JP2017003291A - Grip detecting device and capacitance sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a capacitance sensor having an inexpensive configuration and versatility which can be assembled into a rim of various shapes and sizes.SOLUTION: A capacitance sensor 20 comprises: an outer peripheral side linear electrode 51 and an inner peripheral side linear electrode 52 linearly extending along the Y direction on an insulator film 40 having flexibility; and intermediate electrodes 53 to 56 extending along the Y direction on the insulator film 40. When the capacitance sensor 20 is assembled into a rim 12, the outer peripheral side linear electrode 51 is arranged in an outer periphery of the rim 12, and the inner peripheral side linear electrode 52 is arranged in an inner periphery of the rim 12, and the intermediate electrodes 53 to 56 are arranged between the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the rim 12. The intermediate electrodes 53 to 56 include a plurality of divided electrode parts 63 to 66 which are arranged apart from one another in the Y direction, and connection electrode parts 73 to 76 which electrically connect adjacent divided electrode parts 63 to 66 with one another. The width of the connection electrode parts 73 to 76 of the intermediate electrodes 53 to 56 is narrower than the width of the divided electrode parts 63 to 66.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a grip detection device and a capacitance sensor, and more particularly to a grip detection device for detecting that a driver grips a rim of a steering wheel of an automobile and a capacitance sensor used therefor.

  Various sensors are mounted on the automobile, and various devices are controlled using signals detected by these sensors. For example, in order to control a car navigation system, a driving support system, a heater, an air bag, etc. depending on whether or not the driver is gripping the rim of the steering wheel, a capacitive sensor is incorporated in the rim. It is also detected whether or not the driver is holding the rim based on a change in capacitance between the electrode of the capacitance sensor and the driver's hand. Recently, a capacitance sensor that detects a grip state of a rim more accurately using a plurality of electrodes has also been developed (see, for example, FIG. 26 of Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional capacitance sensor incorporated in the rim of such a steering wheel. The capacitance sensor shown in FIG. 1 has a plurality of electrodes 501 to 506 extending along the direction in which the rim extends, and these electrodes 501 to 506 are arranged on a flexible insulating film 510. ing. Among these electrodes 501 to 506, the longest electrode 503 and the shortest electrode 506 extend linearly. In FIG. 1, the electrode 501 and the electrode 502 located on the left side of the electrode 503 are curved to the left side, and the electrode 504 and the electrode 505 located between the electrode 503 and the electrode 506 are curved to the right side.

  Since the longest electrode 503 is disposed on the outermost periphery of the rim and the shortest electrode 506 is disposed on the innermost periphery of the rim, these electrodes 503 and 506 are disposed along the direction in which the rim extends if formed in a straight line can do. On the other hand, the electrodes 501, 502, 504, and 505 are arranged on a curved surface between the outermost and innermost circumferences of the rim, so that the curves as shown in FIG. 1 can be arranged along the extending direction of the rim. It needs to be shaped. Therefore, the curved shapes of these electrodes 501, 502, 504, and 505 are designed according to the shape and size of the rim.

  However, the annular shape, cross-sectional shape, size, and the like of the rim of the steering wheel differ depending on the vehicle. In the conventional electrostatic capacitance sensor as described above, the electrodes 501, 502,. There is a problem that it is necessary to design the curved shapes 504 and 505, and the manufacturing cost increases. Therefore, there is a demand for a capacitive sensor having versatility that can accommodate various rim shapes and sizes.

International Publication No. 2014/123222

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems of the prior art, and includes a versatile capacitance sensor that can be incorporated into a rim of various shapes and sizes with an inexpensive configuration, and the same. It is an object to provide a grip detection device.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a versatile capacitance sensor that can be incorporated into a rim of various shapes and sizes with an inexpensive configuration. The capacitance sensor includes a flexible insulating film, an outer peripheral linear electrode extending linearly along the first direction on the insulating film, and the first direction on the insulating film. An inner peripheral side linear electrode extending in a straight line, at least one intermediate electrode extending along the first direction on the insulating film, the outer peripheral side linear electrode, the inner peripheral side linear electrode, and the intermediate electrode Wiring extending from each of the two. The outer peripheral linear electrode is disposed on the outer periphery of the rim when incorporated in the rim, and the inner peripheral linear electrode is disposed on the inner periphery of the rim when incorporated in the rim. The electrode is disposed between the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the rim when incorporated in the rim. The intermediate electrode includes a plurality of divided electrode portions that are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and at least one connecting electrode portion that electrically connects adjacent divided electrode portions among the divided electrode portions. Including. The insulating film includes a plurality of outer peripheral film portions extending along the first direction, an inner peripheral film portion extending along the first direction, and a plurality of insulating films spaced apart from each other in the first direction. A plurality of divided film portions, at least one connecting film portion for connecting adjacent divided film portions among these divided film portions, and the outer peripheral side film portion, the inner circumference extending in a direction crossing the first direction. The side film part and the connection film part which connects the said division | segmentation film part are included. The outer circumferential side linear electrode is placed on the outer circumferential side film portion, and the inner circumferential side linear electrode is placed on the inner circumferential side film portion. The divided electrode portion of the intermediate electrode is placed on the divided film portion, and the connecting electrode portion of the intermediate electrode is placed on the connecting film portion. The connection film portion includes the wiring inside. The width of the connecting electrode portion of the intermediate electrode is narrower than the width of the divided electrode portion. Moreover, the width | variety of the said connection film part is narrower than the width | variety of the said division | segmentation film part.

