FR3116243A1 - Slide adjustment and locking system - Google Patents

Abstract

System (1) for adjusting and locking a slide for a motor vehicle comprising:- said slide (2) having a sliding axis, comprising a pair of elements comprising a first slide element (3) and a second slide (4) configured to slide relative to each other along said sliding axis,- a lock system (5) comprising:-- a support (50), integral with the first slide element (3), -- locking members (51,52), mounted to move relative to the support (50), configured to pass from an unlocking state (Ed) releasing the sliding between the first slide element (3) and the said second element slide (4) up to a locking state (Ev) in which the blocking members engage with adjustment openings (40) integral with the second slide element, and according to a determined locking sequence ensuring a locking, then a game catch-up. Abstract Figure: Figure 1

Description

Slide adjustment and locking system

This disclosure relates to a system for adjusting and locking a rail for a motor vehicle, as well as to a motor vehicle seat equipped with such a system.

This disclosure relates to the field of systems for adjusting and locking a slideway for a motor vehicle. It relates more particularly, but not exclusively, to adjustment systems whose slides connect a seat cushion to the floor.

In the present disclosure, and in a known manner, a vehicle seat typically comprises:
- a seat, which extends in a direction X, from a front edge and to a rear edge, and extends transversely in a direction Y, from a first side edge to a second side edge,
- a backrest which extends in height from the rear edge of the seat, in a Y direction, vertical, or typically inclined backwards, from a lower edge to an upper edge of the backrest, and extends transversely along a Y direction, from a first side edge, to a second side edge.

The backrest can be tilted relative to the seat, typically by a pivot axis between the backrest frame and the seat frame, extending in the transverse direction Y.

The position of the seat in the vehicle can typically be adjusted, in the direction X, by means of an adjustment and locking system according to the present disclosure, or even preferably two adjustment and locking system systems, with two slides parallel connecting the seat to the floor of the vehicle.

Thus, the or each of the two slides comprises two slide elements with a first slide element secured to the seat cushion and a second slide element secured to the floor, configured to slide relative to each other along the X direction.

The or each slide may consist essentially of a fixed, lower profile intended to be fixed to the floor of the vehicle and a movable, upper profile, fixed to the seat, the fixed profile and the movable profile typically being approximately of the same dimension according to the X direction.

Alternatively, and according to one embodiment which is illustrated in the figures, the or each slide may comprise a fixed profile, and a carriage integral with the seat, the carriage being mounted to slide inside the fixed profile.

In such an embodiment, the dimension of the carriage is substantially less, along the sliding direction X, than the dimension of the fixed profile. Such an embodiment of slide with fixed profile and carriage makes it possible to authorize a significant sliding stroke, for example greater than 100 cm, for example 120 cm.

The adjustment and locking system further comprises a locking system, including a control member which is activated, typically manually, to unlock the slide in order to allow the occupant of the seat to adjust the position of the seat by moving the first element slide, movable relative to said second slide element.

Once the position of the seat has been adjusted, the control member is released to ensure the locking of the seat in the adjustment positions corresponding to adjustment steps of the slide.

To this end, the lock system comprises a support, secured to the first slide element, and blocking members, movable relative to the support, configured to penetrate adjustment openings secured to the second slide element in a locked state. of the lock system, under the action of elastic means such as springs. The control member, when actuated, makes it possible to constrain the locking members against the force of the springs and thus to extract the locking members from the adjustment openings, freeing the sliding of the slide.

There is thus known a first family of lock system, usually referred to by those skilled in the art by the English name " step lock " for which the locking members, typically integral with each other, do not block the slide only if the relative position between the two slide elements, first slide element, and second slide element corresponds to an adjustment pitch of the slide

In other words, when the two slide elements are in any intermediate position between two consecutive adjustment positions (corresponding to two adjustment pitches of the slide), the lock system does not ensure any blocking of the first slide element with respect to to the second slide element. In the event of an impact, and strong acceleration/deceleration, and if ever the locking system is left in this intermediate position, the seat and its occupant can slide over the entire travel of the slide without the springs being able to constrain the components blocking in the adjustment openings, and therefore without locking the position of the slide.

A second family of lock system is also known, with improved security compared to the first family, usually designated by those skilled in the art under the English name “ instant lock ” which always ensures blocking of the two elements of the slide. , and even if the position between the two slide elements, first slide element and second slide element is in any intermediate position between two consecutive adjustment positions.

To this end, the blocking members are independent of each other configured so that at least one of the members comes to penetrate and block in one of the adjustment openings, typically oblong, and even if the slide is in this intermediate position any, between two adjustment steps, namely two consecutive adjustment positions of the slide.

The slide can then only slide over a stroke corresponding to the adjustment pitch of the slide. Slight sliding of the first slide element relative to the second slide element allows the other non-penetrating locking members to come opposite and lock into the adjustment openings when the slide is moved in one (or the other) of the two consecutive adjustment positions, in order to obtain the locking of the slide.

The present disclosure finds a particular application whether the lock system belongs to the family of lock systems called "instant lock" as described in detail and illustrated in the figures, or even to the family of lock systems belonging to the family called " step lock” (not shown).

Adjustment and locking systems belonging to the “instant lock” family are thus known, for example from documents US 2012.0294674 A1, EP33786996 A1, or even US 10,774,908 B2. In particular, document US 10.774908 B2 discloses an “ instant lock ” type lock system whose locking members are of two types, namely first locking members having a straight configuration (namely of constant rectangular section) , and second locking members of truncated pyramid configuration (“ tapered pin ”) with backlash function. A control member (“ actuator ”) makes it possible to simultaneously extract all of the locking members, first locking members and second locking member. Conversely, and when the first locking members and the second locking members come opposite the adjustment openings, whether in an adjustment position corresponding to an adjustment pitch of the slide, or in an intermediate position between two consecutive adjustment positions, the two types of blocking member, first blocking members and second blocking members, are locked simultaneously in the adjustment openings opposite these blocking members.

According to the findings of the inventors, and in this prior art US 10.774908 B2, such simultaneous movement of the locking members consisting of the first and second locking members, does not always make it possible to guarantee optimal locking of the slide.

