Sheet slide structure

Abstract

To provide a seat slide structure which increases a slide amount of a seat and can secure foot spaces in front and rear of the seat without exposing a seat slide structure such as a rail.SOLUTION: A seat slide structure is for attaching a seat to a floor in a slidable manner in the forward and backward directions and comprises a first linear motion guide device for slidably guiding the seat in the forward and backward directions, with the first linear motion guide device having a first rail and a first block. The first block is fixed to the floor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat slide structure.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a seat slide structure used in automobiles and the like, a structure is known in which a slide rail mechanism is interposed between a seat and a vehicle body floor surface, and the seat is slidable in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Also, a seat slide structure is known that can expand the slide amount of the seat to improve convenience. Although various such seat slide structures are known, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a seat back is connected to a seat cushion so as to be tiltable forward and backward in the seat longitudinal direction, and the seat cushion is attached to the vehicle body floor surface side via a slide rail mechanism. A vehicle seat device, wherein the slide rail mechanism includes a first slide rail mechanism composed of a first upper rail and a first lower rail that are relatively slidable and the first upper rail is fixed to the seat cushion, and a second upper rail and a second lower rail, and the second lower rail is fixed to the vehicle body floor surface side. And a second slide rail mechanism, and the first lower rail of the first slide rail mechanism and the second upper rail of the second slide rail mechanism are integrally connected, and when the seat back is tilted forward at the most forward slide position of the first slide rail mechanism, the seat back is tilted forward. A vehicle seat device is known that includes a lock release mechanism that releases the lock mechanism on the second slide rail mechanism side in response to the displacement.

[0003] According to such a vehicle seat device, the slide rail mechanism is composed of two mechanisms, a first slide rail mechanism and a second slide rail mechanism, and by selectively using these two slide rail mechanisms as needed, the slide amount can be expanded compared to a seat slide structure composed of one slide rail mechanism.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-312324 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] However, for example, when a conventional seat slide structure is adopted for the front seat of an automobile, even if the front seat is slid forward to expand the foot space in the rear seat, rails, mounting brackets, etc. fixed to the vehicle body floor surface are exposed, and these become obstructive in the foot space of the rear seat, and there is a problem that the expanded foot space cannot be effectively utilized.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a seat slide structure capable of expanding the slide amount of the seat and securing the foot space before and behind the seat without exposing a slide mechanism such as a rail. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0007] The seat slide structure according to the present invention for solving the above problems is a seat slide structure for slidably attaching a seat in the front-rear direction to a floor surface, and includes a first linear guide device for guiding the seat slidably in the front-rear direction. The first linear guide device includes a first rail and a first block. The first block is fixed to the floor surface, and is set to have a shorter length in the front-rear direction with respect to the first rail. The first rail is set to have a shorter length in the front-rear direction with respect to the seat surface of the seat. The first block is formed in a U-shaped cross section straddling the lower surface and both left and right side surfaces of the first rail. Comprising a seat base disposed between the seat and the floor surface, the first rail is fixed to the seat base and includes a second linear guide device for guiding the seat to slide freely in the front-rear direction with respect to the seat base. It is characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the seat slide structure of the present invention, it is possible to increase the slide amount of the seat and secure the foot space in front of and behind the seat without exposing the slide mechanism such as a rail. Further, according to the seat slide structure of the present invention, by arranging the seat slide structure inside the seat cushion and the seat base cover, the internal space of the floor surface under the seat can be effectively utilized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the seat slide structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to each claim, and not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention.

[0011] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a side view of the seat slide structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below of the seat slide structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part A in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of the seat slide structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Also, in this specification, the front-rear direction is defined as the direction of the arrow shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, and the left-right direction is defined as the direction of the arrow shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 6.

