DE102010060538A1 - Longitudinal guide for a motor vehicle seat - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a longitudinal guide for vehicle seats, in particular motor vehicle seats, with two elongated rails, each with a lower rail (4), an upper rail (2) mounted on this longitudinally displaceable and two diagonally opposite and mutually braced bearing areas (3, 5) for guide means (7 , 8), each top and bottom rail, viewed in profile, having an L-shaped region which is formed by a base leg (20, 40) and an L leg (21, 41) which projects essentially perpendicularly from it, and two end regions (23, 28; 52, 48), which connect to the L-shaped area, each end area of the upper or lower rail interlocking with the end area of the associated lower or upper rail forming a clasping area, the end areas (23, 28 ) the upper rail (2) with opposite sections (50, 44) of the associated lower rail form the bearing areas (3, 5), and i A plurality of balls (7) are supported in a first bearing area (3) on the end area (28) designed as an arcuate profile. According to the invention, measures are proposed in order to considerably increase the stiffness of the profile, in particular in the event of a crash, but at the same time to allow a low weight and a small width, in particular in the lower region of the rail profile. Furthermore, embodiments for locking devices of an associated longitudinal adjustment device are proposed.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a longitudinal guide for a motor vehicle seat with two on both sides of the motor vehicle seat at the bottom of the interior directly or indirectly fixed sub-rails.

Background of the invention

In such a longitudinal guide, an upper rail is displaceably arranged on each lower rail such that both rails form a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile in their functional position, wherein bearing areas of the upper rail are formed on the lower rail as Umklammerungsbereich on two substantially diagonally opposite corner regions Rail profiles are provided and which are associated with guide means, wherein expiring ends of the lower rail and the upper rail in the storage areas are each formed as a substantially U-shaped profiles which engage with each other.

WO 2006/106044 A1 The applicant discloses such a Längsführug, wherein a first upper bearing portion, which uses a plurality of balls as a guide means, and a second lower bearing portion which is diagonally opposite the first bearing portion and as a guide means a combination of rollers for support on a base leg of the lower rail and Spheres are used, diagonally braced against each other to achieve a high rigidity of the rail profile. In this case, the balls are mounted in the first storage area between two arc-shaped curved profiles, wherein one of the circular arc-shaped profiles forms a corner region at the upper end of an obliquely obliquely upward and outwardly projecting connecting leg of the lower rail.

Despite the advantageous properties of this rail profile, there is still room for improvement here, in particular with regard to the installation space available for this purpose, overall width and width at the lower end of the rail profile and with regard to rigidity and the material or overall weight required for this purpose. In this context, the mechanical properties and in particular the stiffness and torsional rigidity of the rail profile in the event of a crash are important, be it in a frontal or rear crash or in a side crash.

DE 197 17 667 A1 discloses a further longitudinal guide for motor vehicle seats, in which the expiring in the diagonally opposite bearing areas ends of the upper rail are formed repeatedly curved, so seen in each Umklammerungsbereich in profile two channels are provided for balls acting as guide means. A precise design of such end regions can only be achieved comparatively complex, so that tolerances are comparatively high. The play of the longitudinal guide is further increased due to the higher wear resulting from the point contact of the ball bearing guides.

JP 2004 203264 A discloses a further longitudinal guide for a motor vehicle seat, in which a second storage area in the sense of the present application, however, does not simultaneously include a ball guide and roller guide, but two ball guides. However, the upper ball guide is not associated with a bearing leg, which includes an acute angle with another bearing leg. Rather, the ball is received in a curved trained longitudinal bead.

EP 1 336 765 A discloses a longitudinal guide with double pairs of ball guides in each storage area.

Further prior art is in the documents EP 1 621 390 A . DE 10 2004 061140 A . FR 2 872 102 A and US 2005/285008 A disclosed.

Summary of the invention

Object of the present invention is to develop a longitudinal guide of the aforementioned type to the effect that with a simple mechanical structure and the lowest possible weight and material consumption, a higher mechanical stiffness can be achieved, especially in a crash case. According to a further aspect of the present invention, the longitudinal guide in load case, especially in a crash, absorb forces even more effective.

These objects are achieved according to the present invention by a longitudinal guide with the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

Thus, the present invention is based on a longitudinal guide for vehicle seats, in particular for motor vehicle seats, with two elongated rails, each with a lower rail, a longitudinally displaceably mounted on this upper rail and two diagonally opposite and mutually braced storage areas for guide means, each upper and lower rail in Profile seen an L-shaped portion formed by a base leg and one of this substantially perpendicular projecting L-leg and having two end portions which adjoin the L-shaped portion, each end portion of the top or bottom rail interlocking with the end portion of the associated bottom or top rail forming a clasp portion, the end portions of the top rail having opposite portions of the associated bottom rail form the storage areas, and in a first storage area on the designed as a circular arc-shaped end portion a plurality of balls are supported.

According to the invention, the first bearing portion is formed by a corner portion formed by two connecting legs extending at an acute angle relative to an extending direction of the L-leg of the L-shaped portion of the lower rail and the end portion of the upper rail formed as a circular arc-shaped portion A plurality of balls to store, wherein abutment points of the balls at the formed as a circular arc-shaped end portion, viewed from an interior of the rails, particularly preferably lie on an opposite side of an imaginary center line through the L-leg of the L-shaped portion of the lower rail. However, the contact points of the balls may preferably be very close to the imaginary center line, so that a force dissipation of forces acting in the vertical direction directly into the underlying L-leg of the stable, d. H. can be done with higher material thickness, running bottom rail, which allows very short acting in the power dissipation lever arms, thus allowing a further increase in rigidity. Compared to the prior art, in which the first storage area is always completely outside the rectangular inner area of the longitudinal guide, the first storage area located near the upper side of the longitudinal guide partially overlaps with the inner space, so that the lower width of the longitudinal guide (or projection of the first storage area on the base leg of the lower rail) can be significantly shortened. This allows considerable advantages and additional degrees of freedom in the design of the interior of motor vehicles. In particular, the space required for the Längsführug vehicle transverse direction can be reduced, in particular directly at the bottom of the vehicle interior.

The corner region formed by the two connecting limbs, in cooperation with the opposite circular-arc-shaped bearing profile and the balls mounted therebetween in the bearing region, leads to an advantageously high rigidity in the first bearing region. In particular, an escape of the balls in the vertical or horizontal direction is reliably prevented even at high loads, as can occur in particular in the event of a crash. Due to the partial looping of the balls, which is predetermined by the circular arc-shaped bearing profile, and by the corner region whose inner curvature is matched to the radius of curvature of the balls to be stored and is preferably slightly smaller than this radius of curvature, the balls can be stored very precisely in the first storage area, which is advantageous for the tolerances of the longitudinal guide overall and their adjustment behavior and allows a relatively low surface pressure in the points of contact of the balls with associated storage areas.

According to another embodiment, to achieve high rigidity and precise bearing in the first bearing area, the two connecting legs subtend an angle in the range of 100 degrees to 120 degrees, more preferably an angle in the range of 112.5 degrees to 107.5 degrees, and more preferably one Angle of about 110 degrees.

According to a further embodiment, the aforementioned corner region adjoins an obliquely outwardly projecting from the L-leg of the L-shaped portion of the lower rail first connecting leg and this subsequent, obliquely upwards and outwardly extending rail second connecting leg. The first, oblique connecting leg is expediently of comparatively short length, so that the balls to be stored in the first bearing region are not arranged too far outside the L-shaped region of the lower rail. This oblique first connecting leg can extend at a comparatively small acute angle, in particular in the range between 10 degrees to 30 degrees, more preferably 15 degrees to 20 degrees, relative to a horizontal line or to the base leg of the lower rail. Of this, the second, oblique connecting leg protrudes at an acute angle, in particular an angle in the range between 50 degrees and 70 degrees, more preferably from about 60 degrees, obliquely upward and in the direction of the corner. For this purpose, the material of the lower rail is bent suitably. With this configuration, an advantageously high rigidity can be achieved with a pleasantly resilient behavior under normal loads.

