NL2026783B1

NL2026783B1 - Sliding guide and arm support provided with such a sliding guide number

Info

Publication number: NL2026783B1
Application number: NL2026783A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Petronella Maria Stijns Andreas
Original assignee: Thomas Regout Int B V
Priority date: 2020-10-28
Filing date: 2020-10-28
Publication date: 2022-06-21

Abstract

A sliding guide, for instance for an arm support (A), comprising at least a first (2) and at least a second profile (3) slidable relative thereto in a longitudinal direction, with bearing means (4) included therebetween, wherein the profiles (2, 3) are provided with fastening means (6, 7) for fastening the profiles (2, 3) to respective surfaces (30a, 31a) situated opposite thereto, wherein the first and second profiles (2, 3) on both sides in the longitudinal direction are provided with respective connecting longitudinal edges (8, 9; 10, 11; 108. 109; 110, 111), which cooperate in order to allow sliding of the second profile (3) relative to the first profile, wherein the bearing means (4) are provided between the profiles (2, 3) near the respective connecting longitudinal edges (8, 9; 10, 11; 108. 109; 110, 111) thereof in order to provide an internal space (I) between the first (2) and the second profile (3). In said internal space (1) between the first profile (2) and the second profile (3) at least one support element (40) is provided on one of the profiles (2, 3) for supporting the other of the first and second profile (2, 3) or for resting on the other profile (2, 3) for supporting the profile provided with the support element (40).

Description

P128211NL00 Title: Sliding guide and arm support provided with such a sliding guide number The invention relates to a sliding guide, for instance for an arm support, provided with bearing means for sliding at least two profiles relative to each other over a particular sliding distance and with friction means for providing a certain frictional resistance between the profiles over at least a portion of the sliding distance. Such a sliding guide is known from practice.

A known sliding guide can be used in arm supports which, for instance, may be provided between two front seats in vehicles, such as passenger cars, in order to provide an adjustable arm support for a driver and/or for a passenger in the vehicle. This may be desirable from an ergonomic viewpoint, so that, for instance depending on the position of the seat and the size of the driver, a desired support of the body can be achieved, which is conducive to seating comfort.

Such a sliding guide can for instance comprise a first profile and a second profile, which are slidably connected with each other via respective connecting longitudinal edges in longitudinal direction provided on both sides of the profiles. The sliding guide further comprises fastening means. One of the profiles can be fastened therewith onto the console, and the other profile can be fastened therewith to a bottom surface of an arm support placed on the console and to be adjusted.

The known sliding guide is arranged to transmit force from the arm support to the console for instance situated between the two front seats of a vehicle. The sliding guide further comprises bearing means, for example provided with a ball bearing cage near both connecting longitudinal edges for guiding the first profile relative to the second profile in the longitudinal direction thereof. The bearing means are placed between the first and the second profile, while the first profile is also movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the bearing means. Further, for the purpose of providing frictional resistance, the sliding guide can provide friction means which are provided between the first profile and the second profile. The friction means for example comprise a rotation damper which is fastened to a side of the profile central surface of the first profile that faces the second profile. Placed on the profile central surface of the second profile situated opposite thereto is a tooth rack extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile, which engages the rotation damper. In such known sliding guide the bearing means and the friction means are situated in an internal space between the first and the second profile.

This known sliding guide comprises relatively many parts and is particularly complicated in construction and difficult to mount. Due to the amount of parts and the complicated construction, it is not possible to add any additional parts, for instance depending on the manner of fastening of the sliding guide on a surface, depending on the wishes of a user or, for instance, depending on safety requirements for a particular application of the sliding guide.

EP1733916 describes an arm support provided with a guide for sliding the arm support, with a first profile sliding relative to a second profile, with interposition of moving bearing means and friction means. A separate provision is arranged to avoid play. A comparable device is known from JP2005021289.

US6007155 describes a central console for a car, provided with a slidable arm support with an anti-rattle guide assembly. In this device a first profile is retained in a manner slidable in a first direction in a sliding guide formed on a second profile. On the second profile, to that end, at least a first wedge-shaped block is provided, from which a surface of the first profile that inclines with respect to the first direction faces away. A second wedge-shaped block has been laid by an inclined surface thereof against said inclined surface of the first block and is pressed-on by a spring.

The blocks are confined between the first profile and a partition extending parallel thereto.

The first block can move in a second direction, at right angles to the first direction, while the second block can move parallel to the first direction.

The spring continuously acts in the first direction, and hence continuously exerts a force on the second block, parallel to the first direction.

The first block and an opposite part of the guide, together with the first profile, form a sliding guide.

In a first embodiment, on opposite sides of the first profile a first and a second block are provided, in a second embodiment on just one side two first and two second blocks are provided, with the spring extending between the two blocks, parallel to the first direction.

A disadvantage of this known device is that it is complicated in construction, comprises many parts and needs to be tuned accurately.

A further disadvantage of this known device is that the spring acts parallel to the first direction and presses on the first block only indirectly.

A further disadvantage is that the use of the wedge-shaped blocks and the guide of the or each first block can entail the possibility of the or each first block tilting to some extent about an axis at right angles to the first direction and to the second profile, so that a first end of the block will be pressed more strongly against the first profile than an opposite second end, for instance through friction between the block and the first profile, so that the first profile can be displaced no longer or only with high force.

This can occur especially in case of soiling or high frictional resistance between the block and the first profile and in case of wear or inaccuracies of the guide of the or a first block or second block.

A still further disadvantage of this known device is that when a guiding surface of the first profile is not entirely straight or the guide surfaces of the first profile do not extend entirely parallel to each other, the or each first block will have difficulty following this because to that end the second block needs to be pushed away, against the spring action, with the aid of the inclined surfaces, which results in an unwanted force transmission.

