JP7440735B2 - Sensor unit and seat with sensor unit - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sensor unit and a seat with a sensor unit, and more particularly to a sensor unit and a seat with a sensor unit that are attached to a seat for a seated person to sit on.

Conventionally, vehicle seats have been known that have a function of measuring the driver's biological information while driving the vehicle. BACKGROUND ART A seat is known that has a function that can quickly notify a driver when an abnormality occurs in heart rate changes (specifically, see Patent Document 1).
It also has a function that uses biosensors that detect the driver's sitting posture to estimate the driver's physical condition, and controls the seat movement according to the estimation results to help the driver recover from fatigue. A sheet is known (specifically, see Patent Document 2).

In the vehicle seat described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of capacitively coupled sheet-like sensors are arranged between a cushion pad and a trim cover that constitute a seat back, and the seated person's body is detected by the sheet-like sensors. It is disclosed that the heartbeat of a seated person is measured based on bioelectrical signals. At this time, the plurality of sheet-like sensors are attached and fixed to the cushion pad with an adhesive or the like.
In addition, in the seat control device described in Patent Document 2, a plurality of piezoelectric elements as body pressure distribution sensors are fixed inside the seat back and the seat cushion, respectively, and convert pressure according to the seating posture of the occupant into a voltage signal. It is disclosed that the body pressure distribution of the occupant is detected by doing so, and when it is estimated that the occupant's physical condition is fatigued, the seat is controlled to perform an exercise to recover the fatigue of the occupant.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-123359 Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-65504

By the way, in vehicle seats such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the biosensor (sensor unit) is fixed to the cushion pad of the seat back (seat cushion) with an adhesive or the like, so it cannot be removed from the seat. It was difficult to remove the biosensor.
In this case, it would not be possible to change the type of sensor unit and change the output function based on biometric information obtained from the biosensor according to the wishes of the seated user, which could result in the seat lacking in versatility. . Furthermore, there is a possibility that the sensor unit may not be replaced at an appropriate time.
In addition, if the user can easily remove the sensor unit from the vehicle seat and attach it to a work chair, etc. that is separate from the vehicle seat, output functions based on the sensor unit can be used in various situations. It was expected that it would.

In addition, in vehicle seats with biosensors such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, although the sheet-like biosensor is fixed to the cushion pad with adhesive or double-sided tape, the skin material on the seated person's side Since the seat is not fixed, there is a risk that the position of the biosensor may shift, making it impossible to stably detect biosignals of the seated person.
Furthermore, when attaching a biosensor to a vehicle seat, there is a need for a simple assembly structure that takes into consideration the seating feeling of the occupant.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an object that can be easily attached to and detached from an object that a person can come into contact with, especially a seat for a seated person to sit on. An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor unit and a seat with a sensor unit.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor unit and a seat with a sensor unit that can be attached not only to vehicle seats but also to various seats such as work chairs.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor unit and a seat with a sensor unit that can more stably detect biological signals of a seated person.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor unit and a seat with a sensor unit that has a simple assembly structure and takes into consideration the sitting feeling of a seated person.

According to the sensor unit of the present invention, the sensor unit is a sensor unit that is attached to a seat on which a seated person sits , and includes a biosensor that detects biosignals of the seated person , and a sensor unit that is connected to the biosensor and that detects the biosignal. a communication unit for transmitting the biosignal to the outside; and a sensor holder that holds the biosensor and the communication unit, the sensor holder being able to be brought into contact with the seated person on the seat . It has a sheet attachment part that is removably attached to an attached part provided at a position , and the sheet attachment parts are provided at both ends of the sensor holder in the extending direction, and This problem is solved by attaching to the attached part so as to cover the front surface, top surface, bottom surface, and rear surface of the attached part .
With the above configuration, it is possible to realize a sensor unit that can be relatively easily attached to and detached from an object that can be touched by a person.
Furthermore, with the above configuration, it is possible to realize a sensor unit that can be relatively easily attached to and detached from a sitting seat, and can be attached not only to vehicle seats but also to various seats such as work chairs. It is possible to realize a sensor unit that is capable of

At this time, the seat attachment section includes an upper cover attached to the upper end of the sensor holder, and a lower cover attached to the lower end of the sensor holder, and the seat attachment section includes an upper cover attached to the lower end of the sensor holder, and an extending end of the upper cover. The engaging member is fixed, the engaged member is fixed to the extending end of the lower cover, and the sheet attaching portion is configured to latch the engaging member to the engaged member. It is preferable that the upper cover and the lower cover cover a front surface, an upper surface, a bottom surface, and a rear surface of the seat back .
Alternatively, the seat attachment section includes a rear cover attached to the rear end of the sensor holder, and a front cover attached to the front end of the sensor holder, and the rear cover has an extending end. The engaging member is fixed, the engaged member is fixed to the extending end of the front cover, and the seat attaching portion is configured to latch the engaging member to the engaged member. It is preferable that the seat cushion be attached to the seat cushion as the attached part, and that the rear cover and the front cover cover the front surface, top surface, bottom surface, and rear surface of the seat cushion.

