KR102417436B1 - Vehicle seat cover integrated with body pressure sensor, vehicle seat module including the same and method for preparing vehicle seat cover - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are a vehicle seat cover in which a body pressure sensor is integrated or incorporated, a vehicle seat module including the same, and a method of manufacturing the vehicle seat cover. The vehicle seat cover is a vehicle seat cover including a body pressure sensor disposed on a rear surface of the vehicle seat cover, wherein the body pressure sensor includes an upper electrode layer, a lower electrode layer, and a conductive layer interposed between the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer and the upper electrode layer, the lower electrode layer, and the conductive layer are each a woven fabric of fibers.

Description

Vehicle seat cover integrated with body pressure sensor, vehicle seat module including same, and method of manufacturing vehicle seat cover

The present invention relates to a vehicle seat cover in which a body pressure sensor is integrated or incorporated and coupled, a vehicle seat module including the same, and a method of manufacturing the vehicle seat cover.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a vehicle seat cover having a structure capable of maintaining high body pressure profile measurement accuracy even when a fiber-type body pressure sensor is integrated with the vehicle seat cover, a vehicle seat module including the same, and a method of manufacturing the vehicle seat cover.

The pressure sensor refers to a sensor member that measures pressure and converts it into an electrical signal. Pressure sensors may be classified in various ways according to their purpose, but body pressure sensors for measuring the weight of a person's body, that is, body pressure and its distribution, are attracting attention. The body pressure sensor is expected to be applied to various fields where it can recognize a person's movement and center of gravity and can be used for posture correction or training.

For example, the body pressure sensor may be applied to a seat module of a vehicle and used to measure and determine the posture of a driver and/or a passenger. A person riding in a vehicle frequently takes the same posture for a relatively long time, and if the passenger's posture is not correct, fatigue easily occurs and may be a threat to health.

Meanwhile, a vehicle seat is generally manufactured by covering a seat cushion and a seat cover on a seat frame. According to the recent functional progress of the vehicle seat, the above-described body pressure sensor, a heating seat and/or a ventilation unit are built-in and implemented as a module.

In general, a vehicle seat module is being completed in a way that a car manufacturer receives a seat cushion, a seat cover, a body pressure sensor, a heating seat, and/or a ventilation unit, respectively, and then assembles them on a seat frame.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1080063 (Patent Document 2) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-168321, (Patent Document 3) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-211273, (Patent Document 4) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018 -112489, (Patent Document 5) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6355180, (Patent Document 6) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-176498

The conventional body pressure sensor is mainly implemented as a film type body pressure sensor using a polymer resin film or the like. The film-type body pressure sensor uses a conductive electrode disposed on a polymer film as two electrode layers facing each other. However, the film-type body pressure sensor is not flexible and provides a sense of foreign body to the user due to the physical properties of the film material itself. That is, the film-type body pressure sensor may have a characteristic of a degree of bendable with predetermined flexibility, but this does not reach the level of flexibility that can be deformed into a desired shape.

In particular, a body pressure sensor intended to measure a pressure profile according to the position and weight of a person's buttocks, etc. is subjected to pressure by a curved body due to the characteristics of the body to be measured. However, since the film-type body pressure sensor does not deform freely according to body curvature, but only partially bends, the above-described sense of foreign body cannot be resolved, and noise is generated whenever a person moves. That is, the conventional film-type body pressure sensor has a problem in that it is not user-friendly.

In order to solve the foreign body feeling and noise problem, commercialization is limited by disposing a body pressure sensor under a seat cushion of a vehicle seat, but this causes a decrease in sensing precision.

In addition, when the conventional film-type body pressure sensor is applied to a vehicle seat, the film-type body pressure sensor has no ventilation or air permeability due to the material thereof, so there is a problem in that the ventilation sheet cannot be provided.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat module that provides a user-friendly body pressure sensing function by applying a fiber-type body pressure sensor to a vehicle seat.

In particular, it is to provide a vehicle seat module with excellent structural stability and improved reliability and lifespan even when a fiber-type body pressure sensor, which has relatively low durability compared to a film-type body pressure sensor, is applied to a vehicle seat.

Another problem to be solved by the present invention is that a vehicle manufacturer is provided with a vehicle seat cover in which at least the seat cover and the body pressure sensor are integrated, rather than receiving and assembling each of the seat cushion, seat cover, and body pressure sensor on the seat frame. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat cover with a body pressure sensing function that can reduce or reduce manufacturing cost and assembly time by assembling the seat cover with the body pressure sensor function on the frame directly.

