Continuously adjustable slide locking system

Abstract

Locking system for a continuously adjustable slide (10) for a vehicle seat, comprising: the slide (10), a locking system by bracing, comprising: a rail (12), a first locking member (14) and a second locking member (15), mounted integral with the second slide element (6), with positions offset along a longitudinal axis of the rail (12), a locking mechanism (16), integral with the second slide element (6), configured to create a bracing of the first, respectively of the second locking member (14, 15) on the rail (12) ensuring locking of the second slide element (6) relative to the first slide element (5) in a first, respectively a second, sliding direction (S1, S2), the first and the second locking members being configured so that the application to the second slide element (6) of a tensile force (F1, F2) greater than a predetermined threshold in the first,respectively the second, sliding direction (S1, S2), causes on the one hand a first amplification of the buttressing of the first, respectively the second, locking member (14, 15) on the rail (12) until the latter is deformed and, on the other hand the displacement of the second, respectively the first, locking member (15, 14) towards the first, respectively the second, locking member (14, 15) until it comes into contact with the latter so as to create a second amplification of the buttressing of the first, respectively the second, locking member (14, 15) on the rail (12). Abstract figure: Figure 3,

Description

Title of the invention: Continuously adjustable slide locking system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a locking system for a continuously adjustable vehicle seat slide, as well as to a vehicle seat comprising such a locking system. Technical field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of systems for adjusting and locking a slide for a motor vehicle. It relates more particularly to adjustment systems whose slides connect a seat base to the floor of the vehicle.

[0003] In the present disclosure, and in a known manner and as illustrated in [Fig. 1], a vehicle seat 1 may typically comprise:

[0004] - a seat 2, which extends in a direction X, from a front edge and up to a rear edge, and extends transversely in a Y direction, from a first lateral edge to a second lateral edge,

[0005] - a backrest 3 which extends in height from the rear edge of the seat 2, following a Z direction, vertical, or typically inclined backwards, from a lower edge to an upper edge of the backrest, and extends transversely in the Y direction, from a first lateral edge, to a second lateral edge.

[0006] The backrest can be tilted relative to the seat, typically by a pivot axis between the backrest frame and the seat frame, extending in the transverse direction Y.

[0007] The position of the seat in the vehicle can typically be adjusted, along the X direction, by means of an adjustment and locking system according to the present disclosure, or preferably two adjustment and locking systems, with two slides 4 connecting the seat to the floor of the vehicle in parallel.

[0008] Thus, the or each of the two slides 4 comprises two slide elements, with a first slide element 5 secured to the floor, typically a lower profile, and a second slide element 6 secured to the seat base by means of a fixing block 7, typically an upper profile, the two slide elements 5 and 6 being configured to slide relative to each other in the direction X.

[0009] The adjustment and locking system further comprises a locking system, including a control member, not illustrated in the figures but known per se, which is activated, typically manually or in a motorized manner, to unlock the slide to allow the occupant of the seat to adjust the position of the seat by moving the second slide element 6, movable, relative to the first slide element 5, fixed.

[0010] Once the seat position has been adjusted, the control member is released to ensure that the seat is locked in adjustment positions corresponding to adjustment steps of the slide.

[0011] For this purpose, the state of the art knows the locking systems with discontinuous adjustment which have a locking system comprising a support, integral with the second slide element, and locking members, movable relative to the support, configured to penetrate adjustment openings integral with the first slide element in a locking state of the locking system, under the action of elastic means such as springs. The control member, when actuated, makes it possible to constrain the locking members against the force of the springs and thus to extract the locking members from the adjustment openings, releasing the sliding of the slide.

[0012] A first family of locking system is thus known, usually designated by those skilled in the art by the English term "step lock" for which the locking members, typically integral with one another, only ensure the locking of the slide if the relative position between the two slide elements, first slide element and second slide element, corresponds to an adjustment step of the slide.

[0013] A second family of locking system is also known, with improved security compared to the first family, usually referred to by those skilled in the art as "instant lock" which always ensures that the two elements of the slide are locked, even if the position between the two slide elements, first slide element and second slide element, is in any intermediate position between two consecutive adjustment positions. For this purpose, the locking members are independent of each other and configured so that at least one of the members penetrates and locks in one of the adjustment openings, typically oblong, even if the slide is in this intermediate position, between two adjustment steps, namely two consecutive adjustment positions of the slide.

[0014] The slide can then only slide over a stroke corresponding to the adjustment pitch of the slide. A slight sliding of the first slide element relative to the second slide element allows the other non-penetrating locking members to come into contact and lock into the adjustment openings when the slide is moved into one (or the other) of the two consecutive adjustment positions, in order to obtain locking of the slide.

[0015] In both cases, whether it is a “step lock” type locking system or an “instant lock” type locking system, the number of adjustment positions is limited to the number of locking positions permitted by the adjustment step of the system.

[0016] The present disclosure, however, concerns the locking system of a continuously adjustable slide, namely ensuring an unlimited number of adjustment positions along the length of the slide, and as opposed to the adjustment and locking system previously described, with discontinuous adjustment. Prior art

[0017] Continuously adjustable locking systems for motor vehicle seats are known from the state of the art, in particular from documents US 2003 / 0227207, DE 2 301 042 or US 2,292,718.

[0018] Such systems comprise a rail, integral with a first fixed part of the slide, fixed to the floor of the vehicle, and a pair of blocking members, including a first blocking member and a second blocking member, integral with a second movable part of the slide fixed to the seat frame of the seat.

[0019] In a first relative position between the first blocking member and the second blocking member, corresponding to the unlocking of the system, the first and second blocking members are configured to move freely along the rail, without blocking, allowing free sliding of the slide.