WO 2010/002261 discloses a sliding guide according to the preamble of claim 1. This known sliding guide resolves at least some of the problems of the art disclosed here before.

When this sliding guide is brought in an extended state, it has been found that loading the sliding guide at the extended end may lead to impairment of the sliding guide and reduce the ability to slide the sliding profiles relative to each other.

An object of the invention is to provide a sliding guide of the type described in the preamble, in which the disadvantages mentioned have been removed or at least have been reduced, while maintaining the advantages thereof.

To this end, the invention provides a sliding guide, for instance for an arm support, according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein in said internal space between the first profile and the second profile at least one support element is provided on one of the profiles for supporting the other of the first and second profile or for resting on the other profile for supporting the profile provided with the support element.

In a sliding guide according to the present disclosure one of the profiles, especially the second profile, in use carrying for example an arm rest, can slide freely relative to the other one of the profiles, especially the first profile in such use for example stationary, without being restricted by frictional contact between the support element or elements and the profile along which the support elements are moved or along which the profile is moved, when the sliding guide is loaded properly for the intended use, for example by the weight of a human arm resting on a center portion of an arm rest supported by the sliding profile.

Whereas the sliding profile can be supported by the at least one support element when the sliding guide is loaded improperly during use, i.e. for example loaded by a force at or near a free longitudinal end of such arm rest supported by the sliding profile, causing a moment in the bearings of the sliding guide.

By supporting the sliding profile by the support element or elements when overloaded the moment on the bearings can be transferred more favorably, reducing the forces acting on the bearing elements with regards to the same loading without having the support element or elements.

5 In a sliding guide according to the invention preferably both frictional resistance and the bearing of the first profile with respect to the second profile can be determined by the bearing means and by friction means provided near the connecting longitudinal edges of the respective profiles. When these means are provided in whole near outer connecting longitudinal edges of the first and the at least second profile, the space between the profiles is not needed for housing parts that are necessary for providing frictional resistance or the bearing.

To obtain a largest possible internal space to be freely used between the profiles, it is favorable if, in a further elaboration of the invention, the respective connecting longitudinal edges of the first and of the second profile extend at least partly from a profile central surface substantially to the profile situated opposite thereto. With such a construction of the sliding guide, the profile central surfaces of the respective profiles, which bound the internal space on at least two opposite sides, are at a relatively great distance from each other.

In embodiments the at least one support element can have a height measured from the profile on which it is provided in a height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in the direction of the opposite profile such that an end surface of the support element facing said opposite profile is spaced apart from the opposite profile over a distance between 0 and 3 mm when the sliding profile is in normal use position, preferably between 0 and 2 mm, such as for example between 0 and 1 mm. In embodiments hence the opposite profile can just touch the end surface of the support element or can be spaced apart from the said surface over a very small distance, such that upon exerting a load on an extended end of one of the profiles, said profile is forced down or forced to pivot only to such extend that it will abut the support element, such that the support element will carry at least part of said load.

It will be clear that said distance can be chosen depending on for example a longitudinal length of the profiles, a longitudinal length of the bearings, rigidity of the sliding profiles and bearing elements, play between the sliding profiles, longitudinal distance between a relevant, nearest end of the bearings and the position of the relevant support element or elements and the like.

The distance preferably is chosen such that during normal use of the sliding guide contact between the support element or elements and a sliding profile moving relative to said support element or elements is avoided.

Preferably the opposite profile does not touch the said support element when there is no external load on the slide profiles, but is in close proximity thereof, for example at a distance of between 0.05 mm and 3 mm, for example between 0.1 and 2 mm, such as for example between 0.1 and 1 mm or below 0.5 mm.

This limits friction between the support element or elements and the slide profiles during normal use.

In embodiments the second profile can be slidable relative to the first profile between a fully extended position wherein part of the second profile extends longitudinally beyond a proximal end of the first profile and a retracted position.

The at least one support element is thereby provided in a position such that at least when the second profile is in or near the fully extended position the at least one support element is situated near the proximal end of the first profile, between the first profile and second profile.

Thus the second profile can rest on the at least one support element close to the proximal end, reducing the moment exerted on the sliding profiles, especially on the bearing elements between the profiles.

The at least one support element can be provided on the second profile or on the first profile or both profiles can comprise one or more such support elements.

In embodiments there are at least two support elements provided side by side at a first side of a transverse mid-sectional plane of the sliding profile. This will promote a more even distribution of the load. In embodiments there are at least two support elements, one on either side of a transverse mid sectional plane of the sliding profile. In such embodiment the support elements can support as described at both a proximal and a distal end of the slide guides profiles, which is especially useful when one of the slide profiles can be moved longitudinally in two longitudinal directions to an extended position.

In advantageous embodiments the at least one support element is a lip formed out of a profile central portion of the first profile or second profile.

The lip can for example be bent upward or downward from the relevant profile central portion, into the internal space, extending substantially in the height direction, such that an end surface of the lip faces a profile central surface of the opposite profile. By forming the support element or elements as lips these can easily be formed together with other parts of the relevant slide profile. No additional assembly steps are necessary.

The lip can be bent out of the profile central portion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In such embodiment preferably the lip has two opposite side edges or surfaces facing opposite proximal and distal ends of the relevant profile from which the lip is bent. Thus the end surface can have a length measured in longitudinal direction larger than a width measured perpendicular to the direction of extension and retraction, which width can be defined by the thickness of the material from which the relevant profile is made. Hence the lip or lips can extend with their length direction parallel to the sliding direction, reducing the space needed for the

Lip or lips in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction and reducing the risk of bending of the lip or lips when supporting the opposite profile.

In alternative embodiments the at least one support element can be a separate element mounted to the relevant profile. Such element can for example be screwed, bolted, glued or welded onto said profile, or it can for example be mounted on a lip bent from the relevant profile.