Another object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a vehicle seat cover capable of exhibiting excellent body pressure sensing sensitivity with excellent structural stability when the fiber-type body pressure sensor is integrated with the vehicle cover.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle seat cover includes a body pressure sensor disposed on a rear surface of a vehicle seat cover, wherein the body pressure sensor includes an upper electrode layer, a lower electrode layer, and the upper electrode layer. and a conductive layer interposed between the lower electrode layer and the upper electrode layer, wherein the upper electrode layer, the lower electrode layer, and the conductive layer are each a woven fabric of fibers.

The upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer may each include a conductive pattern extending in one direction, and a scan signal for sensing body pressure may be applied to the upper electrode layer.

That is, the current may be sequentially flowed along the upper electrode layer, the conductive layer, and the lower electrode layer.

In some embodiments, a heating sheet disposed between the seat cover and the body pressure sensor may be further included.

A vehicle seat module according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the other problem is a seat frame; a seat cushion disposed on the seat frame; a seat cover disposed on the seat cushion; and a body pressure sensor disposed between the seat cushion and the seat cover, wherein the body pressure sensor is coupled to the seat cover and is not directly coupled to the seat cushion.

The vehicle seat module may be a vehicle seat module configured such that a passenger faces a first direction, and directions intersecting the first direction face left and right directions.

The body pressure sensor may include an upper electrode layer and a lower electrode layer spaced apart from each other and each having a conductive pattern.

In this case, the conductive pattern of the upper electrode layer may extend in the first direction, and the conductive pattern of the lower electrode layer may extend in the second direction.

A scan signal for sensing body pressure may be applied to the upper electrode layer, and a current may flow in the direction of the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer.

The body pressure sensor may further include a conductive layer interposed between the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer.

In addition, the body pressure sensor may have an active region overlapping the conductive layer in a plan view and an inactive region that is a region other than the active region.

In this case, each of the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer in the inactive region may be in a bent state.

Also, the bending direction of the upper electrode layer and the bending direction of the lower electrode layer may cross each other.

The upper and lower surfaces of the upper electrode layer may each be at least partially conductive, and the upper and lower surfaces of the lower electrode layer may each be at least partially conductive.

The upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer of the body pressure sensor may be bent toward the seat frame, respectively.

In addition, on a cross section of the vehicle seat module, the inactive region of the upper electrode layer, the inactive region of the lower electrode layer, the seat cushion, the active region of the lower electrode layer, the conductive layer, the active region of the upper electrode layer, and the seat The covers may be sequentially stacked.

The body pressure sensor may further include a plurality of insulating layers covering upper and lower surfaces of the inactive region of the lower electrode layer and upper and lower surfaces of the inactive region of the upper electrode layer.

In the inactive region, the upper electrode layer is bonded to the lower electrode layer to form a first bonding point, and in the inactive region, the upper electrode layer or the lower electrode layer is combined with the seat cover to form a second bonding point can form.

In this case, in a planar view, the second coupling point may be located outside the first coupling point.

A method of manufacturing a vehicle seat cover according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above another object is a method of manufacturing a vehicle seat cover, comprising coupling a body pressure sensor on a rear surface of the vehicle cover, the body pressure The sensor includes an upper electrode layer, a lower electrode layer, and a conductive layer interposed between the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer, wherein the upper electrode layer, the lower electrode layer, and the conductive layer are each a woven fabric of fibers. The body pressure sensor is integrated.

Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description.

According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and time required for assembling the seat module of the vehicle by providing the vehicle seat cover and the fiber-type body pressure sensor integratedly.

In addition, when a fiber-type body pressure sensor having relatively low durability and elasticity is applied as a vehicle seat module, excellent structural stability can be achieved.

Effects according to the embodiments of the present invention are not limited by the contents exemplified above, and more various effects are included in the present specification.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle seat module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the body pressure sensor of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 is a planar layout of the body pressure sensor of FIG. 2 .
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a weaving state of the first electrode layer of FIG. 2 .
FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a weaving state of the second electrode layer of FIG. 2 .
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a weave state of the conductive layer of FIG. 2 .
7 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle seat module of FIG. 1 .
8 is a view showing a coupling portion between the seat cover of FIG. 1 and the body pressure sensor.
9 and 10 are views illustrating a body pressure sensor and a vehicle seat module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
11 and 12 are views illustrating a body pressure sensor and a vehicle seat module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in various different forms, and only the embodiments allow the disclosure of the present invention to be complete, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to fully inform the person of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. That is, various changes may be made to the embodiments presented by the present invention. It should be understood that the embodiments described below are not intended to limit the embodiments, and include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes thereto.

