JP6317177B2 - Vehicle slide rail assembling method and vehicle slide rail assembling apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle slide rail assembling method and a vehicle slide rail assembling apparatus.

The vehicle slide rail disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a pair of left and right lower rails that extend in the front-rear direction and is fixed to a floor surface in the vehicle, and a pair of left and right upper rails that can slide in the front-rear direction with respect to the left and right lower rails. The lower rail is a channel material having both front and rear ends and an upper surface opened. On the other hand, the upper rail is a channel material having both front and rear ends and a lower surface opened. Generally, the lower rail and the upper rail are formed of metal. Further, this vehicle slide rail is a long member extending in the front-rear direction, and includes a ball guide that rotatably supports a plurality of balls at the front and rear portions. The ball guide and the ball are inserted between the corresponding lower rail and upper rail.
Since the left and right upper rails are fixed to the lower surface of the seat (seat cushion), the left and right upper rails slide relative to the lower rail while being synchronized with each other.

  When the upper rail is pressed forward or backward with respect to the lower rail, each ball supported by the ball guide rotates (relatively rotates with respect to the upper rail and the lower rail). Therefore, since the slide resistance of the upper rail with respect to the lower rail is small (compared to the case where no ball is provided), the upper rail can smoothly slide back and forth with respect to the lower rail.

JP-T-2005-483710

When a (small) gap is formed between the lower rail and / or the upper rail and the ball, the upper rail rattles against the lower rail when the upper rail slides (when the ball rotates).
Therefore, it is necessary to insert the ball between the lower rail and the upper rail in a state of being pressed against the lower rail and the upper rail. That is, when assembling the slide rail, a gap slightly smaller than the diameter of the ball is formed between the lower rail and the upper rail, and the ball guide needs to be inserted between the lower rail and the upper rail while pushing the ball into the gap. .
However, if the ball and ball guide are inserted between the lower rail and the upper rail in such a manner, a large insertion resistance force is generated between the lower rail and the upper rail and the ball at the time of insertion, so that the ball guide which is a long member is buckled. There is a risk of damage.
That is, conventionally, it has not been easy to smoothly insert the ball and the ball guide between the lower rail and the upper rail.

  The present invention relates to a vehicle slide rail assembling method and a vehicle slide capable of smoothly inserting a ball and a ball guide between the lower rail and the upper rail so that the upper rail does not rattle against the lower rail when the upper rail slides. An object of the present invention is to provide a rail assembly apparatus.

  The method for assembling a vehicle slide rail according to the present invention includes a lower rail that extends along a straight line and forms a channel shape, and an upper rail that extends along the straight line and forms a channel shape so as to be relatively slidable in the linear direction. Assembling step, by applying an external force to at least one of the lower rail and the upper rail to cause elastic deformation, and when the lower rail and the upper rail are in a free state, the diameter of the ball An external force applying step for making a small gap larger than the diameter, a ball guide for rotatably supporting a plurality of balls, inserted between the lower rail and the upper rail, and a ball guide inserting step for inserting the ball into the gap; and The external force disappears and the ball is It is characterized by having a force loss steps, for pressing to be relatively rotatable relative to the rail and the upper rail.

  The lower rail includes a bottom wall and a pair of lower flanges that extend from both side portions of the bottom wall and constitute side portions of the lower rail, and the upper rail includes a ceiling portion and both side portions of the ceiling portion. A pair of upper side flanges extending from the upper rail and constituting side portions of the upper rail, wherein the ball has a first ball, and the ball guide supports a plurality of the first balls in a relatively rotatable manner. Having one ball guide, and the gap is formed between the pair of lower flanges and the pair of upper flanges, and smaller than the diameter of the first ball when the lower rail and the upper rail are in a free state. A pair of first gaps, wherein the rail assembly step positions one of the pair of lower flanges and the pair of upper flanges inside the other, and the bottom wall and the ceiling The external force applying step applies a first external force in a direction of narrowing the width of the other rail to the other of the pair of lower flanges and the pair of upper flanges. A first external force applying step for making the first gap larger than the diameter of the first ball, wherein the ball guide insertion step inserts the first ball guide between the lower rail and the upper rail and A step of inserting one ball into the first gap may be included.

  The ball has a second ball different from the first ball, and the ball guide supports the plurality of second balls in a relatively rotatable manner, and is a second ball different from the first ball guide. A guide is provided, and the gap is formed between the bottom wall and the connection portion of the lower flange and the upper flange or between the ceiling and the connection portion of the upper flange and the lower flange. And when the lower rail and the upper rail are in a free state, they have a pair of second gaps smaller than the diameter of the second ball, and the external force applying step applies the first external force to the one rail while applying the first external force. By applying a second external force, the upper side flange or the lower side flange is elastically deformed while the bottom wall and the ceiling portion are relatively moved in a direction away from each other, and a pair of upper A second external force imparting step of making the second gap larger than the diameter of the second ball while sandwiching the first ball by the lower flange and the pair of upper flanges, and the ball guide inserting step includes A step of inserting the second ball guide between the lower rail and the upper rail and inserting the second ball into the second gap may be included.

  The ball guide may be a long member extending in the linear direction, and the ball may be rotatably supported on a front portion and a rear portion of the ball guide.

  The vehicle slide rail assembly apparatus according to the present invention includes a lower rail that extends along a straight line and has a channel shape, and an upper rail that extends along the straight line and has a channel shape. Horizontal moving means for assembling the lower rail and the upper rail so as to be relatively slidable in the linear direction; and applying elastic force to at least one of the lower rail and the upper rail to elastically deform the lower rail and the upper rail; and When the lower rail and the upper rail are in a free state, an external force applying means that makes a gap smaller than the diameter of the ball larger than the diameter, and a ball guide that rotatably supports the plurality of balls are interposed between the lower rail and the upper rail. Insert and insert the ball into the gap And Rugaido insertion means, it abolished the external force, and the ball is characterized in that it comprises a, and the external force disappears means for relatively rotatably pressed against the lower rail and the upper rail.

