EP3533964B1

EP3533964B1 - Pinching detection switch

Info

Publication number: EP3533964B1
Application number: EP19275005.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Katsuya Akimoto; Shuichi Suzuki; Kenji Kawase
Original assignee: Hitachi Metals Ltd
Current assignee: Proterial Ltd
Priority date: 2018-02-28
Filing date: 2019-01-14
Publication date: 2021-03-03
Anticipated expiration: 2039-01-14
Also published as: CN110206436A; EP3533964A1; JP6447762B1; JP2019153372A; CN110206436B

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-35415 filed on February 28, 2018 , the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pinching detection switch, for example, a pinching detection switch mounted in a vehicle such as an automobile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A technique relating to a pinching detection switch to be mounted in an automobile is discloses in, for example, Patent Documents 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2000-343937 ) and 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2014-216300 ). Patent Document 1 discloses a pinching detection switch with which a power window is equipped. The pinching detection switch in Patent Document 1 includes an air gap portion and a pressure sensitive portion, and is a pressure sensitive type detection switch that detects a pinch (nip) with the pressure sensitive portion. Also, Patent Document 2 discloses a pinching detection switch with which a sliding door of an automobile is equipped. In the pinching detection switch in Patent Document 2, a plurality of electrode wires mutually separated inside an elastic, hollow tubular member are close to each other by deformation of the tubular member, electric resistance between the electric wires vary, and application of external force to the tubular member is detected by variance of this electric resistance. That is, the pinching detection switch in Patent Document 2 is a pressure sensitive type pinching detection switch that detects the application of the external force to the tubular member.
Examples of existing pinching detection systems include JP3107973U and EP1031696A2 . JP3107973U discloses a switch in which two plate-like electrodes are used to detect pinches through deformation of the switch. EP1031696A2 discloses a window operation control system for vehicles to detect pinching of a foreign object between a window frame and a windowpane in a window closing operation. The pinching is detected in response to an excessive external force to the frame or an excessive load to a window driving motor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For example, when the sliding door of the automobile contacts with a human body, a technique of Patent Document 2 requires enhancing, for example, cushioning characteristics of a rubber cover member covering the tubular member in order to make an impulse to the human body more relievable. If the cushioning characteristics of the tubular member are enhanced, however, the external force applied to the tubular member is contrarily absorbed, which makes it difficult to detect the pinch properly.
Further, in order to relieve the impulse generated when the power window contacts with the human body, for example, making the air gap portion large is conceivable in the technique of Patent Document 1. Also in this case, the external force makes it difficult to be applied to the pressure sensitive portion, and the pinch makes it difficult to be detected properly.
The present invention is made in view of a problem (s) described above, and has an object of providing a technique of capable of properly operating a pressure sensitive type pinching detection switch.
The following is a brief description of an outline of the typical invention disclosed in the present application.
That is, a pinching detection switch according to one embodiment includes: at least two tubular pressure sensitive detection members having a plurality of electrode wires separated from each other; and a cover member covering the pressure sensitive detection members. The cover member includes a base portion, a hollow portion, and a deformation portion when the cover member is viewed in a sectional view, the deformation portion being provided to the base portion so as to cover the hollow portion. The first and the second pressure sensitive detection members are arranged in the deformation portion, and a receiving portion for receiving the pressure sensitive detection members is placed in the base portion. The receiving portion includes a first receiving face for receiving the first pressure sensitive detection member, and a second receiving face for receiving the second pressure sensitive detection member, the first and second receiving faces being arranged at positions opposing the first and second pressure sensitive detection members, respectively.
The effects obtained by typical embodiments of the invention disclosed in the present application will be briefly described below.
That is, the present invention can provide a technique capable of properly operating the pinching detection switch with enhancement of its cushioning characteristics. When the deformation portion deforms due to a pinch or draw, the first receiving face receives the first pressure sensitive detection member and the second receiving face receives the second pressure sensitive detection member. This makes it possible to properly operate the pinching detection switch during both of the pinching and drawing operations. Also, the hollow portion can enhance the cushioning characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a pinching detection switch according to an embodiment;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the pinching detection switch according to the embodiment;
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a pressure sensitive detection member according to an embodiment;
FIG. 3A is a drawing for explaining a receiving portion according to an embodiment not being part of the invention;
FIG. 3B is a drawing for explaining a receiving portion according to an embodiment;
FIG. 3C is a drawing for explaining a receiving portion according to an embodiment not being part of the invention;
FIG. 3D is a drawing for explaining a receiving portion according to an embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a state of a pinching detection switch according to an embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a state of a pinching detection switch according to an embodiment; and
FIG. 6 is a schematic view shoring a configuration of an automobile mounting a pinching detection switch according to an embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, described will be each embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the disclosure is mere an example, and it is a matter of course that any alteration that is easily made by a person skilled in the art while keeping a gist of the present invention is included in the present invention. In addition, the drawings schematically may illustrate a width, a thickness, a shape and the like of each portion as compared to actual aspects in order to make the description clearer, but the drawings are mere examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention.
Also, components similar to those mentioned in the already described drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals or characters throughout the present specification and each of the drawings, and detailed explanation thereof may be omitted appropriately.

