WO2010137970A2

WO2010137970A2 - Rail system for a displaceable seat

Info

Publication number: WO2010137970A2
Application number: PCT/NL2010/000087
Authority: WO
Inventors: Victor Petrus René WILLEMS
Original assignee: Sun Marine Seats B.V.
Priority date: 2009-05-26
Filing date: 2010-05-25
Publication date: 2010-12-02
Also published as: NL1036989C2; WO2010137970A3; WO2010137970A8

Abstract

A rail system for a displaceable seat, in particular a boat seat, the rail system comprising: a receiving space extending in the direction of displacement of the seat, formed for instance by a profile part with a longitudinally extending opening; a connecting member extending through the opening and connected to the seat; a flexible belt for covering an exposed part of the opening; and guide means for guiding the flexible belt over the connecting member during displacement of the seat, characterized in that the guide means comprise guide rollers lying against the flexible belt. The term 'connect' is used in the context of the present invention in its broadest sense and includes direct or indirect, optionally releasable, mechanical, rigid or hinged, electrical, optical, magnetic etc. connection, coupling, fastening and so forth. When it passes over the connecting member during displacement of the seat, the belt is partially lifted locally by the guide means and guided over the connecting member. This can then take place under the seat, out of sight, while the parts of the opening which are exposed or become exposed are always covered by the other part of the belt. The belt can be guided smoothly and without much friction over the connecting member by the guide rollers. Such a rail system is relatively simple and inexpensive, robust and little susceptible to wear and/or malfunction, operates well, is of attractive appearance and can be integrated to a great extent.

Description

Rail system for a displaceable seat

Field of the invention The invention relates to a rail system for a displaceable seat, in particular a boat seat, the rail system comprising: a receiving space extending in the direction of displacement of the seat and formed for instance by a profile part with a longitudinally extending opening;

- a connecting member extending through the opening and connected to the seat; - a flexible belt for covering an exposed part of the opening; and

- guide means for guiding the flexible belt over the connecting member during displacement of the seat.

Background of the invention

Rail systems for displaceable seats are known wherein on or in the surface rails are arranged along which the seat can be displaced by means of moving members sliding or rolling in or on the rails, for instance US3113804A, US5775251A, US6325456B1 and US6499712B1.

A known problem here is the possible accumulation of dirt, moisture and so on in the rails, clothing or footwear getting soiled or caught, and even possible injury to the user when the parts of the rails which are exposed or become exposed during displacement of the seat are not properly protected. Diverse solutions herefor have been devised, such as a resilient cover, US5104176A, extensible covers mounted in the seat, US5228659A, a zip fastening system, US614591 IA, a continuous belt with opening, US2004155168A1, brushes, FR2848926A1, and flexible flaps, US2007170743 Al. FR2848926A further describes a device for covering a rail system/'glissiere' 3 for displacing a car seat 1. The device can comprise a 'bande deformable' 10 which during displacement of the seat slides over an 'organe de recouvrement' 15 and is here guided, in this case held against the Organe de recouvrement', by 'moyens de plaquage' 16. Such known solutions for covering the rails are however complicated, expensive, susceptible to wear and/or malfunction, do not function sufficiently well and/or are not of attractive appearance, and are therefore applied hardly or not at all.

It is also often desirable to provide electromechanical components arranged on or in the seat with electrical energy. US2004/159764A1 thus describes a car seat provided with electromechanical components for adjusting (height, inclination, lumbar support etc.) of the seat. For the cabling required for the electrical power supply to these components a separate elongate 'housing member' 8 is arranged laterally of the seat, adjacently of the rail system for displacing the seat. A 'slit' 8a in the 'housing member' can be covered by a 'shutter means' 30 in the form of an 'endless belt-like body' which is slidable relative to the 'housing member' and which slides through channels 42 provided for this purpose in the 'housing member'. US2005/247232A1 further describes a 'powered slide rail' comprising an 'electrode element' and a 'contact brush element' which slides thereover. Such known solutions for providing electromechanical components with electrical energy are however also complicated, expensive, susceptible to malfunction, do not function sufficiently well and/or are not of attractive appearance, and are therefore also applied hardly or not at all. A separate system for electrical energy supply is moreover necessary adjacently of the rail system for displacing the seat. This is expensive, often difficult to realize in the generally limited space and also not of attractive appearance.