In addition, and when the slide, belonging to the " instant lock " family, is in any intermediate position between two adjustment positions corresponding to the adjustment steps of the slide, the temporary blocking (before the slide is moved in the one of the two consecutive adjustment positions) is obtained by some of the blocking members penetrating the adjustment openings, including the second blocking members with a sloping surface. However, the use of such locking members with a sloping surface is not optimal in terms of resistance to shearing, in the direction of sliding of the slide.

Summary

This disclosure improves the situation.

There is proposed a system for adjusting and locking a sliding rail for a motor vehicle comprising:
- said slide having a sliding axis extending along an axis X, comprising a pair of elements comprising a first slide element and a second slide element configured to slide relative to each other along said axis of sliding,
- a lock system comprising:
-- a support, secured to the first slide element,
-- locking members, mounted to move relative to the support, configured to pass from an unlocking state releasing the sliding between the first slide element and the said second slide member to a locking state in which the locking members lock engage with adjustment openings integral with the second slide element, said adjustment openings being distributed over the length of the second slide element to ensure the locking of the position of the first slide element with respect to the second slide element in several positions adjustment between the first slide element and the second slide element,
and wherein the blocking members comprise:
--- first blocking members, with a locking function, configured, in said locking state, to pass into a locking position at the end of travel of the first locking members, leaving a clearance between the first slide element and said second slide element along the sliding axis,
--- second blocking members, with backlash function, configured to penetrate the adjustment openings in said locking state, said second blocking members comprising sloped surfaces configured to bear against the edges of the adjustment openings by ensuring the elimination of the clearance left by the first locking members
-- a mechanism for controlling the blocking members, integral with the first slide element configured to ensure sequential control of the blocking members:
--- according to a locking sequence from the unlocked state, by moving the first locking members to penetrate the adjustment openings until the position of the first slide element is locked with respect to the second element slide, without taking up play along the X axis of the slide, then movement of the second locking members until the sloping surfaces come into abutment to ensure the elimination of the play left by the first locking members, and/or
--- according to an unlocking sequence from the locked state by extraction of the second locking members with backlash function from the adjustment openings while the first locking members are still in the locked position, then by extraction of the first locking members to release the sliding between the first slide element and said second slide element.

The characteristics exposed in the following paragraphs can, optionally, be implemented. They can be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

According to one embodiment, the system comprises first elastic means mounted between the support and the first locking members configured to constrain said first locking members from their unlocked state to their locked state, and second elastic means mounted between the support and the second locking members configured to constrain said second locking members from their unlocked state to their locked state.

According to one embodiment, the mechanism for controlling the locking members comprises a control member, hinged to the first slide element configured to pass from a first position in which the locking members are in the locking state for which the first blocking members penetrate the adjustment openings with backlash taking up by the second blocking members up to a second position of the control member for which said control member constrains said blocking members consisting of said first blocking members and said second blocking members in their unlocked state,
and wherein said control member has first drive surfaces configured to constrain the first locking members from their locking state to their unlocking state against the force of the first elastic means and the second surfaces of drives configured to constrain said second locking members from their locking state to their unlocking state against the force of the second elastic means
and wherein when said control member is moved from the first position to the second position, said second drive surfaces are configured to engage with the second locking members over a first section of the travel of the control member to ensure the extraction of the second blocking members from the adjustment openings, prior to the cooperation of the first drive surfaces with the first blocking members over a second section of the stroke of the control member configured to ensure the extraction first locking members of the adjustment openings

According to one embodiment, said control member comprises third surfaces configured to come into abutment with the first control member(s) not penetrating into the adjustment openings, preventing the movement of said control member to the first position, said control member then locked in an intermediate position of the control member between said first position and said second position, said intermediate position being configured so that the second locking members are retained in their unlocked state against the force of the second elastic means by said second surfaces of said control member.

According to one embodiment, the blocking members consisting of the first blocking members and the second blocking members are respectively in the form of studs, mounted to move relative to the support along their longitudinal axis, each provided with a first end intended to penetrate one of the adjustment openings, and of a second end, opposite,
and in which the means for controlling the blocking members comprise, in addition to the control member:
- first extensions, projecting laterally from the second ends of studs forming the first locking members, said first extensions being provided with distal ends intended to engage with the first drive surfaces of the control member to move the first locking members blocking in their unlocked state when said control member has passed from the first position to the second position or else, where appropriate, intended to engage with the third surfaces configured to come into abutment with the first control member(s) not penetrating into the adjustment openings,
- second extensions projecting laterally from the second ends of studs forming the second control members, said second extensions being provided with distal ends intended to engage with the second drive surfaces to move the second locking members to their state of unlocking when said control member has passed from the first position to the second position.

According to one embodiment:
- the stroke of the first blocking members from the unlocked state to the locked state is less than or equal to 6 mm, for example between 3 mm and 6 mm,
- The stroke of the second blocking members from the unlocked state to said locked state is less than or equal to 12mm, for example between 9 mm and 12 mm.

According to one embodiment, the adjustment positions between the first slide element and the second slide element are discrete positions and in which the blocking members, including the first blocking members are independent, so that at least one of the first locking members penetrates into one of the adjustment openings when the first slide element and the second slide element are in any intermediate relative position between two consecutive adjustment positions of the adjustment and locking system, the mechanism control being configured to prevent the passage of the second blocking members in their locking state, as long as the slide is not moved into one of said two consecutive adjustment positions for which all of the first blocking members are in their locking position.

According to one embodiment, said lock system comprises blocking openings secured to the first slide element, facing respectively the axes of the blocking members mounted on the support, said adjustment openings fixed to the second slide element then being interposed in a plane located between the blocking openings and said support, and in which in the locking state, said first blocking elements pass respectively simultaneously through the adjustment openings integral with the second slide element and the said blocking openings integral with the first element of slide, said locking openings being released from the locking members in the unlocked state.

According to one embodiment, the second blocking members comprise all or part of conical surfaces forming said sloped surfaces with play-removal function. The conicity of the conical surfaces forming the sloped surfaces is for example greater than 5%, preferably between 5% and 10%.

According to one embodiment, the first blocking members are cylindrical studs with an outer diameter smaller than the dimension of the adjustment openings.

According to one embodiment, the adjustment openings integral with the second slide element are oblong openings, oriented longitudinally along the sliding axis X of the slide, in particular regularly distributed over the length of the second slide element.