[0012] The seat slide structure 1 according to the first embodiment is disposed inside the floor surface F and the seat S, and attaches the seat S to be slidable in the front-rear direction with respect to the floor surface F. In this embodiment, the seat S includes a seat cushion SC and a seat back SB, and is used as a front seat of an automobile as an example.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the seat slide structure 1 includes a seat base 11 disposed between the floor surface F and the seat cushion SC. The seat slide structure 1 further includes a first slide mechanism 12 for slidably attaching the seat base 11 to the floor surface F in the front-rear direction, and a second slide mechanism 13 for slidably attaching the seat cushion SC to the seat base 11 in the front-rear direction.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the seat base 11 extends downward beyond the floor surface F and includes a first bracket portion 11a for rotatably attaching a first slide rod 22, which will be described later. The first bracket portion 11a includes a hinge pin 11b having an axial direction along the depth direction (hereinafter referred to as the left-right direction) in the view of Fig. 1.

[0015] The seat base 11 also includes a rail attachment portion 11c for fixing a first rail 31, which will be described later, and a block attachment portion 11d for fixing a second block 52, which will be described later. The rail attachment portion 11c is disposed on the lower side of the seat base 11, and the block attachment portion 11d is disposed on the upper side of the seat base 11 and located inside the seat cushion SC.

[0016] The seat base 11 further includes a second bracket portion 11e for rotatably attaching a second slide rod 42, which will be described later. The second bracket portion 11e is disposed inside the seat cushion SC and includes a hinge pin 11f having an axial direction along the left-right direction.

[0017] The first slide mechanism 12 includes a first actuator 2 for driving the seat base 11 in the front-rear direction with respect to the floor surface F, and a pair of first linear guide devices 3 for guiding the front-rear movement of the seat base 11.

[0018] The first actuator 2 includes a first slide rod 22 which is a shaft portion, and a first actuator body 21 that linearly moves the first slide rod 22 in the axial direction. As the first actuator 2, a known linear actuator can be used. For example, it may be configured by a combination of a motor provided inside the first actuator body 21 and a ball screw provided on the first slide rod 22. The first actuator 2 is powered by a power storage device (not shown), and can expand and contract the first slide rod 22 in the axial direction with respect to the first actuator body 21 according to an operation of a switch or the like by a passenger.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the first actuator 2 is disposed inside the floor surface F and is arranged such that the axial direction of the first slide rod 22 substantially follows the front-rear direction. Also, the front end portion of the first actuator body 21 may be attached via a vehicle-side bracket (not shown) fixed inside the floor surface F. In this case, the vehicle-side bracket has a hinge pin with the left-right direction as the axial direction, and it is preferable to attach the first actuator body 21 so as to be rotatable about the hinge pin.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the rear end portion of the first slide rod 22 is attached to the seat base 11 via the first bracket portion 11a. Also, the first slide rod 22 is attached so as to be rotatable about the hinge pin 11b.

[0021] According to such an attachment structure between the first actuator body 21 and the vehicle-side bracket, and the attachment structure between the first slide rod 22 and the first bracket portion 11a, even when the slide direction of the seat base 11 with respect to the floor surface F does not match the expansion and contraction direction of the first slide rod 22, the seat base 11 can be smoothly moved without interference between the respective parts.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 2, the first linear guide device 3 includes a first rail 31 attached to the rail mounting portion 11c of the seat base 11 and a first block 32 attached to the floor surface F. The first rail 31 and the first block 32 are configured to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the first rail 31.

[0023] The first linear guide device 3 is attached to both the left and right sides of the seat base 11. The first rails 31 located on the left and right have their longitudinal directions arranged along the front-rear direction and are arranged parallel to each other.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 3, the first rail 31 is a long member with a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, and rolling element running surfaces 31a are formed on both the left and right sides. The rolling element running surfaces 31a are formed in two rows on each of the left and right side surfaces of the first rail 31 having a substantially rectangular cross-section, and a total of four rows are formed symmetrically left and right.

