JP5782310B2 - Seat device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a seat device that can appropriately detect seating while preventing discomfort.

  As one of safety systems in vehicles, an alarm system for warning that a seat belt is not worn when riding is put into practical use. In this alarm system, a warning is issued when seat belt wearing is not detected in the state in which a person is seated. A seating sensor that senses a seating load may be used to detect the seating of the person.

  Patent Document 1 listed below describes a seat device including such a seating sensor. The seat sensor of the seat device described in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of on / off type pressure-sensitive switches, and is disposed between a seat cover of the seat device and a cushion pad covered with the seat cover. . In this seating sensor, when pressure is applied to each pressure-sensitive switch, the pressure-sensitive switch is turned on to detect seating of a person.

JP 09-315199 A

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a distribution of a load received by a cushion pad when a person is seated normally. In FIG. 1, it can be seen that the darker the portion, the higher the cushion pad is subjected to the load. Since only the seat skin is interposed between the person and the cushion pad when the person is seated, the cushion pad has the largest load on the part where the person's buttocks are located, as shown in FIG. Will be added. And in the seating sensor of the said patent document 1, a person's seating can be detected by arrange | positioning a pressure-sensitive switch in the part in which the person's buttocks are located on a cushion pad.

  However, in the seating sensor described in Patent Document 1, since the pressure sensitive switch is disposed between the seat skin of the seat device and the cushion pad covered with the seat skin, the pressure sensitive switch is the cushion pad. In some cases, the occupant may be given an uncomfortable feeling that is different from the feeling caused by.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the seat apparatus which can detect seating appropriately, preventing discomfort.

  The inventor has intensively studied to prevent the above-mentioned uncomfortable feeling caused by the pressure sensitive switch. As a result, it came to the conclusion that a pressure-sensitive switch may be arranged on a plate material installed under the seat device as a mounting table for the cushion pad. This plate material is called a sheet pan, and is generally formed by processing a metal plate. When the pressure sensitive switch is arranged on the seat pan in this way, the pressure sensitive switch is interposed between the seat pan and the cushion pad, so that it is possible to prevent the seated person from feeling uncomfortable with the pressure sensitive switch. The

  However, in the seat device, there are cases where a plurality of springs made of wire are stretched over a frame serving as a frame of the seat, and a cushion pad is placed on these springs. In this case, it has been found that it is difficult to provide a pressure-sensitive switch on the spring so that seating can be properly detected. Therefore, the present inventor has conducted further intensive studies and has come to carry out the present invention.

  The seat device of the present invention is disposed on a seat frame having an opening, a plurality of springs made of wire rods stretched around the opening surrounded by the seat frame, the plurality of springs, and the seat frame. A cushion pad and a pressure sensitive switch, wherein the pressure sensitive switch is disposed between the upper surface of the seat frame and the cushion pad.

  According to this seat device, since the cushion pad is interposed from the seating surface of the cushion pad to the pressure sensitive switch, a sense of incongruity due to the pressure sensitive switch is prevented. Moreover, since this cushion pad is supported not only by a plurality of springs but also by the upper surface of the seat frame, the cushioning property can be maintained without imposing an excessive burden on the springs. When a pressing force is applied from such a cushion pad, the seat frame becomes the base, and a force that opposes the pressing force works, and the force that is sandwiched between the pressure-sensitive switch interposed between the seat frame and the cushion pad Will work. Therefore, according to this seat device, the sensitivity of the pressure-sensitive switch per unit pressing force becomes good, and the seating can be detected appropriately.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said pressure sensitive switch is arrange | positioned between the upper surface used as the front site | part of the said seat part frame, and the said cushion pad.

  The front part of the seat frame is an area where it is generally difficult to assume a load. Further, the present inventor has found that the front part is a region where a stronger force is applied than the rear part or the left and right parts. This is considered to be because the gravity of the legs extending forward from the buttocks of the person who sits normally works in the vertical direction, and the gravity of the buttocks works in the forward direction in addition to the vertical direction. When the seat device has a backrest, the force exerted by the gravity of the buttocks is the force by which the backrest pushes the back, and when there is no backrest, the seated person himself leans forward so that it does not fall back. We believe that this is the power that comes from becoming. Therefore, when the pressure-sensitive switch is arranged in the front part of the seat frame, the sensitivity of the pressure-sensitive switch per unit pressing force is better than that in the case where it is arranged on the rear part or the upper surface of the left and right parts, and depending on the load. Since erroneous detection is greatly suppressed, seating detection can be performed more appropriately. In the present specification, “regular seating” means sitting in a state where the buttocks are located deep in the seating surface.

  The pressure-sensitive switch is disposed between the cushion pad and a neighboring area based on a position intersecting with a center line passing through the center in the width direction of the cushion pad on the upper surface serving as a front portion of the seat frame. It is preferable that

  Since the vicinity region is a region where a stronger force acts in the front portion of the seat frame, seating detection can be performed more appropriately.

  Further, it is preferable that at least two pressure-sensitive switches are provided and arranged symmetrically with a center line passing through the center of the cushion pad in the width direction as a boundary.

  The pressing force applied to the cushion pad by the person is generally equal to the left and right with the vertical plane as a reference due to the pelvis of the person sitting normally spreading from side to side. On the other hand, since the load is not always placed at the center of the cushion pad in the width direction, the pressing force applied to the cushion pad by the load tends not to be symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane. Therefore, erroneous detection due to luggage is further suppressed.

