Seat sliding device

Provided is a seat sliding device. The seat sliding device comprises a fixed-side rail, a movable-side rail, a lock portion, a first elastically deforming portion, a second elastically deforming portion, a releasing member, and a protruding piece. The movable-side rail comprises an open-sectional portion including two side walls and a lid wall that couples the two side walls to each other. The lock portion is displaceable between a restraint position and a release position. The releasing member is engaged with the first elastically deforming portion. The protruding piece comprises an engaged portion with which the second elastically deforming portion engages.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-105308 filed on May 26, 2016 with the Japan Patent Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a seat sliding device that slidably supports a seat.

For example, a seat sliding device disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-067142 (Patent Document 1) is configured such that a lock portion having a rectangular wave-like bent shape is displaced in a vertical direction approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a movable-side rail to thereby switch between a restrained state, in which sliding of the movable-side rail with respect to a fixed-side rail is restrained, and a released state, in which the restrained state is released.

The lock portion is supported by two linear elastically deforming portions provided at both ends of the lock portion across the lock portion. The lock portion and the two linear elastically deforming portions according to Patent Document 1 has an integral shape formed by applying bending processing to a single linear material.

A leading end portion of one linear elastically deforming portion (hereinafter also referred to as a first elastically deforming portion) of the two linear elastically deforming portions engages with a releasing member. A leading end portion of the other linear elastically deforming portion (hereinafter also referred to as a second elastically deforming portion) of the two linear elastically deforming portions engages with the movable-side rail.

The releasing member is a member configured to switch a deformed state of the first elastically deforming portion and the second elastically deforming portion. When the releasing member is operated directly or indirectly by a vehicle occupant or the like, the lock portion is brought into the restrained state or the released state.

SUMMARY

In the invention according to Patent Document 1, the movable-side rail is a metal member that comprises two side walls and a lid wall that couples the two side walls to each other and that is shaped so as to have a C-like or U-like open sectional shape. The second elastically deforming portion engages with a cut-and-raised piece provided to each of the two side walls constituting the movable-side rail.

The cut-and-raised piece is a portion formed through a “cutting and raising processing” as below. Specifically, first, a U-like-shaped or C-like-shaped through-hole is formed through part of the side wall by press working or the like. Next, a section surrounded by the through-hole is raised from the side wall while being bent into an approximately L-like shape by press working or the like.

The cut-and-raised piece according to Patent Document 1 is formed by being cut and raised from the side wall such that a joining portion at which the cut-and-raised piece and the side wall are joined together is positioned vertically lower than a leading-end portion of the cut-and-raised piece, i.e., positioned on a fixed-side rail side.

In the meantime, assuming that a length from the joining portion to the leading-end portion along the L-like-shaped cut-and-raised piece is referred to as a “required cut-and-raised length”, a portion in which the cut-and-raised piece is provided is inevitably to contain a through-hole (hereinafter referred to as a cut-and-raised hole) having a length larger than that of the “required cut-and-raised length”.

Thus, in the invention according to Patent Document 1, it is difficult to make a vertical dimension of the movable-side rail smaller than the “required cut-and-raised length”.

Specifically, if the vertical dimension of the movable-side rail is made smaller than the “required cut-and-raised length”, the cut-and-raised hole is inevitably to extend over the lid wall. Thus, it is feared that a geometrical moment of inertia of the movable-side rail becomes smaller to thereby reduce the flexural rigidity of the movable-side rail significantly. Accordingly, it is difficult to reduce the vertical dimension of the movable-side rail.

The present disclosure provides a seat sliding device in which reduction of the vertical dimension of the movable-side rail is enabled.

In the present disclosure, a seat sliding device that slidably supports a seat comprises a fixed-side rail, a movable-side rail, a lock portion, a first elastically deforming portion, a second elastically deforming portion, a releasing member, and a protruding piece. The movable-side rail is slidable with respect to the fixed-side rail and is configured to support the seat. The movable-side rail comprises an open-sectional portion comprising two side walls and a lid wall that couples the two side walls to each other. The lock portion is displaceable between a restraint position, in which sliding of the movable-side rail with respect to the fixed-side rail is restrained, and a release position, in which such restraint is eliminated. The first elastically deforming portion is elastically deformable between a state supporting the lock portion in the restraint position and a state supporting the lock portion in the release position. The first elastically deforming portion is housed in the movable-side rail. The second elastically deforming portion is housed in the movable-side rail so as to be on a side opposite the first elastically deforming portion across the lock portion. The second elastically deforming portion is elastically deformable between a state supporting the lock portion in the restraint position and a state supporting the lock portion in the release position. The releasing member is configured to switch a deformed state of the first elastically deforming portion and the second elastically deforming portion. The releasing member extends from a side of the first elastically deforming portion toward one longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail, and is engaged with the first elastically deforming portion. The protruding piece is provided to at least one side wall of the two side walls and protrudes toward the other side wall. The protruding piece comprises an engaged portion with which the second elastically deforming portion engages. The protruding piece is configured such that a joining portion at which the protruding piece and the side wall are joined together is positioned on the other longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail with respect to a leading-end portion of the protruding piece. The side wall contains, in a specified area thereof ranging from the joining portion toward the one longitudinal end side, a through-hole penetrating the side wall.