[0025] A plurality of bolt holes are drilled in the first rail 31 from surface 31b towards surface 31c. In the present embodiment, the first linear guide device 3 is fastened to the rail mounting portion 11c of the seat base 11 by inserting bolts through these plurality of bolt holes formed in the first rail 31.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 3, the first block 32 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section so as to straddle the surface 31b and the left and right side surfaces of the first rail 31, and includes a block portion main body 33 and a pair of side covers 34 attached to both end surfaces in the reciprocating motion direction of the block portion main body 33.

[0027] Also, the length of the first block 32 in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first rail 31 is set to be sufficiently short.

[0028] The block portion main body 33 and the side cover 34 have a central portion facing the surface 31b of the first rail 31 and a pair of leg portions facing the left and right side surfaces of the first rail 31. In the block portion main body 33, for example, a total of four load rolling element rolling surfaces 33a extending in the longitudinal direction of the first rail 31 are formed so as to face the rolling element rolling surface 31a of the first rail 31.

[0029] In addition, a total of four rolling element return passages 33b extending parallel to the load rolling element rolling surfaces 33a are formed in the block portion main body 33.

[0030] In addition, in the side cover 34, a U-shaped direction changing path 34a connecting one end of the load rolling element rolling surface 33a and one end of the rolling element return passage 33b is formed.

[0031] In this way, an infinite circulation path composed of a load rolling element rolling path including the rolling element rolling surface 31a and the load rolling element rolling surface 33a, a pair of direction changing paths 34a, and the rolling element return passage 33b is formed in the first block 32.

[0032] In the first linear guide device 3 according to the present embodiment, since the rolling elements 35 are interposed between the rolling element rolling surface 31a and the load rolling element rolling surface 33a, when the first block 32 and the first rail 31 are moved along the longitudinal direction of the first rail 31, the rolling elements 35 can be caused to perform a rolling motion. The rolling elements 35 that have rolled to one end of the load rolling element rolling path are guided to one of the direction changing paths 34a. The rolling elements 35 whose traveling direction has been changed in the direction changing path 34a roll through the rolling element return passage 33b, pass through the other direction changing path 34a, and then are returned to the load rolling element rolling path again. In this way, an infinite circulation is realized by the rolling of the rolling elements 35.

[0033] In addition, as the plurality of rolling elements 35, balls formed in a spherical shape are preferably used. Further, the plurality of rolling elements 35 are held by a belt-shaped retainer 36 including spacer portions disposed between adjacent rolling elements 35 and belt-shaped connecting bands connecting the spacer portions arranged along the longitudinal direction thereof. In this way, collisions between the rolling elements 35 can be prevented by the spacer portions disposed between the rolling elements 35. Further, since the rolling elements 35 are connected and held in series by the belt-shaped retainer 36, the rolling elements 35 can be caused to roll while being aligned.

[0034] In addition, in a cross section in a plane intersecting the longitudinal direction of the first rail 31, the rolling element rolling surface 31a and the load rolling element rolling surface 33a are formed in a circular arc shape having a single radius of curvature larger than the radius of curvature of the rolling element 35. Thereby, since the rolling element 35 comes into contact with the load rolling element rolling path composed of the rolling element rolling surface 31a and the load rolling element rolling surface 33a at two points, it does not show an abnormal increase in rolling resistance and operates well even in a state where a load is applied. Further, the rolling element rolling surface 31a and the load rolling element rolling surface 33a are not limited to this, and may be formed in a so-called Gothic arch shape composed of two arcs having a radius of curvature slightly larger than the radius of curvature of the rolling element 35.

[0035] In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, two first blocks 32 are attached to one first rail 31, but the number of the first blocks 32 is not limited to this, and only one first block 32 may be attached to one first rail 31, or two or more first blocks 32 may be attached. The quantity of the first blocks 32 may be appropriately set according to the installation space, the load bearing capacity of the first linear guide device 3, and the like.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the second slide mechanism 13 includes a second actuator 4 that drives the seat cushion SC in the front-rear direction with respect to the seat base 11, and a pair of second linear guide devices 5 that guide the front-rear movement of the seat cushion SC.

