Continuously adjustable slide locking system

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a system (1) for locking a continuously adjustable vehicle seat slide, comprising: - the slide (2) comprising a first lower slide element (20) configured to be fixed to a vehicle floor, and a second upper slide element (21) configured to slide along the first slide element; - a locking system by wedging comprising: - a rail (3) extending lengthwise along the slide, fixed relative to the first slide element; - a first locking member (4) and a second locking member (5) mounted integrally with the second slide element (21), in offset positions along a longitudinal axis of the rail (3), the first locking member (4) configured to brace itself against the rail, under the action of two wedging members (OC1, OC2) which wedge themselves into slots (FE1, FE2). (3 Figure from the abstract: Figure 5)

Description

Title of the invention: Continuously adjustable slide locking system

[0001] This disclosure relates to a locking system for a continuously adjustable vehicle seat slide, and to a vehicle seat incorporating such a locking system. Technical field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of adjustment and locking systems for a slide in a motor vehicle. It relates more particularly to adjustment systems whose slides connect a seat cushion to the vehicle floor.

[0003] In the present disclosure, and in a known manner, a vehicle seat may typically include: - a base, which extends along a direction X, from a front edge to a rear edge, and extends transversely along a direction Y, from a first lateral edge to a second lateral edge, - a backrest which extends vertically from the rear edge of the seat, in a Z direction, vertical, or typically inclined backwards, from a lower edge to an upper edge of the backrest, and extends transversely in a Y direction, from a first lateral edge to a second lateral edge.

[0004] The backrest can be tilted relative to the seat, typically by means of a pivot axis between the backrest frame and the seat frame, extending along the transverse direction Y.

[0005] The position of the seat in the vehicle can typically be adjusted, along the direction X, by means of an adjustment and locking system according to this disclosure, or preferably two adjustment and locking systems, with two slides connecting the seat in parallel to the floor of the vehicle.

[0006] Thus, the or each of the two slides comprises two slide elements with a first slide element attached to the floor, typically a lower profile, and a second slide element attached to the seat, typically an upper profile, the two slide elements being configured to slide relative to each other along the X direction.

[0007] The adjustment and locking system further comprises a locking system, including a control member which is actuated, typically manually or by motor, to unlock the slide to allow the occupant of the seat to adjust the position of the seat by moving the first sliding element, movable, relative to said second sliding element.

[0008] Once the seat position has been set, the control member is released to ensure the seat is locked in adjustment positions corresponding to adjustment steps of the slide.

[0009] To this end, the prior art includes discontinuously adjustable locking systems comprising a locking mechanism with a support attached to the second slide element, and locking members movable relative to the support, configured to enter adjustment openings attached to the first slide element when the locking system is locked, under the action of elastic means such as springs. When actuated, the control member forces the locking members against the force of the springs, thereby extracting the locking members from the adjustment openings and releasing the slide.

[0010] A first family of locking systems is thus known, usually designated by those skilled in the art by the English term "step lock", for which the locking members, typically fixed to each other, 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 a slide adjustment step.

[0011] A second family of locking systems is also known, with improved security compared to the first family, usually referred to by those skilled in the art under the English name "instant lock", which always ensures a locking of the two elements of the slide, 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.

[0012] For this purpose, the locking members are independent of each other configured so that at least one of the members comes to penetrate and lock into one of the adjustment openings, typically oblong, and even if the slide is in this intermediate position, between two adjustment steps, namely two consecutive adjustment positions of the slide.

[0013] The slide can then only slide along a stroke corresponding to the slide's adjustment pitch. A slight sliding of the first slide element relative to the second slide element allows the other non-penetrating locking members to align and lock into the adjustment openings when the slide is moved into one (or the other) of the two consecutive adjustment positions, thus locking the slide. In both cases, whether it is a "step lock" or "instant lock" type locking system, The number of adjustment positions is limited to the number of locking positions allowed by the adjustment step of the system.

[0014] However, the present disclosure focuses on the continuously adjustable locking slide system, namely ensuring an unlimited number of adjustment positions along the length of the slide, and as opposed to the previously described discontinuously adjustable adjustment and locking system. Previous technique

[0015] It is known from the prior art in particular from documents US 2003 / 0227207, DE 2 301 042 or US 2,292,718 of continuously adjustable locking systems for motor vehicle seats.

[0016] [Such systems include a rail, attached to a first fixed part of the slide, attached to a floor of the vehicle and a pair of locking members, including a first locking member and a second locking member attached to a second movable part of the slide attached to the seat frame.

[0017] In a first relative position between the first locking member and the second locking member, corresponding to the unlocking of the system, the first and second locking members are configured to move freely along the rail, without blocking, allowing free sliding of the slide.

[0018] In a second relative position between the first locking member and the second locking member, they come to rest against the rail under the following restraint conditions with generation:

[0019] - from a first force generated by a first support of the second part of the slide on the first locking member ensuring a buttressing of said first locking member on the rail ensuring a locking of the second slide element relative to the first slide element in a first direction of sliding, by two reactions of said rail on said first locking 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 friction 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 locking member,

[0020] - of a second effort generated by a second support on the second organ of blocking ensuring a buttressing of said second blocking member on the rail ensuring a locking of the second slide element relative to the first slide element in a second direction of sliding, 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 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 locking member.

[0021] For these prior art devices, there may be problems of micro-displacements of the slide, caused during stresses on the seat, and therefore on the moving part of the slide, in particular stresses in alternating directions, which can typically appear due to successive accelerations and decelerations of the vehicle.

[0022] According to the inventors' findings, in particular during a unidirectional stress applied to the second moving part of the slide, a very small displacement is generated between the second moving part and the first fixed part of the slide, which results in a strengthening of the force on one of the supports, namely the first support or respectively the second support depending on the direction of displacement, and causes the loss of the other support, namely the second support (or respectively the first support), by breaking the bracing conditions for the locking member which has lost the support, namely first locking member or second locking member.

