JP2011213271A - Vehicle seat position control sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle seat position control sensor decreasing the number of part items and achieving ease of use.SOLUTION: The vehicle seat position control sensor includes a three-axis force sensor 300 on the same plane of a diaphragm 11. The vehicle seat position control sensor specifies a seat position control content instructed by an operator based on an output of the three-axis force sensor 300 by allowing the three-axis force sensor 300 to detect forces in X-axis and Y-axis directions prescribed on the plane of the diaphragm 11 in an orthogonal XYZ-axis coordinate system, and additionally allowing the three-axis force sensor 300 to detect a twisting force in a Z-axis direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle seat position control sensor used when, for example, a position (position) of a vehicle seat is controlled using an electric actuator such as a motor.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system that includes a plurality of electric actuators such as motors and controls driving of each motor using a plurality of switches when controlling the seat position for a vehicle is known. In such vehicle seat position control, motors such as corresponding actuators are driven in accordance with ON / OFF of a plurality of switches, and various movements of each part of the seat called, for example, a so-called 8-way seat are performed. (See Patent Document 2).

  Here, the 8-way seat refers to a sliding operation in the front-rear direction of the seat seat, an ascending / descending operation (lift UP and lift DOWN operation) of the entire seat seat that supports the user's buttocks, and a seat seat that supports the user's thigh. Ascending / descending operations (tilt UP and tilt DOWN operations) of the front part and operations for tilting and raising the backrest of the seat (reclining DOWN and reclining UP operations) are known.

  As a more specific configuration of such a switch on / off method, a direct switch method and a memory switch seat method are known. Here, the direct cut switch method is a method in which a switch of a mechanical contact that directly turns ON / OFF the motor power supply of the driving unit and a switch having a mechanical contact that reverses the motor rotation direction are combined. The memory seat switch system is a relay contact that directly turns ON / OFF the motor power of the drive unit via the internal microcomputer by pushing a carbon or mechanical switch indicating the drive location, and a relay contact that reverses the motor rotation direction. This is a combination method.

JP 2005-145454 A Special table 2007-504990

  As described above, a conventional switch used for vehicle seat position control includes a plurality of switches provided corresponding to the respective actuators in one seat, and the number of switches from the viewpoint of increasing the number of parts. It was requested to reduce. In addition, if the switch as described above is simply placed on the side of the seat, the operation of each switch and seat will be performed when the seat user touches multiple switches in the narrow gap between the inner trim of the door and the side of the seat. I could not imagine the relationship with the position in my head. For this reason, it is impossible to instantly recognize which part of the seat moves when which switch is operated, which is insufficient in terms of usability.

  Further, since the motor is operated or stopped by turning on / off the switch, a mechanical switch switching sound is inevitably generated, and some users may feel uncomfortable.

  FIG. 15 is a front view schematically showing a seat switch provided in a conventional vehicle seat. As is apparent from this drawing, in order to control the position of the sheet, two switches must be provided on the side surface of the sheet, which increases the number of parts. In addition, when performing lift-down operation or lift-up operation of the seat surface of the seat, locate one of the switches by searching and shift it downward (arrow ZD direction in the figure) or upward (arrow ZU direction in the figure). It is necessary to move the sheet by shifting it. In addition, when performing a sliding operation in the front-rear direction of the seat, locate one of the switches by searching and shift it forward (in the direction of arrow FS in the figure) or backward (in the direction of arrow RS in the figure). Need to slide. Also, when performing a tilt-down operation or tilt-up operation of the seat surface of the seat, locate one of the switches by searching and shift it downward (arrow TD direction in the figure) or upward (arrow TU direction in the figure). It is necessary to move the sheet by shifting it. In addition, when the seat back is tilted to the reclining state or raised and returned to the normal state, the seat is reclined by shifting downward (arrow LD direction in the figure) or upward (arrow in the figure). It is necessary to shift the back of the seat by shifting in the LU direction).

  In this case, when searching for a switch by groping, if you accidentally select another switch and operate it, for example, when the user thinks to tilt down the seat and operate it, the seat suddenly reclines In some cases, the user may be surprised by the transition.

  Even if the user controls the position of the sheet by eliminating such inconvenience, the entire sheet can be imaged in the head by touching one switch. There has been a demand for a sheet positioning control sensor that allows a user to perform desired sheet control by manipulating various parts.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat position control sensor that reduces the number of components and is excellent in usability and operational feeling.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a vehicle seat position control sensor according to claim 1 of the present invention includes:
In addition to having a three-axis force sensor on the same surface of the diaphragm and detecting the forces in the X-axis and Y-axis directions defined on the diaphragm surface in the XYZ-axis orthogonal coordinate system by the three-axis force sensor. The three-axis force sensor also detects the torsional force in the Z-axis direction, whereby the content of the seat position control instructed by the operator is specified based on the output of the three-axis force sensor.

