DE102021214158A1 - Rail element and seat adjustment device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a rail element (30), which is designed as a sheet metal profile part, which has a load handling device (10) at each end, on which load interfaces (101) are designed or attached, via which forces acting on the rail element (30) vertically and/or or can be derived horizontally. The invention also relates to a longitudinal seat adjustment device (2) with such a rail element (30).

Description

The invention relates to a rail element, in particular an upper rail for a pair of rails, and a longitudinal seat adjustment device with such a rail element for a seat, in particular a vehicle seat.

A longitudinal seat adjustment device generally comprises two pairs of rails which are arranged at a distance from one another and are each made up of two rails, an upper rail which is allocated to the seat and a lower rail which is allocated to the floor of a vehicle. The longitudinal seat adjustment device also includes at least one spring-loaded, movable, plate-shaped locking part, which is held on the upper rail and, in a locking position, blocks a movement of the upper rail in the lower rail. The lower rail can have openings, while the upper rail is provided with openings and the locking part has projections on its two opposite longitudinal sides, which can be moved into the openings and openings by a spring in the locking position. Such a longitudinal seat adjustment device is known, for example, from the European patent EP 1 227 950 B1 known.

The object of the present invention is to specify a rail element that is improved in terms of load absorption and to design a longitudinal seat adjustment device that is of simple construction.

With regard to the rail element, the object is achieved according to the invention with the features of claim 1 . With regard to the longitudinal seat adjustment device, the object is achieved according to the invention with the features of claim 7 .

Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The rail element according to the invention, in particular an upper rail (also called rail runner) is designed as a sheet metal profile part, which has a load handling device at each end, on which load interfaces are designed, via which acting forces, such as tensile forces of a belt pull or pressure or shear forces as a result of an accident , vertically and/or horizontally can be derived.

Such a rail element, in particular such a top rail, is particularly suitable for a seat, for example for a removable seat, of a vehicle. The rail element is designed as a profile element, in particular a stamped and bent part, in particular as a stamped sheet metal part or shaped sheet metal part, such as an aluminum profile.

The respective load-carrying means for dissipating the load is designed in particular as a forged part or a molded steel part. At the same time, the load handling device can serve as a fastening element for the seat.

In one possible embodiment, the area between the load handling devices and thus the rail element, in particular the upper rail, itself is designed as a stamped and bent part, for example a U-shaped sheet metal profile or steel profile, or as an aluminum profile, and the load handling devices at the ends as a molded steel part. In this way, complex cold extruded parts or forged parts as rail elements, such as runners or top rails, are avoided. Such production enables a rail element that is particularly easy to produce and light, which can be produced in large series. The rail element and the load-carrying means at the end are connected to one another with a material fit, in particular welded. For example, the top rail can be designed as a bent steel profile with welded-on shaped steel parts.

The load interfaces are designed, for example, as vertical, lateral and/or horizontal claws, webs, walls and/or projections. The load handling device comprises, for example, as lateral and/or vertical load interfaces, two legs arranged parallel to one another, which are connected to one another via a web. The legs form, for example, extensions of the side walls of the rail element. The web connecting the two legs borders on a floor at the end of the rail of the rail element. A fastening lug extends vertically from the web. The attachment tab can be designed as a horizontal load interface.

In a further development, the load handling device is connected to the rail element in a materially bonded manner by means of the fastening lug.

A longitudinal seat adjustment device according to the invention comprises at least two pairs of rails arranged at a distance from one another and at least one locking element, the pairs of rails each being formed from an upper rail and a lower rail which can be moved relative to one another. The upper rail is designed as the above-described, in particular movable, rail element. Depending on the type of design of the longitudinal seat adjustment device, the upper rail can alternatively be designed to be fixed and the lower rail can be designed as the previously movable rail element. Here, the top rail or the Rail runners have a much shorter length than the lower rail or the guide rail. For example, the bottom rail, which is in particular fixed, has a length of a few meters, in particular from 1.5 m to 2.5 m, for example 2 m. The upper rail or the rail runner has a short length of less than 1 m.

The upper rail comprises a load-carrying means at each end, which is designed as a fastening element for the seat. For example, the fastening element is designed as a claw fastening with a receiving opening for a seat fastening, in particular a seat claw or a seat hook.