  The pressure-sensitive switch has a plurality of sets of at least two pressure-sensitive switches connected in parallel, and at least two of the sets are arranged on the left and right in the width direction of the cushion pad and connected in series. It is preferable.

  In this seat device, as long as it is transmitted to only one of the pressure-sensitive switches connected in parallel, the connection state is maintained even if it is difficult to be transmitted to other pressure-sensitive switches. Therefore, non-sensing of the pressure sensitive switch is surely reduced as compared with the case where they are not connected in parallel. In addition, since there are two pressure-sensitive switch sets connected in parallel, the sensing range can be expanded compared to the case of one set, and a luggage smaller than the buttock is placed on the cushion pad. The erroneous detection of the pressure sensitive switch due to this is reduced.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a seat device that can appropriately detect seating while preventing a sense of incongruity.

It is a figure which shows distribution of the load which a cushion pad receives when a person seats normally on a seat. It is a top view which shows the seating sensor which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the 1st electrode sheet | seat of FIG. It is a top view which shows the 2nd electrode sheet | seat of FIG. It is a top view which shows the spacer of FIG. It is the figure which looked at the state which piled up the 1st electrode sheet, the spacer, and the 2nd electrode sheet from the perpendicular direction. It is a figure which shows the mode of the cross section in the VV line | wire of FIG. It is a circuit diagram which shows the circuit structure of the sensor part of FIG. 2 with an equivalent circuit. It is a figure which shows the mode of the seat apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows distribution of the load which a surface substantially the same as the surface where each spring is stretched when a person seats normally on a seat apparatus via a cushion pad. It is a figure which shows a mode that a pressure sensitive switch turns on from the same viewpoint as FIG. It is a top view which shows the sensor part of the seating sensor used for the seat apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the 1st electrode sheet | seat of FIG. It is a top view which shows the 2nd electrode sheet | seat of FIG.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a seating sensor according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the seating sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the seating sensor 1 mainly includes a sensor unit 5 having a pressure-sensitive switch and a fixing member 6 for fixing the sensor unit 5 to a frame member constituting a part of the seat frame. Prepare as an element.

  The sensor unit 5 includes a first electrode sheet 10, a second electrode sheet 20, a spacer 30 interposed between the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20, and a cushion member 51 disposed on the other surface. , 52 are provided as main components.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the first electrode sheet 10 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the first electrode sheet 10 includes a first insulating sheet 11, first electrodes 14 </ b> A to 14 </ b> F provided on the surface of the first insulating sheet 11, and terminals 42 </ b> A and 42 </ b> B as main components. Prepare.

  The first insulating sheet 11 is made of a flexible film, and is formed symmetrically with respect to a center line (hereinafter referred to as a vertical plane) VF passing through the center of the cushion pad in the width direction. For convenience, the vertical plane VF is shown as a straight line. In addition, it is not an essential condition to form the first insulating sheet 11 symmetrically, but the insulating sheet formed symmetrically is preferable from the viewpoint of manufacturing efficiency and stability. In addition, it is not an essential condition that the first insulating sheet 11 has flexibility. However, in terms of flexibility and stability, the insulating sheet having flexibility is more preferable.

  Each of the first electrodes 14A to 14F has a substantially circular shape. The first electrode 14 </ b> A and the first electrode 14 </ b> B are in a line-symmetrical relationship with respect to a position where the first electrode 14 </ b> A intersects the vertical plane VF, and is perpendicular to the vertical plane VF. It is provided at each position in a line. The first electrodes 14C and 14D and the first electrodes 14E and 14F are a group to be connected in parallel. The first electrodes 14C and 14D are positioned behind the first electrode 14A and the first electrode 14B in the left region with respect to the vertical plane VF, and in a line in a direction perpendicular to the vertical plane VF, respectively. Is provided. The first electrodes 14E and 14F are located behind the first electrode 14A and the first electrode 14B in a region on the right side with respect to the vertical plane VF, and in positions aligned in a direction perpendicular to the vertical plane VF, respectively. Is provided. The first electrodes 14C and 14D and the first electrodes 14E and 14F that are to be connected in parallel are arranged on the same line. The surface on which the first electrode 14A to the first electrode 14F are provided is the surface on the side where the second electrode sheet 20 is opposed.

  The first electrode 14A and the first electrode 14B are connected by a first wiring 16A. The first electrodes 14C and 14D are connected to the terminal 42A by the first wiring 16B, and the first electrodes 14E and 14F are connected to the terminal 42B by the first wiring 16C. The first wires 16A to 16C are arranged on the same surface, but may be different.

  As described above, in the first electrode sheet 10, the first electrode 14A and the first electrode 14B are electrically connected to each other, and the first electrode 14C and the first electrode 14D are connected in parallel to the terminal 42A. The electrode 14E and the first electrode 14F are connected in parallel to the terminal 42B.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the second electrode sheet of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the second electrode sheet 20 includes a second insulating sheet 21 and second electrodes 24 </ b> A to 24 </ b> F formed on the surface of the second insulating sheet 21 as main components.

  The second insulating sheet 21 is in the form of a film having the same degree of flexibility as the first insulating sheet 11, and has the same shape and size as the first insulating sheet 11. The flexibility of the second insulating sheet 21 is approximately the same as that of the first insulating sheet 11, but may be different. Further, the shape or size of the second insulating sheet 21 is approximately the same as that of the first insulating sheet 11, but may be different.

  The second electrodes 24A to 24F have the same shape and size as the first electrodes 14A to 14F. Furthermore, the second electrodes 24 </ b> A to 24 </ b> F are formed on the surface of the second insulating sheet 21 on the first electrode sheet 10 side when the second electrode sheet 20 is overlapped with the first electrode sheet 10. 14F is provided at a position completely overlapping with 14F.