The invention furthermore relates to an arm support for a vehicle, for instance a passenger car, provided with an above-described sliding guide, wherein the sliding guide is provided between a base, for instance a console, and an arm support slidable relative to the console.

In the further subclaims, further advantageous embodiments are described of a sliding guide according to the invention, as well as an arm support equipped therewith. In clarification, exemplary embodiments of a sliding guide according to the invention will be further elucidated with reference to the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows in perspective view a sliding guide according to the invention in non-assembled condition; Fig. 2 shows a cross sectional view of the sliding guide according to the invention in assembled condition; Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal sectional view of an arm support provided with the sliding guide according to the invention in a starting position; Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of an arm support provided with the sliding guide according to the invention in an extended position; Fig. 5 an exploded view of an embodiment of a sliding guide of the disclosure; Fig. 6A and B in top view and cross sectional side view a first profile of a sliding guide of the disclosure;

Fig. 7A and B in top view and cross sectional side view a second profile of a sliding guide of the disclosure; Fig. 8A — B in top view, cross sectional side view and a sliding guide of fig. 5, in assembled condition, in an extended position; Fig. 9A — C schematically an embodiment of a slide guide; Fig. 10 in enlarged side view part of a sliding guide, showing a lip as example of a support element; and Fig. 11A — C an alternative embodiment of a slide guide of the disclosure, especially comprising alternative bearing elements.

In this description, the same or corresponding parts have the same or corresponding reference numerals. In the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing, in each case only two profiles are shown for a two-part sliding guide. It will be clear, however, that in a comparable manner, simply, also a sliding guide can be manufactured having for instance three profiles, for instance by including in a conventional manner between the first and second profiles shown in the drawing a third and optionally next profile with associated bearing means and, if desired, associated friction means. Such a sliding guide, as will be immediately clear to the skilled person, provides a greater slide-out length of the sliding guide. In a sliding guide according to this description, preferably use is made of at least a slide bearing for a first and second profile. However, in embodiments of the disclosure other types of bearing means can be used, such as for example but not limited to ball bearings, roll bearings or magnetic bearings. In embodiments of a guide according to this description, preferably use is made of at least one sliding element which extends between a first and a second profile and enables a relative movement, in a first direction. The at least one sliding element is preferably biased by spring means in a direction including an angle with the first direction and preferably substantially at right angles thereto. To this end, for instance, springs may be provided between one of the first and second profile and the sliding element, which springs have a force direction which is directed approximately at right angles to the first direction, preferably approximately parallel to a main surface of said first and/or second profile. The force direction is preferably directed as normal to a guide surface of the sliding element. Preferably, a sliding element is then so biased in said direction that the sliding element provides a self-setting system for the guide in that the sliding element can at least partly be pressed away from a guide surface cooperating therewith of a respective profile, through direct engagement of the spring means. To that end, a sliding element may for instance be suspended with the aid of the spring meansin a manner allowing it to swerve to some extent. By the use of spring means that allow a movement of a sliding element not only in a direction of the normal to the respective cooperating guide surfaces but also in at least one direction including an angle therewith and with the first direction, the self-setting property can be augmented still further.

In embodiments of a sliding guide of the disclosure preferably each of the sliding profiles has a proximal and a distal end, wherein at least one support element is and preferably at least two support elements are provided such that a during use movable sliding profile can be supported by the supporting element or elements near a proximal and/or distal end of the other profile, which may be the stationary slide profile.

In a slide according to the disclosure the support element or elements are preferably designed such that during normal use of the sliding guide the support element or elements do not exert any significant frictional resistance for the sliding profile to slide along the other profile. Thus during normal use the sliding profile can slide in a longitudinal direction freely or with a designed frictional resistance of friction means. Whereas the sliding profile can pivot and/or deform elastically relative to the opposite slide profile under substantial force or loading, which will result in a supporting contact with the support element or elements, preventing further pivoting and/or further deformation of the sliding profile.

For example if the slide guide is used for or in an arm rest supported by the sliding profile, if a person rests his or her arm on the arm support for sliding it forward or rearward, such that substantially only the weight of the arm rests on the arm rest, usually at or near a center portion of the arm rest, there will be substantially no frictional resistance between the support element or elements and the relevant opposite profile.

On the other hand if the arm rest is overloaded, for example by a person putting much of his or her body weight on the longitudinal end of an extended end of the arm rest, the sliding profile will be supported by the at least one supporting element, thus preventing the arm rest from being pushed down further and at the same time reducing the forces acting on the bearings of the sliding guide as a result of a moment induced by the overloading of the arm rest.

In Fig. 1 the different parts of a sliding guide 1 according to the invention are shown in a non-assembled condition.

The sliding guide 1 comprises a first profile 2 provided with a profile central surface 12 and two connecting longitudinal edges 8, 9 extending substantially transversely to the profile central surface 12. The connecting longitudinal edges 8, 9 comprise several segments 8a, 8b; 9a, 9b, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the profile 2. The first segments 8a, 9a contain an outwardly directed end which is arranged to cooperate with a sliding element 14. The second segments 8b, 9b extend in whole substantially perpendicularly to the profile central surface 12 and are configured to cooperate with a spring connection 15. The first profile 2 has a relatively small length.

A second profile 3 is provided with a greater length.

Also the second profile 3 comprises a profile central surface 13 and two connecting longitudinal edges 10, 11 extending substantially transversely thereto.

The connecting longitudinal edges 10, 11 of the second profile 3 have a substantially V shaped cross section, which tapers in a direction R1 pointing away from the first profile 2, viewed in assembled condition (see Fig. 2). In another embodiment of the invention, the cross section of the respective connecting longitudinal edge 10, 11 of the second profile 3 can have a different shape converging to some extent in the direction R1, such as a semicircular shape, so that the sliding element 14 is properly positioned against the connecting longitudinal edges 10, 11 in order to minimize, or even prevent, play.