[0037] The second actuator 4 includes a second slide rod 42 which is a shaft portion, and a second actuator body 41 that linearly moves the second slide rod 42 in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the second actuator body 41 can have the same configuration as the first actuator body 21, and the second slide rod 42 can have the same configuration as the first slide rod 22. Further, similar to the first actuator 2, the second actuator 4 is powered from a power storage device (not shown), and the second slide rod 42 can be axially extended and contracted with respect to the second actuator body 41 in response to an operation of a switch or the like by a passenger.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the second actuator 4 is disposed inside the seat cushion SC and is disposed such that the axial direction of the second slide rod 42 is substantially the front-rear direction. Further, the front end portion of the second actuator body 41 is attached via a bracket 61 fixed to the seat cushion SC. The bracket 61 has a hinge pin 62 whose axial direction is the left-right direction, and the second actuator body 41 is rotatably attached about the hinge pin 62.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the rear end portion of the second slide rod 42 is attached to the seat base 11 via a second bracket portion 11e. Further, the second slide rod 42 is rotatably attached about a hinge pin 11f.

[0040] According to such an attachment structure between the second actuator body 41 and the bracket 61, and an attachment structure between the second slide rod 42 and the second bracket portion 11e, even when the sliding direction of the seat cushion SC with respect to the seat base 11 does not match the expansion and contraction direction of the second slide rod 42, the seat cushion SC can be smoothly moved without interference between the respective parts.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 4, the second linear guide device 5 includes a second rail 51 attached to the seat cushion SC and a second block 52 attached to the block attachment portion 11d of the seat base 11. The second rail 51 and the second block 52 are configured to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the second rail 51.

[0042] The second linear guide device 5 is attached to both the left and right sides of the seat base 11. The second rails 51 located on the left and right have their longitudinal directions arranged along the front-rear direction and are arranged parallel to each other.

[0043] In this embodiment, the second rail 51 can have the same configuration as the first rail 31, and the second block 52 can have the same configuration as the first block 32.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 1, the second rail 51 can be set to have a longer overall length as long as it can be accommodated inside the seat cushion SC. Also, the overall length of the second rail 51 can be set to be longer than the overall length of the first rail 31.

[0045] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, two second blocks 52 are attached to one second rail 51. However, the number of the second blocks 52 is not limited to this. Only one second block 52 may be attached to one second rail 51, or two or more second blocks 52 may be attached. The quantity of the second blocks 52 can be appropriately set according to the installation space, the load-bearing capacity of the second linear guide device 5, etc.

[0046] Also, as shown in Fig. 1, a seat base cover C may be attached between the floor surface F and the seat cushion SC. By attaching such a seat base cover C, it can be arranged inside the seat base cover C without exposing the structures such as the seat base 11 and the first linear guide device 3. Therefore, an interior space with excellent aesthetic sense can be configured, and foreign matter can be prevented from entering the first linear guide device 3.

[0047] Further, according to the seat slide structure according to the present embodiment, the seat base 11 and the seat base cover C disposed under the seat can have a flaring shape in a cross section in the front-rear direction from the seat cushion SC toward the floor surface F, giving a sense of security in seat rigidity, and can have a design that is compact and does not cause uneasiness. Furthermore, the rear part under the front seat can have a shape that is easy for the passengers in the rear seat to place their feet, and can have a shape based on ergonomics.

[0048] Next, an operation example of the seat slide structure 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a perspective view seen from below showing a state in which the first slide mechanism of the seat slide structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention is driven forward, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view seen from above showing a state in which the first slide mechanism and the second slide mechanism of the seat slide structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention are driven forward. FIG. 7 is a reference view showing the moving range of the seat according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where the upper row shows the state in which the seat is moved to the rearmost position, and the lower row is a reference view showing the state in which the seat is moved to the foremost position.