  The lower rail includes a bottom wall and a pair of lower flanges that extend from both side portions of the bottom wall and constitute side portions of the lower rail, and the upper rail includes a ceiling portion and both side portions of the ceiling portion. A pair of upper side flanges extending from the upper rail and constituting side portions of the upper rail, wherein the ball has a first ball, and the ball guide supports a plurality of the first balls in a relatively rotatable manner. Having one ball guide, and the gap is formed between the pair of lower flanges and the pair of upper flanges, and smaller than the diameter of the first ball when the lower rail and the upper rail are in a free state. A pair of first gaps, wherein the horizontal moving means positions one of the pair of lower flanges and the pair of upper flanges inside the other and the bottom wall and the ceiling portion In this state, the lower rail and the upper rail are assembled so as to be relatively slidable, and the external force applying means narrows the width of the other rail with respect to the other of the pair of lower flanges and the pair of upper flanges. A first external force in the direction is applied, the pair of first gaps is made larger than the diameter of the first ball, and the ball guide insertion means inserts the first ball guide between the lower rail and the upper rail. The first ball may be inserted into the first gap.

  The ball has a second ball different from the first ball, and the ball guide supports the plurality of second balls in a relatively rotatable manner, and is a second ball different from the first ball guide. A guide is provided, and the gap is formed between the bottom wall and the connection portion of the lower flange and the upper flange or between the ceiling and the connection portion of the upper flange and the lower flange. And when the lower rail and the upper rail are in a free state, they have a pair of second gaps smaller than the diameter of the second ball, and the external force applying means applies the first external force to the one rail. By applying a second external force, the upper side flange or the lower side flange is elastically deformed while relatively moving the bottom wall and the ceiling part in a direction away from each other, and a pair of the lower The second gap is made larger than the diameter of the second ball while sandwiching the first ball by the side flange and the pair of upper side flanges, and the ball guide insertion means is provided between the lower rail and the upper rail. A second ball guide may be inserted and the second ball may be inserted into the second gap.

  The ball guide may be a long member extending in the linear direction, and the ball may be rotatably supported on a front portion and a rear portion of the ball guide.

In the present invention, an external force is applied to at least one of the lower rail and the upper rail, and the rail to which the external force is applied is elastically deformed so that the diameter of the ball is formed between the lower rail and the upper rail and when the lower rail and the upper rail are in a free state. The smaller gap is made larger than the diameter of the ball, and the ball guide is inserted between the lower rail and the upper rail while the ball is inserted into the gap in this state.
Therefore, the ball and the ball guide can be smoothly inserted between the lower rail and the upper rail.
Further, when the external force is lost, the ball comes into pressure contact with the lower rail and the upper rail so as to be relatively rotatable. Therefore, the upper rail does not rattle with respect to the lower rail when the upper rail slides.

  According to the second and sixth aspects of the invention, the first ball and the first ball guide can be smoothly inserted between the lower rail and the upper rail.

  According to the third and seventh aspects of the invention, the second ball and the second ball guide can be smoothly inserted between the lower rail and the upper rail.

  According to the fourth and eighth aspects of the invention, the relative positions of the lower rail and the upper rail in the extending direction of each ball are constant, so that the behavior of the upper rail with respect to the lower rail is stabilized.

It is a disassembled perspective view of the slide rail unit of the left side of the slide seat apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is an expansion perspective view of the center part of the longitudinal direction of an upper rail. It is a perspective view of the integrated 1st ball unit. It is a perspective view of the integrated 2nd ball unit. (A) is a schematic side view of the first ball unit and the second ball unit separated from the lower rail and the upper rail and the lower rail and the upper rail in a free state assembled with each other, and (b) is a front view of (a). is there. (A) is a schematic side view of the lower rail jig, the upper rail jig, the pressing means, and the lower rail and the upper rail assembled to each other, and (b) is cut at the position of the bb arrow line in (a). FIG. (A) is a schematic side view similar to FIG. 6 (a) when the upper rail jig is raised to the upper limit position from the state of FIG. 6, and (b) is similar to FIG. 6 (b). It is an expanded sectional view. (A) is a schematic side view similar to FIG. 6 (a) when the outer wall portion (flange) of the lower rail is elastically deformed inward from the state of FIG. 7 using the pressing means, (b) These are the expanded sectional views similar to FIG.6 (b). (A) is a schematic side view similar to FIG. 6 (a) when the first ball unit is placed along the side surface of the upper rail using the first support member from the state of FIG. 8, (b) These are the expanded sectional views similar to FIG.6 (b). (A) is a schematic side view similar to FIG. 6 (a) when the first ball unit is inserted into the lower rail together with the upper rail while using the first push rod from the state of FIG. 9, FIG. 6B is an enlarged cross-sectional view similar to FIG. (A) is a schematic side view similar to FIG. 6 (a) when the upper rail jig is lowered from the state of FIG. 10 to the lower limit position, and (b) is similar to FIG. 6 (b). It is an expanded sectional view. FIG. 13A is a schematic side view similar to FIG. 6A when the second ball unit is positioned in front of the lower rail using the second support member from the state of FIG. These are the expanded sectional views similar to FIG.6 (b). (A) is a schematic side view similar to FIG. 6 (a) when the second ball unit is inserted into the lower rail while using the second push rod from the state of FIG. 12, (b) It is an expanded sectional view similar to FIG.6 (b). (A) is a schematic side view similar to FIG. 6 (a) when the pressing means and the upper rail jig are moved and returned to the initial positions from the state of FIG. 13, and (b) is the same as FIG. It is an enlarged sectional view similar to FIG. (A) is a schematic side view of the lower rail, the upper rail, the first ball unit, and the second ball unit assembled together, and (b) is a front view of (a).

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The direction in the following description is based on the arrow direction indicated in the figure.
A slide seat device 10 is provided on the interior floor of an automobile (vehicle) (not shown). The slide seat device 10 constitutes a right seat (driver's seat) and has a substantially U-shape in plan view that connects a pair of left and right slide rail units 15 and front ends of the left and right slide rail units 15 as large components. Loop handle (not shown). Seats (not shown, including a seat back and a seat cushion) are fixed to the ceiling portion 31 of the upper rail 30 of the left and right slide rail units 15.

