[0068] The locking plate 40 is movable in the vertical direction, between a locking position (see [Fig. 6]) and an unlocking position (see [Fig. 7]), in particular relative to the housing 80 (and therefore relative to the second profile 22). The means for moving the locking plate 40 are described in more detail below. In the locking position, the first series of teeth 41a and the second series of teeth 41b cooperate respectively with the first series of indentations 23a and the second series of indentations 23b to lock the longitudinal position of the second profile 22 relative to the first profile 21. In the unlocking position, the first series of teeth 41a and the second series of teeth 41b are at a distance respectively from the first series of indentations 23a and the second series of indentations 23b allowing the longitudinal sliding of the second profile 22 relative to the first profile 21. When the first series of teeth 41a of the locking plate 40 cooperates with the first series of indentations 23a of the first profile 21, it is understood that each tooth of the first series of teeth 41a is engaged in one of the indentations of the first series of indentations 23a. Similarly, when the second series of teeth 41b of the locking plate 40 cooperates with the second series of indentations 23b of the first profile 21, it is understood that each tooth of the second series of teeth 41b is engaged in one of the indentations of the second series of indentations 23b.

[0069] The locking plate 40 of the locking device 30 is arranged in the hollow interior space 24. Also, the locking plate 40 is here outside the housing 80. In particular, the plate is arranged, in the vertical direction Z between the bottom wall 83 of the housing 80 and the base 21a of the first profile 21.

[0070] The locking device 30 further comprises a control pin 50. The control pin 50 comprises a shaft 51 which extends in the vertical direction Z between a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end of the shaft 51 coincide here respectively with a first end 52 and a second end 53 of the control pin 50. The control pin 50 passes right through the housing 80 in the vertical direction Z. The control pin 50, in particular the second end 53 of the control pin 50, projects from the second profile 22 through an opening formed through the base 22a of the second profile 22. The bottom wall 83 of the housing 80 comprises an opening for the passage of the control pin 50.

[0071] The control pin 50 is movable in the vertical direction Z between a high position (see [Fig.6]) and a low position (see [Fig.7]), in particular relative to the housing. The control pin 50 cooperates with the locking plate 40 so that a movement of the control pin 50 in a first direction ZI of the vertical direction Z from the high position to the low position causes a movement of the locking plate 40 in the first direction ZI of the vertical direction Z from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0072] In the example shown, the control pin 50 is integral with the locking plate 40. Thus, a movement of the control pin 50 in a second direction Z2 of the vertical direction Z from the low position to the high position causes a movement of the locking plate 40 in the second direction Z2 of the vertical direction Z from the unlocking position to the locking position. In particular, the locking plate 40 is integral with a first end 52 of the control pin 50. To do this, the central portion 42 of the locking plate 40 comprises an opening 44 in which the first end 52 of the control pin 50 is received by snap-fastening (or clipping). The shaft 51 of the control pin 50 includes in particular an annular groove 56 in the vicinity of the first end 52 for this purpose.

[0073] The housing 80 comprises a tubular wall 86 extending from the bottom wall 83 inside the housing 80 around the opening through the bottom wall 83. The shaft 51 of the control pin 50 is received in the tubular wall 86 of the housing 80. The tubular wall 86 of the housing 80 allows the control pin 50 to be guided in vertical sliding relative to the housing 80 in the vertical direction Z.

[0074] The locking device 30 then comprises elastic means 71; 72 described in more detail below for elastically urging the control pin 50 towards the high position. The actuation of the control pin 50 (represented by the arrow F in [Fig. 7]) therefore acts against the elastic stress exerted by the elastic means 71; 72 to move the locking plate 40 into its unlocking position.

[0075] For this purpose, the locking device 30 comprises a support member 60 acting as an interface between the control pin 50 and the elastic means 71; 72.

[0076] The support member 60 is arranged inside the housing 80. The support member 60 cooperates with the control pin 50 so that a movement of the control pin 50 in the first direction ZI of the vertical direction Z causes a movement of the support member 60 in the first direction ZI of the vertical direction Z and that a movement of the support member 60 in a second direction Z2 of the vertical direction Z causes a movement of the control pin 50 in the second direction Z2 of the vertical direction Z.

[0077] More visibly in [Fig. 8], the support member 60 comprises a central part which comprises a first wall 62a and a second wall 62b arranged on each side of the control pin 50 in the transverse direction Y. The first wall 62a and the second wall 62b here each extend in a respective plane parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the vertical direction Z. The first wall 62a and the second wall 62b each comprise a support face 63 rounded around an axis extending in the transverse direction Y. The first wall 62a and the second wall 62b of the central part of the support member 60 delimit an opening 64 of the support member 60 in the transverse direction Y. The shaft 51 of the control pin 50 is arranged between the first wall 62a and the second wall 62b of the central part of the support member 60 in the transverse direction Y. In other words, the control pin 50 passes through the opening 64 of the support member 60.

