FR3085018A1 - SLIDING MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sliding mounting system for a seat (10) of a motor vehicle, said system comprising at least one slide (31) comprising a fixed lower rail (32) designed to be integral with said seat (10) and an upper rail mobile (33) intended to be integral with the floor (20) of said vehicle, said mobile upper rail (33) being slidably mounted along said fixed lower rail (32) so as to allow the position of said seat (10) to be adjusted, said system also comprising a covering device (35) of the at least said slideway (31); said covering device (35) comprising at least one rigid panel (36) fixed on the top of the movable upper rail (33) of the at least said slide (31), said panel (36) being dimensioned in length and in width of so as to cover the whole of the at least said slideway (31) whatever the position of its movable upper rail (33) relative to its fixed lower rail (32).

Description

Title of invention

Sliding mounting system for motor vehicle seat

Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to sliding mounting systems for motor vehicle seats.

Invention background

The front seats of motor vehicles are generally slidably mounted on the floor of this vehicle by means of a pair of slides so as to allow the adjustment of their longitudinal position.

Each slide conventionally comprises a lower rail intended to be fixed to the floor of a vehicle, as well as an upper rail secured to the structure of said seat and mounted to slide along the lower rail.

In use, small objects can get between the rails of these slides and disturb their proper functioning or prevent their sliding altogether.

On the other hand, these slides remain visible, which turns out to be unattractive and negatively impacts the level of perceived quality felt by users.

Finally, the feet of passengers seated on the rear seat of the vehicle can come into contact with them and get pinched when sliding.

There are known devices for covering such a seat slide comprising two lateral brushes masking the portions of the fixed lower rail located at the front or at the rear of the movable rail (the length of these portions varying as a function of the longitudinal position of the seat ).

In use, the bristles constituting the brushes tend to keep the deformation acquired under the action of the movement of the movable upper rails so that the latter no longer properly perform their covering function.

Patent application FR 2 744 075 discloses a sliding mounting system for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a slide comprising a movable upper rail slidingly mounted in a fixed lower rail, these rails being housed in an embellished casing comprising a body extending in a longitudinal recess of the floor and a cover for masking the rails substantially flush with the carpet of the floor at the periphery of the recess.

The masking cover also has a longitudinal passage slot for a foot connecting the movable upper rail to the seat, this slot being partially covered by the seat.

The mounting system further includes a device for covering the exposed rear part of the slot.

This covering device comprises a strip-shaped curtain having a width greater than that of the slot and one end of which is integral in translation with the movable upper rail while the other end is housed in a movable manner in a retractable receptacle. disposed in the longitudinal extension of the fixed rail so that this curtain is thus movable longitudinally facing the slot when the seat is moved.

The disadvantage of such a solution is that it has a complex structure and only covers part of the slide.

There is also known from patent application FR 2 848 926 a device for covering a slide comprising:

- A deformable strip arranged to cover at least the slide, this strip comprising a central part and two end parts provided with means for fixing the strip to the floor; and

a member for covering the movable rail which is slidably mounted under the central part of the strip, this member being arranged to be integral with the movable rail by covering at least part of the upper face of the movable rail and leaving the sliding of the movable rail in the fixed rail.

The covering member comprises means for plating the deformable strip which are arranged, when the member slides under the strip, to ensure the plating of the strip on the upper face of the member and on the floor.

In use, the deformable strip unfortunately tends to deteriorate rapidly because of the plating means which urges it continuously.

Subject and summary of the invention

The present invention therefore aims to improve the situation.

To this end, it provides a sliding mounting system for a motor vehicle seat, said system comprising at least one slide comprising a fixed lower rail intended to be fixed to said seat and a movable upper rail intended to be fixed to the floor of said vehicle, said mobile upper rail being slidably mounted along said fixed lower rail so as to allow the position of said seat to be adjusted, said system also comprising a device for covering the at least said slide;

characterized in that said covering device comprises at least one rigid panel fixed on top of the movable upper rail of the at least said slide, said panel being dimensioned in length and in width so as to cover the whole of the at least said slide whatever the position of its movable upper rail with respect to its fixed lower rail.

This panel thus makes it possible to permanently hide the entire slide for the occupants of the vehicle.

