Dustproof device for automotive seat rails

Abstract

The objective is to provide a dustproof device for automotive seat rails. [Solution] The present invention relates to a dustproof device for an automobile seat rail, comprising at least one bracket structure connectable to a seat slide groove, at least one elastic return structure, an end cap, at least one slide bar structure connected to the end cap, and a cover plate structure that conforms to the top shape of the seat slide groove. The cover plate structure is movablely connected to the slide bar structure while fitting into it, and is relatively movable in the vertical direction. The bracket structure is also fitted to and connected to the slide bar of the slide bar structure, and is relatively linearly movable in the vertical direction. The rear end of the slide bar is connected and fixed to the end cap, and the slide bar returns to its original position by the elastic return structure. The two fixed pivot points of the elastic return structure are connected and fixed to a relative fixed pivot point and a relative movable pivot point, respectively, and the end cap has a recessed structure that conforms to the end of the seat slide groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automotive seat rails, and particularly to a dust-proof device for seat rails.

Background Art

[0002] With the improvement of living standards, the popularity of automobiles has been increasing, and they have become widely used as a major means of transportation. Along with this, the requirements for the cleanliness inside the vehicle and the comfort during riding have also been increasing. Although every part inside the vehicle is decorated to every corner, only the automotive seat rail is an exception. Particularly, moving parts of the electric seat are arranged in the concave part of the rail, and it is also necessary to apply lubricating oil. In addition, since the seat needs to be frequently adjusted in position, it is necessary to secure a certain space and a cover cannot be provided. Furthermore, since it is easy for passengers to contact their feet with this position, this part has been a place where dirt easily accumulates inside the vehicle. From such a situation, although various devices have been proposed for the purpose of improving conventional drawbacks, including the technologies disclosed in the following patent documents, none of them have completely solved these problems.

[0003] Background Art 1: Document 1 titled "Vehicle Seat Rail Protector Assembly" discloses that an end cover is provided at the end of a specially designed automotive seat rail, the moving stroke of the end cover is made to coincide with the moving stroke of the seat, and the end cover is configured to return by a shaft pin and a spring fitted to the shaft pin. However, what this device realizes is only a partial dust-proof effect at the end of the seat rail, and it cannot protect the entire rail over a wide range. Furthermore, this device is premised on being used in combination with a specific off-the-shelf rail and cannot be applied to existing commercially available seat rails. Also, when the end part is displaced when the rail constituent members 24 and 28 arranged below the seat move, there is a problem that a part of the rail area is exposed and cannot be protected by the cap. For this reason, the function of this device is limited to the protection of the end part of the rail constituent member, the structure is bulky, lacking in compactness, and there is a possibility of causing safety concerns in the use of automotive seats.

[0004] Background Technology 2: Document 2, titled "Guide Rail Assembly," discloses a configuration in which shielding members (i.e., a configuration similar to two spring winding mechanisms) are fixed to the front and rear ends of an automobile seat slide rail, connected and fixed to the seat via the moving parts of the strip-shaped members of the front and rear spring winding mechanisms, and the strip-shaped members are fitted into both sides of the guide rail. As the seat moves, the front and rear strip-shaped members expand and contract to protect the rail. However, although this technology has a certain dustproof effect, the shielding member positioned in front of the rail is essentially equivalent to two spring winding mechanisms, and is bulky, occupying foot space. In addition, the protective plate needs to be fitted into a specific off-the-shelf rail, and has low rigidity, so it has the problem of not being able to withstand large loads, such as the load when an occupant steps on it. Moreover, the area that the protective plate can protect is limited to the inside of the rail. Furthermore, in commercially available automobile seats, the end of the slide rail connected to the seat may exceed the end range of the fixed rail after movement, and using this device may limit the sliding stroke of the seat. A similar structure exists in the prior art, whose invention is titled "Foreign Object Intrusion Prevention Device and Assembly Method for Vehicle Seat Rails." However, both of these prior arts are limited to specific off-the-shelf seat rails, and moreover, seat rails have the disadvantage of having a short sliding stroke.

[0005] Background Technology 3: Document 3, titled "Dustproof Structure for Automotive Seat Slide Rails and Method of Use Thereof," also discloses a dustproof device for automotive seat rails similar to that in Document 2. The structure is similar to that of providing a strip-shaped shielding body equipped with a spiral spring winding mechanism in recesses at both ends of the fixed rail of the automotive seat. However, the housing structure that accommodates the strip-shaped shielding body is large in volume and is fixed in the recesses at both ends of the rail, which significantly shortens the travel stroke of the automotive seat slide rail. Furthermore, this structural design is only applicable to specific off-the-shelf seat rails and cannot be applied to existing commercially available automotive seat rails. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Although many inventions have been proposed to improve the dust resistance of automotive seat rails, various shortcomings still remain. In particular, given the wide variety of specifications of automotive seat rails available on the market, there is a need for a product that is low-cost, has a simple and safe structure, can be applied to various specifications of existing commercially available automotive seat rails, and can complement and improve upon the shortcomings of conventional technology. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and provide a dustproof device for automotive seat rails that is low-cost, simple in structure, easy to install, highly versatile, long-lasting, has excellent dustproof effect, and is compact in structure. To achieve the above objective, the present invention employs a dustproof device for an automobile seat rail, comprising at least one bracket structure connectable to a seat slide groove, at least one elastic return structure, an end cap, at least one slide bar structure connected to the end cap, and a plurality of cover plate structures conforming to the top shape of the seat slide groove, wherein the bracket structure includes at least one locking bar fixable to the side wall of the seat slide groove, the slide bar structure includes at least one slide bar, the cover plate of the cover plate structure is movablely connected to the side wall of the slide bar structure at least one end in the lateral direction while fitted into it, and is relatively movable in the vertical direction, the locking bar of the bracket structure and the slide bar of the slide bar structure are fitted and connected, and are relatively linearly movable in the vertical direction, the rear end of the slide bar is connected and fixed to the side wall of the end cap, the slide bar returns to its original position by the elastic return structure after movement, the two fixed pivots of the elastic return structure are connected and fixed to a relative fixed pivot and a relative movable pivot, respectively, and the end cap has a recessed structure that conforms to the end of the seat slide groove.