At this time, the device further includes a wireless communication unit as the communication unit that wirelessly transmits the detected biological signal to the outside, and a battery unit that is connected to the biological sensor and the wireless communication unit and supplies power. Good.
With the above configuration, a sensor unit with a simple configuration can be realized without requiring a separate ECU (Election Control Unit) or power source in a vehicle seat as in the past, and the sensor unit can be removed from the seat and carried by the user. It becomes easier.

At this time, the sensor holder holds a plurality of the biosensors, and the plurality of biosensors are arranged at intervals in the seat width direction and/or the seat front and back direction, and are capable of being brought into contact with the seated person. It is good if they are placed according to the location.
As described above, since the sensor holder holds the plurality of biosensors, the plurality of biosensors can be attached to the seat at once with a relatively simple configuration.

At this time, it is preferable that a positioning display section for externally displaying the holding position of the biosensor is formed on the surface of the sensor holder.
With the above configuration, the mounting position of the biosensor can be grasped from the outside of the sensor holder, and the biosensor can be easily positioned with respect to the seat.

Further, there is provided a seat with a sensor unit including the sensor unit, the seat cushion having a cushion pad and a skin material covering the cushion pad , wherein the sensor unit is attached on the seat cushion. It is also possible to realize a seat with a sensor unit.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a sensor unit that can be easily attached to and detached from an object that a person can come into contact with, especially a seating seat, and which can be attached to various types of seats. realizable.
Further, according to the present invention, it becomes easier for the seated person to remove the seat from the seat and carry it around.
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress displacement of the biosensor with respect to the seat, protect the biosensor itself, and more stably detect biosignals of the seated person.
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to consider the sitting feeling of the seated person while having a simple assembly structure.
Further, according to the present invention, a biosensor (sensor unit) can be attached to the seat in a more stable manner, and a plurality of biosensors can be attached to the seat at once with a simple configuration.
Further, according to the present invention, positioning of the biosensor with respect to the seat becomes easy.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a seat with a sensor unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of the sensor unit. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 2A, showing the configuration of a sensor unit. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a wireless sensor unit. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of a seat with a sensor unit according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of a seat with a sensor unit according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a wired sensor unit in a sensor unit-equipped seat according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the seat arrangement of the wired type sensor unit of FIG. 6; The following is an external perspective view of a seat with a sensor unit according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of a wired sensor unit. It is a perspective view showing the surface of a sensor module and a cushioning material. It is a perspective view showing the back side of a sensor module and a cushion material. The following is an exploded perspective view of a seat with a sensor unit according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seat with a sensor unit. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the main parts of the sensor unit, showing a seat attachment portion to the seat back (seat cushion). It is an exploded perspective view of the seat with a sensor unit of a 7th embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view of the seat with a sensor unit of an 8th embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view of the seat with a sensor unit of a 9th embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view of the seat with a sensor unit of a 10th embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view of the seat with a sensor unit of an 11th embodiment. It is a figure which shows another embodiment of the seat attachment part of a sensor unit. It is a figure which shows another embodiment of a seat attachment part. It is a perspective view of shoes with a sensor unit. It is a perspective view of shoes with a sensor unit.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1-20A and 20B.
This embodiment is a seat with a sensor unit for a seated person to sit on, and the sensor unit includes a biosensor that detects biosignals of the seated person, and is connected to the biosensor and transmits the detected biosignals to the outside. A mounting target comprising a wireless communication unit for wireless transmission, and a sensor holder that holds the biological sensor and the wireless communication unit, and the sensor holder is provided at a position on the surface of the seat cushion that can be brought into contact with the seated person. The invention relates to a seat with a sensor unit, characterized in that the seat has a seat attachment part that is detachably attached to the seat.
Note that the side on which a seated person sits with respect to the seat back of the seat with a sensor unit is the front side of the seat.

As shown in FIG. 1, the seat S with the sensor unit of this embodiment is a vehicle seat, which includes a seat body including a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2, a headrest 3, and an armrest 4; It mainly consists of a sensor unit 30 that is attached to the inside of the seat cushion 1 and that detects an electrical signal according to the biopotential of the person sitting on the seat and transmits the detected electrical signal to the outside. has been done.

As shown in FIG. 1, the seat cushion 1 is a seating portion that supports a seated person from below, and is constructed by placing a cushion pad 10 on a cushion frame (not shown) serving as a skeleton and covering it with a skin material 20. has been done.
The seat back 2 is a backrest portion that supports the back of a seated person from behind, and is constructed by placing a cushion pad (not shown) on a back frame (not shown) serving as a skeleton and covering it with a skin material (not shown). ing.
The headrest 3 is a head that supports the head of a seated person from behind, and is constructed by placing a cushion pad (not shown) on a headrest pillar (not shown) serving as a core material and covering it with a skin material (not shown). ing.
The armrest 4 is an arm portion that supports the arms of the seated person from below, and is rotatably assembled to the outer surface of the seat back 2 in the seat width direction via a mounting bracket (not shown).

The cushion pad 10 is a cushioning material made of urethane foam or the like, and as shown in FIG. 1, on the surface of the cushion pad 10, on the left and right side parts in the seat width direction, there are skin hangings extending in the front and back direction of the seat. A skin suspension groove 11 and a skin suspension groove 12 extending in the seat width direction are formed to connect the left and right skin suspension grooves 11.
Further, on the surface of the cushion pad 10, a cushion recess 13 corresponding to the outer shape of the sensor unit 30 is formed in a portion facing the sensor unit 30 in order to ensure a comfortable sitting feeling.

