WO2021100541A1

WO2021100541A1 - Vehicle slide rail device

Info

Publication number: WO2021100541A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/041839
Authority: WO
Inventors: 木村　明弘; 雄太村上; 新田中; 晃洋西田
Original assignee: シロキ工業株式会社
Priority date: 2019-11-18
Filing date: 2020-11-10
Publication date: 2021-05-27
Also published as: JP2021079792A; JP7456130B2

Abstract

In the present invention, as an example, a vehicle slide rail device allowing an increase in size to be suppressed is obtained. As an example, the vehicle slide rail device according to one embodiment comprises: a rail which is attached to a floor of a vehicle; a slider which is provided with an accommodating part and is attached to the rail so as to be movable along the rail; a rod which has a male thread and is attached to the rail; a nut which has a female thread capable of engaging with the male thread; a switching mechanism that causes the nut to move between a position separate from the rod and an engaged position in which the female thread and the male thread engage with one another; a housing which is accommodated in the accommodating part in at least in part and accommodates the nut and at least part of the switching mechanism; and a drive mechanism which causes either the rod or the nut to rotate.

Description

Vehicle slide rail device

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicle slide rail device.

Conventionally, a vehicle slide rail device including a lower rail provided on the floor of a vehicle and an upper rail fixed to a seat and movably attached to the lower rail is known. Further, a so-called power seat in which the upper rail and the lower rail are relatively slid by being driven by a motor is also known.

The power seat mechanism has, for example, a screw rod and a nut attached to the lower rail and the upper rail. When the screw rod or nut is driven by the motor, the upper rail and the lower rail slide relatively.

A power seat that allows the nut to be removed from the screw rod is also known. For example, by removing the nut from the screw rod, the upper rail and the lower rail can be manually slid and moved relatively without being driven by the motor (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-71937

However, in the conventional configuration, a mechanism for removing the nut from the screw rod is arranged outside the upper rail and the lower rail. Therefore, the slide rail device becomes large.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a slide rail device for a vehicle capable of suppressing an increase in size.

As an example, the vehicle slide rail device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a rail to be attached to the floor of the vehicle, a slider provided with a storage portion, and a slider and a male to be movablely attached to the rail along the rail. A rod having a screw and attached to the rail, a nut having a female screw capable of engaging with the male screw, a separation position where the nut is separated from the rod, and the female screw and the male. A housing that accommodates a switching mechanism that moves between the engaging positions in which the screws engage, a nut that is at least partially accommodated in the accommodating portion, and at least a portion of the switching mechanism. A drive mechanism for rotating one of the rod and the nut is provided. Therefore, as an example, since at least a part of the switching mechanism is housed inside the rail and the slider, it is possible to prevent the vehicle slide rail device from becoming large.

In the vehicle slide rail device, as an example, the drive mechanism has a motor and a second rotation of the rotation around the first rotation center transmitted from the motor at a twisted position with respect to the first rotation center. It has a transmission mechanism that converts the rotation around the center of rotation of the above and transmits the rotation to the nut, and the housing accommodates at least a part of the transmission mechanism. Therefore, as an example, since at least a part of the switching mechanism and at least a part of the transmission mechanism are housed inside the rail and the slider, it is possible to prevent the vehicle slide rail device from becoming large.

In the vehicle slide rail device, as an example, the housing is detachably attached to the slider. Therefore, as an example, the rail, the slider, and the rod can be shared between the slide rail device provided with the nut and the switching mechanism and another slide rail device in which the nut is not moved.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a seat device of one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the slide rail device of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the slide rail device of the embodiment in an exploded manner. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the slide rail device of the embodiment along the line F4-F4 of FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the nut, the guide member, and the worm wheel of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the slide rail device of the embodiment along the line F6-F6 of FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the slide rail device in which the nut of the embodiment is located at a separated position. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the slide rail device of the embodiment along the line F8-F8 of FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a part of the switching mechanism and a part of the housing of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the slide rail device of the embodiment along the line F10-F10 of FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the slide rail device of the embodiment along the line F11-F11 of FIG.

Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. In addition, in this specification, a plurality of expressions may be described about the component element which concerns on embodiment and the description of the element. The components and descriptions in which a plurality of expressions are expressed may be expressed in other expressions not described. Further, components and explanations that are not expressed in a plurality of expressions may be expressed in other expressions that are not described.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the seat device 10 of one embodiment. The seat device 10 is mounted on a vehicle 1 such as a four-wheeled vehicle, and has a slide rail device 11 and a seat 12. The seat 12 has a seat cushion 12a and a seat back 12b rotatably attached to the seat cushion 12a.

As shown in each drawing, the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are defined in this specification for convenience. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis is provided along the left-right direction of the vehicle 1. The Y-axis is provided along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. The Z-axis is provided along the vertical direction of the vehicle 1.

Further, in this specification, the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction are defined. The X direction is a direction along the X axis and includes the + X direction (right direction) indicated by the arrow on the X axis and the −X direction (left direction) which is the opposite direction of the arrow on the X axis. The Y direction is a direction along the Y axis and includes a + Y direction (forward direction) indicated by an arrow on the Y axis and an −Y direction (rear direction) which is the opposite direction of the arrow on the Y axis. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis and includes a + Z direction (upward direction) indicated by an arrow on the Z axis and an −Z direction (downward direction) which is the opposite direction of the arrow on the Z axis.

The slide rail device 11 has two lower rails 21 and two upper rails 22. The lower rail 21 may also be referred to as a rail. The upper rail 22 may also be referred to as a slider.

The lower rail 21 is attached to the floor 1a of the vehicle 1 so as to extend in the Y direction. Floor 1a faces approximately + Z direction. The floor 1a may have a portion facing in another direction. The two lower rails 21 are arranged apart from each other in the X direction.

The upper rail 22 extends in the Y direction and is attached to the lower rail 21 so as to be slidable in the Y direction along the lower rail 21. The Y direction may also be referred to as a slide direction. For example, by arranging the rolling element between the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 22, the upper rail 22 can move smoothly with respect to the lower rail 21. The two upper rails 22 support the seat 12.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the slide rail device 11 of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower rail 21 is made of, for example, one bent sheet metal and has a substantially C-shaped cross section. The lower rail 21 is not limited to this example. The lower rail 21 has a bottom wall 31, two outer walls 32, two connecting walls 33, and two inner side walls 34.

The bottom wall 31 is a substantially plate-shaped portion extending on an XY plane. The bottom wall 31 may have irregularities. The bottom wall 31 is attached to the floor 1a, for example, with bolts. The bottom wall 31 may be attached to the floor 1a via, for example, a bracket.

The two outer walls 32 extend in the + Z direction from both ends of the bottom wall 31 in the X direction. The two inner wall 34s are located between the two outer walls 32 and extend in the Z direction. In the X direction, the two inner wall 34s are separated from each other and also from the two outer walls 32. The connecting wall 33 extends between the end of the outer wall 32 in the + Z direction and the end of the inner wall 34 in the + Z direction. The end of the inner wall 34 in the −Z direction is separated from the bottom wall 31.

The upper rail 22 is made of, for example, one bent sheet metal. The upper rail 22 is not limited to this example. The upper rail 22 has an upper wall 41, two insertion walls 42, and two curved walls 43.

The upper wall 41 is a substantially plate-shaped portion extending on an XY plane and extends in the Y direction. The upper wall 41 is located outside the lower rail 21. The two insertion walls 42 extend in the −Z direction from both ends of the upper wall 41 in the X direction.

The two insertion walls 42 are passed through a gap between the two inner wall walls 34 of the lower rail 21. The curved wall 43 is located inside the lower rail 21. The curved wall 43 is bent so as to extend from the end of the insertion wall 42 in the −Z direction toward the connecting wall 33 of the lower rail 21.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the slide rail device 11 of the embodiment in an exploded manner. As shown in FIG. 3, the slide rail device 11 further includes a rod 51, a nut 52, a drive mechanism 53, a guide member 54, a switching mechanism 55, and a housing 56. The rod 51 may also be referred to as a screw rod.

The rod 51, nut 52, drive mechanism 53, switching mechanism 55, and housing 56 are made of, for example, metal or parts made of metal. The rod 51, the nut 52, the drive mechanism 53, the switching mechanism 55, and the housing 56 may have parts made of other materials such as synthetic resin.

The rod 51 is formed in a substantially columnar shape and extends in the Y direction. For example, two end brackets 57 fix both ends of the rod 51 to the bottom wall 31 of the lower rail 21. As a result, the end bracket 57 limits the rotation of the rod 51. In this embodiment, the rod 51 does not rotate with respect to the lower rail 21. The rod 51 may be rotatable with respect to the lower rail 21 within a predetermined range. The rod 51 is located inside the lower rail 21 and is separated from the lower rail 21. The rod 51 has a male screw 51a. The male screw 51a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rod 51. The portion of the rod 51 provided with the male screw 51a extends in the Y direction.