According to a further embodiment, the distance of the contact points to the imaginary center line is very particularly preferably less than a material thickness of the upper rail, in particular something of the order of magnitude of half the material thickness of the upper rail. However, according to a further embodiment, the distance of the contact points from the imaginary center line can basically correspond to the material thickness of the upper rail or be of the same order of magnitude.

According to a further embodiment, the abutment points of the balls in the first storage area are further on or, viewed from the interior of the rails, little outside an imaginary extension line of the outside of the L-leg of the L-shaped portion of the lower rail. In this case, the distance of the contact points to the imaginary extension line is preferably at least considerably less than the material thickness of the upper or lower rail. It is advantageous that with a certain elongation of the longitudinal guide by a vertical load, in particular by a normal-weight person on the vehicle seat, the investment points then exactly on the imaginary extension line (or in the immediate vicinity) can come to rest and so absorbed forces even more effective and can be derived.

According to a further embodiment, all gap dimensions in the clasp areas of the bearing areas in the vertical direction (z), d. H. in the direction perpendicular to the base leg of the L-shaped portion of the lower rail, equal and smaller than a material thickness of the upper rail. As a result, in the event of a frontal or rear crash with excessive force acting on the longitudinal guide in the vertical direction and consequent plastic deformation of the rail profiles simultaneously entering immediate investment of mutually opposite in the vertical direction sections of the rail profiles, thus resulting in an additional stiffening the rail profiles in the vertical direction and thus leads to a more favorable crash behavior.

According to a further embodiment, all gap dimensions in the clasp areas of the bearing areas parallel to the base leg of the L-shaped area of the lower rail are the same and smaller than a material thickness of the upper rail. As a result, even in the case of a side crash with excessive force acting on the longitudinal guide in the vehicle transverse direction and consequent plastic deformation of the rail profiles simultaneously entering immediate investment of each other in the vehicle transverse direction opposite sections of the rail profiles allows, resulting in an additional stiffening of the rail profiles in the vehicle transverse direction and thus leads to a more advantageous lateral crash behavior.

According to a further embodiment, an upper side of the base leg of the L-shaped region of the upper rail projects a predetermined distance over an upper reversal region of the lower rail in the clasp region of the first storage region, this distance being less than twice the material thickness of the upper rail in an unloaded state of the longitudinal guide is. This allows a certain "breathing" of the rail profile under vertical load, especially in the functional position, when a comparatively heavy-weight person takes a seat on the vehicle seat. In this loaded normal state, the rail profile can collapse so far that relevant gaps in the vertical direction are reduced accordingly, for example, up to an order of about 0.5 mm for heavy people, for example, a body weight of 120 kg to 150 kg.

According to a further embodiment, a desired bending point is provided in the transition region between a connecting leg opposite the L-leg of the upper rail and the adjoining end region. While the connecting leg and the desired bending point are adjoined by a first bearing area, the L-leg of the upper rail transitions into a second bearing area diagonally opposite the first bearing area. The desired bending point thus allows a comparison with the prior art, a significantly higher load bearing of the longitudinal guide in the vertical direction (z) without changing the ball guide, but at the same time allows a higher rigidity in extreme situations, especially in the event of a crash, if high acceleration and Deformation forces act on the longitudinal guide. The desired bending point leads in such extreme situations to a controlled bending or deformation of the longitudinal guide and leads to a state in which a high rigidity and torsional strength is achieved. At the same time, the desired bending point results in quasi a load reversal, so that from a substantially vertical load substantially a load in the transverse direction of the longitudinal guide is that can be effectively absorbed due to the higher material thickness and rigidity of the rail profile of the lower rail.

In particular, the desired bending point is designed so that vertically downward forces provide for a bending of the upper rail both in the vertical direction (z) and in the vehicle transverse direction (y). In cooperation with the diagonally opposite second bearing region, which decomposes downward forces in a corresponding manner into two force components, namely into a force component in the vertical direction (z) and into a force component in the vehicle transverse direction (y) but with opposite direction, can thus be increased Stiffness of the longitudinal guide to be taken care of. Therefore, in particular, the total height of the longitudinal guide can be increased and is required to achieve a given rigidity, a smaller width of the lower rail or a smaller overall width.

According to a further embodiment, such a desired bending point is advantageously made simpler in that it is designed to be less rigid than at least one curved or bent region of the upper rail adjacent thereto, which can be accomplished in particular by virtue of the curved or adjacent curved element (s) (n) or curved (n) areas of the upper rail are provided with a formed by cold forming embossing or embossing.

Such embossments or stampings can be realized in particular by means of projections, folds or the like on bending tools, it being preferred if the embossments or stampings are formed uniformly curved.

In the adjacent curved or curved areas, which are each provided with the embossing or stamping, according to a further embodiment is a corner region at the upper end of the L-shaped portion of the upper rail and a transition region between a sloping connecting leg, the the connecting leg opposite the L-leg of the upper rail, and an end portion of the upper rail, which is formed as a circular arc-shaped profile. The obliquely extending connecting leg can thus allow a compensation movement with components both in the vertical direction and in the vehicle transverse direction and thus a certain "breathing" of the rails in the vertical direction under normal loads of the longitudinal guide.

The obliquely extending connecting leg may, according to a first embodiment, run obliquely downwards and outward from the rail or, according to a second embodiment, obliquely upwards and outwards from the rail. In this case, a transition region between the obliquely downward (or upwards) and rail outwardly extending connecting leg and designed as a circular arc-shaped end portion of the upper rail ( 2 ) is preferably formed as a bending point, which lies substantially on an imaginary center line through the substantially perpendicular from the base leg projecting L-leg of the L-shaped portion of the lower rail. Even more preferably, the bending point is arranged exactly on this imaginary center line. In any case, the distance of this bending point from this imaginary center line is considerably less than the material thickness of the upper and lower rail. By this arrangement, a force dissipation of forces acting in the vertical direction directly into the underlying or aligned L-leg of the stable, ie with higher material thickness, running bottom rail allows, which acts very short in the power dissipation lever arms and so a further increase in Stiffness allows. In comparison to the prior art, in which the first storage area is always completely outside the rectangular inner area of the longitudinal guide, the first storage area located near the upper side of the longitudinal guide partially overlaps with the inner space, so that the lower width of the longitudinal guide as a whole can be significantly shortened. This allows considerable advantages and additional degrees of freedom in the design of the interior of motor vehicles. In particular, the space required for the longitudinal guidance in the vehicle transverse direction can be reduced, in particular directly at the bottom of the vehicle interior.

According to a further embodiment, the upper rail is bent in the region of the aforementioned bending point by approximately 180 degrees, that is, it is essentially designed as a reversal region, in which the profile of the upper rail essentially reverses its extension direction. This design provides for a certain elasticity in the region of the bending point or the reversal region, so that the rail can sufficiently "breathe" during normal load changes, but nevertheless can have sufficient inherent rigidity under limit loads, in particular in the event of a crash.

In the aforementioned first embodiment, in which the inclined connecting leg extends obliquely downward and outward, a certain vertical load, in particular as a result of the weight of a normal-weight person on the vehicle seat, as described above, be converted into a load in the transverse direction, which a further increase in the diagonal transverse tension of the two bearing areas and thus contributes to a further increase in the rigidity of the longitudinal guide.

The aforementioned second embodiment, in which the oblique connecting leg extends obliquely upwards and outward from the rail, is further crash-optimized, since in the event of a crash this connecting leg comes into direct contact with an opposite region of the lower rail.

According to a further embodiment, the bending point between the obliquely extending connecting leg and formed as arcuate profile end portion of the upper rail is spaced from the aforementioned obliquely upward and rail outwardly extending first oblique connecting leg of the lower rail, which is the L-leg of the L-shaped portion of the lower rail followed. As a result, according to the invention in the event of a crash, a particular advantageous support of the opposite bending point and thus of the entire first storage area be achieved. Because the bending point or the reversal can be supported on the opposite oblique, first connecting leg, but without being able to slide into the L-shaped region or interior of the lower rail. This is prevented in particular by the fact that the opposite oblique, first connecting leg extends at a comparatively small acute angle relative to a horizontal.