[0008] At least one longitudinally arc-shaped groove is formed on the side wall of the recess of the end cap, for sliding in a cover plate.

[0009] The locking bar is an elongated body, and at least one end of the inner upper or lower edge is provided with a locking claw that can engage with the side surface of the seat slide groove, thereby fixing it to the side surface of the seat slide groove. Furthermore, the outer wall of the elongated body is provided with an elongated recessed groove or an elongated convex rib that can accommodate the elongated slide bar.

[0010] The locking bar is composed of a plurality of C-shaped clips that can be directly locked onto the side surface of the seat slide groove, and the outer or inner wall of the C-shaped clip portion is provided with an elongated groove or elongated rib that fits the elongated slide bar.

[0011] The locking bar can be fixed to the bottom surface of the recess of the seat slide groove by screws and is composed of a locking member that fits the elongated slide bar, the elongated slide bar is fitted into the gap between the locking members and is able to move linearly in the vertical direction along the bottom surface of the recess of the seat slide groove within the gap between the locking members.

[0012] The slide bar is an elongated columnar body, and the inner or outer wall of the slide bar is provided with an elongated groove or rib that matches the elongated convex rib or elongated recessed groove of the bracket side wall.

[0013] At least one outer wall of the slide bar is provided with a convex guide rib or a concave guide groove along the longitudinal direction, and the convex guide rib or concave guide groove is compatible with a concave locking groove or a convex locking bar provided on the side edge of the cover plate.

[0014] The cover plate is a thin plate-like body, and at least one convex locking bar or concave locking groove is provided along the longitudinal direction at at least one of the two side ends of the cross-section of the cover plate, and these convex locking bars or concave locking grooves are compatible with concave guide grooves or convex guide ribs provided on the side walls of the slide bars of the slide bar device.

[0015] The cover plate structure further includes at least one return spring, which is positioned between the cover plate and the slide bar, or between the cover plate and the bracket structure, and provides a biasing force to return the cover plate after displacement.

[0016] The elastic return structure is positioned between the bracket end and the slide bar end, and the two fixed support points of the elastic return structure are connected and fixed to the bracket and the slide bar, respectively, and apply a return force after the slide bar is displaced.

[0017] The elastic return structure is positioned between the slide bars at both the front and rear ends of the automobile seat, and the two fixed pivot points of the elastic return structure are connected to and fixed to the front ends of both slide bars, thereby providing a return force after the slide bars have been displaced.

[0018] The cover plate is formed integrally with the end cap.

[0019] The bracket is formed integrally with the slide bar.

[0020] The slide bar structure is formed integrally with the end cap to form a housing structure, with both end faces of the end cap housing connected to the end faces of the slide bar structure, and at least one slide shaft is provided on the bottom end face of the end cap housing, and this slide shaft is an elongated thin plate-like body, and the cross-section of the slide shaft is rectangular, T-shaped, or L-shaped.

[0021] The outer wall of the bracket is provided with at least one convex guide rib or concave guide groove running vertically, and these guide ribs or guide grooves are compatible with concave locking grooves or convex locking bars provided on the side edges of the cover plate.

[0022] The elastic return structure is a metal spring. The front end of the spring is connected to the front end of the bracket, and the rear end of the spring is connected to the front end of the slide bar. While the front end of the spring is fixed to the front end of the bracket and is immovable, the rear end of the spring is fixed to the front end of the slide bar and can move backward together with the slide bar. This movement generates a biasing force for return and applies a restoring force after the displacement of the slide bar.

[0023] The metal spring is arranged in a concave guide groove provided on the side wall of the slide bar or in an elongated concave groove provided on the outer wall of the bracket.

[0024] The slide bar structure is a housing that can be directly engaged or inserted into the outer periphery of the sheet slide groove. A concave guide groove for the cover plate to slide is provided on the outer wall of the side that does not contact the slide groove. The slide bar is connected to the sheet slide groove and fixed by a locking bar, thereby acting as a slide shaft that is movably connected to the locking bar.

[0025] Both lateral ends of the cover plate can slide into the concave cavity of the end cap along a concave guide groove or a convex guide rib provided on the side wall of the slide bar. These concave guide grooves or convex guide ribs are correspondingly connected to an arc-shaped concave groove or an arc-shaped convex rib formed on the inner side wall of the concave cavity of the end cap.

[0026] The cover plate is composed of a plurality of thin plate-like bodies, and these plurality of cover plates can sequentially move into the concave cavity of the end cap along the vertical direction.

[0027] The cover plate is made of a plate-like material that can be bent and deformed, and the cover plates that have slid into the concave cavity of the end cap are arranged in a stacked manner.

[0028] The cover plate is integrally formed with the end cap, and the cross-sectional shape of the cover plate呈 a C shape and is formed to conform to the cross-sectional shape of the sheet slide groove.

[0029] On at least one end surface or back surface of at least one of the front end or the rear end of the cover plate, a locking rib or a locking tooth is provided.

[0030] On the outer side wall of the bracket, at least one convex guide rib or concave guide groove is provided along the vertical direction, and these convex guide ribs or concave guide grooves are adapted to a concave locking groove or a convex locking bar provided on the side edge of the cover plate.

[0031] On at least one of the side walls of the longitudinal direction both side end walls of the cover plate, an elongated lateral rib or an elongated lateral concave groove is provided along the lateral direction.

[0032] The arc-shaped concave groove provided on the inner side wall of the concave cavity of the end cap may be formed using a core that fits into the concave cavity of the end cap, arc-shaped concave grooves may be formed on both side edges of the core, and the arc-shaped concave groove may also be defined jointly by the outer side wall of the core and the inner side wall of the end cap concave cavity.