[0020] In a second relative position between the first blocking member and the second blocking member, the latter come to buttress the rail under the following buttressing conditions with generation:

[0021] - of a first force generated by a first support of the second part of the slide on the first blocking member ensuring a bracing of said first blocking member on the rail ensuring a locking of the second slide part relative to the first slide part in a first sliding direction, by two reactions of said rail on said first blocking member, with on the one hand, a first reaction between a first upper friction surface of the rail and a first wall of said first blocking member and, on the other hand, a second reaction between a second lower friction surface of the rail and a second wall of said first blocking member, - a second force generated by a second pressure on the second blocking member ensuring a buttressing of said second blocking member on the rail ensuring a locking of the second slide part relative to the first slide part in a second sliding direction, by two reactions of said rail on said second blocking member, with on the one hand, a third reaction between the first upper friction surface of the rail and the third wall of said second blocking member and, on the other hand, a fourth reaction between the second lower friction surface of the rail and the fourth wall of said second blocking member.

[0022] There is a need to improve the loading speed of the continuously adjustable slide, particularly in the event of an accident, i.e. in ultimate strength, when the tensile force applied to the moving part of the slide is very high. Summary

[0023] The present disclosure improves the situation in this context.

[0024] A continuously adjustable slide locking system for a vehicle seat is provided, comprising: - the slide comprising a first, lower slide element, configured to be fixed to a vehicle floor, and a second, upper slide element, configured to slide along the first slide element, - a locking system by arching, comprising: • a rail extending lengthwise along the slide, fixed relative to the first slide element, said rail having a first, upper friction surface and a second, lower, opposite friction surface, • a first locking member and a second locking member, mounted integral with the second slide element, in offset positions along a longitudinal axis of the rail, the first locking member comprising a first wall and a second wall, facing each other, configured to rub respectively on the first surface and the second friction surface of the rail, the second locking member comprising a third wall and a fourth wall, facing each other, configured to rub respectively on the first surface and the second friction surface of the rail, • a locking mechanism, integral with the second slide element, configured to create a buttressing of the first locking member on the rail ensuring a locking of the second slide element relative to the first slide element in a first sliding direction, and to create a buttressing of the second locking member on the rail ensuring a locking of the second slide element relative to the first slide element in a second sliding direction, the first and second locking members being configured so that the application to the second slide element of a tensile force greater than a predetermined threshold: - in the first sliding direction, causes on the one hand a first ampli- fixing the buttressing of the first locking member on the rail until the latter is deformed and, on the other hand, moving the second locking member towards the first locking member until it comes into contact with the latter so as to create a second amplification of the buttressing of the first locking member on the rail,

[0025] - in the second sliding direction, on the one hand drives a first amplifier fixing the buttressing of the second locking member on the rail until the latter is deformed, and on the other hand, moving the first locking member towards the second locking member until it comes into contact with the latter so as to create a second amplification of the buttressing of the second locking member on the rail.

[0026] Thus, thanks to the configuration of the first and second locking members, the bracing of the blocking member opposite the load is doubly amplified. This makes it possible to improve the effectiveness of the blocking and also the speed of the blocking of the second slide element relative to the first slide element in the event of an accident, in ultimate strength, when the force applied to the bracing locking system is greater than said threshold. Thus, in such a case, the displacement of the second slide element relative to the first slide element after application of such a tensile force can be minimized, being for example less than or equal to 15 mm for a force of 20 kN.

[0027] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented, independently of one another or in combination with one another:

[0028] The first locking member and the second locking member advantageously each comprise an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of the first locking member may comprise the second wall. The lower portion of the second locking member may comprise the fourth wall. The intermediate portion of the first locking member may comprise the first wall. The intermediate portion of the second locking member may comprise the third wall.

[0029] The intermediate parts of the first and second locking members are notably configured such that:

[0030] - when the first blocking member is driven in first amplification of the buttressing on the rail by said traction force greater than said predetermined threshold, the intermediate part of the second blocking member is partially displaced under the intermediate part of the first blocking member, in contact with the latter, causing said second amplification of the buttressing of the first blocking member on the rail, and

[0031] - when the second blocking member is driven in first amplification of the buttressing on the rail by said traction force greater than said predetermined threshold, the intermediate part of the first blocking member is partially displaced under the intermediate part of the second blocking member and in contact with the latter, causing said second amplification of the buttressing of the second blocking member on the rail.

[0032] In this case:

[0033] - the intermediate part of the first locking member can protrude towards the second locking member, relative to the upper part of said first locking member, and - the intermediate part of the second locking member can protrude towards the first locking member, relative to the upper part of said second locking member.

[0034] For example, before first and second amplifications of the buttressing of the first or second locking member, the distance between a longitudinal end, in the direction of the slide, of the intermediate part of the first locking member and a longitudinal end, in the direction of the slide, of the intermediate part of the second locking member may be less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0035] The intermediate part of each of the first and second locking members may have a projecting part along the longitudinal axis of the rail which is rounded and shaped to allow the projecting part of the first locking member to move under the projecting part of the second locking member in contact with the latter after first amplification of the bracing of the second locking member and the projecting part of the second locking member to move under the projecting part of the first locking member in contact with the latter after first amplification of the bracing of the first locking member.

[0036] The upper parts of the first and second locking members are located for example at the level of the second slide element and can be separated from each other by the locking mechanism with which they are in particular in contact at least when bracing.