The size, thickness, width, length, etc. of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience and clarity of description, so that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used with the meaning commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. In addition, terms defined in a commonly used dictionary are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless clearly defined in particular.

Spatially relative terms 'above', 'upper', 'on', 'below', 'beneath', 'lower', etc. As illustrated, it may be used to easily describe a correlation between one element or components and another device or components. Spatially relative terms should be understood as terms including different orientations of the device when used in addition to the orientations shown in the drawings. For example, when an element shown in the drawing is turned over, an element described as 'below or beneath' of another element may be placed 'above' of the other element. Accordingly, the exemplary term 'down' may include both the direction of the bottom and the top.

In this specification, 'and/or' includes each and every combination of one or more of the recited items. The singular also includes the plural, unless the phrase specifically states otherwise. As used herein, 'comprises' and/or 'comprising' does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the stated components. Numerical ranges indicated using 'to' indicate numerical ranges including the values stated before and after them as lower and upper limits, respectively. 'About' or 'approximately' means a value or numerical range within 20% of the value or numerical range recited thereafter.

In addition, in this specification, the first direction (X) means an arbitrary direction in the plane, and the second direction (Y) means another direction intersecting the first direction (X) in the plane. In addition, the third direction Z means a direction perpendicular to the plane. Unless otherwise defined, 'plane' means a plane to which the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) belong. In addition, unless otherwise defined, 'overlapping' means that the components overlap in the third direction (Z) in the plane view.

Unless otherwise defined herein, the term 'fiber' or 'thread' or 'thread' refers to a natural or man-made linear object, and a single strand of short fiber (單纖維) may be used as a meaning including a filament, or a yarn in which a plurality of filaments are twisted with each other or a plying yarn (合絲).

In addition, unless otherwise defined, the term 'conductive fiber or conductive yarn' refers to fibers having electrical conductivity, and includes only conductive fibers, or conductive and non-conductive fibers, or a conductive material. It may be used in the meaning of including non-conductive wire plated with

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle seat module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the vehicle seat module 1 according to the present embodiment may include a seat frame 30 , a seat cushion 20 , and a seat cover 10 having a body pressure sensor embedded therein. The seat frame 30 is made of a metal material or the like, and may form a skeleton of a vehicle seat on which an occupant sits. The seat cushion 20 may be disposed on the seat frame 30 and assembled. In addition, the seat cover 10a may be made of a natural or artificial leather material, or a synthetic polymer material or a fiber material. The seat cushion 20 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that provides a cushioning feeling, but may be made of a material such as a foamed polymer resin or a sponge.

In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle seat module 1 according to the present embodiment arranges the seat cushion 20 on the seat frame 30, and assembles the seat cover 10 having the body pressure sensor built thereon thereon. can be completed This process may be performed by a finished vehicle manufacturer, that is, a finished vehicle manufacturer. In the conventional case, a seat cushion, a seat cover, and a body pressure sensor having a function and a heating seat were supplied from a car manufacturer and assembled on a seat frame.

However, as in the present embodiment, the vehicle seat module 1 is manufactured by integrating the vehicle seat cover 10a, the body pressure sensor 10b, and furthermore the heating seat 10c to provide the seat cover 10 with the body pressure sensor built-in. Processes and steps can be simplified, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. That is, the body pressure sensor 10b and/or the heating seat 10c are integrated with the seat cover 10a, but do not form a direct coupling with the seat cushion 20, and the body pressure sensor 10b and/or heat generation. The seat 10c may have a state of being placed on the seat cushion 20 .

In some embodiments, the seat cover 10 in which the body pressure sensor is embedded may further include a heating sheet 10c. The heating sheet 10c may be disposed between the seat cover 10a and the body pressure sensor 10b. The heating sheet 10c is provided integrally with the seat cover 10a like the body pressure sensor 10b, and the seat cover 10a, the heating sheet 10c and the body pressure sensor 10b are coupled together and provided as a module. have. The type of the heating sheet 10c is not particularly limited, and a known heating sheet may be used.

Hereinafter, the body pressure sensor 10b and the seat cover 10 in which the body pressure sensor 10b is incorporated according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8 .

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the body pressure sensor of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a planar layout of the body pressure sensor of FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a weaving state of the first electrode layer of FIG. 2 . FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a weaving state of the second electrode layer of FIG. 2 . FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a weave state of the conductive layer of FIG. 2 . 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle seat module of FIG. 1 , a cross-sectional view taken along the first direction (X). FIG. 8 is a view showing a coupling portion between the seat cover and the body pressure sensor of FIG. 1 , and is a rear view viewed from the rear side of the seat cover.

