Electric slide rail and method for manufacturing electric slide rail

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an electric slide rail which facilitates attachment / detachment of a wire harness, and a method for manufacturing the electric slide rail. [Solution] An electric slide rail 3 comprises: a rail 10 extending in a first direction; a slider 11 slidably supported on the rail; a drive mechanism 13 that is provided to the slider and that slides the slider with respect to the rail; an electric motor 14 that is provided to the slider and that provides a drive force to the drive mechanism; a first wire harness 33 that connects a power source 31 and the electric motor; and a connection unit 34 that detachably connects the electric motor and the first wire harness. The first wire harness has a first connector 35 that is detachably connected to the connection unit. The connection unit is disposed at the end of the slider in the first direction.

Description

Electric slide rail and method of manufacturing the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric slide rail and a method for manufacturing the electric slide rail.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric slide rail including a rail, a slider slidably supported on the rail, a screw member rotatably supported on the slider, and an electric motor supported on the slider for rotating the screw member. The screw member engages with a plurality of engagement holes arranged in a row on the rail. As the screw member rotates, the engagement hole with which the screw member engages changes, causing the slider to move relative to the rail.

[0003] International Publication No. WO2020 / 141600

[0004] The electric motor is connected to a power source by a wire harness, but with the slider attached to the rail, it is difficult to attach and detach the wire harness to and from the electric motor.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide an electric slide rail that allows easy attachment and detachment of a wire harness, and a method for manufacturing the electric slide rail that allows easy attachment and detachment of a wire harness.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is an electric slide rail (3) comprising: a rail (10) extending in a first direction; a slider (11) slidably supported on the rail; a drive mechanism (13) provided on the slider for sliding the slider relative to the rail; an electric motor (14) provided on the slider for applying a driving force to the drive mechanism; a first wire harness (33) connecting a power source (31) and the electric motor; and a connection unit (34) for detachably connecting the electric motor and the first wire harness, wherein the first wire harness has a first connector (35) detachably connected to the connection unit, and the connection unit is disposed at an end of the slider in the first direction.

[0007] According to this aspect, the electric motor and the first wire harness can be connected by connecting the first wire harness to the connection unit. Because the connection unit is provided at the end of the slider in the first direction, the first wire harness can be easily connected even when the slider is supported by the rail. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electric slide rail that allows easy attachment and detachment of the wire harness.

[0008] In the above aspect, the connection unit may have a bracket (37) coupled to the end of the slider in the first direction, and a second connector (38) supported by the bracket and detachably connected to the first connector.

[0009] According to this aspect, the second connector can be fixed to the end of the slider.

[0010] In the above aspect, the electric motor may have a motor case (14A) that rotatably houses a rotor and a third connector (41) provided on the motor case, and the connection unit may have a flexible connection member (39) extending from the second connector and a fourth connector (42) provided on the connection member and detachably connected to the third connector.

[0011] According to this aspect, the work of connecting the electric motor and the connection unit can be facilitated.

[0012] In the above aspect, the second connector may have a portion that protrudes from the slider in the first direction.

[0013] According to this aspect, the operation of connecting the first connector and the second connector can be facilitated.

[0014] In the above aspect, the first connector may be provided with a sixth connector (46) that is detachably connected to a fifth connector (45) provided at the end of a second wire harness (44) that connects to another electrical device.

[0015] According to this aspect, the first connector can be used to connect another electrical device to the first wire harness.

[0016] In the above aspect, the axis of the first connector and the axis of the sixth connector may extend in directions perpendicular to each other.

[0017] According to this aspect, the operation of connecting the fifth connector and the sixth connector can be facilitated.

[0018] In the above aspect, the bracket and the second connector may be integrally formed.

[0019] According to this aspect, the bracket and the second connector are integrated, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0020] In the above aspect, the slider may be provided with a backlash suppressing member (61) that is in sliding contact with the rail, and the front end of the connection unit may be disposed forward of the rear end of the backlash suppressing member.

[0021] According to this aspect, the rattle suppressing member can be disposed near the end of the slider, thereby suppressing rattle with respect to the rail.

[0022] In the above aspect, the slider may have a grooved portion (11F) extending in the first direction, the electric motor and the connecting member may be arranged inside the grooved portion, and the bracket may be provided at the end of the grooved portion in the first direction.

[0023] According to this aspect, the electric motor and the connection unit can be arranged with good space efficiency.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention is a manufacturing method for an electric slide rail (3) having a rail (10) and a slider (11), comprising the steps of: attaching to the slider a drive mechanism (13) that slides the slider relative to the rail and an electric motor (14) that provides driving force to the drive mechanism; coupling a connection unit (34) to the slider and connecting the connection unit to the electric motor; supporting the slider so that it can slide on the rail; and connecting a first wire harness (33) connected to a power source (31) to the connection unit.

[0025] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a manufacturing method for an electric slide rail that allows easy attachment and detachment of a wire harness.

[0026] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2017-154738 discloses a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat has a seatback frame that constitutes the seatback. The seatback frame has left and right seatback side members that extend vertically, an upper member that extends horizontally and is connected to the upper ends of the left and right seatback side members, and a lower member that extends horizontally and is connected to the lower parts of the left and right seatback side members. The right seatback side member is formed by welding two channel-shaped steel plates and has a closed cross-sectional structure. The closed cross-sectional structure improves the rigidity of the right seatback side member.

[0027] The seat back is supported on the floor via the seat cushion and slide rails, so the position of the seat back relative to the slide rails has a significant effect on the stability of the seat.

[0028] In view of the above background, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to improve the stability of a vehicle seat. Another object of another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat with improved stability.

[0029] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (101) that is provided on a floor (102) and has left and right lower rails (103) extending in the front-rear direction, left and right upper rails (104) slidably supported on the lower rails, respectively, and a seat body (105) supported on each of the upper rails, and the seat body has a seat cushion (115) that supports the buttocks of a user, and a seat back (116) that extends upward from the seat cushion and supports the back of the user. The seat back has a seat back frame (131) forming a skeleton, and the seat back frame has left and right seat back side members (141A, 141B) extending vertically, one of the left and right seat back side members is a first seat back side member (141A) having a closed cross-sectional structure formed by a plurality of metal plates welded to each other, and when viewed from above, the first seat back side member is disposed between the right edge and the left edge of one of the lower rails.

[0030] According to this aspect, since the first seat back frame having a closed cross-sectional structure is disposed on the lower rail, a moment is less likely to be applied to the seat back, improving the stability of the seat.

[0031] In the above aspect, the seat cushion has a seat cushion frame (121) that forms a skeleton, and the seat cushion frame has left and right seat cushion side members (125A, 125B) that extend in the front-to-rear direction, one of the left and right seat cushion side members is a first seat cushion side member (125A) that is rotatably connected to the first seatback side member at its rear end, and when viewed from above, the first seat cushion side member may be arranged along the outer edges in the left-to-right direction of the corresponding lower rails on the left and right.

[0032] According to this aspect, the load path that transmits the load from the seat back to the floor via the seat cushion is linear, thereby improving the stability of the seat.

[0033] In the above aspect, a belt guide (162) through which a seat belt (161) passes may be provided at the upper end of the first seatback side member, and at least a portion of the belt guide may be positioned between one right edge and one left edge of the lower rail when viewed from above.

[0034] According to this aspect, the load applied from the seat belt to the belt guide is transmitted to the floor via the first seatback side member, the first seat cushion side member, the upper member, and the lower member, thereby making the load path linear and improving the stability of the seat.

[0035] In the above aspect, the first seatback side member may be provided with a belt retractor (163) that retracts the seat belt.

[0036] According to this aspect, the load applied to the belt retractor is transmitted to the first seatback side member.