A vehicle seat position control sensor according to claim 2 of the present invention is
A diaphragm, an operation unit provided on a surface of the diaphragm and deforming the diaphragm, and detecting operation force in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of orthogonal coordinates acting on the operation unit by the operation of the operation unit; At the same time, a vehicle seat position control sensor including a triaxial force sensor having a force sensor that also detects a torsional force in the Z-axis direction of orthogonal coordinates,
The triaxial force sensor is arranged symmetrically with respect to the origin on the X-axis and Y-axis of the first orthogonal coordinate on the diaphragm, and detects the operation force in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the operation unit. And the force sensor element that is on the diaphragm, on the X-axis and the Y-axis of the second orthogonal coordinates that share the first orthogonal coordinate, the origin, and the Z-axis and that form an angle different from the first orthogonal coordinate. Each having a force sensor element that is arranged symmetrically with respect to the origin and detects a torsional force around the Z-axis of the operation unit, and one of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the first orthogonal coordinate is Corresponding to the longitudinal sliding direction of the seat, one of the other corresponds to the vertical lift direction of the seat, and the Z-axis direction of the second orthogonal coordinate corresponds to the standing and tilting direction of the seat back portion. It is characterized by having.

  According to the vehicle seat position control sensor according to claims 1 and 2 of the present invention, various seat positions and postures can be controlled by a single vehicle seat position control sensor. It is not necessary to provide a large number of seat switches on the seat, and the number of parts can be reduced.

  In addition, since the position of the seat can be controlled without using a conventional mechanical on / off switch, it is not necessary to generate a mechanical switch sound that may be annoying to some people. In addition, since the position and posture of the seat can be controlled by a single vehicle seat position control sensor, it is easy to image the head by touching the vehicle seat position control sensor, and the vehicle seat position control sensor The parts necessary for controlling the position of the seat can be accurately operated, and the usability is improved as compared with the conventional seat switch.

A vehicle seat position control sensor according to claim 3 of the present invention is the vehicle seat position control sensor according to claim 2,
In addition to the other one of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the first orthogonal coordinate corresponding to the vertical lift direction of the seat, it corresponds to the tilt direction that moves up and down the front portion of the seat portion of the seat. It is characterized by being.

  According to the vehicle seat position control sensor of the third aspect of the present invention, since the operation force for instructing the tilting operation in which the front portion of the seat moves up and down can also be detected, the usability can be further improved.

A vehicle seat position control sensor according to claim 4 of the present invention is the vehicle seat position control sensor according to claim 2 or 3,
The operation part is composed of a lever support part protruding from the surface of the diaphragm, and a seat control arm part provided on a part of the lever support part opposite to the diaphragm,
The seat control arm portion includes a seat seat surface extending portion and a seat back extending portion formed by bending so as to correspond to a side view shape of the seat.

  According to the vehicle seat position control sensor according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the lever support portion has a shape corresponding to the side view of the seat, the user simply touches the vehicle seat position control sensor with a search. The shape of the sheet itself can be floated in the head, and it is possible to instantaneously determine which part of the sensor can be pressed to control the desired sheet position. As a result, the usability when using the vehicle seat position control sensor can be further improved.

A vehicle seat position control sensor according to claim 5 of the present invention is the vehicle seat position control sensor according to claim 4,
The sheet control arm unit is provided with a plurality of sheet control pressing units that can be detected by tactile sensation in a portion corresponding to each movement operation of the sheet.

  According to the vehicle seat position control sensor according to claim 5 of the present invention, the user can grasp by touch whether or not the vehicle seat position control sensor is operating. Usability can be further improved.

A vehicle seat position control sensor according to claim 6 of the present invention is the vehicle seat position control sensor according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
The three-axis force sensor can detect a seat movement speed command signal corresponding to each axis in accordance with the amount of operation force acting around the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis. .

  According to the vehicle seat position control sensor according to claim 6 of the present invention, when a weak operating force is applied in each of the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, an output signal that causes the motor to rotate slowly is output. When a strong operating force is applied, an output signal that rotates the motor quickly is detected.For example, when the vehicle is stopped and taking a nap in the vehicle, the seat is quickly brought down, or after the nap is over, the seat is quickly raised. To resume driving. In addition, when a person with a different physique changes the driving of the vehicle during a traffic jam, for example, the height of the seat seating surface can be quickly changed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle seat position control sensor excellent in ergonomics called so-called ergonomics or human factor, in which the number of parts is reduced and the usability and operational feeling are improved.