Due to such a configuration, an effect described below, for example, can be obtained. Specifically, when the seat sliding device according to the present disclosure is mounted to a vehicle, such as a car, such that a direction approximately parallel to a direction from a side of the lid wall toward an open side of the movable-side rail corresponds to a vertical direction, a direction of the “required cut-and-raised length” corresponds to a horizontal direction, i.e., a longitudinal direction of the movable-side rail.

Accordingly, it can be inhibited that the through-hole corresponding to the cut-and-raised hole extends over the lid wall, and thus, reduction of a vertical dimension of the movable-side rail is enabled while inhibiting reduction of the flexural rigidity of the movable-side rail.

Furthermore, since the protruding piece is formed such that the joining portion at which the protruding piece and the side wall are joined together is positioned on the other longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail with respect to the leading-end portion, it can be inhibited that the protruding piece becomes an obstacle when the second elastically deforming portion engages with the engaged portion and when the second elastically deforming portion is operated (elastically deformed).

The engaged portion may be a U-like-shaped recess portion recessed in a direction from an upper end of the protruding piece toward an open side of the movable-side rail. An engaging portion in the second elastically deforming portion that engages with the engaged portion may be configured to run through the engaged portion in a thickness direction of the protruding piece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An “embodiment” to be described below shows one example of embodiments belonging to the technical scope of the present disclosure. That is, invention-specifying matters recited in the claims are not limited to specific configurations, structures, and so on shown in the present embodiment.

Arrows and the like on the drawings indicating directions are intended to facilitate understanding of relationships between the drawings. The arrows and the like (directions) on the drawings do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

A member or a portion described at least with a reference numeral attached thereto is at least one in number except in the presence of indication such as “a plurality of” and “two or more”.

In the present embodiment, an explanation will be given about a seat sliding device that slidably supports a rear seat of a car. As shown inFIG. 1, a seat sliding device1is provided to a vertically lower end of a seat S.

1. Overview of Seat Sliding Device

As shown inFIG. 2, the seat sliding device1comprises at least a fixed-side rail3, a movable-side rail5, a lock spring7, and a releasing member9. As shown inFIG. 1, the fixed-side rail3is fixed on a floor panel or the like of a vehicle such that a longitudinal direction of the fixed-side rail3corresponds to a front-rear direction of the vehicle (a front-rear direction of the seat).

The movable-side rail5is assembled to the seat S and supports the seat S. Further, the movable-side rail5is assembled to the fixed-side rail3so as to be slidable with respect to the fixed-side rail3. The seat S is slidable, integrally with the movable-side rail5, with respect to the fixed-side rail3in a vehicle front-rear direction.

The seat sliding device1is provided to each width-direction side of the seat S. The seat S is assembled to the vehicle via the two seat sliding devices1per seat. The width direction of the seat S corresponds to a vehicle width direction, i.e., a vehicle left-right direction.

The lock spring7is a member configured to restrain sliding of the movable-side rail5with respect to the fixed-side rail3. The releasing member9is a member configured to eliminate such restraint by the lock spring7. The releasing member9is operated directly or indirectly by a vehicle occupant.

2. Overview of Fixed-Side Rail and Movable-Side Rail

As shown inFIG. 3, the fixed-side rail3comprises an open-sectional portion3D configured to have a C-like shape or a U-like shape. The open-sectional portion3D comprises two side walls3A and3B and a lid wall3C that couples the two side walls3A and3B to each other. The two side walls3A and3B and the lid wall3C extend in a strip-like manner in the longitudinal direction of the fixed-side rail3.

The fixed-side rail3is a metal member. Specifically, the fixed-side rail3is formed by pressing a rolled steel plate. The two side walls3A and3B and the lid wall3C (i.e., the open-sectional portion3D) are of metal and integrally formed.

The movable-side rail5comprises an open-sectional portion5D and two track portions5F. The open-sectional portion5D is a portion configured to have a C-like shape or a U-like shape, and comprises two side walls5A and5B and a lid wall5C that couples the two side walls5A and5B to each other. The seat S is assembled on the lid wall5C of the movable-side rail5.

The two track portions5F are provided on both width-direction sides (both left-right-direction sides) of the open-sectional portion5D across the open-sectional portion5D, and are in rolling contact with a plurality of rolling elements11A to11D. The movable-side rail5is a metal member. Specifically, the movable-side rail5is formed by pressing a rolled steel plate.

The two side walls5A and5B, the lid wall5C, and the two track portions5F extend in a longitudinal direction of the movable-side rail5. The two side walls5A and5B and the lid wall5C (i.e., the open-sectional portion5D) and the two track portions5F are of metal and integrally formed.

A direction approximately parallel to a direction from a side of the lid wall5C toward an open side of the movable-side rail5is hereinafter referred to as a “height direction”. The “height direction” corresponds to a vertical direction (an up-down direction) in a state in which the seat sliding device1is assembled to the vehicle.

Load acting on the movable-side rail5is received by the fixed-side rail3via the plurality of rolling elements11A to11D. Such load comprises the force of gravity acting on the seat S, the force of gravity acting on the vehicle occupant sitting on the seat S, and so on.

The rolling elements11A to11D are spheres such as steel balls. The rolling elements11A to11D are each in rolling contact with the fixed-side rail3and the movable-side rail5(specifically, the two track portions5F). Such a configuration allows the movable-side rail5to be slidable in the longitudinal direction (the front-rear direction), while limiting displacement with respect to the fixed-side rail3in the width direction (left-right direction).