The at least one locking element is spring-loaded and movably mounted on the upper rail and blocks movement of the upper rail in the lower rail in a locking position and releases movement in an unlocking position. The spring-loaded locking element can have a number of projections which are designed such that, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the locking element, in the locking position a front projection contacts the lower rail and a rear projection contacts the upper rail or vice versa. By means of such a spring-loaded locking element with a projection that makes contact with the upper rail in the locking position and a projection that makes contact with the lower rail in the locking position, it is possible to release play between the lower rail (also called guide rail) and the upper rail (also called rail runner) in a particularly simple manner. The locking element is designed as a horizontal lock and locks the top rail and bottom rail to one another in a simple manner with freedom from play. In other words: the upper rail and lower rail are prestressed in relation to one another in the locking position by means of the spring-loaded locking element.

• 1 schematisch in perspektivischer Darstellung einen Sitz, insbesondere einen Fahrzeugsitz, mit einer Sitzlängsverstelleinrichtung umfassend zwei Schienenpaare,
• 2 schematisch eine Schnittdarstellung durch ein Schienenpaar im Bereich eines Verriegelungselements,
• 3 schematisch eine Schnittdarstellung durch ein weiteres alternatives Schienenpaar im Bereich eines Verriegelungselements,
• 4 schematisch eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Oberseite einer Oberschiene,
• 5 schematisch eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Unterseite der Oberschiene,
• 6 schematisch einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der 5 im Bereich des Verriegelungselements, und
• 7 bis 9 schematisch eine Ablauffolge einer Entriegelung des Verriegelungselements.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to drawings. show:

• 1 a schematic perspective view of a seat, in particular a vehicle seat, with a longitudinal seat adjustment device comprising two pairs of rails,
• 2 a schematic sectional view through a pair of rails in the area of a locking element,
• 3 a schematic sectional view through another alternative pair of rails in the area of a locking element,
• 4 schematically a perspective representation of an upper side of a top rail,
• 5 a schematic perspective view of an underside of the upper rail,
• 6 schematically an enlarged section of the 5 in the area of the locking element, and
• 7 until 9 schematically shows a sequence of unlocking the locking element.

Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

1 shows a schematic perspective view of a seat 1, in particular a vehicle seat, with a longitudinal seat adjustment device 2.

The seat 1 is arranged by means of the longitudinal seat adjustment device 2, for example, on a vehicle body, not shown in detail.

The Indian 1 The seat 1 shown schematically is described below using three mutually perpendicular spatial directions. With a seat 1 installed in the vehicle, a longitudinal direction X runs largely horizontally and preferably parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which corresponds to the usual direction of travel of the vehicle. A transverse direction Y running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X is also aligned horizontally in the vehicle and runs parallel to a vehicle transverse direction. A vertical direction Z runs perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction X and perpendicularly to the transverse direction Y. In the case of a seat 1 installed in the vehicle, the vertical direction Z preferably runs parallel to a vertical axis of the vehicle.

The position and direction information used, such as front, back, up and down, refers to a viewing direction of an occupant seated in the seat 1 in a normal seating position, with the seat 1 installed in the vehicle, in a usage position suitable for passenger transport with the backrest upright and how is usually aligned in the direction of travel. However, the seat 1 can also be installed or moved in a different orientation, for example in the opposite direction to the direction of travel.

The longitudinal seat adjustment device 2 comprises, for example, two pairs of rails 3 which are arranged at a distance from one another. The respective pair of rails 3 includes an upper rail 31, also called rail runner or seat rail, and a lower rail 32, also called guide rail or floor rail. The upper rail 31 is longitudinally adjustable between a front end position and a rear end position on the lower rail 32 arranged. This adjustability allows a longitudinal adjustment of the position of the seat 1 in the longitudinal direction X, the front end position of the upper rail 31 being assigned the foremost position of the seat 1 and the rear end position of the upper rail 31 being assigned the rearmost position of the seat 1. The upper rail 31 and the lower rail 32 each have associated rail ends 31.3 and 32.2.

The longitudinal seat adjustment device 2 also includes at least one locking element 4. Each pair of rails 3 can include an associated locking element 4, as is described below with reference to FIG 2 until 5 is described in more detail.

2 shows a schematic sectional view through one of the pairs of rails 3 in the area of the associated locking element 4.

3 shows a schematic sectional view through another alternative pair of rails 3 in the area of the associated locking element 4. The two pairs of rails 3 are constructed essentially the same.

2 and 3 show a fastening bolt 8 for fastening the lower rail 32 to the floor.

In addition, the pairs of rails 3 can 2 and 3 differ in the type of actuating element 9. In 2 and 3 an actuating element 9 is shown in the non-actuated position, with the actuating element 9 protruding into a through-opening 36 in the upper rail 31 . Alternatively, the actuating element 9 can also protrude through the through-opening 36 in the non-actuated position, not shown.

The rail shape of the upper rail 31 and the lower rail 32 of the respective pair of rails 3 are identical. Likewise the locking element 4.

