CN118159447A - Sliding locking device and assembly method for sliding device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] A sliding locking device capable of operating smoothly is provided. [Solution] The sliding device includes a track 11 and a sliding member 12. The track is provided with a plurality of locking holes 15 arranged along the extension direction of the track. The sliding locking device includes: a housing 31, which is coupled to the sliding member; at least one locking member 32, which is supported by the housing so as to be rotatable between a release position and a lock position; a pressing member 33, which presses the locking member toward the lock position; and an operating member 34, which is movably supported by the housing and contacts the locking member. The locking member includes at least one protrusion 32B, which is configured to engage with the plurality of locking holes when the locking member is in the lock position, and disengage from the plurality of locking holes when the locking member is in the release position. When the operating member moves from the initial position to the post-operation position, the operating member presses the locking member and moves the locking member from the lock position to the release position.

Description

Sliding locking device and assembly method for sliding device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a slide locking device and an assembly method for a slide locking device.

Background technique

A sliding device for supporting a seat of a car on a floor so as to be slidably movable is known. Patent document 1 discloses a sliding locking device, which includes a track, a sliding member slidably supported on the track, and a locking device for fixing the position of the sliding member relative to the track. The sliding locking device includes: a housing, which is combined with the sliding member; a pair of locking members, which are supported by the housing so as to be displaceable between a release position and a lock position; an urging member, which urges the locking member toward the lock position; and an operating member, which is displaceably supported by the housing and contacts the locking member. The operating member is driven by a lever operated by a user, and moves the locking member from the lock position to the release position.

Prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent document 1: WO2021/125343A1

Summary of the invention

The task to be accomplished by the present invention

In the slide lock device of Patent Document 1, the operating member is supported by the housing so as to be displaceable in the up-down direction, and the locking member is supported so as to be displaceable in the left-right direction. The movement of the operating member in the up-down direction is converted into the movement of the locking member in the left-right direction by the cam. Therefore, there is a case where the locking member receiving the load in the up-down direction is pressed against the housing, so that the locking member cannot move smoothly in the left-right direction.

In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a sliding locking device that can be smoothly operated. In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an assembling method for a sliding device that can be smoothly operated.

Means of accomplishing the task

To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, one aspect of the present invention is a sliding locking device (30) for a sliding device (1), wherein the sliding device includes a track (11) and a sliding member (12) slidably supported on the track, the track is provided with a plurality of locking holes (15) arranged along the extension direction of the track, and the sliding locking device includes: a housing (31) which is coupled to the sliding member; at least one locking member (32) which is supported by the housing so as to be rotatable between a release position and a lock position; a pressing member (33) which presses the locking member toward the lock position; and an operating member (34) which is displaceably supported by the housing and contacts the locking member, the locking member including at least one protrusion (32B) which is configured to engage with the plurality of locking holes when the locking member is in the lock position and disengage from the plurality of locking holes when the locking member is in the release position, and when the operating member moves from an initial position to a post-operation position, the operating member presses the locking member and moves the locking member from the lock position to the release position.

According to this aspect, since the locking member is rotatably supported by the housing, the locking member can smoothly move from the locking position to the releasing position when the locking member is pushed by the operating member. Therefore, it is possible to provide a sliding locking device that can be smoothly operated.

In the above aspect, the operating member may be supported by the housing to be pivotable between an initial position and a post-operation position.

According to this aspect, since the operating member is rotatably supported by the housing, the operating member can be smoothly moved from the initial position to the operated position.

In the above aspect, the projection may extend helically around the rotation axis of the locking member, and the housing may be provided with a helical groove (31C) for slidably receiving the projection.

According to this aspect, by causing the projection to slide in the spiral groove, the lock member can be smoothly rotated from the lock position to the release position.

In the above aspect, when the locking member is in the locking position, the projection may protrude from the housing, and when the locking member is in the releasing position, the projection may be seated within the housing.

According to this aspect, the gap between the housing and the rail can be made smaller.

In the above aspect, the locking member may include an arm portion (32C) protruding in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the locking member, the operating member may press the arm portion in a first direction parallel to the tangential direction around the rotation axis of the locking member, and when the locking member reaches the release position, the arm portion and the operating member may not overlap in the first direction.

According to this aspect, even when an excessive load is applied to the operating member, the load is not transmitted to the arm portion. Therefore, breakage of the locking member is prevented.

In the above aspect, the pair of locking members may be arranged parallel to each other, the pair of arms may extend in directions toward each other when each of the pair of locking members is in the locking position, and the operating member may contact each of the pair of arms.

According to this aspect, since a pair of locking members are provided, the locking members can be engaged with the rail with good stability.

In the above aspect, the sliding member may include an upper wall and a pair of side walls extending downward from the upper wall, the shell may be coupled to the bottom surface of the upper wall and configured between the pair of side walls, and the portion of the pair of side walls opposite to the shell may be formed with an opening (12F) through which the protrusion can pass.

According to this aspect, the slide locking device can be arranged inside the slider in a space-saving manner.

In the above aspect, the operating member may protrude above the upper wall by passing through an operating hole (36) formed in the upper wall.

According to this aspect, the slide locking device can be arranged inside the slider in a space-saving manner.

Another aspect of the present invention is an assembly method for a sliding device (1), wherein the sliding device includes a track (11), a sliding member (12) slidably supported on the track, and a sliding locking device (30) arranged on the sliding member and configured to engage with the track, the track is provided with a plurality of locking holes (15) arranged along the extension direction of the track, the sliding locking device includes a housing (31) coupled to the sliding member, at least one locking member (32) supported by the housing so as to be rotatable between a release position and a lock position, a pressing member (33) pressing the locking member toward the lock position, and an operating member (34) movably supported by the housing and contacting the locking member, the locking member including at least one protrusion (32B) configured to engage with the plurality of locking holes when the locking member is in the lock position, and to disengage from the plurality of locking holes when the locking member is in the release position, the assembly method comprising: a step of assembling the sliding locking device by mounting the locking member, the pressing member and the operating member to the housing; a step of mounting the housing to the sliding member; and a step of mounting the sliding member to the track.

According to this aspect, it is possible to assemble the slide locking device to the inner side of the slide in a work-efficient manner.

In the above aspect, the shell may include multiple shell components (31A, 31B), and the step of assembling the sliding locking device may include: a step of installing the pressing member to the locking member; a step of making one of the multiple shell components support the locking member and the operating member to which the pressing member is installed; and a step of combining the multiple shell components with each other.

According to this aspect, it is possible to assemble the sliding locking device in a work-efficient manner.

Effects of the Invention

One aspect of the present invention is a sliding locking device (30) for a sliding device (1), wherein the sliding device includes a track (11) and a sliding member (12) slidably supported on the track, the track being provided with a plurality of locking holes (15) arranged along the extension direction of the track, the sliding locking device including: a housing (31) coupled to the sliding member; at least one locking member (32) supported by the housing so as to be rotatable between a release position and a lock position; a pressing member (33) pressing the locking member toward the lock position; and an operating member (34) displaceably supported by the housing and contacting the locking member, the locking member including at least one protrusion (32B) configured to engage with the plurality of locking holes when the locking member is in the lock position and to disengage from the plurality of locking holes when the locking member is in the release position, and when the operating member moves from an initial position to a post-operation position, the operating member presses the locking member and moves the locking member from the lock position to the release position.

According to this aspect, since the locking member is rotatably supported by the housing, the locking member can smoothly move from the locking position to the releasing position when the locking member is pushed by the operating member. Therefore, it is possible to provide a sliding locking device that can be smoothly operated.

In the above aspect, the operating member may be supported by the housing to be pivotable between an initial position and a post-operation position.

According to this aspect, since the operating member is rotatably supported by the housing, the operating member can be smoothly moved from the initial position to the operated position.

In the above aspect, the projection may extend helically around the rotation axis of the locking member, and the housing may be provided with a helical groove (31C) for slidably receiving the projection.

According to this aspect, by causing the projection to slide in the spiral groove, the lock member can be smoothly rotated from the lock position to the release position.

In the above aspect, when the locking member is in the locking position, the projection may protrude from the housing, and when the locking member is in the releasing position, the projection may be seated within the housing.

According to this aspect, the gap between the housing and the rail can be made smaller.

In the above aspect, the locking member may include an arm portion (32C) protruding in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the locking member, the operating member may press the arm portion in a first direction parallel to the tangential direction around the rotation axis of the locking member, and when the locking member reaches the release position, the arm portion and the operating member may not overlap in the first direction.

According to this aspect, even when an excessive load is applied to the operating member, the load is not transmitted to the arm portion. Therefore, breakage of the locking member is prevented.

In the above aspect, the pair of locking members may be arranged parallel to each other, the pair of arms may extend in directions toward each other when each of the pair of locking members is in the locking position, and the operating member may contact each of the pair of arms.

According to this aspect, since a pair of locking members are provided, the locking members can be engaged with the rail with good stability.

In the above aspect, the sliding member may include an upper wall and a pair of side walls extending downward from the upper wall, the shell may be coupled to the bottom surface of the upper wall and configured between the pair of side walls, and the portion of the pair of side walls opposite to the shell may be formed with an opening (12F) through which the protrusion can pass.

According to this aspect, the slide locking device can be arranged inside the slider in a space-saving manner.

In the above aspect, the operating member may protrude above the upper wall by passing through an operating hole (36) formed in the upper wall.

According to this aspect, the slide locking device can be arranged inside the slider in a space-saving manner.

Another aspect of the present invention is an assembly method for a sliding device (1), wherein the sliding device includes a track (11), a sliding member (12) slidably supported on the track, and a sliding locking device (30) arranged on the sliding member and configured to engage with the track, the track is provided with a plurality of locking holes (15) arranged along the extension direction of the track, the sliding locking device includes a housing (31) coupled to the sliding member, at least one locking member (32) supported by the housing so as to be rotatable between a release position and a lock position, a pressing member (33) pressing the locking member toward the lock position, and an operating member (34) movably supported by the housing and contacting the locking member, the locking member including at least one protrusion (32B) configured to engage with the plurality of locking holes when the locking member is in the lock position, and to disengage from the plurality of locking holes when the locking member is in the release position, the assembly method comprising: a step of assembling the sliding locking device by mounting the locking member, the pressing member and the operating member to the housing; a step of mounting the housing to the sliding member; and a step of mounting the sliding member to the track.

According to this aspect, it is possible to assemble the slide locking device to the inner side of the slide in a work-efficient manner.

In the above aspect, the shell may include multiple shell components (31A, 31B), and the step of assembling the sliding locking device may include: a step of installing the pressing member to the locking member; a step of making one of the multiple shell components support the locking member and the operating member to which the pressing member is installed; and a step of combining the multiple shell components with each other.

According to this aspect, it is possible to assemble the sliding locking device in a work-efficient manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a structural diagram of a vehicle seat;

FIG2 is a perspective view of an electric slide according to a first embodiment;

3 is a sectional view of an electric slide rail according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the track;

FIG5 is a perspective view of a slide locking device according to a first embodiment;

6 is an exploded perspective view of a slide locking device according to a first embodiment;

7 is a perspective view showing the inner surface (lower surface) of the upper housing member;

FIG8 is a perspective view of the slide locking device with the upper housing member omitted;

9 is a sectional view of the sliding device in a locked state according to the first embodiment;

10 is a sectional view of the sliding device in a released state according to the first embodiment;

FIG11 is a perspective view of a slide locking device according to a second embodiment;

12 is a perspective view of a slide locking device according to a second embodiment (wherein the upper housing is omitted);

13 is an exploded perspective view of a slide locking device according to a second embodiment;

14 is a perspective view of a locking member of a slide locking device according to a second embodiment;

15 is a sectional view of a slide locking device according to a second embodiment;

16 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide lock device according to a third embodiment when viewed from above, wherein (A) shows a locked state and (B) shows a released state;

17 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide lock device in a locked state when viewed from the front according to the third embodiment;

18 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide locking device in a released state when viewed from the front according to the third embodiment;

19 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide locking device according to a fourth embodiment when viewed from the front, wherein (A) shows a locked state and (B) shows a released state;

20 is an explanatory diagram of the slide locking device according to the fifth embodiment when viewed from above, wherein (A) shows a locked state and (B) shows a released state;

21 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide locking device in a released state when viewed from the front according to the sixth embodiment;

22 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide locking device according to a seventh embodiment when viewed from above;

23 is an explanatory diagram showing a locked state of the slide locking device according to the eighth embodiment when viewed from the front;

24 is an explanatory diagram showing a locked state of the slide locking device according to the ninth embodiment when viewed from the front;

25 is an explanatory diagram of a locked state of a slide locking device according to a tenth embodiment when viewed from the front;

FIG26 is an exploded perspective view of a slide locking device according to an eleventh embodiment;

27 is a perspective view showing a slide locking device according to an eleventh embodiment when viewed from below;

28 is an exploded perspective view of a slide locking device according to a twelfth embodiment;

29 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide lock device in a locked state when viewed from the front according to the twelfth embodiment;

30 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide locking device in a released state when viewed from the front according to the twelfth embodiment;