Also, it is possible that the cross section of the connecting longitudinal edges 10. 11 converges in the direction from the second profile 3 to the first profile 2. Both profiles 2, 3 are provided with fastening means 6, 7 for fastening the profiles 2, 3 to respective surfaces 30a, 31a, situated opposite thereto, as can be seen better in Figs. 3 and 4. The fastening means 6, 7 in this exemplary embodiment of the invention comprise a number of holes through which for instance screws, bolts and the like can be inserted to form the actual fastening with the surfaces 30a, 31a.

It is clear that in another embodiment of the sliding guide 1 according to the invention other fastening means can be used, such as for instance user-specific fastenings which can cooperate with fastening means which are already provided on the surfaces onto which the respective profiles 2, 3 are to be fastened.

In embodiments the fastening means can for example comprise tabs and/or lances.

Further, the sliding guide 1 comprises an end blocking 16 which prevents the second profile 3 from being slid further than a maximum sliding distance L relative to the first profile 2 (see Fig. 4). The end blocking 16 comprises a stop 17 of a damping material such as rubber which is provided on the profile central surface 12 of the first profile 2. The stop 17 extends from the profile central surface 12 in the direction of the profile central surface 13 of the second profile.

The second profile 3 is provided with two projections 18a, 18b, which are provided near the ends 3a, 3b of the second profile 3 and extend in the direction of the profile central surface 12 of the first profile 2. In this embodiment the first slide profile 2 has a proximal end 41 and a distal end 44, at opposite longitudinal ends of the profile central surface 12. In fig. 1 a proximal end 41 is shown at the left hand side of the drawing. Proximal and distal are only used for indicating opposite longitudinal ends. In the embodiment of fig. 1 — 4 the proximal end 41 and the distal end 44 are positioned at the level of the opposite ends of the sliding elements 14. At the proximal end 41 two support elements 40 are provided, on the profile central surface 12, one on either side of a longitudinal mid-sectional plane Vp. These support elements 40 are thus provided on a proximal first side of a transverse mid-sectional plane V. Similarly support elements 40 could be provided at an opposite, second or distal side of the mid-sectional plane V.

In the embodiment of fig. 1 the or each support element 40 is shown as a support block 40, which has an end surface 42 facing the profile central surface 13 of the opposite profile 3, and is mounted on the profile central surface 12 of the first profile 2. The support elements 40 are positioned such, especially spaced apart in a width direction of the profiles 2, 3, perpendicular to the longitudinal sliding direction R1, R2, such that the lips 16 can pass in between them, and the openings 7 can pass alongside them.

The support elements 40 have a height H40 measured from the profile central portion 12 to the end surface 42, which is such that when the sliding guide bears substantially no external force the end surface 42 either touches the opposite profile central portion 13 of the second profile 3, preferably without any deformation, or is spaced apart over a very small distance d from said opposite profile central surface 13. Said distance d is chosen such that if the second profile 3 is in a starting position as shown in fig. 3 or bears substantially no external force, said distance d is larger than 0 mm, whereas when the second profile 3 has been extended, for example from a starting position as shown in fig. 3 to an extended position as shown in fig. 4, and a substantial load F is exerted on a proximal end portion of the extended second profile 3, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal sliding direction R, as shown in fig. 4, the second profile central portion 13 of the second profile 3 is forced into contact with the end surface 42 of the or each support 40 at said proximal end 41. Thus the second profile 3 can be supported by the support elements 40. In this description a substantial load or force has to be understood as at least meaning a load or force of above 30 kg (300N), for example more than 40 kg (400N), such as more than 60 kg (600N) or for example 80 kg (800N) or more, at least for use of the sliding guide in or for an arm rest, in which applying such forces or loads on an arm rest, especially at an extending proximal or distal end thereof are considered non-normal use of the arm rest. The distance d is preferably small relative to the height H40 of the support 40, for example less than 1 mm, such as for example less than

0.6 mm, such as for example 0.5 mm or less. The distance d can be between 0 and 1 mm, for example between 0.05 and 0.5 mm. Substantially no load or force has to be understood as meaning significantly less than a substantial force or load, for example a force or load of between 0 and 25 kg (250N), such as for example between 0 and 15 kg (150N), for example less than 10 kg (100N), at least for use of the sliding guide in or for an arm rest, in which applying such forces or loads on an arm rest, especially at an extending proximal or distal end thereof, are considered normal use of the arm rest, such as for example applied by an arm of a human resting on said arm rest for sliding the arm rest in longitudinal direction.

The loads and forces, as well as distances d are shown here only by way of example, and are considered with respect to a sliding guide having an overall length of for example between 100 and 300 mm, with a length of extension or sliding distance L in a given direction of for example between and 200 mm, such as for example between 40 and 160 mm.

Referring to for example Figs. 1 and 2, it will be described hereinbelow how the sliding guide 1 according to an embodiment of the invention can be assembled in a simple manner. The profiles 2, 3 can for 30 instance be manufactured by blanking, roll forming and/or stamping the discrete profile parts from a plate of, for instance, metal, after which the connecting longitudinal edges 8, 9; 10, 11 can be formed by flanging opposite edges on both sides of the respective profile parts. The profiles 2, 3 can have different dimensions, while the length of the two profiles 2, 3 can be tailored to a desired maximum sliding distance L of the second profile 3 relative to the first profile 2. Also, in a simple manner, the external width dimension of the sliding guide 1, and hence of the respective profiles 2, 3, may be varied. Adaptations in the dimensions of the profiles 2, 3 are relatively simple and this does not change the working principle of the sliding guide 1. Preferably, the first profile 2 has a shorter length than the second profile 3. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, also other ways of manufacturing the profiles 2, 3, which are clear to the skilled person, can be applied. The projections 18a, 18b are provided on the profile central surface 13 of the second profile 3 by folding partly blanked material over in a same direction as in which the connecting longitudinal edges 10, 11 extend. It is convenient when prior to assembly only one of the projections 18a, 18b has been formed so that the first profile 2 can be easily slid into the second profile 3. A base 17a of the stop 17 1s manufactured similarly to the projections 18a, 18b, after which a rubber damping element 17b is slipped over the base 17a. The stop 17 and the projections 18a, 18b together form the end blocking 16. It is clear to the skilled person that the end blocking 16 in another embodiment of the sliding guide 1 according to the invention may be constructed in a different manner to achieve a same purpose. For instance, the projections 18a, 18b and/or the stop 17 may be provided at other locations on the respective profiles 2, 3.