According to one embodiment, the second slide element is a fixed profile extending longitudinally along the sliding axis along the X axis, having;
- a base wall extending along an XY plane intended to be fixed to the floor extended by a folded edge parallel to the plane of the base wall with the presence of an inter-space between the folded edge and the base wall,
- an upper wall, extending parallel to the base wall, the upper wall having a curved edge towards the base wall,
- a connecting wall, vertical extending along a plane XZ extending between the base wall and the upper wall by extending them
and in which the fixed section forming a cavity defined between the base, upper and connecting walls respectively, including the said interspace between the folded edge and the base wall, the said cavity emerging laterally by a longitudinal opening between the curved edge and the folded edge
and in which the first slide element is a carriage, of dimension in length along the axis X, less than the length of the fixed profile, the carriage received inside the cavity, comprising a movable profile in square section comprising a first substantially vertical branch extending in the cavity formed between the base wall and the upper wall, carrying at least two rollers configured to roll on a longitudinal conformation of the base wall, and a second branch extending perpendicular to the first branch and protruding into said interspace,
and in which said support of the lock system is fixed to the first vertical branch of the movable profile, projecting from the cavity through the longitudinal opening, said first locking members and said second locking members mounted movable, in a direction of the substantially vertical Z axis so as to pass from the unlocking state, in the high position of the blocking members, to the said locking state in the low position of the blocking members for which the blocking members penetrate the adjustment openings which are made on the folded edge of the fixed profile, and oriented along the X axis of the slide.

For example, said blocking openings secured to the first slide element are made along the length of the second leg of the mobile section of the carriage, received in said inter-space between the folded edge and the base wall of the fixed section.

Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1

watch is a perspective view of an adjustment and locking system according to the present disclosure, according to one embodiment, said slide comprising a first slide element, in the form of a carriage, intended to be fixed to the base of a seat and a second slide element in the form of a fixed section inside which the carriage slides.

Fig. 2

is a front view of the slide carriage shown in , including the lock system comprising the support integral with a profile of the carriage, and the control member in the second position for which said control member constrains the locking members in their unlocking state releasing the sliding of the slide .

Fig. 3

is a carriage view of the , from behind, illustrating the rollers, at the two longitudinal ends of the carriage

Fig. 4a

is a detail view of the adjustment and locking system in the second position of the control member, raised, constraining all of the locking members, including the studs of the first locking members and the studs of the second locking members blocking outside the adjustment openings, in their unlocked state releasing the sliding of the slide.

Fig. 4b

is a detail view of the lock system of the , when the control device and the fixed profile are hidden, illustrating:
- the first blocking members, in their high position, not engaged with the adjustment openings, as well as the first extensions extending respectively from the second ends of the studs, upper, and ending in distal ends engaging with the first drive surfaces of the control device,
- the second blocking members, with a function of taking up play in their high position, not engaged with the adjustment openings, as well as the second extensions extending from the second ends of the studs, upper, and ending in ends distal, engaging with the second drive surfaces of the control member.

Fig.4c

is a sectional view, along a vertical plane extending along the direction X, and passing through the control member then in the raised position, illustrating the engagement of the first drive surfaces of the control member with the ends of the first extensions of the first blocking members, as well as the engagement of the second drive surfaces of the control member with the distal ends of the second extensions of the second blocking members, when said control member is in the second position configured to control the blocking members in their unlocked state

Fig. 4d

is a cross-sectional view of the lock system, when said control member is in its second position as illustrated in , along a vertical plane extending along the direction X, and passing through the studs of the first and second blocking members, illustrating the first control members and the second control members, in their raised position, outside the adjustment openings secured to the second slide element, releasing the sliding of the slide.

Fig. 5a

is a detail view of the adjustment and locking system in an intermediate position of the control member, between the raised position and a low position, forcing the second locking members outside the adjustment openings, in their unlocked state , while the first locking members facing the adjustment openings are allowed to lock in said adjustment openings, under the constraint of the first elastic members.

Fig. 5b

is a view of the lock system of the when said control member and the fixed section of the second slide element are hidden, illustrating the studs of the second blocking members with a play-recovery function, in their raised position at mid-height, disengaged from the adjustment openings, as well as the first locking members, some in low positions intended to engage the adjustment openings opposite, while others, not opposite the adjustment openings are raised, in abutment against the fixed profile of the second slide element

Fig. 5c

is a sectional view, along a vertical plane extending along the direction X, and passing through the control member then in an intermediate position, said control member comprising third surfaces configured to come into abutment with the distal ends of the first extension of the first non-penetrating control members into the adjustment openings, by prohibiting the movement of said control member to the first, low position, said control member then locked in said intermediate position of the control member configured so that the second locking members are retained in their unlocked state against the force of the second elastic means by said second surfaces of said control member.

Fig. 5d

is a cross-sectional view of the lock system, in an intermediate position of the slide between two consecutive adjustment positions of the slide, when said control member is in its intermediate position as illustrated in , the cutting plane passing through a vertical plane extending in the direction X, and passing through the studs of the first and second blocking members, some of the first blocking members penetrating the adjustment openings while others, not opposite the adjustment openings, are in abutment on the fixed profile, blocking said control member in said intermediate position by cooperation of the distal ends of the non-penetrating studs with the third drive surfaces of said control member, said intermediate position of said control being configured so that the second locking members are retained in their unlocked state against the force of the second elastic means by said second surfaces of said control member.

Fig. 6a

is a detail view of the adjustment and locking system in the first position of the control member, low configured to allow the studs of the first locking members and the studs of the second locking members to be locked in the adjustment openings of the fixed profile of the slide, in the locking state of the blocking members.

Fig. 6b

is a view of the lock system of the when said control member and the fixed section of the second slide element are hidden, illustrating the studs of the second blocking members with a backlash function, in their low position, intended to engage with the adjustment openings, as well as the first members blocking, in low positions intended to engage the facing adjustment openings.

Fig. 6c

is a sectional view, along a vertical plane extending along the direction X, and passing through the control member then in the first low position, authorizing all of the locking members consisting of the first locking members and the second blocking devices to penetrate the adjustment openings.

Fig. 6d

is a cross-sectional view of the lock system, when the slide is slid into one of the two consecutive adjustment positions of the slide, on either side of the intermediate position illustrated in , when said control member is in its first low position as illustrated in , the first and the second blocking members in their locked state, with elimination of the play between the first and the second slide element in the direction of sliding, by the action of the conical sloped surfaces of the second blocking members.