  The second electrode 24A is electrically connected to the second electrodes 24C and 24D that are to be connected in parallel by the second wiring 26A, and the second electrode 24B is connected to the second electrode that is to be connected in parallel. The 24E and the second electrode 24F are connected by a second wiring 26B. The second wirings 26A and 26C are arranged on the same surface, but may be different.

  As described above, in the second electrode sheet 20, the second electrode 24C and the second electrode 24D are connected in parallel to the second electrode 24A, and the second electrode 24E and the second electrode 24F are connected in parallel to the second electrode 24B. Has been.

  FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the spacer 30 of FIG. The spacer 30 is made of a flexible insulating sheet. As shown in FIG. 5, the outer shape of the spacer 30 matches the first electrode sheet 10 or the second electrode sheet 20.

  In addition, openings 34A to 34F having the same size are formed in the spacer 30. The openings 34 </ b> A to 34 </ b> F have a substantially circular periphery, and have a diameter slightly smaller than that of the first electrodes 14 </ b> A to 14 </ b> F. The openings 34 </ b> A to 34 </ b> F are openings 34 </ b> A corresponding to the inner sides of the outer circumferences of the first electrodes 14 </ b> A to 14 </ b> F when the spacer 30 is overlapped with the first electrode sheet 10 and viewed along the direction perpendicular to the spacer 30. It is formed at a position where .about.34F can be accommodated.

  Further, the spacer 30 is formed with slits 36 </ b> A to 36 </ b> F which are air-slit slits and spatially connect the openings 34 </ b> A to 34 </ b> F to the outside of the spacer 30. Specifically, one end of each of the slits 36 </ b> A to 36 </ b> F is connected to the outside of the spacer 30. The other ends of the slits 36A to 36F are connected to the corresponding openings 34A to 34F.

  Note that an adhesive (not shown) for bonding the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20 is applied to both surfaces of the spacer 30.

  FIG. 6 is a view of a state in which the first electrode sheet 10, the spacer 30, and the second electrode sheet 20 are overlapped, as viewed from the vertical direction. However, the cushion members 51 and 52 are omitted for the sake of understanding. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state of a cross section taken along the line VV of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sensor unit 5 includes a first electrode sheet 10 and a second electrode sheet 20 that are overlapped with a spacer 30 interposed therebetween, and an adhesive applied to both surfaces of the spacer 30. They are fixed to each other and integrated.

  Thus, when the 1st electrode sheet 10, the spacer 30, and the 2nd electrode sheet 20 are piled up and integrated, as shown in Drawing 7, the 1st electrode 14D of the 1st electrode sheet 10, and the 2nd electrode The second electrodes 24D of the sheet 20 overlap each other, and the opening 34D formed in the spacer 30 is within the outer periphery of the second electrode 24D. Then, the first electrode 14D and the second electrode 24D are opposed to each other at a predetermined interval by a spacer 30 as shown in FIG. Thus, the pressure-sensitive switch having the first and second insulating sheets 11 and 21, the sheet-like spacer 30 in which the opening 34D is formed, and the pair of electrodes 14D and 24D facing each other through the opening 34D. 40D is configured.

  Similarly, the other first electrodes 14A to 14C and 14E to 14F and the other second electrodes 24A to 24C and 24E to 24F are spaced from each other at predetermined openings in the openings 34A to 34C and 34E to 34F of the spacer 30, respectively. Opposing, as shown in FIG. 6, pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40C, 40E to 40F are configured.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the surface of the second electrode sheet 20 that is opposite to the surface facing the spacer 30 has an elastic force and is crushed when pressure is applied. A cushion member 52 is provided which is deformed into the shape. Further, a cushion member 51 is provided on the surface of the first electrode sheet 10 that is opposite to the surface facing the spacer 30.

  In addition, a pair of cushion members 51 and 52 may be provided over the whole one surface of the respectively corresponding 1st electrode sheet 10 and the 2nd electrode sheet 20, In the 1st electrode sheet 10 and the 2nd electrode sheet 20 Of one surface, the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F may be provided on the surface portion opposite to the portion where the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F are disposed. Further, the pair of cushion members 51 and 52 may be integrally provided so as to cover all or part of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F. It should just be provided in a part of surface opposite to the surface facing the spacer 30 at least.

  In the present embodiment, the total thickness at which the pair of cushion members 51 and 52 is crushed is equal to or greater than the distance between the opposing electrodes in each of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F. The cushion members 51 and 52 have the same thickness, and the cushion members 51 and 52 are made of the same material and have the same elastic force, and are similarly crushed when the same pressure is applied. It is configured as follows. Therefore, the seating sensor 1 can have the same seating detection sensitivity regardless of which of the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20 is used.

  FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing the circuit configuration of the sensor unit 5 of FIG. 2 as an equivalent circuit. As shown in FIG. 8, the pressure sensitive switches 40 </ b> A to 40 </ b> F and the terminals 42 </ b> A and 42 </ b> B configured as described above are formed on the surface of the first insulating sheet 11. And connected to each other by second wirings 26A and 26B formed on the surface of the second insulating sheet 21. Thus, the circuit of the seating sensor 1 is configured by connecting the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F.