The skin material 20 is made of a stretchable cloth material, leather material, or the like, and is formed, for example, by sewing conductive threads as necessary to a base cloth made of natural fibers or synthetic fibers.
Note that a wadding material (not shown) may be attached to the back surface of the skin material 20 in order to improve the seating feeling of the seat cushion 1.
On the surface of the skin material 20, skin pockets 21 and 22 for storing the sensor unit 30 therein are formed in a portion in front of the seat and in a portion behind the seat relative to the skin hanging groove 12, respectively. In addition, skin pockets 23 and 24 are also formed outside the left and right skin hanging grooves 11 in the seat width direction, respectively.

The skin pockets 21 to 24 are bag-shaped pockets formed by attaching a cloth material or the like to the back side of the main body of the skin material 20 by separately sewing them, and are pockets provided on the surface of the skin material 20. The sensor unit 30 can be accommodated through the openings 21a to 24a.
The front and rear skin pockets 21 and 22 are arranged at the center portion of the seat cushion 1 in the seat width direction, and are arranged side by side in the seat front and back direction.
Further, the left and right skin pockets 23 and 24 are arranged at positions facing each other in the seat front and back direction.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the sensor unit 30 mainly includes a sensor module 31 including a biosensor 31a, a bag-shaped sensor holder 32 that holds the sensor module 31, and a seat cushion. It is detachably attached to outer skin pockets 21 to 24 (attached portions) provided at positions where the seated person can abut on the seat 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor module 31 includes a biosensor 31a that detects an electrical signal according to the biopotential of the seated person, a wireless communication section 31b that receives the electrical signal and wirelessly transmits it to the outside, and a biosensor. It mainly includes a control section 31c that performs a process of transmitting the electrical signal detected by the wireless communication section 31a to the wireless communication section 31b, and a battery section 31d that supplies power.
The biological sensor 31a is specifically a sensor that detects a breathing signal (electrical signal) of a seated person, and more specifically, a planar pressure sensor that detects the sitting pressure of a seated person.
Note that the "seating pressure" is a value that changes periodically in accordance with the physiological activity (breathing) of the seated person when the seated person is seated on the seat S with the sensor unit.
The wireless communication unit 31b connects to an external terminal, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a computer such as a PC, or an electric device, using wireless communication technology, and transmits and receives electric signals (data signals).
The control section 31c corresponds to a microcomputer and comprehensively executes electrical control, and the battery section 31d is a relatively small button battery.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the sensor holder 32 is made of a substantially rectangular bag, and includes a substantially flat cushion material 32a that supports the entire sensor module 31 from below, and a cushion material 32a that supports the entire sensor module 31 from above. It mainly includes a cloth member 32b that is attached to cover the sensor module 31, a cushion material 32a, and a bag-like cover material 32c that stores the cloth member 32b therein.
The cloth member 32b is, for example, a nonwoven tape, and its ends on all four sides are attached to the surface of the cushioning material 32a. Note that it may be attached using an adhesive or the like.
The cover material 32c is formed by overlapping a pair of skin covers face-to-face with one end having an opening and sewing the remaining end.The inner surface of the opening of the cover material 32c has a cover closure. A pair of hook-and-loop fasteners are provided as the portion 32d.
Further, the internal space of the cover material 32c is formed to have approximately the same size as the outer shape of the cushion material 32a, and the sensor module 31 is housed inside the cover material 32c without shifting.

On the surface of the sensor holder 32, a positioning display section 32e for externally displaying the holding position of the sensor module 31 is formed as a rectangular sewing line (stitch). Note that a rectangular cushioning material (urethane slab) may be attached separately instead of the sewing line.
In addition, on the back surface of the outer surface of the sensor holder 32, which is opposite to the surface on which the positioning display section 32e is formed, the surface pockets 21 to 24 (to be attached) of the seat cushion 1 are provided so that the surfaces thereof are aligned with each other. A sheet attachment portion 32f that can be attached in contact with each other is provided.

The sheet attachment portion 32f may be formed, for example, as a hook-and-loop fastener, or may be formed as a double-sided tape, and may be attached to the inner surface of the skin pockets 21 to 24 with adhesive force so as to be removable. When a hook-and-loop fastener is used, one hook-and-loop fastener (for example, the hook side) serving as the seat attachment portion 32f is removable from the other hook-and-loop fastener (for example, the loop side) provided on the inner surface of the skin pockets 21 to 24. It is best to configure it so that

In the above configuration, the sensor unit 30 is connected to a known heart rate measuring device (not shown) through a network, so that the heart rate measuring device can operate based on the breathing signal (electrical signal) of the seated person transmitted from the sensor unit 30. It becomes possible to measure the seated person's heartbeat and quickly notify the seated person if an abnormality occurs in the heartbeat change.
As for the specific method of calculating the heart rate based on the electrical signal from the sensor unit 30, a known calculation method (for example, the calculation method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-123359) can be used. , a detailed explanation will be omitted.