The at least one locking element 4 is spring-loaded and movably mounted on the upper rail 31, in particular rotatably and movably, in particular adjustable by means of a combined rotary movement and pulling movement or movably in an arc. The locking element 4 is guided, for example, in the latching holes or openings 34 of the upper rail 31, in particular during a pivoting of the locking element 4 into the locking position S1. During an unlocking movement from the locking position S1 into the unlocking position S2, the locking element 4 is unlocked controlled by the actuating element 9 by means of the combined twist-pull movement. The locking element 4 has no defined axis of rotation.

There is an in 3 and 4 shown return element 11 is provided, in particular a return spring. The reset element 11 is held at one end on the upper rail 31 and at the other end on the locking element 4 . The locking element 4 locks in a locking position S1, as in 2 or 3 shown, a movement of the upper rail 31 in the lower rail 32.

When unlocking, the reset element 11 is tensioned. When the unlocking force ceases, the restoring element 11 relaxes, so that the locking element 4 is automatically returned to the locking position S1 by means of the restoring element 11 . The restoring element 11 is designed in such a way that it presses the locking element 4 into the locking position S1. In other words: the locking element 4 is spring-loaded into the locking position S1, in particular pressed, so that the upper rail 31 and the lower rail 32 are arranged without play in relation to one another.

in a 8th unlocking position S2 shown, the locking element 4 releases a movement of the upper rail 31 to the lower rail 32 . The locking element 4 is arranged and designed in such a way that when it is unlocked, it initially moves in areas in the locking position S1 to an intermediate position S3 (shown in Fig 8th ) can be rotated and then from the intermediate position S3 to the unlocked position S2 (also called release position, shown in 9 ) is adjustable, in particular can be pulled out or moved linearly or in an arc.

In order to block the movement of the upper rail 31 to the lower rail 32 in order to prevent a displacement of the seat, the lower rail 32 is provided with a number of openings 33 and the upper rail 31 with a number of openings 34, as shown in FIG 2 and 3 are shown. Projections 41, in particular tooth-shaped projections 41, of the locking element 4 engage in these openings 33, in particular slit-shaped passage openings, and openings 34, in particular slit-shaped or comb-like openings, in the locking position S1, so that a movement between the upper rail 31 and lower rail 32 is blocked.

The upper rail 31 is formed from a U-shaped sheet metal profile. The bottom rail 32 is formed from a pressed aluminum profile, for example. For example, the upper rail 31 is a bent steel profile with welded formed steel parts, for example the welded-on blocking element 98. The profiles can be designed in such a way that the ends 35 of the upper rail 31 and the lower rail 32, which are free in cross-section, in particular the free ends 35 of their side walls 31.1 or 32.1, engage in one another, as a result of which the upper rail 31 is largely fixed in the Z-axis direction.

In the mounted position of the upper rail 31 on the lower rail 32 , these delimit a cavity 5 inside the longitudinal seat adjustment device 2 .

A longitudinal adjustment of the seat 1 relative to the vehicle floor takes place via a longitudinal displacement of the upper rail 31 relative to the lower rail 32. The upper rail 31 and the lower rail 32 are in contact with each other via rolling elements 6 only in certain guide areas. By at least one or more of these rolling elements 6, the upper rail 31 is resiliently pretensioned in normal operation when the seat is adjusted longitudinally in the Z-axis direction relative to the lower rail 32 and is movable in the X-axis direction. In the rest of the area, the lower rail 32 and the upper rail 31 are spring-loaded due to the bearing via the rolling elements 6 and are therefore arranged at a distance from one another without play.

First rolling elements 61 and second rolling elements 62 are provided as rolling elements 6 . The first rolling elements 61 and the lower rail 32 have contact surfaces which correspond to one another and run obliquely. The second rolling elements 62 and the lower rail 32 also have mutually corresponding contact surfaces which run essentially horizontally.

A prestressing element 7 , which is arranged within the upper rail 31 , is provided for spring prestressing of the upper rail 31 in relation to the lower rail 32 via the at least one rolling element 6 . In particular, the pretensioning element 7 is arranged in the cavity 5 .

The pretensioning element 7 enables a simple release of play between the lower rail 32 and the upper rail 31 even during a longitudinal adjustment of the seat 1. The movable upper rail 31 is moved in the lower rail 32 under spring pretension.

For this purpose, the pretensioning element 7 is designed as a multifunctional component, which is simultaneously designed as a carrier, spring and bearing for at least one or more of the rolling elements 6 . The prestressing element 7 is in particular a profile element, a shaped sheet metal part or a stamped sheet metal part.