FIG31 is an exploded perspective view of a slide locking device according to a thirteenth embodiment;

32 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide lock device in a locked state when viewed from the front according to the thirteenth embodiment;

33 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide lock device in a released state when viewed from the front according to the thirteenth embodiment;

34 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide lock device in a locked state when viewed from the front according to the fourteenth embodiment;

35 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide locking device in a released state when viewed from the front according to the fourteenth embodiment;

FIG36 is a perspective view of a sliding locking device according to a fifteenth embodiment;

37 is a perspective view of a slide locking device according to a fifteenth embodiment, in which the housing is omitted;

38 is a perspective view of an operating member of a slide locking device according to a fifteenth embodiment;

39 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide lock device in a locked state when viewed from the front according to the fifteenth embodiment;

40 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide locking device in a released state when viewed from the front according to the fifteenth embodiment;

41 is a perspective view of an electric slide according to a sixteenth embodiment;

FIG42 is a perspective view of a threaded assembly according to a sixteenth embodiment;

43 is an exploded perspective view of a threaded assembly according to a sixteenth embodiment;

44 is a perspective view of a main portion of a threaded assembly according to a seventeenth embodiment;

45 is a perspective view of a main portion of a threaded assembly according to a seventeenth embodiment;

FIG46 is an explanatory diagram of a threaded assembly according to a seventeenth embodiment;

FIG47 is an explanatory diagram showing a locking hole of a rail;

48 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a slide member of an electric slide when viewed from the left side;

49 is an explanatory diagram showing a slide member of the electric slide when viewed from above;

50 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a slide member of an electric slide when viewed from the left side;

51 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a slide member of an electric slide when viewed from the left side;

52 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a slide member of an electric slide when viewed from the left side;

53 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a slide member of an electric slide when viewed from above;

FIG54 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an electric slide when viewed from above;

FIG55 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an electric slide when viewed from above;

FIG56 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an electric slide when viewed from above;

FIG57 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an electric slide when viewed from above;

FIG58 is an explanatory diagram of one example of a vehicle when viewed from above;

FIG59 is an explanatory diagram of one example of a vehicle when viewed from above;

60 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a vehicle seat provided with an electric slide rail when viewed from the left side;

61 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a vehicle seat provided with an electric slide rail when viewed from below;

62 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a vehicle seat provided with an electric slide rail when viewed from the left side;

FIG63 is an explanatory diagram of one example of a vehicle seat provided with an electric slide rail when viewed from the left side; and

FIG. 64 is an explanatory diagram of one example of a vehicle seat provided with an electric slide rail when viewed from the left side.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A sliding device includes a track and a sliding member that is slidably movable relative to the track. The track is combined with a first structure, and the sliding member is combined with a second structure. When the sliding member moves relative to the track, the sliding device moves the second structure relative to the first structure. For example, the sliding device is arranged between a floor and a seat of a vehicle to move the seat relative to the floor. In addition, an electric slide rail is arranged between a base and a workpiece fixture to move the workpiece fixture relative to the base.

First embodiment

As shown in FIG. 1 , a slide device 1 is provided between a floor 2 of a vehicle and a vehicle seat 3. The vehicle seat 3 includes a seat cushion 5 for supporting the buttocks of a passenger and a seat back 6 extending upward from the rear of the seat cushion 5 to support the back of the passenger. The slide device 1 is provided between the floor 2 and the seat cushion 5 and supports the seat cushion 5 to be slidably movable relative to the floor 2. On a side portion of the seat cushion 5, a cover 7 for hiding a gap between the seat cushion 5 and the floor 2 is provided.

As shown in FIG2 , the sliding device 1 includes left and right rails 11 extending in the front-rear direction and left and right slides 12 slidably supported on the respective rails 11. The extending direction of the rail 11 is defined as the front-rear direction. The extending direction of the rail 11 may be consistent with or inconsistent with the front-rear direction of the vehicle. That is, the extending direction of the rail 11 is not limited to the installation direction in the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the extending direction of the rail 11 is consistent with the front-rear direction of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the slide 12 is arranged on the upper side of the rail 11. Therefore, the rail 11 can be called a lower rail, and the slide 12 can be called an upper rail.

3 and 4 , the rail 11 has a groove-shaped cross section. Specifically, the rail 11 includes a rail bottom wall 11A having surfaces facing upward and downward, left and right rail outer side walls 11B extending upward from left and right edge portions of the rail bottom wall 11A, respectively, and having surfaces facing left and right, left and right rail upper walls 11C extending in directions toward each other from upper ends of the left and right rail outer side walls 11B, respectively, and having surfaces facing upward and downward, and left and right rail inner side walls 11D extending downward from inner ends of the left and right rail upper walls 11C, respectively, and having surfaces facing left and right.

The track bottom wall 11A, the left and right track outer side walls 11B, the left and right track upper walls 11C, and the left and right track inner side walls 11D each extend in the front-to-back direction. The left and right track outer side walls 11B and the left and right track inner side walls 11D extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the track bottom wall 11A. The lower ends of the left and right track inner side walls 11D are configured to be spaced apart from the track bottom wall 11A. The track 11 has a track opening 11E extending in the front-to-back direction in its upper portion. The track opening 11E is defined by the left and right track inner side walls 11D. The track 11 is preferably formed by press-forming a metal sheet. Each of the left and right edge portions of the track bottom wall 11A may be provided with a step portion 11F that rises upward. The left and right step portions 11F extend in the front-to-back direction, and their upper surfaces are formed to be flat.

The left and right rail inner side walls 11D are formed with respective protrusions 11G that protrude in directions toward each other and extend in the front-rear direction. The cross section of each of the left and right protrusions 11G is preferably formed in an arc shape or a trapezoidal shape. Each protrusion 11G is preferably arranged in a vertical middle portion of the corresponding rail inner side wall 11D. The upper end portion and the lower end portion of each of the left and right rail inner side walls 11D are arranged on the lateral outer side of the protrusion 11G.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the rail 11 is provided with a plurality of locking holes 15 arranged along the extension direction of the rail 11, i.e., along the front-rear direction. The plurality of locking holes 15 are formed in the protrusions 11G of the corresponding rail inner side walls 11D. The locking holes 15 extend parallel to each other. Each locking hole 15 extends in the up-down direction. Preferably, each locking hole 15 is inclined forward or backward.

The floor panel 2 is formed with left and right rail grooves 17 that are recessed downward. The rails 11 are preferably disposed in the corresponding rail grooves 17.

As shown in FIG3 , the slider 12 includes a plate-like slider upper wall 12A disposed in the opening end of the rail opening 11E and having surfaces facing upward and downward, left and right slider inner side walls 12B extending downward from the left and right side edges of the slider upper wall 12A toward the rail bottom wall 11A, i.e., downward, left and right slider lower walls 12C extending laterally outward from the lower ends of the left and right slider inner side walls 12B, respectively, and left and right slider outer side walls 12D extending upward from the lateral outer ends of the left and right slider lower walls 12C, respectively. The slider upper wall 12A, the left and right slider inner side walls 12B, the left and right slider lower walls 12C, and the left and right slider outer side walls 12D extend in the front-rear direction.

The slider 12 is preferably formed by fastening together a plurality of press-formed or roll-formed metal sheets. In another embodiment, the slider 12 may be formed by a single press-formed or roll-formed metal sheet. The front-to-rear length of the slider 12 is set shorter than the front-to-rear length of the track 11. The slider 12 is combined with the seat cushion 5 at the slider upper wall 12A.

The upper wall 12A of the slider can be configured to be higher than the upper wall 11C of the left and right tracks, or can be configured to be lower than the upper wall 11C of the left and right tracks. The inner side walls 12B of the left and right sliders have surfaces facing left and right, and are opposite to each other to be laterally spaced apart from each other. The inner side walls 12B of the left and right sliders are configured between the inner side walls 11D of the left and right tracks. Each inner side wall 12B of the slider is opposite to the inner side wall 11D of the track corresponding laterally via a gap. Each lower wall 12C of the slider passes between the lower end of the track bottom wall 11A and the laterally corresponding inner side wall 11D of the track, and extends laterally. Each outer wall of the slider 12 is configured between the outer side wall 11B of the track and the inner side wall 11D of the track corresponding laterally thereto. On the lateral outer surface side of each outer side wall 12D of the slider, a plurality of wheels 18 are rotatably supported. Each wheel 18 has a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction, and contacts the track bottom wall 11A. In the present embodiment, each wheel 18 contacts the upper surface of the step portion 11F of the rail bottom wall 11A. By contacting the rail 11 via the wheels 18, the slider 12 can slide smoothly relative to the rail 11. With the above configuration, the slider 12 is received in the rail 11 and slidably engaged with the rail 11. In another embodiment, the slider 12 may be supported on the rail 11 via a ball or roller bearing.

The left and right slider inner side walls 12B are formed with recessed portions 12E that are recessed in the direction toward each other and extend in the front-rear direction. A protrusion is formed on the back side of the recessed portion 12E of each slider inner side wall 12B. Preferably, a cross section of each of the left and right recessed portions 12E when viewed in the front-rear direction is formed in an arc shape or a trapezoidal shape. Each recessed portion 12E is preferably configured in a vertically middle portion of the corresponding slider inner side wall 12B. Each recessed portion 12E is configured in a position opposite to the protrusion 11G of the rail 11 corresponding in the transverse direction.

The slider 12 is formed into a groove shape by the slider upper wall 12A and the left and right slider inner side walls 12B, which opens toward the rail bottom wall 11A, ie downward. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the slide locking device 30 is supported on the lower surface of the slider upper wall 12A.

As shown in Figures 5 to 10, the slide locking device 30 includes a housing 31 combined with the slider 12, at least one locking member 32 supported by the housing 31 to be rotatable between a release position and a lock position, an urging member 33 for urging the locking member 32 toward the lock position, and an operating member 34 displaceably supported by the housing 31 and in contact with the locking member 32. In the present embodiment, a pair of left and right locking members 32 and a pair of left and right urging members 33 are provided.

The housing 31 is preferably formed by combining a plurality of housing members 31A, 31B. In the present embodiment, the housing 31 includes a lower housing member 31A and an upper housing member 31B that are coupled to each other. The left and right locking members 32 are rotatably supported between the lower housing member 31A and the upper housing member 31B. The housing 31 is coupled to the bottom surface of the upper wall 12A of the slide and is disposed between the pair of inner side walls 12B of the slide. Therefore, the sliding locking device 30 can be disposed in the slide 12 in a space-saving manner. The portion of the pair of inner side walls 12B of the slide opposite to the housing 31 is formed with a slide opening 12F.

The respective locking members 32 are arranged parallel to each other. Each locking member 32 has a shaft portion 32A extending in the front-to-back direction. That is, the rotation axis of each locking member 32 extends in the front-to-back direction. The front and rear ends of the shaft portion 32A are rotatably supported by the housing 31. Each locking member 32 includes at least one convex portion 32B protruding from the shaft portion 32A in the radial direction. In the present embodiment, a plurality of convex portions 32B protrude from the shaft portion 32A on one side in the radial direction.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the plurality of protrusions 32B preferably extend spirally around the rotation axis of the locking member 32. The plurality of protrusions 32B are formed intermittently with each other. The plurality of protrusions 32B are arranged at certain intervals in the front-rear direction. The housing 31 is preferably provided with a spiral groove 31C for slidably receiving the plurality of protrusions 32B.

6 and 8 , each lock member 32 includes an arm portion 32C protruding from the shaft portion 32A in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the lock member 32. The arm portion 32C extends from the shaft portion 32A in a direction opposite to the projection 32B when viewed in the front-rear direction.

The left and right side portions of the housing 31 are each provided with a housing opening 31D. Each locking member 32 pivots between a locking position, in which the plurality of protrusions 32B protrude to the outside of the housing 31 through the housing opening 31D, and a release position, in which the plurality of protrusions 32B are disposed inside the housing 31. When the locking member 32 is in the release position, the plurality of protrusions 32B are arranged above the shaft portion 32A. When each locking member 32 is in the locking position, the pair of arm portions 32C extend laterally in a direction toward each other, that is, extend from the corresponding shaft portion 32A toward the center of the housing 31. The locking position of the locking member 32 is preferably determined by at least one of the plurality of protrusions 32B contacting the housing 31.

Each urging member 33 is provided between the housing 31 and the corresponding locking member 32 and urges the locking member 32 toward the locking position. For example, the urging member 33 is preferably a torsion coil spring. Preferably, the urging member 33 is supported on the shaft portion 32A of the locking member 32.