The nut 52 has a plurality of nut members 58. The nut 52 in this embodiment has three nut members 58. The number of nut members 58 may be one, two, or four or more.

The three nut members 58 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1 of the rod 51. The central axis Ax1 may also be referred to as a second center of rotation. The central axis Ax1 extends in the Y direction. The circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1 is a direction of rotation around the central axis Ax1, and may also be referred to as a circumferential direction of the rod 51. According to another expression, the three nut members 58 are aligned around the central axis Ax1 of the rod 51.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the slide rail device 11 of the embodiment along the line F4-F4 of FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the nut 52, the guide member 54, and the worm wheel 67 of the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the nut member 58 has an inner surface 58a, a first outer surface 58b, two second outer surfaces 58c, two third outer surfaces 58d, and two end surfaces 58e, respectively. , With a female screw 58f. The second outer surface 58c may also be referred to as the first surface. The third outer surface 58d may also be referred to as the second surface.

The inner surface 58a is a substantially semi-cylindrical curved surface that faces the rod 51 and extends in the Y direction. In other words, the inner surface 58a faces inward in the radial direction of the central axis Ax1. The radial direction is a direction orthogonal to the central axis Ax1, and may also be referred to as a radial direction of the rod 51. The first outer surface 58b, the second outer surface 58c, and the third outer surface 58d are located on opposite sides of the inner surface 58a.

The first outer surface 58b and the second outer surface 58c are substantially semi-cylindrical curved surfaces extending in the Y direction. The first outer surface 58b and the second outer surface 58c face outward in the radial direction of the central axis Ax1. The first outer surface 58b is closer to the inner surface 58a than the second outer surface 58c. In other words, the radius of curvature of the first outer surface 58b is smaller than the radius of curvature of the second outer surface 58c. The two second outer surfaces 58c are separated from each other in the Y direction. In the Y direction, the first outer surface 58b is located between the two second outer surfaces 58c.

The third outer surface 58d extends between the end of the first outer surface 58b on one side in the Y direction and the end of the second outer surface 58c on the other side in the Y direction. The third outer surface 58d is a substantially semi-conical curved surface extending in a direction diagonally intersecting the Y direction. The third outer surface 58d is not limited to this example.

The end faces 58e are located at both ends of the nut member 58 in the Y direction. The end face 58e is a substantially flat surface facing in the Y direction. The end face 58e may face in a direction that diagonally intersects the Y direction.

The female screw 58f is, for example, a plurality of protrusions protruding from the inner surface 58a. The female screw 58f is formed so as to be able to mesh with the male screw 51a of the rod 51. For example, the type, inner diameter, outer diameter, and pitch of the male screw 51a and the female screw 58f are set to be substantially the same.

The plurality of nut members 58 are made, for example, by dividing one nut 52 having a female screw 58f in the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1. The nut member 58 may be made by another method.

The nut member 58 is provided with two recesses 58g. Each of the recesses 58g is provided on the corresponding end face 58e. The recess 58g is, for example, a bottomed groove extending in the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax.

The nut 52 is attached to the upper rail 22 via various parts. The nut 52 may be arranged inside the upper rail 22 or in the vicinity of the upper rail 22 so as to be able to transmit a force to the upper rail 22, and does not need to be fixed to the upper rail 22. In the present embodiment, the nut 52 is arranged inside the upper rail 22 so as to be relatively movable in the radial direction of the central axis Ax1 with respect to the upper rail 22.

As described above, the nut 52 in the present embodiment may be supported, held, fastened, or attached by some other method so that it can be held in a predetermined position with respect to the upper rail 22. The predetermined position may include a plurality of positions.

As shown in FIG. 2, each element included in the drive mechanism 53 is attached to the upper rail 22 directly or via various parts. The drive mechanism 53 may be arranged inside the upper rail 22 or in the vicinity of the upper rail 22 so as to be able to transmit a force to the upper rail 22, and does not need to be fixed to the upper rail 22.

The drive mechanism 53 includes a motor 61, a gearbox 62, a shaft 63, and a transmission mechanism 64. The motor 61 is, for example, a servomotor, and is driven according to the control of the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the vehicle 1.

The gearbox 62, for example, converts the rotation of the drive shaft of the motor 61 into rotation in another direction. Further, the gearbox 62 may include a speed reducer. The shaft 63 extends in the X direction. The rotation of the drive shaft of the motor 61 is transmitted to the shaft 63 via the gearbox 62. In other words, the motor 61 rotationally drives the shaft 63 via the gearbox 62.

As shown in FIG. 3, the transmission mechanism 64 has a worm 65, an intermediate gear 66, and a worm wheel 67. The transmission mechanism 64 is not limited to this example, and may include the worm 65 and the worm wheel 67, and the intermediate gear 66 may be omitted.

The worm 65 is attached to the end of the shaft 63. The worm 65 rotates integrally with the shaft 63 around the central axis Ax2 of the shaft 63 shown in FIG. The central axis Ax2 may also be referred to as the first center of rotation.

The central axis Ax2 of the shaft 63 extends in the X direction. Further, the central axis Ax2 of the shaft 63 is separated from the central axis Ax1 of the rod 51 in the + Z direction. Therefore, the central axis Ax1 of the rod 51 and the central axis Ax2 of the shaft 63 are in twisted positions with each other.

As shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate gear 66 is arranged between the worm 65 and the worm wheel 67. The intermediate gear 66 can rotate around a rotation center Ax3 substantially parallel to the central axis Ax2.

The worm wheel 67 has a cylinder 67a, an inner surface 67b, an outer tooth 67c, and an end tooth 67d. The cylinder 67a is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the Y direction. The rod 51 passes through the inside of the cylinder 67a. In other words, the cylinder 67a covers a part of the rod 51. The inner surface 67b is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and faces the rod 51. The inner surface 67b is separated from the rod 51 or partially contacts the rod 51.

The rod 51 and the worm wheel 67 can move relative to each other in the Y direction. Further, the rod 51 and the worm wheel 67 are relatively rotatable around the central axis Ax1. The worm wheel 67 does not have teeth that directly mesh with the male screw 51a of the rod 51, and does not directly transmit rotation to and from the rod 51. However, as will be described later, when the female screw 58f of the nut member 58 and the male screw 51a of the rod 51 mesh with each other, the rod 51 and the worm wheel 67 can indirectly transmit rotation via the nut 52. it can. In other words, the worm wheel 67 can indirectly mesh with the male screw 51a of the rod 51 via the female screw 58f of the nut 52.

The outer teeth 67c project outward from the cylinder 67a in the radial direction of the central axis Ax1. The outer teeth 67c mesh with the intermediate gear 66. Further, the intermediate gear 66 also meshes with the worm 65. Therefore, the intermediate gear 66 transmits the rotation of the worm 65 to the worm wheel 67.

The end teeth 67d protrude from the end of the cylinder 67a in the + Y direction. The end teeth 67d include a plurality of protrusions arranged apart from each other around the central axis Ax1. The end teeth 67d are used, for example, to transmit rotation between the worm wheel 67 and the guide member 54. For example, if another portion for transmitting rotation is provided between the worm wheel 67 and the guide member 54, the end teeth 67d may be omitted from the worm wheel 67.

In the drive mechanism 53, the rotation of the drive shaft driven by the motor 61 is transmitted to the shaft 63 by the gearbox 62. The shaft 63 and the worm 65 integrally rotate around the central axis Ax2. The rotation of the shaft 63 is transmitted to the worm wheel 67 by the worm 65 and the intermediate gear 66. The worm wheel 67 rotates around the central axis Ax1. As described above, the transmission mechanism 64 converts the rotation around the central axis Ax2 transmitted from the motor 61 into the rotation around the central axis Ax1.

The guide member 54 is attached to the upper rail 22 via various parts. The guide member 54 may be arranged inside the upper rail 22 or in the vicinity of the upper rail 22 so that the force can be transmitted to the upper rail 22, and does not need to be fixed to the upper rail 22.

As shown in FIG. 5, the guide member 54 has a first frame 71, a second frame 72, and a plurality of pillars 73. The first frame 71, the second frame 72, and the pillar 73 are integrally formed.

The first frame 71 and the second frame 72 are formed in a substantially annular shape extending in the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1. The second frame 72 is separated from the first frame 71 in the + Y direction. The rod 51 passes through the inside of the first frame 71 and the second frame 72. In other words, the first frame 71 and the second frame 72 cover a part of the rod 51.

The first frame 71 has an inner surface 71a, an outer surface 71b, and an end surface 71c. The inner surface 71a is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and faces the rod 51. The outer surface 71b is provided on the opposite side of the inner surface 71a. The end surface 71c is located at the end of the first frame 71 in the + Y direction, and is a substantially flat surface facing in the + Y direction.