It is side sectional drawing which includes the diaphragm center part of the triaxial force sensor used for the vehicle seat position control sensor which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention in a cross section. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the triaxial force sensor shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the three-axis force sensor shown in FIG. 1. It is a top view which shows the diaphragm of the triaxial force sensor shown in FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. 3, and the strain gauge and bonding pad which were formed on this diaphragm. It is a schematic plan view for demonstrating the arrangement | positioning state of the strain gauge of the triaxial force sensor which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the signal processing method of the strain gauge shown in FIG. 5, the signal processing circuit (FIG.6 (a)) which detects the force added to the X-axis direction of an operation part, and the force applied to the Y-axis direction of an operation part 6 shows a signal processing circuit (FIG. 6B) for detecting the torsion, and a signal processing circuit (FIG. 6C) for detecting the torsional force acting around the Z axis of the operation unit. It is the schematic plan view which showed the modification different from the arrangement | positioning state of the strain gauge shown in FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat position control sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a front view of the vehicle seat position control sensor shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the vehicle seat position control sensor shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a right side view of the vehicle seat position control sensor shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram schematically showing the vehicle seat position control sensor shown in FIG. 8 together with motors provided in the seat. It is a list explaining how to control the position of the seat when the vehicle seat position control sensor shown in FIG. 8 is used. It is explanatory drawing showing the force which acts on each sensor control protrusion in the state which reversed right and left of the vehicle seat position control sensor shown in FIG. It is a front view which shows roughly the switch used for the conventional vehicle seat apparatus.

  Hereinafter, a vehicle seat position control sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In describing this sensor, the configuration of a three-axis force sensor showing the basic principle of this sensor will be described in detail first.

  Hereinafter, a three-axis force sensor used for a vehicle seat position control sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view including a diaphragm central portion of a three-axis force sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the three-axis force sensor shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the three-axis force sensor shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view along the arrow II in FIG.

  The triaxial force sensor 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention acts on the operation unit 20 by operating the operation unit 20 that is provided on the surface of the diaphragm 11, is provided on the surface of the diaphragm 11, and deforms the diaphragm 11. At the same time as detecting the operation force in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 5) of the Cartesian coordinates, it passes through the intersection of the X-axis and Y-axis in the Cartesian coordinates and is orthogonal to these axes. Force sensor 300 that can also detect the twist in the direction in which the image is twisted.

  The diaphragm 11 is formed on the upper surface of the base plate 10 by forming a concave portion 10a having a substantially circular bottom view when viewed from the top. The base plate 10 and the diaphragm 11 are integrally formed, and the diaphragm 11 is made of a thin film made of metal or resin. The base plate 10 is provided with a screw hole 12 for attaching the triaxial force sensor 1 to an attachment target and a cable insertion hole 13 for taking out an output from the force sensor 300.

  On the upper surface of the diaphragm 11 in FIG. The operating portion 20 has a longitudinally extending portion 21 whose central axis substantially coincides with the center of the diaphragm 11, and an upper portion of the longitudinally extending portion 21 that is parallel to the formation surface of the diaphragm 11 and extends in a specific direction. A laterally extending portion 22 is provided.

  Here, on the diaphragm, as shown in FIG. 5, first orthogonal coordinates X1, Y1, Z1 (hereinafter referred to as “first orthogonal coordinates”) and second orthogonal coordinates X2, Y2, Z2 (hereinafter referred to as “first orthogonal coordinates”). , “Second orthogonal coordinates”). The first orthogonal coordinate is based on the central portion of the diaphragm surface 11a, the X axis and the Y axis are defined on the diaphragm surface 11a, and the positive direction of the Z axis is opposite to the recessed portion 10a of the diaphragm surface 11a. It is prescribed. The second orthogonal coordinate has the same origin as the first orthogonal coordinate, and the first orthogonal coordinate, the X-axis, and the Y-axis are the first orthogonal coordinate X-axis, Y-axis, and θ degrees (Example) The angle is 45 degrees. Note that the Z axis of the second orthogonal coordinate and the Z axis of the first orthogonal coordinate coincide.

  And the diaphragm 11 deform | transforms according to the operation force of the X-axis direction of the 1st and 2nd orthogonal coordinate which acts on the operation part 20 based on operation of the operation part 20, and the Y-axis direction. Further, in the present embodiment, a torsional motion is generated around the Z direction of the orthogonal coordinates, which is around the axis of the longitudinally extending portion 21 of the operating portion 20 according to the operating force acting on the laterally extending portion 22 of the operating portion 20. It is like that. And the diaphragm 11 deform | transforms according to the twist of the Z-axis direction of the 1st and 2nd orthogonal coordinate which is mutually common.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the diaphragm of the triaxial force sensor shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and the strain gauge and bonding pad formed on the diaphragm. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view for explaining an arrangement state of strain gauges of the three-axis force sensor according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a signal processing method of the strain gauge shown in FIG. 5, a signal processing circuit (FIG. 6 (a)) for detecting the force applied in the X-axis direction of the operation unit, and the operation unit. 7 shows a signal processing circuit (FIG. 6B) for detecting a force applied in the Y-axis direction and a signal processing circuit (FIG. 6C) for detecting a torsional force acting around the Z-axis of the operation unit.