According to a most preferred embodiment, two groups of rollers are supported in the second, diagonally opposite lower storage area, namely a plurality of first rollers which are laterally interposed between the base leg of the L-shaped area of the lower rail and an opposite and parallel thereto Supporting legs of the upper rail are supported, and a plurality of second rollers mounted between the formed at an acute angle obliquely upward bearing leg end portion of the upper rail and an opposing and extending parallel beveled bearing leg between the base leg subsequent and vertically upwardly extending Connecting leg and a subsequent this horizontal base leg of the clasp are supported in the end region of the lower rail. Through the two roller groups as a whole a favorable low surface pressure in the second storage area can be achieved, so that the rail profile during use compared to systems in which a ball group is provided in the second storage area, does not appreciably "run". Another advantage is that the roles of the two groups of roles always run at the same speeds. In systems in which a ball group is provided in the second storage area, this is not always the case, since the speed there depends on the exact (load-dependent) touch point. At the same speeds, however, there are no problems when using a common bearing cage for both groups of rollers in the second storage area. Another advantage is that a weight force can be derived from above into the right lower rail corner by the oblique support lines of the upper roller group in the second storage area, without causing changes in the running behavior of the rails. In systems in which a ball group is provided in the second storage area, however, there would be significant kinematics changes.

The rollers of the upper roller group in the second storage area may have a smaller diameter than the rollers of the lower roller group, for example, a diameter of less than 3.0 mm, which compared to systems in which a ball group is provided in the second storage area, another Space gain in the vertical direction allows. A further gain in space finally results from the fact that the upper roller group is supported on inclined bearing legs, so that the outer profile of the rail group in this area has a bevelled and thus further offset inwardly obtuse corner.

LIST OF FIGURES

The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, from which further features, advantages and objects to be achieved will result. Show it:

1 a sectional view of a longitudinal guide according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

2 the longitudinal guide according to the 1 , wherein distances and lengths to be discussed below are designated;

3 the longitudinal guide according to the 1 in which further important geometric properties are shown;

4 a longitudinal guide according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

5a a longitudinal guide according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

5b a longitudinal guide according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

6 a sectional view of a longitudinal guide according to the first embodiment of the present invention with a first exemplary locking device of a longitudinal adjustment of a motor vehicle seat;

7 a sectional view of the longitudinal guide according to the first embodiment with another exemplary locking device;

8th a sectional view of the longitudinal guide according to the first embodiment with a further exemplary locking device and an easy-entry mechanism;

9 a sectional view of a longitudinal guide according to the first embodiment with a further exemplary locking device and an easy-entry mechanism;

10 a sectional view of a longitudinal guide according to the first embodiment with a modified guide bar of the locking device according to the 6 further wherein the base leg of the bottom rail is modified;

11 a sectional view of a longitudinal guide according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

12 a partial perspective view from above of a bottom rail with locking teeth for a locking device, not shown, according to another embodiment;

13 a larger section of the lower rail according to the 12 ;

14 a partial perspective view from above of a bottom rail with locking teeth for a locking device, not shown, according to another embodiment;

15 a partial perspective view from above of a bottom rail with locking teeth for a locking device, not shown, according to another embodiment;

16 a partial perspective view from above of a bottom rail with locking teeth for a locking device, not shown, according to another embodiment;

17 a partial perspective view from above of a bottom rail with locking teeth for a locking device, not shown, according to another embodiment; and

18 a partial perspective view from above of a lower rail with locking teeth for a locking device, not shown, according to another embodiment.

In the figures, identical reference numerals designate identical or essentially identically acting elements or groups of elements.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

An unillustrated in the figures motor vehicle seat is arranged on both sides and arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (x-direction) rail guides directly or indirectly on also not shown bottom of the interior of the motor vehicle. Here is the top rail 2 longitudinally displaceable on the bottom rail 4 arranged. In their functional position, that is in the assembled state, the top rail yield 2 and the bottom rail 4 a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile. Here are the top rail 2 and the bottom rail 4 each formed as an L-profile, as explained in more detail below, so that the location areas 3 . 5 the top rail 2 on the bottom rail 4 facing each other diagonally. To lift the top rail 2 from the bottom rail 4 to prevent are in the storage areas 3 . 5 Clasp areas formed, which are explained in more detail below. Furthermore, the two storage areas 3 . 5 braced against each other due to the geometry and material properties of the rail profiles. In all embodiments, the rail profiles are designed without profile branch, so can be prepared by shaping a sheet steel blank, for example by bending, embossing, rolling or the like. Although steel sheet as material for the rail profiles 2 . 4 is preferred, in principle, light metals, in particular aluminum, can be used. The rail profiles can also be executed in mixed construction, for example, the bottom rail 4 as aluminum profile and the top rail 2 as a sheet steel profile. In order to achieve a high rigidity and high crash resistance, however, it is preferred according to the invention if both rail profiles 2 . 4 are made of sheet steel.

Every rail 2 . 4 has seen in profile each one lying approximately in the middle of their profile section L-shaped portion which is formed in each case by a base leg and an associated L-leg, namely in the case of the upper rail 2 from the base leg 20 and at approximately right angles to this standing L-leg 21 and in the case of the bottom rail 4 from the base leg 40 and the approximately perpendicular to this standing L-leg 41 , According to the invention, a right angle between the base leg and the associated L-leg is very particularly preferred. In principle, however, are also minor angular deviations to this geometry. Each L-leg of a rail is in each case substantially parallel, preferably exactly parallel, to an L-leg of the other rail, also the two base legs 20 . 40 run parallel to each other. They are essentially the base legs 20 . 40 and the associated L-legs 21 . 41 defining a free interior I within the rail profiles, which is rectangular. This free interior is also referred to below as a longitudinal channel and can in principle be used for installations. Preferably, this interior I is completely free of any guide means. This longitudinal channel can be adapted according to the invention to the particular application, including the lengths of the base leg, L-leg and other protruding leg of the upper and lower rail 2 . 4 be suitably adapted. Thus, relatively large free cross sections can be realized, for example, for comparatively high and / or relatively wide longitudinal channels. As below set out in more detail, the rail profile according to the invention is basically tuned and optimized for high mechanical stiffness and torsional strength in the event of a crash while outstanding overall low width in the vehicle transverse direction (y-direction) and high ease of use. Further parameters for this complex optimization process are, in particular, the material thicknesses of the upper and lower rail 2 . 4 , Offsets, bends and embossments of rail profiles. Likewise, the angular relationships can be suitably adjusted.

Seen in profile, every base leg closes 20 . 40 and every L-thigh 21 . 41 a designed as Umklammerungsbereich end, in which are mounted suitable guide means, namely balls 7 in the first storage area 3 and roles 8th . 9 around diagonally opposite second storage area 5 , as stated below, and in the case of an electrically operated Längsverstellvorrichtung also sliders or sliding profiles.

More specifically, the L-leg closes 21 the top rail 2 a right angle of this protruding and parallel to the base leg 40 extending bearing leg 22 and a bent at an acute angle and flat or flat, that is, without arcuate depressions, trained oblique bearing leg 23 (free end of the profile of the upper rail 2 ) at. Furthermore, the base leg 40 the bottom rail 4 in the right part of the picture 1 up to the bending area between bearing legs 22 and sloping bearing leg 23 extended. The base leg 40 closes at a right angle of this bent and vertically, that is in the z-direction (vertical direction), extending connecting leg 49 on, in a sloping bearing leg 50 passes, the oblique bearing leg 23 the upper rail opposite and extending parallel to this. In the area between the two sloping bearing legs 23 . 50 are the roles 8th stored with a predetermined lateral clearance. The sloping bearing leg 50 closes in parallel to the base leg 40 extending base leg 51 in the right clasp area. The front free end of this base leg 51 is bent at a preferred right angle, so that the front free end 52 in the gap between L-leg 21 the top rail 2 and the sloping bearing leg 23 extends into it. In the second storage area 5 The rail profile thus two Umklammerungsbereiche are formed, which engage in a substantially hook-shaped manner.