[0050] The seat slide structure 1 according to the present embodiment can drive the first slide mechanism 12 and the second slide mechanism 13 independently, and can perform the front-rear movement of the seat base 11 with respect to the floor surface F and the front-rear movement of the seat cushion SC with respect to the seat base 11, respectively.

[0051] First, the movement of the seat base 11 by the first slide mechanism 12 will be described.

[0052] When moving the seat base 11 relative to the bed surface F, a signal for axially expanding and contracting the first slide rod 22 with respect to the first actuator body 21 is input from a control device (not shown) to the first actuator body 21 by an operation of a switch or the like by the occupant. As an example, when moving the seat base 11 forward, as shown in FIG. 5, the first actuator body 21 is controlled so as to axially contract the first slide rod 22 with respect to the first actuator body 21.

[0053] The first actuator body 21 is attached via a bracket fixed inside the bed surface F, and the seat base 11 is slidably attached to the bed surface F via the first linear guide device 3. For this reason, the seat base 11 can be moved forward along with the axial movement of the first slide rod 22.

[0054] When moving the seat base 11 backward with respect to the bed surface F, the first actuator body 21 is controlled so as to axially extend the first slide rod 22 with respect to the first actuator body 21.

[0055] Next, the movement of the seat cushion SC by the second slide mechanism 13 will be described.

[0056] When moving the seat cushion SC relative to the seat base 11, a signal for axially expanding and contracting the second slide rod 42 with respect to the second actuator body 41 is input from a control device (not shown) to the second actuator body 41 by an operation of a switch or the like by the occupant. As an example, when moving the seat cushion SC forward, as shown in FIG. 6, the second actuator body 41 is controlled so as to axially extend the second slide rod 42 with respect to the second actuator body 41.

[0057] The second actuator body 41 is attached via a bracket 61 fixed to the seat cushion SC, and the seat cushion SC is slidably attached to the seat base 11 via the second linear guide device 5. Therefore, it can be moved forward as the second slide rod 42 moves axially.

[0058] When moving the seat cushion SC backward with respect to the seat base 11, the second actuator body 41 is controlled to axially contract the second slide rod 42 with respect to the second actuator body 41.

[0059] As described above, according to the seat slide structure 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the seat S can be moved back and forth in the range of the distance D1 with respect to the floor surface F by the first slide mechanism 12 and the second slide mechanism 13, and the slide amount can be increased compared to the seat slide structure configured by a conventional single slide rail mechanism.

[0060] Further, the seat slide structure 1 according to the present embodiment is different from a structure in which a rail, a mounting bracket, etc. are fixed to the floor surface F like a conventional seat slide structure. The first block 32 is fixed to the floor surface F, and the first rail 31 moves integrally with the seat base 11. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, even when the seat S is moved forward, the first rail 31 does not protrude in the rear range R1 of the seat S. Similarly, the first rail 31 does not protrude in front of the seat S either.

[0061] Further, since the second rail 51 of the second linear guide device 5 is also disposed inside the seat cushion SC, the second rail 51 does not protrude even when the seat cushion SC is moved back and forth with respect to the seat base 11.

[0062] As described above, according to the seat slide structure 1 according to the present embodiment, a wide space without obstacles can be secured at the front and rear feet of the seat S.

[0063] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the first actuator 2 is disposed inside the floor surface F, and the second actuator 4 is disposed inside the seat cushion SC. The seat slide structure 1 has been described. Next, the seat slide structure 1' according to the second embodiment to be described has a different form from the first embodiment. For members that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals are given and detailed description is omitted.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a side view of a seat slide structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the seat slide structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above, FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the seat slide structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part B in FIG. 10.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, the seat slide structure 1' according to the second embodiment is disposed inside the seat S and attaches the seat S to the floor surface F so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the seat S includes a seat cushion SC and a seat back SB, and is used as a front seat of an automobile as an example.