[0037] The locking mechanism, in particular a cam of such a mechanism, may, in the event of a force greater than said threshold, push the blocking member opposite the load, for example the first blocking member, in its upper part, so as to tilt said upper part, which causes the projecting part of the intermediate part of this blocking member to tilt upwards. This tilting may cause the first amplification of the buttressing of the first blocking member on the rail until the latter deforms, taking into account the load. The intermediate part may then leave, due to the tilting, a space under its projecting part. The other locking member, for example the second locking member, while moving towards the first locking member which has tilted, can penetrate, by the projecting part of its intermediate part, into said space under the projecting part of the intermediate part of the first locking member. The projecting part of the intermediate part of the second locking member can come into contact with a lower surface of the projecting part of the intermediate part of the first locking member and press on it, which contributes to tilting the first locking member even further, which comes to brace itself even more on the rail in the second amplification. Not only is the bracing then amplified, but also accelerated since it is not necessary to wait for a tilting of the upper part of the first locking member by the locking mechanism to achieve such bracing.

[0038] The same reasoning could of course be used with the second blocking member as the blocking member opposite the load, and by reversing the first and second blocking members.

[0039] The intermediate portions of the first and second locking members may extend under the locking mechanism so as to be able to overlap, in the direction of the slide, in the event of a tensile force greater than said predetermined threshold, in a space between the locking mechanism and the rail.

[0040] The intermediate part and the lower part of the first and second locking members are preferably connected to each other by a connecting portion, extending laterally relative to the rail.

[0041] In this case, the lower part of the first locking member and the lower part of the second locking member may each comprise a holding portion extending laterally to the rail, on a side of the rail which is opposite the connecting portion, above said second and fourth walls, so that a lower part of the rail including the second friction surface of the rail is located, at the first locking member and at the second locking member, in a groove delimited laterally on the one hand by the connecting portion and on the other hand by the holding portion, the groove being delimited lowermostly by the second wall and the fourth wall, the groove being configured such that it prevents, during the bracing of the first and / or second locking member in the event of a tensile force greater than said threshold, the lateral exit of the rail from the groove.

[0042] The shape of the upper part and the shape of the intermediate part of each of the first and second locking members may be such that they laterally and inferiorly at least partially match the locking mechanism, with or without axial play, the play being able to vary according to the stress on the different parts of the locking members when a traction force greater than said threshold pre- determined is applied.

[0043] The lower part of the first locking member may protrude, relative to the upper part, towards the lower part of the second locking member and the lower part of the second locking member may protrude, relative to the upper part, towards the lower part of the first locking member, such that:

[0044] - when the traction force greater than said threshold is applied in the first direction sliding, the lower part of the second locking member can come into contact with the lower part of the first locking member, below it, and

[0045] - when the traction force greater than said threshold is applied in the second sliding direction, the lower part of the first locking member comes into contact with the lower part of the second locking member, below it.

[0046] Such a configuration can make it possible to reduce the load, in particular at the level of the holding portion, when present and / or to contribute to the second amplification.

[0047] The first and second locking members are, for example, symmetrical to each other with respect to a vertical plane. Thus, the effect, regardless of the direction of the applied traction force, can be identical. It can be said that the first and second locking members face each other, being in particular separated from each other by the locking mechanism which will allow them to be driven alternately in a buttressing manner.

[0048] Said predetermined threshold of said force preferably has a value greater than or equal to 8000 N. Such a value may correspond to a minimum value from which the phenomenon of double amplification of the buttressing of one of the locking members and deformation of the rail is caused. Such a value may correspond to an accident situation. Of course the value of the traction force actually applied in ultimate strength may be greater than such a threshold, being for example at least 10 kN, 15 kN or even 20 kN depending on the case.

[0049] The locking system generally comprises, for normal use of the seat, an unlocking mechanism configured to move the first and / or the second locking member from a braced position to a retracted position removing the braces of the first locking member and / or the second locking member, releasing the sliding of the slide.

[0050] According to another aspect, in combination with all or part of the above, there is provided a vehicle seat, in particular an automobile seat, comprising a seat and a backrest as well as a continuously adjustable locking system according to the present disclosure, the first slide element of which is anchored to a floor of the vehicle and the second slide element of which is integral with a frame of the seat.

[0051] According to another aspect, in combination with all or part of the above, it is proposed a vehicle, in particular an automobile, comprising a vehicle seat as defined above. Brief description of the drawings

[0052] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which:

[0053] [Fig-1] shows schematically and in perspective a vehicle seat.

[0054] [Fig.2a] shows schematically, in perspective and in isolation a slide locking system according to an example, which can be fitted to the seat of [Fig.l].

[0055] [Fig.2b] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the slide locking system of [Fig.2a].

[0056] [Fig.3] shows schematically, partially and in perspective, the buttress locking system according to an example.

[0057] [Fig.4] shows schematically and partially, in side view, an example of a buttress locking system in a buttressed position at a time t0 after application of a tensile force greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0058] [Fig.5] is a view similar to [Fig.4] of the locking system taken at a time tl later than t0, after the application of a traction force greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0059] [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.4] of the locking system taken at a time t2 later than t1 after the application of a tensile force greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0060] [Fig.7] is a view similar to [Fig.4] of the locking system taken at a time t3 later than t2 after the application of a tensile force greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0061] [Fig.8] represents a schematic graph of the applied force or the displacement of the second slide element as a function of time.

[0062] [Fig.9] represents a schematic graph of the force applied as a function of the displacement of the second slide element or vice versa.

[0063] [Fig. 10] shows schematically, partially and in side view, the buttress locking system according to an example.

[0064] [Fig. 11] shows schematically, in side view, the buttress locking system of the example of [Fig. 10] after application of a tensile force greater than a predetermined threshold. Description of the embodiments

[0065] The drawings and the description below contain, for the most part, elements of a certain character. They may therefore not only serve to better understand the present disclosure, but also contribute to its definition, where appropriate.

