VEHICLE SEAT TRACK SYSTEM

Abstract

A track system for a vehicle seat includes a lower track with a slide block with lateral slide bar extending along an upper surface of the lower track. The slide block includes a cross web system connecting the first slide bars with a central cross web portion, a forward cross web portion and a rearward cross web portion. A lower track to slide block fastening system includes a central fastener fixing the central cross web portion to the lower track in lateral and longitudinal directions and allowing movement in a direction away from the lower track, a forward fastener fixing the forward cross web portion in the direction away from the lower track and allowing movement in longitudinal directions and a rearward fastener fixing the rearward cross web portion in the direction away from the lower track and allowing movement in the longitudinal directions.

Claims

1. A track system for a vehicle seat, the track system comprising: a lower track having a track profile with a lower vehicle attachment surface and an upper surface extending in a longitudinal axial direction between a lower track forward end and a lower track rearward end and extending in a lateral direction between lower track side profile portions; a slide block comprising a first slide bar extending along the upper surface at a first lower track lateral side, a second slide bar extending along the upper surface at a second lower track lateral side and a cross web system connecting the first slide bar to the second slide bar, the cross web system comprising a central cross web portion, a forward cross web portion, positioned with respect to the longitudinal axial direction between the lower track forward end and the central portion, and a rearward cross web portion, positioned with respect to the longitudinal axial direction between the lower track rearward end and the central portion; and a lower track to slide block fastening system comprising a central fastener fixing the central cross web portion relative to the lower track at least in the lateral directions and in the longitudinal axial directions, a forward fastener fixing the forward cross web portion relative to the lower track in the direction away from the lower track and allowing at lest some movement of the forward cross web portion relative to the lower track at least in the longitudinal axial directions and a rearward fastener fixing the rearward cross web portion relative to the lower track in the direction away from the lower track and allowing movement of the rearward cross web portion relative to the lower track at least in the longitudinal axial directions.

2. A track system according to claim 1, wherein the central fastener comprises: a central opening formed in the lower track, wherein the central opening has an annular inner peripheral edge; and a central fastener portion connected to the central cross web portion, the central fastener portion extending through the central opening and having a shape adapted to engage at least portions of the annular inner peripheral edge, whereby movement of the central fastener portion relative to the lower track is restricted by the annular inner peripheral edge in all radial directions of the central fastener portion relative to the central opening.

3. A track system according to claim 2, wherein the central fastener portion has a fastener profile complementary to, extending through and being essentially coaxial with the central opening allowing at least some movement of the central cross web portion relative to the lower track in a direction toward and away from the lower track.

4. A track system according to claim 1, wherein the forward fastener comprises: a forward opening formed in the lower track, wherein the forward opening has an annular inner peripheral edge; and a forward fastener portion connected to the forward cross web portion, the forward fastener portion having a through portion extending through the forward opening from an upper surface side of the lower track to a lower vehicle attachment surface side of the lower track and including an axial extension extending axially beyond the inner peripheral edge of the forward opening and including an axially extending surface to engage the lower vehicle attachment surface and limit movement of the forward cross web portion relative to the lower track in a direction toward and away from the lower track.

5. A track system according to claim 4, wherein the forward opening formed in the lower track is sized relative to the through portion of the forward fastener portion to allow at least some movement of the forward fastener portion relative to the lower track in the longitudinal axial directions of the forward fastener portion relative to the forward opening.

6. A track system according to claim 1, wherein the rearward fastener comprises: a rearward opening formed in the lower track, wherein the rearward opening has an annular inner peripheral edge; and a rearward fastener portion connected to the rearward cross web portion, the rearward fastener portion having a through portion extending through the rearward opening from an upper surface side of the lower track to a lower vehicle attachment surface side of the lower track and including an axial extension extending axially beyond the inner peripheral edge of the rearward opening and including an axially extending surface to engage the lower vehicle attachment surface and limit movement of the rearward cross web portion relative to the lower track in a direction toward and away from the lower track.

7. A track system according to claim 6, wherein the rearward opening formed in the lower track is sized relative to the through portion of the rearward fastener portion to allow at least some movement of the rearward fastener portion relative to the lower track in the longitudinal axial directions of the forward fastener portion relative to the forward opening.

8. A track system according to claim 1, wherein the slide block is a single integral plastic part including fastener portions of the central fastener, the forward fastener and the rearward fastener.

9. A track system according to claim 1, further comprising a rolling bearing cage connected to the upper track, wherein the slide block supports the movement of the upper track and has end stops for the rolling bearing cage.