In the left part of the picture 1 joins the base leg 20 the top rail 2 a right angle of this projecting connecting leg 24 on, stretching to the front free end 48 the bottom rail 4 extends and in this area 29 Suitably bent to fit into an oblique connecting leg 25 to transition, which is at an acute angle, in the embodiment about 45 °, from the connecting leg 24 down and out the rail. At the lower end of the oblique connecting leg 25 is this in the area 26 bent upwards and goes into a formed as a circular arc-shaped profile free end 28 the top rail 2 above. For this purpose, the bending range goes 26 initially in a short, substantially in the z-direction extending transition leg, which is formed with a predetermined bending or radius of curvature circular arc and to be stored ball 7 adjusted range 28 followed. The front free end 28 the profile of the upper rail 2 protrudes in this area at an acute angle, in the embodiment about 55 °, obliquely upwards and out of the rail. Furthermore, the L-leg closes 41 the bottom rail 4 at an acute angle, in the exemplary embodiment about 20 °, bent and obliquely upward and outward sloping first connecting leg 42 on, which is a second oblique connecting leg 43 which extends at an acute angle of, for example, about 25 degrees relative to a vertical. This oblique connecting leg 45 closes with the inclusion of an obtuse angle of about 110 degrees, an upper connecting leg 45 at. Between the second, oblique connecting leg 43 and the upper connecting leg 45 a corner region is formed whose internal curvature is based on the radius of curvature of the balls mounted in this region 7 is tuned, in particular slightly smaller than that of this radius of curvature. In cooperation with the wrapping section 27 the free end 28 the top rail 2 stores the corner area 44 the balls 7 reliable and very precise.

According to the 1 is the upper end of the second oblique connecting leg 43 at about the same level as the front free end 28 the top rail 2 , The upper reversal area 47 the bottom rail 4 Finally closes a free end 48 of the rail profile of the bottom rail 4 in the gap between the connecting leg 24 and the free end 28 of the rail profile of the upper rail 2 protrudes.

The transition area between the L-leg 41 and the oblique connecting leg 42 is preferably formed by a longitudinal bead. How is the 1 Without further notice, is the location of the balls 7 in the first storage area 3 in the vehicle transverse direction (y-direction) precisely through the corner area 44 and the associated one arcuate bearing section 27 specified. Overall, the balls 7 so very precise.

As already stated, the roles 8th and 9 in the diagonally opposite second storage area 5 each be stored with a certain lateral play, so that the balls 8th In the event of load compensation movements in the vehicle transverse direction (y-direction) and in the case of adjustment in the vehicle longitudinal direction (x-direction) can perform. Furthermore, in the lower part of the second storage area 5 Rolls between the base leg 40 and the bearing leg parallel thereto 22 stored, due to the line support of the rollers 9 do not work into the material of the rail profiles. The same applies to the roles 8th , An Indian 1 Not shown bearing cage, which may be exemplified as in the German utility model DE 20 2007 015 163 U1 of the assignee, which is expressly intended to be part of the present disclosure, connects in the second storage area 5 the role groups 8th . 9 to a rolling of roles 9 in the vehicle transverse direction (y-direction) to avoid. These roller cages are preferably in one piece and formed of a plastic material. While exclusively rollers are used as guide means in the case of a mechanically actuated Längsverstellvorrichtung, as described above, in the case of an electrically operated Längsverstellvorrichtung in the second storage area 5 instead of the upper rollers 8th Basically also sliders or sliding profiles are used.

In the exemplary embodiment, the clasping areas are in the second storage area 5 outside of the bounded by the L-shaped rectangular space I, while the clasp areas in the first storage area 3 protrude partially into this space, whereby the total width of the rail profile in the vehicle transverse direction according to the invention can be significantly reduced, which represents a very decisive advantage of the rail profile according to the invention. Nevertheless, in order to enable a sufficient rigidity and torsional strength, in particular in the event of a crash, the rail profile according to the invention is designed to be comparatively high overall, which results in a diagonal bracing of the two bearing areas 3 . 5 further supported and further advantages in the use of the interior I offers, in particular new possibilities for locking or detecting a Längsverstellvorrichtung opened, as described in more detail below with reference to 6 to 10 described.

Like in the 3 shown are the investment points 19 the balls 7 at the circular arc storage area 27 the top rail 2 slightly outside an imaginary axis 18 of the L-thigh 41 when viewed from the interior of the rail profile. By "slightly" in this context is in particular a distance less than or equal to the material thickness of the upper rail 2 , more preferably less than half the material thickness of the upper rail 2 Understood. In this way, the investment points 19 in the case of a certain elongation of the longitudinal guide by a vertical load, in particular by a normal-weight person on the vehicle seat (not shown), exactly on the imaginary center line 18 of the L-thigh 41 come to rest because the forces then direct and straight into the immediately below L-leg 41 the bottom rail 4 can be derived. According to a further embodiment, the distance of the support points 19 to the imaginary axis 18 also be vanishing, so are the investment points 19 on the imaginary axis 18 , In this way, the power flow, in particular in the event of a crash, that is to say in the case of mutual entanglement of the clasp areas in the storage areas, can be optimized because the force due to the entanglement in the first storage area 3 occurring forces directly and rectilinearly in the immediately below L-leg 41 the bottom rail 4 can be derived. In particular, the symmetry of the clasping areas and the location of the investment points 19 be chosen so that the forces in entanglement of Umklammerungsbereiche exactly vertical (in the z-direction) directly in the underlying L-leg 41 can be derived. This allows an optimized power flow, especially in the event of a crash. According to the invention thus the material thickness of the upper rail 2 be chosen significantly lower than the material thickness of the lower rail 4 , In other words, with the same weight per unit length of the guide rails, a significantly higher rigidity and torsional strength, in particular in the event of a crash, can be realized according to the invention.

Again 1 can be removed directly, due to the inclination of the oblique bearing leg 23 in the second storage area 5 a "entangling" or increasing entanglement to be realized with increasing load, which applies in particular to the critical crash case. As the load in the vertical direction (z) increases, the rollers become 8th increasingly in the assigned storage area 5 pushed. As the lever length of the oblique bearing leg 23 is comparatively short and, as explained below, in the transition region between the base leg 22 and bearing legs 23 Further measures for stiffening are made (embossing or embossing of the rail profile), is the relatively short oblique bearing leg 23 In the crash case compared to other legs of the profile comparatively little bent and thus serves as a precise reference surface for the rolling rolls 8th , This is where the roles lead 9 in the second storage area 5 in the event of a crash or under load compensating movements in the vehicle transverse direction, so that the rail profile attempts to perform compensatory movements in the y-direction under vertical load, especially in the event of a crash, but due to the inventively significantly higher material thickness of the lower rail 4 is suitably counteracted, whereby a total of high rigidity and torsional strength is realized.

The oblique connecting leg 25 acts as a kind of resilient leg, the diagonal bracing of the two storage areas 3 . 5 supported against each other. In order to adjust the preload and displacement force precisely, in the case of the rail profile according to the invention, in particular the radius of the balls 7 be suitably selected, which has a direct influence on the diagonal bias due to the geometry.

Also important in the rail profile according to the invention is the interaction of the material stiffening embossments or stampings and a desired bending point on the oblique connecting leg 25 , Like in the 1 shown are at the two ends of the base leg 20 the top rail 2 formed by cold deformation embossments or stampings 11 . 12 formed with a smaller bending radius. Such areas with higher dislocation density in the structure of the metal can be realized by suitable bending devices, which may be provided for example with longitudinal projections. Due to the embossing or stamping occurs to a local increase in the dislocation density and thus to a local solidification of the metal, which allows a higher rigidity. Overall, so can the material thickness of the top rail 2 be reduced. According to the 1 are also in the fields 13 and 14 corresponding embossments or stampings provided, the further stiffening in the second storage area 5 , in particular of the oblique bearing leg 23 , serve. Optionally, also in the field 15 a corresponding embossing or embossing for stiffening the clasp of the lower rail 4 be provided. Also important in this context is the use of a corresponding embossing or embossing 10 in the transition region between the oblique connecting leg 25 and the storage area 27 the balls 7 in the first storage area 3 , Overall, therefore, all the bends in the profile of the top rail 2 provided with stampings or stampings, with the exception of the circular arc-shaped storage area 27 the balls 7 and another angled portion which is to serve as a desired bending point and in the figures by the reference numeral 29 is designated. The area 29 is compared to the adjacent curved or curved portions of the upper rail 2 less stiff, in particular rigid, trained. In the case of a vertical load of the rail profile, in particular in the event of a crash, thus gives this target bending point 29 first, so that the profile of the top rail 2 just in the area 29 is bent, so the oblique connecting leg 25 around the target bending point 29 is pivoted lever-like. This reinforces the diagonal bias of the two storage areas 3 . 5 , but also ensures that the gap dimensions in the clasp areas (see further embodiments below) in the case of load, in particular in the event of a crash, remain intact.