2 to 8 , the body pressure sensor 10b according to the present embodiment includes a first electrode layer 100 (or an upper electrode layer), a second electrode layer 200 (or a lower electrode layer) and interposed therebetween. and a conductive layer 300 .

The first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 may be spaced apart from each other and face each other. The first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 may include conductive patterns 110 and 210, respectively. The first conductive pattern 110 of the first electrode layer 100 and the second conductive pattern 210 of the second electrode layer 200 cross each other, but at least partially face each other in the third direction (Z) and are spaced apart from each other It can function as an electrode and a lower electrode.

The first electrode layer 100 may include a first conductive pattern 110 having a stripe pattern shape extending in the first direction (X). The first conductive patterns 110 may be alternately disposed along the second direction Y. In the first electrode layer 100 , a region other than the first conductive pattern 110 may constitute the first non-conductive region 120 .

Similarly, the second electrode layer 200 may include the second conductive pattern 210 in the shape of a stripe pattern extending in the second direction (Y). The second conductive patterns 210 may be alternately disposed along the first direction (X). In the second electrode layer 200 , a region other than the second conductive pattern 210 may constitute the second non-conductive region 220 . Each of the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 may be a woven fabric of fibers, that is, fibers.

The first electrode layer 100 may include the 1-1 fibers 130 extending in the first direction (X) and the 1-2 fibers 140 extending in the second direction (Y). For example, the 1-1 fiber 130 may be a warp and the 1-2 fiber 140 may be a weft, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The 1-1 fiber 130 may include a 1-1 conductive yarn 131 and a 1-1 non-conductive yarn 132 . The 1-1 conductive yarn 131 may form a first conductive pattern 110 , and the 1-1 non-conductive yarn 132 may form a first non-conductive region 120 . That is, the first-first conductive yarn 131 may extend along the first direction (X) and form the first conductive pattern 110 extending along the first direction (X). Also, the first-first non-conductive transfer 132 may form a first non-conductive region 120 extending along the first direction (X) and extending along the first direction (X).

On the other hand, the 1-2 fibers 140 may be composed of only non-conductive yarns. That is, the 1-2 th fibers 140 extending along the second direction Y do not have conductivity and cross the aforementioned 1-1 conductive yarns 131 and 1-1 non-conductive yarns 132 one by one. can do. Through this, the 1-1 fibers 130 and the 1-2 fibers 140 cross each other to form a woven fabric. Since the 1-2 fibers 140 have substantially no conductivity, the first electrode layer 100 may have the first conductive patterns 110 extending in the first direction (X), and mutually in the second direction ( The plurality of first conductive patterns 110 spaced apart by Y) may be prevented from conducting with each other.

Similarly, the second electrode layer 200 may include the second-first fibers 230 extending in the first direction (X) and the second-second fibers 240 extending in the second direction (Y). For example, the 2-1 fiber 230 may be a warp yarn, and the 2-2 second fiber 240 may be a weft yarn, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The 2-1 fiber 230 may be composed of only non-conductive yarns. That is, the 2-1 th fiber 230 extending along the first direction X does not have conductivity and crosses the 2-2 conductive yarn 241 and the 2-2 non-conductive yarn 242, which will be described later, one by one. can do. Through this, the second-first fibers 230 and the second-second fibers 240 may cross each other to form a woven fabric. Since the 2-1 fibers 230 have substantially no conductivity, the second electrode layer 200 may have the second conductive patterns 210 extending in the second direction (Y), and mutually in the first direction ( A plurality of second conductive patterns 210 spaced apart by X) may not conduct with each other.

On the other hand, the 2-2 fiber 240 may include a 2-2 conductive yarn 241 and a 2-2 non-conductive yarn 242 . The 2-2nd conductive yarn 241 may form the second conductive pattern 210 , and the 2-2nd non-conductive yarn 242 may form the second non-conductive region 220 . That is, the 2-2 conductive yarn 241 may extend along the second direction Y and form a second conductive pattern 210 extending along the second direction Y. In addition, the second-second non-conductive transfer 242 may form a second non-conductive region 220 extending along the second direction Y and extending along the second direction Y.

The aforementioned 1-1 conductive yarn 131, 1-1 non-conductive yarn 132, 1-2 fiber 140, 2-1 fiber 230, 2-2 conductive yarn 241 and second The -2 non-conductive yarn 242 may be implemented as a single filament filament or a yarn in which a plurality of filaments are twisted together.