The operating member 34 includes a fan-shaped body 34A having a surface facing left and right and a pressing portion 34B arranged at the lower end of the body 34A. The operating member 34 is arranged at the center of the housing 31 in the left-right direction. At the rear end of the body 34A, a support shaft 34C protruding in the left-right direction is provided. When viewed from the left-right direction, the support shaft 34C is arranged at the center of the fan-shaped body 34A. In the case where the support shaft 34C is rotatably supported by the housing 31, the operating member 34 is supported by the housing 31 to be pivotable around an axis extending laterally. The upper end of the body 34A protrudes above the housing 31 by passing through an insertion hole 35 formed in the upper housing member 31B. The upper wall 12A of the slide 12 is formed with an operating hole 36 penetrating in the up-down direction. The upper end of the body 34A of the operating member 34 protrudes above the slide 12 by passing through the operating hole 36. The pressing portion 34B is arranged inside the housing 31. The left-right width of the pressing portion 34B is formed to be larger than the left-right width of the operating hole 36. When the locking member 32 is in the locking position, the operating member 34 is in the initial position. At this time, the pressing portion 34B is arranged above the left and right arm portions 32C and contacts the arm portions 32C. The operating member 34 can be urged toward the initial position by the urging member 37.

The left and right slide members 12 are pivotally provided with an operating lever 41. The operating lever 41 includes a lever center portion 41A extending in the left-right direction below the front portion of the seat cushion 5 and left and right lever side portions 41B extending rearward from the left and right end portions of the lever center portion 41A. The middle portions of the left and right lever side portions 41B in the front-to-rear direction are supported by the corresponding slide members 12 to be pivotable around a pivot shaft 41C extending in the left-to-right direction. The rear ends of the left and right lever side portions 41B contact the upper end of the operating member 34 from above. Preferably, the rear ends of the left and right lever side portions 41B are urged upward by an urging member not shown in the figure.

As shown in Fig. 9, when the operating member 34 is in the initial position, the left and right locking members 32 are in the locked position. When the left and right locking members 32 are in the locked position, the plurality of protrusions 32B pass through the housing opening 31D and the slider opening 12F, and protrude into the corresponding locking holes 15 of the rail 11 to be locked by the locking holes 15. Thus, the movement of the slider 12 relative to the rail 11 is restricted.

When the user pulls the rod center portion 41A of the operating rod 41 upward, the rear end of each of the left and right rod side portions 41B pushes the upper end of the main body 34A downward. As a result, as shown in Figure 10, the operating member 34 pivots to move downward and moves from the initial position to the post-operation position. At this time, the pressing portion 34B of the operating member 34 presses the locking member 32 to move the locking member 32 from the locking position to the release position. Specifically, the pressing portion 34B of the operating member 34 pushes the left and right arm portions 32C downward, whereby the left and right locking members 32 pivot from the locking position to the release position. Therefore, the multiple protrusions 32B are separated from the locking holes 15 of the track 11 and move to the interior of the housing 31. As a result, the slider 12 becomes movable relative to the track 11.

The operating member 34 presses the arm 32C in a first direction parallel to the tangential direction around the rotation axis of the locking member 32, and when the locking member 32 reaches the release position, each arm 32C and the operating member 34 do not overlap in the first direction. In the present embodiment, the first direction is the up-down direction. According to this aspect, even when an excessive load is applied to each operating member 34, the load will not be transmitted to the arm 32C. Therefore, the breakage of each locking member 32 is prevented.

When each locking member 32 moves from the locking position to the releasing position, at least one protrusion 32B slides in the spiral groove 31C, whereby the locking member 32 can be smoothly rotated from the locking position to the releasing position.

In the slide lock device 30, the lock member 32 is rotatably supported by the housing 31, so when the lock member 32 is pushed by the operating member 34, the lock member 32 can smoothly move from the lock position to the release position. Therefore, it is possible to provide a slide lock device 30 that can be smoothly operated.

When the locking member 32 is in the locking position, the plurality of protrusions 32B protrude from the housing 31 , and when the locking member 32 is in the releasing position, the plurality of protrusions 32B are disposed inside the housing 31 , so that the gap between the housing 31 and the rail 11 can be made very small.

Since the pair of locking members 32 are arranged in parallel with each other and the operating member 34 contacts each of the pair of arm portions 32C, the locking member 32 can be engaged with the rail 11 with good stability.

The assembling method of the above-mentioned slide device 1 includes the steps of assembling the slide lock device 30 by mounting the locking member 32, the pressing member 33 and the operating member 34 to the housing 31, the step of mounting the housing 31 to the slider 12, and the step of mounting the slider 12 to the rail 11. According to this aspect, it is possible to assemble the slide lock device 30 to the inner side of the slider 12 in a work-efficient manner. In addition, the step of assembling the slide lock device 30 includes the step of mounting the pressing member 33 to the lock member 32, the step of causing one of the plurality of housing members to support the lock member 32 and the operating member 34 to which the pressing member 33 is mounted, and the step of combining the plurality of housing members with each other. The plurality of housing members includes a lower housing member 31A and an upper housing member 31B.

Second embodiment

11 to 15 show a slide locking device 100 according to a second embodiment. The slide locking device 100 according to the second embodiment is different from the slide locking device 30 according to the first embodiment in the configurations of a housing 31, a locking member 32, an operating member 34, an urging member 33, etc. The configurations of the rail 11 and the slider 12 to which the slide locking device 100 is provided are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore, they are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The sliding locking device 100 includes a shell 101 coupled to a sliding member 12, left and right locking members 102 supported by the shell 101 to be slidably movable between a release position and a locking position, a pair of front and rear pressing members 103 for pressing the locking member 102 toward the locking position, and an operating member 104 displaceably supported by the shell 101 and in contact with the locking member 102.

The housing 101 includes a lower housing member 106, an upper housing member 107, and a pair of front and rear guide members 108. The lower housing member 106 and the upper housing member 107 are combined with each other and form a hollow outer shell of the housing 101. The left and right side portions of the housing 101 are each formed with a housing opening 109.

The pair of guide members 108 are sandwiched by the lower housing member 106 and the upper housing member 107. A pair of left and right guide holes 108A are formed in each guide member 108. Each guide hole 108A penetrates the guide member 108 in the front-rear direction and extends transversely.

The pair of left and right locking members 102 are arranged parallel to each other. Each locking member 102 includes a main body 102A extending in the front-to-back direction. A plurality of guide shafts 102B are respectively arranged at the front and rear ends of the main body 102A. Each guide shaft 102B engages with one of the guide holes 108A formed in the front and rear guide members 108. Due to the front and rear guide members 108, the left and right locking members 102 are supported by the housing 101 to be slidably movable in the left and right directions. In addition, the lower portion of each main body 102A is provided with a guide protrusion 102C protruding downward. The upper surface of the lower housing member 106 is formed with a guide groove 106A extending laterally. The left and right guide protrusions 102C engage with the guide groove 106A.

Each locking member 102 includes a plurality of protrusions 102D that protrude laterally outward from the main body 102A. A pair of front and rear receiving holes 102E are formed on the inner side surface of each main body 102A. Each pressing member 103 is a compression coil spring extending laterally. The left and right ends of the pressing member 103 on the front side are received in the left and right receiving holes 102E configured on the front side. The left and right ends of the pressing member 103 on the rear side are received in the left and right receiving holes 102E configured on the rear side. The pressing member 103 presses the locking member 102 in a direction away from each other.

Each locking member 102 slides between a locking position in which the plurality of protrusions 102D protrude to the outside of the housing 101 through the housing opening 31D and a release position in which the plurality of protrusions 102D are disposed in the housing 101. The locking position and the release position of each locking member 102 are defined by a guide member 108. When the locking member 102 is in the locking position, the sliding locking device 100 is in a locked state, and when the locking member 102 is in the release position, the sliding locking device 100 is in a released state. Each locking member 102 is urged toward the locking position by an urging member 103.

The operating member 104 includes an operating shaft 104A extending in the up-down direction, a connecting shaft 104B extending in the front-back direction from the lower portion of the operating shaft 104A, and a pair of front and rear cam members 104C coupled to the front and rear ends of the connecting shaft 104B. The upper end of the operating shaft 104A protrudes above the housing 101 by passing through an operating hole 107A formed in the upper portion of the upper housing member 107. The operating member 104 is supported by the housing 101 to be slidably movable in the up-down direction. The front and rear cam members 104C are arranged between the front and rear pressing members 103.

Each cam member 104C includes a central portion 104D coupled to the connecting shaft 104B, left and right cam arm portions 104E extending laterally outward and downward from the upper end of the central portion 104D, and a stopper portion 104F extending laterally outward from the lower end of the central portion 104D. The distal end portion of each cam arm portion 104E is provided with a cam surface 104G facing laterally inward and downward. The upper portion of the main body 102A of each of the left and right locking members 102 is provided with a pair of front and rear cam surfaces 102F facing laterally outward and upward. The pair of front and rear cam surfaces 104G is opposite to the corresponding pair of cam surfaces 102F.

The operating member 104 is movable between an initial position and an operation position below the initial position. An urging member (not shown) is provided between the lower end of the operating shaft 104A and the housing 101. The operating member 104 is urged toward the initial position by the urging member.

When the operating member 104 is in the initial position, the cam surface 104G is spaced apart from the cam surface 102F upward. At this time, each stopper 104F of the operating member 104 pushes the inner surface of the main body 102A of the corresponding locking member 102 laterally outward, and each locking member 102 is kept in the locked position. The left and right side portions of each stopper 104F are preferably inclined upward and laterally inward. When the left and right locking members 102 are in the locked position, the plurality of protrusions 102D protrude into the corresponding locking holes 15 of the track 11 by passing through the housing opening 109 and the slider opening 12F, and are locked to the locking holes 15. Thereby, the movement of the slider 12 relative to the track 11 is restricted.

The upper end of the operating shaft 104A contacts the rear end of one of the respective rod side portions 41B of the operating rod 41. When the user pulls the rod central portion 41A of the operating rod 41 upward, the rear end of each of the left and right rod side portions 41B pushes the upper end of the operating shaft 104A downward. Therefore, the operating member 104 slides downward and moves from the initial position to the post-operation position. At this time, each stopper 104F of the operating member 104 is separated from each main body 102A, and each locking member 102 becomes movable from the locking position to the releasing position.

When the operating member 104 moves further downward toward the post-operation position, each cam surface 104G pushes the corresponding cam surface 102F downward and laterally inward. Thus, the left and right locking members 102 move from the locking position to the releasing position. Therefore, the plurality of protrusions 102D separate from the locking holes 15 of the rail 11 and move to the inside of the housing 101. Thus, the slider 12 becomes movable relative to the rail 11.

The angle of each cam surface 104G and the angle of each cam surface 102F relative to the water surface (the surface perpendicular to the axis of the operating shaft 104A) are preferably greater than or equal to 16 degrees and less than or equal to 27 degrees, more preferably greater than or equal to 20 degrees and less than or equal to 25 degrees. Thus, a large stroke of the operating member 104 can be achieved. Therefore, a large stroke of each locking member 102 can be achieved, and a large protruding length of each convex portion 102D entering the locking hole 15 can be achieved. In addition, a large distance between each convex portion 102D and the locking hole 15 when the locking member 102 is in the release position can be achieved.

Third embodiment

16 to 18 , a slide locking device 130 according to the third embodiment is different from the slide locking device 100 according to the second embodiment in the configurations of a locking member 102 and an operating member 104. In the slide locking device 130, the same configurations as those of the slide locking device 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In the slide lock device 130, left and right lock members 131 are supported by the housing 101 to be slidably movable in the left-right direction. In addition, an operation member 132 is supported by the housing 101 to be slidably movable in the up-down direction.

Each locking member 131 includes a main body 131A extending in the front-to-back direction and a connecting portion 131B extending from the front or rear end of the main body 131A in the left-right direction toward the center of the housing 101. A plurality of convex portions 131C are provided on the side surface of the main body 131A. The configuration of the main body 131A and the convex portion 131C may be the same as that of the main body 102A and the convex portion 102D.

Preferably, in one locking member 131, the connecting portion 131B is provided at the front end of the main body 131A, and in the other locking member 131, the connecting portion 131B is provided at the rear end of the main body 131A. Each connecting portion 131B is formed with a cam groove 131D. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the cam groove 131D extends upward from one side of the main body 131A toward the protruding end of the connecting portion 131B. In the present embodiment, the cam groove 131D extends linearly. The cam groove 131D penetrates the connecting portion 131B in the front-rear direction.

The left and right locking members 131 are movable between a locking position in which the plurality of projections 131C protrude laterally outward from the housing 101 and a releasing position in which the plurality of projections 131C are retracted into the housing 101 .

The operating member 132 includes an operating shaft 132A extending in the up-down direction and a connecting shaft 132B extending forward and backward from the lower end of the operating shaft 132A. The upper end of the operating shaft 132A protrudes upward from the housing 101. The connecting shaft 132B is arranged inside the housing 101. The operating member 132 is supported by the housing 101 to be movable in the up-down direction.

The front end of the connecting shaft 132B engages with the cam groove 131D of one of the left and right locking members 131. The rear end of the connecting shaft 132B engages with the cam groove 131D of the other of the left and right locking members 131. When the left and right locking members 131 are in the locking position, the operating member 132 is in the initial position.

The slide locking device 130 includes a pressing member 134 for pressing the left and right locking members 131 toward the locking position. For example, the pressing member 134 may be a compression coil spring. For example, the pressing member 134 may be disposed between the left and right main bodies 131A. The pressing member 134 may press the left and right locking members 131 toward the locking position via the operating member 132.