(Embodiment)

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an automobile mounting a pinching detection switch according to an embodiment. Here, described will be an example of applying a pinching detection switch to a power window. In FIG. 6, the reference numeral "2" denotes a window frame of an automobile 20. A window glass 3 moves upward and downward (ascends and descends) by a power actuator. Arranged along and provided on the window frame 2 is a pinching detection switch 1 according to an embodiment. When an object (including a human body) is pinched between the window frame 2 and the window glass 3 during ascension of the window glass 3, the pinching detection switch 1 detects the pinch and supplies a detection signal (s) to a controller 21. The controller 21 stops, for example, the ascension of the window glass 3 when the detection signal reaches a predetermined value. This makes it possible to prevent hurts etc. by the pinch from occurring. Also, when the object is pinched, an operation of drawing the object is generally performed. However, the pinching detection switch also detects the draw. Particularly, when the pinched object is drawn to not an in-vehicle side but an out-vehicle, the detection of the draw is important in view of safety (security).

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a pinching detection switch according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pinching detection switch according to the embodiment. Here, FIG.2A is a perspective view of a pinching detection switch 1, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a pressure sensitive detection member 5-1 with which the pinching detection switch 1 is equipped. The pinching detection switch 1 includes three pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 as shown in FIG. 2A. However, since those pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 have the same configuration, FIG. 2B shows only one pressure sensitive detection member 5-1. FIG. 1 is a sectional view as viewed from an A-A section in FIG. 2A.
The pinching detection switch 1 extends along an extending direction Y of a window frame 2, and includes a deformable cover member 4 arranged along and provided on the window frame 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the cover member 4 covers the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 extending in the same direction as that of the cover member 4. Also, the cover member 4 covers a hollow portion 7 extending in the same direction as that of the cover member 4. The cover member 4 of the pinching detection switch 1 is formed of, for example, rubber (gum), and a part of the cover member 4 is embedded in the window frame 2 as shown in FIG. 1.
When viewed from a sectional view as shown in FIG. 1, the cover member 4 includes: a thick base portion 4-1 contacting with the window frame 2; and an elastically deformable deformation portion 4-2 opposing a face 3-1 of a window glass 3. A space between the based portion 4-1 and the deformation portion 4-2 becomes the hollow portion 7. Also, when viewed from a sectional view, the deformation portion 4-2 includes: a top-face deformation portion4-2U that opposes a base face 4-3 of the base portion 4-1 and covers the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3; and a side deformation portion 4-2S formed integrally with the top-face deformation portion4-2U and the base portion 4-1 so as to link the top-face deformation portion 4-2U and the base portion 4-1 to each other.
The pressure sensitive detection member 5-1 serving as a first pressure sensitive detection member is embedded in the top-face deformation portion 4-2U so that its center point CNT1 is placed on a center line CLI of the cover member 4. Also, the pressure sensitive detection member 5-2 serving as a second pressure sensitive detection member is embedded in the top-face deformation portion 4-2U located on one side (right side in FIG. 1) with respect to the center line CLI. Further, the pressure sensitive detection member 5-3 serving as a third pressure sensitive detection member is embedded in the top-face deformation portion 4-2U located on the other side (left side in FIG. 1) with respect to the center line CLI. An angle between the center line CLI and a virtually straight line IML1, which connects the center line CLI and a center point CNT2 of the pressure sensitive detection portion 5-2, is the same as an angle between the center line CLI and a virtually straight line IML2, which connects the center line CLI and a center point CNT3 of the pressure sensitive detection member 5-3. The both angles are equal to an angle α1. Although not limited particularly, the angle α1 is 45 degrees. In this way, the pinching detection switch 1 leads to including the top-face deformation portion 4-2U and the side deformation portion 4-2S that are symmetrical on right and left sides by using the center line CLI as a reference.