  4 and 5, the force sensor 300 arranged on the diaphragm is arranged symmetrically with respect to the origin on the X-axis and Y-axis of the first orthogonal coordinate on the diaphragm surface and is in the X-axis direction of the operation unit. And a force sensor element 310 that detects an operation force in the Y-axis direction, and a second orthogonal coordinate that makes the first orthogonal coordinate common to the origin and the Z-axis and has an angle (θ degrees) different from the first orthogonal coordinate. The force sensor element 320 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the origin on the X-axis and the Y-axis, and detects the torsional force around the Z-axis of the operation unit.

  Here, the angle formed on the diaphragm by the first orthogonal coordinate and the second orthogonal coordinate is 45 degrees as described above. The force sensor element 310 arranged at the first orthogonal coordinate and the force sensor element 320 arranged at the second orthogonal coordinate are composed of a plurality of strain gauges arranged on the same sensor mounting sheet 350. That is, the force sensor elements 310 and 320 are fixed to the diaphragm 11 via the sensor mounting sheet 350. The force sensor elements 310 and 320 are respectively connected to bonding pads 310a and 320a for taking out outputs. Hereinafter, all force sensor elements are referred to as “strain gauges”.

  Here, as a single-axis force sensor acting in the X-axis direction, a pair of strain gauges 311 and 312 arranged symmetrically with respect to the origin on the X-axis of the first orthogonal coordinates constitutes a force sensor for detecting Fx, A pair of strain gauges 315 and 316 arranged symmetrically with respect to the origin on the Y axis of the first orthogonal coordinate as a single-axis force sensor acting in the axial direction forms a force sensor for Fy detection. In the present embodiment, the Mz detection force sensor for detecting the torsional force Mz acting around the common Z axis of the first and second orthogonal coordinates is on the X axis and the Y axis of the second orthogonal coordinate. The four strain gauges 321, 322, 325, 326 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the origin.

  As apparent from FIG. 5, the strain gauges 311 and 312 for Fx detection have a plurality of pattern extending portions (grid length A (see FIG. 5)) arranged in parallel with respect to the X axis and Fy detection. In the strain gauges 315 and 316, a plurality of pattern extending portions (grid length A) are arranged in parallel to the Y axis. Further, the strain gauges 321, 322, 325, and 326 for Mz detection are arranged so that a plurality of pattern extending portions (grid length A) that are parallel to each other are orthogonal to the X axis.

  4 and 5, a set of strain gauges 311 and 312 arranged on the X axis of the first orthogonal coordinate are connected as shown in FIG. Accordingly, it plays the role of detecting the amount of fall of the operation unit 20 in the Fx direction and the degree of the fall. A set of strain gauges 315 and 316 arranged on the Y axis of the first orthogonal coordinates are connected as shown in FIG. 6B, and the operation unit is operated according to the operation force exerted on the operation unit 20. It plays the role of detecting the amount of fall in 20 Fy directions and the degree of fall. Further, two sets of strain gauges 321, 322, 325, and 326 arranged on the X axis and the Y axis of the second orthogonal coordinate are connected as shown in FIG. It plays the role of detecting the amount of twist in the Mz direction of the operation unit 20 according to the operating force exerted.

  Here, the tilt amount in the Fx direction of the operation unit 20 corresponds to the tilt amount in the X-axis direction in the first orthogonal coordinate described above, and the tilt amount in the Fy direction of the operation unit 20 corresponds to the first orthogonal coordinate. Corresponds to the amount of tilt in the Y direction. Further, the amount of twist in the Mz direction of the operation unit corresponds to the torsional force (torsional moment) generated in the longitudinally extending portion 21 generated by exerting from the laterally extending portion 22 of the operating unit. The output signal extraction circuit shown in FIG. 6 is configured using a known Wheatstone bridge circuit.

  As described above, according to the three-axis force sensor 1 used for the vehicle seat position control sensor of the present embodiment, the tilting direction of the operation unit 20 according to the operation force applied to the operation unit 20 provided on the diaphragm, and Simultaneously with detecting the degree of tilting, it is possible to detect the degree of twisting of the operation unit with a simple configuration.

  In the triaxial force sensor 1, the angle formed on the diaphragm between the first orthogonal coordinate and the second orthogonal coordinate is 45 degrees. Since the triaxial force sensor 1 has such a configuration, output signals of the tilting forces Fx and Fy acting in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction of the operation unit 20 and the torsional force acting around the Z axis of the operation unit. The output signal of Mz can be detected independently through a known output signal extraction circuit shown in FIG. Thereby, interference between the output signals of the tilting forces Fx and Fy of the operation unit 20 and the output signal of the torsional force Mz can be minimized.

  As a result, it is possible to more accurately detect the degree of twisting of the operation unit 20 at the same time as detecting the direction and degree of tilting of the operation unit 20 according to the operation force applied to the operation unit 20 provided on the diaphragm. become.