[0023] Once the static equilibrium of the locking element has lost its support, it is no longer guaranteed, and this locking element shifts by a few hundredths of a millimeter until it reaches an uncertain static equilibrium position. According to the inventors' observations, such a phenomenon can lead to micro-displacements, as the longitudinal stresses alternate in direction, such as those that can be encountered in a vehicle during successive accelerations and decelerations.

[0024] Furthermore, in such a prior art, the slide is unlocked by pivoting the two locking members from the second position to the first position, with loss of support, namely the first and second supports. As the slide is locked and then unlocked, the first and second supports are successively lost with each unlocking and then regained with each locking. This can lead to a loss of alignment between the locking members, on the one hand, and the second slide / rail element, on the other, and over time to unsatisfactory bracing conditions due to these variations.

[0025] A continuously adjustable slide locking system is also known from the Applicant's document WO2023242497 A1, which comprises: - the slide, including 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 bracing 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 as a unit to 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, opposite each other, configured to rub respectively on the first and second friction surfaces of the rail, the second locking member comprising a third wall and a fourth wall, opposite each other, configured to rub respectively on the first and second friction surfaces of the rail.

[0026] Notably, the buttress locking system further comprises: - a first cam, integral with the second slide element, and first elastic means configured to move the first cam to ensure contact with said first locking member by generating a first force between the first locking member and said first cam ensuring buttressing of said first locking member on the rail ensuring locking of the second slide element relative to the first slide element in a 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 locking 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 locking member, - a second cam,integral with the second slide element, and with the second elastic means configured to move the second cam to ensure contact with said first locking member by generating a second force between the second locking member and said second cam ensuring a bracing of said second locking member on the rail ensuring a locking of the second slide element relative to the first slide element (20) in a second direction of sliding, 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 locking 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 locking member.

[0027] In buttressing conditions, the first cam and the second cam can respond to micro-displacement problems in that they operate, independently of each other, respectively a first compensation on the first locking member and / or a second compensation on the second locking member according to the longitudinal stresses and in particular their direction.

[0028] The locking system further includes an unlocking mechanism which is configured to cause the movement of the first cam and the movement of the second cam from their positions constrained by the first and second elastic means ensuring the bracing of the first locking member and the second locking member on the rail and thus the locking of the slide and up to a retracted position of the first cam and a retracted position of the second cam removing the bracing of the first locking member and the second member on the rail, freeing the sliding of the slide.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of document WO2023242497, the locking system comprises first spring means between said second slide element and said first locking member such that the first locking member is always in contact with the first cam even in the retracted position of the first cam releasing the slide, and second spring means between said second slide element and said second locking member such that the second locking member is always in contact with the second cam even in the retracted position of the second cam releasing the slide.

[0030] By convention: - the X direction extends along the length of the slide, typically horizontally - the Y direction extends along a direction perpendicular to the X direction, horizontally - the Z direction extends along the vertical direction.

[0031] The figures and the description in document WO2023242497 disclose two embodiments, namely: - a first embodiment in which the first cam and the second cam are each articulated about a horizontal pivot axis, typically along the Y direction - a second embodiment in which the first cam and the second cam are articulated along a vertical pivot axis, namely along the Z direction, ensuring a gain in terms of vertical compactness.

[0032] According to the inventors' findings, while the locking system for a continuously adjustable vehicle seat slide according to WO2023242497 is advantageous in that it addresses the aforementioned problems of micro-displacement and even support loss, it can always be improved with regard to compactness, and in particular compactness along the Z and / or X directions, especially concerning the part of the locking system with a buttress that protrudes above the second slide element, typically the male profile. Summary

[0033] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0034] A continuously adjustable sliding locking system for a vehicle seat is proposed, 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 using a buttress, 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 integrally 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 and second friction surfaces 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 and second friction surfaces of the rail, and wherein the first slide element is a lower profile and the second slide element is an upper profile, mounted to slide along the lower profile, the first locking member and the second locking member extending internally in a space between the upper and lower profiles, said rail integrally with the lower profile,received in said interspace and in the first locking member and the second locking member protrude from the upper profile through at least one opening in the upper profile.

[0035] According to this disclosure, said buttress locking system comprises: - a stop means integral with the second slide element, extending projecting above the upper profile, the stop means interposed between, on the one hand, a portion extending from the first locking member extending from a first opening in the upper profile, and on the other hand, a portion extending from the second locking member extending from a second opening in the upper profile, and in which said stop means comprises: — a first stopping surface facing the protruding portion of the first blocking member, defining with an opposite surface of said first blocking member a first slot with a profile converging along a vertical component, for example of decreasing width from bottom to top, — a second stopping surface facing the protruding portion of the second locking member, defining with an opposite surface of said second locking member a second slot with a profile converging along a vertical component, for example of decreasing width from bottom to top, - a first clamping element extending into the first slot and first elastic means configured to constrain the first clamping element to displacement along the vertical component of the first slot up to a first clamping constraint position in which the first clamping element becomes wedged against the first stopping surface and the protruding portion of the first locking member, generating a first force between the first locking member and said first clamping element, ensuring a bracing of said 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, 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 locking 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 locking member, - a second clamping element extending into the second slot and second elastic means configured to constrain the second clamping element to displacement along the vertical component of the second slot up to a second clamping constraint position in which the second clamping element is wedged against the second stopping surface and the protruding portion of the second locking member, generating a second force between the second locking member and said second clamping element, ensuring 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 first locking member, with on the one hand, with on the other hand,a third reaction between the first upper friction surface of the rail and the third wall of said second locking 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 locking member, - a release mechanism configured to cause the first clamping element to move along the vertical component of the first slot and the second clamping element to move along the vertical component of the second slot, from their positions constrained by the first and second elastic means ensuring the bracing of the first and second locking members on the rail and thus locking the slide and until a retracted position of the first clamping element and a retracted position of the second clamping element removing the buttresses of the first locking member and the second member on the rail, freeing the sliding of the slide.