  In this way, the intermediate electrode arranged between the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the rim is divided into a plurality of divided electrode portions, and the plurality of divided electrode portions are connected by a connecting electrode portion that is narrower than the width of the divided electrode portion. The width of the corresponding connecting film is also narrower than the width of the split film part, so that when connecting the capacitance sensor to the rim, the connecting electrode part and connecting film part are bent to match the shape of the outer surface of the rim. Thus, the divided electrode portion can be arranged. Therefore, even if the shape and size of the rim changes, the capacitance sensor can be incorporated into the rim by bending the connecting electrode portion and connecting film portion, eliminating the need for a dedicated design that matches the shape and size of the rim. Thus, the manufacturing cost of the capacitance sensor can be reduced.

  It is preferable that the connection electrode part and the connection film part extend obliquely with respect to the first direction. In addition, the sum of the lengths of the plurality of divided electrode portions of the intermediate electrode in the first direction is smaller than the length of the outer peripheral linear electrode in the first direction, and the inner peripheral linear electrode It is preferable that the length is larger than the length in the first direction.

  The capacitance sensor may include a first adjustment unit that connects at least one of the outer peripheral side film part and the inner peripheral side film part and the divided film part. The first adjusting unit is configured to be able to adjust the distance between the outer peripheral linear electrode or the inner peripheral linear electrode and the intermediate electrode by bending. The first adjusting portion preferably extends obliquely with respect to the first direction.

  The distance between the outer straight electrode and the intermediate electrode can be adjusted by bending the first adjusting portion. Therefore, it is divided by the first adjusting portion extending from the outer peripheral side film portion while keeping the distance between the outer peripheral side straight electrode and the intermediate electrode at an appropriate distance by bending the first adjusting portion at an appropriate position. The film part can be supported. Therefore, it becomes easy to position and maintain the position of the divided electrode portions when arranging the plurality of divided electrode portions on the outer surface of the rim.

  The capacitance sensor preferably includes a plurality of the intermediate electrodes. In this case, the capacitance sensor may include a second adjustment unit that connects the divided film portions adjacent in the second direction. The second adjustment unit is configured to be able to adjust the distance between the adjacent intermediate electrodes by bending. The second adjusting portion preferably extends obliquely with respect to the first direction.

  The distance between the adjacent intermediate electrodes can be adjusted by bending the second adjusting portion. Therefore, by bending the second adjustment part at an appropriate position, the adjacent intermediate film part can be supported by the second adjustment part while maintaining the distance between the adjacent intermediate electrodes at an appropriate distance. Therefore, it becomes easy to position and maintain the position of the divided electrode portions when arranging the plurality of divided electrode portions on the outer surface of the rim.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a versatile grip detection device that can be incorporated into a rim having various shapes and sizes with an inexpensive configuration. The grip detection device includes the above-described capacitance sensor and a grip detection unit connected to the wiring of the capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor is attached to the rim of the steering wheel. The grip detection unit can detect that the driver has gripped the rim based on a change in capacitance in the outer peripheral linear electrode, the inner peripheral linear electrode, and the intermediate electrode of the capacitance sensor. Configured.

  As described above, the intermediate electrode disposed between the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the rim is divided into a plurality of divided electrode portions, and the connecting electrode is smaller in width in the second direction than in the second direction of the divided electrode portions. By connecting the plurality of divided electrode portions at the portion, the divided electrode portions are arranged in accordance with the shape of the outer surface of the rim by bending the connecting electrode portion and the connecting film portion when the capacitance sensor is incorporated into the rim. be able to. Therefore, even if the shape and size of the rim changes, the capacitance sensor can be incorporated into the rim by bending the connecting electrode portion and connecting film portion, eliminating the need for a dedicated design that matches the shape and size of the rim. Thus, the manufacturing cost of the grip detection device can be reduced.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the versatile electrostatic capacitance sensor which can be integrated in a rim with various shapes and sizes with an inexpensive configuration, and a gripping detection apparatus including the same are provided.

