JP5471922B2 - Sensor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sensor.

  Conventionally, it is effective to measure electrocardiograms in order to capture changes in a person's arousal level, and it is known to measure heartbeats for the purpose of analyzing whether the driver of the vehicle is drowsy. For example, the heart rate is measured by providing an electrode on the steering wheel of the vehicle and detecting the potential of the hand in contact with the electrode as an electrocardiographic signal.

  In addition, a seat sensor having an epidermis layer and an electrode is provided in a seat where the driver sits, and the heartbeat of the driver (human body) can be measured based on the potential detected by the electrode. The seat sensor is disposed on the seat surface of the seat of the vehicle, and detects the potential of the subject's buttocks by contacting the buttocks of the subject who is seated on the seat through the clothes.

  In order to measure a potential, a sheet sensor needs to be brought into contact by bringing an electrode into contact with a human body. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, by supplying air containing moisture (humidified gas) and diffusing air to the sheet skin of the sheet sensor, electrical conductivity between the human body and the sheet sensor is ensured, and It is disclosed that the detection sensitivity of the heartbeat signal is maintained. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique related to a conductive sheet in which a through hole is provided in a non-conductive base material and a metal vapor deposition layer is generated on both the front and back surfaces of the base material.

JP 2009-106673 A JP-A-2-21507

  By the way, as described above, in the case of a sheet sensor, in order to enhance the conductivity and the diffusion performance of the humidified gas, for example, the mesh is knitted and the conductive fiber material is further thickened (for example, the mesh is knitted) It is conceivable to use a carbon material superposed).

  However, when a carbon material having a thickness on the sheet skin of the sheet sensor is used as described above, there is a problem that the material cost increases and the cost of the sheet sensor increases.

  The disclosed technology has been made to solve the above-described problems of the conventional technology, and an object thereof is to provide a sensor capable of reducing the cost.

  One aspect of the sensor of the disclosed technology is a conductive layer having electrical conductivity formed by a mesh member and a humidified gas diffusion layer formed by a humidified gas diffusion material that passes and diffuses the humidified gas while being in contact with the skin layer. And an electrode layer. Further, it is a requirement to have a conductive member arranged to energize the conductive layer and the electrode layer with the humidified gas diffusion layer interposed.

  According to one aspect of the sensor of the disclosed technology, there is an effect that the cost of the sensor can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a humidification control system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the sheet sensor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of humidified gas by the sheet sensor. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a conduction path by the sheet sensor. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the sheet sensor according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the flow of humidified gas by the sheet sensor. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a conduction path by the sheet sensor. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the sheet sensor according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a conduction path by the sheet sensor. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the sheet sensor according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a waterproof cylinder member provided in the sheet sensor.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a sensor disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a humidification control system to which the sensor according to the first embodiment is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a humidification control system according to the first embodiment.

[Schematic configuration of humidification control system]
As shown in FIG. 1, the humidification control system S according to the first embodiment includes a seat 1 on which a subject h who is a driver of a vehicle sits, a steering unit 4 for steering the vehicle, a human body information acquisition device 5, an air conditioner 6, A humidified gas generator 7.

  When the subject h is seated on the seat 1, the seat 1 includes a seating portion 2 that contacts the buttocks of the subject h and a backrest portion 3 that contacts the back of the subject h. The steering unit 4 is provided with a handle sensor (not shown).

  A seat sensor 20 is provided inside the seating portion 2 of the seat 1. The seat sensor 20 is disposed so as to include the seating surface of the seating portion 2 of the seat 1. The seat sensor 20 can detect the potential of the buttocks of the subject h by contacting the buttocks of the subject h sitting on the seat 1 through the clothes. The seat sensor 20 may be provided in any of the seats 1 that are in contact with the subject h. For example, the seat sensor 20 may be provided on the backrest 3.

  The human body information acquisition device 5 is based on the potential difference between the potential of the buttocks of the subject h detected by the seat sensor 20 and the potential of the hand of the subject h holding the steering unit 4 detected by the handle sensor. Measure heart rate. In addition, the human body information acquisition device 5 inputs information such as the intensity of noise and the amount of change in the potential difference signal included in the potential difference signal between the potential of the buttocks of the subject h and the potential of the hand of the subject h to the air conditioner 6.