For example, the pretensioning element 7 comprises a carrier area 71 which is formed from a carrier plate. The support area 71 is shaped, in particular curved, in such a way that a bearing area 72 and a spring area 73 are formed. The spring area 73 can be designed, for example, as a leaf spring with an internal hole, for example in the form of an elongated hole. The spring area 73 can be bent several times. The bearing area 72 is designed to receive a bearing pin 60 (shown in 5 ) for a first rolling element 61 is formed.

By means of the prestressing element 7, which is supported via the first rolling elements 61 on the lower rail 32 and via the spring area 73 on the upper rail 31, the corresponding pretension is generated in order to achieve clearance clearance between the rails 31, 32 of the respective pair of rails 3. In other words: the invention enables a movable upper rail 31 with at least one or more spring-biased first rolling element(s) 61 towards the lower rail 32 in order to avoid free play in the lower rail 32 or in the guide rail.

For example, the first rolling elements 61 are rotatably mounted on the pretensioning element 7 and, by means of this, are arranged in a spring-pretensioned manner on the upper rail 31, in particular the rail runner. The spring area 73 of the pretensioning element 7 supported on the upper rail 31 (rail runner) transmits the pretension to the bearing area 72 and via this to the first rolling element(s) 61, which is/are applied via openings or recesses 381 in the upper rail 31 of the lower rail 32 are arranged in a spring-loaded manner in the locking position S1 and/or in the unlocking position S2 or release position roll/rolls in a spring-loaded manner on a contact surface of the bottom rail 32 .

In addition, the seat longitudinal adjustment device 2 for the longitudinal adjustment of the seat 1 comprises as at least one second rolling element 62 sliding rollers or sliding cylinders, which roll on the lower rail 2 on inclined contact surfaces.

Depending on the arrangement of the pretensioning element 7 , the first rolling elements 61 (as shown) or the second rolling elements 62 (not shown) can be arranged on the upper rail 32 in a resiliently pretensioned manner and roll resiliently on the lower rail 32 . Thus, either the upper rolling elements 61 are fixed and the lower rolling elements 62 are cushioned by means of the pretensioning element 7 or vice versa.

In order to fix the lower rail 32 to the vehicle body such as a vehicle floor, a fixing bolt 8 is provided, which is passed through a through hole of a floor portion of the lower rail 32 to be fixed to the vehicle body.

For longitudinal adjustment of the seat 1, the longitudinal seat adjustment device 2 also includes an actuating element 9.

The upper rail 31 has a through opening 36 through which the actuating element 9 can be actuated.

In the exemplary embodiment, the actuating element 9 is designed as an actuating lever, in particular a rotary lever, which is rotatably mounted on the upper rail 31 . For this purpose, the actuating element 9 comprises a rotary bearing 95 (shown, for example, in 2 ), which is arranged on the upper rail 31. The actuating element 9 also includes at least one actuating area 91 and a coupling area 92. The actuating area 91 is designed as an actuating arm or actuating projection.

In the embodiment after 2 the actuation area 91 protrudes in the locking position S1 through the through opening 36 and beyond the upper rail 31 and into the open leg area 37 of the U-shaped lower rail 32, so that the actuation area 91 can be actuated to unlock the locking element 4.

In the alternate embodiment 3 the actuating area 91 of the actuating element 9 protrudes into the through-opening 36 and can be actuated from above through the open leg area 37 of the U-shaped lower rail 32 to unlock the locking element 4 .

The coupling area 92 is designed to correspond to the contact area of the locking element 4 . The coupling area 92 includes at least one hook-shaped projection 93 and a control cam 94. For example, the locking element 4 includes an engagement opening 42, in which the hook-shaped projection 93 of the coupling area 92 engages. The control cam 94 rests against an upper side of the locking element 4, which is in particular plate-shaped.

To unlock the locking element 4, the actuating element 9 is actuated, with the actuating area 91 being actuated in the direction of the through opening 36 and into it, in particular pressed according to arrow P1, in order to be pivoted about an actuating axis BA according to arrow P2, so that the With the control cam 94 in engagement with the locking element 4, the plate-shaped locking element 4 first tilts downwards or rotates according to arrow P31 (as, for example, in 7 shown).

The actuating element 9 is pivoted about an actuating axis BA according to arrow P2, so that the control cam 94, which is in engagement with the locking element 4, first tilts or rotates the plate-shaped locking element 4 downwards according to arrow P31 (as also in Fig 7 and 8th shown). In particular, the in particular plate-shaped part of the locking element 4 arranged in the cavity 5 is rotated downwards in the direction of the bottom rail 32 according to arrow P31. The actuation axis BA is identical to axis 96.