A plurality of grooves 71d are provided in the first frame 71. The groove 71d is recessed from the outer surface 71b. In the present embodiment, the first frame 71 is provided with three grooves 71d. The groove 71d is not limited to this example. The three grooves 71d are arranged apart from each other around the central axis Ax1. The grooves 71d are open to both ends of the first frame 71 in the Y direction.

The second frame 72 has an inner surface 72a, an outer surface 72b, and an end surface 72c. The inner surface 72a is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and faces the rod 51. The outer surface 72b is provided on the opposite side of the inner surface 72a. The end surface 72c is located at the end of the second frame 72 in the −Y direction, and is a substantially flat surface facing in the −Y direction. The end face 71c of the first frame 71 and the end face 72c of the second frame 72 face each other with a gap.

A plurality of grooves 72d are provided in the second frame 72. The groove 72d is recessed from the outer surface 72b. In the present embodiment, the second frame 72 is provided with three grooves 72d. The groove 72d is not limited to this example. The three grooves 72d are arranged apart from each other around the central axis Ax1. The grooves 72d are open to both ends of the second frame 72 in the Y direction.

The groove 71d of the first frame 71 and the groove 72d of the corresponding second frame 72 are provided at substantially the same position in the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1. In other words, the groove 71d of the first frame 71 and the groove 72d of the corresponding second frame 72 are aligned in the Y direction with an interval.

Each of the plurality of pillars 73 extends in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the guide member 54 has three pillars 73. The pillar 73 is not limited to this example. The three pillars 73 are arranged so as to be separated from each other around the central axis Ax1. In the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1, each of the pillars 73 is located between two adjacent grooves 71d.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the slide rail device 11 of the embodiment along the line F6-F6 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, each of the pillars 73 has two side surfaces 73a and a protrusion 73b.

Each of the two side surfaces 73a extends substantially parallel to the radial direction of the central axis Ax1. In one pillar 73, the direction in which one side surface 73a extends and the direction in which the other side surface 73a extends are different from each other. As a result, the pillar 73 has a substantially triangular cross section, and the strength of the pillar 73 is improved. The protrusion 73b projects from the end of the side surface 73a inside the central axis Ax1 in the radial direction toward the central axis Ax1. In other words, the protrusion 73b is arranged between the two side surfaces 73a.

As described above, the rod 51 passes through the inside of the substantially cylindrical guide member 54. The rod 51 and the guide member 54 can move relative to each other in the Y direction. Further, the rod 51 and the guide member 54 are relatively rotatable around the central axis Ax1. The rod 51 and the guide member 54 do not directly transmit rotation. However, the rod 51 and the guide member 54 can indirectly transmit rotation via the nut 52.

The rod 51 is inserted through the guide member 54 and supports the guide member 54 so as to restrict the guide member 54 from moving in the radial direction of the central axis Ax1 with respect to the rod 51. Further, the rod 51 is inserted through the guide member 54 so that the guide member 54 can rotate around the central axis Ax1 relative to the rod 51, and supports the guide member 54.

As shown in FIG. 5, a guide space 75 is provided between adjacent pillars 73. The guide space 75 is a space between adjacent pillars 73. In the present embodiment, the guide member 54 is provided with three guide spaces 75. The three guide spaces 75 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1.

The nut member 58 is arranged in the guide space 75. Each nut member 58 further has two side surfaces 58h. The side surfaces 58h are provided at both ends of the nut member 58 in the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1. The side surface 58h extends substantially parallel to the radial direction of the central axis Ax1.

One end face 58e of the nut member 58 faces the end face 71c of the first frame 71. The other end face 58e of the nut member 58 faces the end face 72c of the second frame 72. The end faces 58e and the end faces 71c and 72c are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The end face 58e may be in contact with the end faces 71c and 72c, or may be slightly separated from the end faces 71c and 72c.

One side surface 58h of the nut member 58 faces the side surface 73a of one pillar 73. The other side surface 58h of the nut member 58 faces the side surface 73a of the other pillar 73. The side surface 58h and the side surface 73a are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The side surface 58h may be in contact with the side surface 73a or may be slightly separated from the side surface 73a.

The guide member 54 supports the nut member 58. For example, the end faces 58e and the end faces 71c and 72c face each other. As a result, the guide member 54 supports the nut member 58 in the Y direction so as to limit the movement of the nut member 58 in the Y direction relative to the guide member 54. The Y direction may also be referred to as the axial direction of the rod.

Furthermore, the side surface 58h and the side surface 73a face each other. As a result, the guide member 54 supports the nut member 58 in the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1 so as to limit the movement of the nut member 58 in the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1 relative to the guide member 54. To do.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the slide rail device 11 in which the nut 52 of the embodiment is located at the separation position Ps. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the slide rail device 11 of the embodiment along the line F8-F8 of FIG. The guide member 54 is centered on the nut member 58 relative to the guide member 54 between the engagement position Pc shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 and the separation position Ps shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The nut member 58 is supported so that it can slide (move) in the radial direction of the shaft Ax1.

As shown in FIG. 4, at the engaging position Pc, the female screw 58f of the nut member 58 and the male screw 51a of the rod 51 are in mesh with each other. As shown in FIG. 6, at the engagement position Pc, the protrusion 73b of the guide member 54 comes into contact with the nut member 58, limiting the nut member 58 from further approaching the rod 51. At the engagement position Pc, the centers of the inner surface 58a, the first outer surface 58b, and the second outer surface 58c of the nut member 58 substantially coincide with the central axis Ax1.

As shown in FIG. 7, the separation position Ps is separated from the rod 51 in the radial direction of the central axis Ax1. That is, at the separation position Ps, the nut member 58 is separated from the rod 51 in the radial direction of the central axis Ax1.

As shown in FIG. 8, at the separation position Ps, the centers of the inner surface 58a, the first outer surface 58b, and the second outer surface 58c of the nut member 58 are separated from the central axis Ax1 in the radial direction as compared with the engagement position Pc. doing. The separation position Ps is not limited to this example.

As described above, the nut member 58 can be translated between the separation position Ps and the engagement position Pc in the guide space 75. The nut member 58 and the rod 51 at the engaging position Pc transmit rotation to each other. The nut member 58 and the rod 51 at the separated position Ps can rotate about the central axis Ax1 relative to each other without transmission of rotation.

The side surface 58h of the nut member 58 and the side surface 73a of the guide member 54 are arranged substantially in parallel and extend in parallel with the radial direction of the central axis Ax1. Therefore, the side surface 73a of the guide member 54 guides the nut member 58 in the radial direction of the central axis Ax1. That is, the guide member 54 supports the nut member 58 so that the nut member 58 can slide (move) linearly in the radial direction of the central axis Ax1 relative to the guide member 54. According to another expression, the nut member 58 can move linearly in the radial direction of the central axis Ax1 relative to the guide member 54 while being supported by the guide member 54. The moving direction of the nut member 58 is not limited to this example.

As shown in FIG. 4, the end teeth 71e are provided on the first frame 71. The end teeth 71e are located on the opposite side of the end surface 71c. The end teeth 71e and the end teeth 67d of the worm wheel 67 mesh with each other. As a result, the guide member 54 and the worm wheel 67 transmit rotation to each other and rotate integrally around the central axis Ax1. The guide member 54 and the worm wheel 67 may be integrally rotatable around the central axis Ax1 by, for example, press fitting or bonding.

As described above, the rotation of the motor 61 is transmitted to the worm wheel 67. The guide member 54 rotates around the central axis Ax1 integrally with the worm wheel 67. Further, the side surface 73a of the guide member 54 supports the side surface 58h of the nut member 58, so that the nut member 58 rotates integrally with the guide member 54 around the central axis Ax1.

As described above, the drive mechanism 53 rotates the nut 52 via the guide member 54. Further, the transmission mechanism 64 converts the rotation around the central axis Ax2 transmitted from the motor 61 into the rotation around the central axis Ax1 and transmits the rotation to the nut 52.

Each element included in the switching mechanism 55 is attached to the upper rail 22 directly or via various parts. The switching mechanism 55 may be arranged inside the upper rail 22 or in the vicinity of the upper rail 22 so that the force can be transmitted to the upper rail 22, and does not need to be fixed to the upper rail 22.

As shown in FIG. 3, the switching mechanism 55 has two leaf springs 81, two holding parts 82, a coil spring 83, two moving members 84, and a lever 85. The leaf spring 81 may also be referred to as a first elastic body or support member. The coil spring 83 may also be referred to as a second elastic body, an elastic body, or a second elastic member.

As shown in FIG. 5, each leaf spring 81 has a ring portion 81a and a plurality of protruding portions 81b. The ring portion 81a may also be referred to as a movement restricting portion. The protruding portion 81b may also be referred to as a deformed portion. The ring portion 81a and the protruding portion 81b are integrally formed. This facilitates the manufacture of the leaf spring 81 and allows the leaf spring 81 to be miniaturized.