[0037] In the above aspect, the seat cushion frame may have a front member (126) extending left and right and connected to the front portions of the left and right seat cushion side members, and the front member may be formed in a plate shape with its surface facing up and down, and when viewed from above, the left and right side edges of the front member may overlap with the left and right lower rails.

[0038] According to this aspect, a moment is less likely to be generated in the seat cushion in response to a load applied to the seat cushion by a user seated on the seat.

[0039] In the above aspect, a plate-shaped ottoman (171) is rotatably supported on the seat cushion frame, and when viewed from above, the left and right side edges of the ottoman may be positioned between the left edge of the left lower rail and the right edge of the right lower rail.

[0040] According to this aspect, a moment is less likely to be generated in the seat cushion in response to a load applied to the ottoman, and the ottoman can be made larger.

[0041] In the above aspect, the left and right seat cushion side members may have second seat cushion side members (125B) different from the first seat cushion side members, the second seat cushion side members having side wall portions (181) extending upward and with surfaces facing left and right, a table (182) being rotatably supported on the side wall portions, and a storage recess (183) for storing the table being provided in the side wall portions, and the side wall portions may be positioned inward in the left-right direction of the outer edge of the lower rail corresponding to the second seat cushion side member when viewed from above.

[0042] According to this aspect, a moment is less likely to be generated in the seat cushion due to a load applied to the table and the side wall portion.

[0043] In the above aspect, the side wall portion may be disposed along the outer edge in the left-right direction of the lower rail corresponding to the second seat cushion side member in the left-right direction when viewed from above.

[0044] According to this aspect, the seat cushion can be increased in size while suppressing the moment acting on the seat cushion.

[0045] In the above aspect, a wire harness supplying device (191) that accommodates a wire harness connected to a power source may be provided at an end of the lower rail that corresponds to the first seatback side member in the left-right direction, and the wire harness may extend from the wire harness supplying device through the lower rail to the upper rail.

[0046] According to this aspect, the wire harness can be disposed inside the lower rail.

[0047] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat, the method comprising the steps of attaching left and right lower rails (103) that slidably support left and right upper rails (104), respectively, to a floor (102); and attaching a seat body (105) to the left and right upper rails, wherein the seat body includes a seat cushion (115) that supports a user's buttocks and a seat back (116) that extends upward from the seat cushion and supports the user's back, the seat back having a seat back frame (131) that forms a skeleton, and the seat back frame has left and right seat back side members (141A, 141B) that extend vertically, one of the left and right seat back side members being a first seat back side member (141A) that has a closed cross-sectional structure formed by a plurality of steel plates welded to each other, and the first seat back side member may be disposed between a right edge and a left edge of one of the lower rails when viewed from above.

[0048] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat with improved stability.

[0049] One aspect of the present invention is an electric slide rail (3) comprising: a rail (10) extending in a first direction; a slider (11) supported on the rail so as to be slidable; a drive mechanism (13) provided on the slider and causing the slider to slide relative to the rail; an electric motor (14) provided on the slider and providing driving force to the drive mechanism; a first wire harness (33) connecting a power source (31) and the electric motor; and a connection unit (34) detachably connecting the electric motor and the first wire harness, wherein the first wire harness has a first connector (35) detachably connected to the connection unit, and the connection unit is disposed at an end of the slider in the first direction.

[0050] According to this aspect, the electric motor and the first wire harness can be connected by connecting the first wire harness to the connection unit. Because the connection unit is provided at the end of the slider in the first direction, the first wire harness can be easily connected even when the slider is supported by the rail. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electric slide rail that allows easy attachment and detachment of the wire harness.

[0051] In the above aspect, the connection unit may have a bracket (37) coupled to the end of the slider in the first direction, and a second connector (38) supported by the bracket and detachably connected to the first connector.

[0052] According to this aspect, the second connector can be fixed to the end of the slider.

[0053] In the above aspect, the electric motor may have a motor case (14A) that rotatably houses a rotor and a third connector (41) provided on the motor case, and the connection unit may have a flexible connection member (39) extending from the second connector and a fourth connector (42) provided on the connection member and detachably connected to the third connector.

[0054] According to this aspect, the work of connecting the electric motor and the connection unit can be facilitated.

[0055] In the above aspect, the second connector may have a portion that protrudes from the slider in the first direction.

[0056] According to this aspect, the operation of connecting the first connector and the second connector can be facilitated.

[0057] In the above aspect, the first connector may be provided with a sixth connector (46) that is detachably connected to a fifth connector (45) provided at the end of a second wire harness (44) that connects to another electrical device.

[0058] According to this aspect, the first connector can be used to connect another electrical device to the first wire harness.

[0059] In the above aspect, the axis of the first connector and the axis of the sixth connector may extend in directions perpendicular to each other.

[0060] According to this aspect, the operation of connecting the fifth connector and the sixth connector can be facilitated.

[0061] In the above aspect, the bracket and the second connector may be integrally formed.

[0062] According to this aspect, the bracket and the second connector are integrated, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0063] In the above aspect, the slider may be provided with a backlash suppressing member (61) that is in sliding contact with the rail, and the front end of the connection unit may be disposed forward of the rear end of the backlash suppressing member.

[0064] According to this aspect, the rattle suppressing member can be disposed near the end of the slider, thereby suppressing rattle with respect to the rail.

[0065] In the above aspect, the slider may have a grooved portion (11F) extending in the first direction, the electric motor and the connecting member may be arranged inside the grooved portion, and the bracket may be provided at an end of the grooved portion in the first direction.

[0066] According to this aspect, the electric motor and the connection unit can be arranged with good space efficiency.

[0067] Another aspect of the present invention is a manufacturing method for an electric slide rail (3) having a rail (10) and a slider (11), comprising the steps of: attaching to the slider a drive mechanism (13) that slides the slider relative to the rail and an electric motor (14) that provides driving force to the drive mechanism; coupling a connection unit (34) to the slider and connecting the connection unit to the electric motor; supporting the slider so that it can slide on the rail; and connecting a first wire harness (33) connected to a power source (31) to the connection unit.

[0068] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a manufacturing method for an electric slide rail that allows easy attachment and detachment of a wire harness.

[0069] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (101) that is provided on a floor (102) and has left and right lower rails (103) extending in the front-rear direction, left and right upper rails (104) slidably supported on the lower rails, respectively, and a seat body (105) supported on each of the upper rails, and the seat body has a seat cushion (115) that supports the buttocks of a user, and a seat back (116) that extends upward from the seat cushion and supports the back of the user. The seat back has a seat back frame (131) forming a skeleton, and the seat back frame has left and right seat back side members (141A, 141B) extending vertically, one of the left and right seat back side members is a first seat back side member (141A) having a closed cross-sectional structure formed by a plurality of metal plates welded to each other, and when viewed from above, the first seat back side member is disposed between the right edge and the left edge of one of the lower rails.

[0070] According to this aspect, since the first seat back frame having a closed cross-sectional structure is disposed on the lower rail, a moment is less likely to be applied to the seat back, improving the stability of the seat.

[0071] In the above aspect, the seat cushion has a seat cushion frame (121) that forms a skeleton, and the seat cushion frame has left and right seat cushion side members (125A, 125B) that extend in the front-to-rear direction, one of the left and right seat cushion side members is a first seat cushion side member (125A) that is rotatably connected to the first seatback side member at its rear end, and when viewed from above, the first seat cushion side member may be arranged along the outer edges in the left-to-right direction of the corresponding lower rails on the left and right.

[0072] According to this aspect, the load path that transmits the load from the seat back to the floor via the seat cushion is linear, thereby improving the stability of the seat.