As a result of the rotary movement of the locking element 4 at its inner end downwards according to arrow P31, the projections 41 of the locking element 4 are rotated or pivoted upwards according to arrow P33 in the locking position S1 within the openings 33 and the openings 34, as in FIG 7 and 8th shown. Here, the projections 41 move out of the frictional engagement in the openings 33 in the upper rail 31. The projections 41 continue to penetrate through the openings 34 in the upper rail 31 and the openings 33 in the lower rail 32.

The locking element 4 is placed in an intermediate position S3, in 8th shown. This is not a fixed position, but an intermediate position S3 of a continuous unlocking movement of the locking element 4 controlled by the actuating element 9, the unlocking movement being a combined rotary-pull movement. During the unlocking movement, the locking element 3 is first pressed down within the upper rail 31 in order to get out of the blocking area of the blocking element 98 . The locking element 4 is then pulled past the blocking element 98 by means of a tensile force and into the upper rail 31 at least in some areas.

In doing so and by further actuation of the actuation area 91 into the cavity 5, in particular if the actuation element 9 is rotated further in accordance with arrow P2, the hook-shaped projection 93 enters the engagement opening 42 until the hook-shaped projection 93 engages around the locking element 4 and upon further actuation thereof Projections 41 completely pulls out of the openings 33 of the lower rails 32 according to arrow P32. As a result, the locking element 4 with its in particular tooth-like projections 41 disengages from the comb-shaped gen or slit-shaped openings 33 of the lower rails 32 (as in 9 shown), so that a release position, not shown, is made possible and the upper rail 31 can be moved, in particular longitudinally adjusted, relative to the lower rail 32 .

4 shows a schematic perspective representation of a rail element 30 according to the invention designed as a top rail 31, with an upper side 38 of the top rail 31 being shown in particular.

The upper rail 31 is designed as a sheet metal profile part, which has a load handling device 10 at each end, on which load interfaces 101 are designed, via which forces acting on the upper rail 31, such as tensile forces of a belt pull or compressive forces or shearing forces as a result of an accident, vertically and/or or can be derived horizontally.

The load interfaces 101 are designed, for example, as vertical, lateral and/or horizontal claws, webs, walls and/or projections. Via the load interfaces 101, for example lateral claws or walls, which protrude and/or act in the direction of the seat 1, vertical load components are introduced directly from the seat 1 via the load handling device 10 into the fixed bottom rail 32.

The load handling device 10 comprises, for example, as lateral and/or vertical load interfaces 101, two legs 105 arranged parallel to one another, which are connected to one another via a web 106. The legs 105 form, for example, extensions of side walls 31.1 of the upper rail 31. The web 106 of the respective load handling device 10 connecting the two legs 105 adjoins a rail base 31.2 at the rail end of the upper rail 31. A fastening lug 107 extends perpendicularly from the web 106 and rests or bears against a rail base 31.2 of the upper rail 31. The attachment lug 107 runs parallel to the upper side 38 of the upper rail 31. The attachment lug 107 can be designed as a horizontal load interface 101.

The respective load handling device 10 is connected to the upper rail 31, in particular the rail base 31.2, by means of the fastening lug 107 in a materially bonded manner.

Such a top rail 31, in particular a rail runner, is particularly suitable for a removable seat 1. The top rail 31 is designed as a profile element, in particular a stamped and bent part, in particular as a stamped sheet metal part or shaped sheet metal part or bent steel profile. The respective load-carrying means 10 is designed in particular as a forged part or steel molded part for load transfer.

In this case, such a top rail 31 (the rail runner) has a significantly shorter length than the bottom rail 32 (the fixed guide rail). For example, the lower rail 32, which is in particular fixed, has a length of a few meters, in particular from 1.5 m to 2.5 m, for example 2 m. The movable upper rail 31 has a short length of less than 1 m.

In one possible embodiment, the area between the load handling devices 10 and thus the upper rail 31 itself is designed as a stamped and bent part, in particular as a bent steel profile, and the end load handling devices 10 as a molded steel part. This avoids expensive cold extruded parts or forged parts as runners or top rails 31 .

The upper rail 31 and the end-side load-carrying means 10 are connected to one another with a material fit, in particular welded by means of a welded connection 102 between the fastening lug 107 and the rail base 31.2.

The load handling device 10 can serve as a fastening element 103 for the seat 1 at the same time. The respective fastening element 103 can be designed differently depending on the type of seat fastening. In the embodiment shown after 4 the fastening elements 103 are designed as claw fasteners, each of which comprises a receiving opening 104 into which claws of the seat 1 (not shown) engage in a holding manner. Alternatively, the fastening element 103 can be designed to fasten the seat 1 to the upper rail 31 by means of a screw connection or a welded connection.