Fig. 7

is a view of the adjustment and locking system, seen along the sliding direction X, illustrating in particular the section of the fixed profile forming said second slide element, as well as a dimension marked d, along the sliding axis of the organs blocking, delimited between the entry of the adjustment openings made in the folded edge, on the one hand, and the base wall of the fixed profile, this dimension d constituting a limit for the stroke of the blocking members

Also, the present disclosure relates to a system1 for adjusting and locking a slideway for a motor vehicle comprising:
- said slide 2 having a sliding axis extending along an axis X, comprising a pair of elements comprising a first slide element 3 and a second slide element 4 configured to slide relative to each other along said sliding axis,
- a lock system 5 comprising:
-- a support 50, integral with the first slide element 3,
-- 51,52 blocking members, mounted movable relative to the support 50, configured to pass from an unlocking state Ed illustrated by way of example at releasing the sliding between the first slide element 3 and the said second slide element 4 until a locking state Ev, illustrated by way of example in wherein the blocking members engage with adjustment openings 40 integral with the second slide element 4.

The adjustment openings 40 are distributed over the length of the second slide element 4 to ensure the locking of the position of the first slide element relative to the second slide element in several adjustment positions between the first slide element and the second element of slide. These adjustment positions are discrete, and correspond to slide adjustment steps. The adjustment openings 40 can be oblong openings, oriented longitudinally in the direction of sliding. In the locking position Ed corresponding to the adjustment positions of the slide, two consecutive locking members 51,52, in the direction of sliding, can come to lock respectively at the two ends of the oblong opening, and as visible in .

The blocking members 51,52 include:
- first blocking members 51, with a locking function, configured, in said locking state Ev, to pass into a locking position Pv51 at the end of travel of the first locking members 51, leaving a clearance between the first element slider 3 and said second slider element 4 along the sliding axis in direction X,
- second blocking members 52, with backlash function, configured to penetrate the adjustment openings 40 in said locking state, Ev said second blocking members comprising sloped surfaces 520 configured to bear against the edges of the openings adjustment by ensuring the elimination of the play left by the first locking members.

The first blocking members 51, with a locking function, are locked in the adjustment openings 40 at the end of the travel of the blocking members, ie in a determined locking position. The portion of the first blocking members fitting into the adjustment openings has a straight configuration, maximizing shear resistance, along the sliding axis of the slide. For example, the first blocking members 51, in the form of a stud, have a portion fitting into the openings of constant section, over the length of the stud. The studs of the first blocking members 51 can be cylindrical, and as shown in the figures.

The end of travel of the first locking members 41 therefore does not depend on bringing the studs into contact with the adjustment openings 40. For example, the end of travel of the first locking members 51 is determined and obtained by shoulders 56 of the studs, and coming into abutment with the support 50, as visible in . In the locking position Pv 51, the first locking members 51 preferably engage with the adjustment openings, at the same level of deployment, and as understandable from the .

According to one embodiment, said lock system 5 may comprise blocking openings 55 integral with the first slide element 3, facing respectively the axes of the blocking members 51, 52 mounted on the support 50.

The adjustment openings 40 secured to the second element of the slide 4 are then interposed in a plane located between the blocking openings 55 and the said support 50. As visible in , in the locking state Ev, said first blocking elements 51 then in the end-of-travel position, pass respectively simultaneously through adjustment openings 40 secured to second slide element 4 and said blocking openings 55 secured to first slide element 3. The shear strength obtained by the first blocking members, 51 along the axis of the slide, is improved. On the contrary and in the unlocking state Ed, said blocking openings 55 are released from the blocking members 51, 52, and as visible at .

The second blocking members 52 are configured to penetrate the adjustment openings in said locking state Ed by providing play compensation, and as illustrated by way of example in . Said second locking members comprise for this purpose sloped surfaces 520 configured to bear against the edges of the adjustment openings by ensuring the elimination of the play left by the first locking members. The portion of the second blocking members 52 which penetrate the adjustment openings 40 is of increasing section, so as to ensure the elimination of play. For example; the second blocking members may be conical studs, ie the sloped surface of the studs is conical, formed by a truncated cone.

The locking stroke of the second locking members 52 therefore depends on the position for which the sloping surface fills the play, the sloping surface in particular conical then resting against the edge of an adjustment opening.

As seen at , the sloped surface then bears against one of the longitudinal ends of the oblong opening, further prohibiting the deployment of the stud of the second blocking member 52. When the second member is at the end of its travel, it does not necessarily penetrate a blocking opening 55, unlike said first blocking members 51 which at the end of their travel pass respectively simultaneously through the adjustment openings 40, integral with the second slide element and the blocking openings 55

The present disclosure finds a particular application when the travel of the locking members 51, 52 between the unlocking state Ed and the locking state Ev is small, in particular for the second locking members with a backlash function:
- the stroke of the first blocking members 51 from the unlocking state Ed to said locking state Ev (visible at ) can be less than or equal to 6 mm, for example between 3 mm and 6 mm, and/or
- the travel of the second blocking members 52 from the unlocking state Ed (visible at ) up to said locking state Ev can be less than or equal to 12 mm, for example between 9 mm and 12 mm,

Limiting the travel of the first and/or second locking members 51,52 advantageously allows, in the unlocking state Ed, visible at the to limit the size of the adjustment and locking system. The risks of contact of the studs then retracted from the openings with the environment of the slideway are limited.

Limiting the stroke of the first and second blocking members 51, 52 still allows the lock system to be compatible with different slide rail technologies, and in particular those whose construction allows only a small movement of the locking members. blocking in the locked state Ed, and as seen in .

For example, it is understandable that the embodiment of the adjustment and locking system 1 visible at offers only a small deployment stroke under the adjustment openings 40 for the blocking members 51, 52. The dimension marked d, delimited between the entry of the adjustment opening 40, and the bottom of the slide, along the sliding axis of the locking members represents a dimensional constraint for the travel of the locking members. The vertical travel of the locking members 51,52 cannot in fact exceed this dimension during locking, otherwise they will come into contact with the bottom of the slide. This dimension is for example between 3 mm and 6 mm, for example 5 mm

In order to ensure that the play is taken up, while limiting the travel of the second blocking members through the adjustment openings until their sloping surface comes into abutment against the adjustment openings, the inclination of the sloping surface with respect to to the axis of deployment of the second blocking member can be significant.