[0066] In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of brevity, only the elements which are useful for understanding the embodiment described are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.

[0067] 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 a vehicle seat in its normal position of use.

[0068] Reference is now made to [Fig.2a] and [Fig.2b] representing a locking system 10 of a continuously adjustable slide 4 according to the present disclosure, which can be installed at the base of a seat 1, in particular an automobile seat, as explained above.

[0069] [Fig.2b] is a sectional view along a YZ plane perpendicular to the axis of the slide, illustrating the upper profile of the slide forming a second movable slide element intended to be fixed to a seat, the lower profile of the slide forming a first fixed slide element, intended to be fixed to the floor of the vehicle, as well as the rail received in the space between the upper profile and the lower profile, hereinafter referred to as the inter-space, the rail being fixed to the lower profile by tabs coming from an opening in the wall of a rising flange of the rail, the protruding tabs in said inter-space being typically obtained by stamping.

[0070] The locking system 10 of a continuously adjustable slide for a vehicle seat illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b, comprises the slide 4 comprising a first slide element 5, lower, configured to be fixed to a floor of the vehicle, and a second slide element 6, upper, configured to slide along the first slide element 5. The locking system 10 also comprises an arching lock system.

[0071] The buttress locking system allows the slide to be locked continuously in an unlimited number of locking positions over the useful travel of the slide, as opposed to a discontinuous adjustment system with a limited number of locking positions.

[0072] The buttress locking system is self-sufficient in the sense that it does not complement a locking system of the discontinuous adjustment type, and comprising notches ensuring such discontinuous adjustment.

[0073] In the figures, the orthogonal reference XYZ is oriented so that the X axis is oriented along the sliding axis of the slide 4, the Y direction along the horizontal direction, and transverse to the slide 4, perpendicular to X, and the Z axis along the vertical.

[0074] The first slide element 5 may comprise a lower profile PINF, having a section with a base 200 extending substantially along a plane parallel to the XY plane, extended by one or even two rising wings 201, 202. The second slide element 6 may comprise an upper profile PSUP, having a section, with a main wing 210 extending substantially along a plane parallel to the XY plane, extended by two descending wings 211, 212. The terminal portions of the rising wings 201, 202 and the terminal portions of the descending wings 211, 212 are intertwined and form rolling tracks for rolling members such as balls or the like.

[0075] [Fig.2a] illustrates a slide with an asymmetrical profile, namely that the vertical dimension of the two descending (respectively ascending) wings are unequal. In general, the present disclosure is applicable whether the profiles are asymmetrical as illustrated or symmetrical (not illustrated).

[0076] The buttress locking system comprises a rail 12 which extends lengthwise along the slide 4, fixed relative to the first slide element 5. The rail 12 is fixed to the first slide element 5. For this purpose the lower profile PINF may comprise the base 200 and at least one rising wing 201, 202 extending from the base 200.

[0077] The buttress locking system comprises a first locking member 14 and a second locking member 15, with positions offset along a longitudinal axis of the rail 12 which extends along the longitudinal direction X. The first locking member 14 and the second locking member 15 are mounted integral with the second slide element 6, namely movable with it, with positions offset along a longitudinal axis of the rail 12. The first locking member 14 and the second locking member 15 extend respectively in length along a vertical direction, along the direction Z, or slightly inclined relative to this direction by a few degrees, with an inclination of less than 25°, for example less than 10°.

[0078] The rail 12 may be secured to said at least one rising wing 201 of the lower profile PINF in said interspace between the upper profile and the lower profile, in particular by tabs 2010 projecting into said interspace coming from openings in the wall of the rising wing 201. The tabs 2010 may typically be obtained by stamping, and may be distributed along the length of the rail 3 to ensure fixing of the rail. The position of the tabs relative to the locking members allows the locking members 14 and 15, first and / or second locking members, in the unlocked state of the slide 4 to slide relative to the first slide element 5, moving successively along the tabs, and without the tabs hindering the movement of the locking members, as understood possible from [Fig.2b]. This makes it possible to firmly fix the rail 12 along its length, including over the sliding travel of the locking members, and not only at these ends, outside this travel.

[0079] The rail 12 comprises a first, upper friction surface 30 and a second, lower, opposite friction surface 31. According to one embodiment, the first friction surface 30 and the second, lower, opposite friction surface 31 may be planar, the rail having a substantially rectangular section. The rail 12 may, however, have other sections such as a circular section, the first surface 30 and the second surface 31 then being non-planar.

[0080] The first locking member 14 comprises a first wall 40 and a second wall 41, facing each other, configured to rub respectively on the first surface 30 and the second friction surface 31 of the rail 12. The first wall 40 and the second wall 41 may be formed by two opposite side walls of a groove in the first locking member 14, as illustrated in the figures.

[0081] The second locking member 15 comprises a third wall 50 and a fourth wall 51, facing each other, configured to rub respectively on the first surface 30 and the second friction surface 31 of the rail 12. The third wall 50 and the fourth wall 51 may be formed by two opposite side walls of a groove in the second locking member 15, as illustrated in the figures.

[0082] When the first slide element 5 is a lower profile PINF and the second slide element 6 is an upper profile PSUP, mounted to slide along the lower profile PINF, the first locking member 14 and the second locking member 15 can advantageously extend (at least in part) internally in the inter-space between the upper profile PSUP and the lower profile PINF, said rail 12 secured to the lower profile PINF, received in said inter-space.