The left and right slide rail units 15 have the following structure. Since the right slide rail unit 15 is bilaterally symmetric with the left slide rail unit 15, only the left slide rail unit 15 will be described in detail in the following description, and detailed description regarding the right slide rail unit 15 will be omitted.
The slide rail unit 15 includes a slide rail 20, a lock release lever 40, a lock spring 45, a first ball unit 50, and a second ball unit 55 as large components. The slide rail 20 is a lower rail 21. And an upper rail 30.

The lower rail 21 is a metal channel member that extends in the front-rear direction (straight line) and has both front and rear ends and an upper surface opened. 23, a pair of left and right upper end constituent portions 24 extending inward from the upper edge portions of the left and right outer wall portions 23, and a pair of left and right inner wall portions 25 extending downward from the inner edge portions of the left and right upper end constituent portions 24. ing. The left and right outer wall parts 23, the upper end constituting part 24, and the inner wall part 25 constitute a flange 26 (lower side flange) constituting the side part of the lower rail 21 as a whole. That is, the lower rail 21 includes a bottom wall 22 and a pair of flanges 26. A plurality of lock grooves 25 a are formed in the lower edge portion of the left and right inner wall portions 25 side by side in the front-rear direction. In addition, the lower end portions of the front end surfaces of the left and right outer wall portions 23 are configured by support member stoppers 23a formed of a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction.
The left and right lower rails 21 are fixed to the interior floor using rivets (not shown) or the like.

The upper rail 30 slidable in the front-rear direction with respect to the lower rail 21 is a metal channel material that extends in the front-rear direction and has both front and rear ends and a lower surface opened. The upper rail 30 includes a substantially horizontal ceiling portion 31, a pair of left and right inner wall portions 32 extending downward from both left and right side portions of the ceiling portion 31, and a pair of left and right lower end constituent portions extending outward from the lower edge portions of the left and right inner wall portions 32. 33 and a pair of right and left rising wall portions 34 extending upward from the outer edge of the left and right lower end constituting portions 33. A jig hole 31 a made up of a pair of front and rear circular holes is formed in the ceiling portion 31. Further, rear spring locking pieces 32a that extend inward and then extend upward are formed by cutting and raising at the rear portions of the left and right inner wall portions 32. Further, front springs are formed at the front portions of the left and right inner wall portions 32, respectively. Each locking piece 32b is formed by cutting and raising. Further, a pair of front and rear lock part insertion holes 32c are formed as through holes in the central part of the inner wall part 32 in the longitudinal direction. The left and right inner wall portions 32, the lower end constituting portion 33, and the rising wall portion 34 constitute a flange 39 (upper side flange) constituting the side portion of the upper rail 30 as a whole. That is, the upper rail 30 includes a ceiling portion 31 and a pair of flanges 39.
The left and right rising wall portions 34 are formed of a lower inclined portion 35 that extends upward from the outer edge portion of the lower end constituting portion 33 toward the inner wall portion 32 side with respect to the vertical direction, and an upper edge portion of the lower inclined portion 35. A pair of front and rear upper inclined portions 36 that extend upward while tilting in the opposite direction from the inner wall portion 32 with respect to the vertical direction from two front and rear portions, and an inner wall portion 32 with respect to the vertical direction from the upper edge of the lower inclined portion 35. One central upper inclined portion 37 extending upward while being inclined to the opposite side and located between the front and rear upper inclined portions 36 is provided. The inclination direction (inclination angle) of the front and rear upper inclined portions 36 is the same, but the central upper inclined portion 37 has a smaller inclination angle than the front and rear upper inclined portions 36 (the inner wall portion 32 side facing the upper inclined portion 36). Is located). Further, a pair of front and rear locking portion through holes 38 are formed as through holes in a portion located directly below the central upper inclined portion 37 of the lower inclined portion 35.

The slide rail unit 15 further includes a lock release lever 40 and a lock spring 45 that can be attached to the upper rail 30.
The lock release lever 40 is a metal channel member that is formed by pressing a metal plate, extends in the front-rear direction, and has an open bottom surface. Upward spring hooking grooves 41 are respectively provided in the lower edge portions of the front portions of the left and right side walls of the lock release lever 40. On the upper surface of the lock release lever 40, a rotation contact convex portion 42 extending in the left-right direction is projected. A pair of left and right substantially horizontal spring pressing pieces 43 project from the rear end of the lock release lever 40.
The lock spring 45 attached to the upper rail 30 is a bilaterally symmetric member obtained by bending a single metal wire. A pair of front and rear lock portions 46 that project substantially horizontally toward the outside protrude from the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the left and right side portions of the lock spring 45. A pair of left and right front end locking pieces 47 project outward and substantially horizontally at the front end of the lock spring 45. Further, the rear end portion of the lock spring 45 constitutes a rear end locking portion 48 extending in the left-right direction in plan view.

  The lock release lever 40 is accommodated substantially entirely in the upper rail 30 from the front end opening of the upper rail 30, and the rotation contact convex portion 42 is in contact with the lower surface of the ceiling portion 31. The lock spring 45 locks the rear end locking portion 48 from above with respect to the left and right rear spring locking pieces 32a of the upper rail 30, and a portion located slightly forward of the lock portions 46 on both the left and right sides of the left and right sides. The front spring locking pieces 32b are respectively locked from above, and the lock portions 46 are loosely fitted in the corresponding lock portion insertion holes 32c and the lock portion through holes 38 in a penetrating manner. 47 is engaged with the spring engaging groove 41 of the unlocking lever 40 from below. When the lock spring 45 is attached to the upper rail 30 and the lock release lever 40 in this way, the spring pressing piece 43 comes into contact with the upper surface of the lock spring 45 in the vicinity of the lock portion 46. Since the lock spring 45 is elastically deformed to generate an upward biasing force (elastic force), the rotational contact convex portion 42 of the unlocking lever 40 is pressed against the lower surface of the ceiling portion 31 by this biasing force, and the unlocking lever 40 Is rotatable around the rotation contact projection 42 (about the virtual rotation axis extending in the left-right direction) around the contact surface between the lower surface of the ceiling 31 and the rotation contact projection 42. Therefore, when no upward external force is applied to the front end portion of the lock release lever 40, the lock release lever 40 is held in the locked position. On the other hand, when an upward external force is applied to the front end portion of the lock release lever 40 against the urging force of the lock spring 45, the lock release lever 40 rotates to the unlock position. Then, the spring pressing piece 43 of the lock release lever 40 pushes the lock spring 45 downward, so that each lock portion 46 moves downward in the corresponding lock portion insertion hole 32c and lock portion through hole 38.