  The triaxial force sensor 1 includes force sensor elements 311, 312, 315, 316 arranged at the first orthogonal coordinates and force sensor elements 321, 322, 325, 326 arranged at the second orthogonal coordinates. Each strain gauge is arranged on one sensor mounting sheet 350, and each strain gauge is fixed to the diaphragm via the sensor mounting sheet 350.

  Since the triaxial force sensor 1 has such a configuration, the force sensor elements that detect the operation force acting on the operation unit 20 can be arranged on the diaphragm without shifting their relative positions. In addition to detecting the direction and degree of tilting of the operating unit 20 according to the operating force applied to the operating unit 20 provided at the same time, the degree of twisting of the operating unit 20 can be detected more accurately with a simple configuration. Become.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a modified example different from the arrangement state of the strain gauges shown in FIG. In the present modification, as is apparent from FIG. 7, the strain gauges 411 and 412 for detecting Fx have a plurality of pattern extending portions (grid length A (see FIG. 7)) arranged in parallel to the X axis. In addition, the strain gauges 415 and 416 for detecting Fy have the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment in that a plurality of pattern extending portions (grid length A) are arranged in parallel with respect to the Y axis. However, in the strain gauges 421, 422, 425, and 426 for detecting Mz, a plurality of pattern extending portions (grid length A) that are parallel to each other are in a direction perpendicular to the Y axis. Thus, the configuration is different from that of the above-described embodiment. Even if the strain gauges 421, 422, 425, and 426 for detecting Mz are arranged on the diaphragm in this way, it is possible to exert the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment.

  Regarding the triaxial force sensor, unlike the above-described configuration, the angle is not limited to 45 degrees as long as the first orthogonal coordinate and the second orthogonal coordinate form a predetermined angle θ degree. However, the second orthogonal coordinate and the grid length direction of the strain gauge for detecting Mz are 45 degrees as in this embodiment, so that the output signals in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the operation unit and the operation Interference with the output signal around the Z-axis can be minimized.

  In addition, the origin and the Z axis of the first Cartesian coordinates do not need to be strictly positioned with the origin and the Z axis of the second Cartesian coordinates, and the effect of the present invention can be exhibited as long as they substantially coincide. It is. Further, even if the positive direction of the Z axis of the first orthogonal coordinates and the positive direction of the Z axis of the second orthogonal coordinates are opposite to each other, the action of the present invention can be exhibited.

  In addition, unlike the above-described configuration, each strain gauge may be directly arranged on the diaphragm, but in the case of this embodiment, each strain gauge is collectively patterned on one sensor mounting sheet, and this sensor By directly fixing the mounting sheet itself to the diaphragm, the production efficiency of the three-axis force sensor can be remarkably improved and the detection accuracy can be stably increased.

  When the strain gauges are collectively patterned on one sensor mounting sheet, positioning marks 331 (see FIG. 4) are also attached, so that alignment when directly fixing to the diaphragm can be easily performed with high accuracy.

  As the force sensor, a thick film sensor, a capacitance sensor, or the like may be used instead of the strain gauge as in the present embodiment. However, by using a strain gauge as a force sensor, each force sensor can be patterned into a single sensor mounting sheet. This facilitates dimensional management between the force sensor elements, and improves the output accuracy of the triaxial force sensor and improves the production efficiency. Further, by attaching all strain gauges on the diaphragm via one sensor mounting sheet, it is possible to easily perform processing such as wiring for mass production.

  Subsequently, a vehicle seat position control sensor 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention using the above-described three-axis force sensor will be described. The main configuration of the vehicle seat position control sensor 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention is basically the same as that of the above-described three-axis force sensor 1, and therefore, the same structure is denoted by the corresponding reference numerals and detailed. Description is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat position control sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a front view of the vehicle seat position control sensor shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the vehicle seat position control sensor shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a right side view of the vehicle seat position control sensor shown in FIG.

  The vehicle seat position control sensor 5 according to the present embodiment is a seat position control lever (seat control arm portion) corresponding to the side shape of the vehicle seat, instead of the laterally extending portion 22 of the three-axis force sensor 1 described above. ) 500. The seat position control lever 500 according to the present embodiment is horizontally arranged so as to correspond to a seat seat surface portion (not shown) in a side view when the vehicle seat position control sensor 5 is attached to the side portion of the vehicle seat. The seat seat surface extending portion 510 that extends, and the seat back that extends at an angle with respect to the seat portion so as to correspond to the seat back portion (not shown) provided at one end of the seat seat surface extending portion 510 An extending portion 520 is provided.