[0036] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first and second clamping members are configured so that, during a longitudinal load on the second slide element generating a micro-displacement between the second slide element and the first slide element, they always guarantee the first and second forces ensuring the bracing of the first and second clamping members, by allowing compensations by displacement of one of the clamping elements consisting of the first and second clamping elements, or even both clamping elements, by changing the point of contact between said clamping element and the locking member constituted by the first or second clamping member respectively, while the other clamping element,The second clamping element, or respectively the first clamping element, can remain stationary while maintaining the point of contact between said clamping element and said locking member constituted by the first locking member or respectively the second locking member.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the locking system of a slide may include spring means between said first locking member and said second locking member such that the first locking member is always in contact with the first jamming member even in the retracted position of the first jamming member releasing the slide, and that the second locking member is always in contact with the second jamming member even in the retracted position of the second jamming member releasing the slide.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the spring means comprise a torsion spring having a winding of elastic wire forming turns, said winding of elastic wire terminated at two ends respectively bearing on the first locking member and on the second locking member.

[0040] According to one embodiment: - the first clamping element is a first metal wire having a clamping portion arranged in the first slot above the first opening, the first metal wire shaped to extend below the level of the clamping portion to a joint portion articulated to a first end of a first lever, the first lever situated below the level of the first opening, the first lever having a second end articulated to a lateral flank of the upper profile, and in which the first elastic means include a first torsion spring mounted on the second end of the first lever, configured to elastically constrain the first lever in rotation in a direction driving the first metal wire upwards to the first constrained position of the first clamping element, - the second clamping element is a second metal wire having a clamping portion arranged in the second slot above the second opening, the second metal wire shaped to extend below the level of the clamping portion to a joint portion articulated to a first end of a second lever, the second lever situated below the level of the second opening, the second lever having a second end articulated to a lateral flank of the upper profile, and wherein the second elastic means include a second torsion spring mounted on the second end of the second lever, configured to elastically constrain the second lever in rotation in a direction driving the second metal wire upwards to the second constrained position of the second clamping element.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first end of the first lever and the first end of the second lever are juxtaposed, arranged along the longitudinal direction of the slide between the second end of the first lever and the second end of the second lever, the unlocking mechanism comprising a manually operated control lever articulated to the second slide element by a transverse shaft pivotally mounted on the lateral side of the upper profile, the control lever comprising a force distribution element configured to come into contact, straddling the first lever and the second lever,configured to transmit a release force from the control lever and distribute it across the first end of the first lever and the first end of the second lever, causing the first lever to rotate around its second end against a return force from the first torsion spring, and the second lever to rotate around its second end against a return force from the second spring.

[0042] According to one embodiment, said force distribution element may be made wholly or partly of an elastomeric material.

[0043] According to one embodiment, said force distribution element is pivotally mounted on the control lever, along a transverse articulation axis.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the clamping portion and the articulation portion of the first or second metal wire extend along two parallel axes, connected to each other by an angled portion of the metal wire.

[0045] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat comprising a seat and a backrest and a continuously adjustable slide locking system according to the present disclosure, the first slide element of which is anchored to a vehicle floor and the second slide element is integral with a seat frame. Brief description of the drawings

[0046] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0047] [Fig. 1] shows a vehicle seat comprising a seat and a backrest and having two sliding locking systems, comprising two parallel slides, of which a first slide element formed by a lower profile is fixed to a vehicle floor and a second slide element formed by an upper profile is fixed to a seat frame Fig. 2

[0048] [Fig.2] is a detail view of one of the two continuously adjustable slide systems of the seat of the [Fig.l] comprising a first locking member and a second locking member configured respectively to brace against an internal rail in an inter-space, the first locking member and the second locking member being protruding through the upper profile respectively through a first opening and a second through opening. Fig. 3

[0049] [Fig.3] is a detail view of [Fig.2], illustrating a stop means with a body integral with the upper slide profile, interposed lengthwise between the first and second openings, the stop means comprises: - a first vertically extending stop surface, opposite a protruding portion of the first locking member, defining, with an opposite surface of the protruding portion of the first locking member, a first profile slot converging along a vertical component, with a width decreasing from bottom to top, within which a first clamping element is wedged to secure the first locking member to the rail, - a second vertically extending stop surface, opposite a protruding portion of the second locking member, defining, with an opposite surface of the protruding portion of the second locking member, a second profile slot converging along a vertical component, of decreasing width from bottom to top, inside which a second clamping element is wedged to ensure the bracing of the second locking device on the rail. Fig. 4

[0050] [Fig.4] is an exploded view of the continuously adjustable slide system of [Fig.2], Fig. 5

[0051] [Fig. 5] illustrates, on the left, a cross-sectional view along a plane parallel to XZ, and on the right, a detailed perspective view, illustrating: - the first constrained position of the first clamping element tightened in the first slot by wedge effect, causing the first locking element to brace against the rail and the first constrained position of the first clamping element tightened in the first slot by wedge effect under the action of a first lever elastically constrained by a first torsion spring, causing the first locking element to brace against the rail to ensure the blocking of the slide in a first direction of sliding; - the second constrained position of the second clamping element tightened in the second slot by wedge effect under the action of a second lever elastically constrained by a second torsion spring, causing the second locking element to brace itself on the rail and the second constrained position of the second clamping element tightened in the second slot by wedge effect, causing the second locking element to brace itself on the rail to ensure the blocking of the slide in a second direction of sliding. Fig. 6