  The integrated upper rail 30, lock release lever 40, and lock spring 45 can be inserted into the lower rail 21 from the front end opening or rear end opening of the lower rail 21. When the upper rail 30 is inserted into the lower rail 21, the left and right flanges 39 of the upper rail 30 are positioned in the inner space of the lower rail 21, as shown in FIGS. 5 (b) to 15 (b). The central upper inclined portion 37 is located in a space surrounded by the outer wall portion 23, the upper end constituting portion 24, and the inner wall portion 25, and the bottom wall 22 and the ceiling portion 30 face each other in the vertical direction. Further, when the lock release lever 40 is positioned at the lock position, the lock portions 46 protruding outward from the lock portion through holes 38 of the upper rail 30 are formed in any four (two on the left and right) lock grooves 25a of the lower rail 21. Engage with each other. Accordingly, when the lock release lever 40 is located at the lock position, the sliding motion in the front-rear direction of the upper rail 30 relative to the lower rail 21 is restricted by the lock spring 45 (lock portion 46) and the lower rail 21 (lock groove 25a). On the other hand, when the lock release lever 40 is positioned at the unlock position, each lock portion 46 is released downward from the lock groove 25a that has been engaged so far, so that the upper rail 30 slides in the front-rear direction with respect to the lower rail 21. It becomes possible.

Further, a pair of left and right first ball units 50 and second ball units 55 are inserted into a space formed between the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 30 assembled together.
The first ball unit 50 includes a first ball guide 51 (ball guide), which is a long member extending in the front-rear direction made of resin, and four metal members rotatably supported at four positions on the front and rear of the first ball guide 51. And a first ball 54 (ball). Two ball holding holes 52 are formed as through holes before and after the first ball guide 51, respectively. Each first ball 54 is fitted to each ball holding hole 52 so as to be rotatable (spinning). When the first ball 54 is fitted into the ball holding hole 52, two positions of the first ball 54 located on opposite sides of the first ball 54 protrude outward from both surfaces of the first ball guide 51. Further, unless the first ball 54 is intentionally extracted from the ball holding hole 52, the first ball 54 does not unexpectedly fall out of the ball holding hole 52.
The second ball unit 55 includes a second ball guide 56 (ball guide), which is a long member extending in the front-rear direction made of resin, and four pieces of metal that are rotatably supported at four positions on the front and rear of the second ball guide 56. And a second ball 59 (ball). Two ball holding holes 57 are formed as through holes before and after the second ball guide 56, respectively. Each second ball 59 has the same specifications (same diameter) as the first ball 54. Each second ball 59 is fitted to each ball holding hole 57 so as to be rotatable (spinning). When the second ball 59 is fitted into the ball holding hole 57, two locations located on opposite sides of the second ball 59 protrude outward from both surfaces of the second ball guide 56. Further, unless the second ball 59 is intentionally extracted from the ball holding hole 57, it does not accidentally fall out of the ball holding hole 57.

As shown in FIG. 15 and the like, the integrated first ball unit 50 is surrounded by the upper end constituting portion 24 of the lower rail 21, the connecting portion (curved corner portion) of the inner wall portion 25, and the upper inclined portion 36 of the upper rail 30. It is inserted in the first gap S1. On the other hand, the integrated second ball unit 55 is inserted into the second gap S2 surrounded by the inner surface of the connecting portion of the bottom wall 22 and the outer wall portion 23 of the lower rail 21 and the inner surface of the lower end constituting portion 33 of the upper rail 30. is there.
When the first ball unit 50 and the second ball unit 55 are inserted into the first gap S1 and the second gap S2, respectively, in this manner, each first ball 54 is connected to the upper end constituting portion 24 of the lower rail 21 and the inner wall portion 25. And the second ball 59 is connected to the bottom wall 22 of the lower rail 21 and the outer wall 23. The inner surface of the (curved corner portion) and the inner surface of the lower end constituting portion 33 of the upper rail 30 are pressed against each other in a rotatable manner.

After assembling the left and right slide rail units 15 including the slide rail 20, the lock release lever 40, the lock spring 45, the first ball unit 50, and the second ball unit 55, the lock release lever 40 of the left and right slide rail unit 15 is assembled. The slide seat device 10 is completed by connecting the left and right rear ends of the loop handle to the front end.
When the loop handle is located at the initial position, the left and right unlocking levers 40 are located at the locked position, so that the left and right upper rails 30 cannot slide relative to the lower rail 21.
On the other hand, when the loop handle is rotated upward (against the urging force of the lock spring 45), the lock release lever 40 is rotated to the unlock position, so that the upper rail 30 can slide with respect to the lower rail 21. When the upper rail 30 is pressed forward or backward with respect to the lower rail 21 with the lock release lever 40 rotated to the unlock position, each first ball 54 of the first ball unit 50 and each second of the second ball unit 55 are pressed. The ball 59 rotates (relatively rotates with respect to the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 30). Therefore, the sliding resistance of the upper rail 30 with respect to the lower rail 21 is reduced (compared to the case where the first ball 54 and the second ball 59 are not provided), so that the upper rail 30 slides smoothly with respect to the lower rail 21.
Further, by supporting the plurality of first balls 54 and the second balls 59 by the first ball guide 51 and the second ball guide 56 that are long in the front-rear direction, the first ball on the front side regardless of the sliding position of the upper rail 30 with respect to the lower rail 21. 54, the relative position in the front-rear direction between the second ball 59 and the rear first ball 54 and second ball 59 is constant. Further, even if the first ball unit 50 moves forward relative to the upper rail 30, the two first balls 54 located rearward interfere with the rear end surface of the central upper inclined portion 37, so The two first balls 54 do not move forward from the central upper inclined portion 37. Similarly, even if the first ball unit 50 moves rearward relative to the upper rail 30, the two Since one ball 54 interferes with the front end surface of the central upper inclined portion 37, the two first balls 54 positioned in front do not move backward from the central upper inclined portion 37. Therefore, the behavior of the upper rail 30 relative to the lower rail 21 is stabilized (compared to a case where the relative positions of the first ball 54 and the second ball 59 in the front-rear direction change).
Further, since each first ball 54 and each second ball 59 are in pressure contact with the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 30, the upper rail 30 does not rattle with respect to the lower rail 21 when the upper rail 30 slides with respect to the lower rail 21.