The sliding elements 14 can be made of a plastic and can be manufactured using an injection molding process. Each sliding element 14 comprises a first side 14a which is configured for cooperation with the first segments 8a, 9a of the connecting longitudinal edge 8, 9 of the first profile 2.

For this purpose, the first side 14a can comprise notches 14c in which the outwardly directed ends of the first segments 8a can be received. Further, the first side 14a comprises spring receiving elements 14d, against which the springs 15a of the spring connection s 15 can be placed. Each sliding element 14 further comprises a second side 14b provided with an outer surface which is configured to cooperate with an inner surface 10a, 11a of a connecting longitudinal edge 10, 11 of the second profile 3.

The support elements 40 can be mounted to the first slide profile 1, near the proximal end 41 and/or near the distal end 44, in any practical manner. In fig. 1 — 4 the support elements 40 are shown as blocks, which are mounted to the profile 2 by screws 46. Alternatively the support elements 40 can be provided in a different manner, for example by gluing, welding, soldering, riveting, clicking or the like, or can for example be mounted onto a lip of the profile 2. Alternatively the or each support element 40 can be mounted to the profile 2 by a screw with which the profile 2 is mounted to a mounting surface.

The support element 40 preferably has smooth, for example rounded edges 45 along the end surface 42, allowing for smooth sliding of the profiles 2, 3 relative to each other, even if the end surface 42 is in contact with the opposite slide profile 3.

After the manufacture of the individual parts of the sliding guide 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the sliding guide 1 is assembled. For this, the springs 15a are placed by a first end thereof in the spring receiving means 14d of the sliding elements 14. Next, the sliding elements 14, at least the notches 14c thereof, are slipped over the first segments 8a, 9a of the connecting longitudinal edges 8, 9 of the first profile 2. The springs 15c then come to lie by a second end thereof against the second segments 8b, 9b of the connecting longitudinal edges 8, 9. The sliding elements 14 are pressed inwards, that is, moved towards each other, after which the first profile 2 can be slid into the second profile 3. When the stop 17 has passed the closest projection 18a,

still to be formed, that projection 18a can also be formed by bending the partly blanked material in a same direction as the projection 18b already formed earlier.. Of course, it is possible that the different parts are manufactured in a different manner and are mounted in a different manner, whereby the sliding guide 1 according to the invention is obtained.

The sliding guide 1 can then be used in a desired application, as in an arm support A provided in a vehicle (see Figs. 3 and 4). In assembled condition of the sliding guide 1, as can be properly seen in Fig. 2, the sliding elements 14, which form the bearing means 4 and friction means 5, are provided near the respective connecting longitudinal edges 8, 9; 10, 11 of the first profile 2 and the second profile 3. Further, the connecting longitudinal edges 8, 9; 10, 11 extend from the respective profile central surface 12, 13 in a direction towards the opposite profile central surface 12, 13. In this way, an internal space I between the first 2 and second 3 profile is provided.

This internal space I makes it possible to add additional parts to the sliding guide 1 without thereby augmenting the height H of the sliding guide 1. The spring connection s 15 with which the first sides 14a of the sliding elements 14 are connected to the connecting longitudinal edges 8, 9 ensure that a certain frictional resistance between the first profile 2 and the second profile 3 is present.

By varying the type of spring connection 15, the magnitude of the frictional resistance can be determined.

This can be done inter alia by varying the type of spring 15a and/or the number of springs 15a.

It is also possible, instead of a spring connection 15, to provide a layer of grease having a particular viscosity between an inner surface 10a, 11a of the connecting longitudinal edges 10, 11 of the second profile 3 and an outer surface of the sliding element 14. Also, other conceivable manners of clamping the first profile 2, bearing- mounted and provided with a frictional resistance, in the second profile 3. Other aspects such as surface roughness of the different parts, material use of the different parts etc. can also play a role in the magnitude of the frictional resistance.

As can be seen in Fig 2 the outer surface of each second side 14b of each sliding element 14 abuts in a substantially form-closed manner against the opposite inner surface 10a, 11a of the respective connecting longitudinal edge 10, 11 of the second profile 3. In this way, a positioning of the sliding element 14 with respect to the connecting longitudinal edges 10, 11 of the second profile 3 is obtained that obviates, at least reduces, play between these parts in directions in the plane of the section.

In Fig. 1 on each side of the first profile two springs 15 are represented.

Naturally, there may also be more.

The springs 15, here designed as compression springs, have an action direction F.

In the embodiments shown and described here, the springs are so arranged that the action directions F of the different springs are located approximately in one plane, parallel to each other.

For each spring 15 it holds that the action direction F preferably extends approximately at right angles to the sliding direction or displacement direction R2, for instance as a normal to a longitudinal direction L of the sliding elements 14, for instance approximately parallel to the arrow R1 in Fig. 2. Springs 15 which jointly engage a sliding element 14, spaced from each other, will hence bias the respective sliding element outwards, away from each other and from the first profile 2, against a guide of the second profile 3. Through the different springs 15 a first end of the sliding element can assume a position closer to or further away from the first profile 2 than the opposite end, while moreover the whole sliding element can be pressed farther or less far away from the first profile 2. As a result in these embodiments, unevennesses and irregularities on or of the cooperating sliding elements and guides of the second profile can be simply taken up, while yet a desired pressure and guidance can always be preserved.