[0066] The seat slide structure 1' includes a seat base (not shown) disposed between the floor surface F and the seat cushion SC. The seat slide structure 1' also includes a first slide mechanism 12' that slidably attaches the seat base to the floor surface F in the front-rear direction, and a second slide mechanism 13 that slidably attaches the seat cushion SC to the seat base in the front-rear direction.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 9, the seat base includes a bracket portion 11g that rotatably attaches a first actuator main body 21' to be described later on the upper front side. The bracket portion 11g includes a hinge pin 11h having an axial direction in the depth direction (hereinafter referred to as the left-right direction) as viewed in FIG. 8.

[0068] Further, the seat base includes a rail mounting portion for fixing the first rail 31 and a block mounting portion for fixing the second block 52. The rail mounting portion for fixing the first rail 31 is disposed on the lower side of the seat base, and the block mounting portion for fixing the second block 52 is disposed on the upper side of the seat base and located inside the seat cushion SC.

[0069] Further, the seat base includes a second bracket portion 11e for rotatably mounting the second slide rod 42. As shown in FIG. 8, the second bracket portion 11e is disposed inside the seat cushion SC and includes a hinge pin 11f having the left - right direction as the axial direction.

[0070] The first slide mechanism 12′ includes a first actuator 2′, a link mechanism 7 that converts the operation of the first actuator 2′ and drives the seat base in the front - rear direction with respect to the floor surface F, and a pair of first linear guide devices 3 that guide the front - rear movement of the seat base.

[0071] The first actuator 2′ includes a first slide rod 22′ that is a shaft portion and a first actuator body 21′ that linearly moves the first slide rod 22′ in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the first actuator body 21′ and the first slide rod 22′ can have the same configuration as the first actuator body 21 and the first slide rod 22 of the above - described first embodiment. Further, similar to the first actuator 2, the first actuator 2′ is powered from a power storage device (not shown) and can extend and contract the first slide rod 22′ in the axial direction with respect to the first actuator body 21′ in response to an operation of a switch or the like by a passenger. As shown in FIG. 9, the first actuator body 21´ is disposed substantially in parallel with the second actuator body 41 above the seat base.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 8, the first actuator 2' is disposed inside the seat cushion SC and is arranged such that the axial direction of the first slide rod 22' is substantially in the front-rear direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the front end portion of the first actuator body 21' is attached via the bracket portion 11g of the seat base and is rotatably attached about the hinge pin 11h.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 9, the rear end portion of the first slide rod 22' is attached via the first bracket portion 71a of the link member 71 described later and is rotatably attached to the link member 71 about the hinge pin 71b described later.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 10, the link mechanism 7 includes a link member 71, a pair of brackets 81 fixed to the floor surface F, and a pair of ball splines 9 connecting the link member 71 and the brackets 81.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 10, the link member 71 is a substantially U-shaped member having a pair of leg portions 71c and is disposed between the seat cushion SC and the floor surface F such that the leg portions 71c face the floor surface F side. Further, the link member 71 includes a central portion 71d connecting the pair of leg portions 71c, and the central portion 71d is provided with a first bracket portion 71a for rotatably attaching the first slide rod 22' as shown in FIG. 9. Further, the first bracket portion 71a includes a hinge pin 71b having the left-right direction as the axial direction.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 10, ball splines 9 are attached to the opposing surfaces of the pair of leg portions 71c.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 11, the ball spline 9 includes a spline shaft 91 as a shaft member having ball rolling grooves 91a formed along the longitudinal direction, and a fixing member 94 fixed to the leg portion 71c and guiding the spline shaft 91 to be movable in the axial direction.

[0078] The fixing member 94 includes a spline nut 92 in which a load rolling groove 92a corresponding to the ball rolling groove 91a is formed.

[0079] The spline nut 92 is attached to the spline shaft 91 via a plurality of balls 95 that roll between the ball rolling groove 91a and the load rolling groove 92a. Further, an unloaded rolling path 92b is formed in the spline nut 92 along the longitudinal direction. Both ends of the unloaded rolling path 92b communicate with the load rolling groove 92a, and thus the balls 95 are configured to circulate infinitely within the spline nut 92.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 10, the lower end of the spline shaft 91 is attached to the floor surface F via a bracket 81. The bracket 81 has a hinge pin 82 whose axial direction is the left - right direction, and the spline shaft 91 is rotatably attached about the hinge pin 82.