[0078] The control pin 50 further comprises an annular stop collar 54 around the shaft 51, inside the housing 80. The stop collar 54 defines a bearing face 55 of the control pin 50, inside the housing 80. The bearing face 63 of the first wall 62a and the bearing face 63 of the second wall 62b each bear on the bearing face 55 of the control pin 50 in the vertical direction Z.

[0079] The bearing in the vertical direction Z of the bearing face 55 of the control pin 50 on the bearing face 63 of each wall 62a; 62b of the bearing member 60 allows the movement of the bearing member 60 in the first direction Z1 of the vertical direction Z when the control pin 50 is moved in the first direction Z1 of the vertical direction Z (i.e. towards the low position), and the movement of the control pin 50 in the second direction Z2 of the vertical direction Z (i.e. towards the high position) when the bearing member 60 is moved in the second direction Z2 of the vertical direction Z.The support member 60 is therefore made integral with the control pin 50 in the vertical direction Z by the force exerted by the elastic means 71; 72 on the support member 60 in the second direction Z2 of the vertical direction Z, which keeps each wall of the support member 60 in support (or in abutment) on the support face 55 of the control pin 50. It will be noted that the support member 60 is distinct (i.e. structurally independent) from the control pin 50.

[0080] Furthermore, the rounded shape of the bearing face 63 of each wall 62a; 62b of the bearing member 60 forms a linear support along the transverse direction Y between the bearing face 63 of each wall 62a; 62b of the bearing member 60 and the bearing face 55 of the control pin 50, which allows the bearing member 60 to pivot relative to the control pin 50 around an axis extending along the transverse direction Y.

[0081] The support member 60 further comprises a first leg 61a and a second leg 61b extending on each side of the central portion in the longitudinal direction X. The first leg 61a and the second leg 61b of the support member 60 are therefore connected to each other by the first wall 62a and the second wall 62b of the central portion of the support member 60. The opening 64 of the support member 60 is therefore delimited by the first leg 61a and the second leg 61b in the longitudinal direction X. According to the example shown, the first leg 61a and the second leg 61b of the support member 60 each extend in a respective plane parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.

[0082] The elastic means 71; 72 here comprise a first elastic means 71 and a second elastic means 72 arranged in the housing 80 in abutment, on the one hand, on the bottom wall 83 of the housing 80 in the first direction Z1 of the vertical direction Z, and on the other hand, on the support member 60 in the second direction Z2 of the vertical direction Z to elastically urge the control pin 50 in the second direction Z2 of the vertical direction Z towards the high position. In particular, the first elastic means 71 is in abutment, on the one hand, on the first tab 61a of the support member 60 in the second direction Z2 of the vertical direction Z, and on the other hand, on the bottom wall 83 of the housing 80 in the first direction Z1 of the vertical direction Z, and the second elastic means 72 being supported, on the one hand on the second leg 61b of the support member 60 in the second direction Z2 of the vertical direction Z, and on the other hand, on the bottom wall 83 of the housing 80 in the first direction ZI of the vertical direction Z.

[0083] The first elastic means 71 and the second elastic means 72 are therefore spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X by being arranged on each side of the control pin 50 in the longitudinal direction X. Such an arrangement advantageously makes the locking device 30 more compact in the transverse direction Y. This makes it possible to reduce the transverse size of the slide 20. Such an arrangement also makes it possible to guarantee uniform movement of the locking plate 40 in the vertical direction Z. In other words, this makes it possible in particular to limit, or even eliminate, rotation of the locking plate 40 around the longitudinal direction X, which could cause partial and weak locking.

[0084] The first elastic means 71 and the second elastic means 72 each comprise a spring, in particular a helical spring. The housing 80 here forms a first housing in which the first elastic means 71 is received and a second housing in which the second elastic means 72 is received.

[0085] Each elastic means 71, 72 may have a stiffness of between 1 and 5 N / mm, preferably between 2 and 3 N / mm, more preferably equal to 2.5 N / mm. Thus, the first elastic means 71 and the second elastic means 72 combined have a stiffness of between 1 and 10 N / mm, preferably between 4 and 6 N / mm, more preferably equal to 5 N / mm.