There therefore exists a need for an improved, preferably more integrated solution which does not have said drawbacks, or does so to lesser extent. The present invention now provides for this need.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides for this purpose a rail system for a displaceable seat, in particular a boat seat, the rail system comprising: a receiving space extending in the direction of displacement of the seat, formed for instance by a profile part with a longitudinally extending opening;

- a connecting member extending through the opening and connected to the seat;

- a flexible belt for covering an exposed part of the opening; and - guide means for guiding the flexible belt over the connecting member during displacement of the seat, characterized in that the guide means comprise guide rollers lying against the flexible belt. The term 'profile part' has in the context of the present invention the more or less usual meaning of 'elongate object having substantially the same form in successive cross- sections'. The term 'belt' is used in the context of the present invention in its broadest sense. In addition to the simplest form of a continuous strip, the belt can for instance also be constructed from mutually coupled parts or segments. The term 'connect' is used in the context of the present invention in its broadest sense and includes direct or indirect, optionally releasable, mechanical, rigid or hinged, electrical, optical, magnetic etc. connection, coupling, fastening and so forth. When it passes over the connecting member during displacement of the seat, the belt is partially lifted locally by the guide means and guided over the connecting member. This can then take place under the seat, out of sight, while the parts of the opening which are exposed or become exposed are always covered by the other part of the belt. The belt can be guided smoothly and without much friction over the connecting member by the guide rollers.

At least a part, for instance the outer ends, of the flexible belt preferably has a fixed position here relative to the receiving space. The rail system can here also comprise locking means for locking the seat in a determined position, which locking means comprise an engaging member for engaging on the flexible belt. The locking means here preferably also comprise a more preferably foot-operated operating member for the purpose of operating the locking member. The seat can thus be locked in a desired position, wherein the belt, in addition to its covering function, also plays a part in the locking. The rail system here preferably also comprises a support surface for supporting the flexible belt. The belt is laid on the support surface and thus supported and positioned. In preference the belt is here considerably more flexible longitudinally than transversely, whereby it will allow longitudinal bending relatively easily when passing over the connecting member, but will allow transverse bending with relative difficulty, for instance in the case of mechanical loading of a part of the belt covering an exposed part of the opening.

An embodiment of a rail system according to the invention is characterized here in that: - the rail system also comprises a moving member movable longitudinally through the receiving space; and the connecting member forms a mechanical connection between the seat and the moving member.

The moving member can here comprise for instance a sliding carriage or a set of wheels. The seat can thus be displaced along the rails in order to reach a desired position. In the case the moving member comprises a set of wheels, the set of wheels and the guide rollers of the guide means can also be at least partially integrated. That is, at least some of the wheels of the set of wheels are also used as guide rollers. This results in an increased integration and a reduction in the number of components required.

Another embodiment of a rail system according to the invention is characterized here in that the connecting member forms an electrical connection. The connecting member here preferably comprises a cable bundle, and the rail system more preferably also comprises a cable guide, for instance a tube part, connected to the seat for the purpose of guiding the cable bundle. Electrical signals can thus be received or transmitted from or to equipment present outside the seat, such as a steering device, a motor, windscreen wipers, sound signal generators, a crane or a radar, for instance by means of a control panel or screen provided on the seat. Yet another embodiment of a rail system according to the invention is characterized here in that the connecting member forms an optical connection. The rail system can also comprise an electrically conductive strip for moving an electrical sliding contact therealong. The seat can thus be provided for instance with electric current for powering devices provided on the seat, for instance for the purpose of adjusting the height, inclination and rotation position of the seat.

The above stated embodiments can optionally be combined, wherein the connecting member for instance forms not only a mechanical connection between the seat and the moving member but also an electrical and/or optical connection. All this can result in an increased integration, a reduction in the number of rails required, a decrease in the volume and area occupied and a reduction in the number of components required, with the additional advantage of a more attractive appearance of the whole rail system.

Brief description of the figures

The invention is further elucidated hereinbelow on the basis of two exemplary embodiments of a rail system according to the invention, shown more or less schematically in the figures, wherein: figure 1 shows a cross-section of a combination of a first embodiment and a second embodiment of a rail system according to the invention; figure 2a shows an enlarged detail thereof; - figure 2b shows a longitudinal section along plane A-A in figure 1 ; and figure 2c shows a longitudinal section along plane B-B in figure 1.

Exemplary embodiments of a rail system according to the invention

A first embodiment (Ia) of a rail system according to the invention comprises a profile part (3) with a longitudinally extending opening (4a) and a mechanical connecting member (6a) extending through opening (4a) and connected to a seat (2). Profile part (3) forms a receiving space (5) with sets of wheels (9) movable longitudinally therein. Connecting member (6a) forms a mechanical connection between seat (2) and sets of wheels (9). Seat (2) can thus be displaced so as to reach a desired position. A flexible belt (7a), which is attached fixedly at the outer ends (not shown) to the surface or the profile part, covers the exposed parts of opening (4a). As it passes over connecting member (6a) during displacement of seat (2), the belt (7a) is partially lifted locally by guide means (8) and guided over connecting member (6a). Guide means (8) comprise guide rollers (8a-8d) which lie against the flexible belt (7a) and which provide for a smooth guiding of belt (7a) over connecting member (6a). This all takes place under seat (2), out of sight, while the parts of opening (4a) which are exposed or become exposed are always covered by the other parts (18) of belt (7a). Belt (7a) is considerably more flexible longitudinally than transversely. It will therefore allow longitudinal bending relatively easily when passing over connecting member (6a), but will only allow transverse bending with relative difficulty in the case of mechanical loading of portions (18) of belt (7a) which cover exposed parts of opening (4a). Seat (2) can be locked in a determined position by means of locking means (15). An engaging member (16) here engages on flexible belt (7a). The flexible belt can be provided for this purpose with protrusions (not shown) which for instance engage on protrusions (17) provided on engaging member (16). Locking means (15) can be operated with the foot by means of an operating member (not shown). Seat (2) can thus be locked in a desired position, wherein belt (7a), in addition to its covering function, also plays a part in the locking.