  Further, the sheet position control lever 500 is integrated with the rectangular lever support plate 51, and is screwed to the lever mounting plate 53 at four locations in the figure via hexagonal screws 570 passing through the lever support plate 51. ing. The lever mounting plate 53 and the column 52 are integrated, and both form a lever support. The column 52 protrudes from the diaphragm 11, and the central portion of the lever support plate 51 and the central portion of the diaphragm 11 correspond to the longitudinally extending portion 21 of the above-described three-axis force sensor and the lever mounting plate. It is connected via a lever support portion consisting of 53 (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

  The seat seat surface extending portion 510 of the seat position control lever 500 is provided with a seat tilt down operation protrusion 515 and a seat tilt up operation protrusion 516 at the top and bottom of the front end portion thereof. Further, the seat seat surface extending portion 510 includes a seat rear slide projection 511 and a seat front slide projection 512 on the front and rear end surfaces, respectively. Further, in the vicinity of the diaphragm coupling support portion of the seat position control lever 500, a seat seat surface lowering projection 513 and a seat seat surface raising projection 514 are provided above and below, respectively. Further, the seat back extending portion 520 of the seat position control lever 500 is provided with a back leaning projection 521 on the upper surface side of the seat, and a back standing upright projection 522 on the lower surface side of the seat.

  FIG. 12 is a circuit block diagram schematically showing the vehicle seat position control sensor 5 shown in FIG. 8 together with motors provided in the seat. This figure shows the system configuration of the vehicle seat position control sensor 5 according to this embodiment in an easily understandable manner. In the figure, the three-axis force sensor 1 used in the vehicle seat position control sensor 5 according to the present embodiment is used in principle for the FxFyMz three-axis force sensor. The triaxial force sensor 1 is a strain gauge type sensor, but can also be realized by a thick film resistance type sensor or a capacitance type sensor. The vehicle seat position control sensor 5 is provided with an (analog) amplifier circuit using an operational amplifier and a CPU circuit with a built-in A / D converter and a PWM circuit for performing a variable speed of the motor. A CPU circuit is provided.

  As can be seen from FIG. 12, in the vehicle seat position control sensor 5, the output signals around the Fx axis direction, the Fy axis direction, and the Mz axis detected by the triaxial force sensor are respectively amplified in the amplifier circuit, and the CPU circuit In the above, an algorithm to be described later is executed to determine what kind of seat position control the operation content for the vehicle seat position control sensor 5 specifically relates to. Based on the determination result, a motor that actually moves each part of the sheet is driven via a motor control circuit built in the sheet.

  The motor shown in FIG. 12 is, for example, a seat front / rear slide motor 61, a seat reclining motor 62, a seat lift (lifting / lowering the entire seating surface) motor 63, and a seat tilt (upward / lowering seating surface) motor 64.

  As an example of a specific control method shown in FIG. 12, in a motor control circuit, a control circuit having a relay contact for directly turning on / off a motor power supply of a drive unit and a relay contact for reversing the motor rotation direction is used as a CPU circuit. From the combination of bit information from A control circuit having a transistor circuit for driving the motor is operated by receiving a PWM signal from the CPU circuit. In this embodiment, a motor with a DC brush is used as the motor.

  FIG. 13 is a list for explaining specific algorithms for seat position control performed by the CPU circuit of FIG. 12 when the vehicle seat position control sensor 5 shown in FIG. 8 is used. This figure shows the control algorithm of the vehicle seat position control sensor according to this embodiment in an easy-to-understand manner. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the force acting on each sensor control protrusion of the vehicle seat position control sensor 5, and is a state in which the left and right direction of the vehicle seat position control sensor 5 is reversed. Is shown. From the relationship with the algorithm shown in FIG. 13, in FIG. 14, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the seat front slide projection 512 side is defined as the positive direction of the X axis and the seat rear slide projection 511 side is defined as the negative direction of the X axis. .

  In FIG. 13, when an operation for instructing the seat forward slide is performed, the sensor output is the Fx axis output −output, the Fy axis output is 0 output, and the Mz axis (around) output is 0 output. (Axis / Mz axis) output ratio is zero. In this case, FIG. 14 corresponds to a state in which the seat forward sliding projection 512 is pressed. In this control algorithm, it is determined that the seat forward sliding operation is instructed from the combination of these outputs.

  In addition, when an operation for instructing the rearward sliding of the seat is performed, the sensor output is Fx axis output + output, Fy axis output 0 output, Mz axis (around) output 0 output, (Fy axis / The Mz axis) output ratio is zero. In this case, in FIG. 14, this corresponds to a state where the seat rearward sliding projection 511 is pressed. In this control algorithm, it is determined that the seat rearward sliding operation is instructed from the combination of these outputs.

  In addition, when an operation of Fr tilt down direction movement instruction is performed, the sensor output is Fx axis output 0 output, Fy axis output -output, Mz axis (around) output -output, (Fy axis / Mz axis) The output ratio is +. In this case, FIG. 14 corresponds to a state in which the sheet tilt down operation protrusion 515 is pressed. In this control algorithm, it is determined that the Fr tilt down direction operation is instructed from the combination of these outputs.

  In addition, when an operation for instructing movement in the Fr tilt Up direction is performed, the sensor output is Fx axis output 0 output, Fy axis output + output, Mz axis (around) output + output, (Fy axis / Mz axis) The output ratio is +. In this case, in FIG. 14, this corresponds to a state where the sheet tilt Up operation protrusion 516 is pressed. In this control algorithm, it is determined that the Fr tilt Up direction operation is instructed from the combination of these outputs.