[0073] In the above aspect, a belt guide (162) through which a seat belt (161) passes may be provided at the upper end of the first seatback side member, and at least a portion of the belt guide may be positioned between one right edge and one left edge of the lower rail when viewed from above.

[0074] According to this aspect, the load applied from the seat belt to the belt guide is transmitted to the floor via the first seatback side member, the first seat cushion side member, the upper member, and the lower member, thereby making the load path linear and improving the stability of the seat.

[0075] In the above aspect, the first seatback side member may be provided with a belt retractor (163) that retracts the seat belt.

[0076] According to this aspect, the load applied to the belt retractor is transmitted to the first seatback side member.

[0077] In the above aspect, the seat cushion frame may have a front member (126) extending left and right and connected to the front portions of the left and right seat cushion side members, and the front member may be formed in a plate shape with its surface facing up and down, and when viewed from above, the left and right side edges of the front member may overlap with the left and right lower rails.

[0078] According to this aspect, a moment is less likely to be generated in the seat cushion in response to a load applied to the seat cushion by a user seated on the seat.

[0079] In the above aspect, a plate-shaped ottoman (171) is rotatably supported on the seat cushion frame, and when viewed from above, the left and right side edges of the ottoman may be positioned between the left edge of the left lower rail and the right edge of the right lower rail.

[0080] According to this aspect, a moment is less likely to be generated in the seat cushion in response to a load applied to the ottoman, and the ottoman can be made larger.

[0081] In the above aspect, the left and right seat cushion side members may have second seat cushion side members (125B) different from the first seat cushion side members, the second seat cushion side members having side wall portions (181) extending upward and with surfaces facing left and right, a table (182) being rotatably supported on the side wall portions, and a storage recess (183) for storing the table being provided in the side wall portions, and the side wall portions may be positioned inward in the left-right direction of the outer edge of the lower rail corresponding to the second seat cushion side member when viewed from above.

[0082] According to this aspect, a moment is less likely to be generated in the seat cushion due to a load applied to the table and the side wall portion.

[0083] In the above aspect, the side wall portion may be disposed along the outer edge in the left-right direction of the lower rail corresponding to the second seat cushion side member in the left-right direction when viewed from above.

[0084] According to this aspect, the seat cushion can be increased in size while suppressing the moment acting on the seat cushion.

[0085] In the above aspect, a wire harness supplying device (191) that accommodates a wire harness connected to a power source may be provided at an end of the lower rail that corresponds to the first seatback side member in the left-right direction, and the wire harness may extend from the wire harness supplying device through the lower rail to the upper rail.

[0086] According to this aspect, the wire harness can be disposed inside the lower rail.

[0087] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat, the method comprising the steps of attaching left and right lower rails (103) that slidably support left and right upper rails (104), respectively, to a floor (102); and attaching a seat body (105) to the left and right upper rails, wherein the seat body includes a seat cushion (115) that supports a user's buttocks and a seat back (116) that extends upward from the seat cushion and supports the user's back, the seat back having a seat back frame (131) that forms a skeleton, and the seat back frame has left and right seat back side members (141A, 141B) that extend vertically, one of the left and right seat back side members being a first seat back side member (141A) that has a closed cross-sectional structure formed by a plurality of steel plates welded to each other, and the first seat back side member may be disposed between a right edge and a left edge of one of the lower rails when viewed from above.

[0088] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat with improved stability.

[0089] FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a seat equipped with an electric slide rail according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a seat equipped with left and right electric slide rails; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electric slide rail; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electric slide rail; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the slider with a portion cut away; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the rear end of the electric slide rail; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rear end of the electric slide rail;

[0090] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiment, an electric slide rail is provided between a floor and a seat of a vehicle, and moves the seat relative to the floor.

[0091] 1 and 2 , a vehicle seat 1 has a seat body 2 and left and right electric slide rails 3 provided on the lower part of the seat body 2. The seat body 2 has a seat cushion 5 that supports the buttocks of an occupant, and a seat back 6 that extends upward from the rear of the seat cushion 5 and supports the back of the occupant. The left and right electric slide rails 3 are provided between a floor 7 and the seat cushion 5 and support the seat cushion 5 so that it can slide relative to the floor 7.

[0092] 2 and 3 , each electric slide rail 3 has a rail 10 extending in the front-rear direction (first direction) and a slider 11 slidably supported on the rail 10. In other embodiments, the rail 10 may extend in the left-right direction. The slider 11 is provided above the rail 10. The rail 10 may also be referred to as a lower rail, and the slider 11 may also be referred to as an upper rail.

[0093] 3 and 4, each rail 10 has a groove-shaped cross section. Specifically, each rail 10 has a rail bottom wall 10A with faces facing up and down, left and right rail outer walls 10B extending upward from left and right edges of the rail bottom wall 10A with faces facing left and right, left and right rail upper walls 10C extending toward each other from the upper ends of the left and right rail outer walls 10B with faces facing up and down, and left and right rail inner walls 10D extending downward from the inner ends of the left and right rail upper walls 10C with faces facing left and right.

[0094] The rail bottom wall 10A, left and right rail outer walls 10B, left and right rail upper walls 10C, and left and right rail inner walls 10D each extend forward and backward. The left and right rail outer walls 10B and the left and right rail inner walls 10D extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the rail bottom wall 10A. The lower ends of the left and right rail inner walls 10D are spaced apart from the rail bottom wall 10A. A rail opening 10E is provided at the top of the rail 10, opening vertically and extending forward and backward. The rail opening 10E is defined by the left and right rail inner walls 10D. The rail 10 is preferably formed by press-forming a metal plate.

[0095] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the slider 11 is disposed at the opening edge of the rail opening 10E and includes a plate-shaped base portion 11A with its surfaces facing up and down, left and right slider inner walls 11B extending downward from the left and right side edges of the base portion 11A toward the rail bottom wall 10A, left and right slider lower walls 11C extending outward to the left and right from the lower ends of the left and right slider inner walls 11B, respectively, and left and right slider outer walls 11D extending upward from the left and right outer ends of the left and right slider lower walls 11C. The base portion 11A, the left and right slider inner walls 11B, the left and right slider lower walls 11C, and the left and right slider outer walls 11D extend in the front-to-rear direction. The slider 11 may be formed by fastening together a plurality of press-formed or roll-formed metal plates.

[0096] The base portion 11A is preferably positioned higher than the left and right rail upper walls 10C. The left and right slider inner walls 11B face left and right and face each other at a distance. The left and right slider inner walls 11B are positioned between the left and right rail inner walls 10D. Each slider inner wall 11B faces its corresponding rail inner wall 10D across a gap. Each slider lower wall 11C extends left and right, passing between the lower end of the corresponding rail inner wall 10D and the rail bottom wall 10A. Each slider outer wall 11D is positioned between the corresponding rail outer wall 10B and rail inner wall 10D. A plurality of wheels 11E are rotatably supported on the outer surface of each slider outer wall 11D in the left-right direction. Each wheel 11E has a rotation axis that rotates left and right and is in contact with the rail bottom wall 10A. The slider 11 is able to smoothly slide along the rail 10 by contacting the rail 10 with the wheels 11E. With the above-described configuration, the slider 11 is received in the rail 10 and slidably engages with the rail 10.

[0097] The slider 11 has a groove 11F extending in the front-rear direction (first direction). The groove 11F is formed by a base 11A and left and right slider inner walls 11B. The groove 11F opens toward the rail bottom wall 10A, i.e., downward.

[0098] Each electric slide rail 3 has a drive mechanism 13 and an electric motor 14. The drive mechanism 13 is provided on the slider 11 and causes the slider 11 to slide relative to the rail 10. The electric motor 14 is provided on the slider 11 and provides a driving force to the drive mechanism 13. The drive mechanism 13 and the electric motor 14 are disposed inside the grooved portion 11F. The drive mechanism 13 and the electric motor 14 are coupled to the underside of the base portion 11A.