[0033] The restoring elastic force imparted by the restoring spring of the cover plate structure is smaller than the restoring elastic force imparted by the elastic restoring structure after the slide bar has moved.

Effect of the Invention

[0034] 1. According to the present invention, a bracket that can be directly attached to or engaged with a commercially available seat slide groove is provided, and a cover plate is provided at the top position of the seat slide groove. The end cap is connected to the slide bar structure, and when the seat moves, the cover plate moves linearly relative to it in the vertical direction, and the cover plate and end cap are returned to their original position via an elastic return structure using a metal spring. The number of cover plates that fit the upper outer shape of the seat slide groove can be increased or decreased according to the stroke specifications of the slide rail. While the seat is moving, the cover plate always covers the recess of the slide groove, and only when the slide rail in the slide groove moves and its rear end protrudes from the slide groove does the end cap move together with the slide bar, always covering the slide rail and the end of the slide groove. This makes it possible to apply to various specifications of automobile seats currently available on the market without compromising the usability and safety of the seat, and avoids the drawback of prior art that requires special customization or modification of the seat slide groove and slide rail structure.

[0035] 2. The locking bar of the bracket is configured as an elongated body, with a locking claw on its inner wall that can engage with and fix to the side surface of the seat slide groove, and an elongated recessed groove or elongated convex rib on its outer wall that fits the elongated slide bar, thereby allowing the slide bar to slide smoothly along the locking bar. The locking bar of the bracket may be configured as a C-clip that can directly engage with the side surface of the seat slide groove, or as a locking member that is directly fixed to the bottom surface of the recess of the slide groove by a screw originally provided in the automobile seat slide groove. The elongated slide bar fits with the locking member and fits into the gap of the locking member, thereby avoiding the drawbacks seen in the prior art and achieving easy installation and dust protection without changing the structure or function of the existing seat slide rail and slide groove. Furthermore, depending on the seat specifications, the cover plate and end cap may be formed as an integrated structure, or the bracket and slide bar may be formed as an integrated structure. This makes it easy to adapt to automobile seats of various specifications, reduces the external dimensions of the present invention, and simplifies the structure.

[0036] 3. The slide bar side wall of the slide bar device is provided with a convex guide rib or a concave guide groove running vertically, and the convex guide rib or concave guide groove is matched with a concave locking groove or convex locking bar provided on the side edge of the cover plate. As a result, the cover plate moves in conjunction with the slide bar, preventing misalignment during the movement of the cover plate, and providing the cover plate with a certain degree of rigidity, thereby ensuring load-bearing capacity and durability. As a result, the problems of the dustproof band being unable to support the load in the conventional technology and the drawback of having to change the existing sheet structure can be avoided.

[0037] 4. The cover plate is made of a plate-like material that has a certain rigidity while being slightly bendable, and a concave locking groove or convex locking bar that fits the slide bar is provided on the side edge of the cover plate. As a result, the cover plate slides along the guide groove or guide rib provided on the side wall of the slide bar and moves sequentially into the recess of the end cap. An arc-shaped recess is provided on the inner wall of the recess of the end cap to allow the cover plate to slide in smoothly, and the cover plate that has slid into the recess is placed on top of the other plate-like material. The cover plate that has slid into the recess is movable together with the end cap and slide bar, achieving a compact structure, improved rigidity, and ensured safety. This avoids the problems of the conventional technology, such as the end cap becoming large when the end of the seat slide rail protrudes from the slide groove, which compresses the legroom of the occupant, as well as the decrease in safety and the complex structure that makes it prone to jamming during use. Furthermore, if the distance from the connection point between the seat and the slide rail to the end of the rail is large, the cover plate and the end cap may be made into an integrated structure and the cross-section may be formed in a C shape. This ensures reliable dust protection for the area from the connection point between the seat and the slide rail to the end of the rail, and simplifies the structure of the device.