10. A track system according to claim 9, wherein the first slide bars are parallel slide block brackets for the movable support of the upper track.

11. A track system according to claim 10, wherein each end stop for a rolling bearing cage extends outwards and protrudes from a respective one of the slide block supports.

12. A track system according to claim 10, further comprising another rolling body cage to provide two rolling body cage which are arranged on opposite sides relative to the slide block.

13. A track system according to claim 12, wherein: each rolling body cage has a portion facing the slide block comprising a contact portion which is complementary to associated two end stops at each lateral side of the slide block, whereby with respect to the longitudinal axial direction the two end stops limit a travel of the associated rolling body cage; and each contact portion is formed of an elastically deformable material, whereby the contact portion is deformed upon bearing on an associated end stop and upon sliding away from the associated end stop returns to an original form.

14. A vehicle seat comprising: a seat base; a track system connected to the seat base, the track system comprising: a lower track having a track profile with a lower vehicle attachment surface and an upper surface extending in a longitudinal axial direction between a lower track forward end and a lower track rearward end and extending in a lateral direction between lower track side profile portions; a slide block comprising a first slide bar extending along the upper surface at a first lower track lateral side, a second slide bar extending along the upper surface at a second lower track lateral side and a cross web system connecting the first slide bar to the second slide bar, the cross web system comprising a central cross web portion, a forward cross web portion, positioned with respect to the longitudinal axial direction between the lower track forward end and the central portion and a rearward cross web portion positioned with respect to the longitudinal axial direction between the lower track rearward end and the central portion; and a lower track to slide block fastening system comprising a central fastener fixing the central cross web portion relative to the lower track at least in the lateral directions and in the longitudinal axial directions, a forward fastener fixing the forward cross web portion relative to the lower track in the direction away from the lower track and allowing at lest some movement of the forward cross web portion relative to the lower track at least in the longitudinal axial directions and a rearward fastener fixing the rearward cross web portion relative to the lower track in the direction away from the lower track and allowing at lest some movement of the rearward cross web portion relative to the lower track at least in the longitudinal axial directions.

15. A vehicle seat according to claim 14, wherein the central fastener comprises: a central opening formed in the lower track, wherein the central opening has an annular inner peripheral edge; and a central fastener portion connected to the central cross web portion, the central fastener portion extending through the central opening and having a shape adapted to engage at least portions of the annular inner peripheral edge, whereby movement of the central fastener portion relative to the lower track is restricted by the annular inner peripheral edge in all radial directions of the central fastener portion relative to the central opening.

16. A vehicle seat according to claim 15, wherein the central fastener portion has a fastener profile complementary to, extending through and being essentially coaxial with the central opening allowing at least some movement of the central cross web portion relative to the lower track in a direction toward and away from the lower track.

17. A vehicle seat according to claim 15, wherein the forward fastener comprises: a forward opening formed in the lower track, wherein the forward opening has an annular inner peripheral edge; and a forward fastener portion connected to the forward cross web portion, the forward fastener portion having a through portion extending through the forward opening from an upper surface side of the lower track to a lower vehicle attachment surface side of the lower track and including an axial extension extending axially beyond the inner peripheral edge of the forward opening and including an axially extending surface to engage the lower vehicle attachment surface and limit movement of the forward cross web portion relative to the lower track in a direction toward and away from the lower track.

18. A vehicle seat according to claim 17, wherein the forward opening formed in the lower track is sized relative to the through portion of the forward fastener portion to allow at least some movement of the forward fastener portion relative to the lower track in the longitudinal axial directions of the forward fastener portion relative to the forward opening.

19. A vehicle seat according to claim 15, wherein the rearward fastener comprises: a rearward opening formed in the lower track, wherein the rearward opening has an annular inner peripheral edge; and a rearward fastener portion connected to the rearward cross web portion, the rearward fastener portion having a through portion extending through the rearward opening from an upper surface side of the lower track to a lower vehicle attachment surface side of the lower track and including an axial extension extending axially beyond the inner peripheral edge of the rearward opening and including an axially extending surface to engage the lower vehicle attachment surface and limit movement of the rearward cross web portion relative to the lower track in a direction toward and away from the lower track.