It is a top view which shows the conventional electrostatic capacitance sensor with which the wheel core of a steering wheel is mounted | worn. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the holding | grip detection apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the AA line cross section of FIG. It is a top view which shows the electrostatic capacitance sensor in the holding | grip detection apparatus shown in FIG. 2, and shows the state of the electrostatic capacitance sensor before incorporating in the rim | limb of a steering wheel. It is the BB sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is CC sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is the DD sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the circuit structure of the holding | grip detection apparatus shown in FIG. It is the elements on larger scale of the electrostatic capacitance sensor shown in FIG. It is the elements on larger scale of the electrostatic capacitance sensor shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the electrostatic capacitance sensor in other embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the grip detection device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In FIGS. 2 to 9, the scale and size of each component are exaggerated, and some components may be omitted.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the grip detection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the grip detection device 1 includes two capacitance sensors 20 and 20 incorporated in the rim 12 of the steering wheel 10, and a grip detection unit 22 disposed in the hub 14 of the steering wheel 10. In addition, wiring units 23 and 23 that electrically connect the capacitance sensors 20 and 20 and the grip detection unit 22 are provided. Each capacitance sensor 20 has a connection portion 21 connected to a wiring portion 23 extending from the grip detection portion 22 in the hub 14 through the inside of the spoke 15 of the steering wheel 10. The grip detection unit 22 determines whether or not the driver grips the rim 12 based on the change in capacitance detected by the capacitance sensors 20 and 20. In the present embodiment, the capacitance sensors 20, 20 are provided at two locations on the left and right sides of the rim 12, but the position and number of the capacitance sensors 20 are not limited to those illustrated. . For example, the number of capacitance sensors 20 may be one, or may be three or more.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section taken along line AA of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the capacitance sensor 20 has six sensor portions 31 to 36 attached around the core 16 of the rim 12. These sensor units 31 to 36 are arranged apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cross section of the core 16. On the outer peripheral surface of the capacitance sensor 20, a cushioning material 17 is provided for absorbing irregularities caused by the capacitance sensor 20 and preventing the irregularities on the surface of the rim 12. The outer peripheral surface of the cushioning material 17 is covered with a skin 18 made of leather or the like, and the driver operates the automobile by grasping the rim 12 from the skin 18.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the capacitance sensor 20 before being incorporated into the rim 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the capacitance sensor 20 includes an insulating film 40 made of a flexible insulating material (for example, polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate (PET)). In FIG. 4, the Y direction corresponds to the direction E (see FIG. 2) in which the rim 12 (core 16) extends when the capacitance sensor 20 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the core 16. This corresponds to the circumferential direction R (see FIG. 3) of the cross section of the core 16 perpendicular to the direction E. Hereinafter, a direction in which the rim 12 (core 16) extends may be referred to as a rim extending direction E, and a circumferential direction of a cross section of the core 16 may be referred to as a core cross-sectional circumferential direction R.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the above-described six sensor units 31 to 36 include an outer peripheral side linear sensor unit 31 and an inner peripheral side linear sensor unit 32 that extend linearly along the Y direction, and a first extending along the Y direction. The first intermediate sensor unit 33, the second intermediate sensor unit 34, the third intermediate sensor unit 35, and the fourth intermediate sensor unit 36 are included. These sensor units 31 to 36 are arranged to be separated from each other in the X direction, and as shown in FIG. It has become. Moreover, the sensor parts 31-36 are mutually connected by the connection film part 40A of the insulating film 40 in the approximate center of each Y direction. In the present embodiment, the connection film portion 40A extends in a direction (X direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the sensor portions 31 to 36 extend, but is not limited thereto, and the direction in which the sensor portions 31 to 36 extend. What is necessary is just to extend in the direction which crosses.

  The outer peripheral side linear sensor portion 31 includes an outer peripheral side film portion 40B of the insulating film 40 that extends linearly along the Y direction, and an outer peripheral side linear electrode 51 that extends linearly along the Y direction. The outer peripheral side linear electrode 51 is fixed on the outer peripheral side film part 40B using a double-sided adhesive tape or an adhesive. The inner circumference side linear sensor part 32 includes an inner circumference side film part 40C of the insulating film 40 extending linearly along the Y direction and an inner circumference side linear electrode 52 extending linearly along the Y direction. . The inner peripheral linear electrode 52 is fixed on the inner peripheral film part 40C using a double-sided adhesive tape or an adhesive. When the electrostatic capacity sensor 20 is incorporated in the rim 12, the outer peripheral side linear sensor part 31 including the outer peripheral side linear electrode 51 is arranged along the rim extending direction E on the outermost periphery of the rim 12, and the inner peripheral side straight line The inner circumference side linear sensor part 32 including the electrode 52 is arranged along the rim extending direction E on the innermost circumference of the rim 12. For this reason, the length of the outer peripheral side linear electrode 51 in the Y direction is longer than the length of the inner peripheral side linear electrode 52 in the Y direction.

  The first intermediate sensor portion 33 is located on the leftmost side in FIG. 4, and the first intermediate film portion 40D of the insulating film 40 extending along the Y direction and the first intermediate electrode extending along the Y direction. 53. The first intermediate electrode 53 is fixed on the first intermediate film part 40D using a double-sided adhesive tape or an adhesive. The first intermediate electrode 53 includes a plurality of divided electrode portions 63 (seven in the example shown in FIG. 4) that are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction and a plurality of adjacent divided electrode portions 63 that are electrically connected to each other. Connecting electrode portions 73 (six in the example shown in FIG. 4). Correspondingly, the first intermediate film portion 40D includes a plurality of divided film portions 41 that are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction, and a plurality of connecting film portions 42 that connect adjacent divided film portions 41 to each other. Is included.

  The second intermediate sensor unit 34 is located between the first intermediate sensor unit 33 and the outer peripheral side linear sensor unit 31 in the X direction. The second intermediate sensor portion 34 includes a second intermediate film portion 40E of the insulating film 40 extending along the Y direction, and a second intermediate electrode 54 extending along the Y direction. The second intermediate electrode 54 is fixed on the second intermediate film part 40E using a double-sided adhesive tape or an adhesive. The second intermediate electrode 54 includes a plurality of divided electrode portions 64 (seven in the example shown in FIG. 4) that are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction and a plurality of adjacent electrode portions 64 that are electrically connected to each other. Connecting electrode portions 74 (six in the example shown in FIG. 4). Correspondingly, the second intermediate film portion 40E includes a plurality of divided film portions 43 that are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction, and a plurality of connecting film portions 44 that connect adjacent divided film portions 43 to each other. Is included.