The state in which the left and right locking members 131 are in the locked position is referred to as the locked state of the slide locking device 130. The state in which the left and right locking members 131 are in the released position is referred to as the released state of the slide locking device 130. When the slide locking device 130 is in the locked state, the left and right multiple protrusions 131C protrude laterally outward from the housing 101 and are locked in the multiple locking holes 15 of the rail 11. Thus, the movement of the slider 12 relative to the rail 11 is restricted. When the slide locking device 130 is in the released state, the left and right multiple protrusions 131C retract into the housing 101 and separate from the multiple locking holes 15 of the rail 11. Thus, the movement of the slider 12 relative to the rail 11 is allowed.

When the user operates the operating lever 41, the rear end of each rod side portion 41B of the operating lever 41 pushes the upper end of the operating shaft 132A downward, and the operating member 132 moves downward. Therefore, the front and rear ends of the connecting shaft 132B push the corresponding cam groove 131D downward, so that the left and right locking members 131 move to the release position.

Compared with the slide locking device 100 according to the second embodiment, in the slide locking device 130 according to the third embodiment, the guide member 108 and the cam member 104C can be omitted, so the number of components can be reduced. In addition, like the slide locking device 100 according to the second embodiment, in the slide locking device 130 according to the third embodiment, a large stroke of the locking member 131 can be achieved.

Fourth embodiment

As shown in Figure 19, the slide locking device 150 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the slide locking device 130 according to the third embodiment in the shape of the cam groove 131D. Each cam groove 131D extends in an arc shape from one side of the main body 131A toward the protruding end of the connecting portion 131B. Each cam groove 131D is formed into an arc shape that protrudes forward and laterally outward. Therefore, the operating member 132 requires a relatively large operating force when it starts to move from the initial state toward the post-operation position, and the required operating force becomes smaller as it approaches the post-operation position.

Fifth embodiment

As shown in Fig. 20, the slide locking device 160 according to the fifth embodiment is different from the slide locking device 130 according to the third embodiment in the connection portion 131B and the operating member 132 of each locking member 131. The front and rear connection portions 131B are each formed with a cam groove 131D penetrating in the up-down direction. When viewed from above, each cam groove 131D extends rearward from the main body 131A side toward the protruding end of the connection portion 131B.

The operating member 161 includes an operating shaft 161A provided in the housing 101 to be movable in the up-down direction, a transmission member 162 extending in the front-rear direction and provided in the housing 101 to be movable in the front-rear direction, and a plurality of pins 163 provided at the front and rear ends of the transmission member 162. Each pin 163 protrudes into a corresponding cam groove 131D.

The transmission member 162 is provided with a cam surface 162A that slidably contacts the lower end of the operating shaft 161A. The cam surface 162A is preferably inclined downward toward the rear. When the operating shaft 161A moves downward, the lower end of the operating shaft 161A pushes the cam surface 162A, and the transmission member 162 moves forward. At this time, each pin 163 pushes the corresponding cam groove 131D, whereby the locking member 131 moves from the locking position to the releasing position.

Sixth embodiment

As shown in FIG. 21 , the slide locking device 170 according to the sixth embodiment is different from the slide locking device 130 according to the third embodiment in that the locking member 131 and the operating member 132 are provided. Each locking member 131 includes a first rack 171 extending in the left-right direction. The operating member 132 includes an operating shaft 132A extending in the up-down direction, left and right second racks 172 provided on the left and right side surfaces of the operating shaft 132A and extending in the up-down direction, and left and right pinions 173 rotatably supported by the housing 101. The left pinion 173 meshes with the left first rack 171 and the left second rack 172. The right pinion 173 meshes with the right first rack 171 and the right second rack 172.

When the operating shaft 132A is in the initial position, the left and right locking members 131 are in the locked position. When the operating shaft 132A moves from the initial position to the operated position, the left and right pinions 173 meshing with the left and right second racks 172 rotate. Thus, the left and right locking members 131 having the first racks 171 engaged with the corresponding pinions 173 move from the locked position to the released position.

Seventh embodiment

As shown in FIG. 22 , the sliding locking device 180 according to the seventh embodiment is different from the sliding locking device 130 according to the third embodiment in that the locking member 131 and the operating member 132 are provided. The operating member 181 includes an operating shaft 182 and a screw shaft 183. The operating shaft 182 extends in the up-down direction and is supported by the housing 101 to be slidably movable in the up-down direction. The upper end of the operating shaft 182 protrudes upward from the housing 101. The lower part of the operating shaft 182 is provided with a rack 182A extending in the up-down direction. The screw shaft 183 extends laterally, and each of its left and right ends is formed with an external thread 183A. The left and right external threads 183A have different rotation directions (helical directions). The mutually opposing surfaces of the main body 131A of the left and right locking members 131 are each formed with an internal thread hole 184 extending in the left-right direction. The left and right external threads 183A of the screw shaft 183 are threadedly engaged with the corresponding internal thread holes 184 in the laterally direction. At the central portion of the screw shaft 183 , a pinion gear 183B engaged with the rack gear 182A is provided.

The upper end of the operating shaft 182 contacts the rear end of one of the rod side portions 41B of the operating rod 41. When the user operates the operating rod 41, the operating shaft 182 is pushed downward by the operating rod 41, and the operating shaft 182 moves downward. Therefore, the pinion 183B engaged with the rack 182A rotates, and the screw shaft 183 rotates. As a result, the left and right external threads 183A advance threadedly relative to the corresponding internal threaded holes 184, whereby the left and right locking members 131 move in directions toward each other. That is, the left and right locking members 131 move from the locking position to the release position. When the user stops the operation of the operating rod 41, the left and right locking members 131 move from the release position to the locking position due to the pressing force of the pressing member 134, and the operating shaft 182 moves to the initial position.

Eighth embodiment

As shown in Figure 23, the sliding locking device 190 according to the eighth embodiment is different from the sliding locking device 130 according to the third embodiment in that the locking member 131 and the operating member 132. The left and right locking members 131 are pivotally supported on a support shaft 191 supported by the housing 101, and are displaceable between a locking position and a release position. The support shaft 191 is arranged in the upper part of the housing 101 and extends in the front-to-back direction. In each of the left and right locking members 131, a connecting portion 131B extends upward and laterally inward from the upper part of the main body 131A. Each of the left and right connecting portions 131B has a width in the front-to-back direction. The upper end of each connecting portion 131B is pivotally supported on the support shaft 191.

The operating member 132 includes an operating shaft 132A extending in the up-down direction, a left and right arm 192 and a left and right stopper 193 arranged on the operating shaft 132A. The operating member 132 is preferably arranged in front of and behind the support shaft 191. The operating shaft 132A is supported by the housing 101 to be displaceable in the up-down direction. The upper end of the operating shaft 132A protrudes above the housing 101. The left and right stopper 193 protrudes to the left and right from the lower end of the operating shaft 132A. The left and right arm 192 is configured in the housing 101 and protrudes to the left and right from the upper part of the operating shaft 132A. Between the lower end of the operating shaft 132A and the housing 101, a pressing member 195 for pressing the operating shaft 132A upward (toward the initial position) is provided.

When the operating member 132 is in the initial position, the left and right stoppers 193 contact the inner side surface of the main body 131A of the left and right locking members 131 and keep the left and right locking members 131 in the locked position. When the user operates the operating rod 41, the operating shaft 132A is pushed downward by the operating rod 41, and the operating shaft 132A moves downward. Therefore, the left and right stoppers 193 are separated from the corresponding main body 131A, so that the left and right locking members 131 become movable to the release position. In this state, when the operating member 132 moves further downward, the left and right arms 192 push the corresponding connecting parts 131B downward. Thus, the left and right locking members 131 pivot around the support shaft 191 and move from the locked position to the released position. Thus, the left and right locking members 131 are separated from the locking holes 15 of the track 11, so that the slide 12 becomes movable relative to the track 11. When the user stops the operation of the operating lever 41 , the left and right locking members 131 return to the locking position due to the urging force of the urging member 134 , and the operating member 132 returns to the initial position due to the urging force of the urging member 195 .

Ninth embodiment

As shown in FIG24, the slide locking device 200 according to the ninth embodiment is different from the slide locking device 130 according to the third embodiment in the locking member 131 and the operating member 132. The operating shaft 132A of the operating member 132 is connected to the left and right locking members 131 through the left and right connecting rods 201. Each connecting rod 201 includes a first shaft 201A pivotably coupled to the operating shaft 132A and a second shaft 201B pivotably coupled to the locking member 131. The first shaft 201A and the second shaft 201B extend parallel to each other in the front-rear direction.

At least one of the front and rear ends of the main body 131A of the locking member 131 is provided with a guide pin 203 protruding in the front-rear direction. The housing 101 is formed with left and right guide slots 204 for slidably receiving the left and right guide pins 203. Each guide slot 204 is inclined downward toward the lateral inner side.

When the user operates the operating rod 41, the operating shaft 132A is pushed downward by the operating rod 41, and the operating shaft 132A moves downward. Therefore, the left and right locking members 131 connected to the operating shaft 132A via the connecting rod 201 move from the locking position to the releasing position. That is, the left and right locking members 131 are pulled by the operating shaft 132A to move laterally inward from the housing 101. At this time, since the left and right guide pins 203 are guided by the left and right guide slots 204, the inclination of the left and right locking members 131 is suppressed.

Tenth embodiment

As shown in FIG. 25 , the slide locking device 210 according to the tenth embodiment is different from the slide locking device 130 according to the third embodiment in that the locking member 131 and the operating member 132 are provided. Each of the left and right locking members 131 includes a pivot shaft 211 protruding forward and backward from the lower portion of the front and rear ends of the main body 131A and an arm portion 212 extending laterally inward from the lower portion of the main body 131A. The front and rear pivot shafts 211 are pivotally supported by the housing 101. Thus, the left and right locking members 131 pivot around the front and rear pivot shafts 211 between the locking position and the release position. The left and right main body 131A is urged toward the locking position by the urging member 134.

The operating member 132 includes an operating shaft 132A extending in the up-down direction and a cam 213 disposed at the lower end of the operating shaft 132A. The cam 213 includes a pair of left and right recessed portions 213A in the middle portion in the up-down direction. The left and right recessed portions 213A are laterally recessed inward from the left and right side surfaces of the cam 213. The cam 213 includes a pair of left and right upper convex portions 213B protruding laterally outward above the left and right recessed portions 213A, and includes a pair of left and right lower convex portions 213C protruding laterally outward below the left and right recessed portions 213A. Each recessed portion 213A is connected to a corresponding upper convex portion 213B by a smooth curved surface. Each recessed portion 213A is connected to a corresponding lower convex portion 213C by a smooth curved surface. The operating member 132 is pressed toward the initial position by a pressing member 215.

When the operating member 132 is in the initial position, the arm 212 of the left and right locking members 131 is located in the corresponding recessed portion 213A, and the left and right locking members 131 are in the locked position. When the user operates the operating rod 41, the operating shaft 132A is pushed downward by the operating rod 41, and the operating shaft 132A moves downward. At this time, since the left and right upper protrusions 213B push the corresponding arm 212 downward, the left and right locking members 131 pivot toward the release position. Then, when the operating member 132 reaches the post-operation position, the left and right locking members 131 reach the release position.

Eleventh Embodiment

As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the sliding locking device 220 according to the eleventh embodiment is different from the sliding locking device 130 according to the third embodiment in terms of the housing 101, the locking member 131 and the operating member 132. The housing 221 includes an upper wall 221A having a surface facing upward and downward, a front wall 221B extending downward from the front edge of the upper wall 221A and having a surface facing forward and backward, and a rear wall 221C extending downward from the rear edge of the upper wall 221A and having a surface facing forward and backward. Each of the front wall 221B and the rear wall 221C is formed with a guide slot 221D penetrating in the front-to-back direction and extending laterally. At the center of the upper wall 221A, a polygonal hole 221E penetrating in the up-down direction is formed. The polygonal hole 221E is preferably formed in a quadrilateral shape.

Each of the front and rear ends of the main body 131A of each of the left and right locking members 131 is provided with a first guide pin 223 protruding in the front-rear direction. The front and rear first guide pins 223 are received in the corresponding guide slots 221D. Thus, the left and right locking members 131 are supported by the housing 101 so as to be movable slidably left and right between a locking position and a release position. At the lower end of each main body 131A, a guide arm 224 extending downward is provided. The lower end portion of each guide arm 224 is provided with a locking portion 224A bent laterally outward.

The operating member 132 includes an operating shaft 226, a cam plate 227 and a pressing member 228. The operating shaft 226 extends in the up-down direction. The operating shaft 226 is formed in a polygonal pillar shape. In the present embodiment, the operating shaft 226 has a quadrilateral cross section. The operating shaft 226 includes a torsion portion 226A in the middle portion in the up-down direction. At the torsion portion 226A, the operating shaft 226 is twisted 90 degrees around an axis extending in the up-down direction. The operating shaft 226 includes a stopper 226B protruding to the side from a portion above the torsion portion 226A.