The ring portion 81a is formed in a substantially annular shape extending in the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1. The rod 51 passes through the inside of the ring portion 81a. As a result, the rod 51 limits the ring portion 81a from moving in the radial direction of the central axis Ax1 with respect to the rod 51.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the guide member 54 or the worm wheel 67 passes through the inside of the ring portion 81a. Therefore, the ring portion 81a is supported by the guide member 54 or the worm wheel 67 and is separated from the rod 51.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the leaf spring 81 has three protrusions 81b. The protruding portions 81b are arranged apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1 and project from the ring portion 81a. In other words, the end of the protrusion 81b is connected to the ring 81a.

The protruding portion 81b extends so as to move away from the central axis Ax1 as it moves away from the ring portion 81a, for example, in a natural state where no load acts. The protruding portion 81b can be elastically deformed so as to bend in the radial direction of the central axis Ax1 with the connecting portion between the ring portion 81a and the protruding portion 81b as a fulcrum. The spring constants of the two leaf springs 81 are substantially the same.

The protruding portion 81b is formed in a substantially triangular shape that tapers as the distance from the ring portion 81a increases. As a result, when the protruding portion 81b is elastically deformed, the stress concentration at the connecting portion between the ring portion 81a and the protruding portion 81b is relaxed.

The two leaf springs 81 are arranged apart from each other in the Y direction. The protrusions 81b of the two leaf springs 81 extend so as to approach each other. In the Y direction, the guide member 54 and the nut member 58 are located between the ring portions 81a of the two leaf springs 81. In other words, the ring portion 81a and the nut 52 are aligned in the Y direction.

The protruding portion 81b of one leaf spring 81 passes through the groove 71d of the first frame 71 of the guide member 54. The protruding portion 81b of the other leaf spring 81 passes through the groove 72d of the second frame 72 of the guide member 54. As shown in FIG. 4, the tip ends of the protrusions 81b of the two leaf springs 81 are inserted into the two recesses 58g of the nut member 58. As a result, the protruding portion 81b of the leaf spring 81 supports the nut member 58 at least in the radial direction of the central axis Ax1.

The protruding portion 81b of the leaf spring 81 holds the nut member 58 at the separation position Ps in FIG. 7, for example, in a natural state where no load acts. On the other hand, when the nut member 58 is located at the engaging position Pc, the protruding portion 81b is elastically deformed. The protruding portion 81b pushes (urges) the nut member 58 in the direction from the engaging position Pc toward the separating position Ps by the restoring force. According to another expression, the protruding portion 81b exerts a force on the nut member 58 from the engaging position Pc toward the separating position Ps. In this way, the protruding portion 81b can be elastically deformed so as to urge the nut member 58 in the direction from the engaging position Pc toward the separating position Ps. The urging includes not only pushing but also pulling.

The protruding portion 81b, which is not in a natural state but is elastically deformed, may hold the nut member 58 at the separated position Ps. In this case, the amount of deformation of the protruding portion 81b when the nut member 58 is located at the separation position Ps is smaller than the amount of deformation of the protruding portion 81b when the nut member 58 is located at the engaging position Pc. Therefore, the force exerted by the protruding portion 81b on the nut member 58 at the separated position Ps is smaller than the force exerted by the protruding portion 81b on the nut member 58 at the engaging position Pc.

The holding component 82 is formed in a substantially annular shape extending in the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1. According to another expression, the holding component 82 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the Y direction. A guide member 54 and three nut members 58 are arranged inside the central axis Ax1 of the two holding parts 82 in the radial direction. In other words, the holding component 82 surrounds the guide member 54 and the nut member 58. The two holding parts 82 are arranged so as to be separated from each other in the Y direction. The two holding parts 82 each have an inner surface 82a, a first end 82b, a second end 82c, and a corner 82d.

The inner surface 82a is a substantially cylindrical curved surface extending in the Y direction. The radius of the inner surface 82a is longer than the radius of curvature of the first outer surface 58b of the nut member 58 and is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the second outer surface 58c. For example, the radius of the inner surface 82a is slightly longer than the radius of curvature of the second outer surface 58c of the nut member 58.

The first end 82b is one end of the holding component 82 in the Y direction. The second end 82c is the other end of the holding component 82 in the Y direction. The first end 82b of one holding part 82 and the first end 82b of the other holding part 82 face each other with a gap.

The corner portion 82d is provided between the inner surface 82a and the second end portion 82c. The corner portion 82d is a substantially conical curved surface extending in a direction diagonally intersecting the Y direction. For example, the corner portion 82d is provided substantially parallel to the third outer surface 58d of the nut member 58.

The two holding parts 82 are movable in the Y direction between the holding position Ph shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 and the release position Pr shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 relative to the nut 52. .. That is, the direction in which the holding component 82 can be moved is substantially equal to the direction in which the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 22 are relatively movable and the longitudinal direction of the rod 51. The moving direction of the holding component 82 may be different from the moving direction of the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 22.

As shown in FIG. 6, at the holding position Ph, the holding part 82 holds the nut member 58 at the engaging position Pc. For example, at the holding position Ph, the inner surface 82a of the holding component 82 comes into direct contact with the second outer surface 58c of the nut member 58 located at the engaging position Pc. The center of the second outer surface 58c of the nut member 58 located at the engagement position Pc substantially coincides with the center of the inner surface 82a of the central axis Ax1 and the holding component 82.

As described above, the leaf spring 81 pushes the nut member 58 in the direction from the engaging position Pc toward the separating position Ps. However, the holding component 82 restricts the nut member 58 from moving from the engaging position Pc to the separating position Ps by coming into contact with the second outer surface 58c of the nut member 58. As a result, the holding component 82 at the holding position Ph holds the nut member 58 at the engaging position Pc.

As shown in FIG. 7, at the release position Pr, the holding component 82 allows the nut member 58 to be located at the separation position Ps. For example, the inner surface 82a of the holding component 82 at the release position Pr and the first outer surface 58b of the nut member 58 face each other. At the release position Pr, the inner surface 82a may be separated from the first outer surface 58b or may come into contact with the first outer surface 58b. Further, the inner surface 82a and the third outer surface 58d of the nut member 58 may face each other.

The radius of the inner surface 82a of the holding component 82 is longer than the radius of curvature of the first outer surface 58b of the nut member 58. Further, the first outer surface 58b is closer to the inner surface 58a than the second outer surface 58c. Therefore, the holding component 82 at the release position Pr allows the nut member 58 to move without limitation at least until the nut member 58 moves from the engagement position Pc to the separation position Ps due to the elastic urging force of the leaf spring 81. To do. As a result, the holding component 82 at the release position Pr allows the nut member 58 to be located at the separation position Ps. The second outer surface 58c of the nut member 58 at the separation position Ps is farther from the rod 51 than the inner surface 82a of the holding component 82.

The coil spring 83 is located between the two holding parts 82. Both ends of the coil spring 83 are in contact with the first end 82b of the holding component 82. The coil spring 83 pushes (urges) the two holding parts 82 in a direction in which they are separated from each other. In other words, the coil spring 83 exerts a force on the two holding parts 82 in a direction in which they are separated from each other.

The distance between the two holding parts 82 at the release position Pr is shorter than the distance between the two holding parts 82 at the holding position Ph. Therefore, the coil spring 83 urges the holding component 82 in the direction from the release position Pr toward the holding position Ph.

For example, the restoring force of the coil spring 83 causes the holding component 82 to move from the release position Pr to the holding position Ph. During the movement, the holding part 82 comes into contact with the third outer surface 58d of the nut member 58.

While the holding part 82 moves from the release position Pr to the holding position Ph, the holding part 82 pushes the third outer surface 58d of the nut member 58 inward in the radial direction of the central axis Ax1. In other words, while the holding component 82 moves from the release position Pr to the holding position Ph, the holding component 82 pushes the third outer surface 58d of the three nut members 58 in the direction from the separation position Ps toward the engagement position Pc. When the holding component 82 reaches the holding position Ph, the nut member 58 is located at the engaging position Pc.

The spring constant of the coil spring 83 is larger than the spring constant of the two leaf springs 81. Therefore, the holding component 82 pushed by the coil spring 83 moves the nut member 58 from the separation position Ps to the engagement position Pc against the restoring force of the leaf spring 81. The spring constants of the coil spring 83 and the leaf spring 81 are not limited to this example.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a part of the switching mechanism 55 and a part of the housing 56 of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, each of the two moving members 84 has a support ring 84a, a guide flange 84b, an operation column 84c, and two guide protrusions 84d, respectively. The guide flange 84b and the guide protrusion 84d can also be referred to as a first guide, respectively.