20. A vehicle seat according to claim 19, wherein the rearward opening formed in the lower track is sized relative to the through portion of the rearward fastener portion to allow at least some movement of the rearward fastener portion relative to the lower track in the longitudinal axial directions of the forward fastener portion relative to the forward opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In the drawings:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the vehicle seat with a track system according to the invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the track system of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a top perspective partially cutaway view of the track system of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the track system of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the track system of FIG. 1 with the lower track removed;

[0024] FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail view of the front fastener of the fastening system according to the invention;

[0025] FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail view of the central fastener of the fastening system according to the invention;

[0026] FIG. 8 is an enlarged detail view of the rearward fastener of the fastening system according to the invention;

[0027] FIG. 9 is a top partially cutaway view showing the lower track and slide block; and

[0028] FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway sectional view taken along section line X-X of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Referring to the drawings in particular, FIG. 1 shows a vehicle seat generally designated 10. The vehicle seat 10 includes a track system (rail system) 1 according to the invention. The track system 1 includes an lower track 3 and an upper track 5. The vehicle seat 10 includes a seat base (cushion) 12, a backrest 14 and a headrest 16. The backrest 14 is connected by a pivot/recliner fitting 22 to allow adjustment of the pivot position of the backrest 14 relative to the seat base 12. The vehicle seat 10 may have other typical features such as an easy entry actuator 20 which allows the backrest 14 to be pivoted forward, for easy entry to a region behind the vehicle seat 10. The vehicle seat 10 is mounted on the upper track 5 via seat to upper track connections 26 and 28. The vehicle seat 10 includes a longitudinal adjustment actuator 24 which allows the upper track 5, caring the vehicle seat 10, to be moved forwards and rearwards in a longitudinal direction (such as in the z direction of the vehicle). The vehicle seat 10 may also include features to allow the upper track 5 to move relative to the lower track 3 as part of the easy entry actuation with easy entry actuator 20. Although a particular type of vehicle seat 10 is shown, with seat base 12 and backrest 14 connected via a recliner fitting 22, other types of vehicle seats may also use the track system 1 according to the invention. For example, the vehicle seat 10 could be a so-called slouch seat with the seat base and the backrest each moveable relative to one or more frame parts and with the frame parts mounted to the upper track 5. Further, although the term lower is used with regard to the lower track 3, the track system 1 could be used for example as part of a backrest track system for a slouch seat wherein it would be possible to have the lower track 3 vertically above the upper track 5. However, generally, the track system 1 is to be used with the lower track 3 fixed to a vehicle floor and the upper track 5 mounted thereto, vertically above the lower track 3 and connected to and supporting the seat base 12.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows the track system 1 with the upper track generally designated 5 and the lower track generally designated 3. The upper track 5 includes rear support connection openings 56 and forward support connection openings 58 which are used for fixing the vehicle seat 10 via the upper track connections 26 and 28 respectively. The upper track 5 has a profile including upper track outer section 53 and upper track mid section 52. The upper track outer section 53 and upper track mid section 52, each side of the upper track 5, are connected by a central section 51. The lower track 3 has a profile, including a lower track central portion 31 and laterally spaced apart side profile portions 32. Each side profile portion 32 extends around to an end portion 33. The lower track 3 is connected with the upper track 5 with an interference fit.

[0031] The track system 1 includes a slide block 7, which can best be seen in FIGS. 5 and 9. The slide block 7 has lateral slide bars 72, that are disposed between the upper track 5 and the lower track 3 as can best be seen in FIG. 3. The slide bars 72 of the slide block 7 provide a smooth sliding surface for movement of the upper track 5 relative to the lower track 3. This allows the upper track 5 to be moved in a longitudinal axial direction of the track system 1 between a forward most position and a rearward most position. These positions may be set by stops 71.

[0032] The slide block 7 is advantageously made of a plastic material. The slide block 7 includes web portions, namely a forward web portion 73F, a central web portion 73C, a rearward web portion 73R and an additional rearmost web 79, which connect across from one lateral slide bar 72 to an opposite lateral slide bar 72. The web portions 73F, 73C, 73R and 79 position and support the lateral slide bars 72. The invention provides a plurality of these web portions 73F, 73C, 73R as part of a lower track to slide block fastening system. In particular, the forward web portion 73F includes a forward fastener portion 76, to connect the slide block 7 to the lower track 3. The rearward web portion 73R includes two rearward fastener portions 78, to connect the slide block 7 to the lower track 3. The central web portion 73C includes a central fastener portion 74 to connect the slide block 7 to the lower track 3. The fastener portions 74, 76 and 76 cooperate with a central fastener opening 34, a forward fastener opening 36 and a rearward fastener openings 38 respectively. Preferably, the slide block system 1 is configured such that the forward web portion 73F, including the forward fastener portion 76, the rearward web portion 73R, including the two rearward fastener portions 78, and the central web portion 73C, including the central fastener portion 74, are in locations that are always under the upper track 5 for all functional positions of the upper track 5 relative to the lower track 3. An extreme forward position, the upper track 5 relative to the lower track 3, is shown in FIG. 3, wherein the rearward web portion 73R, including the two rearward fastener portions 78, is still under the upper track 5.