  The pressure sensitive switches 40C and 40D are connected in parallel to the terminal 42A and the pressure sensitive switch 40A, and the pressure sensitive switches 40E and 40F are connected in parallel to the terminal 42B and the pressure sensitive switch 40B. The terminal 42A, the pressure sensitive switch 40C or 40D, the pressure sensitive switch 40A, the pressure sensitive switch 40B, the pressure sensitive switch 40E or 40F, and the terminal 42B are connected in series. That is, of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F provided in the path between the terminal 42A and the terminal 42B, the two sets of pressure sensitive switches 40C and 40D, 40E and 40F are connected in parallel. For this reason, as long as the pressing force of the cushion member 51 or 52 is transmitted to one of the pressure sensitive switches 40C or 40D, 40E or 40F, the connection state is maintained even if it is difficult to transmit to the other pressure sensitive switch.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing member 6 is a double-sided tape in which an adhesive is applied to both surfaces of the film, and the adhesive applied to one surface is attached to the cushion member 51 in the sensor unit 5. Yes.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state of the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a state of the seat device 9 in which the seating sensor 1 is disposed from above, and FIG. 9B is a seat device in which the seating sensor 1 is disposed. It is a figure which shows the mode of 9 from the side. As shown in FIG. 9, the seat device 9 includes a seat frame 91, a plurality of springs 92, a cushion pad 93, a backrest 96, and a seating sensor 1 as main components. For example, a seat device for a vehicle is used.

  The seat frame 91 includes a front frame member 91a arranged as a front part frame, a rear frame member 91b arranged as a rear part frame, and a pair of side frame members arranged as left and right part frames. The frame structure includes 91c and 91d. The seat frame 91 has an opening surrounded by the members 91a to 91d. The front frame member 91a and the side frame members 91c and 91d are made of sheet metal press-molded products, for example. The rear frame member 91b is made of, for example, a metal pipe having a circular cross section, and extends in the vehicle width direction. Both ends of the rear frame member 91b are connected to the rear end portions of the side frame members 91c and 91d.

  Each spring 92 is made of a wire having a shape meandering repeatedly in an S shape on the same surface. The front ends of these springs 92 are attached to the front frame member 91a, and the rear ends are attached to the rear frame member 91b. Thus, the plurality of springs 92 are stretched on the same surface of the opening surrounded by the members 91 a to 91 d of the seat frame 91 at a predetermined interval, and constitute a mat for the cushion pad 93.

  The spring 92 is not limited to an S-shape such as a Z-shape, and can be applied to a wire in a meandering state having various shapes, or a wire in a meandering state in which a plurality of shapes are combined. Further, the spring 92 may be a wire rod meandering continuously in one or more shapes, or may be a wire rod meandering in one or more shapes at predetermined intervals, without meandering. A straight wire may be used. Further, although the plurality of springs 92 are stretched in the front-rear direction, they may be in the left-right direction or in the oblique direction.

  The cushion pad 93 is made of, for example, foamed urethane having cushioning properties. Therefore, the cushion pad 93 has an elastic force and is deformed so as to be crushed when a pressing force is applied. The cushion pad 93 is covered with a cloth skin (not shown).

  The backrest 96 is connected to the seat frame 91 by means (not shown) so as to come into contact with the cushion pad 93 behind the cushion pad 93.

  The seating sensor 1 is disposed on the upper end surface of the front frame member 91 a and is sandwiched between the front frame member 91 a and the cushion pad 93. The method of arranging the seating sensor 1 on the front frame member 91a determines the position at which the seating sensor 1 should be arranged on the front frame member 91a, and the sensor unit 5 of the fixed member 6 in the seating sensor 1 with respect to that position. The surface opposite to the surface that is affixed to the cushion member 51 is affixed.

  The pressure-sensitive switches 40A and 40B of the seating sensor 1 are symmetrical with respect to each other with respect to the vertical plane VF in the vicinity of the position intersecting the vertical plane VF on the upper end surface of the front frame member 91a. 93 are arranged along the width direction.

  The two sets of pressure-sensitive switches 40C and 40D, 40E and 40F connected in parallel are located behind the pressure-sensitive switches 40A and 40B in the region near the position intersecting the vertical plane VF on the upper end surface of the front frame member 91a. Be placed. The two sets of pressure sensitive switches 40C and 40D, 40E and 40F are symmetrical with each other with respect to the vertical plane VF, and are disposed along the width direction of the cushion pad 93.

  Furthermore, since all the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F are arranged on the upper end surface of the front frame member 91a, they are in front of the hip point HP of the person who normally sits on the cushion pad 93. The terminals 42A and 42B connected to the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F are electrically connected to an external power source and a measurement unit (not shown) from below the seat frame 91.

  “Regular seating” means sitting with the buttocks located deep in the seating surface and the back contacting the backrest 96, and “hip point” means that the person is seated normally , The point where the buttocks are at the bottom.

  Next, the operation of the seating sensor 1 in the seat device 9 will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the distribution of loads received by the seat frame 91 and the spring 92 via the cushion pad 93 when a person is normally seated on the seat device 9. Specifically, in FIG. 10, the load applied most strongly is indicated by a right oblique line, a load smaller than that load is indicated by a left oblique line, and a load smaller than the loads indicated by the right oblique line and the left oblique line is indicated by dots.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the load applied to the spring part and the seat frame part (right oblique line part) in front of the hip point HP is larger than that of the spring part (left oblique line part) near the hip point HP. Become. The reason is considered as follows.