As shown inFIG. 2, each of the rolling elements11A to11D respectively provided to retainers11E to11H is two in number for each longitudinal end thereof. The rolling elements11A to11D are respectively retained by the retainers11E to11H.

3. Overview of Lock Spring

As shown inFIG. 4, the lock spring7comprises a lock portion7A, a first elastically deforming portion7B, and a second elastically deforming portion7C.

The lock portion7A is a portion configured to restrain sliding of the movable-side rail5with respect to the fixed-side rail3. The first elastically deforming portion7B and the second elastically deforming portion7C are portions configured to displaceably support the lock portion7A.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the lock portion7A is displaceable between a restraint position, in which sliding of the movable-side rail5with respect to the fixed-side rail3is restrained, and a release position, in which such restraint is eliminated.

In the present embodiment, a position of the lock portion7A indicated by solid lines inFIGS. 5 and 6is the restraint position. A position of the lock portion7A indicated by chain double-dashed lines inFIGS. 5 and 6is the release position. The lock portion7A is displaceable in the height direction. Within a displaceable range of the lock portion7A, a vertically upper position is the restraint position, and a vertically lower position is the release position.

As shown inFIG. 4, the lock portion7A comprises a plurality of engagement portions71and72. Each of the engagement portions71and72is a portion having a rectangular wave-like shape formed by a linear material bent into a C-like shape or a U-like shape.

As shown inFIG. 6, each engagement portion71protrudes toward the side walls3A and5A (in the present embodiment, to the left). Each engagement portion72protrudes toward the side walls3B and5B (in the present embodiment, to the right).

As shown inFIG. 7, each of the side walls5A and5B comprises a plurality of cut-outs51arranged at a longitudinally middle portion thereof (only the side wall5A is shown inFIG. 7). Each track portion5F comprises a plurality of cut-outs52arranged at a longitudinally middle portion thereof (only one of the track portions5F is shown inFIG. 7). As shown inFIG. 6, the plurality of cut-outs51are arranged to each of the side walls5A and5B. The plurality of cut-outs52are arranged to each of the two track portions5F.

As shown inFIG. 6, the respective cut-outs51and52are through-holes, into which the linear material constituting the engagement portions71and72can fit. The through-holes constituting the cut-outs51and52each have a shape like an elongated hole extending in the vertical direction (the height direction).

As shown inFIG. 6, in a state in which each of the engagement portions71and72fits into the corresponding cut-out51, each of the engagement portions71and72fits into the corresponding cut-out52. Thus, each of the engagement portions71and72is engaged with an engagement piece53provided between the adjacent cut-outs51and with an engagement piece54provided between the adjacent cut-outs52.

As shown inFIG. 3, provided facing the two side walls5A and5B of the movable-side rail5are respectively opposing walls3E and3F of the fixed-side rail3. As shown inFIG. 8, the opposing walls3E and3F are strip-plate-like portions extending in the longitudinal direction, and are each formed integrally with the open-sectional portion3D by press forming.

Each of the opposing walls3E and3F comprises a plurality of cut-outs31arranged at a longitudinally middle portion thereof. Each cut-out31is a concave recess into which the linear material constituting the engagement portions71and72can fit. The recess constituting each cut-out31is like a U-shaped elongated hole extending in the vertical direction (the height direction).

In a state in which each of the engagement portions71and72fits into the corresponding cut-out31, an engagement piece32provided between the adjacent cut-outs31(seeFIG. 8) and the corresponding engagement portion71or72can be engaged with each other.

A position in which the engagement portions71and72are engaged with the engagement pieces53,54, and32is the restraint position, whereas a position in which the engagement portions71and72are spaced apart from the engagement pieces53,54, and32(i.e., spaced apart from the cut-outs51,52, and31) is the release position.

As shown inFIG. 4, in the lock spring7, the first elastically deforming portion7B is positioned at one longitudinal end side of the lock portion7A (in the present embodiment, at a vehicle front side). The second elastically deforming portion7C is positioned at the other longitudinal end side of the lock portion7A (in the present embodiment, at a vehicle rear side).

As shown inFIG. 5, the first elastically deforming portion7B and the second elastically deforming portion7C are housed in the open-sectional portion5D, and are elastically deformable between a state supporting the lock portion7A in the restraint position and a state supporting the lock portion7A in the release position.

As shown inFIG. 4, the first elastically deforming portion7B comprises a linear portion73and an engaging portion74. The linear portion73is an elastically deformable portion extending in a direction approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the movable-side rail5. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 9, the linear portion73comprises a first linear portion73A and a second linear portion73B.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 9, in the first elastically deforming portion7B, the first linear portion73A and the second linear portion73B are respectively provided at one width-direction side and at the other width-direction side across the releasing member9.

The engaging portion74is a portion protruding from an extending-direction leading end portion of the linear portion73, in a direction approximately perpendicular to the extending direction. The engaging portion74comprises a first engaging portion74A provided to the first linear portion73A and a second engaging portion74B provided to the second linear portion73B.

The first engaging portion74A protrudes from a leading end of the first linear portion73A toward the second linear portion73B. The second engaging portion74B protrudes from a leading end of the second linear portion73B toward the first linear portion73A.