[0038] 5. A return spring is provided between the cover plate and the slide bar, or between the cover plate and the bracket structure, to provide a biasing force to the cover plate for return when relative displacement occurs between the cover plate and the slide bar, or between the cover plate and the bracket structure. The return spring may also be provided inside the slide bar. Furthermore, when this dustproof device is attached to both the front and rear ends of the slide groove at the bottom of the seat, the elastic return structure may be provided between the slide bars located at both the front and rear ends of the automobile seat. The two fixed pivot points of this elastic return structure are each connected and fixed to the front ends of both slide bars, and provide a return force after the slide bars have been displaced. This simplifies the structure of the device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the first best embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a partial cross-sectional view of an end cap and cover plate according to the first best embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the cover plate moving into the end cap according to the first best embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is another partial cross-sectional view according to the first best embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a first partial cross-sectional view of an elastic recovery structure according to the first best embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the combined state of the elastic recovery structure according to the first best embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the cover plate according to the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the cover plate according to the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the cover plate according to the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the cover plate according to the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the cover plate according to the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a first embodiment of the C-type clip according to the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a second embodiment of the C-type clip according to the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a third embodiment of the C-type clip according to the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the combination structure of an end cap and a slide bar according to the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a partial cross-sectional view according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area F shown in Figure 16. [Figure 18] This is a partial cross-sectional view according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a combination structure of a bracket, slide bar, and end cap according to the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a partial cross-sectional view according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the elastic recovery structure according to the present invention. [Figure 22] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of the elastic recovery structure according to the present invention. [Figure 23] This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a second embodiment of the end cap according to the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a schematic diagram showing the first core structure in a second embodiment of the end cap according to the present invention. [Figure 25] This is a schematic diagram showing the second core structure in a second embodiment of the end cap according to the present invention. [Figure 26] This is a schematic diagram showing the third core structure in a second embodiment of the end cap according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, the technical means employed in the present invention relates to a dustproof device for an automobile seat slide rail, comprising at least a bracket structure connectable to a seat slide groove A. The bracket structure consists of a locking bar 1 fixed to the side wall of the seat slide groove A. The locking bar 1 of the bracket structure may be an elongated body, for example, an elongated columnar body or a thin plate-shaped body, and at least one end of the inner upper or lower edge of the locking bar 1 is provided with a locking claw that can engage with the side surface of the seat slide groove, thereby fixing it to the side surface of the seat slide groove. Furthermore, the pair of locking bars 1 of the bracket that engage with both sides of the seat slide groove can be fixed by mutually engaging the locking bars 1 of the brackets on both sides by providing a lateral locking opening on the bottom surface. The outer wall of the locking bar is provided with an elongated recessed groove 11 or an elongated convex rib that can fit with an elongated slide bar 2, and these fit with the elongated convex rib 22 of the slide bar 2 and are connected in an interlocking manner. The bracket structure and the slide bar structure are fitted and connected, allowing them to move linearly relative to each other in the vertical direction. The inner surface of the slide bar 2 is provided with an elongated convex rib 22 or an elongated concave groove corresponding to the locking bar, thereby fitting and connecting the slide bar 2 and the locking bar 1 to each other and enabling relative movement in the vertical direction. As a result, the slide bar 2 slides smoothly along the locking bar 1. An end cap 4 is provided at the end of the slide bar 2, and the end cap 4 has a concave structure that fits with the end of the seat slide groove A. The slide bar 2 and the end cap 4 are connected and fixed, and the connection point may be the rear end of the slide bar 2 and the side wall of the end cap 4. As a result, the slide bar 2 and the end cap 4 move together. To return the slide bar 2 and the end cap 4 to their original positions after displacement, an elastic return structure is provided at the front end of the slide bar 2. The two fixed support points of the elastic return structure are connected and fixed to a relative fixed support point and a relative movable support point, respectively. The elastic return structure may be a metal tension spring 5 provided between the front end of the locking bar 1 and the front end of the slide bar 2 of the bracket.The two fixed pivot points of the spring 5 are connected and fixed to the locking bar 1 and slide bar 2 of the bracket, respectively. The front end of the spring 5 is connected to the front end of the locking bar 1 of the bracket and fixed to the front end of the bracket 1 without being connected to the slide bar 2, becoming an immovable fixed pivot point. The rear end of the spring 5 is fixed to the front end of the slide bar 2, becoming a relative movable pivot point. With this configuration, the rear end of the spring 5 displaces in accordance with the rearward movement of the slide bar 2, generating a biasing force for return, and providing a return force after the slide bar 2 has displaced. A plunger 12 that fits the end of the slide bar 2 and the elongated groove 11 can be provided at the front end of the slide bar 2, and this plunger 12 is used to connect the spring 5. In addition, an elongated convex rib is not provided at the front end 23 of the inner wall of the slide bar 2, to secure space for housing the contracted spring 5. As a result, the spring 5 is not exposed to the outside, the structure is more compact, and it can function safely. Multiple cover plate structures are provided at the top of the sheet slide groove A, conforming to the shape of the top of the sheet slide groove A. The cover plate 3 of the cover plate structure is movably connected to the side wall of the top of the slide bar 2, with at least one end in the lateral direction fitted into it, and is movable relative to the slide bar 2 in the vertical direction. When the sheet moves backward, the cover plate 3 moves linearly backward in the vertical direction due to the backward pressing force of the sheet. To return the cover plate 3 forward when the sheet moves forward, a return spring 5A can be provided between the cover plate 3 and the slide bar 2, or between the cover plate 3 and the bracket structure. The return spring 5A applies a return force to the cover plate 3 after a relative displacement occurs between