  The humidified gas generator 7 controls the air conditioner 6 in accordance with information such as the intensity of noise input from the human body information acquisition device 5 and the amount of change in the potential difference signal, and supplies a predetermined amount of humidified gas to the skin layer of the sheet sensor 20. Feed on the surface of 22 (FIG. 2). Thereby, the skin layer 22 of the sheet sensor 20 and the clothing hanger part of the subject h are in a humidified state, and the conductivity can be improved.

[Configuration of Sheet Sensor 20]
Next, details of the sheet sensor according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the sheet sensor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of humidified gas by the sheet sensor. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a conduction path by the sheet sensor.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 21 forming the sheet sensor 20 includes a skin structure 23 having a skin layer 22 and an electrode layer 30 formed as an electrode part. The conductive layer 24 is provided to electrically connect the energization between the skin layer 22 and the electrode layer 30 with the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 interposed inside the conductive layer 24. The electrode layer 30 is provided as an electrode unit that acquires the potential of the human body detected by the skin layer 22 that forms the skin structure 23.

  The skin structure 23 is composed of a skin layer 22 that forms a surface of a seat that comes into contact with the human body, a humidified gas diffusion layer 28 that allows the humidified gas to pass and diffuse, and a humidified gas diffusion layer 28 that is interposed inside. And a conductive layer 24 surrounding the body shape.

The skin layer 22 is formed as a conductive fiber layer formed of a conductive fiber material.
Here, in the first embodiment, for the skin layer 22, a fiber material having conductivity that is not a carbon material having a high material cost is used.

  That is, for example, a carbon coating material having a high resistance (for example, a resistivity of about 10 MΩ · cm) and thin (for example, a thickness of about 3 mm) in which a plurality of conductive fibers are mixed is used for the skin layer 22. Is done. In the case where a carbon material is used as the skin layer 22, a fiber material having a low carbon material content is used in order to reduce the material cost.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, a relatively inexpensive carbon coating material can be used for the skin layer 22. For this reason, cost reduction can be realized. Further, this carbon coating material is advantageous in terms of design and wear resistance as compared with a general carbon material having good conductivity.

  The conductive layer 24 is formed as an integrated conductor in which the first conductive layer 25 and the second conductive layer 27 are joined by the conductive member 26. For the first and second conductive layers 25 and 27 and the conductive member 26 forming the conductive layer 24, a mesh material in which a plurality of conductive mesh-like voids are formed is used.

  Here, in FIG. 2, the first conductive layer 25 formed as the upper surface portion of the conductive layer 24 is laminated so as to be in contact with the lower surface portion of the skin layer 22. The second conductive layer 27 formed as the lower surface portion of the conductive layer 24 is stacked so as to be in contact with the upper surface portion of the electrode layer 30. That is, the potential of the human body detected by the skin layer 22 is electrically connected to the electrode layer 30 via the first conductive layer 25, the conductive member 26, and the second conductive layer 27 that form the conductive layer 24 from the skin layer 22. Is done.

  The humidified gas diffusion layer 28 has a plurality of lattice-like (vertical and horizontal directions in FIG. 1) gaps and is formed as an air diffusion member (mesh-like member) that passes and diffuses the humidified gas. Specifically, the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 directs the humidified gas sent into the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 in the vertical direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2) and the horizontal direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 2). It can be distributed. Thereby, the gas sent out from the humidification gas diffusion layer 28 can be made into the diffused humidification gas.

  That is, by disposing the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 below the skin layer 22, the humidified gas sent from the through hole 31 is diffused to the surface portion of the skin layer 22 without stopping the flow of the humidified gas. be able to. Moreover, by making the structure of the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 into a mesh shape, the flow rate of the humidified gas can be optimized, and the moisture of the humidified gas can be uniformly delivered to the skin layer 22 over a wide range.