The upper portion of the operating shaft 226 is inserted into the polygonal hole 221E so as to be movable in the up-down direction. The operating shaft 226 is engaged with the polygonal hole 221E, thereby limiting the rotation around the axis extending in the up-down direction. A stopper 226B is arranged below the upper wall 221A. The stopper 226B determines the initial position of the operating shaft 226 by contacting the upper wall 221A. The upper end of the operating shaft 226 contacts the rear end of one of the respective rod side portions 41B of the operating lever 41.

The cam plate 227 is a plate-like member having surfaces facing upward and downward. The cam plate 227 is preferably formed in a circular shape. At the center of the cam plate 227, an insertion hole 227A penetrating in the up-down direction is formed. A pair of cam slots 227B are formed around the insertion hole 227A of the cam plate 227. The pair of cam slots 227B are formed to be rotationally symmetrical about the axis of the cam plate 227. Each cam slot 227B penetrates the cam plate 227 in the up-down direction. The cam slot 227B extends in the circumferential direction of the cam plate 227 and has a first end 227C and a second end 227D. The distance between the first end 227C and the center of the cam plate 227 is greater than the distance between the second end 227D and the center of the cam plate 227.

The lower portion of the operating shaft 226 is inserted into the insertion hole 227A to be movable in the up-down direction. The insertion hole 227A is engaged with the lower portion of the operating shaft 226 so as to be non-rotatable relative to the operating shaft 226.

In each cam slot 227B, the guide arm 224 of the corresponding locking member 131 is inserted. By the main body 131A of each locking member 131 and the locking portion 224A, the movement of the cam plate 227 relative to each locking member 131 in the up-down direction is restricted.

The urging member 228 is provided between the stopper 226B and the cam plate 227. The urging member 228 may be a compression coil spring. The urging member 228 urges the operating shaft 226 upward relative to the cam plate 227. That is, the urging member 228 urges the operating shaft 226 toward the initial position.

When the operating shaft 226 is in the initial position, the lower portion of the operating shaft 226 is seated in the insertion hole 227A. At this time, each of the left and right guide arms 224 is seated in the first end 227C of the corresponding cam slot 227B. Therefore, the left and right locking members 131 are in their locking positions away from each other in the left-right direction.

When the user operates the operating lever 41, the operating shaft 226 is pushed downward by the operating lever 41, and the operating shaft 226 moves downward. As a result, the operating shaft 132A moves downward relative to the cam plate 227, and the twisting portion 226A enters the insertion hole 227A. Therefore, the cam plate 227 rotates, and each of the left and right guide arms 224 moves from the first end 227C to the second end 227D in the corresponding cam slot 227B. As a result, the left and right locking members 131 move in the direction toward each other in the left-right direction. That is, the left and right locking members 131 move from the locking position to the releasing position.

Twelfth Embodiment

As shown in Figures 28 to 30, the sliding locking device 240 according to the twelfth embodiment is different from the sliding locking device 220 according to the eleventh embodiment in that the housing 101, the locking member 131 and the operating member 132. Each of the front wall 221B and the rear wall 221C of the housing 221 is formed with a support hole 241 and left and right guide slots 242. The support hole 241 and the left and right guide slots 242 penetrate the front wall 221B or the rear wall 221C in the front-to-back direction. The left and right guide slots 242 are configured to be spaced apart from each other and extend laterally. Preferably, the left and right guide slots 242 are configured on a straight line extending laterally. The support hole 241 is configured between the left and right guide slots 242. The support hole 241 has a circular cross section. The upper wall 221A is formed with an insertion hole 243 that penetrates in the up-down direction.

Each of the front and rear ends of the main body 131A of each of the left and right locking members 131 is provided with a first guide pin 223 protruding in the front-rear direction. The front and rear first guide pins 223 are received in the corresponding guide slots 242. Thus, the left and right locking members 131 are supported by the housing 101 to be movable slidably left and right between a locking position and a release position. Between the left and right locking members 131, a plurality of pressing members 245 for pressing the left and right locking members 131 toward the locking position are provided.

The operating member 132 includes an operating shaft 247, a cam shaft 248, a pair of front and rear cam plates 249 and a pressing member 251. The operating shaft 247 extends in the up-down direction and is inserted into the insertion hole 243 to be movable in the up-down direction. A pressing portion 247A is provided at the lower end of the operating shaft 247. The pressing portion 247A has a greater width in the left-right direction than the upper portion of the operating shaft 247. In the middle portion of the operating shaft 247 in the up-down direction, a stopper 247B protruding in the radial direction is provided. The stopper 247B is arranged below the upper wall 221A. The stopper 247B cannot pass through the insertion hole 243. The pressing member 251 is preferably provided between the stopper 247B and the upper wall 221A. The pressing member 251 presses the operating member 132 toward the initial position. Preferably, the pressing member 251 is a tension coil spring. The upper end of the operating shaft 247 contacts the rear end of one of the respective lever side portions 41B of the operating lever 41 .

The cam shaft 248 extends in the front-rear direction. The front and rear ends of the cam shaft 248 are rotatably supported in the front and rear support holes 241. The middle portion of the cam shaft 248 is provided with a bent portion 248A protruding in the radial direction.

The front and rear cam plates 249 are respectively coupled to the front and rear ends of the cam shaft 248. Each cam plate 249 rotates integrally with the cam shaft 248. The front cam plate 249 may be disposed in front of or behind the front wall 221B. The rear cam plate 249 may be disposed in front of or behind the rear wall 221C.

Each cam plate 249 is a plate-shaped member having a surface facing forward and backward. The cam plate 249 is preferably formed in a circular shape. At the center of the cam plate 249, a coupling hole 249A penetrating in the front-to-back direction is formed. In the coupling hole 249A, the front end or the rear end of the cam shaft 248 is inserted and coupled in a non-rotatable manner.

A pair of cam slots 249B are formed around the coupling hole 249A of the cam plate 249. The pair of cam slots 249B are formed to be rotationally symmetrical about the axis of the cam plate 249. Each cam slot 249B penetrates the cam plate 249 in the front-rear direction. The cam slot 249B extends in the circumferential direction of the cam plate 249 and has a first end 249C and a second end 249D. The distance between the first end 249C and the center of the cam plate 249 is greater than the distance between the second end 249D and the center of the cam plate 249. Preferably, the cam slot 249B extends in a straight line from the first end 249C to the second end 249D.

In each cam slot 249B, the first guide pin 223 of the corresponding locking member 131 is inserted. As shown in FIG29, when the left and right locking members 131 are in the locking position, each first guide pin 223 is placed in the first position of the corresponding cam slot 249B. At this time, the curved portion 248A of the cam shaft 248 is placed on the lateral side of the rotation axis of the cam shaft 248.

As shown in Figure 30, when the user operates the operating lever 41, the operating shaft 247 is pushed downward by the operating lever 41, and the operating shaft 247 moves downward. Therefore, the pressing portion 247A at the lower end of the operating shaft 247 pushes the bent portion 248A of the cam shaft 248 downward. As a result, the cam shaft 248 and the front and rear cam plates 249 rotate. At this time, each first guide pin 223 of the left and right locking members 131 moves from the first end 249C to the second end 249D in the corresponding cam slot 249B. As a result, the left and right locking members 131 move in the direction toward each other in the left and right directions. That is, the left and right locking members 131 move from the locked position to the released position.

Thirteenth Embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 31 to 33, the slide locking device 270 according to the thirteenth embodiment is different from the slide locking device 220 according to the eleventh embodiment in terms of a housing 221, a locking member 131, and an operating member 132. Each of the front wall 221B and the rear wall 221C is formed with left and right support holes 271 in addition to the guide slot 221D. The upper wall 221A is formed with an insertion hole 272 penetrating in the up-down direction.

Each of the front and rear ends of the main body 131A of each of the left and right locking members 131 is provided with a first guide pin 223 protruding in the front-rear direction. The front and rear first guide pins 223 are received in the corresponding guide slots 221D. Thus, the left and right locking members 131 are supported by the housing 101 so as to be movable slidably left and right between the locking position and the release position. Between the left and right locking members 131, a plurality of pressing members 245 for pressing the left and right locking members 131 toward the locking position are provided. A locking recess 274 that is laterally recessed inward is formed at the lower portion of the outer side surface of each main body 131A.

The operating member 132 includes an operating shaft 275, a pair of left and right rods 276, and a pressing member 277. The operating shaft 275 extends in the up-down direction and is inserted into the insertion hole 272 to be movable in the up-down direction. In the middle portion of the operating shaft 275 in the up-down direction, a stopper 275A protruding in the radial direction is provided. The stopper 275A is arranged below the upper wall 221A. The stopper 275A cannot pass through the insertion hole 272. Preferably, the pressing member 277 is provided between the stopper 275A and the upper wall 221A. The pressing member 277 presses the operating member 132 toward the initial position. The pressing member 277 is preferably a tension coil spring. The upper end of the operating shaft 275 contacts the rear end of one of the respective rod side portions 41B of the operating rod 41.

The left and right rods 276 connect the operating member 132 to the left and right locking members 131, and move the left and right locking members 131 according to the movement of the operating member 132. The left and right rods 276 extend in the front-to-back direction. Each of the front and rear ends of each rod 276 is provided with a convex portion 276A extending in the front-to-back direction. Each convex portion 276A can be formed in a cylindrical shape. Each convex portion 276A is rotatably inserted in the corresponding support hole 271. Thus, each rod 276 is supported by the housing 101 so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the front-to-back direction.

Each lever 276 includes a base 276B extending laterally when viewed from the front, a first piece 276C protruding upward from one end of the base 276B, and a second piece 276D protruding upward from the other end of the base 276B, and is formed in a groove shape that is open upward. The first piece 276C of the left lever 276 contacts the lower end of the operating shaft 275 from below, and the second piece 276D of the left lever 276 contacts the locking recess 274 of the left locking member 131 from the left side. The first piece 276C of the right lever 276 contacts the first piece 276C of the left lever 276 from below, and the second piece 276D of the right lever 276 contacts the locking recess 274 of the right locking member 131 from the right side.

As shown in Figure 32, when the operating member 132 is in the initial position, the left and right locking members 131 are placed in the locked position. When the user operates the operating rod 41, as shown in Figure 33, the operating shaft 275 is pushed downward by the operating rod 41, and the operating shaft 275 moves downward. Therefore, the left and right rods 276 pivot and push the left and right locking members 131 laterally inward. That is, the left and right rods 276 move the left and right locking members 131 from the locked position to the released position.

Fourteenth Embodiment

34 to 35, the sliding locking device 290 according to the fourteenth embodiment differs from the sliding locking device 130 according to the third embodiment in the housing 101, the locking member 131 and the operating member 132. The upper surface of the bottom wall 291 of the housing 101 is provided with an inclined surface 292 inclined downward toward the lateral inner side.

The lower surface of the main body 131A of each of the left and right locking members 131 is provided with an inclined surface 293 inclined downward toward the lateral inner side. The left and right locking members 131 are urged by the urging member 134 toward the locked position.

The operation member 132 includes an operation shaft 132A extending in the up-down direction and a pressing portion 295 provided at a lower end of the operation shaft 132A. The pressing portion 295 is preferably formed in a plate shape.

As shown in FIG. 34 , when the left and right locking members 131 are in the locking position, the operating member 132 is pushed upward by the locking members 131 to be in the initial position.

When the user operates the operating rod 41, the operating shaft 132A is pushed downward by the operating rod 41, and the operating shaft 132A moves downward. Therefore, the left and right locking members 131 are pushed by the pressing portion 295 and move downward relative to the housing 101. At this time, the left and right locking members 131 are guided by the inclined surface 292 and move laterally inward. That is, the left and right locking members 131 move to the release position.

Fifteenth Embodiment

As shown in Figures 36 to 40, the sliding locking device 300 according to the fifteenth embodiment is different from the sliding locking device 100 according to the second embodiment in the configurations of the locking member 102, the operating member 104, the guide member 108, etc. The same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As shown in Figure 36, the housing 101 is configured to be fastened to the lower surface of the upper wall 12A of the slide member by a bracket 301. The bracket 301 extends in the front-to-back direction and is fastened to the upper wall 12A of the slide member at the front and rear ends. The central portion 301A of the bracket 301 in the front-to-back direction is recessed downward. The housing 101 is fixed to the upper surface of the central portion.

The operating member 104 includes an operating shaft 104A and a connecting member 303 extending forward and backward from the lower end of the operating shaft 104A. At each of the front and rear ends of the connecting member 303, a pressing shaft 304 extending in the front-to-rear direction is provided. A pair of front and rear stoppers 305 are provided on the lower sides of the front and rear portions of the connecting member 303. Each stopper 305 extends downward from the connecting member 303 and extends to both the left and right sides. The operating member 104 is urged upward, i.e., toward the initial position, by an urging member 306.

The front and rear guide members 108 are formed with second guide holes 307 for receiving the front and rear pressing shafts 304. Each second guide hole 307 extends in the up-down direction. Each pressing shaft 304 can move in the corresponding second guide hole 307 in the up-down direction.