In addition, its rigidity and the fact that it does not undergo any stress from other elements of the system gives it excellent mechanical strength over time.

According to preferred characteristics of the sliding mounting system according to the invention, taken alone or in combination:

- Said rigid panel comprises a metal plate covered by a textile coating; and or

- Said rigid panel has a plurality of lights capable of being superimposed with fixing holes provided in the fixed lower rail of the at least said slide so as to allow the latter to be fixed by screwing to said floor.

The invention also relates in a second aspect, to a motor vehicle comprising a floor and at least one seat slidably mounted on said floor by means of such a mounting assembly comprising two said longitudinal runners, the fixed lower rails of which are integral of said seat and whose movable upper rails are integral with said floor.

According to preferred characteristics of the said vehicle, taken alone or in combination:

- Said floor is covered by a mat having at least one cavity housing said slides;

- Said mat has a single said rectangular cavity housing said slides and extending transversely between the two outer edges of the latter;

- Said covering device comprises a single said rigid panel fixed on top of the movable upper rails of said slides, said panel being dimensioned in length and in width so as to cover the whole of said cavity whatever the longitudinal position of said seat;

- Said sliding mounting system comprises a motorized drive mechanism coupled to the movable upper rails of said slides and capable of driving the latter to slide along the fixed lower rails of these same slides, said motorized device being housed at least partially in said cavity between said slides and being covered by said panel;

- Said mat comprises two said cavities each housing a said corresponding slide; and or

- Said covering device comprises two said rigid coplanar panels each fixed on the top of a movable upper rail of a said corresponding slide, each said panel being dimensioned in length and in width so as to cover the whole of said cavity respective regardless of the longitudinal position of said seat.

Brief description of the drawings

The description of the invention will now be continued with the detailed description of an exemplary embodiment, given below by way of illustration but not limitation, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a motor vehicle seat slidably mounted on the floor of this vehicle by means of a sliding mounting system according to a first embodiment of the invention ;

- Figure 2 is an enlargement of detail II of Figure 1;

- Figure 3 shows a perspective view from above of the assembly of Figure 1 showing the seat in its extreme rearward position;

- Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing the seat in its extreme forward position; and

- Figure 5 shows a perspective view from above of a motor vehicle seat slidably mounted on the floor of this vehicle by means of a sliding mounting system according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of two preferred embodiments

Figures 1 to 4 show a seat 10 of a motor vehicle slidably mounted on the floor 20 of this vehicle via a sliding mounting system 30 according to a first preferred embodiment.

In the remainder of this description and by convention, the terms "lower", "upper", "longitudinal" "lateral" and "transverse" will be defined with respect to the normal installation of such a seat in the passenger compartment. a motor vehicle.

The terms “external” and “internal” will be used to define the relative position of an element with reference to the longitudinal center vertical axis of the seat. The element closest to this axis will thus be qualified as internal as opposed to the other element more distant from this same axis which will in turn be qualified as external.

The sliding mounting system 30 comprises two identical slides 31, extending longitudinally symmetrically with respect to the median longitudinal vertical plane of the seat 10.

As is clearly visible in FIG. 1, the two slides 31 are housed in a rectangular cavity 22 extending transversely between the two outer edges of these two slides 31 and formed by cutting from a multilayer carpet 21 covering the floor 20.

As is clearly visible in FIG. 2, the mat 21 conventionally consists of three superimposed layers of materials, namely:

- A soundproofing lower layer 21A resting on the floor 20 and formed of a polyurethane foam;

an intermediate layer 21B resting on the lower layer 21A and formed by a composite panel of medium density wood fibers (MDF); and

- An upper layer 21C resting on the intermediate layer 21B and formed by a textile covering advantageously of the carpet type.

Still with reference to FIG. 2, each slide 31 comprises a fixed lower rail 32 rigidly moored by screwing to the floor 20 delimiting the bottom of the cavity 22, as well as a mobile upper rail 33 secured to a respective lateral foot 11 of the seat 10 and mounted to slide along the lower rail 32 between two front and rear stops so as to allow the longitudinal position of the seat 10 to be adjusted.