[0052] [Fig.6] is a view comprising the section view and the perspective view of the [Fig.[5] after unlocking the sliding mechanism by removing the bracing conditions between the rail on the one hand, and the first and second locking members, unlocking achieved by rotating the first lever around its second end against the restoring force of the first torsion spring, causing the first jamming element to descend into the first slot until it reaches a position eliminating the jamming, and by rotating the second lever around its second end against the restoring force of the second torsion spring, causing the second jamming element to descend into the second slot until it reaches a position eliminating the jamming, the view notably illustrating a torsion spring integral with an insert integral with the upper profile, having a first end bearing on the first locking member, and a second end . . Fig. 7A

[0053] [Fig. 7A] shows the locking system of a continuously adjustable slide in the first constrained position of the first clamping element and the second constrained position of the second clamping element, ensuring the locking of the slide, illustrating in particular an unlocking mechanism comprising a control lever articulated to the upper profile along a transverse axis by a transverse shaft in an unstressed position of the unlocking mechanism. Fig. 7B

[0054] [Fig.7B] illustrates the locking system of a slide according to [Fig.7A], after rotation of the control lever around the transverse shaft, the unlocking mechanism comprising a force distribution element, articulated to the control lever configured to come into contact simultaneously with two facing ends belonging to the first lever and the second lever to ensure the simultaneous rotations of the two levers, namely the first lever and the second lever, in opposite directions of rotation, causing a downward displacement of the first clamping element in the first slot, in an enlarged area of ​​the first slot ensuring the suppression of the wedge effect and thus the suppression of the wedging conditions between the first locking element and the rail, as well as a downward displacement of the second clamping element in the second slot,in an enlarged area of ​​the second slot ensuring the elimination of the wedge effect and thus the elimination of the wedging conditions between the second locking member and the rail. Description of the implementation methods

[0055] Also, the present disclosure relates to a system 1 for locking a continuously adjustable slide for a vehicle seat, comprising; - the slide 2 comprising a first lower slide element 20, configured to be fixed to a vehicle floor, and a second upper slide element 21, configured to slide along the first slide element - a locking system by bracing.

[0056] The buttress locking system allows the slide to be locked continuously in an unlimited number of locking positions along the slide's effective stroke, as opposed to a discontinuous adjustment system with a limited number of locking positions.

[0057] The buttress locking system is self-sufficient in that it does not complement a locking system of the discontinuous adjustment type, and comprising notches ensuring such discontinuous adjustment.

[0058] In the figures, the orthogonal coordinate system XYZ is oriented such that the X axis is oriented along the sliding axis of the slide, and the Y direction along the direction horizontal, and transverse to the slide, perpendicular to X, and the Z axis along the vertical.

[0059] The first slide element 20 comprises a lower profile PINF, having a cross-section with a base extending substantially along a plane parallel to the XY plane, extended by one or two ascending flanges. The second slide element 21 comprises an upper profile PSUP, having a cross-section with a main flange 210 extending substantially along a plane parallel to the XY plane, extended by two descending flanges 211, 212. The end portions of the ascending and descending flanges are interlocked and form raceways for rolling elements such as balls or the like.

[0060] The figures illustrate a slide with an asymmetrical profile, namely that the vertical dimensions of the two descending (resp. ascending) flanges are unequal. Generally, this disclosure applies whether the profiles are asymmetrical as illustrated or symmetrical (not illustrated).

[0061] The buttress locking system includes a rail 3 which extends lengthwise along the slide, fixed relative to the first slide element 20. The rail 3 is fixed to the first slide element 20. For this purpose the lower profile PINF forming the first part of the slide 20 may include the base and at least one rising flange extending from the base.

[0062] The rail 3 can be secured to at least one rising flange of the lower profile PINF in the gap between the upper and lower profiles, in particular by tabs LG projecting into the gap from openings in the wall of the rising flange. The tabs can typically be obtained by stamping and can be distributed along the length of the rail 3 to secure the rail. The position of the tabs relative to the locking elements allows the locking elements, first and / or second locking element, in the unlocked state of the slide, to slide relative to the first slide element 21, moving successively along the tabs, without the tabs hindering the movement of the locking elements.This allows the rail to be firmly fixed along its length, including the sliding stroke of the locking mechanisms, and not just at those ends, outside of this stroke.

[0063] The rail 3 comprises a first upper friction surface 30 and a second, lower, opposing friction surface 31. In one embodiment, the first friction surface 30 and the second, lower, opposing friction surface 31 may be planar, the rail having a substantially rectangular cross-section. However, the rail may have other cross-sections, such as a circular cross-section, in which case the first surface 30 and the second surface 31 are not planar.

[0064] The buttress locking system comprises a first locking member 4 and a second locking member 5, in offset positions along a longitudinal axis of the rail 3 which extends along the longitudinal direction X. The first locking member 4 and the second locking member 5 are mounted integrally with the second slide element 21, i.e. movable with it, in offset positions along a longitudinal axis of the rail 3. The first locking member 4 and the second locking member 5 extend respectively in length along a vertical direction, along the direction Z, or slightly inclined with respect to this direction by a few degrees, with an inclination of less than 25°, for example less than 10°.

[0065] The first locking member 4 comprises a first wall 40 and a second wall 41, facing each other, configured to rub respectively on the first friction surface 30 and the second friction surface 31 of the rail.The first wall 40 and the second wall 41 can be formed by two opposing lateral walls of a groove in the first locking member, and as illustrated in the figures.

[0066] The second locking member 5 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 3. The third wall 40 and the fourth wall 41 can be formed by two opposing lateral walls of a groove in the second locking member 5, and as illustrated in the figures.