According to the 1 lies the bending area 26 the top rail 2 the oblique connecting leg 42 the profile of the bottom rail 4 spaced from each other (gap e, cf. 2 ). This allows in the event of a crash, that is, in the event of excessive load in the z direction, an immediate support of the bending region 26 on the sloping connecting leg 42 , either in flight of the L-thigh 41 or in close proximity to the imaginary center line 18 (see. 3 ) of the L-leg 41 , in particular on the rail outward side thereof. The overlap of the bending area 26 with the oblique connecting leg 42 may be preferred, viewed in projection from vertically above, at least equal to the material thickness of the lower rail. In conjunction with a small gap e (cf. 2 ) this allows a very effective support of the upper rail 2 on the bottom rail 4 in the event of a crash in the z direction. In the event of a crash, the area serves 29 without embossing as a target bending point, which, as stated above, the diagonal bracing of the two storage areas 3 . 5 further strengthened. In connection with the load increasing ("pulling") entanglement of the clasp areas in the second storage area 5 This leads to a particularly high rigidity of the rail profile.

A further increase in rigidity is achieved by work hardening the upper rail material 2 especially in the area of stamping or embossing 10 - 15 in the event of a crash causes, if due to a plastic deformation, especially in these areas, the dislocation density in the metal structure is further increased.

Hereinafter, the prevailing gap dimensions in a rail profile according to the first embodiment by way of example 2 described in more detail. First, the gap dimensions in the z-direction, which are relevant for a frontal or rear crash described. The synopsis of 1 and 2 you can see that between the inside of the upper reversal area 47 and the front free end 28 a gap a prevails that between the front free end 48 and the outside of the oblique connecting leg 25 a gap b prevails that between the front free end 52 and the top of the bearing leg 22 a gap c prevails and that between the front end of the oblique bearing leg 23 and the underside of the base leg 51 a gap d prevails. Further, between the inside of the oblique connecting leg 42 and the bending area 26 a gap e before. According to the geometry of the rail profiles is chosen so that all gaps a-d, preferably including the gap e, are exactly the same, in the context of the usual manufacturing tolerances. This makes it possible in any case in the event of a crash with medium train, ie without torque in the vehicle longitudinal direction, an exactly simultaneous power and mutual contact directly opposite profile sections, so that a high and considered over the rail profile uniform rigidity can be realized. Even in the case of a crash with moment, so in non-centrally acting train, the above-mentioned simultaneous power absorption and immediate investment in the longitudinal direction of the rail profile considered at least in sections can be realized.

In the vehicle transverse direction (y), the following gap dimensions are present: Between the inside of the bearing area curved in the shape of a circular arc 27 and the opposite free end 48 there is a gap f, between the free end 48 and the connecting leg 24 there is a gap g, between the L-leg 21 and the free end 52 there is a gap h before and between the free end 52 and the front end of the oblique bearing leg 23 If a gap i is present. According to a further embodiment, which is optimized for a side crash case, all the aforementioned gap dimensions in the y direction are exactly the same, within the usual manufacturing tolerances, so that it also (or alternatively) in the event of a side crash to a simultaneous power consumption and a simultaneous investment directly opposite each other sections of the rail profiles comes.

Important to mention in this connection is the function of the stampings or stampings formed by cold forming 10 to 14 , which lead in the event of a crash to a further increase in the stiffness of the rail profiles in the z direction.

Below are other important geometric and leverage ratios of a rail profile according to the invention based on 2 and 3 be described, which are related to the invention according to the high rigidity of the rail profile. It should be emphasized that the aspects described below can in principle be arbitrarily combined and / or omitted. According to the 2 The rail profile has a total width B and an overall height H. The inside inside diameter of the interior I is B '. Because the first storage area 3 According to the invention very close to the L-leg 41 According to the invention, a ratio of B / B '= 2.0 can be realized, while according to the prior art, B / B'> 2.0 always applied. In other words, the rail profile according to the invention can be made very narrow with high rigidity and torsional strength in the region of the base leg compared to the prior art, which can accommodate high demands on the space in today's motor vehicles. It should be emphasized that this outstanding ratio according to the prior art can not be realized.

For the geometry of the storage areas 3 . 5 can if K for the maximum height of the first storage area 3 L stands for the height of the center of the balls 7 in the first storage area 3 M stands for the maximum height of the second storage area 5 and N stands for the center of the balls 8th in the second storage area 5 The following relationship applies: M / N = K / L, within the manufacturing tolerances, whereby the accuracy of the abovementioned ratios can be specified as not more than 4 ‰, more preferably not more than 2 ‰. In particular, the ratio M / N is 1.33, while the ratio K / L is about 1.3.

If we denote K 'the height of the L-leg 41 to the infiltration or the transition region to the oblique connecting leg 42 , so applies to the ratio (K - K ') / K' = K / L, and that within the usual manufacturing tolerances in the per thousand range. In particular, this ratio can be 1.33.

The following is based on the 4 A second embodiment will be described, the emphasis being placed in the description on the differences from the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the base leg 40 not just trained but stepped, with the base leg 40 still within the interior I of the rail profile in a substantially rectangular bent connecting leg 53 merges into a parallel to the base leg 40 extending bearing leg 54 passes, which the bearing leg 22 spaced and parallel opposite and a bearing of the rollers 9 in the second storage area 5 serves. The height offset Q between bearing legs 54 and base legs 40 For example, can be 7.0 mm and allows formed below the interior space I, which can be used for other purposes, for example, for locking locking pins of a locking device a Längsverstellvorrichtung the longitudinal guide, which will be described in more detail below with reference to 6 - 10 is described. Alternatively, cables and / or lines can also be routed in the free space thus created. To support the rail profile on the floor of the motor vehicle interior can be screwed to the floor panel, welded, glued or otherwise attached blocks or profiles. The space thus created also allows assembly and installation operations with a different order for such locking devices, cables and / or cables.

The 5a again shows the rail profile according to the 1 , In the event of a crash, in this embodiment, the oblique connecting leg 25 rest over the entire surface on the opposite oblique connecting leg, which allows an even more effective support in the z-direction in the event of a crash.

In the fourth embodiment according to the 5b is first according to the embodiment according to the 5a an obliquely downward oblique connecting leg 25 intended. This may or may not be so. The oblique connecting leg 25 can basically also run obliquely upwards. Deviating from this is the further design of the second storage area by the support area or oblique bearing leg 50 in a substantially perpendicular to the base leg 40 standing connecting leg 55 passes in the bending area 56 bent at substantially 180 ° and in the free end 52 goes over, down into the gap between sloping bearing leg 23 and L-thighs 21 protrudes and perpendicular to the base leg 40 stands. Between the support area 50 and the opposite oblique connecting leg 23 is still a storage of roles 8th realized, with the roles 8th continue in this area 50 preferably have a low lateral clearance. This shape design of the clasp of the lower rail 4 allows further stiffening due to the further bends of the end of the bottom rail 4 ,

In this context, the following is based on the 2 discussed another important feature of the rail profiles according to the invention. According to the 2 is the top of the base leg 20 out of alignment with the upper reversal area 47 in the first storage area 3 arranged. Rather, the base leg is 20 by a distance G over the upper reversal area 47 in front. In the unloaded state of the longitudinal guide 1 this distance G should be less than twice the material thickness of the upper rail, but preferably be in the vicinity of this upper limit. This allows a certain "breathing" of the rail profile under vertical load, especially in the functional position, when a comparatively heavy-weight person takes a seat on the vehicle seat. In this loaded normal state "collapse" the rail profile, so that in particular the distance G decreases, and to the order of less than about 0.5 mm in particularly heavyweight persons, for example, a body weight of 120 kg to 150 kg. Because the z-position of the balls 7 in the first storage area 3 is substantially constant due to the shape design, this "rail breathing" leads to bending and pivoting of the oblique connecting leg 25 around the target bending point 29 , According to the geometry of the rail profiles is chosen so that in this loaded normal state, especially when loaded by very heavy persons, for example, 120 kg to 150 kg body weight, all gaps in the z-direction, within the manufacturing tolerances are exactly the same.