When performing the pinching and drawing operations, the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 are pressed to a receiving portion 8 described later, and deforms so as to be crushed. When the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 are pressed to the receiving portion 8, a part of the top-face deformation portion 4-2U is interposed as cover portions between each of the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 and the receiving portion 8. In FIG. 1, the cover portions are denoted as the reference numerals "4-4" to "4-6".
In FIG. 1, one side with respect to the center line CLI is an in-vehicle side of an automobile 20, and the other side with respect to the center line CLI is an out-vehicle side of the automobile 20. When the object is pinched, the deformation portion 4-2 deforms, the pressure sensitive detection portion 5-1 is mainly crushed, and a pinching state (operation) is detected. Meanwhile, when an operation of drawing the object is performed from the out-vehicle side, the deformation portion 4-2 deforms, the pressure sensitive detection portion 5-2 is mainly crushed, and the draw from the out-vehicle side is detected. Also, when the operation of drawing the object is performed from the in-vehicle side, the deformation portion 4-2 deforms, the pressure sensitive detection portion 5-3 is mainly crushed, and the draw from the in-vehicle side is detected.
The base portion 4-1 is provided with the receiving portion 8 for receiving the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 when the deformation portion 4-2 deforms. As shown in FIG. 1, an outer shape of the receiving portion 8 has a trapezoidal shape whose area narrows (becomes small) from the base portion 4-1 toward the top-face deformation portion 4-2U. That is, the receiving portion 8 includes: an upper face 8-1 parallel to a base face 4-3 with which the base portion 4-1 and the hollow portion 7 contact; a first incline 8-2 linking the upper face 8-1 and the base face 4-3; and a second incline 8-3 linking the upper face 8-1 and the base face 4-3. The receiving portion 8 is formed so that the upper face 8-1 opposing the top-face deformation portion 4-2U has a trapezoidal shape whose bottom face is narrower than a bottom face opposing the base face 4-3 and, consequently, an inner angle α2 between each of the first and second inclines 8-2, 8-3 and the base face 4-3 is beyond 0 degree and below 90 degrees.
The center line CLI of the cover member 4 passes through a center of the upper face 8-1 of the receiving portion 8, and the receiving portion 8 has a right-left symmetrical structure as shown in FIG. 1 by using the center line CLI as a reference. Incidentally, the receiving portion 8 is also formed of rubber (gum) similarly to the cover member 4.
When the deformation portion 4-2 deforms for the pinch (pinching operation), the pressure sensitive detection member 5-1 leads to being pressed to the upper face 8-1 of the receiving portion 8 via the cover portion 4-4. That is, the upper face 8-1 of the receiving portion 8 opposes the pressure sensitive detection member 5-1 and acts as a receiving face of the pressure sensitive detection member 5-1. Contrarily, when the deformation portion 4-2 deforms for the draw (drawing operation) from the out-vehicle side, the pressure sensitive detection portion 5-2 leads to being pressed to the first inline 8-2 of the receiving portion 8 via the cover portion 4-5. That is, the first incline 8-2 of the receiving portion 8 opposes the pressure sensitive detection member 5-2 and acts as a receiving face of the pressure sensitive detection member 5-2. Further, when the deformation portion 4-2 deforms for the draw (drawing operation) from the in-vehicle side, the pressure sensitive detection member 5-3 is pressed to the second incline 8-3 of the receiving portion 8 via the cover portion 4-6. That is, the second incline 8-3 of the receiving portion 8 opposes the pressure sensitive detection member 5-3 and acts as a receiving face of the pressure sensitive detection member 5-3.