Between the front end of the connecting member 303 and the front guide member 108, left and right cam members 310 are provided. Also between the rear end of the connecting member 303 and the rear guide member 108, similar left and right cam members 310 are provided. When the pressing shaft 304 moves downward, the left cam member 310 moves the left locking member 102 to the right, that is, toward the release position. When the pressing shaft 304 moves downward, the right cam member 310 moves the right locking member 102 to the left, that is, toward the release position. The left and right cam members 310 are supported by the housing 101 to be slidably movable in the left and right directions.

The left cam member 310 includes a cam surface 310A disposed below the pressing shaft 304 and a locking portion 310B for locking the guide shaft 102B of the left locking member 102. The cam surface 310A is inclined downward toward the left. The locking portion 310B can be a hook that locks the guide shaft 102B or a hole into which the guide shaft 102B protrudes. The right cam member 310 is formed to be bidirectionally symmetrical with the left cam member 310. When viewed from the front, the left and right cam members 310 have an overlap. When viewed from the front, the left and right cam surfaces 310A intersect with each other.

As shown in Figure 39, when the operating member 104 is in the initial position, the pressing shaft 304 is separated upward from the cam surface 310A of each cam member 310. At this time, the left and right locking members 102 are placed in the locked position due to the pressing member 103. In addition, each stopper 305 of the operating member 104 contacts the inner side surface of the main body 102A of the corresponding locking member 102, and each locking member 102 is held in the locked position.

When the user pulls up the rod center portion 41A of the operating rod 41, the rear end of each of the left and right rod side portions 41B pushes the upper end of the operating shaft 104A. As a result, as shown in Figure 40, the operating member 104 slides downward and moves from the initial position to the post-operation position. At this time, each stopper 305 of the operating member 104 is separated from each main body 102A, and each locking member 102 becomes movable from the locking position to the releasing position.

When the operating member 104 moves further downward toward the post-operation position, each pressing shaft 304 pushes the corresponding cam surface 310A downward. As a result, the left and right cam members 310 move laterally inward, and the locking member 102 moves from the locking position to the releasing position. As a result, the plurality of protrusions 102D separate from the locking holes 15 of the rail 11 and move to the inside of the housing 101. As a result, the slider 12 becomes movable relative to the rail 11.

When the locking member 102 reaches the release position, the pressing shaft 304 is separated from the end of the cam surface 310A. Therefore, the locking member 102 is prevented from receiving a load after reaching the release position. In addition, each cam member 310 is provided with a recessed portion 310C recessed downward near the cam surface 310A. Due to the recessed portion 310C, even if the pressing shaft 304 moves further downward, the contact between the pressing shaft 304 and the cam member 310 in the up-down direction can be avoided.

Sixteenth Embodiment

41 to 43, an electric slide rail 401 according to a sixteenth embodiment will be described. The electric slide rail 401 includes a rail 11 and a slider 12 that is slidably movable relative to the rail 11. As the slider 12 moves relative to the rail 11, the electric slide rail 401 moves the vehicle seat 3 relative to the floor 2. The configurations of the vehicle seat 3, the rail 11, and the slider 12 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG41 , the electric slide rail 401 includes a rail 11 extending in the front-rear direction and a slide 12 slidably engaged with the rail 11. As shown in FIGS41 and 42 , a screw assembly 403 and an electric motor 404 are supported on the lower surface of the slide upper wall 12A. The screw assembly 403 includes screw members 406, 407 supported by the slide 12 so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the front-rear direction. The electric motor 404 is supported by the slide 12 and rotates the screw members 406, 407.

In this embodiment, the threaded members 406, 407 include a first threaded member 406 and a second threaded member 407. In another embodiment, the threaded assembly 403 may include a single threaded member.

As shown in FIG43, the first threaded member 406 has a shaft portion 406A extending in the front-to-back direction and a thread 406B formed on the outer circumferential surface of the middle portion of the shaft portion 406A in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the second threaded member 407 has a shaft portion 407A extending in the front-to-back direction and a thread 407B formed on the outer circumferential surface of the middle portion of the shaft portion 407A in the longitudinal direction. The number of threads 406B and 407B is preferably determined according to the size of the electric slide 401 and the required strength of the electric slide 401 in the longitudinal direction. For example, when it is desired to increase the required strength, it is preferred to increase the number of threads 406B and 407B. As shown in FIG41, the threaded assembly 403 includes a gear housing 411 that rotatably supports the first threaded member 406 and the second threaded member 407, and a first bracket 412 that supports the gear housing 411 on the slide 12.

As shown in Figures 42 and 43, the gear housing 411 is formed in a rectangular box shape that is elongated in the front-to-back direction. The gear housing 411 rotatably supports the first threaded member 406, the second threaded member 407, and the drive shaft 413 coupled to the rotating shaft of the electric motor 404. The first threaded member 406, the second threaded member 407, and the drive shaft 413 each extend in the front-to-back direction and are arranged in the gear housing 411 so as to be parallel to each other. The gear housing 411 includes a housing body 411A in a box shape that opens rearward and a cover 411B that is coupled to the rear end of the housing body 411A. The housing body 411A and the cover 411B are fastened to each other using threads.

The front and rear ends of the shaft portion 406A of the first threaded member 406, the front and rear ends of the shaft portion 407A of the second threaded member 407, and the front and rear ends of the drive shaft 413 are each supported by the gear housing 411 to be rotatable and movable in the front-rear direction. Preferably, the front and rear ends of the shaft portion 406A of the first threaded member 406, the front and rear ends of the shaft portion 407A of the second threaded member 407, and the front and rear ends of the drive shaft 413 are each supported by the gear housing 411 via a bearing 415.

The first screw member 406 is arranged along the left side of the gear housing 411, and the second screw member 407 is arranged along the right side of the gear housing 411. The drive shaft 413 is arranged below the middle between the first screw member 406 and the second screw member 407.

The drive shaft 413 includes a drive gear 413A inside the gear housing 411. The first threaded member 406 has a first gear 406C engaged with the drive gear 413A. The second threaded member 407 has a second gear 407C engaged with the drive gear 413A. Each of the drive gear 413A, the first gear 406C, and the second gear 407C can be a spur gear. When the drive shaft 413 rotates, the first threaded member 406 and the second threaded member 407 rotate in the same direction as each other. The first gear 406C and the second gear 407C can be symmetrical in shape.

The first gear 406C is supported to be displaceable in the front-to-back direction (axial direction) relative to the shaft portion 406A of the first threaded member 406 and is not rotatable relative to the shaft portion 406A. For example, preferably, a polygonal hole is formed at the center of the first gear 406C, and the shaft portion 406A has a polygonal columnar portion that is assembled in the polygonal hole to be non-rotatable and movable in the front-to-back direction. Similarly, the second gear 407C is supported to be displaceable in the front-to-back direction (axial direction) relative to the shaft portion 407A of the second threaded member 407, and is not rotatable relative to the shaft portion 407A. The first gear 406C and the second gear 407C have a length in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, even when the first gear 406C moves in the front-to-back direction, the engagement between the first gear 406C and the drive gear 413A is also maintained. Similarly, even when the second gear 407C moves in the front-to-back direction, the engagement between the second gear 407C and the drive gear 413A is also maintained.

The screw assembly 403 includes a first pressing member 406D for pressing the first screw member 406 in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the first pressing member 406D is supported on the rear end of the shaft portion 406A. The first pressing member 406D is arranged between the thread 406B and the first gear 406C. The first pressing member 406D presses the shaft portion 406A and the thread 406B forward relative to the gear housing 411.

The screw assembly 403 includes a second pressing member 407D for pressing the second threaded member 407 in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the second pressing member 407D is supported on the front end of the shaft portion 407A. The second pressing member 407D is arranged between the thread 406B and the front bearing 415. The second pressing member 407D presses the shaft portion 407A and the thread 407B backward relative to the gear housing 411. The first pressing member 406D and the second pressing member 407D can be at least one coil spring, a compression coil spring, a leaf spring, rubber, etc.

The first buffer member 406E may be disposed in a gap in the front-rear direction between the first threaded member 406 and the gear housing 411. The first buffer member 406E is preferably disposed on the end of the shaft portion 406A opposite to the first pressing member 406D. In the present embodiment, the first buffer member 406E is supported on the front end of the shaft portion 406A. The first buffer member 406E is disposed between the thread 406B and the front bearing 415.

The second buffer member 407E may be disposed in a gap in the front-rear direction between the second threaded member 407 and the gear housing 411. The second buffer member 407E is preferably disposed on the end of the shaft portion 407A opposite to the second pressing member 407D. In the present embodiment, the second buffer member 407E is supported on the rear end of the shaft portion 407A. The second buffer member 407E is disposed between the thread 407B and the rear bearing 415. The first buffer member 406E and the second buffer member 407E may be rubber, nonwoven fabric, etc.

As shown in Figures 41 and 42, the gear housing 411 has a housing opening 418, which is an opening for exposing the first threaded member 406 and the second threaded member 407 to the side. The thread 406B of the first threaded member 406 passes through the housing opening 418 formed in the left side portion of the gear housing 411 and protrudes to the left. Similarly, the thread 407B of the second threaded member 407 passes through the housing opening 418 formed in the right side portion of the gear housing 411 and protrudes to the right. The housing opening 418 is formed in the housing body 411A.

The first bracket 412 extends in the front-to-back direction and includes a first coupling portion 412A disposed at the front end and a second coupling portion 412B disposed at the rear end. The first bracket 412 is coupled to the lower surface of the upper wall 12A of the sliding member 12 at the first coupling portion 412A and the second coupling portion 412B. The first bracket 412 includes a support portion 412C extending from the first coupling portion 412A to the second coupling portion 412B. The first bracket 412 is preferably an integral metal member including the first coupling portion 412A, the second coupling portion 412B and the support portion 412C. The support portion 412C has a portion disposed below the first coupling portion 412A and the second coupling portion 412B. Due to the support portion 412C, the first bracket 412 cooperates with the upper wall 12A of the sliding member to form a closed structure. The gear housing 411 is disposed between the upper wall 12A of the sliding member 12 and the support portion 412C. The first bracket 412 is formed by bending a metal sheet. The first coupling portion 412A extends forward from the front of the gear housing 411, and the second coupling portion 412B extends rearward from the rear of the gear housing 411. The first coupling portion 412A and the second coupling portion 412B are preferably fastened to the slider upper wall 12A by fastening members such as screws, rivets, etc. The distance between the fastening points of the first coupling portion 412A and the second coupling portion 412B is set to be longer than the front-to-rear length of the gear housing 411.

Behind the first bracket 412, a second bracket 421 is provided for supporting the electric motor 404 on the upper wall 12A of the slider 12. The second bracket 421 includes a coupling portion 421A coupled to the upper wall 12A of the slider and a support portion 421B extending downward from the coupling portion 421A in a direction opposite to the upper wall 12A of the slider. The support portion 421B is perpendicular to the coupling portion 421A, so that the second bracket 421 is formed in an L shape. The electric motor 404 is coupled to the support portion 421B at one end thereof. In the present embodiment, the electric motor 404 is arranged below the coupling portion 421A, and the second bracket 421 supports the end of the electric motor 404 on one side of the threaded members 406, 407 in a cantilever manner.

The rear end of the drive shaft 413 protrudes backward from the rear support member 411C of the gear housing 411, and extends backward to pass through the through hole formed in the first bracket 412. The rotating shaft of the electric motor 404 is connected to the rear end of the drive shaft 413. The rotating shaft of the electric motor 404 and the drive shaft 413 are preferably combined with each other by coupling. In addition, the rotating shaft of the electric motor 404 and the drive shaft 413 may have an assembly portion that engages with each other. The rotating shaft of the electric motor 404 and the drive shaft 413 are arranged on the same straight line. The electric motor 404 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends in the front-to-back direction.

A reducer may be provided between the rotating shaft of the electric motor 404 and the drive shaft 413. For example, the reducer is preferably a planetary gear mechanism. The reducer is preferably provided on the surface of the support portion 421B of the second bracket 421 opposite to the electric motor 404. In another embodiment, the reducer may be supported on the rear end surface of the gear housing 411. The reducer is an optional configuration and may be omitted.

The rotating shaft of the electric motor 404 and the drive shaft 413 can be coupled via a flexible shaft. Thus, the rotating shaft of the electric motor 404 and the drive shaft 413 can be arranged to be offset from each other. In this way, the degree of freedom of the layout of the screw assembly 403 and the electric motor 404 is improved.

The threaded assembly 403, the electric motor 404, the first bracket 412 and the second bracket 421 are arranged below the upper wall 12A of the slider and between the left and right inner side walls 12B of the slider. Each of the left and right inner side walls 12B of the slider has a slider opening 12F at a position corresponding to the threaded assembly 403. The slider opening 12F is formed in a recessed portion 12E of the slider inner side wall 12B. The left portion of the thread 406B of the first threaded member 406 passes through the left housing opening 418 of the gear housing 411 and the slider opening 12F of the left slider inner side wall 12B, and protrudes to the left from the left slider inner side wall 12B. Similarly, the right portion of the thread 407B of the second threaded member 407 passes through the right housing opening 418 of the gear housing 411 and the slider opening 12F of the right slider inner side wall 12B, and protrudes to the right from the right slider inner side wall 12B.