[0081] In addition, in the present embodiment, the link member 71 has been described as a substantially U - shaped member. However, the shape of the link member 71 is not limited to this, and it may be appropriately set according to the mounting space and the like. Also, the mounting position and quantity of the ball spline 9 may be appropriately set according to the shape of the link member 71.

[0082] Next, an operation example of the seat slide structure 1′ according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0083] FIG. 12 is a perspective view seen from above showing a state in which the first slide mechanism of the seat slide structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention is driven forward. FIG. 13 is a perspective view seen from above showing a state in which the first slide mechanism and the second slide mechanism of the seat slide structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention are driven forward. FIG. 14 is a reference view showing the movement range of the seat according to the second embodiment of the present invention, where the upper part shows a state in which the seat is moved to the rearmost position, and the lower part shows a state in which the seat is moved to the foremost position.

[0084] The seat slide structure 1' according to this embodiment can drive the first slide mechanism 12' and the second slide mechanism 13 independently, and can move the seat base in the front-rear direction with respect to the floor surface F and move the seat cushion SC in the front-rear direction with respect to the seat base, respectively.

[0085] First, the movement of the seat base by the first slide mechanism 12' will be described.

[0086] When moving the seat base with respect to the floor surface F, a signal for axially expanding and contracting the first slide rod 22' with respect to the first actuator body 21' is input from a control device (not shown) to the first actuator body 21' by an operation of a switch or the like by the occupant. As an example, when moving the seat base forward, the first actuator body 21' is controlled to axially contract the first slide rod 22' with respect to the first actuator body 21'.

[0087] Since the rear end portion of the first slide rod 22' is rotatably attached to the first bracket portion 71a of the link member 71, the link mechanism 7 rotates forward about the hinge pin 82 as the first slide rod 22' moves, as shown in FIG. 12. Further, the bracket 81 having the hinge pin 82 is fixed to the floor surface F, and the seat base is slidably attached to the floor surface F via the first linear guide device 3. Therefore, the seat base can move forward integrally with the first actuator body 21' as the link mechanism 7 inclines.

[0088] When moving the seat base backward, the first actuator body 21' is controlled to axially extend the first slide rod 22' with respect to the first actuator body 21'. At this time, the link mechanism 7 rotates backward about the hinge pin 82, and the seat base can move backward as the link mechanism 7 inclines backward.

[0089] Further, the first actuator body 21' is rotatably attached to the seat base by a hinge pin 11h, and the link member 71 is slidably attached along the spline shaft 91 by a ball spline 9. Therefore, the first slide mechanism 12' can smoothly perform a series of operations of tilting the link mechanism 7 and moving the seat base without interfering with each part.

[0090] Next, the movement of the seat cushion SC by the second slide mechanism 13 will be described.

[0091] When moving the seat cushion SC relative to the seat base, a signal for axially extending and contracting the second slide rod 42 with respect to the second actuator body 41 is input from a control device (not shown) to the second actuator body 41 by an operation of a switch or the like by the occupant. As an example, when moving the seat cushion SC forward, as shown in FIG. 13, the second actuator body 41 is controlled to extend the second slide rod 42 axially with respect to the second actuator body 41.

[0092] The second actuator body 41 is attached via a bracket 61 fixed to the seat cushion SC, and the seat cushion SC is slidably attached to the seat base via the second linear guide device 5. Therefore, it can be moved forward as the second slide rod 42 moves axially.

[0093] When moving the seat cushion SC backward with respect to the seat base, the second actuator body 41 is controlled to contract the second slide rod 42 axially with respect to the second actuator body 41.