[0067] Generally, said rail 3 is integral with the lower profile PINF, received in said gap, and the first locking member 4 and the second locking member 5 extend internally in the gap between the upper profile PSUP and the lower profile PIN, and protrude from the upper profile through at least one opening OV in the upper profile PSUP. In particular, the first locking member 4 passes through the upper profile PSUP through a first opening OV1 in the main wing, and the second locking member 5 passes through the upper profile PSUP, in particular through a second opening OV2 in the main wing, the first opening OV1 and the second opening OV2 being offset along the longitudinal direction of the slide.

[0068] The buttress locking system notably includes a stop means BT integral with the second slide element 21, extending in projection above the upper profile PSUP, the stop means interposed between, on the one hand, the portion extending from the first locking member 4 extending from the first opening OV1 of the upper profile PSUP, and on the other hand, a portion extending from the second locking member 5 extending from the second opening OV2 of the upper profile PSUP.

[0069] Said BT stop means comprises: — a first stopping surface SA1 facing the protruding portion of the first locking member 4, defining with an opposite surface of said first locking member 4 a first slot FE1 of profile converging along a vertical component, for example of width decreasing from bottom to top along the vertical direction Z, said width seen along the direction X, along the length of the slide, — a second stopping surface SA2 facing the protruding portion of the second locking member 5, defining with an opposite surface of said second locking member a second slot FE2 of profile converging along a vertical component, for example of width decreasing from bottom to top along the direction Z, the width seen along the direction X, along the length of the slide.

[0070] The stop means can be formed by a single-piece body, integral with the upper profile of the slide, and as illustrated in the figures, and forming the first stop surface SA1 and the second stop surface SA2, by two opposite surfaces of the body, possibly parallel to each other, offset along the X direction.

[0071] Optionally, the stop means may comprise, according to an embodiment not illustrated, two separate or even distinct bodies forming respectively the first stopping surface SA1 and the second stopping surface SA2.

[0072] The wedging locking system further comprises a first wedging element OC1 extending in the first slot FE1 and first elastic means ELI configured to constrain the first wedging element OC1 to displacement along the vertical component of the first slot FE1 up to a first constrained clamping position PCI (illustrated as an example in [Fig.5]) in which the first wedging element OC1 comes to wedge itself against the first stop surface SA1 and the protruding portion of the first locking member 4.

[0073] The first constrained position PCI generates a first force FC1 between the first locking member 4 and said first clamping element OC1 ensuring a bracing of said first locking member 4 on the rail 3 ensuring a locking of the second slide element 21 relative to the first slide element 20 in a first direction SI of sliding, by two reactions of said rail on said first locking member, with on the one hand, a first reaction RAi between the first upper friction surface 30 of the rail and the first wall 40 of said first locking member 4 and, on the other hand, a second reaction RBi between the second lower friction surface 31 of the rail and the second wall 41 of said first locking member 4.

[0074] The buttress locking system further comprises a second clamping element OC2 extending into the second slot FE2 and second elastic means EL2 configured to constrain the second element of OC2 clamping movement along the vertical component of the second slot FE2 until a second clamping constraint position PC2 in which the second clamping element OC2 comes to be blocked by wedge effect against the second stopping surface SA2 and the protruding portion of the second locking member 5.

[0075] The second constrained position PC2 generates a second force FC2 between the second locking member 5 and said second clamping element OC2 ensuring a bracing of said second locking member 5 on the rail 3 ensuring a locking of the second slide element 21 relative to the first slide element in a second direction S2 of sliding, by two reactions of said rail on said first locking member, with on the one hand, a third reaction RA2 between the first upper friction surface 30 of the rail and the third wall 50 of said second locking member and, on the other hand, a fourth reaction RB2 between the second lower friction surface 31 of the rail and the fourth wall 51 of said second locking member 5.

[0076] The locking system further includes an unlocking mechanism 6 which is configured to cause the first clamping element OC1 to move along the vertical component of the first slot FE1 and the second clamping element OC2 to move along the component of the second slot FE2 from their constrained positions PCI, PC2 by the first and second elastic means ELI, EL2 ensuring the bracing of the first locking member and the second locking member on the rail and thus locking the slide and up to a retracted position of the first clamping element OC1 and a retracted position of the second clamping element OC2 removing the bracing of the first locking member 4 and the second member 5 on the rail 3, freeing the sliding of the slide.

[0077] The passage from the first constrained position PCI of the first clamping member OC1 to the retracted position is obtained by moving the first clamping member OC1 along the first stop surface SA1 along the vertical component of the first slot FE1, and for example from top to bottom according to an embodiment in particular illustrated in the figures.

[0078] The passage from the second constrained position PC2 of the second clamping member OC2 to the retracted position is obtained by moving the second clamping member OC2 along the second stopping surface SA2 along the vertical component of the slot, and for example from top to bottom according to an embodiment illustrated in the figures.

[0079] According to one embodiment: - the first clamping member OC1 comprises a clamping portion, extending along the transverse direction Y along the depth of the first slot FE1 which may be of circular cross-section, when viewed along the plane XZ, - the second clamping member OC2 comprises a clamping portion, extending along the transverse direction Y along the depth of the second slot FE2 which may be of circular cross-section, when viewed along the plane XZ,

[0080] The diameter of the circular cross-section of the clamping portion (of the first clamping member OC1 and / or of the second clamping member OC2) may advantageously be of small dimension, for example between 3 mm and 6 mm.

[0081] Such a construction makes it possible to limit the bulk of the assembly first locking member 4, second locking member 5, stop means BT, first and second clamping members OC1, OC2, when viewed along the X direction, longitudinal to the slide.