The engaging portion74is formed by plastically processing (bending) the leading end side of the linear portion73. The engaging portion74and the linear portion73are formed integrally with each other. A leading end of the first engaging portion74A and a leading end of the second engaging portion74B are displaceable in the width direction so as to come in contact with each other or so as to be spaced apart from each other.

As shown inFIG. 4, the second elastically deforming portion7C is configured approximately similarly to the first elastically deforming portion7B. The second elastically deforming portion7C comprises a linear portion75and an engaging portion76. The linear portion75is an elastically deformable portion extending in a direction approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the movable-side rail5from the lock portion7A toward the other longitudinal end side (the vehicle rear side). The linear portion75comprises a first linear portion75A and a second linear portion75B.

The first linear portion75A is provided at one width-direction side of the lock spring7, and is approximately parallel to an extending direction of the first linear portion73A. The second linear portion75B is provided at the other width-direction side of the lock spring7, and is approximately parallel to an extending direction of the second linear portion73B.

The engaging portion76is a portion protruding from extending-direction leading end portions of the linear portions75A and75B, in a direction approximately perpendicular to the extending direction. The engaging portion76is configured so as to couple the extending-direction leading end of the first linear portion75A and the extending-direction leading end of the second linear portion75B to each other.

The linear portions75A and75B are integrated with each other via the engaging portion76at their extending-direction leading end side. The first elastically deforming portion7B, the lock portion7A, and the second elastically deforming portion7C are one piece formed by applying bending processing to a single linear material.

As shown inFIG. 10, the releasing member9is a member configured to switch a deformed state of the first elastically deforming portion7B and the second elastically deforming portion7C.

The releasing member9is a lever-like-shaped member extending from a side of the first elastically deforming portion7B toward one longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail5(in the present embodiment, toward the vehicle front side). The releasing member9is provided between the first elastically deforming portion7B and the lid wall5C in the open-sectional portion5D. In other words, the releasing member9extends toward the vehicle front side with respect to the lock portion7A.

As shown inFIG. 11, an operation portion13is provided at one longitudinal end side of the releasing member9. The operation portion13, which is a portion operated directly or indirectly by the vehicle occupant, protrudes from one longitudinal end (in the present embodiment, from a front end) of the movable-side rail5. The releasing member9has a closed sectional shape, and is one piece of metal. The operation portion13and the releasing member9are integrally formed with each other.

Provided at the other longitudinal end side of the releasing member9is a pressing portion9A. The pressing portion9A comes in contact with the lock portion7A from a side of the lid wall5C. When an operation force is applied to the operation portion13, the pressing portion9A presses the lock portion7A from the restraint position to the release position by means of the operation force.

As shown inFIG. 10, in the releasing member9, provided between the pressing portion9A and an engagement groove9C is a fulcrum portion9B having a convex shape protruding toward the lid wall5C. The fulcrum portion9B contacts the lid wall5C at a portion on the side of the first elastically deforming portion7B, to thereby constitute a pivot center of the releasing member9.

In a state in which the operation force is not applied to the operation portion13(a state indicated by solid lines inFIG. 10), the pressing portion9A is pressed toward the lid wall5C, i.e., toward a vertically upward side, by means of an elastic force applied from the first elastically deforming portion7B and the second elastically deforming portion7C. Thus, in the state in which the operation force is not applied to the operation portion13, the operation portion13is positioned on a vertically lower side.

When the operation force to move the operation portion13toward the vertically upward side is applied to the operation portion13, the pressing portion9A is displaced about the fulcrum portion9B, which is the pivot center, toward a vertically downward side (see chain double-dashed lines inFIG. 10). Thus, the lock portion7A is displaced toward the vertically downward side and brought into the release position. Then, when the aforementioned operation force disappears, the lock portion7A is restored to the restraint position by means of a restoring force of the first elastically deforming portion7B and the second elastically deforming portion7C.

The engagement groove9C shown inFIG. 11is one example of an engaged portion with which the engaging portion74engages. The engagement groove9C is a groove that extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to an extending direction of the linear portion73and that is open on a side opposite the lid wall5C. The engagement groove9C is a groove that extends in a width direction of the releasing member9and that is open on the vertically lower side.

As shown inFIG. 12, the engagement groove9C comprises a first engaged surface9D and a second engaged surface9E. The first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E face each other in the extending direction of the linear portion73to constitute side walls of the engagement groove9C.

The first engaged surface9D is a surface that can contact the engaging portion74from one extending-direction end side (in the present embodiment, from the vehicle front side). The second engaged surface9E is a surface that can contact the engaging portion74from the other extending-direction end side (in the present embodiment, from the vehicle rear side).

The first engaging portion74A and the second engaging portion74B are positioned at a position allowing for contact with the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E. It is preferred that the leading ends of the first engaging portion74A and the second engaging portion74B be each positioned at an extending-direction center of the engagement groove9C (seeFIG. 13).

It is preferred that a length of the first engaging portion74A in contact with the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E and a length of the second engaging portion74B in contact with the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E be each approximately one-half of an extending-direction length of the engagement groove9C.