  The third intermediate sensor unit 35 is located on the opposite side to the second intermediate sensor unit 34 with respect to the outer peripheral side linear sensor unit 31. The third intermediate sensor portion 35 includes a third intermediate film portion 40F of the insulating film 40 that extends along the Y direction, and a third intermediate electrode 55 that extends along the Y direction. The third intermediate electrode 55 is fixed on the third intermediate film portion 40F using a double-sided adhesive tape or an adhesive. The third intermediate electrode 55 includes a plurality of divided electrode portions 65 (seven in the example shown in FIG. 4) that are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction, and a plurality of adjacent divided electrode portions 65 that are electrically connected to each other. Connecting electrode portions 75 (six in the example shown in FIG. 4). Correspondingly, the third intermediate film portion 40F includes a plurality of divided film portions 45 that are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction, and a plurality of connecting film portions 46 that connect adjacent divided film portions 45 to each other. Is included.

  The fourth intermediate sensor unit 36 is located between the third intermediate sensor unit 35 and the inner circumferential linear sensor unit 32 in the X direction. The fourth intermediate sensor portion 36 includes a fourth intermediate film portion 40G of the insulating film 40 extending along the Y direction, and a fourth intermediate electrode 56 extending along the Y direction. The fourth intermediate electrode 56 is fixed on the fourth intermediate film part 40G using a double-sided adhesive tape or an adhesive. The fourth intermediate electrode 56 includes a plurality of divided electrode portions 66 (seven in the example shown in FIG. 4) that are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction, and a plurality of adjacent divided electrode portions 66 that are electrically connected to each other. Connecting electrode portions 76 (six in the example shown in FIG. 4). Correspondingly, the fourth intermediate film portion 40G includes a plurality of divided film portions 47 that are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction, and a plurality of connecting film portions 48 that connect adjacent divided film portions 47 to each other. Is included.

  5A is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 4, FIG. 5B is a sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5C is a sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A to 5C, the capacitance sensor 20 of this embodiment includes a wiring unit 80 having three wirings 81 to 83 extending from the electrodes 51 to 56 in the X direction. These wirings 81 to 83 are formed in the connection film portion 40A of the insulating film 40 described above, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the wirings 81 to 83 are formed below the electrodes 51 to 56. As shown in FIG. 5A, the wiring 81 is electrically connected to the divided electrode portion 63 of the first intermediate electrode 53 and the divided electrode portion 65 of the third intermediate electrode 55 via connection portions 84 and 84. . Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the wiring 82 is electrically connected to the outer peripheral side straight electrode 51 and the inner peripheral side straight electrode 52 through the connection portions 85 and 85. As shown in FIG. 5C, the wiring 83 is electrically connected to the divided electrode portion 64 of the second intermediate electrode 54 and the divided electrode portion 66 of the fourth intermediate electrode 56 via connection portions 86 and 86. . The wirings 81 to 83 and the electrodes 51 to 56 are made of a conductive material such as silver or copper. Although not shown, each of the electrodes 51 to 56 is covered with an insulator such as a resist.

  The wirings 81 to 83 of the wiring unit 80 extend to the connection part 21 (see FIG. 2) of the capacitance sensor 20, where the wirings 81 to 83 extend from the grip detection unit 22 (see FIG. 2). By connecting to the terminal, the grip detection unit 22 and the electrodes 51 to 56 described above are electrically connected.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a circuit configuration of the grip detection device 1. As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C and FIG. 6, the first intermediate electrode 53 and the third intermediate electrode 55 are connected to a common wiring 81, and the outer peripheral side linear electrode 51 and the inner peripheral side linear electrode 52 are common. Connected to the wiring 82, the second intermediate electrode 54 and the fourth intermediate electrode 56 are connected to a common wiring 83. In this way, the three electrodes adjacent along the circumferential direction R of the core cross section are connected to different wirings 81 to 83, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the grip detection unit 22 includes a C / V conversion circuit 91 connected to the first intermediate electrode 53 and the third intermediate electrode 55 via the wiring 81, and the outer peripheral side via the wiring 82. A C / V conversion circuit 92 connected to the straight electrode 51 and the inner peripheral side straight electrode 52, and a C / V conversion circuit 93 connected to the second intermediate electrode 54 and the fourth intermediate electrode 56 via the wiring 83. And detection circuits 94 to 96 connected to the C / V conversion circuits 91 to 93, respectively, and a determination unit 97 connected to the detection circuits 94 to 96.

  The C / V conversion circuits 91 to 93 use the connected electrodes as a part of the integration circuit, and generate a voltage pulse whose duty ratio changes depending on the capacitance value of the electrode, thereby converting the capacitance value into the voltage pulse. To convert. The detection circuits 94 to 96 detect the proximity or contact of the driver's hand to the rim 12 by converting the voltage pulse output from the C / V conversion circuits 91 to 93 into a direct current and comparing it with a predetermined threshold value. It is.