For this purpose, the conicity of the conical surfaces forming the sloping surfaces is greater than 5%, preferably between 5% and 10%.

Notably, the lock system 5 comprises a control mechanism 6 of the blocking members 51,52, integral with the first slide element 3 configured to ensure sequential control of the blocking members:
- according to a locking sequence from the unlocking state Ed (see ), by moving the first locking members 51 to penetrate the adjustment openings 40 until the position of the first slide element 3 is locked with respect to the second slide element 4, without taking up play along the axis X of the slide, then movement of the second locking members 52 until the abutment of the sloping surfaces 520 to ensure the elimination of the play left by the first locking members 51, and/or
- according to an unlocking sequence from the locking state Ev by extraction of the second locking members 52 with backlash function of the adjustment openings 40 while the first locking members 51 are still in the locking position PV51 , then by extracting the first locking members 51 to release the sliding between the first slide element and the said second slide element 4.

Such a locking sequence ensures blocking of the slide by the first blocking elements; in particular in that these first blocking members 51 ensure optimum resistance to shearing, in particular because of their geometric configuration, or even by the fact that the first blocking members 51 are received not only in the adjustment openings 40 but also in the locking openings 55 in the locking position, prior to the stressing of the second locking members which, due to the sloping surface, do not provide optimum shear resistance, in particular when the taper of the sloping surfaces is significant.

Such a locking sequence also allows, for a lock system belonging to the " instant lock " lock system family, to obtain a blocking of the first slide element 3 with respect to the second slide element 4, in an intermediate position. any between two adjustment positions (corresponding to the adjustment pitch of the slide) by some of the first locking elements 51, while the second locking elements with a backlash function are retained from engaging with the adjustment openings 40, and as illustrated for the plot on the right of the .

Similarly, the unlocking sequence advantageously makes it possible to extract the second locking members 52 with a backlash function from the adjustment openings, while the sliding of the slide is still blocked by the first locking members 51: the shear stress on the second locking members 52.

According to one embodiment, the adjustment and locking system has first elastic means 53 mounted between the support 50 and the first locking members 51 configured to force said first locking members 51 from their unlocked state Ed to their locking state EV, and second elastic means 54 mounted between the support and the second locking members 52 configured to constrain said second locking members 52 from their unlocking state Ed to their locking state Ev.

The first blocking members 51 and the second blocking members 52 can take the form of independent studs, in particular when the lock system belongs to the family of " instant lock " locks.

It is further noted that the length of the second blocking members 52, in particular the length of each stud forming a second blocking member 52, between its two longitudinal ends, may be greater than the length of the first blocking members 51, in particular the length of each stud forming a first blocking member 51, between its two longitudinal ends

The first elastics 53 and the second elastic means 54 can comprise springs. For example the springs can be helical springs, respectively mounted around the studs, for example used in compression. A particularly upper end of the helical spring forming the first (or second) elastic means bears against the support 50, or a fixed part integral with the latter, while the other end, lower, bears against a projecting shoulder of the stud to coming to constrain the pedestal in the locking direction. When the blocking members are independent, mobile relative to each other, each blocking member preferably has its own helical spring

According to one embodiment, the control mechanism 6 of the locking members comprises a control member 60, articulated to the first slide element 3 configured to pass from a first position P1 in which the locking members 51, 52 are in the locking state Ev for which the first locking members 51 penetrate the adjustment openings 40 with play taken up by the second locking members 52 up to a second position P2 of the control member for which said control member 60 constrains said locking members consisting of said first locking members 51 and said second locking members 52 in their unlocked state Ed.

The control member 60 can be articulated to the first slide element 3 along a pivot axis A60 substantially parallel to said sliding axis. The support 50 integral with the first slide element 3 may in particular comprise two lugs 57, coaxial, in particular directed in opposite directions around which said control member 60 is pivotally mounted. An elastic means such as a torsion spring 63 can be provided between the control member and the support/first slide element 3 in order to constrain said control member 60 from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

This control member 60 has first drive surfaces S1 configured to constrain the first locking members 51 from their locking state Ev to their unlocking state Ed against the force of the first elastic means 51 and the second drive surfaces S2 configured to constrain said second locking members 52 from their locking state Ev to unlocking state Ed against the force of the second elastic means 54.

The locking members consisting of the first locking members 51 and the second locking members 52 are respectively in the form of studs, mounted to move relative to the support along their longitudinal axis, each provided with a first end intended to penetrate the one of the adjustment openings, and a second, opposite end.

According to one embodiment, the control means 6 of the blocking members can comprise, in addition to the control member 60:
- first extensions 61, projecting laterally from the second ends of studs forming the first locking members 51, said first extensions 61 being provided with distal ends 610 intended to engage with the first drive surfaces S1 of the control member for move the first blocking members 51 into their unlocked state Ed when said control member has moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2 or again, where appropriate intended to engage with third surfaces S3 configured to come into abutment with the first non-penetrating control device(s) in the adjustment openings and as will be described later,
- second extensions 62 projecting laterally from the second stud ends forming the second control members 52, said second extensions 62 being provided with distal ends 620 intended to engage with the second drive surfaces S2 to move the second locking members 52 until their unlocked state when said control member has passed from the first position P1 to the second position P2

Thus we note that each second extension 62 can extend from the second end of the stud forming a second blocking member 52 along the stud over a length portion in its longitudinal direction and ending with said distal end 620 oriented radially to the stud. .

Similarly, it is noted that each first extension 61 can extend from the second end of the stud forming a first blocking member 51 along the stud over a length portion in its longitudinal direction and ending with said distal end 610, oriented radially at the plot.

As seen at , the distal ends 610 of the first extensions 61 secured to the first locking members 51, and the distal ends 620 of the first extensions 62 secured to the second locking members 52, are oriented in the same direction, and intended to cooperate respectively with the first surfaces drive S1 and the second drive surface S2 of the control member.