In a free state in which no force of constraint acts on the linear portion73of the first elastically deforming portion7B, the leading ends of the first engaging portion74A and the second engaging portion74B are spaced apart from each other. Thus, in the present embodiment, a position of the engaging portion74is limited by utilizing a configuration in which the two side walls5A and5B constitute walls approximately perpendicular to a protruding direction of the engaging portion74.

In a state in which the lock spring7and the releasing member9are assembled to the movable-side rail5, as shown inFIG. 13, the side wall5A and the first linear portion73A are in contact with each other, and the side wall5B and the second linear portion73B are in contact with each other. Thus, displacement of the first engaging portion74A and the second engaging portion74B in such a direction as to be spaced apart from the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E is limited.

As shown inFIG. 12, in the releasing member9, a sectional shape of a portion where the engagement groove9C is arranged is a closed sectional shape. A side of a bottom portion9F of the engagement groove9C, i.e., vertically upper ends of the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E, is closed by the bottom portion9F.

The releasing member9and the engagement groove9C, i.e., the releasing member9and the first and second engaged surfaces9D and9E, are of metal and integrally formed. In the present embodiment, such integral formation is achieved by plastically processing a pipe member of a square tubular shape.

Provided at one height-direction end side (in the present embodiment, at a lower end side) of the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E are, respectively, guide surfaces9G and9H, which are inclined with respect to the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E, respectively.

The guide surfaces9G and9H are configured such that a distance therebetween becomes larger toward one height-direction end side thereof (in the present embodiment, toward a lower end side thereof) and such that the distance between the guide surfaces9G and9H becomes smaller as being measured in a position closer to the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E.

The guide surfaces9G and9H are formed integrally with the first engaged surface9D, the second engaged surface9E, and the bottom portion9F when the engagement groove9C is formed by plastic processing. A position in which the engaging portion74contacts with the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E is between one height-direction ends and the other height-direction ends of the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E.

In a portion where the engagement groove9C is provided, the engaging portion74is positioned between one height-direction end (an upper end) and the other height-direction end (a lower end) of the releasing member9to contact the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E.

Thus, the engaging portion74is held between the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E while being in contact with the bottom portion9F, and the position in which the engaging portion74contacts the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E is between the guide surfaces9G and9H and the bottom portion9F.

As shown inFIG. 9, the movable-side rail5comprises a first limiting portion5G and a second limiting portion5H. The first limiting portion5G and the second limiting portion5H are limiting portions that limit displacement of the releasing member9with respect to the movable-side rail5in a direction approximately parallel to the protruding direction of the engaging portion74, i.e., in the width direction.

The first limiting portion5G and the second limiting portion5H are provided between the engagement groove9C and the lock portion7A. In the present embodiment, in addition to the first limiting portion5G and the second limiting portion5H, portions5J and5K respectively on the two side walls5B and5A facing the pressing portion9A also function as the aforementioned limiting portions.

The first limiting portion5G and the second limiting portion5H are configured with cut-and-raised pieces formed by respectively cutting and raising part of the two side walls5A and5B. Each cut-and-raised piece is a portion formed through a “cutting and raising processing” as below.

First, a U-like-shaped through-hole is formed through part of each side walls5A and5B by press working or the like. Next, a section surrounded by the through-hole is raised from the corresponding side wall while being bent into an approximately L-like shape by press working or the like, and the section becomes the cut-and-raised piece.

5. Engagement Structure of Second Elastically Deforming Portion

As shown inFIG. 5, the second elastically deforming portion7C engages with a cut-and-raised piece55provided to the movable-side rail5. As shown inFIG. 14A, the cut-and-raised piece55comprises an engaged portion55A. The engaged portion55A is a protruding piece with which the engaging portion76is caught and engaged.

As shown inFIG. 14B, the cut-and-raised piece55is provided to each of the two side walls5A and5B. The cut-and-raised piece55is shaped into an approximately L-like shape by being cut and raised such that a joining portion55B at which the cut-and-raised piece55and each of the side walls5A and5B are joined together is positioned on the other longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail5(in the present embodiment, on the vehicle rear side) with respect to a corresponding leading-end portion55C.

Thus, as shown inFIG. 14A, a through-hole55D penetrating each of the two side walls5A and5B is generated in a specified area thereof ranging from the joining portion55B toward the one longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail5(in the present embodiment, toward the vehicle front side) in each of the two side walls5A and5B. The through-hole55D corresponds to the cut-and-raised hole.

The engaged portion55A is a U-like-shaped recess portion recessed in a direction from an upper end55E of the cut-and-raised piece55toward the open side of the movable-side rail5(toward the vertically lower side). The engaging portion76runs through the engaged portion55A in a thickness direction of the cut-and-raised piece55(in the present embodiment, in the width direction).

The cut-and-raised piece55is configured with a protruding piece extending from the vehicle rear side to the vehicle front side, and the engaging portion76is caught with the cut-and-raised piece55from a vertically upper end thereof and engages with the cut-and-raised piece55.

6. Structure for Assembling Releasing Member to Movable-Side Rail

As described above, the releasing member9is provided between the first elastically deforming portion7B and the lid wall5C. Further, as shown inFIG. 9, the movable-side rail5comprises a restricting portion56provided on the one longitudinal end side thereof (in the present embodiment, on the vehicle front side).

As shown inFIG. 15, the restricting portion56is a portion configured to provide a space through which an insertion-side end of the releasing member9can be inserted between the first elastically deforming portion7B and the lid wall5C. The insertion-side end means an end of the releasing member9located on a side of the lock portion7A.