[0083] The buttress locking system comprises a locking mechanism 16, integral with the second slide element 6, configured to create a buttress of the first locking member 14 on the rail 12 ensuring locking of the second slide element 6 relative to the first slide element 5 in the first sliding direction S1 or first constraint direction, and to create a buttress of the second locking member 15 on the rail 12 ensuring locking of the second slide element 6 relative to the first slide element 5 in a second sliding direction S2 or second constraint direction.

[0084] By way of illustration and according to a non-limiting example, and as shown in particular in [Fig. 3], the locking mechanism 16 may comprise a first cam C1, constrained by first elastic means ELI, typically a spring which ensures bracing of the first blocking member 14 on the rail 12, to ensure locking of the slide 4 during a stress in the direction of stress SI on the second slide element 6. The locking mechanism 16 may further comprise a second cam C2, constrained by second elastic means EL2, typically a spring which ensures a buttressing of the second blocking member 15 on the rail 12, to ensure locking of the slide 4 during a stress in the direction of constraint S2 on the second slide element 6. The first elastic means ELI may generate a torque on the first cam C1 of between 0.1 NM and 0.5 NM. The second elastic means EL2 may generate a torque on the second cam C2 of between 0.1 NM and 0.5 NM.

[0085] Advantageously, in normal use, the first cam C1 and the second cam C2 are configured to, during a longitudinal stress on the second slide element 21 generating a small displacement (hereinafter referred to as micro displacement) between the second slide element 20 and the first slide element 20, always guarantee a first force and a second force ensuring the buttressing of the first locking member 4 and the second locking member 5, by allowing compensations by displacement of one, or even both cams, first cam C1 and / or respectively second cam C2, by changing the point of contact between said cam and the locking member constituted by the first locking member 4 or respectively the second locking member 5, and while the other cam,in particular the second cam C2 (or respectively first cam C1) can remain stationary while maintaining the point of contact between the cam and said locking member constituted by the first locking member or respectively the second locking member.

[0086] In other words, the first cam and second cam operate, independently of one another, respectively a first compensation on the first locking member and / or a second compensation on the second locking member as a function of the longitudinal stresses and in particular their direction.

[0087] According to another embodiment (not illustrated), the locking mechanism may comprise a single cam, constrained in rotation by an elastic means, configured to generate a first force on the first locking member to ensure its bracing on the rail in the first direction, as well as a second force on the second locking member to ensure its bracing on the rail in the second direction.

[0088] According to another embodiment, the locking mechanism may comprise an elastic member mounted between the first locking member and the second locking member generating a return force configured to force the first locking member and the second locking member towards each other, with generation of: a first force between the first locking member and a first support integral with the second slide element and a second force between the second locking member and the first support integral with the second slide element. blocking and a second support, integral with the second slide element, and as disclosed by document FR 3124130.

[0089] According to FR 3124130, said first force generated by the first pressure on the first locking member ensures the bracing of said first locking member on the rail ensuring locking of the second slide element relative to the first slide element in the first sliding direction, by two reactions of said rail on said first locking member, with on the one hand, a first reaction between the first upper friction surface of the rail and the first wall of said first friction member and, on the other hand, a second reaction between the second lower friction surface of the rail and the second wall of said first friction member.

[0090] Said second force generated by the second pressure on the second locking member ensures a bracing of said second locking member on the rail ensuring a locking of the second slide element relative to the first slide element in a second sliding direction, by two reactions of said rail on said second locking member, with on the one hand, a third reaction between the first upper friction surface of the rail and the third wall of said second friction member and, on the other hand, a fourth reaction between the second lower friction surface of the rail and the fourth wall of said second friction member.

[0091] The slide system also comprises in this example, for normal use, excluding ultimate holding, an unlocking mechanism, not shown, which is configured to move the first and / or the second locking member from a braced position to a retracted position removing the braces of the first locking member and / or the second locking member, releasing the sliding of the slide. The unlocking mechanism can be configured to cause the movement of the first cam C1 and the movement of the second cam C2 from constrained positions to a retracted position of the first cam C1 and a retracted position of the second cam C2 removing the braces of the first locking member 14 and the second locking member 15 on the rail 12, releasing the sliding of the slide.

[0092] In the case of the locking mechanism according to FR 3124130, the unlocking mechanism may comprise a movable unlocking member, configured to move from a first position allowing the first locking member and the second locking member to be braced on the rail under the action of said elastic member to a second position where said unlocking member separates the first locking member and the second locking member against the return force of the elastic member, with release of the sliding of the second slide element relative to the first slide element.

[0093] According to the present disclosure, the first and second locking members 14 and 15 are configured so that the application to the second slide element 6 of a tensile force greater than a predetermined threshold, in particular greater than 8000N, i.e. in ultimate strength, also called accident situation:

[0094] - in the first sliding direction SI, on the one hand causes a first amplifier fixing the buttressing of the first blocking member 14 on the rail 12 until the latter is deformed and, on the other hand, moving the second blocking member 15 towards the first blocking member 14 until it comes into contact with the latter so as to create a second amplification of the buttressing of the first blocking member 14 on the rail 12,

[0095] - in the second sliding direction S2, on the one hand drives a first amplifier fixing the buttressing of the second blocking member 15 on the rail 12 until the latter is deformed, and on the other hand, moving the first blocking member 14 towards the second blocking member 15 until it comes into contact with the latter so as to create a second amplification of the buttressing of the second blocking member 15 on the rail 12.

[0096] An example of first and second locking members 14 and 15 is illustrated in [Fig. 3]. The first locking member 14 and the second locking member 15 may each comprise an upper portion 20, an intermediate portion 21 and a lower portion 22. The lower portion 22 of the first locking member 14 may comprise the second wall 31. The lower portion 22 of the second locking member 15 may comprise the fourth wall 51. The intermediate portion 21 of the first locking member 14 may comprise the first wall 30. The intermediate portion 21 of the second locking member 15 may comprise the third wall 50.