  In addition, when a lift down direction movement instruction is performed, the Fx axis output is 0 output, the Fy axis output is -output, and the Mz axis (around) output is 0 output (Fy axis / Mz axis) output ratio is ± ∞. In this case, FIG. 14 corresponds to a state in which the seat seat surface lowering projection 513 is pressed. In this control algorithm, it is determined that a lift down direction operation is instructed from a combination of these outputs.

  Further, when an operation for instructing a lift Up direction movement is performed, the sensor output is Fx axis output 0 output, Fy axis output + output, and Mz axis (around) output 0 output (Fy axis / Mz axis) output ratio is ± ∞. In this case, FIG. 14 corresponds to a state in which the seat seat surface raising protrusion 514 is pushed. In this control algorithm, it is determined that the lift Up direction operation is instructed from the combination of these outputs.

  When the reclining Up (standing) direction movement support operation is performed, the Fx axis output is -output, the Fy axis output is + output, and the Mz axis (around) output is -output, The ratio of (Fy axis / Mz axis) output is-. In this case, in FIG. 14, this corresponds to a state in which the backrest standing protrusion 522 is pressed. In this control algorithm, it is determined that the reclining Up operation has been instructed from the combination of these outputs.

  In addition, when an operation for instructing a reclining Down direction is performed, the Fx axis output is + output, the Fy axis output is-output, and the Mz axis (around) output is + output ( The ratio of (Fy axis / Mz axis) output is-. In this case, in FIG. 14, this corresponds to a state in which the backrest protrusion 521 is pushed. In this control algorithm, it is determined that a reclining down operation has been instructed from a combination of these outputs.

  By using the vehicle seat position control sensor according to the present embodiment configured as described above, various seat positions and postures can be controlled by a single vehicle seat position control sensor. It is not necessary to provide such a large number of sheet switches on the sheet, and the number of parts can be reduced.

  In addition, since the position of the seat can be controlled without using a conventional mechanical on / off switch, it is not necessary to generate a mechanical switch sound that may be annoying to some people.

  In addition, since the position and posture of the seat can be controlled by a single vehicle seat position control sensor, it is easy to image the head by touching the vehicle seat position control sensor, and the vehicle seat position control sensor The parts necessary for controlling the position of the seat can be accurately operated, and the usability is improved as compared with the conventional seat switch.

  In addition, since the lever support portion has a shape corresponding to the side view of the seat, the user can float the shape of the seat itself in the head by simply touching the vehicle seat position control sensor. It is possible to instantly determine which part of the sensor is pressed to enable desired sheet position control. As a result, usability when using the vehicle seat position control sensor is improved.

  Further, in addition to the other of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the first orthogonal coordinate corresponding to the vertical lift direction of the seat, it corresponds to the tilt direction that moves up and down the front portion of the seat portion of the seat. As a result, it is possible to detect an operation force for instructing a tilting operation in which the front portion of the seat moves up and down, which improves usability. Needless to say, even if the present invention is applied to a seat that does not correspond to the seat tilt direction, because the entire seat seat surface is lifted (raised), the effects of the present invention can be sufficiently achieved.

  In addition, the seat position control lever includes a plurality of seat control pressing portions that can be detected by tactile sensation in each portion corresponding to each movement operation of the seat (each operation projection), thereby enabling vehicle seat position control. Since the user can grasp by tactile sensation whether the sensor is operating or not, the usability of the vehicle seat position control sensor in the groping state is improved.

  In addition, according to the vehicle seat position control sensor according to the present embodiment, a combination of outputs from the FxFyMz three-axis force sensor and an 8-way seat motion matrix (in the case of the right seat) are used. In order to increase the accuracy of the determination result, the output ratio of Fy / Mz is added to the operation determination algorithm. Thus, depending on how the user operates the vehicle seat position control sensor, seat position control corresponding to the operation content can be realized.

  As a first modification of the above-described embodiment, a soft resin cover may be covered around each protrusion, and the protrusion may be formed of metal or a hard resin material. By doing in this way, the user can know the position of each projection part more instantly and accurately by groping, and the usability of the vehicle seat position control sensor can be further improved.

  In addition, as a second modification of the above-described embodiment, the seat position control is started by touching any of the protrusions, and at the same time, the entire vehicle seat position control sensor is vibrated via a vibrator such as a vibration motor or a piezoelectric element. You may make it let it. Accordingly, the user can recognize with the fingertip that the position of the seat is being adjusted, and the usability of the vehicle seat position control sensor can be further improved. In this case, various vibration generating media such as so-called vibration motors and piezoelectric elements can be used as the vibrator.