[0099] 5, the drive mechanism 13 has a gear case 16, two screw members 17 and a drive shaft 18 rotatably supported on the gear case 16, and a first mount 19 for connecting the gear case 16 to the slider 11. In another embodiment, the drive mechanism 13 may have a single screw member 17. Each screw member 17 has a screw thread on the outer circumferential surface of a middle portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0100] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the two screw members 17 and the drive shaft 18 each extend in the front-to-rear direction and are arranged parallel to each other in the gear case 16. The drive shaft 18 is connected to the two screw members 17 via gears. As a result, when the drive shaft 18 rotates, the two screw members 17 also rotate. Case openings 16A are formed on the left and right sides of the gear case 16. The two screw members 17 pass through the corresponding case openings 16A and protrude to the left and right sides of the gear case 16.

[0101] The electric motor 14 is disposed behind the drive mechanism 13. The electric motor 14 is coupled to the underside of the base portion 11A of the slider 11 by a second mount 21. The electric motor 14 has a motor case 14A that rotatably houses a rotor and an output shaft 14B coupled to the rotor. The motor case 14A is cylindrical and extends forward and rearward. The output shaft 14B extends forward from the front end of the motor case 14A. The rear end of the drive shaft 18 protrudes rearward from the gear case 16. The output shaft 14B of the electric motor 14 is connected to the rear end of the drive shaft 18. The output shaft 14B and the drive shaft 18 are preferably coupled by a coupling. The output shaft 14B of the electric motor 14 and the drive shaft 18 are arranged on the same straight line.

[0102] The drive mechanism 13, electric motor 14, first mount 19, and second mount 21 are disposed below the base portion 11A and between the left and right slider inner walls 11B. The left and right slider inner walls 11B have slider openings 25 at positions corresponding to the drive mechanism 13. The threads of the left and right screw members 17 pass through the corresponding slider openings 25 and protrude outward from the slider inner walls 11B.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 3 , each of the left and right rail inner walls 10D is formed with a threaded engagement portion 27 that engages with a corresponding screw member 17. The threaded engagement portion 27 includes a plurality of engagement holes 27A that are aligned in the front-to-rear direction. Each engagement hole 27A is a through-hole that penetrates the rail inner wall 10D in the thickness direction. Each screw member 17 engages with some of the plurality of engagement holes 27A. Each screw member 17 moves relative to the engagement hole 27A by rotating, changing the engagement hole 27A that it engages with.

[0104] The rotation of the electric motor 14 is transmitted to the left and right screw members 17 via the output shaft 14B and the drive shaft 18. As a result, the left and right screw members 17 rotate in the same direction. When the left and right screw members 17 rotate, the left and right screw members 17 move back and forth relative to the left and right screw engagement portions 27, and the slider 11 moves back and forth relative to the rail 10.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 1 , the electric slide rail 3 is connected to a power source 31 via a control device 30. The power source 31 is a battery installed in the vehicle. The control device 30 is an electronic control device having a processor and a memory communicatively connected to the processor. The processor may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) as a core. The memory may include at least one of a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory. The volatile memory may be, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). The nonvolatile memory may be a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, a magnetic disk storage device, or an optical disk storage device. At least a portion of the control device 30 may be implemented by hardware such as an LSI, an ASIC, or an FPGA, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor implements various applications by executing programs stored in the memory. The program may be stored in memory or in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and may be installed in memory by reading the storage medium into a reading device. The program may also be downloaded to memory and installed via a communication network such as the Internet. The control device 30 may be configured by a single piece of hardware, or may be configured by multiple pieces of hardware that can communicate with each other.

[0106] The control device 30 is provided on the floor 7 of the vehicle. The left electric slide rail 3 is connected to the control device 30 by a first wire harness 33 and a connection unit 34. The first wire harness 33 is an electric cable that transmits power and signals. The first wire harness 33 connects the power source 31 and the electric motor 14. The connection unit 34 detachably connects the electric motor 14 and the first wire harness 33.

[0107] One end of the first wire harness 33 is connected to the control device 30. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the other end of the first wire harness 33 has a first connector 35 that is detachably connected to the connection unit 34. The first connector 35 has metal contacts that enable electrical connection.

[0108] The connection unit 34 is disposed at an end of the slider 11 in the front-rear direction (first direction). In this embodiment, the connection unit 34 is provided at the rear end of the slider 11. The connection unit 34 is provided on each of the left and right sliders 11.

[0109] The connection unit 34 has a bracket 37 coupled to an end of the slider 11 in the front-to-rear direction (first direction), and a second connector 38 supported by the bracket 37 and detachably connected to the first connector 35. The connection unit 34 also has a flexible connection member 39 extending from the second connector 38. A third connector 41 is provided on the motor case 14A. The connection member 39 has a fourth connector 42 at its end that detachably connects to the third connector 41.

[0110] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the bracket 37 is provided at the rear end of the grooved portion 11F of the slider 11. The bracket 37 is coupled to the base portion 11A of the slider 11. The bracket 37 has a plate-shaped upper wall portion 37A and a plate-shaped vertical wall portion 37B extending downward from the rear end of the upper wall portion 37A. The upper wall portion 37A extends along the upper surface of the base portion 11A. The upper wall portion 37A is fastened to the base portion 11A with fastening members 43 such as screws. The vertical wall portion 37B is positioned rearward of the rear end of the base portion 11A. The vertical wall portion 37B is positioned so as to close the rear end of the grooved portion 11F of the slider 11. The vertical wall portion 37B may abut against the rear edges of the left and right slider inner walls 11B. A mating projection 37C projecting rearward is formed on the rear surface of the vertical wall portion 37B.

[0111] The bracket 37 may be made of, for example, a resin material. The second connector 38 is provided on the vertical wall portion 37B. The bracket 37 and the second connector 38 may be formed integrally. This reduces the number of parts.

[0112] The second connector 38 has metal contacts that enable electrical connection. The second connector 38 detachably mates with the first connector 35. In this embodiment, the second connector 38 is a male connector, and the first connector 35 is a female connector that has a recess 35A that detachably receives the second connector 38. In other embodiments, the second connector 38 may be a female connector, and the first connector 35 may be a male connector. The second connector 38 extends rearward from the mating protrusion 37C.

[0113] The rear end of the second connector 38 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the vertical wall portion 37B of the bracket 37. The second connector 38 has a portion that protrudes from the slider 11 in the front-to-rear direction. In other words, the rear end of the second connector 38 is located rearward of the rear end of the base portion 11A.

[0114] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the third connector 41 is provided at the end of the motor case 14A opposite the output shaft 14B. In this embodiment, the third connector 41 is provided at the rear end of the motor case 14A. The third connector 41 has metal contacts that enable electrical connection. The electric motor 14 receives power via the third connector 41.

[0115] The connecting member 39 may be a conductive linear member such as a wire harness or a flexible printed circuit board. One end of the connecting member 39 is connected to the second connector 38, and the other end of the connecting member 39 is connected to the fourth connector 42. The fourth connector 42 has metal contacts that enable electrical connection. In this embodiment, the fourth connector 42 is a male connector, and the third connector 41 is a female connector. In other embodiments, the fourth connector 42 may be a female connector, and the third connector 41 may be a male connector. The connecting member 39 extends in the front-to-rear direction and is disposed inside the grooved portion 11F.