The longitudinal position of the rails relative to each other is determined by means of a conventional locking device, as this example, in the publications DE 203 13 954 U1 and DE 101 27 153 A1 the applicant is disclosed, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference, or as in the European patent application EP 1 316 466 A1 disclosed. Examples of such locks will be described below with reference to 6 to 10 will be described in more detail, in each case starting from a basic profile according to the first embodiment. However, it should be expressly pointed out that the aspects described below and relating to the locking or locking can in principle also be independent of such a rail profile and should also be able to be claimed independently of the concrete shape design of such a rail profile.

According to the 6 is on the inside of the L-thigh 21 a guide bridge 71 attached, for example, by welding, whose front free end is bent at an acute angle and in a support area 72 passes, the front end side parallel to the oblique connecting leg 25 the top rail 2 runs. In the normal state is between the support area 72 and oblique connecting leg 25 formed a gap. In the event of a crash, there may be a mutual investment of the areas 25 . 72 and thus come to a further support in the z-direction and y-direction. In the guide bar 71 not shown openings are formed through which locking pins 64 extend a locking device not shown. At the front free end of the locking pins 64 are frustoconical sections 65 trained, which in the base leg 40 pass through trained and not shown Verrastungsöffnungen in the known manner or engage in this, to the longitudinal position of the upper rail 2 opposite bottom rail 4 determine.

Deviating from 6 is according to the 7 on the base leg 40 a longitudinally extending and located in the interior of the rail profile locking web 73 by means of the two laterally provided vertical connecting webs 74 attached. In such an embodiment, the locking apertures (not shown) are in the locking land 73 formed so that in the base leg 40 no material weakening locking openings need to be formed. In another embodiment, also in the base leg 40 further locking openings are aligned with the locking openings in the locking web 73 and possibly be formed with a smaller diameter than this.

The 8th shows more details of a locking device, as in the embodiments according to the 6 and 7 can be used. According to the 8th are in the base leg 20 not shown openings formed by the locking pins 64 the locking device to be penetrated. The upper end of the locking pins 64 is through a pen plate 66 formed with a larger diameter. Above the guide bar 71 is a rejuvenated section 67 on the locking pins 64 formed as a receptacle for receiving the front end of a compression spring 68 serves, whose opposite end on the inside of the base leg 20 is supported so that the locking pins 64 against the lower base leg 40 spring-biased. On the outside of the upper base leg 20 is a support plate 69 attached, in particular welded, on the claws 70 are supported by the locking device. The locking device is equipped with an easy-entry mechanism 60 coupled, over the base section 61 on the side surface of the L-leg 21 the top rail 2 is attached and a coupling member 63 has, which is coupled to the backrest of a motor vehicle seat, not shown. How closer for example in the DE 101 27 153 A1 discloses the applicant, by means of the easy-entry mechanism, a central unlocking all locking pins when folding the backrest towards the seat surface of the seat frame can be accomplished so that the entire vehicle seat can be pushed forward to the boarding of a passenger in a rear To allow area. This feature is particularly advantageous in two-door vehicles or in the rear area in motor vehicles with three or more rows of seats advantage. By operating the easy-entry mechanism or manual actuation of the locking device can by raising the jaws 70 the locking pins 64 be unlocked to allow a displacement of the seat in the longitudinal direction. According to the 8th is different from the 6 and 7 the guide bar 71 very far down the L-thigh 21 fixed and correspondingly the length of the obliquely upwardly and outwardly extending support area 72 extended.

Deviating from 8th is according to the 9 in a similar manner as in the embodiment according to the 7 , a locking bar 73 on the inside of the base leg 40 fixed in which a plurality of locking openings are formed, which are uniformly spaced from each other to therein the locking pins 64 absorb and thus lock the longitudinal position of the vehicle seat. Although in the 9 is shown that the pen cones 65 also not shown openings in the base leg 40 engage through the lock, according to this embodiment, in principle, the lock only by means of the locking holes, not shown in the locking web 73 be done so in the base leg 40 no locking openings need to be formed.

Notwithstanding all the aforementioned embodiments is in the embodiment according to the 10 the lower base leg 40 interrupted in the y-direction, forming a free space 58 that by means of a connecting web 57 is bridged, which at the two ends of the base leg 40 fastened, in particular welded. This free space 58 or connecting bridge 57 can extend over the entire length of the bottom rail 4 extend, but may also be shorter than the lower rail, so that at the front and / or rear end of the lower rail of the base leg also need not be formed interrupted. The connecting bridge 57 may in particular consist of a harder material so as to receive the locking pins in the locking openings, not shown even more reliable. The connecting bridge 57 can of course also for fixing the bottom rail 4 be used on the floor of the vehicle interior.

Deviating from 10 is according to the 11 the lower base leg 40 formed overlapping, so with two overlapping and standing in a full-surface contact each other base legs 40d and 40f , which are preferably firmly connected to each other, in particular by a welded joint, also formed by a plurality of welds. In this case, the lower base leg continues to extend substantially over the entire width of the interior I of the rail profile, thus has aligned base legs 40a . 40b which has obliquely upward and inwardly extending connecting legs 40e pass over, between which finally center of the connecting leg 40f is formed, which is symmetrical to that of the base leg 21 and the connecting leg 24 the bottom rail 4 trained interior of the rail profile is formed. Similarly, the length of the L-leg 41 in this embodiment, the material thickness of the lower rail 4 shortened, leaving the base leg 40c merges into the obliquely upwardly and rail inwardly extending connecting leg 40e in the base leg 40d passes. In this embodiment, the base leg is used 40b also as storage area for the rolls 9 in the second storage area, as described above.

The 12 to 18 reveal further modifications in the area of the base leg 40 a bottom rail 4 According to further embodiments, which are intended to cooperate form-locking or non-positively with locking and locking devices, which are not explained in detail below.

For this purpose, according to the 12 in the base leg 40 below, viewed in the longitudinal direction, uniform intervals recesses 80a . 80b formed, of which locking teeth 81a . 81b protrude substantially perpendicular, which are intended to interact positively or non-positively with locking or locking devices not explained in detail. The recesses are in two alternating groups of recesses 80a and 80b divided, which are arranged alternately transversely to the rail longitudinal direction offset from each other. The recesses 80a . 80b can be formed by suitable processing steps, such as stamping or laser, wherein the locking teeth 81a . 81b be bent suitably. The 13 shows a larger section of the embodiment according to the 12 ,

Deviating from the 12 and 13 are in the embodiment according to the 14 the recesses 80 aligned in the rail longitudinal direction and at equal distances from each other, in the middle in the L-shaped region of the lower rail 4 , Thus, the locking teeth 81 different from the 12 and 13 each bent in the same directions.

Deviating from 14 are the locking teeth in the embodiment according to the 15 oriented in the opposite direction.

Deviating from the previous embodiments are in the embodiment according to the 16 instead of locking teeth locking tabs 82 formed, which via lateral connecting webs 83a . 83b each with the base leg 40 the bottom rail 4 connected and integrally formed with this. Such locking tabs 82 can be formed by suitable punching or lasering of rectangular recesses and deep drawing or forming the areas thus formed.

Notwithstanding the embodiments according to the 12 to 15 are in the embodiment according to the 17 the locking teeth 81a . 81b relative to the base leg 40 each not bent by 90 degrees but at an acute angle, which may be, for example, 60 degrees. As in the embodiment according to the 13 are the locking teeth 81a . 81b oriented in opposite directions, with the recesses 80a . 80b as in the embodiment according to the 12 and 13 into two alternating groups of recesses 80a and 80b are divided, which are arranged alternately transversely to the rail longitudinal direction offset from one another.