As shown in FIG. 2B, the pressure sensitive detection member 5-1 is a tubular detection member having electrode wires ED1 to ED4 that are separated from one another. In the pressure sensitive detection member 5-1, a member encompassing (enclosing) the separated electrode wires ED1 to ED4 has elastic characteristics, and the hollow portion 6-1 deforms so that separation distances among the electrode wires ED1 to ED4 vary due to application of exterior force. The plural electrode wires configuring the pressure sensitive detection member are formed in spiral shapes along a longitudinal direction of the pressure sensitive detection member. This makes it possible to detect the exterior force from all of radial directions of the pressure sensitive detection member. Variance in the separation distance brings variance of electric resistance among the electrode wires ED1 to ED4. The variance in the electric resistance among the electrode wires ED1 to ED4 is fed (supplied), as a value (s) of a detection signal, to the controller 21 shown in FIG. 6. The pressure sensitive detection members 5-2, 5-3 also include hollow portions 6-2, 6-3 and electrode wires ED1 to ED4 similarly to the pressure sensitive detection member 5-1. Since this pressure sensitive detection member 5-1 is the same as the tubular member of Patent Document 2 described above, further detailed explanation thereof will be omitted hereinafter.
Although later described with reference to FIG. 4, the pressure sensitive detection member 5-1 moves toward the upper face 8-1 of the receiving portion 8 due to the pinch and deforms so as to be crushed. When the pressure sensitive detection member 5-1 is crushed, the pinch (pinching state) is detected through the above detection signal. Detection sensitivity at this time can be determined by a distance L1 between the upper face 8-1 of the receiving portion 8 and the cover portion 4-4 when the deformation portion 4-2 does not deform. In this case, as the distance L1 is made shorter, the detection sensitivity can be made higher.
Also, although later described with reference to FIG. 5, the pressure sensitive detection member 5-2 moves toward the first incline 8-2 of the receiving portion 8 due to the draw to the out-vehicle side and deforms so as to be crushed. Detected through a detection signal at this time is the draw. Detection sensitivity of the draw can be determined by the inner angle α2 and the distance L2 between the first incline 8-2 of the receiving portion 8 and the cover portion 4-5 when the deformation portion 4-2 does not deform. Similarly thereto, the pressure sensitive detection member 5-3 moves toward the second incline 8-3 of the receiving portion 8 due to the draw to the in-vehicle side and deforms so as to be crushed. Detected through a detection signal at this time is the draw. Detection sensitivity of the draw can be determined by the inner angle α2 and a distance L3 between the second incline 8-3 of the receiving portion 8 and the cover portion 4-6 when the deformation portion 4-2 does not deform. Even any case of the draws to the in-vehicle and out-vehicle sides, as the distances L2 and L3 are made shorter, the detection sensitivity can be made higher. Further, as the inner angle α2 is closer to 90 degrees, the detection sensitivity can be made higher.
Incidentally, the embodiment has described, as an example, a case where the inner angle α2 formed by the first incline 8-2 is the same as the inner angle α2 formed by the second incline 8-3. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the inner angle α2 formed by the first incline 8-2 may be different from the inner angle α2 formed by the second incline 8-3. Variance of the inner angle α2 formed by each of the inclines makes it possible to differentiate the detection sensitivity for the draw from the out-vehicle side and the detection sensitivity for the draw from the in-vehicle side, too.
When the pinch and the draw are detected, the upper face 8-1, first incline 8-2, or second inline 8-3 of the receiving portion 8 leads to contacting with a surface of the cover portion 4-4, 4-5, or 4-6. In order to make the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 more easily deformable, thickness (wall thickness) of the cover member 4 interposing between each surface of the cover portion 4-4, 4-5, 4-6 and each surface of the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 is desirably thinner (smaller) than thickness (wall thickness) of the cover member 4 interposing between each surface of the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 and an outer surface of the deformation portion 4-2.