[0116] As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the first connector 35 of the left-side electric slide rail 3 has a central portion 35B facing the vertical wall portion 37B of the bracket 37 from the rear, and left and right extension portions 35C extending laterally from the lower portion of the central portion 35B. The recess 35A is recessed rearward from the front surface of the central portion 35B. The upper portion of the central portion 35B is located between the left and right rail inner walls 10D. The lower portion of the central portion 35B extends downward below the lower ends of the left and right rail inner walls 10D. The left and right extension portions 35C pass below the corresponding rail inner walls 10D, extend outward to the left and right, and then bend and extend upward. The upper ends of the extension portions 35C are located between the rail outer wall 10B and the rail inner wall 10D. Each extension portion 35C abuts against the rear ends of the corresponding slider lower wall 11C and slider outer wall 11D on the left and right.

[0117] As shown in Fig. 6, the first wire harness 33 enters the rail 10 from the rear end thereof. The first wire harness 33 extends longitudinally through the space between one of the rail outer walls 10B and the rail inner wall 10D in the left-right direction. The first wire harness 33 enters the inside of the first connector 35 from the rear end of the extension 35C, passes through the extension 35C and the central portion 35B, and is connected to a contact point in the recess 35A. The first connector 35 may be formed by combining multiple pieces.

[0118] The front surface of the central portion 35B is formed with a mating recess 35E that is recessed rearward and receives the mating protrusion 37C. A recess 35A that receives the second connector 38 is formed at the bottom of the mating recess 35E. The central portion 35B may be provided with an elastic claw to maintain the connection with the second connector 38.

[0119] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first connector 35 is provided with a sixth connector 46 that detachably connects to a fifth connector 45 provided at the end of a second wire harness 44 that connects to another electrical device. The sixth connector 46 is provided at the upper end of the central portion 35B. The axes of the first connector 35 and the sixth connector 46 extend perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the axis of the first connector 35 extends in the front-rear direction, and the axis of the sixth connector 46 extends in the up-down direction. This facilitates the connection between the fifth connector 45 and the sixth connector 46. In this embodiment, the sixth connector 46 is a female connector, and the fifth connector 45 is a male connector. The sixth connector 46 is recessed downward from the upper end surface of the central portion 35B. The fifth connector 45 and the sixth connector 46 have metal contacts that can be electrically connected to each other.

[0120] 7 and 9 , the sixth connector 46 is connected to an end of a third wire harness 49 extending from the control device 30. The third wire harness 49 enters the rail 10 from the rear end thereof. The third wire harness 49 is disposed parallel to the first wire harness 33. The third wire harness 49 extends longitudinally through the space between the rail outer wall 10B and the rail inner wall 10D on the side opposite the first wire harness 33 in the left-right direction. The third wire harness 49 enters the first connector 35 from the rear end of the extension 35C, passes through the extension 35C and the central portion 35B, and is connected to the sixth connector 46.

[0121] In another embodiment, the third wire harness 49 may be omitted. In this case, the first wire harness 33 may be bifurcated inside the central portion 35B. One branched end of the first wire harness 33 may be connected to a contact point of the first connector 35, and the other branched end of the first wire harness 33 may be connected to the sixth connector 46.

[0122] 2 , the other electrical device connected to the second wire harness 44 may be the right-side electric slide rail 3. The second wire harness 44 may be connected to the electric motor 14 of the right-side electric slide rail 3 via the connection unit 34. In this case, a connector that detachably connects to the second connector 38 of the right-side connection unit 34 may be provided at an end of the second wire harness 44. In other embodiments, the connection unit 34 may be omitted, and the second wire harness 44 may be directly connected to the right-side electric motor 14. An intermediate portion of the second wire harness 44 may be fixed to the underside of the seat cushion 5 and extend in the left-right direction.

[0123] The second wire harness 44 may be connected to an operation switch 48 that receives an input operation from the seat occupant. The second wire harness 44 may also be connected to electrical devices provided in the seat cushion 5 or the seat back 6, such as a seat heater, a blower, an electric motor for a reclining mechanism, an air pump, an electromagnetic valve unit, etc.

[0124] 6 and 7 , the first wire harness 33 and the third wire harness 49 extend into the rail 10 from a harness supply device 51 connected to the rear end of the left rail 10. The harness supply device 51 has a harness case 51A that houses a portion of the first wire harness 33 and the third wire harness 49, and a tensioner (not shown) provided in the harness case 51A. The harness case 51A has an entrance 51C that faces the rear end of the rail 10. The harness case 51A extends forward from the rear end of the rail 10 along the side of the rail 10. The harness case 51A may be disposed, together with the rail 10, in a rail groove 55 formed in the floor 7.

[0125] The tensioner applies tension to the first wire harness 33 and the third wire harness 49 to remove slack in the first wire harness 33 and the third wire harness 49 within the rail 10. The tensioner biases the first wire harness 33 and the third wire harness 49 in a direction to draw them into the harness case 51A. When the slider 11 moves forward relative to the rail 10, the first wire harness 33 and the third wire harness 49 are fed out of the harness case 51A from the entrance 51C. When the slider 11 moves rearward relative to the rail 10, the first wire harness 33 and the third wire harness 49 are drawn into the harness case 51A from the entrance 51C.

[0126] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the slider 11 is provided with left and right rattle suppression members 61 that slide against the rail 10. The rattle suppression members 61 are provided between the upper ends of the slider outer walls 11D and the rail upper walls 10C. The rattle suppression members 61 slide against the upper ends of the slider outer walls 11D and the rail upper walls 10C, suppressing rattle of the slider 11 relative to the rail 10. Downwardly recessed guide slopes 62 are provided at the upper ends of the left and right slider outer walls 11D. The guide slopes 62 slope forward or backward. The rattle suppression members 61 are disposed on the guide slopes 62. A biasing member 63 is provided between the rattle suppression members 61 and the slider 11 to bias the rattle suppression members 61 in a direction that causes them to ascend the guide slopes 62. The biasing member 63 may be a tension coil spring or a compression coil spring. The backlash suppressing member 61 biased by the biasing member 63 moves up the guide slope 62 and comes into sliding contact with the guide slope 62 and the rail upper wall 10C. This suppresses backlash of the slider 11 relative to the rail 10.

[0127] The front end of the connection unit 34 is disposed forward of the rear end of the rattle suppressing member 61. This allows the rattle suppressing member 61 to be disposed near the end of the slider 11, thereby suppressing rattle of the slider 11 relative to the rail 10. The rattle suppressing member 61, the guide slope 62, and the biasing member 63 may also be provided at the front end of the slider 11.

[0128] The manufacturing method of the electric slide rail 3 includes the steps of attaching to the slider 11 a drive mechanism 13 that slides the slider 11 relative to the rail 10 and an electric motor 14 that provides driving force to the drive mechanism 13; coupling a connection unit 34 to the slider 11 and connecting the connection unit 34 to the electric motor 14; supporting the slider 11 so that it can slide on the rail 10; and connecting a first wire harness 33 connected to a power source 31 to the connection unit 34.

[0129] According to the above-described electric slide rail 3, the electric motor 14 and the first wire harness 33 can be connected by connecting the first wire harness 33 to the connection unit 34. Because the connection unit 34 is provided at the end of the slider 11 in the first direction, the first wire harness 33 can be easily connected even when the slider 11 is supported by the rail 10. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electric slide rail 3 in which the wire harness can be easily attached and detached.

[0130] The second connector 38 is fixed to the rear end of the slider 11 by the bracket 37, which stabilizes the position of the second connector 38. This facilitates the connection between the first connector 35 and the second connector 38. Furthermore, because the second connector 38 protrudes rearward beyond the rear end of the slider 11, the connection between the first connector 35 and the second connector 38 is also facilitated.

[0131] The flexibility of the connecting member 39 facilitates the connection between the third connector 41 and the fourth connector 42. For example, the connection between the third connector 41 and the fourth connector 42 can be performed after the bracket 37 is fixed to the slider 11.