It is thus noted in Figures 4c, 5c or 6c that the distal ends 610 and 620 are received in windows of the control member 60. The lower edges of the windows receiving the distal ends 610 of the first extensions 61 constitute the first surfaces of drive S1, while the lower edges of the windows receiving the distal ends 620 of the second extensions 62 constitute the second drive surfaces S2. If necessary, the upper edges of the windows receiving the distal ends 610 of the first extensions 61 constitute third driving surfaces S3 whose function will be explained later.

When said control member 60 has passed from the first position P1 to the second position P2, said second drive surfaces S2 are configured to engage with the second locking members 52 over a first section of the stroke of the member. 60 to ensure the extraction of the second blocking members 52, prior to the cooperation of the first drive surfaces S1 with the first blocking members 51 on a second section of the stroke of the control member 6 configured to ensure extraction of the first blocking organs

There thus illustrates the lock system in the locked state of the first blocking members 51, with play taken up by the second blocking members 52, while said control member 60 is in the first position P1. There then illustrates the positions of the distal ends 610, 620 of the first and second extensions 61,62 in the various successive windows of the control member 60, which are aligned in series along the X axis: it is noted that the distal ends 620 of the second locking members 62 are located closer to the second driving surfaces S2, compared to the distance separating the distal ends 610 of the first locking members 61, on the one hand, from the first driving surfaces S1, on the other go.

Consequently, and when the control member 60 is pivoted around said axis A60, from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the second drive surfaces S2 engage with the distal ends 620 of the second extensions 62 to extract the second blocking members 62 from the adjustment openings 40, on a first of the stroke of the blocking member, and prior to the engagement of the first drive surfaces S1 with the distal ends 610 of the first extension 61 which intervenes on a second section of the stroke of the control member 60.

Also, and when said control member 60 has passed from the first position P1 to the second position P2, said second drive surface S2 is configured to engage with the second locking members 52 over a first section of the stroke of the control member 60 to ensure the extraction of the second blocking member 52, prior to the cooperation of the first drive surfaces S1 with the first blocking members 51 over a second section of the stroke of the control member 6 configured to ensure the extraction of the first blocking members

In the second position P2 of the control member 60 the locking members 51, 52 are retracted from the adjustment openings 40, freeing the sliding of the slide, and as visible on the .

In the opposite direction of pivoting of the control member 60, from its second position P2 visible in particular at the , it is understood that the control member 60 will first of all allow the first locking members 51 to penetrate into the adjustment openings 40, opposite, and prior to the engagement of the second locking members 52 with a catch-up function clearance in said adjustment openings.

According to one embodiment, the lock system 6 of the system 1 belongs to the " instant lock " lock family. The adjustment positions between the first slide element 3 and the second slide element 4 are discrete positions. The blocking members, including the first blocking members 51, even the second blocking members 52 are independent, so that at least one of the first blocking members 51 penetrates one of the adjustment openings when the first slide and the second slide element are in any intermediate relative position PRi between two consecutive adjustment positions of the adjustment and locking system. Such an intermediate position of the slide is illustrated in . Such an intermediate position does not correspond to an adjustment position of the slide so that the first blocking members 51 do not all end up opposite the adjustment openings, some coming into abutment against the second slide element between two openings adjustment.

In this intermediate position PRi of the slide which does not correspond to an adjustment step of the slide, we note the control mechanism 6 is configured to prevent the passage of the second blocking members 52 in their locked state, as long as the slide is not moved into one (or the other) of said two consecutive adjustment positions for which all of the first locking members 51 are in their locking position Pvi. For example, and on the , it is noted that the conical stud on the right, forming one of the second locking members 52 with play-recovery function, is retained so that it does not engage with the adjustment opening yet opposite, at the aplomb of the latter.

The retention of the second blocking members is ensured by the control member 60, then in the intermediate position Pi between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

To this end, said control member 60 may comprise third surfaces S3 configured to come into abutment with the first control member(s) 51 not penetrating into the adjustment openings 40, preventing the movement of said control member 60 up to the first position P1.

For example and in relation to FIGS. 5c and 5d, it is noted that the distal ends 610 of the first extension 61 of studs No. 2, No. 4 and No. 6 (belonging to the first blocking members 61) come into abutment with the upper edges of the windows forming the third drive surfaces S3. These studs No. 2, No. 4 and No. 6 are the studs of the first blocking members, not opposite the adjustment openings, in abutment against the second slide element 4.

The control member 60 is then blocked in the intermediate position Pi of the control member between said first position P1 and said second position P2 opposing the return force of the torsion spring 63. This intermediate position Pi is configured so that the second locking members 52 are retained in their unlocked state Ev against the force of the second elastic means 54 by said second surfaces S2 of said control member 60. Thus, and at the , it is noted that the distal ends of studs No. 2, No. 4 and No. 6 of the first blocking members come into abutment against the third drive surface S3 on the upper edges of windows preventing the control member 60 to move towards the first position P1, and while the distal ends 620 of the extensions 62 of the second locking members are in abutment against the lower edges of the windows forming the second drive surfaces S2. The retention of the second blocking members is ensured, and as illustrated on the right in the .

According to an illustrated embodiment, the second slide element 4 can be a fixed section extending longitudinally along the axis of sliding along the direction X and said first slide element 3, a carriage configured to slide along the section fixed.

This fixed section may present, and as visible on the ;
- a base wall 41 extending along an XY plane intended to be fixed to the floor of the vehicle, the base wall 41 extended by a folded edge 42 parallel to the plane of the base wall with the presence of an inter-space It between the folded edge 42 and the base wall 41,
- an upper wall 43, extending parallel to the base wall, the upper wall having a curved edge 44 towards the base wall,
- a connecting wall 45, vertical extending along a plane XZ extending between the base wall and the upper wall by extending them

This fixed profile forms a cavity defined between the base, upper and connecting walls respectively, including said inter-space marked It between the folded edge 42 and the base wall 41, said cavity opening out laterally by a longitudinal opening OL delimited between the curved border 44 and the folded border 42.

The first slide element 3 is the carriage, which has a length dimension along the X axis, less than the length of the fixed section, the carriage received inside the cavity.

This carriage comprises a mobile profile in square section comprising a first substantially vertical branch 30 extending in the cavity formed between the base wall and the upper wall, parallel to the connecting wall. This movable profile carries at least two rollers 32 configured to roll on a longitudinal conformation 46 of the base wall 41, for example in relief, and a second branch 31 extending perpendicular to the first branch and projecting into said inter space It .