  Here, without using the humidified gas diffusion layer 28, for example, even when a through-hole that connects the skin layer 22 and the humidified gas generation portion is simply provided, the humidified gas reaches the skin layer 22. However, since the hole provided in the skin layer 22 is closed by the sitting of the subject h, the flow of the humidified gas is delayed in one hole.

  That is, since the flow of the humidified gas stops, the humidified gas cannot be diffused, and the skin layer 22 and the clothing heel of the subject h cannot be sufficiently humidified. On the other hand, by providing the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 as in the sheet sensor 20 shown in the first embodiment, even when one hole is blocked, the humidified gas diffuses through the humidified gas diffusion layer 28. It can be passed through another hole and the flow of humidified gas will not stop. Thereby, the water | moisture content which humidified gas has can be delivered also to the block | closed hole.

  Further, the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 has a mesh-like shape, and becomes a resistance when the humidified gas moves. That is, by this resistance, the humidified gas does not move immediately, but stays for a certain period of time, so that the water replacement ability can be increased even for the closed hole.

  In this manner, by providing the humidified gas diffusion layer 28, the skin layer 22 and the clothing hind part of the subject h can be sufficiently humidified. Since the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 is surrounded and integrated by the conductive layer 24 having conductivity, an inexpensive insulating material can be used.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 is a diffusion member having a plurality of lattice-like (vertical and horizontal directions in FIG. 1), but if the humidified gas can pass and diffuse, Since it is good, it is good also as a structure which has a space | gap only in the vertical direction or a horizontal direction, for example.

  The electrode layer 30 is formed as an electrode part that acquires the potential of the human body detected by the skin layer 22 that forms the skin structure 23. A through hole 31 is formed at a predetermined position of the electrode layer 30. The humidified gas sent from the humidified gas generator 7 (FIG. 1) is sent from the through hole 31 of the electrode layer 30 to the surface portion of the skin layer 22 through the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 and the conductive layer 24. .

[Flow of humidified gas by sheet sensor 20]
Next, the flow of humidified gas by the sheet sensor 20 of Example 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of humidified gas by the sheet sensor. The humidified gas is sent from the humidified gas generator 7 (FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the humidified gas (white arrow in FIG. 3) sent from the through hole 31 provided in the electrode layer 30 of the sheet sensor 20 forms the second conductive material that forms the conductive layer 24 through the through hole 31. It passes through the inside of the layer 27 (solid line arrow in FIG. 3). Then, the humidified gas that has passed through the second conductive layer 27 is sent to the inside of the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 disposed above the second conductive layer 27.

  Here, as described above, since the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 is formed as an air diffusion member having a plurality of lattice-shaped voids, it has a function of passing and diffusing the humidified gas. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the humidified gas sent into the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 is diffused over a wide range within the humidified gas diffusion layer 28.

  As described above, the humidified gas diffused inside the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 passes through the inside of the first conductive layer 25 forming the conductive layer 24 disposed on the humidified gas diffusion layer 28. pass. In the following, the humidified gas that has passed through the inside of the first conductive layer 25 is sent to the surface portion of the skin layer 22 disposed on the top of the first conductive layer 25.

  In this case, since the humidified gas diffused by the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 is uniformly and widely supplied to the surface portion of the skin layer 22, the skin layer 22 can be humidified quickly.

[Conductive path by sheet sensor 20]
Next, the conductive path by the sheet sensor 20 of Example 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conductive path by the sheet sensor. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the potential of the human body detected by the skin layer 22 is generated from the inside of the skin layer 22 to form a conductive layer 24 disposed below the skin layer 22. Go through 25.

  Then, it passes through the inside of the first conductive layer 25 to the conductive member 26 joined to the first conductive layer 25. Then, it passes through the inside of the conductive member 26 and the inside of the second conductive layer 27 joined to the conductive member 26. Hereinafter, the second conductive layer 27 is routed to the electrode layer 30 which is an electrode portion.

  As described above, in the sheet sensor 20, the potential of the human body detected by the skin layer 22 passes through the skin layer 22, the first conductive layer 25, the conductive member 26, and the second conductive layer 27, and the electrode layer 30. Can be transmitted.