[0132] The fifth connector 45 is provided in the first connector 35, which facilitates connection to other electrical devices. In addition, the first connector 35 can be used to connect other electrical devices to the first wire harness 33.

[0133] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be widely modified. For example, the electric slide rails 3 may be installed in an inverted manner. In this case, the harness supply device 51 may be installed at the front end of the rail 10, and the connection device may be installed at the front end of the slider 11. The harness supply device 51 may also be installed on the right electric slide rail 3. In this case, power may be supplied to the electric motor 14 of the right electric slide rail 3 via the first wire harness 33 and the connection unit 34.

[0134] Hereinafter, a vehicle seat according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the vehicle seat constitutes a right seat of an automobile.

[0135] 12 , a vehicle seat 101 includes left and right lower rails 103 that are provided on a vehicle floor 102 and extend in the front-to-rear direction, left and right first upper rails 104 that are slidably supported on the lower rails 103, respectively, and a first seat body 105 that is supported on the first upper rails 104. The first seat body 105 constitutes a second-row or third-row seat of the vehicle. The lower rails 103 and the first upper rails 104 constitute a first slide rail 106.

[0136] The vehicle seat 101 also has left and right second upper rails 108 and second seat bodies 109 connected to the second upper rails 108, respectively. The left and right second upper rails 108 are disposed forward of the left and right first upper rails 104. The second seat body 109 is disposed forward of the first seat body 105. The second seat body 109 constitutes a first-row seat or a second-row seat of the vehicle. The second seat body 109 has a seat cushion 109A connected to the left and right second upper rails 108, a seat back 109B extending upward from the rear of the seat cushion 109A, and a headrest 109C provided on the upper part of the seat back 109B.

[0137] As shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, the second seat body 109 is coupled to the left and right first upper rails 104 via a base 111 and front and rear second slide rails 112.

[0138] The base 111 has left and right upper rail brackets 111A connected to the upper portions of the first upper rail 104, and front and rear cross members 111B extending in the left-right direction and connecting the left and right upper rail brackets 111A. The upper rail brackets 111A protrude upward from the first upper rail 104 and extend in the front-rear direction along the first upper rail 104. The front cross member 111B is connected to the front ends of the left and right upper rail brackets 111A. The rear cross member 111B is connected to the rear ends of the left and right upper rail brackets 111A. The cross members 111B are spaced apart above the floor 102. The base 111 may also have a lower cross member 111C extending in the left-right direction and connecting the lower portions of the left and right upper rail brackets 111A.

[0139] The front and rear second slide rails 112 are spaced apart from each other in the front-to-rear direction. Each second slide rail 112 has a horizontal lower rail 112A extending left and right and a horizontal upper rail 112B slidably supported on the horizontal lower rail 112A. The horizontal lower rail 112A of the front second slide rail 112 is coupled to the upper surface of the front cross member 111B. The horizontal lower rail 112A of the rear second slide rail 112 is coupled to the upper surface of the rear cross member 111B.

[0140] The distance from the front end of the front horizontal lower rail 112A to the rear end of the rear horizontal lower rail 112A may be shorter than the front-to-rear length of the upper rail bracket 111A. This allows the front and rear second slide rails 112 to be stably supported by the upper rail bracket 111A. The distance from the front end of the front horizontal lower rail 112A to the rear end of the rear horizontal lower rail 112A may be longer than the front-to-rear length of the upper rail bracket 111A. This allows the front and rear second slide rails 112 to stably support the seat body. The distance from the front end of the front horizontal lower rail 112A to the rear end of the rear horizontal lower rail 112A may be the same as the front-to-rear length of the upper rail bracket 111A.

[0141] The second seat body 109 includes a seat cushion 115 that supports the user's buttocks and a seat back 116 that extends upward from the seat cushion 115 and supports the user's back. A headrest 117 is provided on the upper part of the seat back 116. The seat cushion 115 includes a seat cushion frame 121 that forms the seat cushion's framework, a pad 122 supported by the seat cushion frame 121, and a cover material 123 that covers the pad 122. The seat cushion frame 121 includes left and right seat cushion side members 125A and 125B that extend longitudinally, a front member 126 that extends laterally and is connected to the front portions of the left and right seat cushion side members 125A and 125B, and a rear member 127 that extends laterally and is connected to the rear portions of the left and right seat cushion side members 125A and 125B. The front member 126 is formed in a plate shape with its surfaces facing up and down. The front member 126 is also referred to as a pan frame.

[0142] The right seat cushion side member 125A is a first seat cushion side member 125A, and the left seat cushion side member 125B is a second seat cushion side member 125B.

[0143] The seat back 116 includes a seat back frame 131 forming a framework, a first pad 132 and a second pad 133 supported by the seat back frame 131, a first cover material 135 covering the first pad 132, and a second cover material 136 covering the second pad 133. The seat back frame 131 includes left and right seat back side members 141A, 141B extending vertically, an upper member 142 extending laterally and connected to upper ends of the left and right seat back side members 141A, 141B, a lower member 143 extending laterally and connected to lower portions of the left and right seat back side members 141A, 141B, and a movable frame 145. The lower ends of the left and right seat back side members 141A, 141B are rotatably supported on the rear ends of the corresponding seat cushion side members 125A, 125B via reclining devices 147.

[0144] One of the left and right seatback side members 141A, 141B is a first seatback side member 141A having a closed cross-sectional structure formed by multiple metal plates welded together. In this embodiment, the right seatback side member 141A is the first seatback side member 141A. The left seatback side member 141B, which is opposite the first seatback side member 141A in the left-right direction, is the second seatback side member 141B. As shown in FIG. 17 , the first seatback side member 141A is formed by a first member 149A having a groove-shaped cross section and a second member 149B also having a groove-shaped cross section. The first member 149A and the second member 149B may be formed by press-forming metal plates. The first member 149A and the second member 149B are welded to each other at their edges, forming the first seatback side member 141A into a rectangular tubular shape. The cross section of the first seatback side member 141A is formed in a rectangular shape that extends in the front-rear direction.

[0145] The second seatback side member 141B is formed of a metal plate. The second seatback side member 141B may have a closed cross-sectional structure. The upper member 142 is formed of a plurality of metal plates welded together and has a closed cross-sectional structure.

[0146] In the left-right direction, the right lower rail 103 corresponds to the first seatback side member 141A and the first seat cushion side member 125A. In addition, in the left-right direction, the left lower rail 103 corresponds to the second seatback side member 141B and the second seat cushion side member 125B.

[0147] As shown in Figure 13, a movable frame 145 is rotatably supported by left and right seatback side members 141A, 141B. The movable frame 145 has a central portion 145A extending laterally and left and right side portions 145B extending downward from left and right ends of the central portion 145A. The lower ends of the left and right side portions 145B are respectively connected to the corresponding left and right seatback side members 141A, 141B on the left and right sides so as to be rotatable about pivot shafts extending in the left-right direction. The central portion 145A is provided with left and right headrest support portions 151 for supporting left and right headrest pillars extending from the headrest 117.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 12 , the first pad 132 is supported by the lower portions of the left and right seatback side members 141A and 141B and the lower member 143. The lower portions of the left and right seatback side members 141A and 141B, the lower member 143, the first pad 132, and the first upholstery material 135 constitute a seatback lower portion 116A. The second pad 133 is supported by a movable frame 145. The movable frame 145, the second pad 133, and the second upholstery material 136 constitute a seatback upper portion 116B. The seatback upper portion 116B is disposed above the seatback lower portion 116A. The seatback upper portion 116B is rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the seatback lower portion 116A. A backboard 153 is disposed behind the seatback lower portion 116A and the seatback upper portion 116B. The backboard 153 is supported by the left and right seatback side members 141A and 141B, the upper member 142, and the lower member 143.