The support 50 of the lock system is fixed to the first vertical branch 30 of the movable profile, projecting from the cavity through the longitudinal opening OL, said first locking members 51 and said second locking members 52 mounted movable, in a direction of the substantially vertical Z axis so as to pass from the unlocking state Ed, in the high position of the blocking members 51 52, to the locking state Ev in the low position of the blocking members for which the blocking members penetrate with the adjustment openings 40 which are made on the folded edge 42 of the fixed profile, in the form of oblong openings, oriented along the X axis of the slide

It is also noted that said blocking openings 55 integral with the first slider element 3 are made over the length of the second branch 31 of the mobile profile of the carriage, received in said inter-space It between the folded edge 42 and the base wall 41 of the fixed profile.

The carriage further includes Fx fasteners, for example two fasteners, which extend from the first panel 60 of the movable profile through the side opening OL, and protrude above the fixed profile. C, and which are intended to be fixed to a seat frame of a motor vehicle seat.

We also note that the control member 60, pivotally mounted around the axis A60, can itself be controlled from the first position P1 to the second position P2, by a lever Lv, articulated to the support 50 along the axis of rotation ALv in the direction of the Y axis, coming to press under the control member 60 when actuated. Alternatively the control member 60 can be actuated from the first position P1 to the second position P2 by cable transmission.

- 1: Slide adjustment and locking system,
- 2. Slide
- 3. First slide element (particularly carriage),
- 30.31. First and second mobile profile branch,
- 32. Pebbles
- 4. Second slide element (fixed profile),
- 40. Adjustment openings,
- 41. Base wall,
- 42. Folded border,
- 43. Upper wall,
- 44. Curved border,
- 45. Connecting wall,
- 46. Longitudinal conformation (raceway)
- 5. Lock system,
- 50. Bracket,
- 51. First blocking devices (with locking function),
- 52 Second blocking device (with backlash function),
- 53. First elastic means (eg coil springs),
- 54. Second elastic means (e.g. coil springs),
- 55. Blocking openings,
- 56. Shoulder with stop function,
- 57 Pins for mounting the control unit 60
- 6. Mechanism for controlling the blocking devices,
- 60. Control unit,
- 61. First extensions (protruding from the studs of the first blocking devices)
- 610. Distal extremities (First extensions 61),
- 62. Second extensions (protruding from the studs of the second blocking devices),
- 620. Distal ends (Second extensions 62),
- Ed. Unlocking status (blocking devices),
- Ev State of locking (blocking devices),
- HP51. Locking position (first blocking device),
- S1. First drive surface (control unit 60),
- S2. Second Training Surface (Control Unit 60),
- S3. Third Training Surface (Control Unit 60),
- It inter-space,
- P1, P2, Pi. Respectively first position, second position and intermediate position of said control member 60,
- PRI. Intermediate relative position of the slide between two consecutive adjustment positions ( ),
- Fx. Bindings,
- Lv Lever.
.

Claims (15)