  In Example 1 described above, the conductive layer 24 is an integrated type in which the first conductive layer 25 and the second conductive layer 27 are joined by the conductive member 26 in order to conduct the skin layer 22 and the electrode layer 30. It is formed as a (so-called enclosed type) conductor.

  However, in addition to this integrated structure, a conductive layer with the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 interposed can be formed by two single conductive plates (two conductive plates) and a conductive needle member. In this case, the humidified gas diffusion layer 28 is interposed between the two conductive plates. Further, the needle member penetrates and connects between the two conductive plates, thereby enabling conduction between the two conductive plates.

  As described above, according to the sheet sensor 20 according to the first embodiment, the conductive layer 24 is entirely formed of a lattice-like mesh material, and the humidified gas diffusion that allows the humidified gas to pass and diffuse inside. Layer 28 is provided. Thereby, the humidified gas supplied through the through hole 31 of the sheet sensor 20 can be a humidified gas diffused by the humidified gas diffusion layer 28.

  As a result, since the humidified gas can be supplied over the entire surface portion of the skin layer 22, the humidification property can be improved. Further, since a fiber material other than a carbon material having a high material cost can be used as the fiber material of the skin structure 23 (skin layer 22) forming the sheet sensor 20, the cost of the sheet sensor 20 can be reduced. it can.

[Configuration of Sheet Sensor 40]
Next, details of the sheet sensor according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the sheet sensor according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the flow of humidified gas by the sheet sensor. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a conduction path by the sheet sensor. In the second embodiment, detailed description of the same configuration as the sheet sensor of the first embodiment described above is omitted.

  Here, the sheet sensor 20 according to the first embodiment and the sheet sensor 40 according to the second embodiment are different in the material of the skin structure (skin layer) forming the sheet sensor. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the skin layer forming the skin structure 50 of the sheet sensor 40 according to the second embodiment is disposed as a leather skin layer 42 formed of a leather material.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the main body 41 forming the sheet sensor 40 includes a skin structure 50 having a leather skin layer 42, a conductive layer 52 having conductivity, and an electrode layer 60 formed as an electrode portion. . That is, the skin structure 50 includes a leather skin layer 42 that forms a surface of a seat that contacts the human body, a humidified gas diffusion layer 51 formed so as to be able to pass and diffuse the humidified gas, and the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 inside. And a conductive layer 52 that surrounds as an integral type in an intervening state.

  The leather skin layer 42 is a skin layer formed of a leather material, and a plurality of through holes 44 are formed at predetermined positions of the leather skin layer 42. The plurality of through holes 44 are provided for sending the humidified gas from the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 to the surface portion of the leather skin layer 42.

  Further, in FIG. 5, a conductive paint 43 a having conductivity is applied to the front surface 42 a and the back surface 42 b of the leather skin layer 42 and the surface portions of the through holes 44. As a result, the leather skin layer 42 and the conductive layer 52 laminated below the leather skin layer 42 are electrically connected to each other.

  Further, when the through-hole 44 is processed after applying the conductive paint, and the leather skin layer 42 and the conductive layer 52 are electrically connected, the surface (upper surface) of the leather skin layer 42 is taken. ) May be in a state in which a conductive paint is applied only. That is, the conductive layer 52 is provided to electrically connect the leather skin layer 42 and the electrode layer 60 with the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 interposed inside the conductive layer 52.

  The conductive layer 52 is formed as an integrated conductor in which the first conductive layer 53 and the second conductive layer 55 are joined by the conductive member 54. For the conductive layer 52, a mesh material having conductivity and having a plurality of mesh-like voids is used. As will be described later, the potential of the human body detected by the leather skin layer 42 is applied to the electrode layer from the leather skin layer 42 via the first conductive layer 53, the conductive member 54, and the second conductive layer 55 of the conductive layer 52. 60 is electrically connected.