Subsequently, the procedure for mounting (inserting) the upper rail 30 integrated with the lock release lever 40 and the lock spring 45, the first ball unit 50, and the second ball unit 55 into the lower rail 21 is mainly shown in FIGS. The description will be given with reference. 5-15, illustration of the lock release lever 40 and the lock spring 45 which were integrated with the upper rail 31 is abbreviate | omitted for convenience.
When the upper rail 30, the first ball unit 50, and the second ball unit 55 are mounted on the lower rail 21, the assembling apparatus 60 shown in FIGS. 6 to 14 is used. The assembling apparatus 60 includes an upper rail jig 61, a lower rail jig 65, a pressing means 68, and an actuator (for example, an air cylinder) (horizontal movement means) (external force) that moves the upper rail jig 61 and the pressing means 68. Providing means) (external force disappearing means) (not shown).
The upper rail jig 61 (horizontal direction moving means) (external force applying means) (external force disappearing means) is made of metal and has a base member 62 extending in the front-rear direction and a pair of front and rear floating members fixed to the upper surface of the base member 62. The rising prevention member 63 and the lower support member 64 are integrally provided. Lifting prevention claws 63a projecting in directions approaching each other protrude from the upper ends of the front and rear lifting prevention members 63. Engagement convex portions 64a project upward from the upper surfaces of the front and rear lower support members 64. As shown in the drawing, the upper surface of the main body portion (the portion excluding the engaging convex portion 64a) of the lower support member 64 is positioned below the lifting prevention claw 63a. The upper rail jig 61 is linked to the actuator, and from the initial position shown in FIGS. 6 and 14 to the upper limit position above the initial position shown in FIGS. It is possible to move up and down to a lower limit position below the initial position shown in FIG. Further, the upper rail jig 61 can slide in the front-rear direction by the power of the actuator.
The lower rail jig 65 disposed above the upper rail jig 61 is made of metal, and integrally includes a pair of front and rear fall prevention members 66. Drop prevention claws 66a projecting in a direction approaching each other protrude from the lower ends of the front and rear fall prevention members 66. The front and rear fall prevention members 66 are immovable.
A total of four pressing means 68 (external force applying means) (external force disappearing means) are provided on each side of the upper rail jig 61 and the lower rail jig 65. Each pressing means 68 is linked to the actuator described above, and between the initial position shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 14 and the pressing position inside the initial position shown in FIGS. Can be moved in the horizontal direction (left-right direction, which may be substantially horizontal). When the pressing means 68 is located at the initial position, the distance between the opposing surfaces of the left and right pressing means 68 is longer than the distance between the left and right outer wall portions 23 of the lower rail 21 in the free state (see FIG. 6 and the like).

  When the upper rail 30, the first ball unit 50, and the second ball unit 55 are mounted on the lower rail 21 using the assembling apparatus 60, the lower rail 21 is first positioned between the left and right pressing means 68 positioned at the initial position. Then, the upper rail jig 61 positioned at the initial position is separated forward of the lower rail jig 65 by an actuator (not shown). Then, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 (-FIG. 15), the upper rail 30 is supported by the upper rail jig 61 with the upper and lower directions of the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 30 reversed from the states of FIGS. The lower rail 21 is supported by the lower rail jig 65. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 (-FIG. 14), the engaging convex portions 64a of the front and rear lower support members 64 are fitted into the jig holes 31a on the front and rear of the ceiling portion 31 of the upper rail 30 from below. In addition, the upper surface of the main body of the front and rear lower support members 64 supports two places on the lower surface of the ceiling portion 31, and the front and rear lifting prevention claws 63 a of the front and rear lifting prevention members 63 are provided at both front and rear ends of the upper surface of the ceiling portion 31. It faces from above. When the upper rail 30 is supported by the upper rail jig 61 in this manner, the upper rail 30 cannot be moved relative to the upper rail jig 61 in the front-rear and left-right directions, and the upper rail 30 is moved downward with respect to the upper rail jig 61. Relative movement is impossible. Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (FIG. 14), the front and rear end portions of the lower surface of the bottom wall 22 of the lower rail 21 are engaged with the fall prevention claws 66a of the front and rear fall prevention members 66 from above, and the bottom wall 22 The front and rear end faces are brought into contact with the front and rear opposing surfaces of the fall prevention member 66. When the lower rail 21 is supported by the lower rail jig 65 in this way, the lower rail 21 cannot move relative to the lower rail jig 65 in the front-rear and left-right directions. Further, the lower rail 21 moves downward with respect to the lower rail jig 65. Relative movement is impossible. Further, when the lower rail 21, the upper rail 30, and the assembling device 60 are viewed from the front to the rear, most of the upper rail 30 overlaps with the inner space of the lower rail 21 in the front-rear direction, and further, the left and right upper inclined portions 36 and the center upper side The inclined portion 37 overlaps the space surrounded by the outer wall portion 23, the upper end constituting portion 24, and the inner wall portion 25 in the front-rear direction.