<Trapezoid-Shaped Receiving Portion 8 >

According to the invention, an outer shape of the receiving portion 8 is set to a trapezoidal shape. This makes it possible to reduce absorption of pressure by the receiving portion 8 and increase magnitude of the exterior force applied to the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 when the deformation portion 4-2 deforms due to the pinch or draw.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a receiving portion according to an embodiment. Here, compared and explained as the receiving portion 8 will be a case of using a receiving portion whose outer shape is rectangular and a case of using a receiving portion whose outer shape is trapezoidal.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining a case of pinching an object, and FIGS. 3C and 3D are diagrams for explaining a case of drawing an object. FIGS. 3A and 3C show a case of using a rectangular receiving portion 8, that is not part of the invention. FIGS. 3B and 3D show an embodiment according to the invention using a trapezoidal receiving portion 8.
If the pinch occurs, the deformation portion deforms, and the pressure sensitive detection member 5-1 shown in FIG. 1 is pressed to the upper face 8-1 of the receiving portion 8 via the cover portion 4-4. This brings application of exterior force STR1 to the upper face 8-1 of the receiving portion 8. In the case of the rectangular receiving portion, as shown on right side in FIG. 3A, a middle (half-way) portion of the receiving portion 8 expands by the exterior force STR1 and, consequently, the rectangular receiving portion 8 may be crushed toward the base face 4-3. That is, the exterior force STR1 is absorbed by the crushing of the receiving portion 8 and, consequently, pressure applied to the pressure sensitive detection member 5-1 may be reduced. Contrarily, in the case of the trapezoidal receiving portion 8, the exterior force STR1 is dispersed toward a wide bottom face of the trapezoid, which makes it possible to reduce the expansion of the middle portion of the receiving portion 8 as shown on a right side in FIG. 3B. This can reduce the crushing of the upper face 8-1, which serves as a receiving face of the receiving portion 8, toward the base face 4-3, and can reduce the absorption of the exterior force STR1 by the receiving portion 8. As a result, the exterior force applied to the pressure sensitive detection member 5-1 can be made larger.
Next, described will a case where the drawing to the out-vehicle side occurs. The drawing to the out-vehicle side can be simulated by the application of exterior force STR2 from the in-vehicle side.
As shown on a right side in FIG. 3C, the rectangular receiving portion 8 tilts in a direction of the exterior force STR2, and deforms so that the rectangle dodges (escapes) from the exterior force STR2. The exterior force STR2 is absorbed by this deformation, which brings reduction of the exterior force applied to the pressure sensitive detection member 5-2.
Contrarily, in the case of the trapezoidal receiving portion 8, the second incline 8-3 opposite to the first inline 8-2 acts as a supporter for counteracting the external force STR2, which makes it difficult for the receiving portion 8 to deform. As a result, the deformation of the receiving portion 8 makes it possible to reduce the absorption of the external force STR2 and increase the magnitude of the external force applied to the pressure sensitive detection member 5-2.
Here, the example of the draw to the out-vehicle side has been described. Similarly even in the case of the draw to the in-vehicle side, however, the external force applied to the pressure sensitive detection member 5-3 can be increased.
In this way, use of the trapezoidal receiving portion 8 makes it possible to increase the external force applied to the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 in performing the pinching and drawing operations, so that the detection sensitivity thereof can be enhanced.
Next, described will be a state of the pinching detection switch 1 when the pinching and drawing operations are performed. FIGS. 4 and 5 are sectional views each showing a pinching detection switch according to an embodiment. Firstly, described will be the pinching operation with reference to FIG. 4.

<Pinch>

FIG. 4 shows a state of the pinching detection switch 1 when a not-shown object is pinched.
In FIG. 4, a double-dot line indicates an initial state of the deformation portion 4-2 when the object is not pinched. The pinching of the object causes the deformation portion 4-2 to deform. In this case, the top-face deformation portion 4-2U deforms so as to move in a direction of the upper face 8-1 of the receiving portion 8, and the side deformation portion 4-2S deforms so as to expand on right and left sides of the FIG. 4.
Since the top-face deformation portion 4-2U moves in the direction of the upper face 8-1, the pressure sensitive detection member 5-1 is pressed to the opposed upper face 8-1 via the cover portion 4-4 and deforms so as to be crushed. The controller 21 shown in FIG. 6 detects that the object is pinched through, for example, a value of a detection signal sent when the pressure sensitive detection member 5-1 is in a state shown by FIG. 4.