In addition, it is also possible to change the type of biosensor and change the output function based on the biometric information detected from the biosensor according to the wishes of the seated user.
Specifically, in addition to the pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, sound sensor, optical sensor, odor sensor, acceleration sensor, etc. may be used.
In addition, output functions include measuring changes in the seated person's heart rate and notifying the seated person of abnormal heartbeats (drowsiness), as well as measuring the sitting posture of the seated person and controlling the movement of the seat to relax the seated person. It is envisaged that the robot will display a mode or a skeleton correction mode, or display a game or video to the seated person based on the seated person's biological information (for example, electrocardiogram, blood pressure, body temperature, respiration, etc.).

<Second embodiment of seat with sensor unit>
Next, a sensor unit-equipped sheet S2 according to a second embodiment will be described based on FIG. 4.
The sensor unit-equipped seat S2 differs from the sensor unit-equipped seat S mainly in the configuration of the sensor unit 130.
The sensor unit 130 is mainly composed of a sensor module 131 and a block-shaped sensor holder 132 that holds the sensor module 131. It is detachably attached to the cushion recess 113 (attached section).

The sensor module 131 has the same configuration as the sensor module 31 shown in FIG.
The sensor holder 132 is a pad member made of a rectangular parallelepiped block, and is formed in a shape corresponding to the cushion recess 113. A storage recess for accommodating the sensor module 131 is provided on the surface of the sensor holder 132. 133 is formed.
At this time, the sensor holder 132 (the outer surface of the sensor holder 132) corresponds to a "seat attachment part" and is attached to the cushion recess 113 (attached part) so as to be detachable.

Even with the above configuration, it is possible to realize a sensor unit that can be relatively easily attached to and detached from a sitting seat, and it can be used not only for vehicle seats but also for various seats such as work chairs. It is also possible to install.

<Third embodiment of seat with sensor unit>
Next, a sensor unit-equipped sheet S3 according to a third embodiment will be described based on FIG. 5.
The sensor unit-equipped seat S3 differs from the sensor unit-equipped seat S mainly in the configuration of the sensor unit 230.
The sensor unit 230 mainly includes a plurality of sensor modules 231 and a sheet-like sensor holder 232 that holds the plurality of sensor modules 231 together. ) so that it can be attached and detached.

The sensor module 231 has the same configuration as the sensor module 31 shown in FIG. 3, and a plurality of sensor modules 231 are arranged at intervals in the seat width direction and the seat longitudinal direction, and are arranged at positions where the seated person can make contact. There are four locations in total, corresponding to each location.
The sensor holder 232 is a sheet of skin material, and is formed in a shape that can be coated on the surface of the central portion of the cushion pad 210.
A plurality of sensor modules 231 are each attached to the back surface of the sensor holder 232 using a hook-and-loop fastener or double-sided tape.
At this time, the sensor holder 232 corresponds to a "seat attaching part" and is attached to the cushion pad 210 (attached part) so as to be removably latched thereto.

Even with the above configuration, it is possible to realize a sensor unit that can be relatively easily attached to and detached from a sitting seat, and it can be used not only for vehicle seats but also for various seats such as work chairs. It is also possible to install.
Moreover, a plurality of biosensors can be attached to the seating seat at once with a relatively simple configuration.

<Fourth embodiment of seat with sensor unit>
Next, a sensor unit-equipped seat S4 according to a fourth embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 6 and 7.
In the sensor unit-equipped seat S4, the sensor unit 330 uses a wired communication method, compared to the sensor unit-equipped seat S.
In the sensor unit 330, as shown in FIG. 6, the sensor module 331 includes a biosensor 331a and a wired communication section 331b that is connected to the biosensor 331a and transmits the detected biosignal to the outside. There is.
As shown in FIG. 7, the wired communication unit 331b connects the biosensor 331a and the ECU 340 provided in the seat cushion 301, and includes a conductive wire and a wire that outputs the biosignal obtained from the biosensor 331a to the ECU 340. A harness made of bundled conductive wires.
Specifically, the wired communication section 331b bends and extends downward from the sensor holder 332, passes through the through hole of the cushion pad 310, and then bends forward of the seat and extends along the bottom surface of the cushion frame. It is connected to ECU340.
The ECU 340 is a control part of a known heart rate measuring device that can calculate the heart rate of a seated person by analyzing biological signals detected by the sensor unit 330, and is attached to the bottom of the cushion frame. There is. Note that a power source battery (not shown) is provided around the ECU 340.

Even with the above configuration, it is possible to realize a sensor unit that can be attached to and detached from a seating seat, and the sensor unit can be replaced in various vehicle seats.

<Fifth embodiment of seat with sensor unit>
Next, the sensor unit-equipped seat S5 of the fifth embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 8 to 10A and 10B.
The sensor unit 430 of the sensor unit equipped seat S5 uses a wired communication method.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the sensor unit 430 mainly includes a sensor module 431 and a cushion-shaped sensor holder 432 that holds the sensor module 431 inside. They are each removably attached to the bag 402 (attached portion).
The sensor unit 430 provided in the seat cushion 401 will be described below.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10A and 10B, the sensor module 431 includes a plurality of biosensors 431a and a wired communication section 431b that is connected to the plurality of biosensors 431a and transmits detected biosignals to the outside. have.
The biosensor 431a is a planar pressure sensor, and is arranged at intervals in the seat width direction and the seat front-rear direction, and is arranged at a total of six locations corresponding to the positions that can be contacted by the seated person. In addition, in order to improve the detection accuracy of the sensor, four biosensors 431a are arranged at positions corresponding to the buttocks of the seated person.
The wired communication unit 431b is a conductive wire that connects the biosensor 431a and an ECU (not shown) provided in the seat cushion 401, and a harness made by bundling the conductive wires.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the sensor holder 432 is a single cushion, and includes a substantially flat cushion material 432a that supports the plurality of biosensors 431a from below, a sensor module 431, and It is mainly composed of a bag-shaped cover material 432c that houses a cushion material 432a therein.
Seat attachment portions 432f (velcro fasteners) that can be attached to the surface of the seat cushion 401 are attached to the back surface of the four corners of the sensor holder 432.