  Next, the upper rail jig 61 is moved rearward by the actuator, and the rear portion of the upper rail 30 is inserted into the inner space of the lower rail 21 (see FIG. 6). Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the left and right flanges 39 at the rear portion of the upper rail 30 are positioned in the inner space of the lower rail 21, and the left and right upper inclined portions 36 at the rear side are the outer wall portion 23, the upper end constituting portion 24, and the inner wall portion 25. It is located in the space surrounded by. At this time (when the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 30 are in a free state), the distance between the upper inclined portion 36 facing the connecting portion (curved corner portion) of the inner wall portion 25 and the upper end constituting portion 24 (of the first gap S1). Dimension) is smaller than the diameter of the first ball 54. On the other hand, the distance (the dimension of the second gap S <b> 2) between the lower end constituting portion 33 facing the connecting portion (curved corner portion) between the bottom wall 22 and the outer wall portion 23 is smaller than the diameter of the second ball 59.

  When the upper rail jig 61 is raised to the upper limit position by the power of the actuator as shown in FIG. 7 in this state, the upper rail 30 moves upward relative to the lower rail 21 as shown by the solid line in FIG. . As a result, the vertical distance (the vertical dimension of the first gap S1) between the upper inclined portion 36 facing the connecting portion (curved corner) of the upper end constituting portion 24 and the inner wall portion 25 is larger than the state of FIG. On the other hand, the vertical distance (the vertical dimension of the second gap S2) between the lower end constituting portion 33 facing the connecting portion (curved corner portion) of the left and right bottom walls 22 and the outer wall portion 23 is shown in FIG. It becomes smaller than the state.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the pressing means 68 located at the initial position is moved to the pressing position by the power of the actuator, and the width of the lower rail 21 is increased from each pressing means 68 to the left and right flanges 26 of the lower rail 21. An external force (first external force) in the direction of narrowing is applied. Then, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 8B, the left and right flanges 26 of the lower rail 21 are elastically deformed so as to approach each other, so that the space between the left and right inner wall portions 25 of the lower rail 21 and the left and right upper inclined portions 36 of the upper rail 30 is increased. The distance in the left-right direction (the dimension in the left-right direction of the first gap S1) is larger than the state shown in FIG. As a result, the distance (the dimension of the first gap S1) between the left and right upper end constituent portions 24 and the upper inclined portion 36 facing the connecting portion (curved corner portion) of the inner wall portion 25 is larger than the diameter of the first ball 54. Become.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9, the left and right support member stoppers 23 a of the lower rail 21 are brought into contact with the rear end surfaces of the pair of left and right first support members 70 that are long members extending in the front-rear direction. The first ball units 50 are respectively placed on the upper surface of one support member 70. Then, the left and right first ball units 50 (first ball guides 51) overlap with the left and right first gaps S1 in the front-rear direction when viewed from the front. Further, at this time, as shown in FIG. 9A, the two first balls 54 positioned rearward are positioned rearward of the central upper inclined portion 37 and the two first balls 54 positioned forward are inclined centrally upward. It is located ahead of the part 37.

From this state, as shown in FIG. 10, the rear end portion of the first push rod 71 (ball guide insertion means) extending in the pair of left and right front and rear directions is the front end surface of the left and right first ball units 50 (first ball guide 51). The first push rod 71 is moved rearward relative to the lower rail 21 while the upper rail jig 61 and the upper rail 30 are linearly moved rearward by the power of the actuator. Then, the left and right first ball units 50 enter the left and right first gaps S1. As described above, the distance (the dimension of the first gap S 1) between the left and right upper end constituent portions 24 and the upper inclined portion 36 facing the connecting portion (curved corner portion) of the inner wall portion 25 is larger than the diameter of the first ball 54. Since it is large, as shown in FIG. 10B, a clearance is formed between the upper inclined portion 36 facing the first ball 54 of the first ball unit 50 that has entered the left and right first gaps S1. . Therefore, at this time, the left and right first ball units 50 (the first ball guide 51 and the first ball 54) can be smoothly inserted into the left and right first gaps S1, and the left and right first ball guides 51 There is little risk of buckling or breaking.
In the assembly step shown in FIG. 9, all the first balls 54 of the first ball unit 50 are positioned in front of the center upper inclined portion 37, and from this state, the left and right first ball units 50 (first ball guide 51 and When the first ball 54) is inserted into the left and right first gaps S1, the first ball 54 supported on the rear portion of the first ball guide 51 is closer to the inner wall 32 side facing the upper inclined portion 36. The two first balls 54 supported on the rear part of the first ball guide 51 cannot be moved to the rear of the central upper inclined part 37 because they interfere with the front end surface of the central upper inclined part 37 (located). However, in the present embodiment, in the assembling step shown in FIG. 9, the two first balls 54 positioned rearward are positioned rearward of the central upper inclined portion 37 and the two first balls 54 positioned forward are positioned in the central upper inclined portion 37. Since it is positioned further forward, such a problem does not occur.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11, the upper rail jig 61 is lowered to the lower limit position below the initial position using the power of the actuator, and the ceiling portion 31 is separated downward from the bottom wall 22. Then, before the upper rail jig 61 reaches the lower limit position, each of the first balls 54 is sandwiched by the connecting portion (curved corner) of the upper end component 24, the inner wall 25 and the upper inclined portion 36 from above and below. Is done. When the upper rail jig 61 moves beyond the position to the lower limit position, the entire left and right flanges 39 of the upper rail 30 are elastically deformed by an external force (second external force) applied from the upper rail jig 61 to the upper rail 30 (FIG. 11). (Refer to the solid line in (b)), the left and right lower end constituting portions 33 are relatively moved downward from the bottom wall 22 of the lower rail 21. As a result, the distance (the dimension of the second gap S2) between the lower end constituting portion 33 facing the connecting portion (curved corner portion) of the left and right bottom walls 22 and the outer wall portion 23 is larger than the diameter of the second ball 59. . Furthermore, when the external force (second external force) is applied to the lower rail 21 via the first ball 54, the left and right flanges 26 (outer wall portion 23) of the lower rail 21 are spaced apart from the left and right pressing means 68 positioned at the pressing position. To do.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 12, the rear end surface of the second support member 73, which is a long member extending in the front-rear direction, is brought into contact with the front end surface of the upper rail 30. Further, the left and right second ball units 55 are second supported while the second balls 59 are placed in a pair of left and right ball support grooves 73a linearly extending in the front-rear direction formed over the entire length of the upper surface of the second support member 73. Place on top of member 73. Then, the left and right second ball units 55 (second ball guides 56) overlap the left and right second gaps S2 in the front-rear direction when viewed from the front.