In other words, the restricting portion56is a portion configured to inhibit a distance between the first elastically deforming portion7B and the lid wall5C from being equal to or less than an end height dimension T1of the releasing member9. Specifically, in a state in which the releasing member9is not assembled to the movable-side rail5, the first elastically deforming portion7B is in contact with the restricting portion56as shown by chain double-dashed lines inFIG. 15. Thus, the distance between the first elastically deforming portion7B and the lid wall5C is inhibited from being smaller.

As shown inFIG. 11, the end height dimension T1is a height-direction dimension of the releasing member9at the end located on the side of the lock portion7A. The end height dimension T1, i.e., a height dimension of the pressing portion9A, is a height dimension of a portion whose height dimension is smallest in the releasing member9. The height dimension of the releasing member9becomes larger in a direction from the pressing portion9A toward the fulcrum portion9B.

As shown inFIG. 15, the restricting portion56is provided to each of the two side walls5A and5B. Provided to the side wall5A is a first restricting portion56A, and provided to the side wall5B is a second restricting portion56B.

The first restricting portion56A is configured with a protruding piece protruding from the side wall5A toward the side wall5B. The second restricting portion56B is configured with a protruding piece protruding from the side wall5B toward the side wall5A.

The protruding pieces constituting the first restricting portion56A and the second restricting portion56B are inclined with respect to the height direction of the seat sliding device1. The first restricting portion56A and the second restricting portion56B are cut-and-raised pieces formed by cutting and raising part of the two side walls5A and5B, respectively. A base portion56C of each of the first restricting portion56A and the second restricting portion56B is located vertically upper than a leading end56D of each of the first restricting portion56A and the second restricting portion56B.

Thus, the first restricting portion56A and the second restricting portion56B are inclined with respect to the height direction such that the closer to the base portion56C, the closer to the side walls5A and5B, respectively. The first restricting portion56A and the second restricting portion56B are hereinafter referred to as the restricting portion56when referred to collectively.

As shown inFIG. 9, the restricting portion56is provided at a position allowing for contact with the linear portion73and the extending-direction leading end portion of the linear portion73. Further provided to the releasing member9is a sliding contact portion9J with which the engaging portion74is slidingly contactable.

The sliding contact portion9J is provided to a portion that is on a side of the first elastically deforming portion7B in the releasing member9and that extends from the side of the lock portion7A to the engagement groove9C. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 11, width-direction both ends of an underside of the releasing member9extending from the pressing portion9A to the engagement groove9C each correspond to the sliding contact portion9J.

In an operation of assembling the releasing member9to the movable-side rail5, an operator first assembles the lock spring7to the movable-side rail5with the lid wall5C of the movable-side rail5positioned on a vertically lower side.

Specifically, the operator fits the engagement portions71and72of the lock portion7A into the corresponding cut-outs51and52, and engages the engaging portion76of the second elastically deforming portion7C with the engaged portion55A. At this time, the first elastically deforming portion7B is brought into a state in which the leading end portion of the linear portion73and the linear portion73are in contact with the restricting portion56(seeFIG. 15).

Next, the operator inserts the pressing portion9A of the releasing member9into an interspace between the lock spring7and the lid wall5C. At this time, the releasing member9is inserted toward the lock portion7A with the engaging portion74being in sliding contact with the sliding contact portion9J and with a top portion of the fulcrum portion9B being in sliding contact with the lid wall5C.

Then, when the engaging portion74is fitted into the engagement groove9C, the operation of inserting the releasing member9ends. When the engaging portion74is fitted into the engagement groove9C, a force required for insertion is increased sharply, and thus, the operator can easily detect that the engaging portion74has been fitted into the engagement groove9C.

7. Features of Seat Sliding Device

In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 13, the engaging portion74is configured to be held between the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E. This enables a configuration in which, even when a force in a direction to pull out the releasing member9, i.e., a pull-out force, acts on the releasing member9, a bending moment to increase an angle between the engaging portion74and the linear portion73is less likely to act on the engaging portion74.

Thus, in the present embodiment, a configuration is achieved in which the pull-out force is not compensated by a bending stress generated at a base portion of the engaging portion74, i.e., a joining portion at which the engaging portion74and the linear portion73are joined together, but the pull-out force can be compensated by a shear force generated at a section of the base portion. As a result, it is possible to obtain the seat sliding device1in which a significant decrease in an engaging force can be inhibited.

In the releasing member9, the sectional shape of the portion where the engagement groove9C is arranged is a closed sectional shape, and the engagement groove9C and the releasing member9are one piece of metal. This makes it possible to form the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E easily and to improve stiffness of the releasing member9.

The first engaging portion74A and the second engaging portion74B are provided at a position allowing for contact with the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E. This achieves the configuration in which the leading ends of the first engaging portion74A and the second engaging portion74B are within the engagement groove9C. Thus, a configuration is enabled in which a bending moment to increase an angle between the first engaging portion74A and the first linear portion73A and an angle between the second engaging portion74B and the second linear portion73B is less likely to act on the engaging portion74.