The rail 11 is formed with a plurality of locking holes 15 extending in the front-rear direction to engage with the threaded members 406, 407. The first threaded member 406 engages with the plurality of locking holes 15 at the left portion of the thread 406B, and moves forward and backward relative to the locking holes 15 by rotation. Similarly, the second threaded member 407 engages with the plurality of locking holes 15 at the right portion of the thread 407B, and moves forward or backward relative to the locking holes 15 by rotation.

The rotation of the electric motor 404 is transmitted to the first threaded member 406 and the second threaded member 407 via the rotating shaft, the driving shaft 413, the driving gear 413A, and the first gear 406C or the second gear 407C. As a result, the first threaded member 406 and the second threaded member 407 rotate in the same direction. When the first threaded member 406 and the second threaded member 407 rotate, the first threaded member 406 and the second threaded member 407 move forward or backward relative to the locking hole 15, and the slider 12 moves forward or backward relative to the rail 11.

In the electric slide 401 according to the present embodiment, since the electric motor 404 and the threaded assembly 403 are fixed to the slider 12, the inclination of the first threaded member 406 and the second threaded member 407 relative to the locking hole 15 is suppressed. Therefore, the first threaded member 406 can be engaged with the locking hole 15 at an appropriate angle, and the rotation of the first threaded member 406 becomes smooth. The same applies to the second threaded member 407. As a result, it is possible to provide an electric slide 401 that can operate smoothly. In addition, since the electric motor 404 is mounted to the slider 12 received in the track 11, the outer shape of the electric slide 401 can be made compact. In addition, since the electric motor 404 is configured inside the slider 12, the distance between the electric motor 404 and the threaded assembly 403 can be reduced, and the length of the drive shaft 413 connecting the electric motor 404 to the threaded assembly 403 can be shortened. Therefore, the deflection of the drive shaft 413 is suppressed, and the threaded assembly 403 can rotate smoothly.

Since the screw assembly 403 includes two screw members, namely the first screw member 406 and the second screw member 407, the screw assembly 403 can be made compact while being engaged with the locking holes 15 of the inner side walls of the two rails. In addition, since the direction of the reaction force received by the first screw member 406 from the locking hole 15 and the direction of the reaction force received by the second screw member 407 from the locking hole 15 are opposite to each other, the first screw member 406 is reliably engaged with the locking hole 15 and the second screw member 407 is reliably engaged with the locking hole 15.

The first threaded member 406 and the second threaded member 407 constitute the threaded assembly 403 together with the gear housing 411 and the first bracket 412 , and therefore, assembling to the slider 12 is easy.

Since the first urging member 406D urges the thread 406B forward, when the electric motor 404 stops, the thread 406B can contact the front edge of the locking hole 15. In addition, since the second urging member 407D urges the thread 407B backward, when the electric motor 404 stops, the thread 407B can contact the rear edge of the locking hole 15. Due to this, the rattling sound of the screw assembly 403 relative to the rail 11 can be suppressed.

Due to the first buffer member 406E, the collision between the first screw member 406 and the bearing 415 in the front-rear direction is suppressed, and the generation of collision sound is suppressed. Due to the second buffer member 407E, the collision between the second screw member 407 and the bearing 415 in the front-rear direction is suppressed, and the generation of collision sound is suppressed.

Seventeenth Embodiment

Referring to Figures 44 and 45, an electric slide rail 450 according to a seventeenth embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 44, in the electric slide rail 450, a first locking plate 451 is provided between the thread 406B of the first threaded member 406 and the first gear 406C. The first locking plate 451 includes a plate portion 451A having a surface facing forward and backward and fixed to the gear housing 411, an insertion hole 451B penetrating the plate portion 451A in the front-rear direction, and at least one convex portion 451C protruding from the plate portion 451A toward the thread 406B. The shaft portion 406A of the first threaded member 406 passes through the insertion hole 451B.

At the rear end of the thread 406B, at least one convex portion 454 protruding rearward is provided. The first urging member 406D is provided between the plate portion 451A of the first locking plate 451 and the thread 406B. The first urging member 406D urges the thread 406B forward relative to the first locking plate 451.

As shown in FIG45, the second locking plate 461 is provided between the thread 407B of the second threaded member 407 and the front bearing 415. The second locking plate 461 includes a plate portion 461A having a surface facing forward and backward and fixed to the gear housing 411, an insertion hole 461B penetrating the plate portion 461A in the front-rear direction, and at least one convex portion 461C protruding from the plate portion 461A toward the thread 407B. The shaft portion 407A of the second threaded member 407 passes through the insertion hole 461B.

At the front end of the thread 407B, at least one convex portion 464 protruding forward is provided. The second urging member 407D is provided between the plate portion 461A of the second locking plate 461 and the thread 407B. The second urging member 407D urges the thread 407B rearward relative to the second locking plate 461.

When the predetermined forward load is not applied to the slider 12, the convex portion 451C of the first locking plate 451 and the convex portion 454 of the thread 406B are separated from each other in the front-to-back direction due to the urging force of the first pressing member 406D. Therefore, the first threaded member 406 can rotate relative to the first locking plate 451 and the gear housing 411. Similarly, when the predetermined backward load is not applied to the slider 12, the convex portion 461C of the second locking plate 461 and the convex portion 464 of the thread 407B are separated from each other in the front-to-back direction due to the urging force of the second pressing member 407D. Therefore, the second threaded member 407 can rotate relative to the second locking plate 461 and the gear housing 411. Note that when the electric motor 404 is also rotating, the first threaded member 406 and the second threaded member 407 can similarly rotate relative to the gear housing 411.

When a predetermined forward load is applied to the slider 12, the gear housing 411 and the first locking plate 451 move forward against the urging force of the first urging member 406D, and the convex portion 451C of the first locking plate 451 and the convex portion 454 of the thread 406B engage in the circumferential direction. Thus, the first threaded member 406 becomes non-rotatable relative to the first locking plate 451 and the gear housing 411. Similarly, when a predetermined backward load is applied to the slider 12, the gear housing 411 and the second locking plate 461 move backward against the urging force of the second urging member 407D, and the convex portion 461C of the second locking plate 461 and the convex portion 464 of the thread 407B engage in the circumferential direction. Thus, the second threaded member 407 becomes non-rotatable relative to the second locking plate 461 and the gear housing 411. In this manner, when a predetermined forward or backward load is applied to the slider 12 , the rotation of the first threaded member 406 or the second threaded member 407 is restricted, whereby the movement of the slider 12 relative to the rail 11 is restricted.

Eighteenth Embodiment

Referring to Figure 46, the electric slide rail 470 according to the eighteenth embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 46, the first threaded member 406 can be longitudinally divided into a front portion 471 and a rear portion 472. The front portion 471 and the rear portion 472 are connected so as to be movable relative to each other in the front-to-back direction and not rotatable relative to each other. For example, the rear end of the front portion 471 is preferably formed with a polygonal hole 471A, and the front end of the rear portion 472 is preferably provided with a polygonal pillar 472A protruding into the polygonal hole 471A so as to be movable in the front-to-back direction and not rotatable.

The front portion 471 is urged rearward relative to the gear housing 411 by the front urging member 474. The rear portion 472 is urged forward relative to the gear housing 411 by the rear urging member 475. Therefore, the thread 406B of the front portion 471 contacts the rear edge of the locking hole 15 of the rail 11, and the thread 406B of the rear portion 472 contacts the front edge of the locking hole 15 of the rail 11. Therefore, the rattling sound of the rail 11 relative to the threaded assembly 403 is suppressed. The same applies to the second threaded member 407.

The axial length of the first threaded member 406 including the front portion 471 and the rear portion 472 is preferably set shorter than the axial length of the electric motor 404. The axial length of the first threaded member 406 including the front portion 471 and the rear portion 472 may be set longer than the axial length of the electric motor 404. The same applies to the second threaded member 407.

As shown in FIG. 47 , the rearmost locking hole 15 of the track 11 preferably has an extension 477 that expands the width forward. In a state before the slider 12 having the thread assembly 403 mounted thereon is assembled with the track 11, the front portion 471 and the rear portion 472 are brought into a position closest to each other by the front pressing member 474 and the rear pressing member 475. Thus, the distance between the rear end of the thread 406B of the front portion 471 and the front end of the thread 406B of the rear portion 472, i.e., the pitch, is short. Therefore, if the plurality of locking holes 15 are arranged at equal intervals, when the slider 12 is inserted into the track 11 from the rear, the front end of the thread 406B of the rear portion 472 cannot be smoothly inserted into the rearmost locking hole 15. In the present embodiment, since the rearmost locking hole 15 has the extension 477, the front end of the thread 406B of the rear portion 472 can be smoothly inserted into the rearmost locking hole 15. After the front end of the thread 406B of the rear portion 472 is inserted into the rearmost locking hole 15, the rear portion 472 relatively moves rearward away from the front portion 471 against the urging force of the rear urging member 475 according to the intervals of the plurality of locking holes 15. The same applies to the second threaded member 407.

When the slider 12 is inserted into the rail 11 from the front, the frontmost locking hole 15 of the rail 11 preferably has an extension (not shown) that expands the width rearward.

The positions of the plurality of wheels 18 in the slider 12 related to the sixteenth to eighteenth embodiments will now be described. As shown in FIGS. 48 and 49 , the plurality of wheels 18 include left and right front wheels 18A and left and right rear wheels 18B. When viewed in the left-right direction, the left and right front wheels 18A are arranged in front of the screw assembly 403. When viewed in the left-right direction, the left and right rear wheels 18B are arranged in a position overlapping with the electric motor 404.

Since the left and right front wheels 18A are arranged to avoid the screw assembly 403 and the electric motor 404 , it is possible to suppress an increase in the left-right width of the slider 12 .

Since the left and right rear wheels 18B are arranged in positions overlapping with the electric motor 404 when viewed in the left-right direction, an increase in the front-rear length of the slider 12 can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG50 , in another embodiment, the plurality of wheels 18 may include left and right front wheels 18A, left and right rear wheels 18B, and left and right intermediate wheels 18C. The left and right front wheels 18A are preferably disposed at the front end of the slider 12 when viewed in the left-right direction. The left and right intermediate wheels 18C may be disposed in a position overlapping with the screw assembly 403 when viewed in the left-right direction. The left and right rear wheels 18B are preferably disposed between the screw assembly 403 and the electric motor 404 when viewed in the left-right direction.

Since the left and right front wheels 18A are arranged in positions overlapping with the screw assembly 403 when viewed in the left-right direction, an increase in the front-rear length of the slider 12 can be suppressed.

Since the left and right rear wheels 18B are arranged between the screw assembly 403 and the electric motor 404 when viewed in the left-right direction, an increase in the front-rear length of the slider 12 can be suppressed. The left and right rear wheels 18B can be supported by using the space between the screw assembly 403 and the electric motor 404.

As shown in FIG51 , in another embodiment, the screw assembly 403 and the electric motor 404 may be arranged in the reverse order with respect to the front-rear direction. That is, the electric motor 404 may be arranged in front of the screw assembly 403. In this case, the left and right front wheels 18A may be arranged in a position overlapping with the electric motor 404 when viewed in the left-right direction. The left and right rear wheels 18B are preferably arranged behind the screw assembly 403.

As shown in FIG. 52 , in another embodiment, the front and rear electric motors 404 may be arranged in front of and behind the screw assembly 403. In this case, preferably, the drive shaft 413 extends forward and backward from the screw assembly 403 and is connected to the front and rear electric motors 404. The left and right front wheels 18A may be arranged in a position overlapping with the front electric motor 404 when viewed in the left-right direction. The left and right rear wheels 18B are preferably arranged behind the screw assembly 403. The front-to-rear length of each of the front and rear electric motors 404 is preferably longer than the front-to-rear length of the screw assembly 403. Thus, it is possible to increase the torque of the front and rear electric motors 404.

As shown in FIG. 3 , when viewed from above, a gap is formed between the rail inner side wall 11D of the rail 11 and the slider inner side wall 12B of the slider 12. Through this gap, a worker can check the first threaded member 406 and the second threaded member 407 from above. The upper portion of the protrusion 11G of the rail inner side wall 11D and the upper portion of the recessed portion 12E of the slider inner side wall 12B form parallel inclined surfaces facing each other. Thus, foreign matter is inhibited from intruding into the gap between the slider inner side wall 12B of the slider 12 and the rail inner side wall 11D of the rail 11.

As shown in FIG53, in another embodiment, at least one inspection window 481 penetrating the upper wall 12A of the slider in the up-down direction may be formed. The inspection window 481 is preferably disposed above at least one of the threaded assembly 403, the electric motor 404, and the drive shaft 413. A worker can check the threaded assembly 403, etc. through the inspection window 481.

54, the left and right sliders 12 may be connected to each other by a first wire 501 and a second wire 502. The first wire 501 connects the front end of the left slider 12 and the rear end of the right slider 12. The second wire 502 connects the front end of the right slider 12 and the rear end of the left slider 12.

The first wire 501 is wound around a first pulley 503 and a second pulley 504. The first pulley 503 is provided at the front end of the left rail 11, and the second pulley 504 is provided at the rear end of the right rail 11. The second wire 502 is wound around a third pulley 505 and a fourth pulley 506. The third pulley 505 is provided at the front end of the right rail 11, and the fourth pulley 506 is provided at the rear end of the left rail 11.