  From this state, as shown in FIG. 13, the rear end of the second push rod 74 (ball guide insertion means) extending in the pair of left and right front and rear directions is the front end surface of the left and right second ball units 55 (second ball guide 56). Then, the second push rod 74 is moved rearward relative to the lower rail 21. Then, the left and right second ball units 55 enter the left and right second gaps S2. As described above, the distance (dimension of the second gap S2) between the lower end constituting portion 33 facing the connecting portion (curved corner portion) of the left and right bottom walls 22 and the outer wall portion 23 is larger than the diameter of the second ball 59. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), the connecting portion (curved corner) of the bottom wall 22 and the outer wall portion 23 facing the second ball 59 of the second ball unit 55 that has entered the left and right second gap S2. Part)). Therefore, at this time, it is possible to smoothly insert the left and right second ball units 55 (second ball guide 56 and second ball 59) into the left and right second gaps S2. There is little risk of buckling or breaking.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 14, the left and right pressing means 68 are moved back to the initial position using the power of the actuator, and the upper rail jig 61 is raised to the initial position.
Then, the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 30 are elastically restored to a state close to the free state (since the first balls 54 and the second balls 59 are in pressure contact, the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 30 are slightly elastically deformed from the free state. ) As a result, each first ball 54 is sandwiched between the connection portion (curved corner) between the upper end component 24 and the inner wall portion 25 and the upper inclined portion 36 (each first ball 54 is connected to the upper end component 24 and the inner wall portion 25. The second ball 59 is sandwiched by the lower end configuration portion 33 facing the connection portion (curved corner portion) of the bottom wall 22 and the outer wall portion 23. (Each second ball 59 is in press contact with the connecting portion of the bottom wall 22 and the outer wall portion 23 and the lower end constituting portion 33 so as to be rotatable).
Thereafter, if the lower rail 21 is separated from the lower rail jig 65 and the upper rail 30 is separated from the upper rail jig 61, the upper rail 30, the lock release lever 40, the lock spring 45, the first ball unit 50, The mounting operation of the second ball unit 55 on the lower rail 21 is completed.

The present invention described above is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications.
For example, the cross-sectional shapes of the lower rail 21 and the upper rail 30 are reversed (the upper rail having the same shape as the lower rail 21 is a modified upper rail 30 that is not illustrated, and the lower rail having the same shape as the upper rail 30 is not illustrated. The left and right flanges (flange corresponding to the flange 26 in the above embodiment) of the deformed upper rail 30 (the rail corresponding to the lower rail 21 in the above embodiment) supported by the lower rail jig 65 are pressed on the left and right pressing means 68. Left and right flanges of the deformed lower rail 21 (the flanges of the above embodiment) by lowering the upper rail jig 61 supporting the deformed lower rail 21 (the rail corresponding to the upper rail 30 of the above embodiment) to the lower limit position. Flange corresponding to 39) Then, the first ball unit 50 and the second ball unit 55 are made to correspond to the first gap S1 (the portion corresponding to the connecting portion between the upper end constituting portion 24 and the inner wall portion 25 of the above embodiment and the upper inclined portion 36). Between the portion corresponding to the connecting portion between the bottom wall 22 and the flange 26 in the above embodiment and the portion corresponding to the lower end constituting portion 33 in the above embodiment. You may insert in the clearance gap formed.

  Further, a gap larger than the diameter of each ball is formed between the lower rail and the upper rail by applying an external force to at least one of the lower rail and the upper rail and elastically deforming the rail in a manner different from the embodiment and the modified example. Each ball unit (a plurality of balls and a ball guide that rotatably supports the plurality of balls) may be inserted into each gap and then the external force may be lost so that the balls are pressed against the lower rail and the upper rail in a rotatable manner. .

  A ball guide that rotatably supports the first ball 54 and the second ball 59 instead of the first ball guide 51 and the second ball guide 56 that respectively support the first ball 54 and the second ball 59 that are separated in the front-rear direction. May be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Slide seat apparatus 15 Slide rail unit 20 Slide rail 21 Lower rail 22 Bottom wall 23 Outer wall part 23a Stopper 24 for support members Upper end structure part 25 Inner wall part 25a Lock groove 26 Flange (lower side flange)
30 Upper rail 31 Ceiling part 31a Jig hole 32 Inner wall part 32a Rear spring locking piece 32b Front spring locking piece 32c Lock part insertion hole 33 Lower end constituting part 34 Rising wall part 35 Lower inclined part 36 Upper inclined part 37 Center upper inclined part 38 Lock part through hole 39 Flange (upper side flange)
40 Lock release lever 41 Spring hook groove 42 Rotating contact convex portion 43 Spring pressing piece 45 Lock spring 46 Lock portion 47 Front end locking piece 48 Rear end locking portion 50 First ball unit 51 First ball guide (ball guide)
52 Ball holding hole 54 First ball (ball)
55 Second ball unit 56 Second ball guide (ball guide)
57 Ball holding hole 59 Second ball (ball)
60 Assembling apparatus 61 Upper rail jig (horizontal movement means) (external force applying means) (external force disappearing means)
62 Base member 63 Lifting prevention member 63a Lifting prevention claw 64 Lower support member 64a Engaging projection 65 Lower rail jig 66 Drop prevention member 66a Falling prevention claw 68 Pressing means (external force applying means) (external force disappearing means)
70 First support member 71 First push rod (ball guide insertion means)
73 Second support member 73a Ball support groove 74 Second push rod (ball guide insertion means)
S1 First gap S2 Second gap

Claims (8)