The support ring 84a is formed in a substantially annular shape extending in the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1. As shown in FIG. 4, the guide member 54 is arranged inside the central axis Ax1 of the support ring 84a of the two moving members 84 in the radial direction. In other words, the support ring 84a surrounds the guide member 54. The support rings 84a of the two moving members 84 are arranged so as to be separated from each other in the Y direction.

The inner surface 84e of the support ring 84a is a substantially conical curved surface extending in a direction diagonally intersecting the Y direction. For example, the inner surface 84e is provided substantially parallel to the third outer surface 58d of the nut member 58 and the corner portion 82d of the holding component 82. The minimum radius of the inner surface 84e is substantially equal to the radius of the inner surface 82a of the holding component 82. For example, the minimum radius of the inner surface 84e is slightly longer than the radius of the inner surface 82a of the holding component 82.

Two holding parts 82 and a coil spring 83 are arranged between the support rings 84a of the two moving members 84. One end 84f of the support ring 84a in the Y direction comes into contact with the second end 82c of the holding component 82.

The guide flange 84b is connected to the end of the support ring 84a in the + Z direction. The guide flanges 84b of the two moving members 84 extend from the support ring 84a in the Y direction so as to approach each other. The guide flange 84b projects in the X direction from the end of the support ring 84a in the + Z direction. The guide flange 84b is formed, for example, in a substantially plate shape extending on an XY plane.

The operation column 84c protrudes from the guide flange 84b in the + Z direction. The operation pillar 84c is formed in a columnar shape, for example. The operation pillar 84c may be formed in another shape. In the Y direction, the operating column 84c is separated from the support ring 84a.

As shown in FIG. 9, the guide protrusion 84d protrudes outward from the support ring 84a in the radial direction of the central axis Ax1. The two guide protrusions 84d are separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1. Each of the two guide protrusions 84d is formed in a substantially triangular shape. The guide protrusion 84d is not limited to this example.

The two moving members 84 are located in the Y direction between the first position P1 shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 and the second position P2 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 relative to the nut 52. It can be translated. The moving member 84 can move substantially integrally with the holding component 82. At the first position P1 and the second position P2, the end portion 84f of the support ring 84a of the moving member 84 is in contact with the second end portion 82c of the holding component 82.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first position P1 is the position of the moving member 84 when the holding component 82 is located at the holding position Ph. As shown in FIG. 7, the second position P2 is the position of the moving member 84 when the holding component 82 is located at the release position Pr. The distance between the two moving members 84 at the first position P1 is longer than the distance between the two moving members 84 at the second position P2.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the slide rail device 11 of the embodiment along the line F10-F10 of FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the slide rail device 11 of the embodiment along the line F11-F11 of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the lever 85 has a mounting portion 85a and an extending portion 85b.

The mounting portion 85a is formed in a substantially disk shape substantially orthogonal to the Z direction. The extending portion 85b projects from the outer edge of the mounting portion 85a. The extension 85b is connected to a handle or strap, for example, via a harness or link. When the user operates the handle or strap, the lever 85 is moved between the first posture A1 shown in FIG. 10 and the second posture A2 shown in FIG. 11 around the central axis Ax4 of the mounting portion 85a. Rotate. The central axis Ax4 extends in the Z direction.

An operation hole 86 is provided in the mounting portion 85a of the lever 85. The operation hole 86 is a hole that penetrates the mounting portion 85a in the Z direction. The operation pillars 84c of the two moving members 84 pass through the operation holes 86.

The lever 85 has two first edges 86a, two second edges 86b, and two third edges 86c that form (define) the operating hole 86. The first edge 86a, the second edge 86b, and the third edge 86c are each a part of the edge (inner edge) of the lever 85 forming (defining) the operation hole 86.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the lever 85 is located in the first posture A1, the operation hole 86 extends in the Y direction, and the two first edges 86a are lined up in the Y direction with an interval. As shown in FIG. 11, when the lever 85 is located in the second posture A2, the operation hole 86 extends in the substantially X direction, and the two second edges 86b are lined up in the Y direction with an interval. The third edge 86c extends between the first edge 86a and the second edge 86b.

When the lever 85 is located in the first posture A1, the operation pillar 84c of the moving member 84 comes into contact with the first edge 86a. When the lever 85 is located in the second posture A2, the operating column 84c of the moving member 84 comes into contact with the second edge 86b.

The distance between the two first edges 86a is longer than the distance between the two second edges 86b. Therefore, the distance between the two moving members 84 when the lever 85 is located in the first posture A1 is larger than the distance between the two moving members 84 when the lever 85 is located in the second posture A2. Is also long.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the lever 85 is located in the first posture A1, the moving member 84 is located in the first position P1, the holding component 82 is located in the holding position Ph, and the nut member 58 is engaged. It is located at position Pc. As shown in FIG. 7, when the lever 85 is located in the second posture A2, the moving member 84 is located in the second position P2, the holding part 82 is located in the release position Pr, and the nut member 58 is in the separated position. Located at Ps.

While the lever 85 moves from the first posture A1 to the second posture A2, the length of the operation hole 86 in the Y direction decreases. That is, as the lever 85 moves from the first posture A1 to the second posture A2, the distance between the two moving members 84 becomes shorter. The distance between the two moving members 84 may be temporarily increased while the lever 85 moves from the first posture A1 to the second posture A2.

While the lever 85 moves from the first posture A1 to the second posture A2, the first edge 86a, the third edge 86c, and the second edge 86b push the operation pillar 84c of the moving member 84 in order. As a result, the two moving members 84 approach each other and move from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The two moving members 84 push the two holding parts 82 closer to each other against the restoring force of the coil spring 83.

By being pushed by the moving member 84, the holding component 82 moves from the holding position Ph to the release position Pr. In this way, the moving member 84 moves the holding component 82 from the holding position Ph to the release position Pr by moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

The holding part 82 at the release position Pr is separated from the second outer surface 58c of the nut member 58 and does not hold the second outer surface 58c. Therefore, the restoring force of the leaf spring 81 causes the nut member 58 to move from the engaging position Pc to the separating position Ps.

While the lever 85 moves from the second posture A2 to the first posture A1, the length of the operation hole 86 in the Y direction increases. That is, the more the lever 85 moves from the second posture A2 to the first posture A1, the more the two moving members 84 can be separated from each other.

While the lever 85 moves from the second posture A2 to the first posture A1, the coil spring 83 pushes (urges) the moving member 84 via the holding component 82. The coil spring 83 urges the two moving members 84 so as to move away from each other. As a result, the two moving members 84 move away from each other, and the operating column 84c of the moving member 84 is sequentially pressed against the second edge 86b, the third edge 86c, and the first edge 86a.

When the two moving members 84 move away from each other, the coil spring 83 pushes (urges) the holding component 82 from the release position Pr toward the holding position Ph. While moving from the release position Pr to the holding position Ph, the holding component 82 pushes the third outer surface 58d of the nut member 58 in the direction from the separation position Ps to the engagement position Pc.

When the lever 85 reaches the first posture A1, the restoring force of the coil spring 83 allows the moving member 84 to move to the first position P1 and the holding component 82 to move to the holding position Ph. Further, the nut member 58 pushed by the holding component 82 moves to the engaging position Pc.

As described above, the switching mechanism 55 moves the nut member 58 between the separation position Ps and the engagement position Pc. According to another expression, the switching mechanism 55 arranges the nut member 58 at the engagement position Pc when the moving member 84 is located at the first position P1, and when the moving member is located at the second position P2. The nut member 58 can be arranged at the separation position Ps.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the lever 85 is located in the second posture A2, the second edge 86b of the operation hole 86 comes into contact with the operation pillar 84c of the moving member 84. The second edge 86b is formed in a curved surface shape that is recessed from the third edge 86c.

When the lever 85 rotates from the first posture A1 to the second posture A2, the operation column 84c gets over the end portion of the second edge 86b. As a result, the user can indirectly detect that the nut member 58 has moved to the separation position Ps.

The operating column 84c is caught by the second edge 86b, and the restoring force of the coil spring 83 restricts the lever 85 from undesirably rotating from the second posture A2 to the first posture A1. In other words, the second edge 86b of the operation hole 86 has the lever 85 in the second posture A2, the moving member 84 in the second position P2, the holding part 82 in the release position Pr, and the nut member 58 in the separation position. Each can be held in Ps.

For example, when the user applies a force in the direction from the second posture A2 to the first posture A1 on the lever 85, the operation column 84c gets over the end portion of the second edge 86b. As a result, the lever 85 can rotate from the second posture A2 to the first posture A1 by the restoring force of the coil spring 83.

As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 56 accommodates the nut 52, the transmission mechanism 64 of the drive mechanism 53, the guide member 54, and the switching mechanism 55. An insertion hole 90, a first room 91, a second room 92, a third room 93, and a fourth room 94 are provided inside the housing 56.