[0033] The track system 1 includes a roller bearing arrangement for each side of the tracks. Each bearing arrangement has a roller bearing cage 9 supporting a plurality of roller bearings 11. One of the two roller bearing cages 9 can best be seen in FIG. 5. Each of the roller bearing cages 9 is disposed between one of the side profile portions 32 of the lower track 3 and the upper track outer section 53 of the upper track 5. The roller bearing cage 9 may have spacing lugs at each side face of the roller bearing cage 9. The spacing lugs provide appropriate spacing between the roller bearing cage 9 and the upper track outer section 53 on the one hand and provide appropriate spacing between the roller bearing cage 9 and the side profile portion 32 on the other hand. The roller bearing cage 9 positions the roller bearings 11 to roll between an outer surface of the upper or track outer section 53 of the upper track 5 and an inner surface of the side profile portion 32 of the lower track.

[0034] The slide block 7 supports the movement of the upper track 5 with two slide bars or slide block brackets 72. The supported movement of the upper track 5 is provided by the first side slide bar 72 and the second side slide bar 72, which are disposed running parallel to each other and extend in a longitudinal axial direction of the track system 1. The slide block 7 includes a plurality of end stops 71. An end stop 71 is provided at an end of each of the slide bars 72, providing two end stops 71 at each side of the lateral slide block 7. These two end stops 72 (at each of the two lateral sides) delimit the range of travel of the respective roller bearing cage 9. Each rolling body cage 9 has a portion facing the sliding block 7. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the rolling body cage 9 has a contact portion 92 which extends in the longitudinal axial direction. In FIG. 5, the contact portion 92 has nearly reached the left end stop 71. The contact portion 92 is complementary to the associated two end stops 71 at each of the lateral sides of the sliding block. With respect to the longitudinal axial direction, the two end stops 71 limit a travel of the associated rolling body cage 9. The contact portion 92 is formed of an elastically deformable material. The contact portion 92 is deformed upon bearing on an associated end stop 71 and upon sliding away from the associated end stop 71, the contact portion 92 returns to an original form.

[0035] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the slide block 7 is provided with web portions 73F, 73C, 73R and 79 connecting the slide bars 72. Preferably, very little material is used to provide the slide block 7. Besides the mentioned forward web portion 73F, rearward web portion 73R, central web portion 73C, and the additional rearmost web 79, other web portions may be provided connecting the slide bar 72. However, advantageously, the slide block 7 is formed with relatively little material, to save costs and to reduce weight. Further, the slide bars 72 are provided with a configuration with reduced material at a side facing the upper surface of the lower track central portion 31 (FIG. 5). The slide block 7 may be formed as a molded plastic piece, such as an injected molded integral single plastic part.

[0036] As can be appreciated from the bottom perspective view of FIG. 4, the lower track 3 has a track profile with a lower vehicle attachment surface, which is the lower, vehicle floor facing, surface of the lower track central portion 31. This vehicle floor facing surface and the opposite upper surface of lower track central portion 31 extend in the longitudinal axial direction between a lower track forward end and a lower track rearward end. The lower track 3 also extends in a lateral direction between side profile portions 32. The lateral extent of the lower track 3 can be seen in the partial sectional view of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 shows the forward web portion 73F, rearward web portion 73R and central web portion 73C of the sliding block 7 extending, in the lateral direction, from one slide bar 72 at one lateral side to another slide bar 72 at an opposite lateral side. The slide bars 72, extending along the upper surface of the lower track central portion 31, can be seen in the partial sectional view of FIG. 3.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows a configuration of the forward fastener of the lower track to sliding block fastening system. The forward fastener is comprised of a forward fastener opening 36, that is formed in the lower track 3. The forward opening has an annular inner peripheral edge. The forward fastener portion 76, that is connected to the forward cross web portion 73F, cooperates with the fastener opening 36 and the lower vehicle attachment surface of the lower track central portion 31, to provide the unique fastening features of the forward fastener. The forward fastener portion 76 has a through portion 86 that extends through the forward fastening opening 36, from an upper surface side of the lower track 3 to the lower vehicle attachment surface side of the lower track 3. The forward fastener portion 76 also includes an axial extension, extending axially beyond the inner peripheral edge of the forward opening 36. The axial extension of the forward fastener portion 76 has an axially extending surface 75 to engage the lower vehicle attachment surface. This axially extending surface 75, engaging the lower vehicle attachment surface, limits movement of the forward cross web portion 73F relative to the lower track 3 in a direction toward and away from the lower track 3. The forward opening 36 is formed in the lower track and is sized relative to the through portion 86 of the forward fastener portion 76 to allow at least some movement of the forward fastener portion 76 relative to the lower track 3 in the forwardrearward direction. In particular the forward fastener portion 76 has a through portion, that extends through the forward fastening opening 36 (FIG. 10). This through portion of the fastener portion 76 is limited as to freedom of motion based on the contact of the through portion of forward fastener portion 76 by the inner peripheral edge of the forward opening 36. According to the preferred embodiment the peripheral edge of the forward opening 36 is sized relative to the through portion of forward fastener portion 76 to essentially prevent lateral movement of the forward fastener portion 76 based on the lateral sides of the inner peripheral edge of the forward opening 36. However, the opening 36 is also sized to allow significant movement of the forward fastener portion 76 in the forwardrearward (longitudinal axial) direction. The forward fastener fixes the forward cross web portion 73F relative to the lower track in the direction away from the lower track and in the lateral directions and allows at lest some movement of the forward cross web portion 73F relative to the lower track at least in the longitudinal axial directions.