As shown inFIG. 12, the position in which the engaging portion74contacts the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E is between the one height-direction end and the other height-direction end of the releasing member9. This makes it possible to reduce a height dimension of the movable-side rail5, and thus of the seat sliding device1, as compared with a configuration in which the engaging portion74engages with the releasing member9at a position displaced from the releasing member9in the height direction.

As shown inFIG. 13, contact of the two side walls5A and5B with the linear portion73inhibits the engaging portion74from being displaced in a direction away from the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E. This reliably enables the configuration in which the bending moment to increase the angle between the engaging portion74and the linear portion73is less likely to act on the engaging portion74.

As shown inFIG. 9, the first limiting portion5G and the second limiting portion5H are provided between the first and/or second engaged surfaces9D and/or9E and the lock portion7A. This inhibits the releasing member9from being displaced in a direction approximately parallel to the protruding direction of the engaging portion74with respect to the movable-side rail5. Thus, the configuration is reliably enabled in which the bending moment to increase the angle between the engaging portion74and the linear portion73is less likely to act on the engaging portion74.

As shown inFIG. 12, the inclined guide surfaces9G and9H are each provided at the one height-direction end side (in the present embodiment, at the lower end side) of the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E, respectively. This enables easy engagement of the engaging portion74with the engagement groove9C.

As shown inFIG. 15, the restricting portion56is provided that inhibits the distance between the first elastically deforming portion7B and the lid wall5C from being equal to or less than the end height dimension T1of the releasing member9. This enables the operator to easily insert the releasing member9into the movable-side rail5from the one longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail5and to assemble the releasing member9to the movable-side rail5.

When the operator inserts the releasing member9into the movable-side rail5, if the first elastically deforming portion7B is closer to the lid wall5C, the releasing member9cannot be inserted into the movable-side rail5because the first elastically deforming portion7B becomes an obstacle.

However, in the present embodiment, the restricting portion56that inhibits the distance between the first elastically deforming portion7B and the lid wall5C from being equal to or less than the end height dimension T1of the releasing member9is provided at the one longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail5.

Thus, it is possible to inhibit the first elastically deforming portion7B from becoming the obstacle when the releasing member9is inserted into the movable-side rail5. As a result, easy insertion of the releasing member9into the movable-side rail5can be achieved.

The restricting portion56is configured with the protruding pieces protruding from the side wall5A toward the side wall5B and from the side wall5B toward the side wall5A, and the protruding pieces constituting the restricting portion56are inclined with respect to the height direction.

Due to such a configuration, the linear portions73A and73B respectively in contact with the first and second restricting portions56A and56B may be respectively held between the first restricting portion56A and the side wall5A and between the second restricting portion56B and the side wall5B. Thus, it can be more reliably inhibited that the first elastically deforming portion7B hinders insertion of the releasing member9.

The sliding contact portion9J, with which the engaging portion74is slidingly contactable, is provided to the portion that is on the side of the first elastically deforming portion7B in the releasing member9and that extends from the side of the lock portion7A to the engagement groove9C. This enables easy insertion of the releasing member9into the movable-side rail5.

As shown inFIG. 14B, the cut-and-raised piece55is formed such that the joining portion55B at which the cut-and-raised piece55and each of the side walls5A and5B are joined together is positioned on the other longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail5with respect to the corresponding leading-end portion55C.

Since the seat sliding device1is mounted to a vehicle or the like such that the direction approximately parallel to the direction from the side of the lid wall5C toward the open side of the movable-side rail5corresponds to the vertical direction, a direction of the “required cut-and-raised length” corresponds to a horizontal direction, i.e., the longitudinal direction of the movable-side rail5.

Accordingly, it can be inhibited that the cut-and-raised hole extends over the lid wall5C, and thus, reduction of the vertical dimension of the movable-side rail5is enabled while inhibiting reduction of the flexural rigidity of the movable-side rail5.

Furthermore, since the cut-and-raised piece55is formed such that the joining portion55B at which the cut-and-raised piece55and each of the side walls5A and5B are joined together is positioned on the other longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail5with respect to the corresponding leading-end portion55C, it can be inhibited that the cut-and-raised piece55becomes the obstacle when the second elastically deforming portion7C engages with the engaged portion55A and when the second elastically deforming portion7C is elastically deformed.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E according to the above-described embodiment constitute wall surfaces continuous from one end to the other end in the width direction of the releasing member9. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration may be employed in which, for example, a width-direction middle part of each of the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E is cut off.

Specifically, since the engaging portion74only has to have a configuration to be held between the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E (hereinafter referred to as a held configuration), it is sufficient that a width-direction length of the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E is a length that achieves the held configuration. Such length is, for example, at least equal to an outermost diameter dimension of the engaging portion74or greater.

In the above-described embodiment, the first and second engaged surfaces9D and9E are formed integrally with the releasing member9. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration such as, for example, following configurations (a) to (c) may be employed.

(a) a configuration in which the first and second engaged surfaces9D and9E, which have been produced separately from the releasing member9, are joined by welding or the like, or assembled and fixed by a mechanical fastener such as a screw

(b) a configuration in which, in a case where the releasing member9is configured to have a C-like or U-like open sectional shape similarly to the movable-side rail5, side walls of the releasing member9are cut and raised to thereby achieve integral formation of the first and second engaged surfaces9D and9E and the releasing member9

(c) a configuration in which, in the case where the releasing member9is configured to have a C-like or U-like open sectional shape similarly to the movable-side rail5, side walls of the releasing member9are subjected to burring or the like to thereby achieve integral formation of the first and second engaged surfaces9D and9E and the releasing member9

In the above-described embodiment, the sectional shape of the portion where the engagement groove9C is arranged in the releasing member9is a closed sectional shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the releasing member9having a C-like or U-like open sectional shape may be employed.