In order to actuate the locking element 4 , the actuating area 91 of the actuating element 9 protrudes into the through-opening 36 . The tooth-shaped projections 41 of the locking element 4 are in the locking position S1 and protrude through the openings 34 in the upper rail 31 and the openings 33 in the lower rail 32 .

For spring-loaded roller guidance, the upper rail 31 has recesses 381 on its upper side 38, from which at least the first rolling elements 61 protrude in order to be attached to the lower rail 32, as in FIG 2 and 3 shown to roll. The first rolling elements 61 are resiliently prestressed and movably arranged on the lower rail 32 by means of the prestressing element 7 and roll resiliently on a contact surface of the bottom rail 32.

In addition, the top rail 31 can include further recesses 382 on its upper side 38, into which the second rolling elements 62 at least protrude and run “freely”.

In addition, the upper rail 31 has at least one further recess 383 in the area of the locking element 4, in which one end of the restoring element 11 is held.

Further recesses 384 serve to accommodate the pivot bearing 95 for the actuating element 9.

5 shows a schematic perspective view of an underside 39 of the upper rail 31.

The restoring element 11, in particular a spring, such as a wire spring or clip spring, is held in a receptacle 43 on the locking element 4 at the other end.

As shown in this view, the locking element 4 can include two engagement openings 42 . Correspondingly, the actuating element 9 then has two 2 illustrated hook-shaped projections 93 which are engaged with these engagement openings 42.

In this case, the longitudinal seat adjustment device 2 comprises two second rolling elements 62 which are each arranged at one end of the upper rail 31 . The second rolling elements 62, in particular the sliding elements for the longitudinal adjustment of the seat 1, are designed, for example, as rolling cylinders or spools. The second rolling elements 62 have a fixed axle which is fixed to the head rail 31 and on which the second rolling elements 62 rotate.

In addition, the longitudinal seat adjustment device 2 comprises two prestressing elements 7 which are each arranged between one of the second rolling elements 62 and the central locking element 4 .

The support area 71 of the respective prestressing element 7 is flat and flat.

The respective spring area 73 is designed as a clip spring or punch spring or leaf spring.

A pair of first rolling elements 61 are rotatably mounted on the respective prestressing element 7 . For this purpose, the respective prestressing element 7 in the associated bearing area 72 includes the bearing bolts 60, which 5 are shown.

The pivot bearing 95 of the actuating element 9 comprises a stationary axle 96. The pivot bearing 95 is attached to the upper rail 31 on the inside, in particular welded by means of a weld seam 97.

The pivot bearing 95 is designed, for example, as a rod-shaped molded part for supporting and storing the pivotable actuating element 9 .

The rotary bearing 95 can simultaneously form a stop element or the blocking element 98, in particular a horizontal stop or transverse stop, for the locking element 4.

Alternatively, the pivot bearing 95 and the blocking element 98 can be designed as separate components. The blocking element 98 is fastened on the inside to the upper rail 31 , in particular connected to the upper rail 31 by means of the welded seam 97 in a materially bonded manner.

Undesirable movements of the locking element 4 out of the locking position S1 are limited or blocked by means of the blocking element 98 .

Blocking element 98 can be used to at least limit or completely block horizontal movements or transverse movements of the locking element 4, for example due to mechanical stresses on the locking element 4, in particular in the event of excitations or vibrations in the horizontal direction or transverse direction Y (Y-axis direction), for example due to an accident. The blocking element 98 is arranged and designed in such a way that the locking element 4 remains in the locking position S1 despite possible undesired horizontal movements or transverse movements. Thus, the longitudinal seat adjustment device 2 is blocked and the seat 1 is fixed in its adjusted longitudinal position.

The blocking element 98 is designed, for example, as a profile body that extends along the longitudinal direction X. The blocking element 98 is arranged within the upper rail 31 and attached to it, in particular welded. The blocking element 98 can also be designed as a bearing for the actuating element 9 .

The blocking element 98 is arranged parallel to the locking element 4 within the upper rail 31 . The blocking element 98 extends in the longitudinal direction X at least over the entire length of the locking element 4. The blocking element 98 can have a greater length than the locking element 4. The blocking element 98 has a correspondingly shaped stop surface 99 along the side which faces the locking element 4.

A catching function for the locking element 4 in its locking position S1 is made possible by means of the blocking element 98 .

This catch function and thus the blocking of the locking element 4 by the blocking element 98 is bypassed by means of a combined rotary movement and pulling movement of the locking element 4 when it is unlocked, so that the pair of rails 3 is unlocked and the upper rail 31 can be moved, in particular adjusted, relative to the lower rail 32.