  The humidified gas diffusion layer 51 has a plurality of lattice-shaped gaps and is formed as an air diffusion member (mesh-shaped member) that passes and diffuses the humidified gas. That is, like the humidified gas diffusion layer of the first embodiment, the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 is disposed below the leather skin layer 42 to diffuse the humidified gas sent from the through hole 44 over a wide range. it can.

  The electrode layer 60 is provided as an electrode portion that acquires the potential of the human body detected by the leather surface layer 42 that forms the skin structure 50. A through hole 61 is formed at a predetermined position of the electrode layer 60. The humidified gas sent from the humidified gas generator 7 (FIG. 1) is sent to the surface portion of the leather surface layer 42 through the through hole 61 of the electrode layer 60 through the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 and the conductive layer 52.

[Flow path of humidified gas by sheet sensor 40]
Next, the flow of the humidified gas by the sheet sensor 40 shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the flow of humidified gas by the sheet sensor. The humidified gas is sent from the humidified gas generator 7 (FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the humidified gas (white arrow in FIG. 6) sent from the through hole 61 provided in the electrode layer 60 of the sheet sensor 40 forms the second conductive material that forms the conductive layer 52 through the through hole 61. It passes through the inside of the layer 55 (solid arrow in FIG. 6). Then, the humidified gas that has passed through the second conductive layer 55 is sent out to the inside of the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 disposed above the second conductive layer 55.

  Here, as described above, since the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 has a function of passing and diffusing the humidified gas, the humidified gas sent to the inside of the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 through the second conductive layer 55. Can be diffused over a wide range inside the humidified gas diffusion layer 51.

  As described above, the humidified gas diffused inside the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 passes through the inside of the first conductive layer 53 that forms the conductive layer 52 disposed above the humidified gas diffusion layer 51. pass. Hereinafter, the humidified gas that has passed through the inside of the first conductive layer 53 is sent out through the through hole 44 of the leather skin layer 42 disposed on the upper portion of the first conductive layer 53.

  In this case, since the humidified gas diffused by the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 is supplied over a wide range to the surface portion of the leather skin layer 42 through the through holes 44, the skin layer 42 can be quickly humidified.

[Conductive path by sheet sensor 40]
Next, the conductive path by the sheet sensor 40 of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a conductive path by the sheet sensor. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the potential detected by the leather skin layer 42 passes through the inside of the leather skin layer 42 and from the front surface 42a to the back surface 42b.

  And it passes through the inside of the 1st conductive layer 53 which forms the conductive layer 52 arrange | positioned under this leather skin layer 42 from the inside of the leather skin layer 42. FIG. In addition, a potential can be applied to the conductive layer 52 through the conductive paint 43 a applied around the through hole 44 of the leather surface layer 42.

  Then, it passes from the inside of the first conductive layer 53 to the conductive member 54 joined to the first conductive layer 53. Then, it passes from the inside of the conductive member 54 to the inside of the second conductive layer 55. In the following, the second conductive layer 55 is routed to the electrode layer 60 which is an electrode portion.

  As described above, in the seat sensor 40 of the second embodiment, the potential of the human body detected by the leather skin layer 42 is the leather surface layer 42, the first conductive layer 53, the conductive member 54, and the second conductive layer 55. Can be transmitted to the electrode layer 60 via. In this case, the electric potential of the human body can be applied to the conductive layer 52 through the conductive paint 43a applied around the through hole 44 of the leather surface layer 42. As a result, the energization path is shortened, and energization with less loss (resistance) can be achieved.

  As described above, in the seat sensor 40 according to the second embodiment, the leather skin layer 42 forming the skin structure of the seat sensor 40 has a plurality of through holes 44 through which the humidified gas from the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 passes. It is made of leather material. In addition, since the conductive paint 43a is applied around the front surface 42a and the back surface 42b of the leather skin layer 42 and the through hole 44, conductivity can be maintained even if the surface layer is a leather material.

  Further, the humidified gas delivered from the humidified gas generator 7 (FIG. 1) passes and diffuses in the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 and passes through the through holes 44 of the leather surface layer 42 to the surface portion of the leather surface layer 42. Since it is supplied, the surface portion of the leather skin layer 42 can be appropriately humidified.