Constituted by a metal profile having a cross section in the shape of an inverted U, each movable upper rail 33 comprises a horizontal flat roof 33A projecting slightly above the cavity 22, as well as two lateral uprights 33B extending vertically downwards. and on the other side of this roof 33A and each extending at their lower end by a respective lateral fin 33C projecting outwards while being folded upwards.

Constituted by a metal profile having a U-shaped cross section, each fixed lower rail 32 comprises a substantially flat bottom sole 32A as well as two lateral uprights 32B extending vertically upwards on either side of this sole 32A and each extending at their upper end by a lateral flange 32C projecting inwards while being folded down to guide the sliding of a corresponding lateral fin 33C of the movable upper rail 33.

Near each of its longitudinal ends, the bottom flange 32A of each fixed lower rail 32 has a circular hole (not visible in the figures) superimposed with a corresponding fixing orifice made in the floor 20 and associated with a welded nut around this hole on the underside of this floor.

Two screws (not visible in the figures), previously introduced through such a hole and such an orifice, are each screwed onto such a corresponding nut so as to secure the fixed lower rail 32 to the floor 20.

Each slide 31 also includes rolling balls, not shown, interposed between the fixed lower rails 32 and mobile upper rails 33 in order to limit friction.

The slides 31 further comprise means for immobilizing their movable rail 33 in the fixed rail 32. The latter, not shown in the figures, may for example be constituted by movable bolts capable of engaging in recesses made longitudinally in the rails and evenly spaced. The immobilization means are controlled by means of a control spreader arranged under the seat of the seat 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sliding mounting system 30 comprises a motorized drive mechanism 34 housed in the rectangular cavity 22 of the multilayer carpet 21 and extending between the two movable upper rails 33 of the slides 31 to which it is coupled so as to be able to cause the latter to slide along the fixed lower rails 32.

According to the invention, the sliding mounting system 30 also includes a device 35 for covering the runners 31.

The device 35 consists of a single rigid rectangular panel 36 interposed between the lateral feet 11 of the seat and the horizontal roofs 33A of the movable upper rails 33 to which it is fixed by welding or screwing, so as to move longitudinally in a manner integral with the seat 10 and these movable upper rails 33.

The rigid panel 36 comprises a metal plate 37 obtained by cutting from a sheet of sheet metal, and covered by a textile covering 38 advantageously made of the same material (carpet) as that of the 21C of the carpet 21 so as to ensure homogeneity in appearance with the latter.

The panel 36 is dimensioned in length and in width so as to completely cover the cavity 22 (as well as the slides 31 and the motorized mechanism 34 being contained therein) whatever the position of the seat 10 (and therefore that of the movable upper rails 33 relative to the fixed lower rails 32 of the slides 31).

According to a variant not shown, the motorized mechanism projects slightly above the level of the cavity while the panel has a boss accommodating this projecting portion of the mechanism.

In FIG. 3 which shows the seat 10 in its extreme rearward position, it can thus be noted that the front end of the panel 36 extends slightly in front of the cavity 22.

Similarly, it can be noted in FIG. 4 showing the seat 10 in its extreme forward position that the rear end of this panel 36 extends slightly behind the cavity 22.

The front part of the panel 36 has a first pair (respectively a second pair) of lights 39A (respectively 39B) arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal vertical plane of the seat 10 so as to overlap, when the seat 10 occupies its extreme position towards the rear illustrated in Figure 3 (respectively its extreme forward position illustrated in Figure 4), with the holes and the front fixing holes (respectively rear) formed in the fixed lower rails 32 and the floor 20 to allow the introduction of the tip of a screwdriver through this panel 36 so as to secure these fixed lower rails 32 on the floor 20.

FIG. 5 represents a seat 10 of a motor vehicle slidably mounted on the floor 20 of this vehicle by means of a sliding mounting system 30 'conforming to a second preferred embodiment and devoid of a drive mechanism motorized such as 34.

In the following and in this FIG. 5, the same references have been kept for the elements identical to the first embodiment and a premium has been added for similar elements.

The sliding mounting system 30 'also comprises two slides 31, extending longitudinally and symmetrically with respect to the median longitudinal vertical plane of the seat 10; these slides 31 being housed in two respective rectangular cavities 22 'formed by cutting from a multilayer carpet 21' covering the floor 20 and having dimensions corresponding to those of these slides 31.