  When a person normally sits on the seat device 9 including the backrest 96, the gravity of the legs extending forward from the buttocks is mainly applied in front of the cushion pad 93. Also, the person's back comes into contact with the backrest 96, the back is pushed by the backrest 96, and the force on the back pushes the person's buttocks forward. Therefore, the buttocks of the person who sits down presses the cushion pad 93 in the vertical direction by gravity, and pushes the cushion pad 93 forward by the force from the back. That is, the force by which the buttocks push the cushion pad 93 works in the vertical direction by gravity, and also works in the forward direction by the force by which the backrest 96 pushes the back. Thus, the pressing force that the spring 92 receives from the cushion pad 93 is more strongly generated forward than the hip point HP of the person who is normally seated.

  Moreover, since the site | part ranging from a buttocks part of a regular seated person to a knee joint part is before and after passing the vertical plane VF with respect to the cushion pad 93, among the upper end surfaces of the front frame member 91a that is forward of the hip point HP, The region near the vertical plane VF is stronger than the other regions.

  On the other hand, it is generally difficult to envisage placing a load on the tip portion of the cushion pad 93 that is above the upper end surface of the front frame member 91a where the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F are disposed. In addition, it is generally difficult to envisage placing a load on the cushion pad 93 over a vertical plane VF passing through the center in the width direction.

  As described above, the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F are arranged in the vicinity of the upper end surface of the front frame member 91a in front of the hip point HP with reference to the vertical plane VF where it is difficult to place a load. Accordingly, each of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F can appropriately detect the pressing force caused by the seating of the person when the person is seated normally.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating, for example, a state in which the pressure-sensitive switch 40D is turned on from the same viewpoint as FIG. In FIG. 11, only a part of the fixing member 6 and the front frame member 91a is shown for easy understanding.

  When a person is seated, the pressure-sensitive switch 40D disposed in front of the hip point HP is perpendicular to the electrode surfaces of the first electrode 14D and the second electrode 24D that are constituent elements of the pressure-sensitive switch 40D. Then, the spring 92 and the cushion pad 93 are appropriately pressed as shown by the arrows. That is, the cushion member 52 receives a pressing force from the cushion pad 93 of the seat, and the cushion member 51 receives a pressing force from the spring 92. At this time, the cushion members 51 and 52 are deformed so as to be crushed by the pressing force. Then, the first insulating sheet 11 and the second insulating sheet 21 receive a pressing force from the cushion members 51, 52 by the elastic force of the cushion members 51, 52 and bend so as to enter the opening 34 </ b> D of the spacer 30. For this reason, the electrodes 14D and 24D provided on the insulating sheets 11 and 20 facing each other through the opening 34D of the spacer 30 come into contact with each other. Thus, the pressure sensitive switch 40D is turned on.

  The pressure sensitive switch 40E disposed at a position symmetrical to the pressure sensitive switch 40D with respect to the vertical plane VF is also the first insulation by the elastic force of the cushion members 51 and 52 in the same manner as the pressure sensitive switch 40D. The sheet 11 and the second insulating sheet 21 are turned on by being pressed and bent. Further, in the pressure sensitive switches 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40F, the first insulating sheet 11 and the second insulating sheet 21 are pressed by the elastic force of the cushion members 51 and 52 in the same manner as the pressure sensitive switches 40D and 40E. Turns on when bent.

  When at least one of the pressure-sensitive switches 40C and 40D, 40E, and 40F that are in a parallel connection set is turned on and the pressure-sensitive switches 40A and 40B are turned on, the terminal 42A and the terminal 42B are electrically connected. Thus, the seating of the person is detected by measuring a sensing signal sensed by the seating sensor 1 by a measurement unit (not shown).

  In the seating sensor 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the total thickness of the cushion members 51 and 52 being crushed is equal to or greater than the distance between the electrodes 14A to 14F and the electrodes 24A to 24F. Therefore, since the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F can be turned on only by deforming the cushion members 51 and 52 without being bent, the seating can be detected appropriately.

  Moreover, when the 1st insulating sheet 11 and the 2nd insulating sheet 21 bend, the air in each opening 34A-34F is discharged | emitted outside through the slits 36A-36F. Accordingly, when each of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F is turned on, the first insulating sheet 11 and the second insulating sheet can be appropriately bent, and the pair of electrodes of each of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F can be easily contacted. ing.

  As described above, according to the seat device 9 of the present embodiment, the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F include the plurality of springs 92 made of the wire material stretched over the seat frame 91, the seat frame 91, and the plurality of springs 92. It interposes with a cushion pad 93 placed on the spring 92 of the book. For this reason, the cushion pad 93 is interposed from the seating surface of the cushion pad 93 to the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F. Therefore, in this seat device, a sense of incongruity due to the pressure sensitive switch is prevented. Further, since the seat frame 91 is made of metal, when a pressing force is applied from the cushion pad 93, the seat frame 91 becomes a base, and a force that opposes the pressing force works. The clamping force acts on the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F interposed between the seat frame 91 and the cushion pad 93. Therefore, in this seat device, the sensitivity of the pressure-sensitive switch per unit pressing force becomes good, and the seating can be detected appropriately.

  Further, the pressure sensitive switches 40 </ b> A to 40 </ b> F are interposed between the vicinity of the vertical plane VF in the upper end surface of the front frame member 91 a disposed as the front portion of the seat frame 91 and the cushion pad 93. Yes. As described above, this vicinity region is a region where a force stronger than the hip point HP of the person who normally sits works, and it is generally difficult to assume a load. Therefore, according to the seat device 9, the sensitivity of the pressure-sensitive switch per unit pressing force is improved compared to the case where it is disposed on the upper end surfaces of the rear frame member 91b and the side frame members 91c and 91d, and an error caused by the load is caused. Since the detection is greatly suppressed, the seating detection can be performed more appropriately.