[Configuration of Sheet Sensor 40a]
Next, details of the sheet sensor 40a according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the sheet sensor according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a conduction path by the sheet sensor. In the third embodiment, detailed description of the same configuration as the sheet sensor of the first and second embodiments is omitted.

  Here, the sheet sensor 40 according to the second embodiment and the sheet sensor 40a according to the third embodiment are different in the region (part) where the conductive paint 43b applied to the surface of the leather skin layer 42 is applied. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the conductive paint 43b is applied to the surface 42a of the leather skin layer 42 that forms the sheet sensor 40a according to the third embodiment. That is, the potential of the human body detected by the leather skin layer 42 can be transmitted to the electrode unit 60 simply by applying a conductive paint to the surface 42 a of the leather skin layer 42.

  Here, in the third embodiment, the conductive paint 43 b is applied to the extended portion that forms the end portion of the leather skin layer 42, and the extended portion is in contact with the first conductive layer 53 of the conductive layer 52. The portion in contact with the conductive layer 52 is not necessarily an end portion.

  That is, a configuration in which a part of the conductive paint 43 b applied to the leather skin layer 42 is in contact with the conductive layer 52 may be adopted. In actuality, when the leather surface layer 42 coated with the conductive paint 43b is manufactured as the sheet sensor 40a, it is brought into contact with the conductive layer 52 or sinks like a seam of the skin at a portion to be sewn or wound. The portion is brought into contact with the first conductive layer 53 of the conductive layer 52.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the main body 41 forming the sheet sensor 40a includes a skin structure 50a having a leather skin layer 42, a conductive layer 52 having conductivity, and an electrode layer 60 formed as an electrode portion. . That is, the skin structure 50a includes a leather skin layer 42 that forms a surface of a seat that comes into contact with the human body, a humidified gas diffusion layer 51 that is configured to allow passage and diffusion of the humidified gas, and the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 therein. And a conductive layer 52 that surrounds as an integral type in an intervening state.

  The leather skin layer 42 is a skin layer formed of a leather material, and a plurality of through holes 44 are formed at predetermined positions of the leather skin layer 42. The plurality of through holes 44 are provided for sending the humidified gas from the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 to the surface portion of the leather skin layer 42.

  In FIG. 8, a conductive paint 43 b having conductivity is applied to the surface 42 a of the leather skin layer 42. As a result, the leather skin layer 42 and the conductive layer 52 laminated below the leather skin layer 42 are electrically connected to each other. That is, the conductive layer 52 is provided to electrically connect the leather skin layer 42 and the electrode layer 60 with the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 interposed inside the conductive layer 52.

  The conductive layer 52 is formed as an integrated conductor in which the first conductive layer 53 and the second conductive layer 55 are joined by the conductive member 54. For the conductive layer 52, a mesh material having conductivity and having a plurality of mesh-like voids is used.

  The humidified gas diffusion layer 51 has a plurality of lattice-shaped gaps and is formed as an air diffusion member (mesh-shaped member) that passes and diffuses the humidified gas. That is, similar to the humidified gas diffusion layers of Examples 1 and 2, by disposing the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 below the leather skin layer 42, the humidified gas sent from the through holes 44 is diffused over a wide range. be able to.

  The electrode layer 60 is provided as an electrode part that acquires the potential of the human body detected by the leather surface layer 42 that forms the skin structure 50a. A through hole 61 is formed at a predetermined position of the electrode layer 60. The humidified gas sent from the humidified gas generator 7 (FIG. 1) is sent to the surface portion of the leather surface layer 42 through the through hole 61 of the electrode layer 60 through the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 and the conductive layer 52.

[Conductive path by sheet sensor 40a]
Next, a conductive path by the sheet sensor 40a according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a conductive path by the sheet sensor. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the potential detected by the leather skin layer 42, as shown by the solid line arrow, of the first conductive layer 53 that forms the conductive layer 52 from the inside and the surface 42 a of the leather skin layer 42. Via the inside.