The sliding mounting system 30 ′ also comprises a device 35 ′ for covering the runners 31, this device comprising two rigid rectangular coplanar panels 36 ′ each inserted between a lateral foot 11 of the seat 10 ′ and the horizontal roof 33A of the movable upper rail 33 of a corresponding slide 31 to which it is fixed by welding or screwing.

Moving longitudinally integrally with the seat 10 ′ and the movable upper rails 33 of the slides 31, the panels 36 ′ are dimensioned in length and in width so as to each entirely cover a respective cavity 22 ′ (as well as the corresponding slide 31 being contained therein) whatever the position of the seat 10 (and therefore that of the movable upper rails 33 relative to the fixed lower rails 32 of the slides 31).

Each panel 36 ′ also has a first lumen 39A (respectively a second lumen 39B) arranged so as to overlap, when the seat 10 occupies its extreme rearward position illustrated by FIG. 5 (respectively its extreme position towards 5 ′ front), with the hole and the fixing orifice provided in a corresponding fixed lower rail 32 and the floor 20 in order to allow the introduction of the tip of a screwdriver through this panel 36 'to ensure the fixing of this fixed lower rail 32 on the floor 20.

According to alternative embodiments not shown, the shape and the dimensions of some of the elements of the covering device can differ significantly.

It is recalled in this regard that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but that it also encompasses any variant within the reach of the skilled person.

Claims (10)

1. Sliding mounting system for a seat (10) of a motor vehicle, said system comprising at least one slide (31) comprising a fixed lower rail (32) intended to be integral with said seat (10) and a movable upper rail (33 ) intended to be integral with the floor (20) of said vehicle, said movable upper rail (33) being slidably mounted along said fixed lower rail (32) so as to allow the position of said seat (10) to be adjusted, said system comprising also a covering device (35; 35 ^f ) of the at least said slide (31); characterized in that said covering device (35; 35) comprises at least one rigid panel (36; 36 ') fixed on top of the movable upper rail (33) of the at least said slide (31), said panel (36 ; 36 ') being dimensioned in length and in width so as to cover the whole of the at least said slideway (31) whatever the position of its movable upper rail (33) relative to its fixed lower rail (32). 2. Sliding mounting system according to claim 1, characterized in that said rigid panel (36) comprises a metal plate (37) covered by a textile covering (38). 3. longitudinal sliding mounting system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said rigid panel (36; 36 ') has a plurality of lights (39A, 39B) capable of being superimposed with fixing holes formed in the fixed lower rail (32) of the at least said slide (31) so as to allow fixing by screwing of the latter on said floor (20). 4. Motor vehicle comprising a floor and at least one seat (10) slidably mounted on said floor (20) by means of a mounting system (30; 30 ') according to one of claims 1 to 3 comprising two said longitudinal slides (31), the fixed lower rails (32) of which are secured to said seat (10) and the movable upper rails (33) of which are secured to said floor (20). 5. Motor vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that said floor (20) is covered by a mat (21) having at least one cavity (22; 22 ') housing said slides (31). 6. Motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that said mat (21) has a single said rectangular cavity (22) housing said slides (31) and extending transversely between the two outer edges of the latter. 7. Motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that said covering device (35) comprises a single said rigid panel (36) fixed on top of the movable upper rails (33) of said slides (31), said panel ( 36) being dimensioned in length and in width so as to cover the whole of said cavity (22) whatever the longitudinal position of said seat (10). 8. Motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that said sliding mounting system (30) comprises a motorized drive mechanism (34) coupled to the movable upper rails (33) of said slides (31) and capable of driving these the latter sliding along the fixed lower rails (32) of these same slides (31), said motorized device (34) being housed at least partially in said cavity (22) between said slides (31) and being covered by said panel (36). 9. Motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that said mat (21 ') comprises two said cavities (22') each housing a said corresponding slide (31). 10. Motor vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that said covering device (35 ') comprises two said rigid panels (36') coplanar each fixed on top of a movable upper rail (33) of a said slide corresponding (31), each said panel (36 ') being dimensioned in length and in width so as to cover the whole of a said respective cavity (22') whatever the longitudinal position of said seat (10).