  Further, among the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F, the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40B, 40C and 40F, and 40D and 40E are symmetrically arranged with a vertical plane VF passing through the center in the width direction of the cushion pad 93 as a boundary. The pressing force applied to the cushion pad 93 by the person is substantially equal to the left and right with respect to the vertical plane VF due to the pelvis spreading in the left-right direction compared to the front-rear direction of the cushion pad 93. On the other hand, since the load is not always placed at the center of the cushion pad 93 in the width direction, the pressing force applied to the cushion pad 93 tends not to be symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane VF. Therefore, according to the seat device 9, erroneous detection due to luggage is further suppressed.

  Further, the pressure-sensitive switches 40C and 40D, 40E and 40F, which are pairs connected in parallel, are arranged on the left and right in the width direction of the cushion pad 93, and are connected in series. For this reason, as long as it is transmitted to one of the pressure sensitive switches 40C and 40D and 40E and 40F, the connection state is maintained even if it is difficult to transmit to the other. Therefore, according to the seat device 9, the non-sensing of the pressure sensitive switch is surely reduced as compared with the case where they are not connected in parallel. In addition, since there are two sets of pressure-sensitive switches connected in parallel, the sensing range can be expanded as compared to the case of one set, and a baggage smaller than the buttock is placed on the cushion pad 93. This reduces false detection of the pressure sensitive switch.

  Next, the material which comprises the seating sensor 1 is demonstrated.

  As described above, the insulating sheet 11 of the first electrode sheet 10, the insulating sheet 21 of the second electrode sheet 20, and the spacer 30 are made of a flexible insulating resin. Examples of such a resin include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polyimide (PI). Among these, PEN is preferable from the viewpoint of excellent heat resistance.

  Moreover, as an adhesive apply | coated to both surfaces of the spacer 30, and an adhesive used for the fixing member 6, an acrylic adhesive is preferable, for example, the 1 type (s) or 2 or more types of (meth) acrylic-acid alkylester are used. The thing based on the acrylic polymer used as a monomer component is mentioned.

  The first electrodes 14A to 14F, the second electrodes 24A to 24F, the first wirings 16A to 16C, the second wirings 26A and 26B, and the terminals 42A and 42B are made of conductive paste or plating. It is comprised from the metal foil etc. which are formed by. Among these, a part may be comprised with an electroconductive paste, and another part may be comprised with the metal foil by plating. Examples of the conductive paste include various metal pastes such as silver paste, carbon paste, and the like. Moreover, as metal foil formed by plating, copper, nickel, or these laminated bodies are mentioned.

  In particular, it is preferable that at least one of the first electrodes 14A to 14F and the second electrodes 24A to 24F is made of a material whose resistance value increases as the temperature increases. The flexible resin such as the first insulating sheet 11 and the second insulating sheet 21 is usually easily bent as the temperature rises. When the temperature of the environment where the seat device 9 is placed rises, the first resin is weakly pressed. 1 electrode 14A-14F and 2nd electrode 24A-24F become easy to contact. In this case, as described above, if at least one of the first electrodes 14A to 14F and the second electrodes 24A to 24F is an electrode whose resistance value increases as the temperature rises, the first temperature increases as the temperature increases. The insulating sheet 11 and the second insulating sheet 21 are easily bent, and the first electrodes 14A to 14F and the second electrodes 24A to 24F are easily brought into contact with each other, but current is difficult to flow through the contacted electrodes. Therefore, even when the ease of contact between the electrodes and the difficulty of the flow of the current flowing through the electrodes cancel each other and the environmental temperature of the seat device 9 changes, the pressing force that turns on the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F. Can be prevented from changing. In particular, when the seat device 9 is mounted on an automobile, the temperature change in the vehicle is large. In general, since the spring 92 is metallic, heat is easily transmitted to the seating sensor 1. Therefore, as described above, if at least one of the first electrodes 14A to 14F and the second electrodes 24A to 24F is made of a material whose resistance value increases as the temperature rises, It is also possible to properly sense a person's seating. Therefore, such a seat device 9 is particularly useful for automobile applications. Examples of such an electrode include a two-layer electrode in which a carbon paste is applied on a silver paste.

  Further, the cushion members 51 and 52 are members that have elastic force as described above and deform so as to be crushed. The material of the member is not particularly limited, but the material of the cushion members 51 and 52 is a sponge-like resin provided with a large number of holes or a resin having elasticity. Nonwoven fabrics, rubbers and the like in which manufactured fibers are intertwined can be mentioned. As such a resin, a resin containing at least one of silicon and polyester can be used. With such a resin, the change in elastic force due to a change in temperature is small. Even in a case where the change in the environmental temperature is large, it is preferable because the change in the seating detection load can be suppressed.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the same or equivalent components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a sensor portion of a seating sensor used in the seat device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. However, the cushion members 51 and 52 are omitted for the sake of understanding.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the sensor unit 50 according to the present embodiment is different from the sensor unit 5 of the first embodiment in that the first electrodes 14A to 14F of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F are composed of comb electrodes. Different.

  FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the first electrode sheet. As shown in FIG. 13, the comb-tooth electrodes constituting the first electrodes 14 </ b> A to 14 </ b> F have a plurality of conductors parallel to each other connected to each other on one side, and another plurality of conductors parallel to each other. They are connected to each other on the other side. And it arrange | positions so that the other several parallel conductor connected on the other side may enter between the several parallel conductors connected on the one side, and each conductor is arranged in order. The plurality of parallel conductors connected on one side and the other plurality of parallel conductors connected on the other side are insulated from each other with a certain distance from each other. Thus, a comb electrode has a set of parallel conductors insulated from each other in one electrode.