[0097] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the intermediate portion 21 of the first locking member 14 may project, by a projecting portion 24a, towards the second locking member 15, relative to the upper portion 20 of the first locking member 14. Similarly, the intermediate portion 21 of the second locking member 15 may project, by a projecting portion 24b, towards the first locking member 14, relative to the upper portion 20 of the second locking member 15. Thus, for example, in a retracted or non-braced position, the distance between a longitudinal end 23a, in the direction of the slide 4, of the intermediate portion 21 of the first locking member 14 and a longitudinal end 23b, in the direction of the slide, of the intermediate portion 21 of the second locking member 15 may be less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0098] The upper parts 20 of the first and second locking members 14 and 15 are located in this example at the level of the second slide element 6 and can be separated from each other by the locking mechanism 16.

[0099] The intermediate parts 21 of the first and second locking members 14 and 15 can extend under the locking mechanism 16, as is the case in this example, by their projecting parts, respectively 24a and 24b.

[0100] The intermediate part 21 and the lower part 22 of the first and second locking members 14 and 15 are in this example connected to each other by a connecting portion 25, extending laterally relative to the rail 12, at the rear in the representation of [Fig.3].

[0101] The lower part 22 of the first locking member 14 and the lower part 22 of the second locking member 15 may each comprise a holding portion 26 extending laterally to the rail 12, at the front in the representation of [Fig. 3], on a side of the rail 12 which is opposite the connecting portion 25, above the second and fourth walls 41 and 51. The holding portion 26 extends only over a small height relative to the height of the rail 12, as visible, for example over 10% to 20% of its maximum height.

[0102] The rail 12 is thus caught laterally between the connecting portion 25 and the holding portion 26, also being limited at the bottom by the second and fourth walls 41 and 51.

[0103] The first and second locking members 14 and 15 are in this example symmetrical to each other with respect to a vertical plane. Thus, the effect, whatever the direction of the force applied, can be identical. It can be said that the first and second locking members 14 and 15 face each other, being in particular separated from each other by the locking mechanism 16 which will allow them to be driven alternately in buttressing according to the direction of constraint.

[0104] Figures 4 to 7 illustrate the operation of the buttress locking system at different times t0, t1, t2, and t3 respectively after application to the second slide element 6 of a tensile force Fl greater than 8000 N, for example a force of 23 kN in the first direction of stress SL. The equivalent could of course be presented by reversing the first and second locking members, if there was a tensile force F2, opposite the tensile force Fl, in the second direction of stress S2.

[0105] At t0, equal to 45 ms in this example, as illustrated in [Fig.4], at the start of loading, i.e. the application of force F1, under the pressure of the two cams C1 and C2, the two locking members 14 and 15 are in a buttressing condition around the rail 12 and have a clearance G1 at their ends 23a and 23b. The clearance G1 is equal to the initial distance between the two ends 23a and 23b. In addition, the two locking members 14 and 15 have non-zero clearance G2 and G3, respectively, relative to the second slide element 6.

[0106] At tl, equal to 55 ms in this example, as illustrated in [Fig.5], under the effect of the load, the first locking member 14 reinforces its supports at the bracing around the rail 12 and begins to tilt backwards, in particular under the effect in particular of the deformations of the tabs 2010, in a first amplification of the bracing. The second slide element 6 therefore moves slightly to the left, thus canceling the clearance G3 with the second locking member 15, which brings the clearance G3 to a zero value, creating a clearance G4 between the second cam C2 and the second locking member 15 and being ready to drive the second locking member 15 in translation since the latter is no longer subject to bracing conditions. The clearance G1 between the ends 23a and 23b of the locking members 14 and 15 is therefore caused to be reduced by driving the second locking member 15 over the course of the deformations and the movement of the second slide element 6.

[0107] At t2, equal to 86 ms in this example, as illustrated in [Fig.6], after a few millimeters of displacement of the second slide element 6, between 7 mm and 10 mm for example, driving the second locking member 15, with G3 zero, the end 23b of the second locking member 15 comes into contact with the end 23a of the first locking member 14, i.e. G1 = 0, in order to increase the force / displacement response, i.e. the stiffness, with the aim of minimizing the displacements under load.

[0108] At t3, equal to 96 ms in this example, as illustrated in [Fig.7], the configuration of the intermediate parts 21 in their projecting parts 24a and 24b of the first and second locking members 14 and 15, the end 23b of the second locking member 15 passes under the end 23a of the first locking member 14 in order to generate a lever effect. In other words, the interlocking of the projecting parts 24a and 24b, with the end 23b under the end 23a, creates a second amplification of the bracing of the first locking member 14, reducing at the same time the displacement of the second slide element 6 linked to the application of the tensile force FL. Thus, there is an accelerated and amplified response to the application of the load.The second locking member 15 is stopped in translation between the end 23a of the first locking member 14 and the rail 12, now providing an additional resistance force to the translational progression of the second slide element 6 and thus increasing the force / displacement response.

[0109] Thus, in this example, the intermediate parts 21 of the first and second locking members 14 and 15 are configured such that, when the first locking member 14 is driven in first amplification of the bracing on the rail 12 by said traction force F1 greater than said predetermined threshold, the intermediate part 21 of the second locking member 15 is partially displaced under the intermediate part 21 of the first locking member 14, in contact with the latter, causing said second amplification of the bracing of the first locking member 14. blockage 14 on the rail.