[0086] Such a locking device 30 comprising at least two elastic means 71; 72 allows a faster movement of the locking plate 40 towards the locking position. Thus, in the event of non-locking of the second profile 22 relative to the first profile 21 due to an offset between each series of teeth and the respective series of indentations, effective locking is obtained more quickly since the first series of teeth 41a and the second series of teeth 41b of the locking plate 40 are aligned with the respective series of indentations of the first profile 21. Excessive longitudinal sliding of the second profile 22 relative to the first profile 21 is thus avoided. The safety of the occupant of the seat 10 is therefore improved.

[0087] Furthermore, the arrangement of two elastic means 71; 72 instead of just one to obtain this advantage makes it possible to make the locking device 30 more compact in the vertical direction Z. A first distance DI in the vertical direction Z separating the base 21a of the first profile 21 and the base 22a of the second profile 22 may be less than or equal to 40 mm. In particular, the first distance DI in the direction vertical Z separating the base 21a of the first profile 21 and the base 22a of the second profile 22 may be between 30 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 32 mm and 38 mm, and more preferably equal to 33.5 mm. In other words, the hollow interior space 24 may have a dimension in the vertical direction, less than or equal to 40 mm. The slide 20 is therefore advantageously compact in the vertical direction Z. In particular, when the control pin 50 is in the vertical direction Z in the high position (see [Fig.6]), each elastic means 71, 72 may have a maximum dimension in the vertical direction Z. Said maximum dimension may be between 10 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 13 mm and 17 mm, more preferably between 14 mm and 15 mm.

[0088] Furthermore, a second distance D2 along the transverse direction Y separating the first side wall 22b of the second profile and the second side wall 22c of the second profile 22 may be between 10 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 12 mm and 18 mm, more preferably equal to 17.8 mm. A third distance D3 along the vertical direction Z separating the side walls 22b, 22c of the second profile and the base 21a of the first profile 21 may be between 5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 8 mm, more preferably equal to 6.8 mm. Finally, a fourth distance D4 along the vertical direction Z separating one end of each of the side walls 21b, 21c of the first profile 21 and the base 21a of the first profile 21 may be between 7 mm and 12 mm, preferably between 9 mm and 11 mm, more preferably equal to 10.7 mm.Thus, as can be seen, the arrangement of elastic means 71, 72 according to the present description advantageously makes it possible to make the locking device more compact in the vertical direction Z and / or the transverse direction Y.

[0089] The fact that the support member 60 has a degree of freedom in rotation about the transverse direction Y relative to the control pin 50 makes it possible to distribute a force from the control pin 50 uniformly on each of the elastic means 71; 72. This makes it possible to avoid, or even eliminate, a buttressing of the control pin 50 in the housing 80, which could lead to blocking of the control pin 50 or to deterioration of the locking device 30. In this sense, the support member 60 acts as a spreader. Thanks to such a support member 60, the control pin 50 can therefore act simultaneously in an equal manner on each elastic means, which also allows easier unlocking of the locking device 30.

[0090] Finally, the arrangement of at least two elastic means makes it possible to increase the return force (i.e. in the second direction Z2 of the vertical direction Z) which is exerted on the control pin 50. In other words, the force which tends to return and / or maintain the control pin 50 towards / in the high position is increased. Consequently, due to the connection between the control pin 50 and the locking plate 40, the force applied to the locking plate 40 when the latter is in the locking position is increased. The force applied to the locking plate 40 by the first elastic means 71 and the second elastic means 72 (via the control pin 50 and the support member 60) may be greater than or equal to 70 N when the locking plate 40 is in the locking position. As a result, the locking plate 40 is maintained in the locking position even if the second profile 22 and the locking device 30 are moved in the vertical direction Z relative to the first profile 21 due to the intrinsic flexibility of the first profile 21 and the second profile 22. Unintentional unlocking of the slide 20 is therefore limited, or even eliminated, which further improves the safety of the occupant of the seat 10.This results in faster and more secure locking, ensuring greater safety for the seat occupant 10.

[0091] The invention is not limited to the examples described above and is susceptible to numerous variations.

[0092] According to another variant not shown, the locking device 30 may comprise, inside the housing 80, a plurality of assemblies comprising a locking plate 40, a control pin 50, a support member 60 and elastic means 71; 72 as described above.