[0094] Thus, according to the seat slide structure 1' according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the first slide mechanism 12' and the second slide mechanism 13 can move the seat S in the front-rear direction within a range of distance D2 with respect to the floor surface F, and the slide amount can be expanded compared to the seat slide structure composed of a conventional single slide rail mechanism.

[0095] Further, the seat slide structure 1' according to this embodiment is different from the structure in which the rail and the mounting bracket are fixed to the floor surface F like a conventional seat slide structure. The first block 32 is fixed to the floor surface F, and the first rail 31 moves integrally with the seat base. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, even when the seat S is moved forward, the first rail 31 does not protrude within the range R2. Similarly, in front of the seat S, the first rail 31 does not protrude.

[0096] In addition, since the second rail 51 of the second linear guide device 5 is also fixed inside the seat cushion SC, the second rail 51 does not protrude even when the seat cushion SC is moved in the front-rear direction with respect to the seat base.

[0097] Thus, according to the seat slide structure 1' according to this embodiment, a wide space without obstacles can be secured at the front and rear feet of the seat S.

[0098] Further, since the first actuator 2' is disposed inside the seat cushion SC in the seat slide structure 1' according to this embodiment, the internal space of the floor surface F under the seat S can be effectively utilized. Therefore, in an electric vehicle in which a battery is installed in the internal space of the floor surface F, it is possible to increase the battery capacity and extend the cruising range.

[0099] Note that the seat slide structures 1 and 1' according to the above-described embodiment have been described for the case where they are mounted on the seat S used as the front seat of an automobile. However, the seat S on which the seat slide structures 1 and 1' are mounted is not limited to this, and it may be a rear seat in the second row or later of the automobile. Further, the seat S is not limited to an automobile seat, and may be a seat for various vehicles such as a train, a ship, or an airplane. It is clear from the description of the claims that such a modified or improved form may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0100] 1 Seat slide structure, 2 First actuator, 3 First linear guide device, 5 Second linear guide device, 7 Link mechanism, 11 Seat base, 31 First rail, 32 First block, 51 Second rail, 52 Second block, S Seat, F Floor surface.

Claims

1. A seat slide structure for slidably attaching a seat in the front-rear direction with respect to the floor surface, comprising a first linear guide device for guiding the seat slidably in the front-rear direction, wherein the first linear guide device includes a first rail and a first block, the first block is fixed to the floor surface and is set to have a shorter length in the front-rear direction with respect to the first rail, the first rail is set to have a shorter length in the front-rear direction with respect to the seating surface of the seat, the first block is formed in a U-shaped cross-section spanning the lower surface and both left and right side surfaces of the first rail, comprising a seat base disposed between the seat and the floor surface, the first rail is fixed to the seat base, and further comprising a second linear guide device for guiding the seat slidably in the front-rear direction with respect to the seat base. A seat slide structure characterized by this.

2. In the seat slide structure according to Claim 1, the second linear guide device includes a second rail and a second block, the second block is fixed to the seat base, and the second rail is fixed to the seat. A seat slide structure characterized by this.

3. In the seat slide structure according to Claim 2, comprising a first actuator for moving the seat base in the front-rear direction with respect to the floor surface, wherein the first actuator is disposed inside the floor surface. A seat slide structure characterized by this.

4. In the seat slide structure according to Claim 2, comprising a first actuator for moving the seat base in the front-rear direction with respect to the floor surface, and a link mechanism is provided between the first actuator and the floor surface, wherein the first actuator is attached to the seat base. A seat slide structure characterized by this.

5. In the seat slide structure according to Claim 4, a second actuator for moving the first actuator and the seat in the front-rear direction with respect to the seat base is disposed above the seat base respectively. A seat slide structure characterized by this.

6. In the seat slide structure according to Claim 2, the first rail is shorter in the front-rear direction than the second rail. A seat slide structure characterized by this.

7. In the seat slide structure according to Claim 1, The seat base is characterized by a sheet slide structure formed in a flaring shape in a cross-section in the front-rear direction from the lower surface of the sheet toward the floor surface.

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