[0110] Of course, even if not illustrated and in a symmetrical manner, the intermediate parts 21 of the first and second locking members 14 and 15 are configured in such a way that, when the second locking member 15 is driven in first amplification of the bracing on the rail 12 by a traction force F2 greater than said predetermined threshold which would be applied in the second direction of stress S2, the intermediate part 21 of the first locking member 14 is partially displaced under the intermediate part 21 of the second locking member 15 and in contact with the latter, causing said second amplification of the bracing of the first locking member 14 on the rail 12.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower part 22 of the first locking member 14 may protrude towards the lower part 22 of the second locking member 15, relative to the upper part 20 of the first locking member 14. The lower part 22 of the second locking member 15 may protrude, relative to the upper part 20 of the second locking member 15, towards the lower part 22 of the first locking member 14. Thus, when the tensile force Fl greater than said threshold is applied in the first sliding direction SI, the lower part 22 of the second locking member 15 comes into contact with the lower part 22 of the first locking member 14, below the latter. Likewise, in the event of a tensile force F2 greater than said threshold applied in the second sliding direction S2, the lower part 22 of the first locking member 14 comes into contact with the lower part 22 of the second locking member 15, below the latter.

[0112] In particular, in the example illustrated in Figures 4 to 7, the lower part 22 of the first locking member 14 and of the second locking member 15 comprises a projecting part 27, respectively 27a and 27b towards the other locking member. According to this example, the projecting parts 27a and 27b constitute another zone of cooperation between the first and second locking members 14 and 15, the projecting part 27b coming into contact with the projecting part 27a, passing under the latter so as to provide an additional lever effect and / or to reduce the load at the level of the holding part 26. In this example, the end 28a of the projecting part 27a is set back relative to the end 23a. Likewise, the end 28b of the projecting part 27b is set back relative to the end 23b.

[0113] It should further be noted that, thanks to the presence of the holding portion 26 for each locking member, the rail 12 is embedded in a groove 52 formed by the holding portion 26, by the connecting portion 25 as well as by the second and fourth walls 41 and 51. When the tensile force F1 is applied, the force on the rail 12 and the associated deformation are in the initial plane of the rail, longitudinally, and also laterally. The fact that the rail 12 is in a groove 52 formed by each of the first and second locking members 14 and 15 makes it possible to maintain it in this groove 52 for the entire duration of the application of the traction force F1, despite the lateral and axial deformations of the rail 12.

[0114] Figures 8 and 9 show graphs, the one in [Fig.8] representing either the force or the displacement as a function of time and the one in [Fig.9] representing the force as a function of displacement.

[0115] [Fig.8] shows the different times t0, t1, t2 and t3 and the displacement of the second slide element 6 or the traction force (effort) applied to the locking system in particular at these different times and as explained above.

[0116] [Fig.9] shows the straight line DI corresponding to the approximation of the recording made (initial curve) of the displacement of the second slide element 6 in the event of application of a tensile force (effort), for different force values, in a locking system comprising a buttress locking system described above, with double amplification of the buttressing of the locking member. For example, there is a displacement of approximately 9 mm for a force of 10 kN. When the force increases, the displacement remains contained. For example, for a force of approximately 15 kN, the displacement is 12.5 mm. For a force of approximately 20 kN, the displacement is 15 mm.

[0117] This figure also shows the straight line D2 simulating the displacement of the second slide element 6 in the event of application of a tensile force for different force values, when the locking members are not configured as in the present disclosure, to cooperate and to implement a second amplification. It can be seen that, in this case, the displacement is much greater for a given tensile force. For example, when 15 kN is applied, there is a displacement of the second slide element 6 of approximately 20 mm. When the force is 20 kN, the displacement can be approximately 30 mm. These values show a significant difference, illustrating, by comparison between DI and D2, the effectiveness of the system for locking a slide by continuous adjustment according to the present disclosure.

[0118] Figures 10 and 11 show another example of a buttress locking system according to the present disclosure, [Fig. 10] illustrating the situation at time t0 after application of force F1 while [Fig. 11] illustrates the situation at time t3 after application of force F1. It is noted that in this embodiment, there is no projecting portion 27 in the lower portion 22 of the locking members 14 and 15 such that there is no cooperation between the locking members 14 and 15 under the rail 12 whatever the time.

[0119] The upper parts 20 of the first and second locking members 14, 15 are located at the level of the second slide element 6 and are separated from each other. by the locking mechanism 16 with which they can be in contact. The intermediate parts 21 of the first and second locking members 14, 15 extend under the locking mechanism 16 in this example, so as to be able to overlap as illustrated in [Fig.l 1], in the direction of the slide 4, in the event of a tensile force Fl in this example (F2 in a symmetrical example) greater than said predetermined threshold, in a space 53 between the locking mechanism 16 and the rail 12.

[0120] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a seat and a backrest as well as a continuously adjustable locking system according to the present disclosure, the first slide element 5 of which is anchored to a floor of the vehicle and the second slide element 6 of which is secured to a frame of the seat.

Claims

Claims

1. Locking system for a continuously adjustable slide (10) for a vehicle seat, comprising: - the slide (10) comprising a first slide element (5), lower, configured to be fixed to a vehicle floor, and a second slide element (6), upper, configured to slide along the first slide element (5), an arch-butting locking system, comprising: • a rail (12) extending lengthwise along the slide (10), fixed relative to the first slide element (5), said rail (12) having a first friction surface (30), upper and a second friction surface (31), lower, opposite, • a first locking member (14) and a second locking member (15), mounted integral with the second slide element (6), with positions offset along a longitudinal axis of the rail (12), the first locking member (14) comprising a first wall (40) and a second wall (41), facing each other, configured to rub respectively on the first surface (30) and the second surface (31) of friction of the rail, the second locking member (15) comprising a third wall (50) and a fourth wall (51), facing each other, configured to rub respectively on the first surface (30) and the second surface (31) of friction of the rail, • a locking mechanism (16), integral with the second slide element (6), configured to create a buttressing of the first blocking member (14) on the rail (12) ensuring locking of the second slide element (6) relative to the first slide element (5) in a first sliding direction (SI), and to create a buttressing