the cover plate 3 and the slide bar 2, or between the cover plate 3 and the bracket structure. The return spring 5A may also be a tension spring provided between the cover plate 3 and the slide bar 2, and the spring 5A can be fitted into a concave guide groove 21 formed in the side wall of the top of the slide bar 2, which conforms to the convex locking bar 31 at the lateral end of the cover plate 3. One end of spring 5A is connected to the leading cover plate 3, and the other end is connected to the front end of slide bar 2, providing a biasing force to return the cover plate 3 to its original position after it has been displaced. When the seat moves backward (see Figure 3), the cover plate 3 first moves linearly backward in the longitudinal direction, while the end cap 4 and slide bar 2 remain stationary.As the seat moves further backward and the rear end of the seat slide rail reaches the end of the seat slide groove A, the rear end of the rail enters the end cap 4. At this time, the side surface of the rear end of rail B presses against the ball-head locking pin 6 provided at the end positions of the locking bar 1 and slide bar 2 of the bracket (see Figure 3), releasing the locking bar 1 and slide bar 2 from the locking of the ball-head locking pin 6, allowing them to move relative to each other. Since the end of slide bar 2 is connected and fixed to the side wall of the end cap 4, the cover plate 3, end cap 4, and slide bar 2 move together as a single unit. The end cap 4 moves together with slide bar 2 only when rail B in the seat slide groove A moves further and its rear end protrudes from the end of the slide groove. The cover plate 3, having slid into the recess 41 of the end cap 4, moves together with the end cap 4 and slide bar 2, and since the end cap 4 always covers the rail end, the use and safety of the seat are not compromised. Alternatively, the restoring force generated by the return spring 5A of the cover plate 3 structure is set to be smaller than the restoring force when the slide bar 2 returns to its original position due to the elastic return structure after it has moved. That is, the tensile force of spring 5A is set to be smaller than the tensile force of spring 5, thereby allowing the slide bar 2 to begin moving backward after the cover plate 3 has sequentially slid into the recess 41 of the end cap 4. As for the movement method of the cover plate 3, the leading cover plate 3A may move backward, thereby sequentially pushing the cover plates 3B and 3C backward. The rear end of cover plate 3C enters the end cap 4 first. An arc-shaped groove 42 is provided on the inner wall of the recess 41 of the end cap 4 to guide the cover plate 3 as it slides into the recess, and a concave guide groove 21 formed on the side wall of the slide bar 2 is positioned opposite to the arc-shaped groove 42 on the inner wall of the recess 41 of the end cap 4. If a groove opening in the vertical direction is provided at the lateral end of the cover plate 3, a corresponding arc-shaped protruding rib can be provided on the inner wall of the recess 41 of the end cap 4. A locking rib 32 or locking teeth 33 is provided on the surface or back surface of at least one end of the front or rear end of each cover plate. When the cover plate 3C is fully inserted into the end cap 4, the locking teeth 33 at the front of the cover plate 3C automatically disengage from the locking rib 32 at the rear end of the cover plate 3B due to the elasticity of the cover plate 3.Similarly, when the cover plate 3B fully enters the end cap 4, the locking teeth 33 at the tip of the cover plate 3B automatically disengage from the locking rib 32 at the rear end of the cover plate 3A. The cover plate 3 is made of a plate-like material that has a certain rigidity while being able to bend, and slides along the concave guide groove 21 provided on the side wall of the slide bar 2, moving sequentially into the recessed cavity 41 of the end cap 4. Once the cover plates 3 have slid into the end cap 4, they are stacked in their plate-like form as shown in Figure 4, and the stacking order may be 3C, 3B, and 3A from top to bottom. When returning, the cover plate 3A first moves forward due to the action of the return spring 5A, and as the rear end 32 of the cover plate 3A slides out of the end cap 4, the locking teeth 33 provided at the tip of the cover plate 3B engage with the locking rib 32 at the rear end of the cover plate 3A, and the cover plate 3B is pulled out of the end cap 4 by the cover plate 3A. The cover plate 3C is pulled out of the end cap 4 in the same way. Another method for the cover plate 3 to enter the end cap 4 is to have cover plate 3A move backward while cover plate 3B remains stationary, with the rear end of cover plate 3A entering the internal space of cover plate 3B. After cover plate 3A has completely entered the internal space of cover plate 3B, cover plates 3A and 3B enter the internal space of cover plate 3C as a unit, and after cover plates 3A and 3B have completely entered the internal space of cover plate 3C, cover plates 3A, 3B, and 3C slide into the end cap 4 as a unit. The order of return may be the reverse of the order in which they entered the end cap 4. In order to move the cover plates in the correct order, locking pins may be provided at the front or rear end of each cover plate. These locking pins may be released by the front or rear cover plate. Alternatively, a combination of the two methods described above for the cover plates to enter the end cap may be used. To give the thin, plate-like cover plate both flexibility and sufficient rigidity, and to prevent the cover plate from falling off the slide bar, the convex ribs 31 provided on both lateral ends of the cover plate may be intermittently arranged. To increase the rigidity of the cover plate, lateral reinforcing ribs 34 may be provided on the bottom surface of the cover plate. In addition, an engaging plate 35 may be provided at the front end of the leading cover plate to ensure good contact with the connecting portion B1 of the seat base during movement.The number of cover plates can be increased or decreased according to the stroke of the seat slide rail. When the seat base connection portion B1 does not protrude from the end of the seat slide groove, the cover plate always covers the recess of the slide groove. Normally, the seat base connection portion B1 is flush with the end of the slide rail, but in some commercially available seat specifications, the end of the slide rail protrudes rearward from the seat base connection portion. Therefore, even if the seat base connection portion is separated from the end of the slide groove, the cover plate of the present invention can continue to cover the area from the seat base connection portion to the end of the slide rail. The cover plate 3 has an outer shape that conforms to the top shape of the seat slide groove A, thereby reducing the gap between the cover plate and the seat slide groove and slide rail, and ensuring good integration. Therefore, the present invention is applicable to various specifications of automotive seats available on the market and avoids the drawback of the prior art, which requires special customization or modification of the seat slide groove and slide rail structure. The present invention has the advantages of a compact structure and excellent safety, and avoids the problems of the prior art, such as the end cap becoming large when the end of the seat slide rail protrudes from the rear end of the slide groove, which compresses the legroom of the occupant, reduces safety, and the complex structure which makes it prone to jamming during use. When the device of the present invention is attached to the slide grooves on both the front and rear sides of an automobile seat (see Figure 6), the elastic return structure is positioned between the slide bars at both the front and rear ends of the automobile seat. The two fixed pivot points of the spring 5 constituting the elastic return structure are each connected and fixed to the front ends of the two slide bars 2, and apply a return force after the slide bars move. Furthermore, by positioning the return spring for returning the cover plate between the leading cover plates located at both the front and rear ends of the seat, the overall volume of the device can be suppressed and the structure can be made even more compact.