The insertion hole 90 is a hole that penetrates the housing 56 in the Y direction. The insertion hole 90 accommodates the nut 52, the guide member 54, the worm wheel 67, the leaf spring 81, the holding component 82, the coil spring 83, and the support ring 84a of the moving member 84. Further, the rod 51 passes through the insertion hole 90. In other words, the rod 51 is passed through the inside of the housing 56.

The housing 56 has an inner surface 90a that forms (defines) the insertion hole 90. A first bearing 95 is provided between the inner surface 90a and the worm wheel 67. Further, a second bearing 96 is provided between the inner surface 90a and the guide member 54. The inner surface 90a of the insertion hole 90 rotatably supports the worm wheel 67 and the guide member 54 with respect to the housing 56 around the central axis Ax1 via the first bearing 95 and the second bearing 96. The first bearing 95 and the second bearing 96 are, for example, bushes.

The rod 51 can be supported by the housing 56 via the worm wheel 67 and the first bearing 95, or via the guide member 54 and the second bearing 96. The rod 51 may be separated from the worm wheel 67 and the guide member 54. That is, the housing 56 may support the rod 51 so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 56, or may be separated from the rod 51.

The inner surface 90a of the insertion hole 90 is separated from the nut 52, the guide member 54, the worm wheel 67, the leaf spring 81, the holding component 82, and the coil spring 83. The inner surface 90a may support the guide member 54, the worm wheel 67, the holding component 82, and the coil spring 83.

The first room 91 communicates with the insertion hole 90 in the + Z direction. The worm 65 and the intermediate gear 66 are housed in the first room 91. The intermediate gear 66 meshes with the worm wheel 67 through the connecting portion between the insertion hole 90 and the first chamber 91.

The second room 92 communicates with the insertion hole 90 in the + Z direction. The first room 91 and the second room 92 are arranged in the Y direction with an interval. The guide flange 84b of the moving member 84 is housed in the second room 92.

The third room 93 communicates with the second room 92 in the + Z direction. A part of the operation pillar 84c of the moving member 84 and the mounting portion 85a of the lever 85 are housed in the third room 93. The third room 93 communicates with the outside of the housing 56 in the X direction. The extending portion 85b of the lever 85 projects from the third room 93 to the outside of the housing 56.

The fourth room 94 communicates with the third room 93 in the + Z direction. A part of the operation pillar 84c of the moving member 84 is housed in the fourth room 94. The fourth room 94 communicates with the outside of the housing 56 in the Z direction. Therefore, the operation pillar 84c of the moving member 84 projects from the fourth room 94 to the outside of the housing 56.

As shown in FIG. 3, the upper rail 22 further has a bracket 101. The bracket 101 is attached to the upper wall 41 of the upper rail 22. The bracket 101 is provided with a hole 101a. The hole 101a penetrates the bracket 101 in the Y direction. The rod 51 passes through the hole 101a.

A housing unit 103 is provided on the upper rail 22. The accommodating portion 103 in the present embodiment is a bottomed recess that opens in the upper wall 41. The insertion wall 42 and the bracket 101 form an inner surface of the accommodating portion 103. The accommodating portion 103 is not limited to this example, and may be another space provided inside the upper rail 22.

The housing 56 is at least partially accommodated in the accommodating portion 103. The housing 56 is detachably attached to the upper rail 22 by various methods such as press fitting or screwing. For example, a cushioning material 105 is provided between the housing 56 and the bracket 101. The cushioning material 105 is made of, for example, an elastomer such as synthetic rubber. The cushioning material 105 absorbs the dimensional tolerance between the housing 56 and the inner surface of the accommodating portion 103, and reduces the transmission of vibration between the upper rail 22 and the housing 56.

The slide rail device 11 further includes a posture holding mechanism 110. The posture holding mechanism 110 includes two blocks 111, two guide bars 112, two coil springs 113, a first guide portion 115, and two second guide portions 116. The coil spring 113 may also be referred to as a first elastic member. The first guide portion 115 and the second guide portion 116 can also be referred to as a second guide, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4, the block 111, the guide bar 112, and the coil spring 113 are housed in the fourth room 94 of the housing 56. Therefore, the block 111, the guide bar 112, and the coil spring 113 are separated from the coil spring 83 housed in the insertion hole 90 of the housing 56 in the + Z direction.

The two blocks 111 each have a first mounting portion 111a and a second mounting portion 111b. The first mounting portion 111a is mounted on the operating column 84c of the corresponding moving member 84. The guide bar 112 is attached to the second attachment portion 111b.

As shown in FIG. 6, for example, two holes 111c are provided in the second mounting portion 111b. The hole 111c penetrates the second mounting portion 111b in the Y direction. The two holes 111c are arranged in the X direction with an interval. In the X direction, the first mounting portion 111a is located between the two holes 111c.

The guide bar 112 is passed through the hole 111c. The block 111 and the guide bar 112 are relatively movable in the Y direction. Therefore, the two blocks 111 attached to the two moving members 84 can approach or move away from each other in the Y direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the guide bar 112 passes through the inside of the coil spring 113. The coil spring 113 is located between the two blocks 111. The guide bar 112 restricts the coil spring 113 from moving out of the space between the two blocks 111.

The coil spring 113 pushes (urges) the two moving members 84 so as to move away from each other via the block 111. According to another expression, the coil spring 113 urges the moving member 84 in the direction opposite to the direction from the first position P1 to the second position P2 via the block 111.

As described above, the coil spring 83 pushes (urges) the two holding parts 82 so as to move away from each other. Further, the coil spring 83 pushes (urges) the two moving members 84 so as to move away from each other via the holding component 82. Therefore, the coil spring 83 and the coil spring 113 urge the moving member 84 in substantially the same direction at positions separated from each other in the Z direction.

The coil spring 113 is separated from the lever 85 in the + Z direction. Further, the coil spring 83 is separated from the lever 85 in the −Z direction. Therefore, in the Z direction, the lever 85 is located between the coil spring 113 and the coil spring 83. The coil springs 83 and 113 may be in contact with (adjacent to) the lever 85.

While the lever 85 rotates, a force acts from the lever 85 on the operation column 84c of the moving member 84. The position where the force acts from the lever 85 to the operating column 84c is separated from the center of gravity of the moving member 84 in the Z direction. Therefore, the moving member 84 may be tilted by the force acting from the lever 85. However, the coil spring 83 and the coil spring 113 urge the moving member 84 at positions separated from each other in the Z direction, so that the moving member 84 is prevented from tilting. In other words, the coil springs 83 and 113 support the moving member 84 by elastic force.

As described above, in the coil spring 113, the posture of the moving member 84 is such that the moving member 84 is located at the first position P1 while the moving member 84 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The moving member 84 is pushed (supported) so as to approach the current posture. In this embodiment, the coil spring 113 supports the moving member 84 so that the moving member 84 translates from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first guide portion 115 and the second guide portion 116 are provided in the housing 56. The first guide portion 115 forms a recess on the inner surface 92a of the housing 56 that forms (defines) the second room 92. The second guide portion 116 forms a recess on the inner surface 90a of the housing 56 that forms (defines) the insertion hole 90.

The first guide portion 115 engages with the guide flange 84b of the moving member 84. In the first guide portion 115, when the moving member 84 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the posture of the moving member 84 is such that the moving member 84 is positioned at the first position P1. The moving member 84 is supported so as to approach the posture of.

The second guide portion 116 engages with the guide protrusion 84d of the moving member 84. The second guide portion 116 is when the posture of the moving member 84 is such that the moving member 84 is positioned at the first position P1 while the moving member 84 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The moving member 84 is supported so as to approach the posture of. Further, the second guide portion 116 restricts the moving member 84 from rotating around the central axis Ax1.

As described above, the switching mechanism 55 moves the nut member 58 between the engaging position Pc and the separating position Ps. For example, the user can automatically move the upper rail 22 with respect to the lower rail 21 by the motor 61 by arranging the nut member 58 at the engaging position Pc. As a result, the seat device 10 can be used as a power seat. Further, the user can manually move the upper rail 22 with respect to the lower rail 21 by arranging the nut member 58 at the separated position Ps. As a result, the seat device 10 can be used as a manual seat.

When the nut member 58 is located at the engagement position Pc, the rotation is transmitted from the motor 61 to the nut 52 via the transmission mechanism 64 and the guide member 54. The nut 52 rotates about the central axis Ax1 relative to the rod 51 which is non-rotatably attached to the lower rail 21 in a state where the female screw 58f and the male screw 51a are in mesh with each other.

As the nut 52 attached to the upper rail 22 rotates, the upper rail 22 moves in the Y direction with respect to the lower rail 21 according to the rotation direction of the nut 52. In other words, the rotation of the nut 52 is converted into a linear motion of the upper rail 22 in the Y direction. As a result, the upper rail 22 automatically moves with respect to the lower rail 21.