A rail assembling step for assembling a lower rail extending along a straight line and having a channel shape and an upper rail extending along the straight line and having a channel shape so as to be relatively slidable in the linear direction;
By applying an external force to at least one of the lower rail and the upper rail to cause elastic deformation, a gap that is formed between the lower rail and the upper rail and is smaller than the diameter of the ball when the lower rail and the upper rail are in a free state is formed. An external force application step for making the diameter larger
A ball guide that rotatably supports the plurality of balls is inserted between the lower rail and the upper rail, a ball guide insertion step for inserting the ball into the gap, and the external force is eliminated, and the ball is inserted into the lower rail and the lower rail. An external force disappearing step that presses against the upper rail so as to be rotatable relative to the upper rail;
A method for assembling a slide rail for a vehicle. In the assembly method of the slide rail for vehicles according to claim 1,
The lower rail has a bottom wall, and a pair of lower flanges extending from both sides of the bottom wall and constituting a side portion of the lower rail,
The upper rail has a ceiling part, and a pair of upper side flanges extending from both side parts of the ceiling part and constituting a side part of the upper rail,
The ball has a first ball;
The ball guide has a first ball guide that supports the plurality of first balls in a relatively rotatable manner,
The gap is formed between the pair of lower flanges and the pair of upper flanges, and has a pair of first gaps smaller than the diameter of the first ball when the lower rail and the upper rail are in a free state. And
The rail assembling step includes a step of positioning one of the pair of lower flanges and the pair of upper flanges inside the other and making the bottom wall and the ceiling portion face each other,
The external force applying step applies a first external force in a direction of narrowing the width of the other rail to the other of the pair of lower flanges and the pair of upper flanges, Including a first external force applying step of making the diameter larger than the diameter of the first ball,
An assembly method of a vehicle slide rail, wherein the ball guide insertion step includes a step of inserting the first ball guide between the lower rail and the upper rail and inserting the first ball into the first gap. The method of assembling a vehicle slide rail according to claim 2,
The ball has a second ball different from the first ball;
The ball guide has a second ball guide different from the first ball guide, which supports the plurality of second balls in a relatively rotatable manner,
The gap is formed between the bottom wall and the connecting portion of the lower flange and the upper flange or between the ceiling and the connecting portion of the upper flange and the lower flange, and the lower rail and When the upper rail is in a free state, it has a pair of second gaps smaller than the diameter of the second ball,
In the external force applying step, by applying a second external force to the one rail while the first external force is applied, the upper side flange is moved while moving the bottom wall and the ceiling portion away from each other. Alternatively, a second external force that elastically deforms the lower flange and makes the second gap larger than the diameter of the second ball while holding the first ball between the pair of lower flange and the pair of upper flange. Including granting steps,
The vehicle slide rail assembly method, wherein the ball guide insertion step includes a step of inserting the second ball guide between the lower rail and the upper rail and inserting the second ball into the second gap. In the assembly method of the slide rail for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The ball guide is a long member extending in the linear direction;
A method of assembling a vehicle slide rail in which the ball is rotatably supported at the front and rear portions of the ball guide. By relatively moving the lower rail extending along the straight line and forming the channel shape and the upper rail extending along the straight line and forming the channel shape in the linear direction, the lower rail and the upper rail slide relative to each other in the linear direction. Horizontal moving means to be assembled,
By applying an external force to at least one of the lower rail and the upper rail to cause elastic deformation, a gap that is formed between the lower rail and the upper rail and is smaller than the diameter of the ball when the lower rail and the upper rail are in a free state is formed. An external force imparting means larger than the diameter;
A ball guide insertion means for inserting a ball guide rotatably supporting the plurality of balls between the lower rail and the upper rail, and inserting the balls into the gap;
An external force disappearing means that dissipates the external force and presses the ball against the lower rail and the upper rail so as to be relatively rotatable.
An assembly device for a slide rail for a vehicle, comprising: The vehicle slide rail assembly apparatus according to claim 5,
The lower rail has a bottom wall, and a pair of lower flanges extending from both sides of the bottom wall and constituting a side portion of the lower rail,
The upper rail has a ceiling part, and a pair of upper side flanges extending from both side parts of the ceiling part and constituting a side part of the upper rail,
The ball has a first ball;
The ball guide has a first ball guide that supports the plurality of first balls in a relatively rotatable manner,
The gap is formed between the pair of lower flanges and the pair of upper flanges, and has a pair of first gaps smaller than the diameter of the first ball when the lower rail and the upper rail are in a free state. And
In the state in which one of the pair of the lower flange and the pair of the upper flange is positioned inside the other, and the bottom wall and the ceiling portion are opposed to each other, the horizontal moving means moves the lower rail and the upper rail relative to each other. Assembling slidably,
The external force applying means applies a first external force in a direction of narrowing the width of the other rail to the other of the pair of lower flanges and the pair of upper flanges, and the pair of first gaps is Larger than the diameter of the first ball,
An assembly apparatus for a vehicle slide rail, wherein the ball guide insertion means inserts the first ball guide between the lower rail and the upper rail and inserts the first ball into the first gap. The vehicle slide rail assembly apparatus according to claim 6,
The ball has a second ball different from the first ball;
The ball guide has a second ball guide different from the first ball guide, which supports the plurality of second balls in a relatively rotatable manner,
The gap is formed between the bottom wall and the connecting portion of the lower flange and the upper flange or between the ceiling and the connecting portion of the upper flange and the lower flange, and the lower rail and When the upper rail is in a free state, it has a pair of second gaps smaller than the diameter of the second ball,
The upper side flange applies the second external force to the one rail while applying the first external force while the external force applying means moves the bottom wall and the ceiling portion in a direction away from each other. Alternatively, the lower flange is elastically deformed, and the second gap is made larger than the diameter of the second ball while the first ball is held between the pair of lower flange and the pair of upper flange,
An assembly apparatus for a vehicle slide rail, wherein the ball guide insertion means inserts the second ball guide between the lower rail and the upper rail and inserts the second ball into the second gap. In the assembly apparatus of the slide rail for vehicles of any one of Claim 5 to 7,
The ball guide is a long member extending in the linear direction;
An assembly apparatus for a vehicle slide rail, wherein the ball is rotatably supported at a front portion and a rear portion of the ball guide.

Images