[0082] Preferably, the first clamping member OC1 and the second clamping member OC2 are independent, configured so that, during a longitudinal load on the second slide element 21 generating a micro-displacement between the second slide element 21 and the first slide element 20, they always guarantee the first force FC1 and the second force FC2 ensuring the bracing of the first locking member 4 and the second locking member 5, by allowing compensation by displacement of one of the clamping elements consisting of the first clamping member OC1 and the second clamping member OC2, or even of both clamping elements, by changing the point of contact between said clamping element and the locking member constituted by the first locking member 4 or respectively the second locking member 5, while the other clamping element,The second clamping element OC2, or respectively the first clamping element (OC1), can remain stationary while maintaining the point of contact between said clamping element and said locking member constituted by the first locking member or respectively the second locking member.

[0083] In other words, the first clamping element OC1 and the second clamping element OC2 operate, independently of each other, respectively a first compensation on the first locking member 4 and / or a second compensation on the second locking member 5 according to the longitudinal stresses and in particular their direction.

[0084] The continuously adjustable slide locking system may include spring means MR between said first locking member 4 and said second locking member 5, the spring means configured so that the first locking member 4 is always in contact with the first clamping element OC1 even in the retracted position of the first clamping element OC1, thus releasing the slide. of the slide, and that the second locking member 5 is always in contact with the second clamping member C02 even in the retracted position of the second clamping member C02 releasing the sliding of the slide.

[0085] Under the effect of the spring means MR, the first clamping member OC1 is also in contact with the first stopping surface SA1, and the second clamping member OC2 is in contact with the second stopping surface SA2, in the retracted positions of the members OC1, OC2.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the spring means MR comprise a torsion spring having a winding of elastic wire forming turns, said winding of elastic wire terminated at two ends respectively in contact with the first locking member 4 and the second locking member 5.

[0087] As illustrated in [Fig.6], the torsion spring can constrain the first locking member 4 and the second locking member 5 respectively to tilting in opposite directions so as to always guarantee a contact of the first clamping member OC1 with the first locking member 4, as well as with the first stopping surface SA1, and always guarantee a contact of the second clamping member OC2 with the second locking member 5, as well as with the second stopping surface SA2.

[0088] Generally, a support, typically plastic, forms an insert IST received in the gap between the upper profile PSUP and the lower profile PINF. The insert IST is slidingly fixed to the upper profile PSUP, attached in particular to the main, upper wall of the upper profile 21. The support forming the insert includes a cavity opening in the transverse direction, receiving the internal portions of the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 5.

[0089] It is noted that said torsion spring can be fixed to the insert, between the two locking members 4, 5, the coil winding mounted on a protruding lug of the insert along the transverse direction Y.

[0090] In general, it is also noted that the insert may include a first reference stop BR4 configured to come into contact with the first locking member 5 in order to lock it in the longitudinal direction X, and a second reference stop BR5 configured to come into contact with the second locking member 5 in order to lock it in the longitudinal direction X. The first reference stop BR4 and the second reference stop BR5 are directed towards each other, and configured to maintain a maximum gap between the two locking members 4, 5.

[0091] According to one embodiment (illustrated in the figures), the first clamping element OC1 can be a first metal wire, typically circular in cross-section, comprising the clamping portion arranged in the first slot FE1 above the first opening OV1, the first metal wire being shaped to extend in particular along a transverse component Y, and along a vertical component Z, below the level of the jamming portion up to a portion of the articulation of the metal wire articulated to a first end of a first lever LV1.

[0092] The first lever LV1 is located below the level of the first opening OV1, the first lever LV1 having a second end articulated to a lateral side of the upper profile PSUP, in particular and wherein the first elastic means ELI include a first torsion spring mounted on the second end of the first lever, configured to elastically constrain the first lever LV1 in rotation in a direction driving the first metal wire upwards to the first constrained position of the first clamping element.

[0093] The first lever LV 1 is articulated to the articulation portion of the metal wire along a pivot axis extending along the transverse direction Y. For this purpose, the first end of the first lever LV 1 includes a first orifice inside which the articulation portion of the metal wire is free to pivot.

[0094] The first lever LV 1 is articulated to the side of the upper profile along a pivot axis, extending along the transverse direction Y. For this purpose a first axis AX1 is fixed to the upper profile of the slide, and the second end of the lever includes a second orifice inside which the first axis is free to pivot.

[0095] The first axis AX1 can typically pass through an opening in the downslope wing 212 of the upper profile and become fixed in a mounting hole of the insert IST.

[0096] The second clamping element OC2 can be a second metal wire having a clamping portion arranged in the second slot FE2 above the second opening OV2, the second metal wire shaped to extend below the level of the clamping portion to a joint portion articulated to a first end of a second lever LV2.

[0097] The second lever LV2 is located below the level of the second opening OV2, the second lever LV2 having a second end articulated to a lateral side of the upper profile PSUP. The second elastic means EL2 comprise a second torsion spring mounted on the second end of the second lever LV2, configured to elastically constrain the second lever LV2 in rotation in a direction driving the second metal wire upwards to the second constrained position of the second clamping element OC2.

[0098] The second lever LV2 is articulated to the articulation portion of the metal wire along a pivot axis extending along the transverse direction Y. For this purpose, the first end of the second lever LV2 includes a first orifice inside which the articulation portion of the metal wire is free to pivot.

[0099] The second lever LV2 is articulated to the side of the upper profile along a pivot axis extending in the transverse direction Y. For this purpose, a second axis AX2 is fixed to the upper profile of the slide, and the second end of the lever includes a second opening within which the first axis is free to pivot.

[0100] The second axis AX2 can typically pass through an opening in the downslope wing 212 of the upper profile and become fixed in a mounting hole of the insert IST.

[0101] The clamping portion and the articulation portion of the first metal wire (or the second metal wire) can extend along two parallel axes, connected to each other by an angled portion of the metal wire.