The holding part 82 can rotate integrally with the nut member 58. The holding component 82 is a member different from the moving member 84. Therefore, while the holding component 82 rotates around the central axis Ax1, the moving member 84 can be substantially rested in the circumferential direction of the central axis Ax1.

When the nut member 58 is located at the separation position Ps, the nut 52 is separated from the rod 51. Therefore, the rod 51 and the nut 52 can move relatively freely in the Y direction. Therefore, the upper rail 22 can be manually moved with respect to the lower rail 21.

In the slide rail device 11 of the present embodiment, the housing 56 accommodating the switching mechanism 55 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 103 of the upper rail 22, and is detachably attached to the upper rail 22. Instead of the housing 56, a housing that does not accommodate the switching mechanism 55 may be accommodated in the accommodating portion 103 and attached to the upper rail 22. That is, between the slide rail device 11 of the present embodiment in which the upper rail 22 can be automatically or manually moved and the slide rail device in which the upper rail 22 can be automatically moved, the lower rail 21, the upper rail 22, the rod 51, and the drive mechanism. 53 can be standardized.

In the slide rail device 11 according to the embodiment described above, the rod 51 has a male screw 51a. The nut 52 has a female screw 58f that meshes with the male screw 51a, and is movable between a separation position Ps separated from the rod 51 and an engagement position Pc in which the female screw 58f and the male screw 51a mesh with each other. The leaf spring 81 urges the nut 52 in the direction from the engaging position Pc toward the separating position Ps. As a result, the nut 52 can be moved from the engaging position Pc to the separating position Ps by the elastic force of the leaf spring 81. Therefore, the structure of the slide rail device 11 is simplified and the structure of the slide rail device 11 is simplified as compared with the case where the nut 52 has a complicated mechanism such as an advancing / retreating mechanism or a link mechanism for moving the nut 52 from the engaging position Pc to the separating position Ps. The nut 52 can move in a short time.

The separation position Ps is separated from the rod 51 in the radial direction of the rod 51. As a result, the moving distance of the nut 52 from the engaging position Pc to the separating position Ps is shortened. Therefore, the leaf spring 81 can be miniaturized, and the nut 52 can be moved from the engaging position Pc to the separating position Ps in a short time.

The holding component 82 is movable between a holding position Ph that holds the nut 52 at the engaging position Pc and a release position Pr that allows the nut 52 to be located at the separation position Ps. The holding component 82 pushes the nut 52 in the direction from the separation position Ps to the engagement position Pc while moving from the release position Pr to the holding position Ph. The coil spring 83 urges the holding component 82 in the direction from the release position Pr toward the holding position Ph. That is, the elastic force of the coil spring 83 pushes the nut 52 in the direction from the separation position Ps to the engagement position Pc. As a result, the structure of the slide rail device 11 can be simplified as compared with the case where the nut 52 has a complicated mechanism for moving the nut 52 from the separation position Ps to the engagement position Pc. Further, since the elastic force of the coil spring 83 moves the nut 52 from the separation position Ps to the engagement position Pc, the nut 52 can be easily moved to the engagement position Pc in a short time. Therefore, the user can easily switch between a state in which the male screw 51a and the female screw 58f are engaged with each other and a state in which the male screw 51a and the female screw 58f are separated from each other.

The spring constant of the coil spring 83 is larger than the spring constant of the leaf spring 81. As a result, the movement of the holding component 82 from the release position Pr to the holding position Ph is suppressed from being hindered by the leaf spring 81.

The leaf spring 81 has a ring portion 81a through which the rod 51 passes, and a protruding portion 81b that protrudes from the ring portion 81a and supports the nut 52. The nut 52 and the ring portion 81a are aligned in the axial direction of the rod 51. The protruding portion 81b can be elastically deformed so as to urge the nut 52 in the direction from the engaging position Pc toward the separating position Ps. As a result, it is possible to prevent the mechanism including the nut 52 and the leaf spring 81 from becoming larger in the radial direction of the rod 51.

The rod 51 is attached to the lower rail 21. The switching mechanism 55 moves the nut 52 between the separation position Ps and the engagement position Pc. The housing 56 is at least partially accommodated in the accommodating portion 103 of the upper rail 22 and accommodates the nut 52 and at least a portion of the switching mechanism 55. As a result, at least a part of the switching mechanism 55 fits inside the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 22, so that the slide rail device 11 is prevented from becoming large in size.

The drive mechanism 53 converts the rotation around the central axis Ax2 transmitted from the motor 61 and the motor 61 into the rotation around the central axis Ax1 at a twisted position with respect to the central axis Ax2, and transmits the rotation to the nut 52. It has a mechanism 64 and. The housing 56 houses at least a part of the transmission mechanism 64. As a result, at least a part of the switching mechanism 55 and at least a part of the transmission mechanism 64 are accommodated inside the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 22, so that the size of the slide rail device 11 is suppressed from becoming large. Further, both the switching mechanism 55 and the transmission mechanism 64 are housed in the housing 56 and move relative to the lower rail 21 as the upper rail 22 moves. Therefore, regardless of the position of the upper rail 22 with respect to the lower rail 21, the nut 52 can be moved by the switching mechanism 55, that is, the use as a power seat and the use as a manual seat can be switched. Therefore, the nut 52 can be easily moved to the engaging position Pc or the separating position Ps in a short time.

The housing 56 is detachably attached to the upper rail 22. Thereby, instead of the housing 56 accommodating the nut 52 and the switching mechanism 55 of the present embodiment, the housing accommodating the non-moving nut can be attached to the upper rail 22. Therefore, the lower rail 21, the upper rail 22, and the rod 51 are shared between the slide rail device 11 including the nut 52 and the switching mechanism 55 of the present embodiment and another slide rail device in which the nut is not moved. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of the slide rail device 11.

The rod 51 is passed through the inside of the housing 56. The housing 56 supports the rod 51 so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 56, or is separated from the rod 51. For example, when assembling the slide rail device 11, the second edge 86b of the operation hole 86 of the lever 85 holds the nut 52 at the separation position Ps. As a result, when the rod 51 is passed through the inside of the housing 56 for assembly, the housing 56 and the nut 52 are prevented from interfering with the rod 51. Therefore, the slide rail device 11 can be easily assembled.

The rod 51 is fixed to one of the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 22 with its rotation restricted. The nut 52 and the switching mechanism 55 are attached to the other of the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 22. The nut 52 is rotated by the drive mechanism 53 and moved to the separation position Ps and the engagement position Pc by the switching mechanism 55. As a result, the positions of the female screw 58f of the nut 52 and the male screw 51a of the rod 51 can be adjusted by operating (moving or rotating) the nut 52 without operating the rod. Therefore, the positions of the female screw 58f of the nut 52 and the male screw 51a of the rod 51 can be easily adjusted as compared with the case where the rod 51 rotates. For example, the tip of the female screw 58f and the tip of the male screw 51a may come into contact with each other while the nut 52 moves from the separation position Ps to the engagement position Pc. In this case, the female screw 58f and the male screw 51a can be meshed by slightly rotating the nut 52 or slightly moving the upper rail 22 in the Y direction with respect to the lower rail 21.

The switching mechanism 55 has a holding component 82 and a coil spring 83. The holding component 82 pushes the nut 52 in the direction from the separation position Ps to the engagement position Pc by the elastic force of the coil spring 83. For example, while the holding component 82 pushes the nut 52 from the separation position Ps toward the engagement position Pc, the tip of the male screw 51a and the tip of the female screw 58f may come into contact with each other. In this case, since the coil spring 83 remains elastically deformed, the male screw 51a and the female screw 51a and the female screw 51a are compared with the case where the user tries to return the male screw 51a and the female screw 58f to the meshed state via the handle or the like. The load that the screw 58f and the screw 58f act on each other is reduced. Therefore, damage to the male screw 51a and the female screw 58f is suppressed.

The rod 51 is fixed to the lower rail 21 with its rotation restricted. The nut 52, the drive mechanism 53, and the switching mechanism 55 are attached to the upper rail 22. This makes it possible to set a longer distance that the upper rail 22 can move relative to the lower rail 21. Further, in order to rotate the rod 51, it is necessary to install a mechanism for driving the rod 51 on the floor 1a side. However, since another mechanism is arranged on the floor 1a side, the installation space is limited. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the drive mechanism 53 that rotates the nut 52 without rotating the rod 51 is installed on the upper rail 22 (seat 12) side. Therefore, the degree of freedom of installation is improved.

The rod 51 is attached to one of the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 22. The guide member 54 is attached to the other of the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 22. The nut 52 is supported by the guide member 54. The rod 51 is inserted through the guide member 54. The guide member 54 supports the nut 52 so that the nut 52 can move between the separated position Ps and the engaging position Pc relative to the guide member 54. That is, when focusing on the two members, the nut 52 and the guide member 54, the guide member 54 moves the nut 52 between the separation position Ps and the engagement position Pc without the movement of the guide member 54. Guide. Since such a guide member 54 can be arranged around the rod 51, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the slide rail device 11.