In the above-described embodiment, the first engaging portion74A and the second engaging portion74B are positioned at the position allowing for contact with the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E, and the leading ends of the first engaging portion74A and the second engaging portion74B are each positioned at the extending-direction center of the engagement groove9C.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration may be employed in which, for example, the linear portion73is configured with a single member and the engaging portion74provided to such a linear portion73can contact the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E.

The engaging portion74according to the above-described embodiment comprises the first engaging portion74A and the second engaging portion74B.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration in which only either the first engaging portion74A or the second engaging portion74B is provided or a configuration similar to that of the engaging portion76may be employed. Alternatively, the engaging portion76may be configured with two portions similarly to the engaging portion74.

In the above-described embodiment, the two side walls5A and5B constitute wall surfaces approximately perpendicular to the protruding direction of the engaging portion74to thereby limit the position of the engaging portion74. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this and, for example, a portion to limit the position of the engaging portion74may be provided separately.

In the above-described embodiment, the guide surfaces9G and9H, which are respectively inclined with respect to the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E, are respectively provided at the one height-direction end side of the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration without the guide surfaces9G and9H may be employed.

In the above-described embodiment, the position in which the engaging portion74contacts the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E is between the upper end and the lower end of the releasing member9in the portion where the engagement groove9C is provided. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

For example, a configuration may be employed in which the upper ends or the lower ends of the first engaged surface9D and the second engaged surface9E extend to a position displaced in the height direction with respect to the releasing member9and the engaging portion74contacts such an extended portion.

In the above-described embodiment, the first limiting portion5G and the second limiting portion5H are provided to the movable-side rail5. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration without the first limiting portion5G or the second limiting portion5H may be employed.

The cut-and-raised piece55according to the above-described embodiment is shaped into the approximately L-like shape by being cut and raised such that the joining portion55B at which the cut-and-raised piece55and each of the side walls5A and5B are joined together is positioned on the other longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail5with respect to the corresponding leading-end portion55C.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration may be employed in which, for example, the cut-and-raised piece55is formed by being cut and raised such that the joining portion55B at which the cut-and-raised piece55and each of the side walls5A and5B are joined together is positioned on the one longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail5with respect to the corresponding leading-end portion55C.

In the above-described embodiment, the cut-and-raised piece55is provided to each of the side walls5A and5B. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the cut-and-raised piece55is provided to either one of the side wall5A or the side wall5B.

As shown inFIG. 15, the restricting portion56according to the above-described embodiment is provided to each of the two side walls5A and5B. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the restricting portion56is provided to either one of the side wall5A or the side wall5B, or a configuration without the restricting portion56may be employed.

The restricting portion56according to the above-described embodiment is provided at the position allowing for contact with the linear portion73and the extending-direction leading end portion of the linear portion73. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration may be employed in which, for example, the restricting portion56can contact only either one of the linear portion73or the extending-direction leading end portion of the linear portion73.

Each restricting portion56according to the above-described embodiment is configured with the cut-and-raised piece formed by cutting and raising part of the side walls5A and5B, and is inclined with respect to the height direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this and, for example, each restricting portion56may be configured with a separate member and may be assembled to the movable-side rail5.

In the above-described embodiment, the sliding contact portion9J is provided on the portion extending from the side of the lock portion7A to the engagement groove9C. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the sliding contact portion9J may be omitted.

The lock spring7according to the above-described embodiment is one piece with the first elastically deforming portion7B, the lock portion7A, and the second elastically deforming portion7C formed by bending the single linear material.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to this and, for example, the first elastically deforming portion7B, the lock portion7A, and the second elastically deforming portion7C may be produced as separate parts and may be assembled together and integrated. Alternatively, a configuration without the second elastically deforming portion7C may be employed.

The linear material constituting the lock spring7according to the above-described embodiment has a circular sectional shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the lock spring7may be configured with a linear material having, for example, a rectangular sectional shape.

The first elastically deforming portion7B and the second elastically deforming portion7C are elastically deforming portions respectively comprising the linear portions73and75of a linear shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the first elastically deforming portion7B and the second elastically deforming portion7C each may be configured with, for example, a strip-plate-like flat spring.

The releasing member9according to the above-described embodiment is one piece formed integrally with the operation portion13. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration may be employed in which, for example, the operation portion13is a separate part detachable from the releasing member9, or in which a loop handle or the like, instead of the operation portion13, can be attached to the releasing member9.

The fixed-side rail3and the movable-side rail5according to the above-described embodiment is of metal. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the fixed-side rail3and the movable-side rail5may be made of other material such as resin.

In the above-described embodiment, the explanation has been made about the seat sliding device that slidably supports the rear seat of a car. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and features of the present disclosure can be applied to a front seat of a car and a vehicle seat or the like, such as a seat for a railroad vehicle, a seat for an airplane, and a seat for a ship.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments as long as the present disclosure meets the gist of the disclosure recited in the claims.