[0041] As shown in Figures 7 to 11, at least one elongated convex rib 22 is provided on the inner wall of the slide bar 2 of the slide bar device. The cross-sectional shape of the elongated convex rib 22 may be trapezoidal or arcuate. At least one elongated groove 11 that fits the elongated convex rib 22 of the slide bar 2 can be provided on the outer wall of the bracket, and the two can be fitted together. Alternatively, the elongated groove may be provided on the slide bar side and the elongated convex rib may be provided on the outer wall of the bracket. Similarly, if an elongated convex rib is provided on the outer wall of the slide bar 2 of the slide bar device, an elongated groove can be provided on the inner wall of the bracket corresponding to it. Note that multiple elongated convex ribs and elongated grooves may be provided. A vertically extending convex guide rib or concave guide groove 21 is provided on the top side surface of at least one outer wall of the slide bar 2 of the slide bar device. This convex guide rib or concave guide groove 21 fits with a concave locking groove or convex locking bar 31 provided on the side edge of the cover plate. When the structural dimensions of the lateral ends of all cover plates are the same (see Figure 7), the convex ribs provided on both lateral sides of cover plates 3A, 3B, and 3C are fitted into the same vertical concave guide groove 21 formed on the top side of the slide bar 2. In addition, the area between the convex ribs at both lateral ends of the cover plate protrudes upward by a predetermined amount, that is, the upper surface position of the center of the cover plate is formed higher than the upper surface position of the concave locking grooves or convex locking bars 31 at both lateral ends. As a result, when the cover plate is fitted into the concave guide groove 21 of the slide bar, the upper surface of the cover plate is flush with the upper surface of the slide bar, or higher than the upper surface of the slide bar. On the other hand, if the height positions of the lateral ends of all cover plates are the same but the lateral dimensions are different (see Figure 8), the lateral dimensions of the convex ribs 31A, 31B, and 31C provided on both lateral sides of cover plates 3A, 3B, and 3C can be sequentially reduced. In this case, three recessed guide grooves 21 are formed on the same horizontal plane on the top side of the slide bar, which fit in with the convex ribs of each cover plate and communicate with one another. The convex ribs on both sides of the three cover plates slide within their respective recessed guide grooves. The convex ribs 31 provided on both sides of the cover plates in the lateral direction can also be formed with different heights (see Figure 9).In this case, the vertical concave guide groove 21 provided corresponding to the side surface of the top of the slide bar becomes three concave guide grooves formed at different height positions. In addition, the convex ribs on both lateral sides of the cover plate can be configured as pulleys 31A or fixed ball heads (see Figure 10) that facilitate bending and assist sliding. Furthermore, a locking rib 32 may be provided on the bottom surface of the rear end of cover plate 3A, and a locking tooth 33 may be provided on the bottom surface of the front end of cover plate 3B, so that the two cover plates can engage with each other. While the two cover plates are sliding within the concave guide grooves of the slide bar, the two cover plates are engaged with each other. However, when cover plate 3A enters the end cap, the rear end of cover plate 3A itself springs upward due to its upward elasticity, and the locking rib 32 and locking tooth 33 automatically disengage. Furthermore, the cover plate has a certain degree of rigidity and can accommodate the asymmetrical shape of commercially available sheet slide grooves. In addition, a convex locking bar or concave locking groove may be provided only on one of the left or right ends of the cross-section of the cover plate. Moreover, by forming the cross-sectional shape of the cover plate into a "C" shape (see Figure 11) and making the upper surface of the cover plate higher than the upper surface of the slide bar to cover the upper surface of the slide bar, the dustproof performance can be further improved.