System (1) for adjusting and locking a sliding rail for a motor vehicle comprising:
- said slide (2) having a sliding axis extending along an axis X, comprising a pair of elements comprising a first slide element (3) and a second slide element (4) configured to slide one by relative to the other along said sliding axis,
- a lock system (5) comprising:
-- a support (50), integral with the first slide element (3),
-- locking members (51, 52), mounted to move relative to the support (50), configured to pass from an unlocking state (Ed) releasing the sliding between the first slide element (3) and the said second element slide (4) up to a locked state (Ev) in which the blocking members engage with adjustment openings (40) integral with the second slide element (4), said adjustment opening (40) being distributed over the length of the second slide element (4) to ensure the locking of the position of the first slide element relative to the second slide element in several adjustment positions between the first slide element and the second slide element,
and wherein the blocking members comprise:
--- first blocking members (51), with a locking function, configured, in said locking state (Ev), to pass into a locking position (Pv51) at the end of travel of the first locking members (51) , leaving a clearance between the first slide element and the said second slide element along the sliding axis,
--- second blocking members (52), with backlash function, configured to penetrate the adjustment openings in said locking state, said second blocking members comprising sloped surfaces (520) configured to bear against of the edges of the adjustment openings by ensuring the elimination of the play left by the first locking members
-- a control mechanism (6) for the locking members, secured to the first slide element (3) configured to ensure sequential control of the locking members:
--- according to a locking sequence from the unlocking state (Ed), by moving the first locking members (51) to enter the adjustment openings (40) until the position of the first slide element (3) with respect to the second slide element (4), without taking up play along the X axis of the slide, then displacement of the second locking members (52) until the surfaces come into abutment slopes (520) to ensure the elimination of the play left by the first locking members (51), and/or
--- according to an unlocking sequence from the locked state (Ev) by extraction of the second locking members (52) with backlash function of the adjustment openings (40) while the first locking members ( 51) are still in the locking position (PV51), then by extracting the first blocking members (51) to release the sliding between the first slide element (3) and the said second slide element (4). System (1) for adjusting and locking a slide according to claim 1, comprising first elastic means (53) mounted between the support (50) and the first locking members (51) configured to constrain the said first locking members (51) from their unlocked state (Ed) to their locked state (EV), and second elastic means (54) mounted between the support and the second locking members (52) configured to constrain said second locking members locking (52) from their unlocking state (Ed) to their locking state (Ev). System (1) for adjusting and locking a slide according to Claim 2, in which the control mechanism (6) of the blocking members comprises a control member (60), articulated to the first slide element (3) configured to pass a first position (P1) in which the blocking members (51, 52) are in the locking state (Ev) for which the first blocking members (51) penetrate the adjustment openings (40) with catch-up of the play by the second blocking members (52) up to a second position (P2) of the control member for which said control member (60) constrains said blocking members consisting of said first blocking members (51) and said second locking members (52) in their unlocked state (Ed),
and wherein said control member (60) has first drive surfaces (S1) configured to constrain the first blocking members (51) from their locked state (Ev) to their unlocked state (Ed) to against the force of the first elastic means (51) and the second driving surfaces (S2) configured to constrain the said second blocking members (52) from their locking state (Ev) to their unlocking state (Ed ) against the force of the second elastic means (54)
and wherein when said control member (60) is moved from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), said second drive surfaces (S2) are configured to engage with the second locking members ( 52) over a first section of the stroke of the control member (60) to ensure the extraction of the second blocking members (52), prior to the cooperation of the first drive surfaces (S1) with the first locking (51) on a second section of the travel of the control member (6) configured to ensure the extraction of the first locking members A slide adjustment and locking system according to claim 3 wherein said control member (60) includes third surfaces (S3) configured to abut the first non-penetrating control member(s) (51). adjustment openings (40), prohibiting the movement of said control member (60) to the first position (P1), said control member (60) then locked in an intermediate position (Pi) of the control member between said first position (P1) and said second position (P2), said intermediate position (PI) being configured so that the second locking members (52) are retained in their unlocked state (Ev) against the force of the second elastic means (54) by said second surfaces (S2) of said control member (60). System for adjusting and locking a slide according to one of Claims 3 or 4, in which the blocking members consisting of the first blocking members (51) and the second blocking members (52) respectively presenting themselves under the form of studs, mounted to move relative to the support along their longitudinal axis, each provided with a first end intended to penetrate one of the adjustment openings, and with a second end, opposite,
and in which the control means (6) of the blocking members comprise, in addition to the control member (60):
- first extensions (61), projecting laterally from the second ends of studs forming the first locking members (51), said first extensions (61) being provided with distal ends (610) intended to engage with the first drive surfaces (S1) of the control member to move the first blocking members (51) into their unlocking state (Ed) when said control member has moved from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) or else, where appropriate, intended to engage with the third surfaces (S3) configured to come into abutment with the first non-penetrating control member(s) in the adjustment openings when the present claim 5 is dependent on claim 4
- second extensions (62) projecting laterally from the second ends of studs forming the second control members (52), said second extensions (62) being provided with distal ends (620) intended to engage with the second driving surfaces ( S2) to move the second locking members (52) to their unlocked state when said control member has passed from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) Adjustment and locking system according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which:
- the travel of the first blocking members (51) from the unlocking state (Ed) to said locking state (Ev) is less than or equal to 6 mm, for example between 3 mm and 6 mm,
- the stroke of the second locking members (52) from the unlocking state (Ed) to said locking state (Ev) is less than or equal to 12 mm, for example between 9 mm and 12 mm. System for adjusting and locking a slide according to claim 1 to 6, in which the adjustment positions between the first slide element (3) and the second slide element (4) are discrete positions and in which the members blocking, including the first blocking members (51) are independent, so that at least one of the first blocking members (51) enters one of the adjustment openings when the first slide element and the second element slide rail are in any intermediate relative position (PRi) between two consecutive adjustment positions of the adjustment and locking system, the control mechanism (6) being configured to prevent the passage of the second locking members (52) in their state locking, as long as the slide is not moved into one of said two consecutive adjustment positions for which all of the first locking members (51) are in their locking position topping. System for adjusting and locking a slide according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the said locking system (5) comprises blocking openings (55) integral with the first slide element (3), facing respectively axes of the blocking members (51,52) mounted on the support (50), said adjustment opening (40) integral with the second slide element (4) then being interposed in a plane located between the blocking openings (55) and said support (50), and wherein in the locking state (Ev), said first blocking elements (51) pass respectively simultaneously through the adjustment openings (40) integral with the second slide element (4) and said openings (55) integral with the first slide element (3), said locking openings (55) being released from the locking members in the unlocking state (Ed). System for adjusting and locking a slide according to one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the second locking members (52) comprise, in whole or in part, conical surfaces forming the said sloped surfaces (520) with a play-removing function . A slide adjustment and locking system according to claim 9, in which the taper of the conical surfaces forming the sloped surfaces is greater than 5%, preferably between 5% and 10%. System for adjusting and locking a slide according to one of Claims 1 to 10, in which the first blocking members (51) are cylindrical studs of external diameter smaller than the dimension of the adjustment openings (40). System for adjusting and locking a slide according to one of Claims 1 to 11, in which the adjustment openings (40) integral with the second slide element (4) are oblong openings, oriented longitudinally along the axis of sliding X of the slide, in particular regularly distributed over the length of the second slide element. System for adjusting and locking a slide according to one of Claims 1 to 12, in which the second slide element (4) is a fixed profile extending longitudinally along the axis of sliding along the axis X, presenting;
- a base wall (41) extending along an XY plane intended to be fixed to the floor extended by a folded edge (42) parallel to the plane of the base wall with the presence of an inter-space (It) between the folded edge (42) and base wall (41),
- an upper wall (43), extending parallel to the base wall, the upper wall having a curved edge (44) towards the base wall,
- a connecting wall (45), vertical extending along an XZ plane extending between the base wall and the upper wall by extending them
and in which the fixed section forming a cavity defined between the base, upper and connecting walls respectively, including the said interspace (It) between the folded edge (42) and the base wall (41), the said cavity opening laterally by a longitudinal opening (OL) between the curved edge (44) and the folded edge (42)
and in the first slide element (3) is a carriage, of dimension in length along the axis X, less than the length of the fixed profile, the carriage received inside the cavity, comprising a movable profile in square section comprising a first substantially vertical branch (30) extending into the cavity formed between the base wall and the upper wall, carrying at least two rollers (32) configured to roll on a longitudinal conformation (46) of the base wall (41 ), and a second branch (31) extending perpendicular to the first branch and projecting into said interspace (It),
and in which said support (50) of the lock system is fixed to the first vertical branch (30) of the movable profile, protruding from the cavity through the longitudinal opening (OL), said first blocking members and said second blocking members mounted so as to move from the unlocking state (Ed), in the high position of the blocking members, to the said locking state (Ev) in the low position of the blocking members for which the blocking members penetrate the adjustment openings (40) which are made on the folded edge (42) of the fixed profile, and oriented along the X axis of the slide System for adjusting and locking a slide according to Claims 8 and 13, in which the said blocking openings (55) integral with the first slide element (3) are made along the length of the second branch (31) of the section mobile of the carriage, received in said inter-space (It) between the folded edge (42) and the base wall (41) of the fixed profile. Motor vehicle seat comprising at least one system (1) for adjusting and locking a slide according to one of claims 1 to 14, said second slide element (4) fixed to the floor of the vehicle, said first slide element (3) secured to a seat cushion.
.