  The plurality of parallel conductors connected on one side of the first electrodes 14C and 14D are connected to the first wiring 16B similar to the first embodiment, and the other plurality of parallel conductors connected on the other side. Is connected to one end of the first wiring 16D. The other end of the first wiring 16D is connected to a plurality of parallel conductors connected on one side of the first electrode 14A, and the plurality of parallel conductors connected on the other side of the first electrode 14A is the first implementation. It is connected to the first wiring 16A similar to the form. On the other hand, the plurality of parallel conductors connected on one side of the first electrodes 14E and 14F are connected to the first wiring 16C similar to the first embodiment, and the other plurality of parallel conductors connected on the other side. Is connected to one end of the first wiring 16E. The other end of the first wiring 16E is connected to a plurality of parallel conductors connected on one side of the first electrode 14B, and the plurality of parallel conductors connected on the other side of the first electrode 14B is the first implementation. It is connected to the first wiring 16A similar to the form.

  FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the second electrode sheet. As shown in FIG. 14, the second electrode sheet 20 of the present embodiment is different from the second electrode sheet 20 of the first embodiment in that the second wirings 26A and 26B are not provided.

  And as shown in FIG. 12, the 1st electrode sheet 10 shown in FIG. 13 and the 2nd electrode sheet 20 shown in FIG. 14 are piled up and integrated via the spacer 30 similar to 1st Embodiment. Yes.

  Similarly to the seating sensor 1 of the first embodiment, the sensor unit 50 of the present embodiment is disposed on the upper end surface of the front frame member 91a and is sandwiched between the front frame member 91a and the cushion pad 93.

  When a pressing force is applied from the cushion pad 93 to the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F according to the seating of the person, the second electrodes 24A to 24F come into contact with the respective parallel conductors in the first electrodes 14A to 14F. For this reason, a pair of parallel conductors insulated from each other in the first electrodes 14A to 14F are electrically connected via the second electrodes 24A to 24F. Thus, the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F are turned on. Thus, when the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F are turned on, the sensor unit 50 detects the seating of a person.

  The present invention has been described above by taking the first embodiment and the second embodiment as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

  For example, in the above embodiment, a double-sided tape in which an adhesive is applied to both sides of the film is used as the fixing member 6. However, for example, the adhesive may be a simple adhesive without the film, and a screw is applied. May be. Further, a fixing member other than these examples may be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, terminal 42A, 42B was arrange | positioned in the state protruded in parallel with the upper end surface of the front frame member 91a with respect to the space enclosed by the seat part frame 91 from the front frame member 91a. However, the terminals 42A and 42B may be disposed on the upper end surface of the front frame member 91a. However, it is preferable that the terminals 42A and 42B are arranged along the side surface of the front frame member 91a that faces the rear frame member 91b. The reason for this is that the space for disposing the plurality of pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F can be relaxed in the region near the vertical plane VF on the upper end surface of the front frame member 91a, and other than the terminals 42A and 42B in the space surrounded by the seat frame 91. This is because the arrangement space for other members can be reduced. Specifically, the first insulating sheet 11 is attached to a part of the upper end surface of the front frame member 91a and the side surface of the front frame member 91a facing the rear frame member 91b via an adhesive. The terminals 42A and 42B are attached to the surface of the first insulating sheet 11 which is the side surface side of the frame member 91a.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the number of pressure sensitive switches was six, five or less may be sufficient and seven or more may be sufficient. In addition, the number of pressure-sensitive switches connected in parallel is two, but it may be two or more. Furthermore, although two sets of pressure-sensitive switch groups 40C and 40D and 40E and 40F connected in parallel are provided, one set or three or more sets may be used. However, the number of pressure-sensitive switch groups connected in parallel is preferably an even number from the viewpoint of symmetry. Furthermore, the pressure-sensitive switch group connected in parallel may be omitted. Further, the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40B may be omitted, and the pressure sensitive switch groups 40C, 40D and 40E, 40F connected in parallel may be connected in series to form an AND / OR circuit.

  In the above embodiment, the pressure-sensitive switches 40C and 40D, 40E, and 40F, which are sets to be connected in parallel, are arranged in a line in a direction perpendicular to the vertical plane VF. May be arranged in a line in a direction parallel to each other.

  In the above embodiment, the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40B and the pressure sensitive switches 40C, 40D and 40E, 40F to be connected in parallel are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane VF as a boundary. You may arrange | position only at one side by making the vertical plane VF into a boundary.

  Further, in each of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F, the first electrodes 14A to 14F and the second electrodes 24A to 24F have the same shape and size and are completely overlapped with each other. The size, shape, and the like may be different as long as possible. For example, the diameters of the openings 34A and 34B in the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40B may be formed larger than the diameters of the openings 34C to 34F in the pressure sensitive switches 40C to 40F. That is, at least two pressure sensitive switches may have different opening diameters. When a person is seated on the seat device, the pressing force received by the seat frame 91 from the cushion pad 93 differs depending on the location of the seat frame 91, but by configuring the seat sensor 1 in this way, the seat frame 91. Above, a pressure-sensitive switch having a large opening diameter is disposed at a place where a relatively small pressing force is applied from the cushion pad 93, and a pressure-sensitive switch having a small opening diameter is disposed at a position where a relatively large pressing force is applied. Can do. By arranging the seating sensor in this manner, when a person is seated on the cushion pad 93 and different pressures are applied to the pressure sensitive switches having different diameters of the openings formed in the spacer 30. Insulating sheets 11 and 21 in each pressure sensitive switch are appropriately bent, and each pressure sensitive switch 40A to 40F can be appropriately turned on. For this reason, a person's seating can be detected appropriately. When at least two pressure sensitive switches have different opening diameters, the pressure sensitive switches having different opening diameters are preferably electrically connected in series with each other.