  The determination unit 97 determines the gripping state of the rim 12 of the steering wheel 10 based on the outputs from the detection circuits 94 to 96. For example, when one or two of the detection circuits 94 to 96 detect the proximity or contact of the hand, the determination unit 97 determines that the driver's hand has touched the rim 12, and all When the detection circuits 94 to 96 detect the proximity or contact of the hand, it is determined that the driver's hand has gripped the rim 12, and a control signal is sent to an external car navigation system, a driving support system, a heater, an airbag, or the like. Output. In this way, when all the detection circuits 94 to 96 detect the proximity or contact of the hand, it is determined that the driver's hand has gripped the rim 12, so that a soft arm or the like is straddled across the two electrodes. Further, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection that the driver's hand has gripped the rim 12.

  FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged view of the center left side of the outer peripheral side linear sensor portion 31 of the capacitance sensor 20 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the connecting electrode portion 73 of the first intermediate electrode 53 and the connecting electrode portion 74 of the second intermediate electrode 54 extend obliquely with respect to the Y direction. In FIG. 7, the connecting electrode portion 73A of the first intermediate electrode 53 extends obliquely from the left end in the Y direction edge of the divided electrode portion 63A to the right end in the Y direction edge of the adjacent divided electrode portion 63B. ing. Similarly, the connecting electrode portion 74A of the second intermediate electrode 54 is shown in the Y direction edge portion of the adjacent divided electrode portion 64B from the left end of the Y direction edge portion of the divided electrode portion 64A connected to the wiring 83 in the drawing. It extends diagonally to the right end. That is, the connection electrode portion 73A of the first intermediate electrode 53 and the connection electrode portion 74A of the second intermediate electrode 54 extend in parallel to each other.

  Further, the connecting electrode portion 73B of the first intermediate electrode 53 extends obliquely from the right end of the Y direction edge of the divided electrode portion 63B to the left end of the adjacent Y direction edge of the divided electrode portion 63C. . Similarly, the connection electrode portion 74B of the second intermediate electrode 54 extends obliquely from the right end in the Y direction edge of the divided electrode portion 64B to the left end in the Y direction edge of the adjacent divided electrode portion 64C. Yes. That is, the connection electrode portion 73B of the first intermediate electrode 53 and the connection electrode portion 74B of the second intermediate electrode 54 extend in parallel to each other.

  On the other hand, the connecting electrode portion 73A and the connecting electrode portion 73B of the first intermediate electrode 53 have opposite directions extending obliquely, and the connecting electrode portion 74A and the connecting electrode portion 74B of the second intermediate electrode 54 are different from each other. The direction extending diagonally is reversed. As shown in FIG. 4, in the first intermediate electrode 53 and the second intermediate electrode 54, the extending direction of the connecting electrode portions 73 and 74 is alternately changed along the Y direction.

  The shape of the split film portion 41 of the first intermediate film portion 40 </ b> D is substantially similar to the split electrode portion 63 of the first intermediate electrode 53, but the size of the split film portion 41 is slightly smaller than that of the split electrode portion 63. It is getting bigger. A divided electrode portion 63 of the first intermediate electrode 53 is placed on the divided film portion 41. Further, the shape of the connection film portion 42 of the first intermediate film portion 40 </ b> D is substantially similar to the connection electrode portion 73 of the first intermediate electrode 53, but the size of the connection film portion 42 is larger than that of the connection electrode portion 73. Is a little bigger. A connection electrode portion 73 of the first intermediate electrode 53 is placed on the connection film portion 42.

  The shape of the split film portion 43 of the second intermediate film portion 40E is substantially similar to the split electrode portion 64 of the second intermediate electrode 54, but the size of the split film portion 43 is slightly smaller than that of the split electrode portion 64. It is getting bigger. A divided electrode portion 64 of the second intermediate electrode 54 is placed on the divided film portion 43. The shape of the connection film portion 44 of the second intermediate film portion 40E is substantially similar to the connection electrode portion 74 of the second intermediate electrode 54, but the size of the connection film portion 44 is larger than that of the connection electrode portion 74. Is a little bigger. A connection electrode portion 74 of the second intermediate electrode 54 is placed on the connection film portion 44.

As shown in FIG. 7, the width W _{73 in} the X direction of the connection electrode portion 73 of the first intermediate electrode 53 is smaller than the width W _{63 in} the X direction of the divided electrode portion 63 of the first intermediate electrode 53. cage, X-direction width W ₇₄ of the connecting electrode portion 74 of the second intermediate electrode 54 is smaller than the width W ₆₄ in the X direction of the divided electrode portions 64 of the second intermediate electrode 54. Similarly, the width in the X direction of the connection film portion 42 of the first intermediate film portion 40D is narrower than the width in the X direction of the divided film portion 41 of the first intermediate film portion 40D, and the second intermediate The width in the X direction of the connecting film portion 44 of the film portion 40E is narrower than the width in the X direction of the divided film portion 43 of the second intermediate film portion 40E. By bending the connecting electrode portions 73 and 74 and the connecting film portions 42 and 44 having such a narrow width in the X direction, the divided electrode portions 63 and 64 are matched to the shape of the outer surface of the rim 12 as described later. Can be disposed on the outer surface of the rim 12.