[0102] It is noted that the first end of the first lever LV1 and the first end of the second lever LV2 can be juxtaposed, arranged along the longitudinal direction of the slide between the second end of the first lever LV1 and the second end of the second lever LV2.

[0103] The unlocking mechanism 6 may include a control lever, typically manually operated, for example accessible by the seat occupant, below a front portion of the seat.

[0104] The control lever can be articulated to the second slide element 21 by a transverse shaft 60 mounted pivotally on the lateral side of the upper profile PSUP in particular pivoting on a bearing integral with a descending wing 212 of the upper profile.

[0105] The control lever includes a force distribution member 61 configured to make contact, straddling the first lever LV 1 and the second lever LV2. The force distribution member is configured to transmit an unlocking force to the control lever and distribute it on the first end of the first lever LV 1 and on the first end of the second lever L2 by causing the first lever LV1 to rotate around its second end against a restoring force of the first torsion spring and the second lever LV2 to rotate around its second end against a restoring force of the second spring, until the first locking member 4 and the second locking member 5 are unlocked.

[0106] The effect distribution element 61 may be made in whole or in part of an elastomeric material, at least at the level of a contact area with the levers LV1, LV2.

[0107] Such a design comprising metal wires shaped to function as clamping elements OC1, OC2 and elastically constrained levers (first lever LV1 and LV2) makes it possible to limit the bulk of the system along the vertical direction Z in particular the bulk above the upper profile, in that the levers (first and second lever) are offset below the main wing 210 of the upper profile 210, located in a lateral area of ​​the profile which is not very bothersome during integration with a seat.

[0108] Such a design makes it easier to integrate such a sliding system with a seat, in particular its attachment to the seat frame, in that the volume of the locking system located above the main wing 210 of the upper profile is reduced, and by comparison with a design such as taught by WO2023242497.

[0109] The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle seat comprising a seat and a backrest and a continuously adjustable slide locking system according to the present disclosure, the first slide element 20 of which is anchored to a floor of the vehicle and the second slide element 21 is integral with a frame of the seat.

[0110] The seat may typically have two continuously adjustable slide locking systems, comprising two parallel slides. In such a case, the control lever may be shared by both slides, the transverse shaft 60 being articulated to the upper profiles of the two slides. List of reference signs

[0111] - 1: Continuously adjustable vehicle slide locking system, - 2. Slide - 20. First slide element, - 200. Base, - 201, 202. Rising wings, - LG. Tabs - PINF. Lower profile, - 21. Second slide element, - 210. Main wing, - 211,212. Descending wings - PSUP. Upper profile - 3. Rail, - 30. First friction surface, - 31. Second friction surface, - 4. First locking mechanism, - 40,41. Respectively first wall and second wall (configured to brace against the rail), - 5. Second locking mechanism, - 50, 51. Respectively third wall and fourth wall (configured to brace against the rail), - BT. Stop means, BR4, BR5. First and second reference stops - ELI, EL2. First and second elastic means, - OC1. First clamping element, - OC2. Second clamping element, - FE1. First slot, - FE2. Second slot, -IF. First meaning, - S2. Second meaning

Claims

1. Demands System (1) for locking a continuously adjustable slide for a vehicle seat, comprising; - the slide (2) comprising a first slide element (20), lower, configured to be fixed to a vehicle floor, and a second slide element (21), upper, configured to slide along the first slide element - a locking system by buttressing comprising: — a rail (3), extending lengthwise along the slide, fixed relative to the first slide element, said rail having a first upper friction surface (30) and a second lower friction surface (31) opposite — a first locking member (4) and a second locking member (5), mounted integrally with the second slide element (21), in offset positions along a longitudinal axis of the rail (3), the first locking member (4) 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 friction surface (31) of the rail, the second locking member (5) 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 friction surface (31) of the rail (3), and in which the first slide element (20) is a lower profile (PINF) and the second slide element (21) is an upper profile (PSUP), mounted to slide along the lower profile (PINF),the first locking member (4) and the second locking member (5) extending internally in an interspace between the upper profile (PSUP) and the lower profile (PINF), said rail integral with the lower profile (PINF), received in said interspace and in the first locking member (4) and the second locking member (5) protrude from the upper profile through at least one opening (OV) of the upper profile (PSUP), characterized in that said buttress locking system comprises: - a stop means (BT) integral with the second slide element (21), extending projecting above the upper profile (PSUP), the stop means interposed between, on the one hand, a portion extending of the first locking member (4) extending from a first opening (OV1) of the upper profile (PSUP), and on the other hand a portion extending from the second locking member (5) extending from a second opening (OV2) of the upper profile (PSUP), and in which said stop means (BT) comprises: — a first stopping surface (SA1) facing the protruding portion of the first blocking member (4), defining with an opposite surface of said first blocking member (4) a first slot (FE1) with a profile converging along a vertical component, for example of decreasing width from bottom to top, — a second stopping surface (SA2) facing the protruding portion of the second locking member (5), defining with an opposite surface of said second locking member (5) a second slot (FE2) with a profile converging along a vertical component, for example of decreasing width from bottom to top, - a first clamping element (OC1) extending into the first slot (FE1) and first elastic means (ELI) configured to constrain the first clamping element (OC1) to displacement along the vertical component of the first slot (FE1) up to a first constrained clamping position (PCI) in which the first clamping element (OC1) becomes wedged against the first stopping surface (SA1) and the protruding portion of the first locking member (4), generating a first force (FC1) between the first locking member (4) and said first clamping element (OC1), ensuring a buttressing of said first locking member (4) on the rail (3), ensuring a locking of the second slide element (21) relative to the first slide element in a first sliding direction (SI), by two reactions of said rail on said first locking member, with, on the one hand,a first reaction (RAI) between the first upper friction surface (30) of the rail and the first wall (40) of said first locking member (4) and, on the other hand, a second reaction (RB1) between the second lower friction surface (31) of the rail and the second wall (41) of said first locking member (4), - a second clamping element (OC2) extending in the second slot and second elastic means (EL2) configured to constrain the second clamping element (OC2) to displacement along the vertical component of the second slot,