[0149] A belt guide 162 through which a seat belt 161 passes is provided at the upper end of the first seatback side member 141A. The belt guide 162 has a hole 162A that opens forward. A belt retractor 163 that retracts the seat belt 161 is provided on the first seatback side member 141A. As shown in FIG. 15 , a bracket 164 that protrudes to the left is provided on the first seatback side member 141A. The bracket 164 is disposed between the lower member 143 and the lower end of the movable frame 145 in the up-down direction. The belt retractor 163 is connected to the bracket 164. As shown in FIG. 12 , the seat belt 161 withdrawn from the belt retractor 163 passes behind the first seatback side member 141A and extends upward to the belt guide 162. The seat belt 161 then passes through the belt guide 162 from rear to front and extends forward of the seat back 116. An end of the seat belt 161 is connected to a belt anchor 166 provided on the first seat cushion side member 125A (see FIG. 13). A tongue 167 is movably supported on the seat belt 161. A buckle that is detachably connected to the tongue 167 is preferably connected to the left seat cushion side member 125B.

[0150] As shown in Fig. 12, a plate-shaped ottoman 171 is rotatably supported on the seat cushion frame 121. As shown in Fig. 15, the ottoman 171 is connected to the left and right seat cushion side members 125A, 125B via a rotation mechanism 172. The ottoman 171 is disposed in front of the front member 126 and is rotatable relative to the front member 126. The ottoman 171 includes a plate-shaped ottoman frame 171A connected to the rotation mechanism 172, a pad supported by the ottoman frame 171A, and a cover material covering the pad.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 12 , the second seat cushion side member 125B is provided with a side wall portion 181 that extends upward and has surfaces facing left and right. As shown in FIGS. 12 , 13 , and 15 , the side wall portion 181 includes a frame 181A connected to the second seat cushion side member 125B and a cover 181B that covers the frame 181A. A table 182 is rotatably supported on the side wall portion 181. The side wall portion 181 is provided with an accommodation recess 183 that accommodates the table 182. The accommodation recess 183 is recessed downward from the upper end of the side wall portion 181. A slide device is provided within the accommodation recess 183 to support the table 182 so that it can move up and down. The table 182 rotates about a rotation axis that extends forward and backward while protruding from the accommodation recess 183. The table 182 is rotatable between an upright position in which it extends upward from the upper end of the side wall portion 181 and an in-use position in which it extends rightward from the upper end of the side wall portion 181 and is positioned above the seat cushion 115 .

[0152] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 16 , a wire harness supplying device 191 that accommodates a wire harness connected to a power source is provided at at least one end of the left or right lower rail 103. The rear wire harness supplying device 191 is provided at the rear end of one of the left or right lower rails 103. The front wire harness supplying device 191 is provided at the front end of one of the left or right lower rails 103. In the present embodiment, the rear wire harness supplying device 191 is provided at the rear end of the right lower rail 103. The front wire harness supplying device 191 is provided at the front end of the left lower rail 103. In other embodiments, the front and rear wire harness supplying devices 191 may be provided on the right lower rail 103. In other embodiments, the front and rear wire harness supplying devices 191 may be provided on the left lower rail 103. The front and rear wire harness supply devices 191 may be provided on the lower rail 103 on the same side, or may be provided on the lower rail 103 on different sides.

[0153] Each wire harness supplying device 191 has an internal tensioner (not shown). The wire harness supplying device 191 has an entrance 191B facing the end of the lower rail 103. The wire harness supplying device 191 extends from the end of the lower rail 103 along the side of the lower rail 103. The wire harness supplying device 191 may be disposed in a rail groove 192 formed in the floor 102 together with the lower rail 103.

[0154] The wire harness extending from the rear wire harness supply device 191 extends forward within the right lower rail 103 and is fixed to the right first upper rail 104. The wire harness extends from the first upper rail 104 to electrical components provided on the first seat body 105. The electrically powered components may include an electric motor provided on the first upper rail 104, an electric motor that drives the reclining mechanism, an electric motor that drives the movable frame 145, a blower, a heater, an electronic control device, etc.

[0155] The wire harness extending from the front wire harness supply device 191 extends rearward within the left lower rail 103 and is fixed to the left second upper rail 108. The wire harness extends from the second upper rail 108 to electrical components provided on the second seat body 109. The electrically powered components may include an electric motor provided on the second upper rail 108, an electric motor that drives the reclining mechanism, a blower, a heater, an electronic control device, etc.

[0156] The following describes the positional relationship between each component of the first seat body 105 and the lower rails 103. The following description will be based on the assumption that the second slide rails 112 are in their initial positions. When the second slide rails 112 are in their initial positions, the lateral upper rails 112B are disposed in the center of the lateral lower rails 112A in the left-right direction. Note that the second slide rails 112 may be omitted, and the left and right seat cushion side members 125A, 125B may be directly coupled to the base 111 or the left and right first upper rails 104.

[0157] 17A, when viewed from above, the first seatback side member 141A is disposed between the right edge and the left edge of the right lower rail 103. According to this aspect, because the first seatback side member 141A having a closed cross-sectional structure is disposed on the right lower rail 103, a moment is less likely to be applied to the seat back 116, improving the stability of the seat.

[0158] 17(B), the first seatback side member 141A may be disposed so as to overlap the right edge of the right lower rail 103 when viewed from above. That is, when viewed from above, the right end of the first seatback side member 141A may be disposed to the right of the right edge of the right lower rail 103, and the left end of the first seatback side member 141A may be disposed to the left of the right edge of the right lower rail 103. According to this aspect, the seatback 116 can be expanded to the right.

[0159] 17(C), in a top view, the first seatback side member 141A may be disposed so as to overlap the left edge of the right lower rail 103. In other words, in a top view, the left end of the first seatback side member 141A may be disposed to the left of the left edge of the right lower rail 103, and the right end of the first seatback side member 141A may be disposed to the right of the right edge of the right lower rail 103. According to this aspect, the seat back 116 can be made compact.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 15 , when viewed from above, the first seat cushion side members 125A are disposed along the outer edges of the corresponding lower rails 103 in the left-right direction. According to this aspect, the load path of the load transmitted from the seat back 116 to the floor 102 via the seat cushion 115 is linear. This improves seat stability. When viewed from above, the right end of the first seat cushion side member 125A may be disposed to the left of the right end of the right lower rail 103. According to this aspect, the seat cushion frame 121 can be made smaller. When viewed from above, the right end of the first seat cushion side member 125A may be disposed to the right of the right end of the right lower rail 103. According to this aspect, the seat cushion frame 121 can be enlarged.

[0161] When viewed from above, at least a portion of the belt guide 162 is disposed between the right and left edges of the right lower rail 103. According to this aspect, the load applied from the seat belt 161 to the belt guide 162 is transmitted to the floor 102 via the first seatback side member 141A and the first seat cushion side member 125A. This makes the load path linear, thereby improving seat stability. When viewed from above, the belt guide 162 may be disposed so as to overlap the left edge of the right lower rail 103. When viewed from above, the belt guide 162 may be disposed to the left of the right edge of the right lower rail 103. When viewed from above, the right end of the belt guide 162 may be disposed along the right edge of the right lower rail 103. When viewed from above, the right end of the belt guide 162 may be disposed to the right of the right edge of the right lower rail 103.