On the surface of the cushioning material 432a, there are a plurality of storage recesses 433 for storing the biosensors 431a, and a linear wire provided adjacent to each storage recess 433 for passing the wired communication section 431b (conducting wire). A slit hole 434 is formed.
In the above configuration, the wired communication section 431b (conducting wire) extends from the biosensor 431a through the slit hole 434 to the back surface of the cushion material 432a. Further, on the back surface of the cushion material 432a, a plurality of wired communication units 431b are bundled and extended as a harness.
Note that the cushion material 432a may have a multilayer structure. In that case, each layer is preferably fixed with an adhesive or the like, and a transparent resin pedestal is preferably provided as an underlay layer. By using transparent resin, the wiring of the wired communication section 431b can be easily confirmed.
Note that the length and width of the slit hole 434 can be adjusted as appropriate.

The cover material 432c is formed by overlapping a pair of skin covers face-to-face, making one end an open part, and sewing the remaining ends.The inner surface of the open part of the cover material 432c has a cover closure A wire fastener is provided as the portion 432d.
The internal space of the cover material 432c is formed to have the same size as the outer shape of the cushion material 432a, and the plurality of biosensors 431a are housed on the surface of the cover material 432c without being displaced.
A positioning display section 432e for externally displaying the holding position of the sensor module 431 is formed as a rectangular sewing line on the surface of the cover material 432c.
In addition to the positioning display section 432e, a positioning display section for confirming the position of the sensor unit 430 in the front-rear direction (left-right direction) may be formed separately.

Even with the above configuration, it is possible to realize a sensor unit that can be easily attached to and detached from a seating seat, and the sensor unit can be replaced in various vehicle seats.
Moreover, a plurality of biosensors can be attached to the seating seat at once and positioned with a relatively simple configuration.

In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 10A, a storage recess 433 is formed on the surface of the cushion material 432a, and a storage recess for accommodating the wired communication section 431b is also separately formed on the back surface of the cushion material 432a. It's okay if it's done.
By doing so, when the biosensor 431a and the wired communication unit 431b are attached to the cushioning material 432a, the front and back surfaces of the cushioning material 432a are substantially flush with each other, so that the seating feeling of the seated person is improved.
Note that it is desirable that the front and back surfaces of the cushioning material 432a are substantially flush, but there is no particular limitation, and the portion of the cushioning material 432a to which the biosensor 431a is attached may protrude slightly, or may be slightly flat. It may be depressed.

In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 10A, a storage recess 433 for positioning the biosensor 431a is formed on the surface of the cushioning material 432a, but as an alternative positioning method, a predetermined marking (triangular marking) is formed on the surface of the cushion material 432a. It is also possible to apply this method or use a gabari (jig).

<Sixth embodiment of seat with sensor unit>
Next, the sensor unit-equipped seat S6 of the sixth embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 11 to 13.
The sensor unit equipped seat S6 differs from the sensor unit equipped seat S5 mainly in the configuration of the seat attachment portion 533 of the sensor unit 530.
The sensor unit 530 is composed of a sensor module 531 including a biosensor 531a, and a cushion-shaped sensor holder 532 that holds the sensor module 531 inside, and includes a seat cushion 501 and a seat back 502 (attached part). They are attached so that they can be attached and detached from each other.
The sensor unit 530 provided in the seat back 502 will be described below.

The sensor holder 532 is a single cushion.
Seat attachment portions 533 that can be attached to the surface of the seat back 502 are attached to both ends of the sensor holder 532 in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction).

The seat attachment part 533 is attached by sewing to the upper end of the sensor holder 532 and extends toward the headrest 503 side, and the upper cover 533a is attached by sewing to the lower end of the sensor holder 532 to the seat cushion 501 side. and a lower cover 533b extending toward the lower cover 533b.
A pair of insertion holes 534 for inserting a pair of pillars 503a of the headrest 503 are formed approximately at the center of the upper cover 533a in the extending direction.
Furthermore, an engaging hook 535 (engaging member) having a substantially J-shaped cross section and elongated in the seat width direction is fixed to the extending end of the upper cover 533a with an adhesive.
A rectangular engaging member 536 (engaged member) elongated in the seat width direction is fixed to the extending end of the lower cover 533b with an adhesive.
The engagement hook 535 and the engagement member 536 are resin trim cords, and the engagement hook 535 can be latched onto the engagement member 536.