[0042] Please refer to Figures 12 to 14. The locking bar of the bracket may be configured as an elongated columnar body or a thin plate-like body, but it can also be configured as a plurality of C-shaped clips that can be directly locked onto the side surface of the sheet slide groove. The outer or inner wall of the C-shaped clip portion can be provided with an elongated recessed groove or an elongated convex rib that fits the slide bar. For example, by attaching C-shaped clips to the front and rear ends of the side surface of the sheet slide groove, the slide bar can be supported and costs can be reduced. This C-shaped clip consists of a C-shaped locking portion 11D on one side that locks onto the side surface of the sheet slide groove, and a convex portion 11A on the other side that fits the slide bar (see Figure 12). Alternatively, the C-shaped clip may be configured with a C-shaped locking portion 11D on one side that locks onto the side surface of the sheet slide groove, and a space 11B that fits the elongated slide bar formed between the C-shaped locking portion 11D and the opposite wall (see Figure 13). Furthermore, the C-shaped clip can also be configured with a C-shaped locking portion 11D on one side that engages with the side surface of the seat slide groove, and a recessed groove 11C on the other side that fits with the slide bar (see Figure 14). The bracket structure may also be attached to the outer wall of the seat slide groove by direct locking, screw fastening, or magnetic attraction.

[0043] Please refer to Figures 15 to 19. The slide bar and end cap according to the present invention can be combined in different ways depending on the specifications of the sheet. When the end cap and slide bar are integrated into a single structure, the slide bar structure is formed as a housing structure 4A in which the end cap and slide bar are integrated and which can be directly engaged with or inserted into the outer circumference of the sheet slide groove (see Figure 15). This housing 4A conforms to the outer shape of the sheet slide groove, and the housing 4A and the end cap 4 are integrally constructed. Both end faces of the end cap 4 on the housing side are connected to the end faces of the slide bar, and at least one slide shaft 2A is provided at the bottom end face position of the end cap housing. A support column 2A1 for connecting an elastic return structure can be provided at the end of the slide shaft 2A. A concave guide groove 21 for the cover plate to slide is provided on the upper surface of at least one side wall of the slide bar 2. The slide shaft 2A of the slide bar structure may be an elongated thin plate, or it may be configured as two shafts arranged parallel to each other with a gap between them. The cross-section of this slide shaft may be a rectangular thin plate structure, or it may be a T-shaped or L-shaped structure. The locking bar of the bracket structure is a locking member 1A that is fixed to the bottom surface of the recess of the seat slide groove by screw A2 and fits the elongated slide shaft 2A. The elongated slide shaft 2A is fitted into the gap between the locking members and is able to move linearly in the vertical direction along the bottom surface of the recess of the seat slide groove within the gap between the locking members. The locking member 1A may be provided with a hook hole for connecting an elastic return structure. This elastic return structure can be placed between the bracket and the end cap, that is, one end of the spring 5B of the elastic return structure is fixed to the position provided on the locking member 1A or to the position fixed by screw A2, and the other end is connected to a support column 2A1 provided at the rear end of the elongated slide shaft 2A. When the slide bar and the end cap are integrally configured to form a housing structure 4A, the locking bar of the bracket structure is fixed to the bottom surface of the recess of the seat slide groove by screw A2. In this embodiment, the fixed ends of both the tension spring and the return spring of the elastic return structure can be positioned between the locking member 1A and the end cap 4.Furthermore, a pivot point 2A2 is provided inside the end cap or at the end of the slide shaft 2A of the slide bar structure, and the end of the return spring 5C is extended by wire 5C1 and connected and fixed to the front end of the leading cover plate 3, thereby providing a biasing force for return after the cover plate has been displaced. In this embodiment, the tension spring 5B of the elastic return structure and the return spring 5C can be integrated as a single tension spring, and the return force after integration is provided by the tension spring 5B. In addition, the wire 5C1 of the return spring 5C and the wire 5B1 of the tension spring 5B are combined and extended, and this wire is connected to the front end of the leading cover plate 3, thereby providing a biasing force for return after the cover plate has been displaced. A position-adjustable regulating block 5B2 is provided between the locking member 1A and the support column 2A1. When the cover plate 3 moves into the end cap, the spring 5B is pulled via wire 5C1, and the spring 5B is stretched. When the cover plate 3 can no longer enter the recess of the end cap, the regulating block 5B2 contacts the support column 2A1, and then the end cap and slide bar begin to move backward. To ensure that the wire 5C1, which is extended to the front end of the cover plate 3, functions smoothly, a support block 4B can be provided at the bent portion where force acts inside the end cap, and support shafts can also be provided at each other bent portion. Furthermore, a vertical through hole 21C for housing the wire 5C1 is provided in the side wall of the housing of the slide bar, guiding the wire 5C1 to the front end of the cover plate 3. This embodiment has the advantages of reducing costs, making the structure compact, and ensuring safe use. The installation of this structure does not affect the sliding function of the electrically adjustable component A1 provided in the seat slide groove or the seat slide rail B. In addition, the slide bar, end cap and cover plate can be configured as a housing structure 4C (see Figure 18) with a canopy portion, and can be used by directly engaging with the seat slide groove A. Furthermore, there is a certain distance between the connection point B1 between the seat and the bottom slide rail B and the rear end B2 of the slide rail. In this embodiment, by setting the length of the awning to match this distance, the dustproof protection effect can be made even better.To enable application to different automobile seat slide rails and slide grooves (see Figure 19), the bracket structure is configured as a housing that can be directly engaged with the seat slide groove. The outer wall 1B of the bracket structure is provided with at least one longitudinal recessed guide groove that engages with the convex guide rib 2B of the slide bar 2, allowing the slide bar 2 to move longitudinally relative to the bracket structure. Furthermore, a recessed guide groove 21 provided on the side wall of the slide bar 2 is configured to fit with a convex locking bar provided on the side edge of the cover plate. In addition, the slide bar 2 and the end cap 4 can be formed integrally. When the stroke of the seat slide rail is short or the seat slide groove is long, and there is no need for the slide bar and bracket to move longitudinally relative to each other, the configuration can be such that only the cover plate moves longitudinally relative to the bracket structure and the slide bar. In this case, the slide bar and bracket can be formed as an integral structure, and the recessed guide groove 21 that engages with the cover plate may be provided on the side of the locking bar 1 on the bracket side. Alternatively, by forming the outer surface of the housing, which integrates the slide bar and bracket, as an external structure that matches the cover plate, it can be made to follow the movement of the cover plate. This makes it possible to reduce the external dimensions of the present invention. Furthermore, the bracket, end cap, and slide bar can be integrated and formed as a housing structure that can be directly engaged or inserted into the outer circumference of the sheet slide groove. This housing has a shape that matches the external shape of the sheet slide groove, and at least one convex guide rib or concave guide groove extending in the vertical direction can be provided on the outer wall of the bracket. These convex guide ribs or concave guide grooves are compatible with concave locking grooves or convex locking bars provided on the side edge of the cover plate. In addition, in the present invention, the cover plate and end cap can be formed as an integrated structure, and the cross-section of the cover plate has a C shape, which engages with the top of the sheet slide groove, thereby ensuring dustproofness and safety, as well as simplifying the structure of the device.

[0044] As shown in Figure 20, the bracket structure can be configured as a housing that can be inserted from the end of the seat slide groove, thereby increasing the stability of the structure. When the end cap 4 is connected and fixed to the end of the slide bar 2, the spring 5B of the elastic return structure can be placed between the front end of the bracket and the end of the slide bar. The two fixed pivot points of the spring of the elastic return structure are each connected and fixed to the fixing screws A2 at the bottom of the seat slide groove A located between the front end of the bracket and the end of the slide bar, forming fixed pivot points. The other end is connected and fixed to the end face of the end cap or the support column 2A1 of the end of the slide bar, forming a movable pivot point and providing a return force after the displacement of the slide bar 2. The connection point on the seat slide groove side becomes a fixed point, and the connection point on the end cap or slide bar side becomes a movable point that follows the movement of the end cap or slide bar.

[0045] Please refer to Figures 21 and 22. In the present invention, the elastic device that provides a restorative force to the cover plate or slide bar can selectively employ a spiral spring depending on the structure of the automotive seat slide groove and slide rail. For example, spiral springs 43 with small lateral dimensions can be placed on the left and right side walls of the end cap (see Figure 20), or the spiral spring 43 can be placed in the center of the recess of the end cap (see Figure 21), thereby creating a configuration that does not hinder the operation of the seat slide rail. Alternatively, an elastic device consisting of a spiral spring and a gear can be provided in a bracket on the outside of the seat slide groove as a return spring, and a rack that meshes with the gear can be provided on the side edge of the slide bar. Furthermore, instead of a spiral spring, a compression spring can be provided in the end cap, with one end connected to the end cap and the other end connected to the cover plate to bias the cover plate forward and provide a restorative force to the cover plate after displacement. The elastic device of the present invention can also be constructed using flexible elastic materials such as rubber bands or elastic fibers. Furthermore, by providing a transversely elongated convex rib or a transversely elongated recessed groove on at least one of the longitudinal end walls of the cover plate of the present invention, and by providing transversely elongated convex ribs and recessed grooves on the contact end faces of adjacent cover plates in the front and rear directions, the rigidity and dustproof properties of the assembled cover plate can be improved.