Profile part (3) comprises support surfaces (13a, 13b) for supporting flexible belt (7a). Belt (7a) is laid on support surfaces (13a,13b) and thus supported and positioned. Profile part (3) is here also provided with electrically conductive strips (14a, 14b) for movement therealong of electrical sliding contacts. Seat (2) can for instance thus be provided with electric current for power supply to devices provided on seat (2), for instance for the purpose of adjusting the height, inclination and rotation position of seat (2).

A second embodiment (Ib) of a rail system according to the invention once again comprises a receiving space (5') with a longitudinally extending opening (4b) and a connecting member, now in the form of a cable bundle (6b), extending through opening (4b). Cable bundle (6b) extends further through a second opening (10) provided for this purpose and is guided by means of a cable guide in the form of a tube part (11) connected to seat (2). Cable bundle (6b) forms an electrical and/or an optical connection. Electrical or optical signals can thus be received or transmitted from or to equipment present outside seat (2), such as a steering device, a motor, windscreen wipers, sound signal generators, a crane or a radar, for instance by means of a control panel or screen provided on seat (2). Equipment present on seat (2), but for instance also devices provided on seat (2) for adjusting the height, inclination and rotation position of seat (2), can also be supplied with electric current via the connection. As it passes over cable bundle (6b) during displacement of seat (2), a flexible belt (7b) is once again partially lifted locally and guided over cable bundle (6b) by guide means (8'). Guide means (8') once again comprises guide rollers (8e-8h) which lie against flexible belt (7b) and which again provide for a smooth guiding of belt (7b) over cable bundle (6b). Once again this all takes place under seat (2), out of sight, while the parts of opening (4b) which are exposed or become exposed are always covered by the other parts (18) of belt (7b).

Both embodiments (Ia₅Ib) can optionally be partially or wholly integrated, wherein a connecting member forms a mechanical connection as well as an electrical and/or optical connection. Wheels of a set of wheels can optionally also be partially or wholly combined with guide rollers of the guide means. This all results in a greater integration, a reduction in the number of rails required, a decrease in the volume and area occupied, and a reduction in the number of components required and, as additional advantage, a more attractive appearance of the whole rail system.

A rail system according to the invention is relatively simple and inexpensive, robust and little susceptible to wear and/or malfunction, operates well, is of attractive appearance and can be integrated to a great extent. It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the given exemplary embodiments, but that diverse variants are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Rail system (Ia₅Ib) for a displaceable seat, in particular a boat seat (2), the rail system comprising:

- a receiving space (5,5') extending in the direction of displacement of the seat, formed for instance by a profile part (3) with a longitudinally extending opening (4a,4b);

- a connecting member (6a,6b) extending through the opening and connected to the seat;

- a flexible belt (7a,7b) for covering an exposed part of the opening; and

- guide means (8,8') for guiding the flexible belt over the connecting member during displacement of the seat, characterized in that the guide means comprise guide rollers (8a-8d,8e-h) lying against the flexible belt.

2. Rail system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least a part, for instance the outer ends, of the flexible belt has a fixed position here relative to the receiving space.

3. Rail system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rail system also comprises locking means (15) for locking the seat in a determined position, which locking means comprise an engaging member (16) for engaging on the flexible belt.

4. Rail system as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the locking means also comprise a preferably foot-operated operating member for the purpose of operating the locking member.

5. Rail system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the rail system also comprises a support surface (13a, 13b) for supporting the flexible belt.

6. Rail system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the flexible belt is considerably more flexible longitudinally than transversely.

7. Rail system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that: - the rail system also comprises a moving member movable longitudinally through the receiving space; and - the connecting member forms a mechanical connection (6a) between the seat and the moving member.

8. Rail system as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the moving member comprises a sliding carriage.

9. Rail system as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the moving member comprises a set of .wheels (9).

10. Rail system as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the set of wheels and the guide rollers are at least partially integrated.

11. Rail system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the connecting member forms an electrical connection.

12. Rail system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the connecting member comprises a cable bundle (6b).

13. Rail system as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the rail system also comprises a cable guide, for instance a tube part (11), connected to the seat for the purpose of guiding the cable bundle.

14. Rail system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the rail system also comprises an electrically conductive strip (14a, 14b) for moving an electrical sliding contact therealong.

15. Rail system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the connecting member forms an optical connection.

16. Rail system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the connecting member forms a mechanical connection as well as an electrical connection.

17. Rail system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the connecting member forms a mechanical connection as well as an optical connection.