The first wire 501 and the second wire 502 extend to pass through the inside of the track 11. The first wire 501, the second wire 502, and the first to fourth pulleys 503 to 506 are preferably arranged under the floor 2. Due to the first wire 501 and the second wire 502, the left and right sliders 12 move synchronously with each other. The first wire 501 and the second wire 502 may be other linear members such as belts.

55, a sensor 510 for detecting tension may be provided between the left slider 12 and the first wire 501 and between the right slider 12 and the second wire 502. Preferably, the left and right electric motors 404 are controlled based on the tension detected by the sensor 510. For example, the left and right electric motors 404 are preferably controlled to reduce the tension detected by the sensor 510.

As shown in FIG56 , a sensor 520 for measuring the rotation speed of the left and right electric motors 404 may be provided. The left and right electric motors 404 are preferably controlled so that their rotation speeds become the same. Each sensor 520 may be, for example, a variable resistor, a rotary encoder, or a Hall element. In addition, the left and right rails 11 may be provided with a slide position sensor for detecting the position of the corresponding slide 12.

As shown in FIG57, the wire 530 is connected to the rear end of the left and right sliders 12. The wire 530 extends backward through the inside of the respective tracks 11. Behind the track 11, a reel 531 is provided on which the respective wire 530 is wound. The reel 531 is pressed in the direction of winding the wire 530. Each reel 531 is provided with a variable resistor 532 for measuring the rotation speed. In this embodiment, the position of the left and right sliders 12 is detected based on the rotation speed of the left and right reels 531.

The electric slide rails 401, 450, 470 according to the above-described embodiment are provided in a vehicle 600 as shown in FIGS. 58 and 59. As shown in FIG. 58, the vehicle 600 includes left and right front wheels 601, left and right rear wheels 602, and a carriage 603. In the carriage 603, a driver's seat 605, a first seat 606, a second seat 607, and a third seat 608 are provided. The first seat 606 may be referred to as a front passenger seat, the second seat 607 may be referred to as a center seat, and the third seat 608 may be referred to as a rear seat.

The driver's seat 605 is preferably provided in the left or right front portion of the compartment 603. The first seat 606 is preferably provided in a portion of the compartment 603 that is opposite to the driver's seat 605 in the left-right direction. The second seat 607 is preferably provided between the driver's seat 605 and the first seat 606. The third seat 608 is preferably arranged behind the driver's seat 605.

The electric slide rail 606A for the first seat 606 , the electric slide rail 607A for the second seat 607 , and the electric slide rail 608A for the third seat 608 may be any one of the above-mentioned electric slide rails 401 , 450 , 470 .

The left and right rails 11 of the electric slide 606A for the first seat 606 preferably extend from the front of the carriage 603 to the rear wheel 602 in the front-rear direction. The rear ends of the left and right rails 11 of the electric slide 606A can be arranged behind the front ends of the rear wheels 602.

The left and right rails 11 of the electric slide 607A for the second seat 607 preferably extend from the front of the carriage 603 to the rear wheel 602 in the front-rear direction. The rear ends of the left and right rails 11 of the electric slide 607A can be arranged behind the front ends of the rear wheels 602.

The left and right rails 11 of the electric slide rail 607A for the third seat 608 preferably extend from the rear of the driver's seat 605 to the rear wheel 602 in the front-rear direction. The rear ends of the left and right rails 11 of the electric slide rail 607A can be arranged behind the front ends of the rear wheels 602.

The rear end of the left and right rails 11 of each of the electric slide rails 606A, 607A, 608A may be disposed at the rear end of the carriage 603 .

As shown in Figure 59, the second seat 607 can be omitted. The left and right tracks 11 of the electric slide 606A for the first seat 606 can be set to be inclined relative to the front-rear direction. For example, the left and right tracks 11 of the electric slide 606A for the first seat 606 can be tilted laterally inward toward the rear. The left and right tracks 11 of the electric slide 606A for the first seat 606 are preferably configured to avoid the wheel cover 611 of the rear wheel 602. The front end of one of the left and right tracks 11 of the electric slide 606A for the first seat 606 is preferably configured in front of the wheel cover 611 of the rear wheel 602. This also applies to the left and right tracks 11 of the electric slide 608A of the third seat 608.

Each electric slide rail 606A, 608A can be coupled to the seat cushion of the corresponding seat 606, 608 via a transverse sliding device 615. The transverse sliding device 615 includes a lower track extending in the left-right direction and an upper track coupled to the lower track to be slidably movable in the left-right direction. The lower track is coupled to the left and right sliding members 12 of each electric slide rail 606A, 608A. The upper track is coupled to the seat cushion of each seat 606, 608. Due to the transverse sliding device 615, each seat 606, 608 can move in the transverse direction. Therefore, interference with the wheel cover 611 of the rear wheel 602 can be further avoided.

As shown in Figures 60 and 61, a vehicle seat 702 provided with an electric slide rail 701 is rotatable about an axis X extending in the up-down direction. The electric slide rail 701 may be any one of the electric slide rails 401, 450, 470 of the above-described embodiments. The configuration of the electric slide rail 701 is denoted by the same reference numerals as the configuration of the electric slide rails 401, 450, 470, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The vehicle seat 702 includes a rotating device 705 disposed between the seat cushion 5 and the left and right slides 12 and supporting the seat cushion 5 so as to be rotatable relative to the left and right slides 12. The rotating device 705 includes a base 711 coupled to the left and right slides 12, a rotating portion 712 disposed on the seat cushion 5 and supported by the base 711 so as to be rotatable around an axis X, and an electric motor 713 that rotates the rotating portion 712 relative to the base 711. Between the rotating portion 712 and the seat cushion 5, a lifting device 715 may be provided. The lifting device 715 raises and lowers the seat cushion 5 relative to the rotating portion 712.

The base 711 includes left and right lower side plates 711A coupled to the left and right slide members 12 and a lower center plate 711B having a disc shape and coupled to the left and right lower side plates 711A. The rotating portion 712 includes an upper center plate 712A having a disc shape and supported by the lower center plate 711B to be rotatable around the axis X and an upper plate 712B coupled to the upper center plate 712A. The seat cushion 5 is preferably coupled to the upper plate 712B.

On the lower surface of the seat cushion 5, a control device 720 for controlling the electrical devices provided on the seat cushion 5 and the seat back 6 is provided. The control device 720 is an electronic control unit and is a computing device including a microprocessor (MPU), a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory, and an interface. The control device 720 implements various applications by executing a program stored in the non-volatile memory using a microprocessor. The electrical devices preferably include a seat heater, a blower, an electric slide rail 701, and a lifting device 715.

The axis X of the rotating device 705 is arranged in a position overlapping with the left and right threaded components 403 of the electric slide 701 when viewed in the left-right direction. The left and right threaded components 403 of the electric slide 701 are arranged behind the electric motor 713 when viewed in the left-right direction.

When viewed in the left-right direction, the left and right electric motors 404 of the electric slide 701 are arranged behind the electric motor 713. When viewed in the left-right direction, the left and right electric motors 404 of the electric slide 701 are arranged behind the control device 720.

As shown in Fig. 61, when viewed in an upward direction, the left and right threaded components 403 of the electric slide 701 are arranged radially outside the lower center plate 711B and the upper center plate 712A, with the axis X as the center. That is, when viewed in an upward direction, the left and right threaded components 403 of the electric slide 701 are arranged laterally outside the lower center plate 711B and the upper center plate 712A.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 62 , when viewed in the left-right direction, the left and right threaded components 403 and the left and right electric motors 404 of the electric slide rail 701 may be disposed in front of the axis X of the rotating device 705 .

When viewed in the left-right direction, the left and right electric motors 404 of the electric slide 701 may be arranged in front of the electric motor 713. When viewed in the left-right direction, the left and right electric motors 404 of the electric slide 701 may be arranged in front of the control device 720.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG63, when viewed in the left-right direction, the axis X of the rotating device 705 is configured in a position overlapping with the left and right electric motors 404 of the electric slide 701. When viewed in the left-right direction, the rear ends of the left and right electric motors 404 of the electric slide 701 may be configured behind the axis X of the rotating device 705. When viewed in the left-right direction, the left and right threaded components 403 of the electric slide 701 may be configured in front of the electric motor 713. When viewed in the left-right direction, the rear ends of the left and right electric motors 404 of the electric slide 701 may be configured in front of the electric motor 713.

When viewed in the left-right direction, rear ends of the left and right electric motors 404 of the electric slide rail 701 may be disposed behind the control device 720 .

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG64 , when viewed in the left-right direction, the axis X of the rotating device 705 passes between the rear ends of the left and right threaded components 403 of the electric slide 701 and the front ends of the left and right electric motors 404. When viewed in the left-right direction, the left and right threaded components 403 of the electric slide 701 are preferably arranged behind the electric motor 713. When viewed in the left-right direction, the left and right electric motors 404 of the electric slide 701 may be arranged behind the electric motor 713. When viewed in the left-right direction, the rear ends of the left and right electric motors 404 of the electric slide 701 may be arranged behind the control device 720.

Although specific embodiments have been described above, the present invention can be modified in various ways without being limited to the above-described embodiments.

Reference numerals list

1: Sliding device

2: Floor

3: Vehicle seats

11: Track

11A: Track bottom wall

11B: Outer side wall of track

11C: Track wall

11D: Inner wall of track

12: Sliding parts

12A: Sliding upper wall

12B: Inner wall of sliding part

12F: Slider opening

15: Locking hole

30: Slide lock device

31: Shell

31A: Lower housing member

31B: Upper shell member

31C: Spiral groove

31D: Shell opening

32: Locking components

32A: Shaft

32B: convex part

32C: Arm

33: Pressing member

34: Operation components

34A: Main body

34B: Pressing part

34C: Support shaft

35: Insert hole

36: Operation hole

37: Pressing member.

Claims (10)

1. A slide lock device for a slide device, wherein

The sliding device includes a rail provided with a plurality of locking holes arranged in an extending direction of the rail and a slider slidably supported on the rail,

The slide lock device includes: a housing coupled to the slider; at least one locking member supported by the housing to be rotatable between a release position and a locking position; an urging member urging the locking member toward the locking position; and an operating member displaceably supported by the housing and contacting the locking member,

The locking member includes at least one protrusion configured to engage the plurality of locking holes when the locking member is in the locked position and disengage the plurality of locking holes when the locking member is in the released position, and

When the operating member moves from the initial position to the post-operation position, the operating member presses the locking member and moves the locking member from the locking position to the release position.

2. The slide lock device according to claim 1, wherein the operating member is supported by the housing so as to be pivotable between the initial position and the post-operation position.

3. The slide lock device according to claim 1, wherein the boss extends helically around a rotational axis of the lock member, and

The housing is provided with a helical groove for slidably receiving the boss.

4. The slide locking device according to claim 1, wherein the boss protrudes from the housing when the locking member is in the locked position, and the boss is disposed within the housing when the locking member is in the released position.

5. The slide lock device according to claim 1, wherein the lock member includes an arm portion protruding in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the lock member,

The operating member presses the arm portion in a first direction parallel to a tangential direction about a rotational axis of the locking member, and

When the lock member reaches the release position, the arm portion and the operating member do not overlap in the first direction.

6. The slide lock device according to claim 5, wherein a pair of the lock members are arranged in parallel with each other,

A pair of the arm portions extending in a direction toward each other when each of the pair of locking members is in the locking position, and

The operating member contacts each of the pair of arm portions.

7. The slide lock device according to claim 1, wherein the slide includes an upper wall and a pair of side walls extending downwardly from the upper wall,

The housing is bonded to the bottom surface of the upper wall and is disposed between the pair of side walls, and

Portions of the pair of side walls opposite to the housing are formed with openings through which the protrusions can pass.

8. The slide lock device according to claim 7, wherein the operating member protrudes above the upper wall by passing through an operating hole formed in the upper wall.

9. An assembling method for a sliding device, wherein

The sliding device includes: a track; a slider slidably supported on the rail; and a slide locking device provided on the slider and configured to engage with the rail, the rail being provided with a plurality of locking holes arranged along an extending direction of the rail,

The slide lock device includes: a housing coupled to the slider; at least one locking member supported by the housing to be rotatable between a release position and a locking position; an urging member urging the locking member toward the locking position; and an operating member displaceably supported by the housing and contacting the locking member, and

The locking member includes at least one tab configured to engage the plurality of locking apertures when the locking member is in the locked position and disengage the plurality of locking apertures when the locking member is in the released position,

The assembly method comprises the following steps:

A step of assembling the slide locking device by mounting the locking member, the urging member, and the operating member to the housing;

A step of mounting the housing to the slider; and

And a step of mounting the slider to the rail.

10. The assembly method for a sliding apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the housing includes a plurality of housing members, and

The step of assembling the slide locking device includes:

a step of mounting the urging member to the locking member;

A step of causing one of the plurality of housing members to support a lock member to which the urging member is mounted and the operating member; and

And a step of bonding the plurality of housing members to each other.