  FIG. 8 is a partial enlarged view on the right side of the center of the outer peripheral side linear sensor portion 31 of the capacitance sensor 20 shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 8, the connection electrode portion 75 of the third intermediate electrode 55 and the connection electrode portion 76 of the fourth intermediate electrode 56 extend obliquely with respect to the Y direction. In FIG. 8, the connecting electrode portion 75A of the third intermediate electrode 55 is a view of the Y direction edge portion of the adjacent divided electrode portion 65B from the left end of the Y direction edge portion of the divided electrode portion 65A connected to the wiring 81. It extends diagonally to the middle right end. Similarly, the connecting electrode portion 76A of the fourth intermediate electrode 56 is shown in the Y direction edge portion of the adjacent divided electrode portion 66B from the left end of the Y direction edge portion of the divided electrode portion 66A connected to the wiring 83 in the drawing. It extends diagonally to the right end. That is, the connection electrode portion 75A of the third intermediate electrode 55 and the connection electrode portion 76A of the fourth intermediate electrode 56 extend in parallel to each other.

  Further, the connecting electrode portion 75B of the third intermediate electrode 55 extends obliquely from the right end in the figure of the Y-direction edge of the divided electrode portion 65B to the left end of the Y-direction edge of the adjacent divided electrode portion 65C. . Similarly, the connecting electrode portion 76B of the fourth intermediate electrode 56 extends obliquely from the right end of the Y-direction edge of the divided electrode portion 66B to the left end of the adjacent Y-side edge of the divided electrode portion 66C. Yes. That is, the connection electrode portion 75B of the third intermediate electrode 55 and the connection electrode portion 76B of the fourth intermediate electrode 56 extend in parallel to each other.

  On the other hand, the connecting electrode portion 75A and the connecting electrode portion 75B of the third intermediate electrode 55 have opposite directions extending obliquely, and the connecting electrode portion 76A and the connecting electrode portion 76B of the fourth intermediate electrode 56 are different from each other. The direction extending diagonally is reversed. As shown in FIG. 4, in the third intermediate electrode 55 and the fourth intermediate electrode 56, the extending direction of the connecting electrode portions 75 and 76 is alternately changed along the Y direction.

  The shape of the split film portion 45 of the third intermediate film portion 40F is substantially similar to the split electrode portion 65 of the third intermediate electrode 55, but the size of the split film portion 45 is slightly smaller than that of the split electrode portion 65. It is getting bigger. On the divided film portion 45, the divided electrode portion 65 of the third intermediate electrode 55 is placed. Further, the shape of the connecting film portion 46 of the third intermediate film portion 40F is substantially similar to the connecting electrode portion 75 of the third intermediate electrode 55, but the size of the connecting film portion 46 is larger than that of the connecting electrode portion 75. Is a little bigger. A connection electrode portion 75 of the third intermediate electrode 55 is placed on the connection film portion 46.

  The shape of the split film portion 47 of the fourth intermediate film portion 40G is substantially similar to the split electrode portion 66 of the fourth intermediate electrode 56, but the size of the split film portion 47 is slightly smaller than that of the split electrode portion 66. It is getting bigger. The divided electrode portion 66 of the fourth intermediate electrode 56 is placed on the divided film portion 47. The shape of the connection film portion 48 of the fourth intermediate film portion 40G is substantially similar to the connection electrode portion 76 of the fourth intermediate electrode 56, but the size of the connection film portion 48 is larger than that of the connection electrode portion 76. Is a little bigger. On this connection film part 48, the connection electrode part 76 of the fourth intermediate electrode 56 is placed.

As shown in FIG. 8, the width W _{75 in} the X direction of the connecting electrode portion 75 of the third intermediate electrode 55 is smaller than the width W _{65 in} the X direction of the divided electrode portion 65 of the third intermediate electrode 55. cage, X-direction width W ₇₆ of the connecting electrode portion 76 of the fourth intermediate electrode 56 is smaller than the X direction width W ₆₆ of the divided electrode portions 66 of the fourth intermediate electrode 56. Similarly, the width in the X direction of the connecting film portion 46 of the third intermediate film portion 40F is narrower than the width in the X direction of the divided film portion 45 of the third intermediate film portion 40F, so that the fourth intermediate The width in the X direction of the connecting film portion 48 of the film portion 40G is narrower than the width in the X direction of the divided film portion 47 of the fourth intermediate film portion 40G. By bending the connecting electrode portions 75 and 76 and the connecting film portions 46 and 48 having such a narrow width in the X direction, the divided electrode portions 65 and 66 are adapted to the shape of the outer surface of the rim 12 as described later. Can be disposed on the outer surface of the rim 12.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the insulating film 40 includes a plurality of adjustment film portions 40H (six in the example shown in FIG. 4) that connect between the outer peripheral side film portion 40B and the second intermediate film portion 40E, and the outer peripheral side. It has a plurality of adjustment film portions 40I (six in the example shown in FIG. 4) that connect between the film portion 40B and the third intermediate film portion 40F. These adjustment film portions 40H and 40I extend obliquely with respect to the Y direction.

  Furthermore, the insulating film 40 includes a plurality of adjustment film portions 40J (six in the example shown in FIG. 4) that connect between the first intermediate film portion 40D and the second intermediate film portion 40E, and a third intermediate film portion. There are a plurality of adjustment film portions 40K (six in the example shown in FIG. 4) that connect between the film portion 40F and the fourth intermediate film portion 40G. These adjustment film portions 40J and 40K extend obliquely with respect to the Y direction. In the present embodiment, the adjustment film portions 40H, 40I, 40J, and 40K are configured so as to be line symmetric with respect to the outer peripheral side straight electrode 51, but are not limited thereto.