The pivot bearing 95 and the blocking element 98 can be designed as one component or as separate components. In one possible embodiment, the blocking element 98 is designed as a molded component with the flat stop surface 99 .

6 shows schematically an enlarged section of the 5 in a sectional view in the area of the locking element 4.

The spring-loaded locking element 4 provides a further simple embodiment for freeing the upper rail 31 and lower rail 32 from play in the locking position S1. For this purpose, the spring-loaded locking element 4 has a number of projections 41, which are designed in such a way that, viewed in the longitudinal direction X (X-axis direction) of the locking element 4, in the locking position S1 a front projection 41.1, in particular the frontmost one, with the lower rail 32 and a rear projection 41.2, in particular the rearmost one, is in contact with the upper rail 31 or vice versa.

Such a spring-loaded locking element 4 with a rear projection 41.2 contacting the upper rail 31 in the locking position S1 and a front projection 41.1 contacting the lower rail 32 in the locking position S1 is a particularly simple way of eliminating play between the lower rail 32 (also called the guide rail) and the upper rail 31 (also called rail runners) allows. The locking element 4 is designed as a horizontal lock. The upper rail 31 and lower rail 32 are prestressed in relation to one another in the locking position S1 by means of the spring-loaded locking element 4 .

In a possible embodiment, the front projection 41.1, in particular a front tooth, has a conical area in the contact area K with the lower rail 32. The rear projection 41.2, in particular a rear tooth, has a conical area in the contact area K with the upper rail 31.

The front projection 41.1 can be the foremost projection or tooth of the locking element 4. The rear projection 41.2 can be the rearmost projection of the locking element 4. The remaining projections 41, in particular those between the front projection 41.1 and the rear projection 41.2, are contactless in the locking position S1. This means that these remaining projections 41 make contact neither with the upper rail 31 nor with the lower rail 32. The remaining projections 41 are also designed in such a way that they only come into contact with the upper rail 31 in the event of higher longitudinal loads, in particular in the event of an accident load, for example a rear-end collision and the bottom rail 32 contact.

In a further embodiment, at least one of the two contacting projections 41.1 or 41.2, either the front projection 41.1 or the rear projection 41.2 or both, has a greater width B in the X-axis direction than the remaining projections 41.

The conical shape of the front projection 41.1 and the rear projection 41.2 extends in particular over the respectively associated contact area K.

In addition, all projections 41 and also the front projection 41.1 and the rear projection 41.2 have bevels or fillets at their free ends 41.3 in order to be able to, when locking or unlocking and thus when engaging or disengaging with the openings 34 not to tilt in the upper rail 31 and the openings 33 in the lower rail 32.

7 until 9 schematically show a sequence of an unlocking of the locking element 4, which is described in more detail below:

The movement during unlocking is based on the 7 until 9 described in detail. This provides a simple clamping and catching function for the locking element 4 without additional components by using a combined movement of the locking element 4 from a rotary movement and a pulling movement. The locking element 4 is designed as a horizontal lock. With the help of the spring-loaded locking element 4, a simple free play between the bottom rail 32 and the top rail 31 is achieved and a dynamic modulation of the locking element 4 is prevented.

7 corresponds to the embodiment 2 . It is related to the description 2 referred.

At the beginning of an unlocking movement of the locking element 4, the actuating element 9 can be actuated mechanically or electromechanically in accordance with arrow P1. Alternatively or additionally, the actuating element 9 can be rotated electromechanically according to arrow P2.

The actuating area 91 is moved in the direction of the through opening 36 of the upper rail 31 and actuated into it, in particular pressed according to arrow P1, in order to be rotated or pivoted about an actuating axis BA according to arrow P2, so that it engages with the locking element 4 stationary control cam 94 first tilts the plate-shaped locking element 4 downwards or rotates according to arrow P31. The actuating element 9 is screwed into the cavity 5 in the process. In the locking position S1, the locking element 4 partially performs the rotary movement or tilting movement according to arrow P31, in particular only a small rotary movement or tilting movement, as in 7 and 8th shown.

The locking element 4 is placed in an intermediate position S3. This is not a fixed position, but an intermediate position S3 of a continuous unlocking movement of the locking element 4 controlled by the actuating element 9, the unlocking movement being a combined rotary-pull movement. During the unlocking movement, the locking element 3 is first pressed down within the upper rail 31 in order to get out of the blocking area of the blocking element 98 . The locking element 4 is then pulled past the blocking element 98 by means of a tensile force and into the upper rail 31 at least in some areas.