[0162] When viewed from above, the left and right side edges of the front member 126 may overlap the left and right lower rails 103. According to this aspect, a moment is less likely to be generated in the seat cushion 115 in response to a load applied to the seat cushion 115 by a user seated in the vehicle seat 101. When viewed from above, the right side edge of the front member 126 may be located to the left of the right edge of the right lower rail 103, and the left side edge of the front member 126 may be located to the right of the left edge of the left lower rail 103. When viewed from above, the right side edge of the front member 126 may be located along the right edge of the right lower rail 103, and the left side edge of the front member 126 may be located along the left edge of the left lower rail 103. When viewed from above, the right side edge of the front member 126 may be positioned to the right of the right edge of the right lower rail 103, and the left side edge of the front member 126 may be positioned to the left of the left edge of the left lower rail 103.

[0163] When viewed from above, the left and right side edges of the ottoman 171 may be disposed between the left edge of the left lower rail 103 and the right edge of the right lower rail 103. According to this aspect, a moment is less likely to be generated in the seat cushion 115 due to a load applied to the ottoman 171. Furthermore, the ottoman 171 can be made larger. When viewed from above, the right side edge of the ottoman 171 may be disposed along the right edge of the right lower rail 103, and the left side edge of the ottoman 171 may be disposed along the left edge of the left lower rail 103. When viewed from above, the right side edge of the ottoman 171 may be disposed to the right of the right edge of the right lower rail 103, and the left side edge of the ottoman 171 may be disposed to the left of the left edge of the left lower rail 103.

[0164] When viewed from above, the side wall portion 181 is preferably located more inward in the left-right direction than the outer edge of the lower rail 103 corresponding to the second seat cushion side member 125B. That is, when viewed from above, the side wall portion 181 is preferably located more inward in the left-right direction than the outer edge of the left lower rail 103. According to this aspect, a moment is less likely to be generated in the seat cushion 115 due to a load applied to the table 182 and the side wall portion 181.

[0165] When viewed from above, the side wall portion 181 may be disposed along the outer edge in the left-right direction of the lower rail 103 that corresponds to the second seat cushion side member 125B in the left-right direction. That is, the side wall portion 181 may be disposed along the left edge of the left lower rail 103. According to this aspect, the seat cushion 115 can be increased in size while suppressing the moment generated in the seat cushion 115. When viewed from above, the left edge of the side wall portion 181 may be disposed to the right of the left edge of the left lower rail 103. When viewed from above, the left edge of the side wall portion 181 may be disposed to the left of the left edge of the left lower rail 103.

[0166] The second seatback side member 141B is provided with a shaft 195 that protrudes to the left. An operating lever 196 is rotatably supported on the shaft 195. A user can rotate the seatback upper portion 116B by operating the operating lever 196. The left end of the shaft 195 may be located at the same position as the left edge of the left lower rail 103. The left end of the shaft 195 may be located to the right of the left edge of the left lower rail 103. The left end of the shaft 195 may be located to the left of the left edge of the left lower rail 103.

[0167] When the first seat body 105 is positioned at the rearmost position relative to the left and right lower rails 103, the front end of the ottoman 171 of the first seat body 105 is preferably positioned rearward of the front end of the rear wire harness supply device 191. At this time, the ottoman 171 is preferably positioned at the most forward position relative to the seat cushion 115. In another embodiment, when the first seat body 105 is positioned at the rearmost position relative to the left and right lower rails 103, the front end of the ottoman 171 of the first seat body 105 is preferably positioned forward of the front end of the rear wire harness supply device 191. This makes it difficult for a user seated in the first seat body 105 to step on the wire harness supply device 191.

[0168] When the first seat body 105 is positioned at the rearmost position relative to the left and right lower rails 103, the front end of the seat cushion 115 of the first seat body 105 may be located rearward of the front end of the rear wire harness supply device 191. In another embodiment, when the first seat body 105 is positioned at the rearmost position relative to the left and right lower rails 103, the front end of the seat cushion 115 of the first seat body 105 may be located forward of the front end of the rear wire harness supply device 191. This allows the seat cushion 115 to be made larger.

[0169] When the second seat body 109 is positioned most forward relative to the left and right lower rails 103, the front end of the second seat body 109 may be located rearward of the front end of the front wire harness supply device 191. In another embodiment, when the second seat body 109 is positioned most forward relative to the left and right lower rails 103, the front end of the second seat body 109 may be located forward of the front end of the front wire harness supply device 191.

[0170] When the second seat body 109 is positioned most forward relative to the left and right lower rails 103, the rear end of the second seat body 109 may be located forward of the rear end of the front wire harness supply device 191. In another embodiment, when the second seat body 109 is positioned most forward relative to the left and right lower rails 103, the rear end of the second seat body 109 may be located rearward of the rear end of the front wire harness supply device 191.

[0171] The manufacturing method of the vehicle seat 101 includes a process of attaching left and right lower rails 103, which respectively support left and right first upper rails 104 so that they can slide, to the floor 102, and a process of attaching the seat body to the left and right first upper rails 104.

[0172] Although the description of the specific embodiment has been completed, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be implemented in a wide variety of modifications. In other embodiments, the first seatback side member 141A and the second seatback side member 141B may be provided in reverse left and right.

[0173] 1: Seat 3: Electric slide rail 10: Rail 11: Slider 11F: Groove portion 13: Drive mechanism 14: Electric motor 14A: Motor case 14B: Output shaft 30: Control device 31: Power source 33: First wire harness 34: Connection unit 35: First connector 35A: Recess 37: Bracket 38: Second connector 39: Connection member 41: Third connector 42: Fourth connector 44: Second wire harness 45: Fifth connector 46: Sixth connector 51: Harness supply device 61: Rattle suppression member

Claims

1. An electric slide rail comprising: a rail extending in a first direction; a slider supported on the rail for sliding movement; a drive mechanism provided on the slider for sliding movement of the slider relative to the rail; an electric motor provided on the slider for providing a driving force to the drive mechanism; a first wire harness connecting a power source to the electric motor; and a connection unit for detachably connecting the electric motor and the first wire harness, wherein the first wire harness has a first connector for detachably connecting to the connection unit, and the connection unit is disposed at an end of the slider in the first direction.

2. An electric slide rail as described in claim 1, wherein the connection unit has a bracket coupled to the end of the slider in the first direction, and a second connector supported by the bracket and removably connected to the first connector.

3. An electric slide rail as described in claim 2, wherein the electric motor has a motor case that rotatably houses a rotor and a third connector provided on the motor case, and the connection unit has a flexible connection member extending from the second connector and a fourth connector provided on the connection member and detachably connected to the third connector.

4. The electric slide rail according to claim 2, wherein the second connector has a portion that protrudes from the slider in the first direction.

5. An electric slide rail as described in claim 1, wherein the first connector is provided with a sixth connector which is detachably connected to a fifth connector provided at an end of a second wire harness which is connected to another electrical device.

6. The electric slide rail according to claim 5, wherein the axis of said first connector and the axis of said sixth connector extend in directions perpendicular to each other.

7. The electric slide rail according to claim 2, wherein the bracket and the second connector are integrally formed.

8. An electric slide rail as described in claim 1, wherein the slider is provided with a backlash suppressing member that is in sliding contact with the rail, and the front end of the connection unit is positioned forward of the rear end of the backlash suppressing member.

9. An electric slide rail as described in claim 3, wherein the slider has a grooved portion extending in the first direction, the electric motor and the connecting member are arranged inside the grooved portion, and the bracket is provided at an end of the grooved portion in the first direction.

10. A method for manufacturing an electric slide rail having a rail and a slider, comprising the steps of: attaching to the slider a drive mechanism that slides the slider relative to the rail and an electric motor that provides a driving force to the drive mechanism; coupling a connection unit to the slider and connecting the connection unit to the electric motor; supporting the slider on the rail so that it can slide; and connecting a first wire harness connected to a power source to the connection unit.

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