Finally, the shows 18 a further embodiment in which the locking teeth 81a . 81b not rectangular but tapered, with a flattened locking tip 84 , the two side, beveled connecting sections 85 concludes.

Embodiment 1

In one exemplary embodiment of a rail profile according to the first embodiment, the following geometries and dimensions apply in particular: The material thickness of the upper rail is 1.5 mm, while the material thickness of the lower rail is 1.7 mm (manufacturing tolerances 0.08 mm in each case). The depth of the stampings, as in the area 12 through the arrow in the 2 indicated, is 0.2 mm. In the area of embossing or embossing 10 to 15 is the curvature or bending radius of the respective rail section smaller than without embossing or embossing. The total width B is 47.0 mm, the clear inner width of the interior I 23.5 mm. The clear inner width C of the upper portion of the inner space is 18.4 mm, the distance between the ball centers D is 38.5 mm. The gap dimensions in the y-direction are preferably all the same and are 1.0 ± 0.02 mm.

The maximum height K of the first storage area in the unloaded state is 32.5 mm, the height of the balls 7 measured from the bottom of the base leg 40 is 25 mm, the length of the L-leg 41 15 mm, the maximum height of the second storage area is 16.8 mm, the height of the upper rollers in the second storage area measured from the bottom of the base leg 40 is 12, 5 mm. The maximum height H of the rail profile is 35 mm. All gap dimensions in the z-direction, in particular a-c and preferably a-d, are the same and are 1.02 ± 0.02 mm. The gap width e is 1.05 mm, but can be chosen the same as the gap dimensions in the z-direction.

The radius of the balls 7 is 5.0 mm, the bending radius of the circular arc-shaped storage area 44 is 4.8 mm, which is also the radius of curvature of the circular-arc storage area 27 and the radius of curvature of the corner area 44 in the first storage area applies. The radius of curvature of the bend 26 is 2.2 mm, the embossing or embossing 10 in the bending area 26 is indented by 0.2 mm, so there the radius of curvature is 1.8 mm.

The length O of the free end 48 is 7.8 mm, the length of the free end 52 is 5.1 mm, each to the bottom of the associated base leg 47 respectively. 51 considered. The acute angle, the oblique bearing leg 23 with the base leg 22 includes, is 55 °. The diameter of the upper rollers 8th in the second storage area is 3.0 mm.

The radius of the lower rollers 9 in the second storage area is 5.0 or 6.0 mm.

Further embodiments

Below, by way of example, improvements of a rail profile according to the invention are discussed, reference being made to a rail profile according to the German Utility Model DE 20 2004 010 49 U1 should serve, the material thickness of top and bottom rail of 1.7 mm, a total width B (see. 2 ) of 48 mm, a total height H of 35 mm has a specific total line weight (weight of the longitudinal guide per unit length in the longitudinal direction) of 2.6 g / mm. For the reference profile and the profiles to be discussed below, in particular the total line weight (in units of g / mm per unit length of the rail profile) and the area moment of inertia in the z direction (in units of mm ^-4 ) are compared.

In a first embodiment according to the profile according to the 1 the material thickness of the lower rail was kept constant (1.7 mm), but the material thickness of the upper rail was reduced to 1.5 mm. The overall width has been reduced to 47mm, however, the width at the bottom of the rail profile has been significantly reduced and the overall height increased by 7% to 37.5mm. The total line weight was essentially the same (deviation: 1%), but the area moment of inertia of the bottom rail could be increased by 31% and the area moment of inertia of the top rail by 17%.

In a second Ausführugsbeispiel according to the profile according to the 1 the material thickness of the lower rail was increased to 1.8 mm and the material thickness of the upper rail was reduced to 1.5 mm. The overall width was reduced to 47.2 mm, but the width at the lower end of the rail profile could be significantly reduced and the total height increased by 7% to 37.6 mm. The total line weight was about 10% larger. However, the area moment of inertia of the lower rail could be increased by 48% and the area moment of inertia of the upper rail by 17%.

In a third embodiment according to the profile according to the 5b the material thickness of the lower rail was increased to 1.8 mm and the material thickness of the upper rail was reduced to 1.5 mm. The overall width was reduced to 47.2 mm, but the width at the lower end of the rail profile could be significantly reduced and the total height increased by 7% to 37.6 mm. The total line weight was about 12% larger. However, the area moment of inertia of the bottom rail could be increased by 49% and the area moment of inertia of the top rail by 20%.

Due to the aforementioned geometries, the "height difference" between the balls 7 and the upper rollers 8th in the second storage area 5 be further increased in the vertical direction compared to the prior art, which is the aforementioned diagonal bracing of the storage areas 3 . 5 further increased.

It should be expressly understood that the above based on the 6 to 11 and 12 to 18 described manner of training the base leg of the lower rail and the locking of the rail profiles basically also independent of the basis of the 1 to 5b rail profile according to the invention described and can also be used in rail profiles with any other geometries, especially in a rail profile according to the WO 2006/10 60 44 A2 or DE 101 27 153 A1 the applicant. For further details regarding the locking device and the easy-entry mechanism is particularly on the DE 101 27 153 A the applicant, the entire content of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

Although various aspects of the invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is to be expressly understood that the individual aspects of the invention are also independent of each other can be considered and claimed, in particular what the rail profile, the concrete geometric position of the two storage areas, the specific geometric design of the two storage areas, the further stiffening of the rail profiles by means of embossing or stamping, the selected gap dimensions and geometries and details of the design of the base leg of As far as the lower rail and the locking device are concerned. These aspects of the invention are expressly also to be the subject of separate priority post-filing notifications, divisional applications, or further development of pending patent applications.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

/ Rail longitudinal guide

2

upper rail

3

First storage area

4

bottom rail

5

Second storage area

6

Bullet

7

Bullet

8th

role

9

role

10

Verprägung

11

Verprägung

12

Verprägung

13

Verprägung

14

Verprägung

15

Verprägung

17

Thought extension line

18

center line

19

Investment point of the balls 7 in the first storage area

20

Base leg of the upper rail

21

L-leg

22

bearing legs

23

Free end / oblique bearing leg

24

connecting leg

25

Oblique connecting leg

26

bending area

27

Clasping / storage area

28

Free end

29

Intended bending point

40

Base leg of the bottom rail

40a

base leg

40b

base leg

40c

base leg

40c

base leg

40e

Oblique connecting leg

40f

connecting leg

41

L-leg

42

Oblique connecting leg

43

middle connecting leg

44

The looping / storage area

45

upper connecting leg

47

Upper reversal area

48

Free end

50

support area

51

Base legs in the clasp area

52

Free end

53

connecting leg

54

bearing legs

55

connecting leg

56

bending area

57

connecting web

58

free space

60

Easy-entry mechanism

61

base section

62

axis of rotation

63

coupling member

64

locking pin

65

pin cone

66

pin plate

67

Tapered section / spring retainer

68

compression spring

69

support plate

70

claw

71

guide web

72

support area

73

locking web

74

connecting web

80

recess

80a

Recess (1st group)

80b

Recess (2nd group)

81

locking tooth

81a

Locking tooth (1st group)

81b

Locking tooth (2nd group)

82

locking tab

83a

left connecting bar

83b

right connecting bar

84

top

85

slope

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2006/106044 A1 [0003]
• DE 19717667 A1 [0005]
• JP 2004203264 A [0006]
• EP 1336765A [0007]
• EP 1621390A [0008]
• DE 102004061140 A [0008]
• FR 2872102 A [0008]
• US 2005/285008 A [0008]
• DE 202007015163 U1 [0061]
• DE 20313954 U1 [0079]
• DE 10127153 A1 [0079, 0082, 0103]
• EP 1316466 A1 [0079]
• DE 20200401049 U1 [0098]
• WO 2006/106044 A2 [0103]
• DE 10127153 A [0103]

Claims (19)