  When the electrostatic capacitance sensor 20 having such a configuration is incorporated into the rim 12, the outer peripheral side straight electrode 51 described above is disposed on the outermost periphery of the core 16 of the rim 12, and the inner peripheral side straight electrode 52 is disposed on the core of the rim 12. 16 are arranged on the innermost periphery. The intermediate electrodes 53 to 56 are respectively arranged between the outermost periphery and the innermost periphery of the core 16 of the rim 12. Since the intermediate electrodes 53 to 56 are arranged on the curved surface between the outermost periphery and the innermost periphery of the core 16 along the rim extending direction E, it is necessary to arrange the intermediate electrodes 53 to 56 according to the curved shape of the core 16. There is. In the present embodiment, as described above, each of the intermediate electrodes 53 to 56 is divided into a plurality of divided electrode portions 63 to 66, and these are connected electrode portions 73 to 76 that are narrower than the divided electrode portions 63 to 66. Since the plurality of divided electrode portions 63 to 66 are connected and the width of the corresponding connecting film portions 42, 44, 46, 48 is also narrower than the width of the divided film portions 41, 43, 45, 47, the capacitance When the sensor 20 is incorporated into the rim 12, the connecting electrode portions 73 to 76 and the connecting film portions 42, 44, 46, and 48 are bent so that the divided electrode portions 63 to 66 are formed on the rim 12 according to the shape of the outer surface of the rim 12. Can be placed on the outer surface. Therefore, even if the shape and size of the rim 12 change, the capacitance sensor 20 can be incorporated into the rim 12 by bending the connecting electrode portions 73 to 76 and the connecting film portions 42, 44, 46, and 48. A dedicated design according to the shape and size of the rim 12 is not required, and the costs of the capacitance sensor 20 and the grip detection device 1 can be reduced. In the present specification, the “width” refers to a width in a direction (X direction in the present embodiment) perpendicular to the direction in which the outer circumferential linear electrode 51 and the inner circumferential linear electrode 52 extend.

  As described above, since the intermediate electrodes 53 to 56 are respectively disposed between the outermost periphery and the innermost periphery of the core 16, the divided electrode portions 63 to 66 of the respective intermediate electrodes 53 to 56. The total length in the Y direction is smaller than the length in the Y direction of the outer peripheral side straight electrode 51 and larger than the length in the Y direction of the inner peripheral side straight electrode 52.

  Here, the intermediate film portions 40E and 40F on which the intermediate electrodes 54 and 55 are placed are the outer peripheral side films on which the outer peripheral side straight electrodes 51 are placed by the plurality of adjustment film portions 40H and 40I (first adjustment portions). The distance between the outer straight electrode 51 and the intermediate electrodes 54 and 55 can be adjusted by bending the adjustment film portions 40H and 40I. Therefore, by adjusting the adjustment film portions 40H and 40I at appropriate positions, the adjustment extends from the outer film side 40B while maintaining the distance between the outer straight electrode 51 and the intermediate electrodes 54 and 55 at an appropriate distance. The intermediate film portions 40E and 40F can be supported by the film portions 40H and 40I. This facilitates positioning of the divided electrode portions 64 and 65 when the plurality of divided electrode portions 64 and 65 are arranged on the outer surface of the core 16. In the present embodiment, an example in which the adjustment film portions 40H and 40I are integrally formed with the intermediate film portions 40E and 40F and the outer peripheral side film portion 40B using the insulating film 40 is described. 1 adjustment part can also be comprised by the member different from the insulating film 40. FIG.

  Similarly, the intermediate film portions 40D and 40G on which the intermediate electrodes 53 and 56 are placed are connected to the intermediate film portions 40E and 40F by a plurality of adjustment film portions 40J and 40K (second adjustment portions). The distance between the intermediate electrode 54 and the intermediate electrode 53 and the distance between the intermediate electrode 55 and the intermediate electrode 56 can be adjusted by bending the adjustment film portions 40J and 40K. Therefore, by bending the adjustment film portions 40J and 40K at appropriate positions, the distance between the intermediate electrode 54 and the intermediate electrode 53 and the distance between the intermediate electrode 55 and the intermediate electrode 56 are maintained at appropriate distances. The intermediate film portions 40D and 40G can be supported by the adjustment film portions 40J and 40K extending from the intermediate film portions 40E and 40F. This facilitates positioning of the divided electrode portions 63 and 66 when the plurality of divided electrode portions 63 and 66 are arranged on the outer surface of the core 16. In the present embodiment, an example in which the adjustment film portions 40J and 40K are integrally formed with the intermediate film portions 40D, 40E, 40F, and 40G using the insulating film 40 has been described. The adjustment unit can be configured by a member different from the insulating film 40.

  In the above-described embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the example in which the extending direction of the connection electrode portions 73 to 76 is alternately changed along the Y direction in each of the intermediate electrodes 53 to 56 is illustrated in FIG. 9. As shown, the connecting electrode portions 73 to 76 in the respective intermediate electrodes 53 to 56 may extend in the same direction. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the connecting electrode portions 73 to 76 in all the intermediate electrodes 53 to 56 extend in the same direction, but the extending direction of the connecting electrode portions 73 to 76 is changed for each intermediate electrode 53 to 56. May be.