[0046] Please refer to Figures 23 to 26. In the present invention, the arc-shaped groove 42 for guiding the cover plate into the recess 41 of the end cap 4, which is provided on the inner wall of the recess 41 of the end cap 4, can be formed via a core 4A that fits into the recess 41 of the end cap 4. That is, arc-shaped grooves 42 are provided on both side edges of the core 4A, and the arc-shaped grooves 42 are jointly defined by the outer wall of the core 4A and the inner wall of the recess 41 of the end cap 4. Furthermore, in order to simplify the manufacturing process, the core 4A can be constructed by combining two half-shaped cores 4AB. In addition, since the cross-sectional shape of the automotive seat rail may be asymmetrical, the core 4A that fits into the end cap 4 and the recess 41 can also be asymmetrical. [Industrial applicability]

[0047] As described above, the structural design of the present invention effectively overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art, achieving excellent effects such as low cost, simplified structure, ease of installation, high versatility, long lifespan, and compact structure. The embodiments described above are merely examples for the purpose of clearly explaining the present invention, and any simple changes, substitutions, additions, or modifications made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention, are all included within the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dustproof device for an automotive seat rail, comprising: at least one bracket structure connectable to a seat slide groove; at least one elastic return structure; an end cap; at least one slide bar structure connected to the end cap; and a plurality of cover plate structures conforming to the top shape of the seat slide groove, wherein the bracket structure includes at least one locking bar fixable to the side wall of the seat slide groove; the slide bar structure includes at least one slide bar; and the cover plate of the cover plate structure has at least one lateral end fitted to the side wall of the slide bar structure. A dustproof device for an automobile seat rail, characterized in that the components are movably connected and movable in the vertical direction, the locking bar of the bracket structure and the slide bar of the slide bar structure are fitted together and connected, allowing for relative linear movement in the vertical direction, the rear end of the slide bar is connected and fixed to the side wall of the end cap, the slide bar returns to its original position after movement by the elastic return structure, the two fixed pivot points of the elastic return structure are connected and fixed to a relative fixed pivot point and a relative movable pivot point, respectively, and the end cap has a recessed structure that fits with the end of the seat slide groove.

2. The dustproof device for an automobile seat rail according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one longitudinally arc-shaped groove is formed in the side wall of the recess of the end cap for sliding the cover plate into.

3. The locking bar is an elongated body, and at least one end of the inner upper or lower edge is provided with a locking claw that can engage with the side surface of the seat slide groove, thereby fixing it to the side surface of the seat slide groove, and the outer wall of the elongated body is provided with an elongated recessed groove or an elongated convex rib that can fit the elongated slide bar, as described in claim 1, for a dustproof device for an automobile seat rail.

4. The dustproof device for an automobile seat rail according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking bar is composed of a plurality of C-shaped clips that can be directly locked to the side surface of the seat slide groove, and the outer or inner wall of the C-shaped clip portion is provided with an elongated recessed groove or an elongated convex rib that fits the elongated slide bar.

5. The dustproof device for an automobile seat rail according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking bar can be fixed to the bottom surface of the recess of the seat slide groove by screw, and is composed of a locking member that fits the elongated slide bar, the elongated slide bar is fitted into the gap of the locking member, and is able to move linearly in the vertical direction along the bottom surface of the recess of the seat slide groove within the gap of the locking member.

6. The dustproof device for an automobile seat rail according to claim 1, characterized in that the slide bar is an elongated columnar body, and the inner or outer wall of the slide bar is provided with an elongated groove or convex rib that matches the elongated convex rib or elongated recessed groove of the bracket side wall.

7. The dustproof device for an automobile seat rail according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one outer wall of the slide bar is provided with a convex guide rib or a concave guide groove along the longitudinal direction, and the convex guide rib or the concave guide groove is compatible with a concave locking groove or a convex locking bar provided on the side edge of the cover plate.

8. The dustproof device for an automobile seat rail according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover plate is a thin plate-like body, and at least one convex locking bar or concave locking groove is provided along the longitudinal direction on at least one of the two side ends of the cross-section of the cover plate, and the convex locking bar or concave locking groove is compatible with a concave guide groove or convex guide rib provided on the slide bar side wall of the slide bar device.

9. The dustproof device for an automobile seat rail according to claim 1, wherein the cover plate structure further includes at least one return spring, the return spring being disposed between the cover plate and the slide bar, or between the cover plate and the bracket structure, and providing a biasing force to return the cover plate after displacement.

10. The dustproof device for an automobile seat rail according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic return structure is disposed between the bracket end and the slide bar end, the two fixed support points of the elastic return structure are connected and fixed to the bracket and the slide bar, respectively, and a returning force is applied after the slide bar is displaced.

11. The dustproof device for an automobile seat rail according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic return structure is arranged between the slide bars at both the front and rear ends of the automobile seat, the two fixed pivot points of the elastic return structure are connected and fixed to the front ends of both slide bars, and a returning force is applied after the displacement of the slide bars.

12. The dustproof device for an automobile seat rail according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover plate is formed integrally with the end cap.

13. The dustproof device for an automobile seat rail according to claim 1, characterized in that the bracket is formed integrally with the slide bar.

14. The dustproof device for an automobile seat rail according to claim 1, characterized in that the slide bar structure is formed integrally with the end cap to form a housing structure, both end faces of the housing of the end cap are connected to the end faces of the slide bar of the slide bar structure, and at least one slide shaft is provided on the bottom end face of the housing of the end cap, the slide shaft is an elongated thin plate-like body, and the cross-section of the slide shaft is rectangular, T-shaped, or L-shaped.

15. The dustproof device for an automobile seat rail according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover plate is made of a plate-like material that can be bent and deformed, and the cover plate that slides into the recess of the end cap is arranged in an overlapping manner.

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