Longitudinal guide for vehicle seats, in particular motor vehicle seats, with two elongated rails, each with a lower rail ( 4 ), one on this longitudinally displaceably mounted upper rail ( 2 ) and two diagonally opposite and mutually strained storage areas ( 3 . 5 ) for guiding means ( 7 . 8th ), wherein each upper and lower rail seen in profile an L-shaped portion of a base leg ( 20 . 40 ) and one of this substantially perpendicular projecting L-leg ( 21 . 41 ), and two end regions ( 23 . 28 ; 52 . 48 ), which connect to the L-shaped region, wherein each end region of the upper or lower rail forms an encircling region with mutual interlocking with the end region of the associated lower or upper rail, the end regions ( 23 . 28 . 28 ) of the upper rail ( 2 ) with opposite sections ( 50 . 44 ) of the assigned lower rail, the bearing areas ( 3 . 5 ) and in a first storage area ( 3 ) at the formed as a circular arc-shaped profile end region ( 27 ) a plurality of balls ( 7 ), characterized in that the first storage area ( 3 ) from a corner area ( 44 ) of two at an acute angle relative to an extension direction of the L-leg (FIG. 41 ) of the L-shaped area of the lower rail ( 4 ) extending connecting leg ( 43 . 45 ) is formed, and designed as a circular arc-shaped end portion ( 27 ) of the upper rail ( 2 ) is adapted to the plurality of balls ( 7 ), where investment points ( 19 ) of the balls ( 7 ) at the formed as a circular arc-shaped profile end region ( 28 ), viewed from an interior (I) of the rails, on an opposite side of an imaginary center line ( 18 ) through the L-leg ( 41 ) of the L-shaped area of the lower rail ( 4 ) lie. A longitudinal guide according to claim 1, wherein the distance of the contact points ( 19 ) to the imaginary center line ( 18 ) is less than a material thickness (S _OS ) of the upper rail ( 2 ) or this material thickness (S _OS ) corresponds. Longitudinal guide according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing points ( 19 Further, on one or, viewed from the interior (I) of the rails, outside an imaginary extension line of the outside of the L-leg ( 41 ) of the L-shaped area of the lower rail ( 4 ) lie. A longitudinal guide according to claim 3, wherein the distance of the contact points ( 19 ) to the imaginary extension line ( 17 ) is significantly lower than a material thickness (S _OS , S _US ) of the upper or lower rail ( 2 . 4 ). Longitudinal guide according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two connecting legs ( 43 . 45 ) include an obtuse angle, wherein on an inner side of the corner region ( 44 ) is formed a rounded inner corner whose radius of curvature on the radius of curvature of the first storage area ( 3 ) mounted balls ( 7 ) is tuned. A longitudinal guide according to claim 5, wherein the two connecting legs ( 43 . 45 ) include an angle in the range of 100 degrees to 120 degrees, more preferably an angle in the range of 112.5 degrees to 107.5 degrees, and more preferably an angle of about 110 degrees. A longitudinal guide according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the corner region ( 44 ) one obliquely outward from the L-leg ( 41 ) of the L-shaped area of the lower rail ( 4 ) protruding first connecting leg ( 42 ) and an adjoining this, obliquely upwards and outwardly extending second connecting leg ( 43 ). Longitudinal guide according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all the gap dimensions (a-d) in the clasping areas of the bearing areas ( 3 . 5 ) in the direction perpendicular to the base leg ( 40 ) of the L-shaped area of the lower rail ( 4 ) are equal and smaller than a material thickness (S _OS ) of the upper rail ( 2 ). Longitudinal guide according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all the gap dimensions (f-i) in the clasping areas of the bearing areas ( 3 . 5 ) parallel to the base leg ( 40 ) of the L-shaped area of the lower rail ( 4 ) are equal and smaller than a material thickness (S _OS ) of the upper rail ( 2 ). A longitudinal guide according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an upper side of the base leg ( 20 ) of the L-shaped portion of the upper rail ( 2 ) by a predetermined distance (G) over an upper reversal region ( 47 ) of the lower rail ( 4 ) in the clasp area of the first storage area ( 3 ) projecting in an unloaded state of the longitudinal guide ( 1 ) smaller than twice the material thickness of the upper rail ( 2 ). Longitudinal guide according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the transition region between a L-leg of the upper rail ( 2 ) opposite connecting legs ( 24 ) and this subsequent end region ( 28 ) a desired bending point ( 29 ) which is less rigid than adjacent curved or curved regions ( 10 . 11 ) of the upper rail ( 2 ), wherein at least one adjacent curved or curved portion of the upper rail ( 2 ) with one through Cold forming formed embossing or embossing ( 10 . 11 ) is provided in order to effect a higher rigidity, wherein the embossment (s) or embossment (s) is or are preferably uniformly curved. A longitudinal guide according to claim 11, wherein the adjacent curved portions, each with the embossing or embossing ( 10 . 11 ), a corner region of the L-shaped portion of the upper rail ( 2 ) and a transition region between a sloping connecting leg ( 25 ), which faces the L-leg ( 21 ) of the upper rail ( 2 ) opposite connecting legs ( 24 ), and the end portion formed as a circular arc-shaped profile ( 28 ) of the upper rail ( 2 ) are. A longitudinal guide according to claim 12, wherein the obliquely extending connecting leg ( 25 ), and the transition region between the obliquely downwardly and outwardly extending connecting leg (FIG. 25 ) and formed as a circular arc-shaped end portion ( 28 ) of the upper rail ( 2 ) as a bending point ( 26 ) formed substantially on an imaginary center line ( 18 ) through the substantially perpendicularly from the base leg ( 40 ) projecting L-legs ( 41 ) of the L-shaped area of the lower rail ( 4 ) lies. A longitudinal guide according to claim 13, wherein the upper rail ( 2 ) is bent by about 180 degrees in the region of the bending point and essentially reverses its extension direction. A longitudinal guide according to claim 12, wherein the obliquely extending connecting leg ( 25 obliquely upward and outward of the rail and the transition region between the obliquely downwardly and outwardly extending connecting leg (FIG. 25 ) and formed as a circular arc-shaped end portion ( 28 ) of the upper rail ( 2 ) as a bending point ( 26 ) formed substantially on an imaginary center line ( 18 ) through the substantially perpendicularly from the base leg ( 40 ) projecting L-legs ( 41 ) of the L-shaped area of the lower rail ( 4 ) lies. A longitudinal guide according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the bending point ( 26 ) obliquely upwardly and outwardly extending oblique connecting leg ( 42 ), which faces the L-leg ( 41 ) of the L-shaped area of the lower rail ( 4 ), for support in the event of a crash. Longitudinal guide according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the second, diagonally opposite storage area ( 5 ) a plurality of first rollers ( 9 ), preferably with lateral play between the base leg ( 40 ) of the L-shaped portion of the lower rail and an opposite thereto and extending parallel bearing leg ( 22 ) of the upper rail ( 2 ) are supported, and a plurality of second rollers ( 8th ) are mounted, which preferably with lateral clearance between the inclined at an acute angle extending upwards bearing leg ( 23 ) formed end region of the upper rail ( 2 ) and an opposing and parallel extending beveled bearing leg ( 50 ) between one of the base legs ( 40 ) and vertically upwardly extending connecting legs ( 49 ) and a subsequent horizontal base leg ( 51 ) of the clasping region in the end region of the lower rail ( 4 ) are supported. A longitudinal guide according to claim 17, wherein the base leg ( 51 ) of the clasping area in the second storage area ( 5 ) is substantially perpendicular to the base leg ( 40 ) of the L-shaped area of the lower rail ( 4 ) standing connecting leg ( 55 ), a bending area ( 56 ) and a substantially on the base leg ( 40 ) of the L-shaped area of the lower rail ( 4 ) standing and descending free end ( 52 ) connects to the bottom rail. Longitudinal guide according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the corner region between the base leg ( 20 ) and the L-leg ( 21 ) of the L-shaped area of the lower rail ( 2 ), the transition region between the L-leg ( 21 ) and the adjoining bearing leg ( 22 ) and / or the transition region between the bearing leg ( 22 ) and this subsequent oblique bearing leg ( 23 ) each with a formed by cold forming embossing or embossing ( 12 - 14 ) is provided in order to effect a higher rigidity, wherein the embossments or stampings ( 12 - 14 ) are preferably formed curved evenly.

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