  Moreover, in embodiment mentioned above, although the example which connected between the outer peripheral side film part 40B and the intermediate | middle film parts 40E and 40F by the adjustment film parts 40H and 40I was demonstrated, it replaced with these adjustment film parts 40H and 40I. Alternatively, in addition to these adjustment film portions 40H and 40I, a similar adjustment film portion may be provided between the inner peripheral film portion 40C and the intermediate film portion 40G. Such an adjustment film part is comprised so that the distance between the inner peripheral side linear electrode 52 and the intermediate electrode 56 can be adjusted by bending.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that the present invention may be implemented in various forms within the scope of the technical idea.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Grasp detection apparatus 10 Steering wheel 12 Rim 14 Hub 15 Spoke 16 Core 17 Buffer material 18 Skin 20 Capacitance sensor 21 Connection part 22 Grasp detection part 23 Wiring part 31 Outer peripheral side linear sensor part 32 Inner peripheral side linear sensor part 33 1st 1 intermediate sensor portion 34 second intermediate sensor portion 35 third intermediate sensor portion 36 fourth intermediate sensor portion 40 insulating film 40A connecting film portion 40B outer peripheral side film portion 40C inner peripheral side film portion 40D first intermediate film Part 40E Second intermediate film part 40F Third intermediate film part 40G Fourth intermediate film part 40H Adjustment film part (first adjustment part)
40I adjustment film section (first adjustment section)
40J Adjustment film part (second adjustment part)
40K adjustment film part (second adjustment part)
41, 43, 45, 47 Dividing film part 42, 44, 46, 48 Connection film part 51 Outer peripheral side straight electrode 52 Inner peripheral side straight electrode 53 First intermediate electrode 54 Second intermediate electrode 55 Third intermediate electrode 56 Fourth intermediate electrode 63 to 66 Divided electrode portion 73 to 76 Connection electrode portion 80 Wiring portion 81 to 83 Wiring 84 to 86 Connection portion 91 to 93 C / V conversion circuit 94 to 96 Detection circuit 97 Determination portion

Claims (8)

A capacitive sensor built into the rim of the steering wheel,
A flexible insulating film;
An outer peripheral side linear electrode that extends linearly along the first direction on the insulating film and is disposed on the outer periphery of the rim when incorporated in the rim;
An inner peripheral side straight electrode that extends linearly along the first direction on the insulating film and is disposed on the inner periphery of the rim when incorporated in the rim;
At least one intermediate electrode extending along the first direction on the insulating film and disposed between the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the rim when incorporated in the rim; ,
A plurality of divided electrode portions disposed apart from each other in the first direction;
At least one connecting electrode portion that electrically connects adjacent divided electrode portions among the plurality of divided electrode portions; and
At least one intermediate electrode comprising:
Wiring extending from each of the outer peripheral side linear electrode, the inner peripheral side linear electrode, and the intermediate electrode;
With
The insulating film is
An outer peripheral side film portion extending along the first direction and on which the outer peripheral side straight electrode is placed; and
Extending along the first direction, an inner peripheral film portion on which the inner peripheral linear electrode is placed; and
A plurality of divided film portions arranged separately from each other in the first direction, wherein a plurality of divided film portions on which the divided electrode portions of the intermediate electrode are placed;
At least one connection film part that connects adjacent division film parts among the plurality of division film parts, and at least one connection film part on which the connection electrode part of the intermediate electrode is placed;
A connection film extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction and connecting the outer peripheral side film part, the inner peripheral side film part, and the divided film part, the connection film including the wiring therein And
Including
The width of the connecting electrode portion of the intermediate electrode is narrower than the width of the divided electrode portion,
The width of the connecting film part is narrower than the width of the divided film part,
A capacitance sensor.   The capacitance sensor according to claim 1, wherein the connection electrode portion and the connection film portion extend obliquely with respect to the first direction.   The sum of the lengths in the first direction of the plurality of divided electrode portions of the intermediate electrode is smaller than the length in the first direction of the outer peripheral linear electrode, and the first of the inner peripheral linear electrode The electrostatic capacity sensor according to claim 1, wherein the electrostatic capacity sensor is larger than a length in the direction.   1st adjustment part which connects between the said division | segmentation film part and at least one of the said outer peripheral side film part and the said inner peripheral side film part, Comprising: The said outer peripheral side linear electrode or the said inner peripheral side linear electrode by bending The electrostatic capacity sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a first adjustment unit capable of adjusting a distance between the intermediate electrode and the intermediate electrode.   The capacitance sensor according to claim 4, wherein the first adjustment unit extends obliquely with respect to the first direction. A plurality of the intermediate electrodes;
A second adjusting unit that connects the divided film portions adjacent to each other in the second direction, and further includes a second adjusting unit that can adjust a distance between the adjacent intermediate electrodes by bending; The capacitance sensor according to claim 4 or 5, wherein   The capacitance sensor according to claim 6, wherein the second adjustment unit extends obliquely with respect to the first direction. The capacitance sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is attached to a rim of a steering wheel,
A driver grips the rim based on a change in capacitance at the outer circumference side linear electrode, the inner circumference side linear electrode, and the intermediate electrode of the capacitance sensor connected to the wiring of the capacitance sensor. A grip detection unit for detecting
A gripping detection device comprising:

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