<Draw>

FIG. 5 shows a state of performing a drawing operation to a not-shown object. Here, described will be a case of performing the drawing operation to the object from the out-vehicle side. A state of the deformation portion 4-2 before the drawing operation is performed is an initial state shown by, for example, the double-dot line of FIG. 4.
When the drawing operation is performed, the object contacts with a right-side portion of FIG. 5 out of the top-face deformation portion 4-2U of the deformation portion 4-2, and causes the deformation portion 4-2 to deform so as to move the top-face deformation portion 4-2U toward a left side of FIG. 5. Since the top-face deformation portion 4-2U deforms so as to move toward the left side of FIG. 5, the side deformation portion 4-2S also deforms so as to tilt toward the left side of FIG. 5.
Since the top-face deformation portion 4-2U is caused to move toward the left side of FIG. 5, the pressure sensitive detection member 5-2 arranged on the in-vehicle side abuts on the first incline 8-2 of the receiving portion 8 as shown in FIG. 5, is pressed to the opposed first incline 8-2 via the cover portion 4-5, and deforms so as to be crushed. The controller 21 shown in FIG. 6 uses, for example, a value of a detection signal sent when the pressure sensitive detection member 5-2 is in a state shown in FIG. 5, and detects that the object is drawn from the out-vehicle side.
Described has been the case where the drawing operation is performed from the out-vehicle side. However, a case where the drawing operation is performed from the in-vehicle side is also similar thereto. That is, in accordance with performing the drawing operation from the in-vehicle side, the pressure sensitive detection member 5-3 placed on the out-vehicle side deforms so as to be crushed.
In this way, the pinching detection switch 1 according to the embodiment can properly detect both of the pinching and drawing states. Also, the cover portion 4 is provided with the hollow portion 7, which makes it possible to enhance (improve) the cushioning characteristics.
As shown in FIG. 1, the embodiment makes a wall thickness 4B of the side deformation portion 4-2S thinner than a wall thickness 4A of the top-face deformation portion 4-2U. Therefore, when the pinch and draw occur, the detection sensitivity can be enhanced for making it easy for the side deformation portion 4-2S to deform.

Hereinafter, described will be a plurality of modification examples.
A pinching detection switch according to a first modification example has a configuration that lacks the above pressure sensitive detection member 5-3. That is, arranged on the top-face deformation portion 4-2U are only the pressure sensitive detection member 5-1 mainly detecting the pinch, and the pressure sensitive detection member 5-2 mainly detecting the draw from the out-vehicle side. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in costs of the pinching detection switch.
A pinching detection switch according to a second modification example has a configuration in which a convex portion is placed on at least one of the upper face 8-1, first incline 8-2, and second incline 8-3 of the receiving portion 8. The convex portion has such a shape as to protrude toward the top-face deformation portion 4-2U. This convex portion can make it easier to crush the pressure sensitive detection member.
Also, the convex portion in the second modification example is made a strip shape on each of the upper face 8-1, first incline 8-2, and second incline 8-3. If the upper face 8-1 is taken for an example, the upper face 8-1 is provided with a convex portion that extends in the same direction as an extension direction (Y direction in FIG. 2) of the cover member 4. This leads to, on the upper face 8-1, formation of strip-shaped convex and concave (unevenness) by parts provided and not provided with a convex portion. Each of the first and second inclines 8-2, 8-3 also has a structure similar to that of the above-mentioned upper face 8-1. The above-described strip-shaped convex portion can be easily formed by, for example, an extruding formation.
Further, the convex portion may be formed integrally with the receiving portion 8, or the convex portion, which has been prepared separately from the receiving portion 8, may be provided so as to become a face of the receiving portion 8.
A pinching detection switch according to a third modification example has a structure in which the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 are prepared separately from the cover member 4. When viewed from a sectional view, an insertion port having an area larger than each of sections of the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 is formed. The pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 separately prepared are inserted into the corresponding insertion ports of the cover member 4. This makes it possible to prevent the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 from twisting when the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 are inserted into the corresponding insertion ports.
Additionally, the sections of the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 in the third modification example are made oval (elliptic). Further, after adhesive is put in the insertion ports, the circular or oval pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 are inserted into the corresponding insertion ports.
The receiving portion 8 according to the embodiment is formed of rubber similarly to the cover member 4. However, the receiving portion 8 may be formed integrally with or separately from the cover member 8. Similarly thereto, the pressure sensitive detection members 5-1 to 5-3 may be formed integrally with the cover member 4 or separately from the cover member 4 as described in the third modification example.
Incidentally, the upper face 8-1, first incline 8-2, and second incline 8-3 in the above embodiment are flat surfaces. However, the upper face 8-1, first incline 8-2, and second incline 8-3 are not limited to plane surfaces and may be curved surfaces as long as the present invention has the same effect as those obtained by such surfaces.
As described above, the inventions made by the inventors of the present application have been concretely described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and, needless to say, may be variously modified within a range not departing from the appended claims.