Moreover, when the guides do not extend wholly parallel to each other, these differences too can relatively simply be taken up.

Moreover, wear is simply compensated for.

The above-described sliding guide 1 works as follows when used in an arm support A for in a vehicle.

Here, reference is made to Figs. 3 and 4. The sliding guide 1 is fastened between the console 30 and an arm support 31 situated opposite thereto.

For this, the first profile 2 is mounted, with the aid of the fastening means 6 on a top surface 30a of the console 30 at a desired location on the top surface 30a.

The second profile 3 is fastened with the aid of fastening means 7 to a bottom surface 31a of the arm support 31. When a driver of a car wishes to use the arm support A and wishes to adjust it to his personal preference, the driver can displace the arm support 31 relative to the console 30 in a displacement direction R2, for example by moving an arm resting on the arm rest.

As a result, in the embodiments of fig. 1 — 9 the second profile 3 slides with a preferably constant frictional resistance of, for instance, 20-30 Newton in the displacement direction R2 until the second profile 3 has been displaced relative to the first profile 2 over a sliding distance L, for example at a maximum.

The maximum sliding distance L is reached when the projection 18b, provided at an end 3b of the second profile 3 located near the rear side 31c of the arm support, strikes against the stop 17. When the arm support 311s slid in a direction R1 opposite to the displacement direction R2, the arm support 31 will go back to the starting position again, with the projection 18a provided near the front side 31b of the arm support 31 striking against the stop 17 when the starting position has been reached.

Instead of or additional to using frictional means as described here before, in a sliding guide of the disclosure discrete stops can be provided along the longitudinal length of the slide 1, such that a number of discrete positions is defined for the arm rest.

This can for example be achieved by protrusions 70 of the second profile 3, protruding into the space I, which can cooperate with an indentation 71 at a top surface of the stop block 16. In the embodiments shown there are three protrusions 70 defining three consecutive stops. Obviously a different number of such protrusions could be provided, or other provisions for forming such stops.

Fig. 5 — 9 show an alternative embodiment of a sliding guide 1 of the disclosure, wherein the same or similar parts and elements have the same or similar reference signs as used in fig. 1 — 4.

In the embodiment of fig. 5 — 9 the first slide profile 2 has at opposite longitudinal ends an extended portion 12B, 12C of the slide central portion 12A, such that the profile central portion 12 extends beyond an imaginary line L41, L44 at opposite ends 14(1) and 14(2) of the sliding elements 14 on either side of the profile 2. The longitudinal distance L(1) between the proximal end 41 and the distal end 44 of the profile 2 is larger than the longitudinal length L(2) of the sliding elements 14, measured between the ends 14(1), 14(2). The longitudinal length L(3) of the second profile 3, measured between a proximal end 51 and a distal end 54 is also larger than the longitudinal length L(2) of the sliding elements 14, such that the second profile 3 can slide relative to said sliding elements 14. In fig. 5 — 8 the sliding second profile 3 can slide from a mid-position, in which the second profile 3 extends beyond the sliding elements 14 in opposite directions over an equal distance, in two opposite directions R1, R2 over a distance L until the projections 18A hit the stop block 16.

In this embodiment in the profile central portion 13A of the second profile four lips 40 have been formed, forming support elements. The lips 40 have been formed extending downward into the space I. In the embodiment shown the lips 40 have been punched from the sheet material of which the profile 3 is made, preferably metal, and have been bent downward into said space I, along a bending line Z extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the slide guide 1, i.e. parallel to the sliding direction R. The Lips 40 preferably extend perpendicular to the profile central portion 12 of the first slide profile 2, for example by bending the lips 40 down over an angle of about 90 degrees.

The lips 40 have been positioned as two pairs of juxtaposed lips 40. Two lips 40 extend at a first side of an imaginary longitudinal mid sectional plane Vp, the other two at the opposite side thereof. Similarly two lips 40 extend at a first side of an imaginary mid sectional transverse plane V. The lips 40 are preferably mirror symmetrically placed relative to both mid- sectional planes V, Vp. As can be seen in fig. 5 — 8 the lips 40 are positioned such that upon sliding of the second profile 3 relative to the first profile 2 the lips 40 can pass the stop block 16. Preferably they can also pass alongside the mounting holes 6. The lips 40 are positioned such that the end surface 42 of the lips 40 will stay above the profile central surface 12 of the first profile, including the surface portions of the extending portions 12B, 12C.

As can be seen in fig. 10 the lips 40 can have an end surface 42 facing away from the surface 13 of the second profile 3, facing the surface 12 of the first profile 2, and two side surfaces 43 on opposite longitudinal sides of the lip 40. Curved transitional surface portions 45 are provided between the end surface 42 and the side surfaces 43. The lip 40 has a longitudinal length L43 measured between said side surfaces 43, which can for example be from several millimeters to several centimeters. In the embodiment shown, by way of example only, the lip 40 has a length L40 of about 8 to 15 mm. The lip 40 has a thickness perpendicular to the height H40 and length L40 which corresponds to the thickness of the material of which the relevant profile 3 1s made, for example between 1 and 4 mm, such as for example about 1.5 mm. These dimensions will obviously be dependent on the size of the slide 1 and for example the intended use thereof.