Claims

Claims

1. Slide (20) for vehicle seat (10) comprising: - a first profile (21) extending in a longitudinal direction (X), the first profile comprising a base (21a), a first side wall (21b) and a second side wall (21c), the first side wall (21b) and the second side wall (21c) respectively comprising a first series of indentations (23a) and a second series of indentations (23b), - a second profile (22) extending in the longitudinal direction (X), the second profile (22) being slidably mounted on the first profile (21) in the longitudinal direction (X), - a locking device (30) for locking the sliding of the second profile (22) relative to the first profile (21), the locking device (30) comprising: • a housing (80) fixed to the second profile (22) and comprising at least one bottom wall (83), • a locking plate (40) which comprises a first series of teeth (41a) and a second series of teeth (41b), the locking plate (40) being movable in a first direction (Z) transverse to the longitudinal direction (X), between a locking position in which the first series of teeth (41a) and the second series of teeth (41b) cooperate respectively with the first series of indentations (23a) and the second series of indentations (23b) to lock the position of the second profile (22) relative to the first profile (21), and an unlocking position in which the first series of teeth (41a) and the second series of teeth (41b) are at a distance respectively from the first series of indentations (23a) and the second series of indentations (23b) allowing the sliding of the second profile (22) relative to the first profile (21), • a control pin (50) passing right through the housing (80) in the first transverse direction (Z) while being movable in the first transverse direction (Z) between a high position and a

2. low position, the control pin (50) cooperating with the locking plate (40) so that a movement of the control pin (50) in a first direction (Zl) of the first transverse direction (Z) from the high position to the low position causes a movement of the locking plate (40) in the first direction (Zl) of the first transverse direction (Z) from the locking position to the unlocking position, • a support member (60) arranged inside the housing (80), the support member (60) cooperating with the control pin (50) so that a movement of the control pin (50) in the first direction (Z1) of the first transverse direction (Z) causes a movement of the support member (60) in the first direction (Z1) of the first transverse direction (Z) and that a movement of the support member (60) in a second direction (Z2) of the first transverse direction (Z) causes a movement of the control pin (50) in the second direction (Z2) of the first transverse direction (Z), • at least one first elastic means (71) and one second elastic means (72) arranged in the housing (80) bearing, on the one hand, on the bottom wall (83) of the housing (80) in the first direction (Z1) of the first transverse direction (Z), and on the other hand, on the bearing member (60) in the second direction (Z2) of the first transverse direction (Z) to elastically stress the control pin (50) in the second direction (Z2) of the first transverse direction (Z) towards the high position, characterized in that the support member (60) has at least one degree of freedom in rotation relative to the control pin (50) so as to uniformly distribute a force from the control pin (50) on each of the elastic means (71; 72). Slide (20) according to the preceding claim, in which the first elastic means (71) and the second elastic means (72) are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (X), preferably being arranged on each side of the control pin (50) in the longitudinal direction (X), said at least one degree of freedom in rotation of the support member (60) relative to the control pin (50) being around a second direction (Y) transverse to the longitudinal direction (X).

3. Slide (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control pin (50) comprises a bearing face (55) arranged inside the housing (80) and in which the bearing member (60) comprises a central part which comprises a first wall (62a) and a second wall (62b) arranged on each side of the control pin (50) in the second transverse direction (Y), the first wall (62a) and the second wall (62b) each comprising a bearing face (63) rounded around an axis extending in the second transverse direction (Y), the bearing face (63) of the first wall (62a) and the bearing face (63) of the second wall (62b) each bearing on the bearing face (55) of the control pin (50) in the first transverse direction (Y).

4. Slide (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control pin (50) is integral with the locking plate (40).

5. Slide (20) according to the preceding claim, in which the support member (60) comprises a first tab (61a) and a second tab (61b) extending on each side of the central part in the longitudinal direction (X), the first elastic means (71) being supported, on the one hand, on the first tab (61a) of the support member (60) in the second direction (Z2) of the first transverse direction (Z), and on the other hand, on the bottom wall (83) of the housing (80) in the first direction (Z1) of the first transverse direction (Z), and the second elastic means (72) being supported, on the one hand, on the second tab (61b) of the support member (60) in the second direction (Z2) of the first transverse direction (Z), and on the other hand, on the bottom wall (83) of the housing (80) in the first direction (Zl) of the first transverse direction (Z).

6. A slide (20) according to any preceding claim, wherein the force applied to the locking plate (40) by the first elastic means (71) and the second elastic means (72) is greater than or equal to 70 N when the locking plate (40) is in the lock position.

7. A slide (20) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first elastic means (71) and the second elastic means (72) each comprise a spring, in particular a helical spring.

8. Slide (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second profile (22) comprises a base (22a) opposite the base (21a) of the first profile (21) in the first transverse direction (Z), the distance (Dl) in the first transverse direction (Z) separating the base (21a) of the first profile (21) and the base (22a) of the second profile (22) being less than or equal to 40 mm.

9. Vehicle seat (10) comprising a slide (20) according to any one of the preceding claims and a seat (11), the second profile (22) of the slide (20) being fixed to the seat (11).

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