2. (FE2) up to a second constrained clamping position (PC2) in which the second clamping element (OC2) becomes wedged against the second stopping surface (SA2) and the protruding portion of the second locking member (5), generating a second force (FC2) between the second locking member (5) and said second clamping element (OC2), ensuring a bracing of said second locking member (5) on the rail (3), ensuring a locking of the second slide element (21) relative to the first slide element in a second sliding direction (S2), by two reactions of said rail on said first locking member, with, on the one hand, a third reaction (RA2) between the first upper friction surface (30) of the rail and the third wall (50) of said second locking member and, on the other hand,a fourth reaction (RB2) between the second lower friction surface (31) of the rail and the fourth wall (51) of said second locking member (5), - an unlocking mechanism (6) which is configured to cause the displacement of the first clamping element (OC1) along the vertical component of the first slot (FE1) and the displacement of the second clamping element (OC2) along the vertical component of the second slot (FE2), from their constrained positions (PCI, PC2) by the first and second elastic means (ELI, EL2) ensuring the buttressing of the first and second locking members on the rail and thus locking the slide, and up to a retracted position of the first clamping element (OC1) and a retracted position of the second clamping element (OC2) removing the buttressing of the first and second locking members (5) on the rail (3), freeing the sliding of the slide. A system (1) for locking a continuously adjustable slide according to claim 1, wherein the first clamping element (OC1) and the second clamping element (OC2) are configured so that, during a longitudinal load on the second slide element (21) generating a micro-displacement between the second slide element (20) and the first slide element (20), they always guarantee the first force (FC1) and the second force (FC2) ensuring the bracing of the first locking member (4) and the second locking member (5), while allowing compensations by moving one of the clamping elements consisting of the first clamping element (OC1) and the second clamping element (OC2), or even both clamping elements, by changing the point of contact between said clamping element and the locking member constituted by the first locking member (4) or respectively the second locking member (5), while the other clamping element, second clamping element (OC2) or respectively first clamping element (OC1) can remain stationary by maintaining the point of contact between said clamping element and said locking member constituted by the first locking member or respectively the second locking member.

3. A continuously adjustable slide locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, comprising spring means (MR) between said first locking member (4) and said second locking member (5) such that the first locking member (4) is always in contact with the first clamping element (OC1) even in the retracted position of the first clamping element (OC1) releasing the slide, and that the second locking member (5) is always in contact with the second clamping element (OC2) even in the retracted position of the second clamping element (OC2) releasing the slide.

4. A continuously adjustable slide locking system according to claim 3, wherein the spring means (MR) comprise a torsion spring having a winding of elastic wire forming turns, said winding of elastic wire terminated at two ends respectively bearing on the first locking member (4) and on the second locking member (5).

5. A continuously adjustable slide locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: - the first clamping element (OC1) is a first metal wire having a clamping portion arranged in the first slot (FE1) above the first opening (OV1), the first metal wire shaped to extend below the level of the clamping portion to a hinged portion articulated to a first end of a first lever (LV1), the first lever located below the level of the first opening (OV1), the first lever (LV1) having a second end articulated to a lateral side of the upper profile (PSUP), and wherein

6. The first elastic means (ELI) include a first torsion spring mounted on the second end of the first lever, configured to elastically constrain the first lever (LV1) in rotation in a direction driving the first metal wire upwards to the first constrained position of the first clamping element. - the second clamping element (OC2) is a second metal wire having a clamping portion arranged in the second slot (FE2) above the second opening (OV2), the second metal wire being shaped to extend below the level of the clamping portion to a joint portion articulated to a first end of a second lever (LV2), the second lever being located below the level of the second opening (OV2), the second lever (LV2) having a second end articulated to a lateral flank of the upper profile (PSUP), and wherein the second elastic means (EL2) include a second torsion spring mounted on the second end of the second lever (LV2), configured to elastically constrain the second lever (LV2) in rotation in a direction driving the second metal wire upwards to the second constrained position of the second clamping element (OC2). A continuously adjustable slide locking system according to claim 5, wherein the first end of the first lever (LV1) and the first end of the second lever (LV2) are juxtaposed, arranged along the longitudinal direction of the slide between the second end of the first lever (LV1) and the second end of the second lever (LV2), the unlocking mechanism (6) comprising a manually operated control lever articulated to the second slide element (21) by a transverse shaft (60) pivotally mounted on the lateral side of the upper profile (PSUP), the control lever comprising a force distribution element (61) configured to come into contact, straddling the first lever and the second lever,configured to transmit a release force from the control lever and distribute it to the first end of the first lever (LV1) and the first end of the second lever (L2) by causing the first lever (LV1) to rotate around its second end against a return force from the first torsion spring and the rotation of the, second lever (LV2) around its second end against a restoring force of the second spring.

7. A continuously adjustable slide locking system according to claim 6 in which said force distribution member (61) is wholly or partly made of an elastomeric material.

8. A continuously adjustable slide locking system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said force distribution member is pivotally mounted on the control lever, along a transverse articulation axis.

9. A continuously adjustable slide locking system according to any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein the clamping portion and the articulation portion of the first or second wire extend along two parallel axes, connected to each other by an angled portion of the wire.

10. Vehicle seat comprising a seat and a backrest and a continuously adjustable slide locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the first slide element (20) is anchored to a vehicle floor and the second slide element (21) is integral with a seat frame.

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