As can be seen in fig. 10 too the height H40 of the lip 40 can be slightly less that the height HI of the space I. Thus a small distance d may exist between the end surface 42 of the lip 40 and the opposite surface 13 of the second profile 3, similar to the distance d as shown in and discussed with respect to fig. 1 — 4, when no substantial external force is exerted on the slide guide 1. Said distance d is substantially smaller than the height H40 of the lip 40. As can especially be seen in fig. 8 and 9, if the second profile 3 has been moved to an extended position the lips 40 will stay directly above the surface 12 of the first profile 2. In fig. 8 and 9 a fully extended position is shown, shown as extended to the right hand side of the drawing.

In this position a first protrusion 18A, in fig. 8 shown at the left hand side of the stop block 16, abuts the stop block 16, preventing the second profile 3 from sliding further.

In this position the proximal end 51 of the second profile 3 is spaced apart from the proximal end 41 of the first profile 2. In fig. 9 schematically the slide guide 1 of fig 5 — 8 is shown with the slide guide in the fully extended position EP.

This shows that the lips 40 at the proximal side of the slide guide 2, here indicated as lips 40A, are positioned at the proximal end 41 of the second profile 2, especially on the extended portion 12B thereof.

When in this position a force F is exerted on or near the proximal end 51 of the second profile 3, for example in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction R, the second profile 3 will be forced down, towards the first profile 2, such that the surface 13 of the second profile 3 will be pushed against the end surfaces 42 of the lips 40A.

In this position the proximal lips 40A will start to act as a pivot point for the second profile 3, which means that if the proximal end 51 of the second profile 3 is pushed further down, the second profile 3 will tilt slightly, forcing the opposite distal end 54 upward.

This will lead to a moment around the proximal Lips 40A, countered by the sliding elements 14 on the first profile 2 and the longitudinal edges 10, 11 of the second profile 3. Especially at or near the distal ends 14(2) of the sliding elements 14, in fig. 9 schematically indicated by a reaction force FR.

In comparison, if the lips 40, especially in this position the proximal lips 40A had been omitted, if the same the force F had been exerted on the second profile 3, in the same position, the second profile 3 would have been pivoted substantially around the proximal ends 14(1) of the sliding elements 14, which are further away from the proximal end 51 of the second profile 3, hence leading to a far more substantial reaction force FR at or near the distal ends 14(2) of the sliding elements. 14. Moreover in such embodiment a full load of the force F would also act on the proximal ends 14(1) of the sliding elements 14.

Since the lips 40 will act as the pivot points for the second profile 3, which pivot points will support the second profile 3 when loaded in vertical direction, and which pivot points are substantially closer to the proximal end 51 of the second profile 3 than the proximal ends 14(1) of the sliding elements 14, a far more favorable moment is obtained, as well as a better load distribution on the bearings and the slide guide 1 overall and improved safety of the sliding guide 1 and of an arm rest provided with or on such sliding guide 1.

Fig. 11A — C shows schematically a further alternative embodiment of a sliding guide 1 of the disclosure, similar to that as shown in for example fig. 9, but having ball bearings 114 as bearing elements, instead of sliding bearing elements. In this embodiment on either longitudinal side of the slide profiles a bearing run or track 10, 11 respectively 108, 109 is provided, between which a series of ball bearings 114 is shown. In the embodiment shown the ball bearings are shown as loose ball bearings, but obviously these could also be provided in ball bearing strips or cages, as known in the art, as bearing rolls or bearing needles.

As discussed, in the embodiment of fig. 5 — 9 and 11 the second profile 3 can be moved in two opposite directions. Sliding the second profile 3 in the opposite direction, in the fig. 8 and 9 to the left, the distal lips 40B will act as pivots in the same way as described here above for the proximal lips 40A. A position moved away from a fully extended position Ep is considered a retracted position.

By reducing the moment exerted and especially by reducing the reaction forces FR near the ends of the sliding elements 14, the loads on the first profile 2 may also be distributed more evenly, which means that a first profile could be used made of for example thinner material, or with shorter sliding elements 14, or the distances L over which the slide guide 1 can be extended could be increased, without reducing a load bearing capacity of the sliding guide 1. Or using the same dimensions increasing the loadbearing capacity.

The extended portions 12B, 12C can have the same length L12A, L12B measured between the line L41 to the proximal end 41 and the line L44 to the distal end 44 respectively. However, as shown in fig. 5 — 9, they can also have different lengths L12A, L12B. In embodiments one of the extended portions can be omitted, for example if a sliding in that direction is not necessary.

By providing at least two lips 40 at a proximal and/or distal side of a profile, spaced apart in the width direction of the slide guide 1, stability of the profiles 2, 3 relative to each other in a width direction can also be improved. If in such embodiment a force F is exerted at a side of the second slide 1, near a proximal or distal end thereof, a lip 40 closest to said side will support the relevant slide profile, bearing most of the force and acting as a pivot point for tilting of the profile in a width direction, perpendicular to the sliding direction R. This can especially be relevant for example for an arm rest supported by the second profile 3, which is wider than de width of the second profile 3.

It shall be clear that similar considerations are relevant for the embodiment of fig. 1 — 4. In these embodiments especially the downward force on the sliding elements 14 will be reduced, and hence on the first profile 2, especially on the flanges 9, 9a.

It shall furthermore be clear that in a similar manner lips 40 can be formed on the first profile, extending upward into the space I from the proximal end 41 and/or the distal end 44. Moreover combinations of lips 40 on the first profile and on the second profile could be used.

In embodiments a bearing element could be provided on one or more of the lips 40, for example a plastic cap for reducing friction between the support 40 and the opposite surface 12, 13. In the embodiments of fig. 5 — 9 the fastening means 7 are shown as lips 7 forced out of the second profile 3, such In an embodiment of the invention, the sliding guide 1 may further be provided with locking means to lock the first profile 2 and the second profile 3 with respect to each other at a desired position between the starting position and the maximum extended position.

This can for instance take place in a stepped or stepless manner.

The invention is not in any way limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the description and the drawing.