The guide member 54 restricts the nut 52 from moving in the axial and circumferential directions of the rod 51 relative to the guide member 54, and the nut 52 moves the nut 52 between the separation position Ps and the engagement position Pc. Supports the nut 52 so that it can move in the radial direction of the nut 52. This eliminates the need for a member that supports the nut 52 and moves with the nut 52, and a space for the member to move in the radial direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the slide rail device 11.

The guide member 54 supports the nut 52 so that the nut 52 can move linearly in the radial direction of the rod 51 relative to the guide member 54. For example, the end faces 71c and 72c of the first frame 71 and the second frame 72 and the side surfaces 73a of the pillar 73 extend linearly in the radial direction of the rod 51 to support the nut 52. As a result, when the nut 52 moves from the separation position Ps to the engagement position Pc, the female screw 58f and the male screw 51a can be more reliably meshed with each other.

The drive mechanism 53 rotates the nut 52 via the guide member 54. As a result, in addition to the guide member 54, a component for transmitting rotation to the nut 52 becomes unnecessary, and the structure of the slide rail device 11 can be simplified.

The leaf spring 81 has a ring portion 81a that is restricted from moving in the radial direction of the rod 51 relative to the rod 51, and a protruding portion 81b that is connected to the ring portion 81a and is deformable. The protrusion 81b supports the nut 52 in the radial direction of the rod 51. That is, in the present embodiment, the leaf spring 81 in which the protruding portion 81b is deformed and the ring portion 81a can be stationary supports the nut 52 in the radial direction, instead of the member that moves as a whole. This eliminates the need for a member that supports the nut 52 and moves as a whole, and a space for the member to move in the radial direction. Therefore, the slide rail device 11 can be miniaturized.

The upper rail 22 can move in the Y direction with respect to the lower rail 21. The rod 51 extends in the Y direction. The holding component 82 is movable in the Y direction between the holding position Ph and the release position Pr. That is, the moving direction of the holding component 82 for moving the nut 52 between the separation position Ps and the engaging position Pc is the same as the moving direction of the upper rail 22 and the longitudinal direction of the rod 51. Generally, in the slide rail device 11, the space available in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the rod 51 is larger than the space available in the lateral direction (X direction or Z direction) of the rod 51. Therefore, it becomes easy to provide a space for the holding component 82 to move, and it is possible to prevent the slide rail device 11 from becoming large.

The holding part 82 comes into direct contact with the nut 52. This eliminates the need for a component interposed between the holding component 82 and the nut 52, and can suppress an increase in the number of components of the slide rail device 11.

The separation position Ps is separated from the rod 51 in a direction orthogonal to the Y direction. The nut 52 has a second outer surface 58c extending in the Y direction and a third outer surface 58d extending in a direction obliquely intersecting the Y direction. The holding component 82 contacts the second outer surface 58c at the holding position Ph and pushes the third outer surface 58d toward the engaging position Pc while moving from the release position Pr to the holding position Ph. As a result, the holding component 82 that moves in the Y direction can push the nut 52 toward the engaging position Pc without interposing other components. Therefore, the structure of the slide rail device 11 can be simplified. Further, by providing the second outer surface 58c pushed by the holding component 82, the position of the nut 52 can be smoothly switched between the release position Pr and the holding position Ph.

The nut 52 has a plurality of nut members 58 arranged in the circumferential direction of the rod 51. Each of the plurality of nut members 58 has a female screw 58f and is movable between the separation position Ps and the engagement position Pc. The holding component 82 is formed in an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction of the rod 51, and pushes a plurality of nut members 58 from the separation position Ps toward the engagement position Pc while moving from the release position Pr to the holding position Ph. As a result, one holding component 82 can move the plurality of nut members 58 to the engaging position Pc at once.

The switching mechanism 55 has a moving member 84 that can move between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The switching mechanism 55 arranges the nut 52 at the engaging position Pc when the moving member 84 is located at the first position P1, and separates the nut 52 at the separating position Ps when the moving member 84 is located at the second position P2. Place in. The posture holding mechanism 110 changes the posture of the moving member 84 when the moving member 84 is positioned at the first position P1 while the moving member 84 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The moving member 84 is supported so as to approach. As a result, the moving member 84 is suppressed from tilting, and the nut 52 can smoothly move from the engaging position Pc to the separating position Ps.

The posture holding mechanism 110 has a coil spring 113 that urges the moving member 84 in the direction opposite to the direction from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Thereby, the structure of the posture holding mechanism 110 can be simplified.

The switching mechanism 55 has a holding component 82 and a coil spring 83. The moving member 84 moves the holding component 82 from the holding position Ph to the release position Pr by moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The coil spring 83 urges the moving member 84 via the holding component 82. That is, the elastic force (urging force) of the coil spring 113 and the elastic force (urging force) of the coil spring 83 act on the moving member 84. For example, by adjusting the spring constant of the coil spring 113 and the spring constant of the coil spring 83, the moving member 84 is suppressed from tilting, and the nut 52 can smoothly move from the engaging position Pc to the separating position Ps.

The housing 56 accommodates the nut 52 and the switching mechanism 55. The coil springs 83 and 113 are housed in the housing 56. As a result, the urging force can be applied to the moving member 84 and the holding component 82 from the coil springs 83 and 113 without loss.

The moving member 84 has a guide flange 84b. The posture holding mechanism 110 has a first guide portion 115 provided in the housing 56. When the first guide portion 115 engages with the guide flange 84b, the posture of the moving member 84 is changed while the moving member 84 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Supports the moving member 84 so that it approaches the posture when it is located at the first position P1. As a result, the moving member 84 is suppressed from tilting, and the nut 52 can smoothly move from the engaging position Pc to the separating position Ps.

In the present embodiment described above, the rod 51 is attached to the lower rail 21, and the nut 52, the drive mechanism 53, the guide member 54, and the switching mechanism 55 are attached to the upper rail 22. Also, the nut 52 rotates. However, the rod 51 may be attached to the upper rail 22, and the nut 52, the drive mechanism 53, the guide member 54, and the switching mechanism 55 may be attached to the lower rail 21. Further, the rod 51 may rotate and the nut 52 may be fixed.

In the above embodiment, instead of the leaf spring 81 having the plurality of protrusions 81b, a plurality of leaf springs or coil springs corresponding to the plurality of nut members 58, an elastomer such as synthetic rubber, or a magnet replaces the nut member 58. You may move it. Further, instead of the coil springs 83 and 113, leaf springs or elastomers may be provided.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, the above-described embodiments and modifications are merely examples, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited. The above-described embodiment and modification can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. Further, the configuration and shape of each embodiment and each modification can be partially replaced.

This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-208183 filed on November 18, 2019, and is the Japanese patent application, Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-208183. The entire contents of the issue will be incorporated into this international application.

11 ... Slide rail device, 21 ... Lower rail, 22 ... Upper rail, 51 ... Rod, 51a ... Male screw, 52 ... Nut, 53 ... Drive mechanism, 54 ... Guide member, 55 ... Switching mechanism, 56 ... Housing, 58 ... Nut Member, 58c ... 2nd outer surface, 58d ... 3rd outer surface, 58f ... Female screw, 61 ... Motor, 64 ... Transmission mechanism, 81 ... Leaf spring, 81a ... Ring part, 81b ... Protruding part, 82 ... Holding part, 83 ... Coil spring, 84 ... Moving member, 84b ... Guide flange, 84d ... Guide protrusion, 103 ... Accommodating part, 110 ... Attitude holding mechanism, 113 ... Coil spring, 115 ... First guide part, 116 ... Second guide part, Ax1, Ax2 ... Central axis, Pc ... Engagement position, Ps ... Separation position, Ph ... Holding position, Pr ... Release position, P1 ... First position, P2 ... Second position.

Claims

Rails that can be attached to the floor of the vehicle
A slider, which is provided with a housing and is movably attached to the rail along the rail.
A rod having a male screw and attached to the rail,
A nut having a female screw that can mesh with the male screw,
A switching mechanism for moving the nut between a separation position separated from the rod and an engagement position where the female screw and the male screw mesh with each other.
A housing that is at least partially housed in the housing and houses the nut and at least a portion of the switching mechanism.
A drive mechanism that rotates one of the rod and the nut,
A slide rail device for vehicles equipped with.
The drive mechanism converts the rotation around the motor and the first rotation center transmitted from the motor into the rotation around the second rotation center which is in a twisted position with respect to the first rotation center. Has a transmission mechanism that transmits to the nut,
The housing contains at least a portion of the transmission mechanism.
The vehicle slide rail device according to claim 1.
The vehicle slide rail device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is detachably attached to the slider.