Claims

A pinching detection switch (1) comprising:
at least two pressure sensitive detection members (5-1, 5-2) having a plurality of electrode wires separated from each other; and

a cover member (4) covering the pressure sensitive detection members (5-1, 5-2),

wherein the cover member (4) includes a base portion (4-1), a hollow portion (7), and a deformation portion (4-2) in a sectional view of the cover member (4), the deformation portion (4-2) being provided to the base portion (4-1) so as to cover the hollow portion (7),

the first and the second pressure sensitive detection members (5-1,5-2) are arranged in the deformation portion (4-2),

a receiving portion (8) receiving the pressure sensitive detection members (5-1, 5-2) is placed in the base portion (4-1), and

the receiving portion (8) includes a first receiving face (8-1) receiving the first pressure sensitive detection member (5-1), and a second receiving face (8-2) receiving the second pressure sensitive detection member (5-2), the first and second receiving faces (8-1, 8-2) being arranged at positions opposing the first and second pressure sensitive detection members (5-1, 5-2), respectively, characterized in that

the at least pressure sensitive detection members (5-1, 5-2) are tubular, and that

an outer shape of the receiving portion (8) has a trapezoidal shape which becomes smaller from the base portion (4-1) toward the deformation portion (4-2) in the sectional view of the cover member (4) and

an upper face of the trapezoidal receiving portion (8) is the first receiving face (8-1) and a first incline of the trapezoidal receiving portion (8) is the second receiving face (8-2).
The pinching detection switch according to claim 1, wherein a center point of the first pressure sensitive detection member (5-1) is placed on a center line of the cover member (4) when the cover member (4) is viewed in a sectional view, the center line passing the base portion (4-1) and the deformation portion (4-2), and
the second pressure sensitive detection member (5-2) is placed on one side with respect to the center line of the cover member (4) when the cover member (4) is viewed in the sectional view, and a center point of the second pressure sensitive detection member (5-2) is placed on a first virtually straight line forming a predetermined angle with respect to the center line.
The pinching detection switch according to claim 2, further comprising a third pressure sensitive detection member (5-3) placed in the deformation portion (4-2),
wherein the third pressure sensitive detection member (5-2) is placed on another side with respect to the center line of the cover member (4) when the cover member (4) is viewed in the sectional view, and a center point of the third pressure sensitive detection member (5-2) is placed on a second virtually straight line forming a predetermined angle with respect to the center line, and
the trapezoidal receiving portion (8) includes a second incline to be a third receiving face (8-3), the third receiving face (8-3) being different from the first incline, opposing the third pressure sensitive detection member (5-3), and receiving the third pressure sensitive detection member (5-3).
The pinching detection switch according to claim 3, wherein when the cover member (4) is viewed in the sectional view, the deformation portion (4-2) includes a top-face deformation portion (4-2U) arranging the first to third pressure sensitive detection members, and a side deformation portion (4-2S) formed between the top-face deformation portion (4-2U) and the base portion (4-1), and
when the cover member (4) is viewed in the sectional view, a wall thickness of the side deformation portion (4-2S) is smaller than a wall thickness of the top-face deformation portion (4-2U).