In the above configuration, in order to attach the sensor unit 530 to the seat back 502, first, as shown in FIG. 12, it is attached to the seat back 502 so as to cover the seat attachment portion 533. Specifically, the front surface, top surface, bottom surface, and rear surface of the seat back 502 are covered by the upper cover 533a and the lower cover 533b.
At this time, the pillar 503a of the headrest 503 is inserted into the insertion hole 534 of the upper cover 533a.
As shown in FIG. 13, the engagement hook 535 of the upper cover 533a is hooked to the engagement member 536 of the lower cover 533b at the lower end of the back surface of the seat back 502.

Note that the method for attaching the sensor unit 530 provided on the seat cushion 501 is also similar.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the seat attachment portion 533 covers the top, front, bottom, and rear surfaces of the seat cushion 501.
As shown in FIG. 13, the engagement hook 535 of the rear cover 533a is hooked to the engagement member 536 of the front cover 533b at the rear end of the seat cushion 501.

Even with the above configuration, it is possible to realize a sensor unit that can be easily attached to and detached from a seating seat, and the sensor unit can be replaced in various vehicle seats.

<Seventh embodiment of seat with sensor unit>
Next, a sensor unit-equipped seat S7 according to a seventh embodiment will be described based on FIG. 14.
In the sensor unit-equipped seat S7, the configuration of the seat attachment portion 633 of the sensor unit 630 is different from that of the sensor unit-equipped seat S6.
The sensor unit 630 includes a sensor module 631, a cushion-shaped sensor holder 632 that holds the sensor module 631 inside, and a seat that is attached to the surface of the sensor holder 632 and that can be attached to the seat cushion 601 (seat back 602). It mainly consists of a mounting part 633.
The sensor unit 630 provided in the seat cushion 601 will be described below.

The seat attachment part 633 is a long skin cover attached to the surface of the sensor holder 632 by sewing or adhesive, and covers the cushion pad 610 as a part of the skin material 620 of the seat cushion 601.
Wire fasteners 633a are provided over the entire outer edge of the seat attachment portion 633 at the front end and both ends in the seat width direction, and are engaged as a set with the wire fasteners 620a provided on the skin material 620. This allows the sensor unit 630 to be attached to the seat cushion 601.
At this time, the wire fastener 633a is not provided at the rear end of the outer edge of the seat attachment portion 633. By doing so, the sensor unit-equipped sheet S7 can be easily manufactured, and the work of assembling the sensor unit 630 can also be facilitated.

With the above configuration, the sensor unit 630 can be attached to the seat cushion 601 by changing the skin material.

<Eighth embodiment of seat with sensor unit>
Next, a sensor unit-equipped seat S8 of the eighth embodiment will be described based on FIG. 15.
In the sensor unit-equipped seat S8, the configuration of the seat attachment portion 733 of the sensor unit 730 is different from that of the sensor unit-equipped seat S6.
The sensor unit 730 is attached to a sensor module 731, a cushion-shaped sensor holder 732 that holds the sensor module 731 inside, and both ends of the sensor holder 732 in the width direction (seat width direction), and is attached to the seat cushion 701. An attachable seat attachment portion 733 is attached.
Note that the sensor unit-equipped seat S8 includes resin protective covers 734 on the left and right sides that protect the seat cushion 701 from the outside in the seat width direction.

The seat attachment section 733 includes a left cover 733a and a right cover 733b that are attached to both left and right ends of the sensor holder 732 by sewing and extend outward in the seat width direction.
The sensor unit 730 can be attached to the seat cushion 701 by sandwiching the extending ends of the left cover 733a and the right cover 733b between the seat cushion 701 and the protective cover 734, respectively.

<Ninth embodiment of seat with sensor unit>
Next, a sensor unit-equipped seat S9 according to a ninth embodiment will be described based on FIG. 16.
In the sensor unit-equipped seat S9, the configuration of the seat attachment portion 833 of the sensor unit 830 is different from that of the sensor unit-equipped seat S6.
The sensor unit 830 includes a sensor module 831, a cushion-shaped sensor holder 832 that holds the sensor module 831 inside, and a seat attachment part 833 that is attached to the upper end of the sensor holder 832 and can be attached to the seat back 802. installed.
Note that the seat S8 with the sensor unit has a J-shaped hook 834 attached to an upper position on the back surface of the seat back 802, and a J-shaped hook 834 arranged at a lower position than the hook 834 and rotatably attached to the seat back 802. and a table 835.

The seat attachment part 833 is a long cover that is attached to the upper end of the sensor holder 832 by sewing and extends upward, and has a pair of insertion holes 833a for inserting the pair of pillars 803a of the headrest 803. , and a latching hole 833b for latching onto the hook 834.
Further, the extending end portion of the seat attachment portion 833 is sandwiched between the seat back 802 and the table 835.
With the above configuration, the sensor unit 830 can be attached to the seat back 802 using existing parts.
Note that the sensor unit 830 may be attached to the seat back 802 using an armrest as an existing component.

<Tenth and eleventh embodiments of seat with sensor unit>
Next, sensor unit-equipped sheets S10 and S11 of the tenth and eleventh embodiments will be described based on FIGS. 17 and 18.
The sensor unit-equipped seat S10 is a sofa-type sitting seat. A cushion-shaped (cushion-shaped) sensor unit 930 is removably attached to the surface of the seat cushion 901 of the seat S10.
The sensor unit equipped seat S11 is an office chair type seat.
A cushion-shaped (cushion-shaped) sensor unit 1030 is removably attached to the surface of the seat cushion 1001 of the seat S11.
These sensor units 930, 1030 are preferably attached to the seat cushions 901, 1001 using, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners.