All combinations of (parts of) embodiments described and/or shown are understood to fall within the concept of the invention.

Moreover, many variations thereon are possible within the framework of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

For instance, instead of a single first profile 2, several first profiles 2 may be provided in the second profile 3 in longitudinal direction L in line with each other.

This is convenient for use of the sliding guide 1 according to the invention in other applications such as for instance in sliding doors, vertical applications, dusty environments, light machine guide systems, etc.

Also, several sliding elements 14 may be provided between the first 2 and the second profile 3 and several springs 15a may be provided to press the sliding elements 14 against an inner surface 10a, 10b of the connecting longitudinal edges 10, 11 of the second profile 3.

Claims

Conclusions

Sliding guide, for example for an armrest (A), comprising at least a first (2) and an at least second profile (3) slidable relative thereto in a longitudinal direction, with bearing means (4) accommodated therebetween, wherein the profiles (2, 3 ) are provided with fixing means (6, 7) for fixing the profiles (2, 3) to respective opposing surfaces (30a, 31a), the first and second profiles (2, 3) being longitudinally on either side provided with respective connecting longitudinal edges (8, 9; 10,11; 108, 109; 110, 111) which cooperate in order to be able to slide the second profile (3) relative to the first profile (2), wherein the bearing means (4) are provided between the profiles (2, 3) adjacent their respective connecting longitudinal edges (8, 9; 10,11; 108, 109; 110, 111) so as to form an internal space (I) between the first (2) and the second profile ( 3), characterized in that in said interior space (I) t between the first profile (2) and the second profile (3) at least one support element (40) is provided on one of the profiles (2, 3) for supporting the other of the first and second profiles (2, 3) or for resting on the other profile (2, 3) for supporting the profile provided with the supporting element (40).

Sliding guide according to claim 1, wherein friction means (5) are further provided for providing a frictional resistance between the first profile (2) and the second profile (3) during sliding, wherein the bearing means (4) and the friction means (5 ) are provided between the profiles (2, 3) near their respective connecting longitudinal edges (8, 9; 10, 11; 108, 109; 110, 111).

Sliding guide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one supporting element (40) has a height (Hs) measured from the profile on which it is provided in a height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in the direction of the opposite profile (2, 3 ) such that an end surface (42) of the support element facing said opposing profiles (2, 3) is spaced from the opposing profile (2, 3) by a distance between 0 and 3 mm when the sliding profile is unloaded, preferably between 0 and 2 mm, such as between 0 and 1mm.

A slide guide according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one support element (40) is provided extending from a central profile surface (12, 13) of one of the first and second profiles.

A slide guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the second profile (3) is slidable relative to the first profile (2) between a fully extended position (EP) in which part of the second profile extends longitudinally beyond a proximal end (41) of the first profile (2) and a retracted position (RP), wherein the at least one support element (40) is provided in a position such that at least when the second profile is in or near the fully extended position (EP) 1s the at least one support element (40) is situated near the proximal end (41) of the first profile, between the first profile (2) and second profile (3).

Sliding guide according to claim 5, wherein the at least one support element (40) is provided on the second profile (3).

Sliding guide according to claim 5, wherein the at least one support element (40) is provided on the first profile (2).

A sliding guide according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there are at least two supporting elements (40) provided side by side on a first side of a transverse center cross-sectional plane (V) of the sliding profile.

A slide guide according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there are at least two support elements (40), one on each side of a central cross-sectional plane (V) of the slide profile.

Sliding guide according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one support element (40) is a lip formed from a profile central portion (12A, 12B) of the first profile (2) or second profile (3).

A sliding guide according to claim 10, wherein the lip (40) is bent upwards or downwards from the relevant profile central portion (12A, 12B), into the interior space (I), extending substantially in the height direction, such in that an end surface (42) of the lip (40) faces a central profile surface (12, 13) of the opposite profile (2, 3).

A slide guide according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the lip is bent from the profile central portion (12A, 13A) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, preferably such that the lip has two opposite side edges or surfaces (43) facing opposite. proximal and distal ends (41, 44) of the relevant profile (2, 3) from which the lip (40) 1s curved.

A slide guide according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one support member (40) has curved surface portions (45) between an end surface (42) and side edges or surfaces (43), the curved surface portions oriented longitudinally.

A sliding guide according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one supporting element (40) is attached to the relevant profile (2, 3).

A sliding guide according to claim 14, wherein the support element is mounted on a lip (45) bent from the relevant profile (2, 3).

A sliding guide according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first profile comprises a profile central portion (12A) with a sliding element (14) or sliding track or track (108, 109) with bearing means (114) therebetween, on each side wherein each slide member (14) or slide track or track (114) has a longitudinal direction with a proximal end (14(1)) and a distal end (14(2)), the profile central portion (12A) extending in at least one longitudinal direction beyond the proximal (14(1)) or distal ends (14(2)) forming a proximal portion (12(B)) or distal portion (12(C)) of the profile central portion (12A), wherein the at least one support member (40) is provided in or on one of the proximal portion (12(B)) or distal portion (12(C)).

Sliding guide according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first and a second profile (2, 3) slidable therealong are provided, with intermediate sliding bearing means comprising sliding profiles (14) which are moved by means of springs (15) relative to one of the profiles (2, 3) are biased in the direction of the other of the profiles (2, 3), the springs (15) each having an operating direction (F), springs (15) arranged on either side of a first profile have parallel operating directions (F), such that the sliding profiles (14) are self-adjusting and a sliding profile (14) with a first end can be moved at a distance from one of the profiles (2, 3) that deviates from a distance at which an opposite second end of the respective sliding profile (14) is located from the same profile (2, 3).

Armrest (A) for a vehicle, for instance a passenger car, provided with a sliding guide (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding guide (1) is provided between a base (30), for instance a console, and an armrest (31) which is slidable relative to the base (30).