[0038] FIG. 7 shows a configuration of the central fastener of the lower track to sliding block fastening system. The term central is not to imply that the central fastener is in the geometric or mass center of the slide block 7, but that the central fastener is in some central region relative to the forward and rearward fasteners. However, the location could be at the geometric or mass center of the slide block 7. The central fastener fixes the central cross web portion 73C relative to the lower track 3 at least in the lateral directions and in the longitudinal axial directions. The central fastener comprises a central opening 34 that is formed in the lower track central portion 31 of the lower track 3. The central opening 34 has an annular inner peripheral edge. The central fastener portion 74 is connected to the central cross web portion 73F and may be formed integral therewith, as part of the integral single plastic part. The central fastener portion 74 extends through the central opening 34 and is essentially coaxial with the central opening 34 (FIG. 10). The fastener portion 74 has a shape adapted to engage at least portions of the annular inner peripheral edge of the opening 34. With this configuration movement of the central fastener portion relative to the lower track is restricted by the annular inner peripheral edge. The restriction of movement is in all radial directions of the central fastener portion 74 relative to the central opening 34. The shape of the central fastener portion 74 may be complementary to the central opening 34. The shapes may match or, in the configuration shown the central fastener portion 74, may have a cross shape with each of the four outer edge surfaces contacting the inner peripheral edge of the opening 34. The configuration of the central fastener portion 74, with a fastener profile extending through and being essentially coaxial with the central opening 34, allows at least some movement of the central cross web portion 73C relative to the lower track 3 in a direction toward and away from the lower track 3.

[0039] FIG. 8 shows a configuration of the rearward fastener of the lower track to sliding block fastening system. The rearward fastener fixes the rearward cross web portion 73F relative to the lower track 3 in the direction away from the lower track and allows at least some movement of the rearward cross web portion 73R relative to the lower track 3 at least in the longitudinal axial directions. The rearward fastener comprises a rearward opening 38 formed in the lower track 3. The rearward opening 38 has an annular inner peripheral edge. The rearward fastener portions 78 are each connected to the rearward cross web portion 73F. The rearward fastener portions 78 have a through portion 88 extending through the rearward opening 38 from an upper surface side of the lower track 3 to a lower vehicle attachment surface side of the lower track 3. The rearward fastener portions 78 includes an axial extension, which extends axially beyond the inner peripheral edge of the rearward opening 38. The axial extension of the rearward fastener portions 78 includes an axially extending surface 77 to engage the lower vehicle attachment surface and limit movement of the rearward cross web portion 73R relative to the lower track 3 in a direction toward and away from the lower track. The rearward openings 38 are each formed in the lower track central portion 31 of the lower track 3and are sized relative to the through portion 88 of the rearward fastener portion 78 to allow at least some movement of the rearward fastener portion 78 relative to the lower track in the forwardrearward (longitudinal axial) direction. The forward fastener fixes the forward cross web portion 73F relative to the lower track in the direction away from the lower track and in the lateral directions and allows at lest some movement of the forward cross web portion relative to the lower track at least in the longitudinal axial directions.

[0040] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.