  Then, from the inside of the first conductive layer 53 to the conductive member 54 bonded to the first conductive layer 53, the inside of the conductive member 54 passes through the inside of the second conductive layer 55. In the following, it passes through the second conductive layer 55 to the electrode layer 60 which is an electrode part.

  As described above, in the sheet sensor 40a of the third embodiment, the potential of the human body detected by the leather skin layer 42 is the surface 42a of the leather surface layer 42, the first conductive layer 53, the conductive member 54, the second member. It can be transmitted to the electrode layer 60 via the conductive layer 55.

  As described above, in the seat sensor 40a according to the third embodiment, the leather skin layer 42 forming the skin structure 50a of the seat sensor 40a has a plurality of through holes 44 through which the humidified gas from the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 passes. It is formed by the leather material which has. Moreover, since the conductive paint 43b is applied to the surface 42a of the leather skin layer 42, the conductivity can be maintained.

  Further, since the conductive paint 43b is applied only to the surface 42a of the leather skin layer 42, the conductivity with the conductive layer 52 can be maintained. Further, the humidified gas delivered from the humidified gas generator 7 (FIG. 1) passes and diffuses in the humidified gas diffusion layer 51 and passes through the through holes 44 of the leather surface layer 42 to the surface portion of the leather surface layer 42. Since it is supplied, the surface portion of the leather skin layer 42 can be appropriately humidified.

[Configuration of Sheet Sensor 70]
Next, details of the sheet sensor according to the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the sheet sensor according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a waterproof cylinder member provided in the sheet sensor. In the fourth embodiment, detailed description of the same configuration as that of the sheet sensors of the first to third embodiments is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the sheet sensor 70 includes a skin layer 71 that forms a seat surface that contacts a human body, an upper surface electrode layer 72 that is formed as an electrode portion, an insulating layer 73 that is formed as an insulating portion, And a lower electrode layer 74 formed as an electrode portion. In addition, the lower electrode layer 74 has a cushion layer 75 formed of a cushion material such as urethane under the lower electrode layer 74.

  Thus, in the sheet sensor 70 of Example 4, the sheet sensor 70 is provided with a plurality (two layers in FIG. 10) of electrode layers (upper surface electrode layer 72 and lower surface electrode layer 74) that function as electrode portions. By adopting an electrode structure, the structure is designed to reduce electrical noise.

  The skin layer 71 is formed of a conductive fiber member. The upper surface electrode layer 72 is formed as an electrode portion. The lower electrode layer 74 is formed as an electrode part, similarly to the upper electrode layer 72, and its periphery is surrounded by an insulating layer 73 formed as an insulating part. That is, the insulating layer 73 surrounding the lower electrode layer 74 functions as a sealing material that waterproofs part of the humidified gas from leaking into the interlayer (gap) between the upper electrode layer 72 and the lower electrode layer 74. For this insulating layer 73, for example, a silicon rubber material having waterproof and non-penetrating performance is used.

  In addition, the skin layer 71, the upper surface electrode layer 72, the insulating layer 73 and the lower surface electrode layer 74, and the cushion layer 75 pass through the interlayer of the sheet sensor 70 at predetermined positions (in the center portion in FIG. 10). A through-hole 76 is formed in the surface portion of the skin layer 71 so as to open. The humidified gas generated by the humidified gas generator 7 (FIG. 1) can be sent to the surface portion of the skin layer 71 through the through hole 76. That is, the through hole 76 formed in the sheet sensor 70 is provided to supply the humidified gas to the surface portion of the skin layer 71.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, in the sheet sensor 70 of the fourth embodiment, a waterproof cylindrical member 80 having waterproof performance is fitted and fixed at a position where the through hole 76 provided in the sheet sensor 70 is formed. Yes.

  The waterproof tubular member 80 is formed as a flange-shaped tubular member having a circular flange 81 and a cylindrical tubular body 82 to which the flange 81 is joined. A through-hole 83 for allowing the humidified gas to pass through is formed in the tubular body 82 forming the waterproof tubular member 80. In addition, the flange 81 of the waterproof cylinder member 80 is fitted with a circular recess 71 a formed in a part of the surface portion of the skin layer 71 (around the through hole 76).