<Other alternative embodiments>
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the sensor unit 30 is attached inside the seat cushion 1, but this is not particularly limited and can be changed. It may be attached to the inside of the headrest 3, or it may be attached to the inside or outside of the armrest 4. Moreover, it may be attached to the inside or outside of an ottoman (not shown).
Further, although the sensor unit 30 is attached to a seat for a seated person to sit on, the sensor unit 30 is not particularly limited, and may be attached inside or outside of an object that a person can come into contact with.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the sensor unit 30 has a seat attachment part 32f (a hook-and-loop fastener or double-sided tape) that can be attached to the surface of the skin material 20 (skin pockets 21 to 24) of the seat cushion 1. However, it is not limited to hook-and-loop fasteners or double-sided tape, and can be changed.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19A, the sensor unit 30A may have a rectangular plate-shaped magnet therein as the sheet attachment portion 32Af. With such a configuration, the sensor unit 30A can be detachably attached to a metal wire (for example, a metal wire for hooking a skin material) provided on a seat cushion or a cushion pad of a seat back. becomes. Alternatively, it can be removably attached to a metal frame that forms the backbone of the seat cushion or seat back.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 19B, the sensor unit 30B may have an attachment band on the outer surface (back surface) as a sheet attachment portion 32Bf. With such a configuration, the seat attachment portion 32Bf is detachably attached to the outer surface of the armrest (attached portion) with the armrest interposed therebetween.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the sensor module 131 (biological sensor) is housed on the surface of the block-shaped sensor holder 132; It may be stored in a storage recess provided on the back surface.
In that case, the sensor module 131 (biological sensor) is placed between the sensor holder 132 and the cushion recess 113 provided in the seat cushion 101 (cushion pad 110) in the vertical direction. .
With such a configuration, the biosensor can be attached to the seat in a more stable manner. Furthermore, by making the thickness of the block of the sensor holder 132 as small as possible, it is possible to more easily detect biological signals of the seated person.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the sensor unit-equipped seat S5 includes a cushion-shaped (cushion-shaped) sensor unit 430, and the sensor unit 430 is charged using wireless communication or wired communication. The battery may further include a means (charging section), or may include a remaining amount display section that displays the remaining amount of charge.
Further, the sensor unit 430 may include a display processing section that wirelessly communicates with a mobile phone of the seated person and displays a predetermined effect screen based on sensing information on the display section of the mobile phone.
Further, the sensor unit 430 may further include a failure determination section that determines a failure of the sensing function, and may include a failure notification section (failure display section) that notifies that there is a failure in the event of a failure. In addition, it is preferable that the failure display part is arranged at a position in front of the seat relative to the seating surface of the seated person.
Further, the shape of the sensor unit 430 and the shape of the biosensor 431a are not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be triangular, circular, or the like, and preferably have a shape that is easy to position.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the sensor unit 430 is configured as a single cushion (cushion), but the cushion may further include a pocket portion on the outer surface or inner surface. At this time, an ECU, battery, tablet, etc. may be inserted into the pocket portion. Note that it is preferable that the pocket section is detachably attached to the main body section of the sensor unit 430.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the sensor unit 430 is detachably attached to the seat cushion 401. Therefore, the design of the sensor holder 432 (cover material 432c) can be changed or washed independently.
On the other hand, the sensor unit 430 may be integrally attached to the seat cushion 401 (skin material 420). In this way, the electronic components inside the sensor unit 430 can be suitably protected (they can be prevented from being exposed to the outside).
Note that when the sensor unit 430 is integrally attached to the skin material 420, after storing the cushion material 432a with the biological sensor 431a shown in FIG. 10A inside the cover material 432c, the cushion material 432a, the cover material 432c, and the skin material are removed. It is better to sew the material 420 together.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the sensor unit 430 is attached to the seat cushion 401 and the seat back 402 to sense the seating pressure of the seated person, and the sensor unit 430 is further attached to other seat components. Also good.
Specifically, the sensor unit 430 may be attached to an armrest, an ottoman, or the like.
In this way, the sensor unit 430 can sense not only the seating pressure of the seated person, but also the motions of the hands and legs of the seated person.
Further, the sensor unit 430 may be able to reversibly sense the seating pressure of the seated person. In this way, the sensor unit 430 can be mounted upside down on the seat cushion 401, and other sensing information can also be acquired.
Further, it is preferable that sensing can be performed even when the sensor unit 430 is installed upside down from front to back or upside down from left to right. In that case, it is preferable that the biosensors 431a are arranged so as to be symmetrical in the front and back (left and right).
Further, since the sensor unit 430 is a single cushion (cushion), it may be foldable, for example, in two. When folding, it is preferable that the biosensor 431a and the wired communication unit 431b be placed avoiding the crease. Alternatively, they may be intentionally arranged so as to overlap the folds.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, a plurality of wired communication sections 431b (conducting wires) are bundled and extended on the back surface of the cushioning material 432a, the wiring direction of the wired communication sections 431b (conducting wires), and the harness. The direction of arrangement can be changed as appropriate.
Furthermore, while the wired communication section 431b (harness) protrudes outward from the opening of the sensor holder 432, the position where the wired communication section 431b protrudes does not have to be at the corner of the opening of the sensor holder 432. That is, it may be at the center of the opening of the sensor holder 432, or at a through hole separately formed at a predetermined position of the sensor holder 432.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the sensor unit 530 is attached to the seat back 502, and it is preferable that the sensor unit 530 is placed in a position away from a reclining device (not shown). Alternatively, the component parts of the reclining device may be used to further latch the seat.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 19A and 19B, seats S1 to S11 with sensor units are described. Shoes with a unit S12 may be used.
The shoe S12 with the sensor unit preferably includes an insole 1101 (inner sole) with the sensor unit 1130 inside the shoe.
Specifically, it is preferable that a plurality of sensor units 1130 are provided and each of the sensor units 1130 is housed in a housing recess 1101a formed in the upper part of the insole 1101.
In addition, the floor may be equipped with a sensor unit.