2. of the second locking member (15) on the rail (12) ensuring locking of the second slide element (6) relative to the first slide element (5) in a second sliding direction (S2), the first and second locking members being configured so that the application to the second slide element (6) of a tensile force (F1, F2) greater than a predetermined threshold: - in the first sliding direction (SI), causes on the one hand a first amplification of the buttressing of the first locking member (14) on the rail (12) until the latter is deformed and, on the other hand, the movement of the second locking member (15) towards the first locking member (14) until it comes into contact with the latter so as to create a second amplification of the buttressing of the first locking member (14) on the rail (12), - in the second sliding direction (S2), causes on the one hand a first amplification of the buttressing of the second locking member (15) on the rail (12) until the latter is deformed, and on the other hand, the movement of the first locking member (14) towards the second locking member (15) until it comes into contact with the latter so as to create a second amplification of the buttressing of the second locking member (15) on the rail (12). Locking system according to claim 1, wherein the first locking member (14) and the second locking member (15) each comprise an upper part (20), an intermediate part (21) and a lower part (22), said lower part (22) of the first locking member (14) comprising the second wall (41) and the lower part (22) of the second locking member (15) comprising the fourth wall (51), said intermediate part (21) of the first locking member (14) comprising the first wall (40) and the intermediate part (21) of the second locking member (15) comprising the third wall (50), the intermediate parts (21) of the first and second locking members (14, 15) being configured such that: - when the first locking member (14) is driven in first amplification of the buttressing on the rail (12) by said traction force (Fl) greater than said predetermined threshold, the intermediate portion (21) of the second locking member (15) is partially displaced under the intermediate portion (21) of the first locking member (14), in contact with the latter, causing said second amplification of the buttressing of the first locking member (14) on the rail (12), and - when the second locking member (15) is driven in first amplification of the buttressing on the rail (12) by said tensile force (F2) greater than said predetermined threshold, the intermediate portion (21) of the first locking member (14) is partially displaced under the intermediate portion (21) of the second locking member (15) and in contact with the latter, causing said second amplification of the buttressing of the second locking member (15) on the rail (12).

3. Locking system according to claim 2, wherein: - the intermediate part (21) of the first locking member (14) projects towards the second locking member (15), relative to the upper part (20) of said first locking member (14), and - the intermediate part (21) of the second locking member (15) projects towards the first locking member (14), relative to the upper part (20) of said second locking member (15).

4. Locking system according to the preceding claim, in which the intermediate part (21) of each of the first and second locking members (14, 15) has a projecting part (24a, 24b) along the longitudinal axis of the rail (12) which is rounded and shaped to allow the projecting part (24a) of the first locking member (14) to move under the projecting part (24b) of the second locking member (15) in contact with the latter after first amplification of the buttressing of the second locking member (15) and the projecting part (24b) of the second locking member (15) to move under the projecting part (24a) of the first locking member (14) in contact with the latter after first amplification of the buttressing of the first locking member (14).

5. A locking system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the upper portions (20) of the first and second locking members (14, 15) are located at the second slide element (6) and are separated from each other by the locking mechanism (16) with which they are in contact at least when buttressing and wherein the intermediate portions (21) of the first and second locking members (14, 15) extend below the locking mechanism (16).

6.

7.

8. locking (16) so as to be able to overlap, in the direction of the slide (10), in the event of a tensile force (F1; F2) greater than said predetermined threshold, in a space (53) between the locking mechanism (16) and the rail (12). Locking system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in which the intermediate part (21) and the lower part (22) of the first and second locking members (14, 15) are connected to each other by a connecting portion (25), extending laterally relative to the rail (12). Locking system according to the preceding claim, wherein the lower part (22) of the first locking member (14) and the lower part (22) of the second locking member (15) each comprise a holding portion (26) extending laterally to the rail (12), on a side of the rail (12) which is opposite the connecting portion (25), above said second and fourth walls (41, 51), so that a lower part of the rail (12) including the second friction surface (31) of the rail (12) is located, at the first locking member (14) and at the second locking member (15), in a groove (52) delimited laterally on the one hand by the connecting portion (25) and on the other hand by the holding portion (26), the groove (52) being delimited lowerwise by the second wall (40) and the fourth wall (50), the groove (52) being configured such so that it prevents,during the bracing of the first and / or second locking member (14; 15) in the event of a tensile force (Fl; F2) greater than said threshold, the lateral exit of the rail (12) from the groove (52)., Locking system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the lower part (22) of the first locking member (14) projects, relative to the upper part (20), towards the lower part (22) of the second locking member (15) and the lower part (22) of the second locking member (15) projects, relative to the upper part (20), towards the lower part (22) of the first locking member (14), such that: - when the tensile force (F1) greater than said threshold is applied in the first sliding direction (SI), the lower part (22) of the second locking member (15) comes into contact with the lower part (22) of the first locking member (14), below the latter, and - when the tensile force (F2) greater than said threshold is applied in the second sliding direction (S2), the lower part (22) of the first locking member (14) comes into contact with the lower part (22) of the second locking member (15), below it.

9. Locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said predetermined threshold of said traction force (F1; F2) has a value greater than or equal to 8000 N.

10. Vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a seat (2) and a backrest (3) as well as a continuously adjustable locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the first slide element (5) of which is anchored to a floor of the vehicle and the second slide element (6) is integral with a frame of the seat.

Images