  Furthermore, as described above, when at least two pressure-sensitive switches have different opening diameters, at least two pressure-sensitive switches having the same opening diameter are provided, and the vertical plane VF is used as a reference. Preferably, at least one pressure sensitive switch having the same opening diameter is disposed on each of the left and right sides. Since a person normally sits at the center of the cushion pad 93 in the width direction, the person's seating is detected more appropriately, and the luggage not centered in the width direction of the cushion pad 93 is detected as a person's seat. Can be suppressed. And when comprised in this way, at least 1 set of the pressure sensitive switch with which the diameter of the opening arrange | positioned further on the left side and the right side of the vertical plane VF is mutually equal is arrange | positioned along the width direction of the cushion pad 93. It is more preferable that at least one set of pressure-sensitive switches having the same diameter of the openings arranged on the left and right sides of the vertical plane VF are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane VF. By comprising in this way, it can further suppress that a person's seat is detected more appropriately and erroneously detecting a load as a person's seat. In this configuration, for example, the positions of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F are made the same as in the above-described embodiment, and the diameters of the openings 34A and 34B in the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40B are the same as those in the pressure sensitive switches 40C to 40F. The diameters of the openings 34C to 34F are larger than those of the openings 34C to 34F. Further, the openings 34C, 34D and 34B in the pressure sensitive switches 40C, 40D and 40B have the same diameter, and the openings 34E, 34F and 34A in the pressure sensitive switches 40E, 40F and 40A are used. Should have the same diameter.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, the structure which does not provide the cushion member 52 but provides only the cushion member 51 may be sufficient. Even in this case, the seating sensor 1 therefore presses the insulating sheet 11 so that the insulating member 11 on the seat pan side enters the opening of the spacer, and the insulating sheet 21 on the cushion pad 93 side The cushion pad 93 is bent so as to enter the openings 34 </ b> A to 34 </ b> F of the spacer 30 by the elastic force of the cushion pad 93. Thus, since the pair of insulating sheets bend, the pair of electrodes facing each other can be brought into contact with each other through the opening of the spacer, so that the pressure-sensitive switch can be appropriately turned on, and the seating is properly detected. be able to. Furthermore, the cushion members 51 and 52 are not necessarily required. Even in this case, the cushion pad 93 can sense the seating of the person by pressing the insulating sheet 21.

  Further, when the pair of cushion members 51 and 52 are provided as in the above embodiment, the cushion members 51 and 52 have the same elastic force and the same thickness. Not limited to this, the cushion members 51 and 52 may have different elastic forces, and may have different thicknesses.

  Moreover, when the pair of cushion members 51 and 52 are provided as in the above embodiment, the cushion members 51 and 52 may have different shapes when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the seating sensor 1. . In this case, the cushion member 51 covers at least the openings 34A to 34F of the spacer 30 via the first insulating sheet 11, and the cushion member 52 covers at least the openings 34A to 34F of the spacer 30 via the second insulating sheet 21. It suffices that the cushion members 51 and 52 are disposed so as to cover each other, and at least one of the cushion members 51 and 52 may be provided only at a position overlapping the opening of the spacer 30.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the 1st insulating sheet 11 and the 2nd insulating sheet 21 had the same flexibility mutually, and bent similarly when the same force was added, The second insulating sheet 21 may have different flexibility.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the seating sensor which can detect a person's seating appropriately is provided, preventing the sense of incongruity by a seating sensor.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Seating sensor 5,50 ... Sensor part 6 ... Fixing member 9 ... Seat apparatus 10 ... 1st electrode sheet 11 ... 1st insulating sheet 14A-14F ... 1st Electrode 16A-16C ... 1st wiring 20 ... 2nd electrode sheet 21 ... 2nd insulating sheet 24A-24F ... 2nd electrode 26A, 26B ... 2nd wiring 30 ... Spacer 34A ... 34F ... opening 36A to 36F ... slit 40A to 40F ... pressure sensitive switch 42A, 42B ... terminal 51, 52 ... cushion member 91 ... seat frame 92 ... spring 93 ... Cushion pads 96 ... Backrest

Claims (4)

A seat frame having an opening;
And a plurality of springs made of wires that are strung along the longitudinal direction of the seat frame to the opening surrounded by the seat frame,
A cushion pad disposed on the plurality of springs and the seat frame;
With pressure sensitive switch,
The pressure-sensitive switch is disposed only in a range that is on the center side in the width direction of the cushion pad from the outermost spring of the plurality of springs among the upper surface that is the front portion of the seat frame, and the upper surface; A seat device sandwiched between the cushion pad. The seat device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure-sensitive switch is disposed in a region where a load stronger than a hip point of a person who normally sits in the range is applied. 2. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, further comprising at least two pressure sensitive switches, wherein at least two of the pressure sensitive switches are symmetrically arranged with a center line passing through a center in a width direction of the cushion pad as a boundary. The seat device according to claim 2. 2. A plurality of sets of at least two pressure-sensitive switches connected in parallel, wherein at least two of the sets are arranged on the left and right in the width direction of the cushion pad, and are connected in series. The seat device according to claim 3.

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