  That is, in the sheet sensor 70 according to the fourth embodiment, the waterproof cylinder member 80 is disposed at the formation position of the through hole 76 provided for supplying the humidified gas, so that the upper surface electrode layer 72 and the lower surface electrode which are electrode portions are disposed. The humidified gas is prevented from leaking between the layer 74 and the layer 74. Specifically, the cylindrical body 82 of the waterproof cylinder member 80 is configured to be fitted and fixed to the through hole 76. This prevents a part of the humidified gas from leaking between the upper surface electrode layer 72 and the lower surface electrode layer 74, thereby preventing the insulation properties of both electrode portions from being impaired.

  In the fourth embodiment, in the sheet sensor 70 having a plurality of electrode layers, the waterproof cylinder member 80 is disposed in the through hole 76 for supplying the humidified gas, thereby preventing the humidified gas from leaking.

  However, this structure may be combined with the structure of the sheet sensor including the humidified gas diffusion layer that diffuses the humidified gas described in the first to third embodiments. In this case, it is possible to prevent the humidified gas from leaking out by the waterproof cylindrical member 80 and to supply the humidified gas to the surface portion of the skin layer in the sheet sensor.

  As described above, according to the sheet sensor 70 according to the fourth embodiment, the skin layer 71, the upper surface electrode layer 72 formed as the electrode portion, the lower surface electrode layer 74 surrounded by the insulating layer 73, and the cushion layer 75. And a through hole 76 for supplying a humidified gas.

  The sheet sensor 70 is provided with a waterproof cylinder member 80 having a cylindrical body 82 at a position where a through hole 76 provided for supplying humidified gas is formed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a part (moisture) of the humidified gas from leaking between the upper electrode layer 72 and the lower electrode layer 74 formed as a multi-electrode structure. As a result, electrical troubles such as malfunction (short circuit) of the sheet sensor 70 due to leakage of the humidified gas can be avoided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Seat 2 Seating part 3 Backrest part 4 Steering part 5 Human body information acquisition apparatus 6 Air conditioner 7 Humidified gas generator 20, 40, 40a, 70 Seat sensor 22, 71 Skin layer 28, 51 Humidified gas diffusion layer 24, 52 Conductive layer 30, 60, 75 Electrode layer 23, 50, 50a Skin structure 80 Waterproof cylindrical member 81 Buttocks 82 Cylindrical body h Subject

Claims (5)

Forming a surface of the seat in contact with a subject using the seat in the seat, and having a conductive skin layer;
A conductive layer having electrical conductivity formed of a mesh-shaped member while being in contact with the skin layer;
A humidified gas diffusion layer formed of a humidified gas diffusion material through which the humidified gas passes and diffuses; and
An electrode layer formed as an electrode part for acquiring the potential of the subject detected by the epidermis layer;
A conductive member arranged to energize the conductive layer and the electrode layer with the humidified gas diffusion layer interposed therebetween,
A sensor comprising:   The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the conductive layer and the conductive member are formed of an integral mesh member that encloses the humidified gas diffusion layer. The skin layer is
It is formed of a leather material having a plurality of through-holes through which the humidified gas from the humidified gas diffusion layer passes, and a conductive paint is applied to the surface portion of the skin layer, and at least one of the surface portions of the skin layer. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the portion and the conductive layer are in contact with each other.   The sensor according to claim 3, wherein the skin layer is further coated with the conductive paint around the through hole. Forming a surface of the seat in contact with a subject using the seat in the seat, and having a conductive skin layer;
A first electrode layer in contact with the skin layer and electrically conductive with the skin layer;
A second electrode layer surrounded by an insulating layer and electrically conductive with the first electrode layer;
A humidified gas supply hole that penetrates the first electrode layer, the insulating layer, and the second electrode layer, and supplies a humidified gas to the skin layer,
A cylindrical member that fits into the humidified gas supply hole;
A sensor comprising:

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