In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat used in a car was explained as a specific example, but the invention is not limited to a two-wheeled seat for a motorcycle, a seat for a vehicle such as a train or a bus, a seat for a vehicle such as an airplane or a ship, etc. In addition, it can be used for various seats such as office chairs for work, wheelchairs, children's chairs for shopping carts, etc.

In this embodiment, the sensor unit and the sensor unit-equipped seat according to the present invention have been mainly described.
However, the embodiments described above are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.
In particular, the arrangement and configuration of the sensor unit described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the present invention.

S, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S10, S11 Seat with sensor unit 1,101,201,301,401,501,601,701,901,1001 Seat cushion 2,402, 502,602,802 Seat back 3,503,803 Headrest 503a,803a Pillar 4 Armrest (attached part)
10, 110, 210, 310, 610 Cushion pad 11, 12 Skin hanging groove 13, 113 Cushion recess 20, 620 Skin material 620a Wire fastener 21, 22, 23, 24 Skin pocket (attached part)
21a, 22a, 23a, 24a Pocket opening 30 (30A, 30B), 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030 Sensor unit 31, 131, 231, 331, 431, 531, 631, 731, 831 Sensor module 31a, 331a, 431a, 531a Biosensor 31b, 331b, 431b Wireless communication section, wired communication section (communication section)
31c Control part 31d Battery part 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832 Sensor holder 32a, 432a Cushion material 32b Cloth member 32c, 432c Cover material 32d, 432d Cover closing part 32e, 432e Positioning display Part 32f (32Af, 32Bf), 432f Seat attachment part (attachment part)
133, 433 Storage recess 434 Slit hole 533, 633, 733, 833 Seat attachment part (attachment part)
533a Upper cover (rear cover)
533b Lower cover (front cover)
633a Wire fastener 733a Left cover 733b Right cover 833a Insertion hole 833b Latching hole 534 Insertion hole 535 Engagement hook 536 Engagement member

734 Protective cover 834 Hook 835 Table 340 ECU
S12 Shoes with sensor unit 1101 Insole 1101a Storage recess 1130 Sensor unit

Claims (7)

A sensor unit that is attached to a seat on which a seated person sits ,
a biological sensor that detects biological signals of the seated person ;
a communication unit connected to the biosensor and configured to transmit the detected biosignal to the outside;
A sensor holder that holds the biological sensor and the communication unit,
The sensor holder has a seat attachment part that is removably attached to an attachment part that is provided at a position on the seat that can be brought into contact with the seated person ,
The seat attachment part is
provided at both ends of the sensor holder in the extending direction,
A sensor unit , wherein the sensor unit is attached to the attached portion of the sheet so as to cover the front surface, top surface, bottom surface, and rear surface of the attached portion . The seat attachment part has an upper cover attached to the upper end of the sensor holder, and a lower cover attached to the lower end of the sensor holder,
An engaging member is fixed to the extending end of the upper cover,
An engaged member is fixed to the extending end of the lower cover,
The seat attaching portion is attached to the seat back as the attached portion by latching the engaging member to the engaged member,
The sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the upper cover and the lower cover cover a front surface, an upper surface, a bottom surface, and a rear surface of the seat back. The seat attachment section includes a rear cover attached to the rear end of the sensor holder, and a front cover attached to the front end of the sensor holder,
An engaging member is fixed to the extending end of the rear cover,
An engaged member is fixed to the extending end of the front cover,
The seat attachment part is attached to the seat cushion as the attached part by hooking the engaging member to the engaged member,
The sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the rear cover and the front cover cover a front surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a rear surface of the seat cushion. a wireless communication unit as the communication unit that wirelessly transmits the detected biological signal to the outside;
The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a battery unit connected to the biosensor and the wireless communication unit and for supplying power. The sensor holder holds a plurality of the biosensors,
The plurality of biosensors are arranged at intervals in the seat width direction and/or the seat longitudinal direction, and are arranged in correspondence with positions that can be contacted by the seated person . 4. The sensor unit according to any one of 4 . The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein a positioning display section for externally displaying a holding position of the biosensor is formed on a surface of the sensor holder. . A sheet with a sensor unit comprising the sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
A seat cushion including a cushion pad and a skin material covering the cushion pad ,
A seat with a sensor unit, characterized in that the sensor unit is attached on the seat cushion.

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