By further actuating the actuating area 91, in particular by rotating it in accordance with arrow P2, into the cavity 5, the hook-shaped projection 93 moves into the engagement opening 42 of the locking element 4 until the hook-shaped projection 93 engages around or behind the locking element 4, like this in 9 is shown.

Upon further actuation of the actuating element 9, in particular by turning according to arrow P2, the locking element 4, in particular its projections 41, is completely moved out of the openings 34 and the openings 33 of the rails 31, 32 according to arrow P32, in particular pulled out. As a result, the locking element 4 with its in particular tooth-like projections 41 disengages from the tooth-shaped or slot-shaped openings 34 and the openings 33 of the rails 31 and 32, so that the locking element 4 is placed in its release position or unlocked position S2 and the upper rail 31 relative to the lower rail 32 is movable, in particular longitudinally adjustable. This provides a simple clamping and catching function for the spring-loaded locking element 4 without additional components by using a combined movement of rotary movement and pulling movement.

The actuation of the actuating element 9 is carried out as a continuous movement, so that the locking element 4 is adjusted from the locking position S1 via the intermediate position S3 into the unlocking position S2 via a continuous combined turning and pulling movement.

In addition to blocking the locking element 4 in the locking position S1 by means of the blocking element 98, this can also be designed as a stop element and, for example, be arranged on the upper rail 31 in such a way that the actuating movement of the actuating element 9 into the unlocking position S2 is at least limited or blocked. In particular, this movement of the actuating element 9 into the unlocking position S2 is limited or blocked by the blocking element 98 in such a way that the projections 41 of the locking element 4 continue to engage in the openings 34 of the upper rail 31 in its unlocked position S2, as in FIG 9 shown. The actuating element 9 strikes the blocking element 98 in the actuating direction according to arrow P2.

reference list

1

Seat

2

seat adjustment device

3

pair of rails

30

rail element

31

top rail

31.1

Side wall

31.2

rail floor

31.3

rail end

32

bottom rail

32.1

Side wall

32.2

rail end

33

breakthroughs

34

openings

35

free ends

36

passage opening

37

thigh area

38

top of the top rail

381 to 384

recesses

39

underside of the top rail

4

locking element

41

head Start

41.1

front protrusion

41.2

rear protrusion

41.3

free end

42

access opening

43

recording

5

cavity

6

rolling element

60

bearing pin

61

first rolling element

62

second rolling element

7

biasing element

71

carrier area

72

storage area

73

spring range

8th

mounting bolts

9

actuator

91

operating range

92

coupling area

93

hooked projection

94

control cam

95

pivot bearing

96

axis

97

Weld

98

blocking element

99

stop surface

10

load handling equipment

101

load interfaces

102

welded joint

103

fastener

104

intake opening

105

leg

106

web

107

attachment flag

11

return element

B

Broad

B.A

actuation axis

K

contact area

P1, P2, P31, P32, P33

arrows

S1

locked position

S2

unlocked position

S3

intermediate position

X

X-axis direction / longitudinal direction

Y

Y axis direction / transverse direction

Z

Z axis direction / vertical direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• EP 1227950 B1 [0002]

Claims (10)

Rail element (30), which is designed as a sheet metal profile part, which has a load handling device (10) at each end, on which load interfaces (101) are designed or attached, via which forces acting on the rail element (30) can be derived vertically and/or horizontally . Rail element (30) after claim 1 , wherein the sheet metal profile part is designed as a stamped and bent steel part, a bent steel profile or as an aluminum profile. Rail element (30) after claim 1 or 2 , wherein the load handling device (10) is designed as a forged part or a shaped steel part. Rail element (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the load handling device (10) comprises two parallel legs (105) as load interfaces, which are connected to one another via a web (106), Rail element (30) after claim 4 , wherein a fastening lug (107) protrudes perpendicularly from the web (106). Rail element (30) after claim 5 , wherein the load handling device (10) is materially connected to the rail element (30), in particular the rail base (31.2), via the fastening lug (107). Longitudinal seat adjustment device (2), comprising at least two pairs of rails (3) arranged at a distance from one another and at least one locking element (4), the pairs of rails (3) each consisting of a rail element (30) designed as a top rail (31) according to one of the preceding claims and a Lower rail (32) are formed, which are movable relative to each other. Longitudinal seat adjustment device (2). claim 7 , wherein the upper rail (31) has a shorter length than the lower rail (32). Longitudinal seat adjustment device (2). claim 7 or 8th , The upper rail (31) each end comprising a load handling device (10) which is designed as a fastening element (103) for a seat (1). Longitudinal seat adjustment device (2). claim 9 , wherein the fastening element (103) is designed as a claw fastening with a receiving opening (104).

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