  Further, as a third modification of the above-described embodiment, the operation speed of the motor is changed in accordance with the size of the sheet control outputs Fx, Fy, Mz whose sheet position is generated according to the pressing force of the protrusion of the lever. You may do it. In this way, for example, when taking a break after stopping driving the vehicle, the seat back is quickly reclined and laid immediately, or when resuming driving after a break, the seat recline is It becomes possible to resume operation immediately after standing up. Further, for example, when a driver with a different physique changes driving during a traffic jam, the seat seat surface can be quickly raised and lowered. As a result, the usability of the power seat can be greatly improved.

  Also, convenience is good when reclining the passenger seat and placing a long baggage on the seat.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment and its modifications, the performance and usability of the vehicle seat position control sensor can be improved as follows. Specifically, by providing a threshold value for the output, it becomes possible to give a sharpness to the operation force and the operation feeling. In addition, it is possible to prevent malfunctions by providing hysteresis for the output threshold.

  Further, as a countermeasure against vibration in an actual vehicle, each output may have a digital filter function, and may be compared with data after passing through the filter.

  Alternatively, the operation that first enters the operation condition may be regarded as valid, and other operations may not be performed until the operation is completed. By doing so, it is possible to prioritize the operation contents, and it is possible to prevent the other parts of the sheet from moving suddenly due to an erroneous operation.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the switch functions as a feather touch (light operation feeling), and it is unnecessary for the user to perform on / off operation of a switch lacking a soft touch feeling as in the prior art. Since the actual lever can be operated while imagining the lever corresponding to the side shape in the head, the user can immediately get used to using the vehicle seat position control sensor, which is called ergonomics or human factor The vehicle seat position control sensor is excellent in ergonomics.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 3 axis | shaft force sensor 5 Vehicle seat position control sensor 11 Diaphragm 11a Diaphragm surface 20 Operation part 51 Lever support plate 52 Support | pillar part 53 Lever mounting plate 61 Seat front-rear slide motor 62 Seat reclining motor 63 Whole seat seat surface raising / lowering motor 64 Seat seat front elevation motor 300 Force sensor 310 Force sensor element 500 Seat position control lever (seat control arm)
510 Seat seat surface extension portion 511 Seat rear slide projection portion 512 Seat front slide projection portion 513 Seat seat surface lower projection portion 514 Seat seat surface elevation projection portion 515 Seat tilt Down operation projection portion 516 Seat tilt Up operation Protruding part 520 Seat back extension part 521 Protruding part for leaning back 522 Protruding part for standing up

Claims (6)

  In addition to having a three-axis force sensor on the same surface of the diaphragm and detecting the forces in the X-axis and Y-axis directions defined on the diaphragm surface in the XYZ-axis orthogonal coordinate system by the three-axis force sensor. The three-axis force sensor also detects the torsional force in the Z-axis direction, whereby the seat position control content designated by the operator is specified based on the output of the three-axis force sensor. Control sensor. A diaphragm, an operation unit provided on a surface of the diaphragm and deforming the diaphragm, and detecting operation force in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of orthogonal coordinates acting on the operation unit by the operation of the operation unit; At the same time, a vehicle seat position control sensor including a triaxial force sensor having a force sensor that also detects a torsional force in the Z-axis direction of orthogonal coordinates,
The triaxial force sensor is arranged symmetrically with respect to the origin on the X-axis and Y-axis of the first orthogonal coordinate on the diaphragm, and detects the operation force in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the operation unit. And the force sensor element that is on the diaphragm, on the X-axis and the Y-axis of the second orthogonal coordinates that share the first orthogonal coordinate, the origin, and the Z-axis and that form an angle different from the first orthogonal coordinate. Each having a force sensor element that is arranged symmetrically with respect to the origin and detects a torsional force around the Z-axis of the operation unit, and one of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the first orthogonal coordinate is Corresponding to the longitudinal sliding direction of the seat, one of the other corresponds to the vertical lift direction of the seat, and the Z-axis direction of the second orthogonal coordinate corresponds to the standing and tilting direction of the seat back portion. Vehicle seat position characterized by Control sensor.   In addition to the other one of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the first orthogonal coordinate corresponding to the vertical lift direction of the seat, it corresponds to the tilt direction that moves up and down the front portion of the seat portion of the seat. The vehicle seat position control sensor according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle seat position control sensor is provided. The operation part is composed of a lever support part protruding from the surface of the diaphragm, and a seat control arm part provided on a part of the lever support part opposite to the diaphragm,
3. The seat control arm portion includes a seat seat surface extending portion and a seat back extending portion formed by bending so as to correspond to a side view shape of the seat. Alternatively, the vehicle seat position control sensor according to claim 3.   5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the seat control arm portion includes a plurality of seat control pressing portions that can be detected by tactile sensation in a portion corresponding to each movement operation of the seat. Seat position control sensor. It is possible to detect a seat movement speed command signal corresponding to each axis in accordance with the amount of operation force acting around the X axis direction, the Y axis direction, and the Z axis of the triaxial force sensor. The vehicle seat position control sensor according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

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