A method of forming the 1-1 conductive yarn 131 and the 2-2 conductive yarn 241 is not particularly limited, and a conductive material is applied to the surface of a filament or yarn from which a metal is thinly extracted, a synthetic fiber, or the like. A plated yarn coated or plated with silver, a covering yarn in which a fiber having conductivity is wound around a synthetic fiber, and/or a yarn in which a conductive yarn and a non-conductive yarn are twisted together may be used.

In an exemplary embodiment, the 1-1 conductive yarn 131 and the 2-2 conductive yarn 241 are silver (Ag) in ethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon (nylon) or polyurethane (PU)-based synthetic fibers, respectively. ) may be a silver-plated yarn plated with. This will be described later.

Meanwhile, FIGS. 4 and 5 show the 1-1 fibers 130 and 1-2 fibers 140 of the first electrode layer 100 and the 2-1 fibers 230 of the second electrode layer 200 and Although a plain weave in which the second 2-2 fibers 240 intersect one by one has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the fibers may be woven through a twill weave, a satin weave, a satin weave, or other known weaving methods.

In some embodiments, the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 may have different physical properties. This may be because the first electrode layer 100 is a layer that directly receives pressure from the top by the buttocks of a vehicle occupant, for example, a driver, whereas the second electrode layer 200 does not. This will be described later.

The first conductive pattern 110 of the first electrode layer 100 and the second conductive pattern 210 of the second electrode layer 200 may cross each other in a plan view. A current may flow through the conductive layer 300 to be described later in the intersection region of the first conductive pattern 110 and the second conductive pattern 210 , and based on this, the body pressure sensor 10b detects the position where the pressure is applied and the pressure. strength can be measured. The body pressure sensor 10b according to the present embodiment is a resistance type pressure sensor that measures pressure through a change in resistance of a current path flowing between two electrodes, that is, the first conductive pattern 110 and the second conductive pattern 210 . can

Each of the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 according to the present embodiment is woven with one of the warp and weft yarns partially including conductive fibers, and the other is made of only non-conductive fibers, which makes it relatively easy A fibrous conductive layer can be formed by this method. Accordingly, both the upper surface and the lower surface of the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 may have conductivity. Specifically, the upper and lower surfaces of the first conductive pattern 110 portion of the first electrode layer 100 and the upper and lower surfaces of the second conductive pattern 210 portion of the second electrode layer 200 may both exhibit conductivity. .

In a conventional pressure sensor, a conductive pattern is formed on a base film such as synthetic resin by coating or printing. However, as described above, the film-type pressure sensor did not have sufficient flexibility due to the base film.

In particular, unlike pressure sensors for other purposes, the body pressure sensor is inevitably used in contact with the human body for that purpose, and therefore there are many factors to consider, and one of them is a user-friendly design.

For example, since a body pressure sensor is pressed by a curved body, flexibility is required to a full degree of freedom. However, since the film-type body pressure sensor as above is only partially bent, it tends to maintain positional displacement and, paradoxically, has the advantage of being able to sense a signal even with a small pressure, whereas when embedded in a vehicle seat module, the user It provides a stiff sense of foreign body to the user, and noise is generated according to the user's movement. For another example, since the film-type body pressure sensor does not have air permeability, there is no ventilation at all, and there is a problem in that it is difficult to graft with a conventional ventilation sheet module or the like.

The fiber-type body pressure sensor 10b according to the present embodiment includes a first electrode layer 100 and a second electrode layer 200 including a first conductive pattern 110 and a second conductive pattern 210 having an electrode function, and The above problem can be solved by configuring all of the conductive layers 300 to be described later with a woven fabric of fibers. That is, by forming all of the components of the body pressure sensor 10b with fibers to prevent a foreign body feeling and noise and to have sufficient air permeability, the vehicle seat module 1 that is user-friendly and can harmonize with the prior art can be provided.

Meanwhile, the conductive layer 300 may be interposed between the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 . The conductive layer 300 may be a woven fabric of fibers, like the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 .

The conductive layer 300 may include a 3-1 th fiber 330 extending in the first direction (X) and a 3-2 th fiber 340 extending in the second direction (Y). For example, the 3-1 fibers 330 may be warp yarns and the 3-2 fibers 340 may be weft yarns, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Both the 3-1 th fiber 330 and the 3-2 th fiber 340 may be formed of only conductive yarn. That is, the 3-1 th fibers 330 extending along the first direction (X) and the 3-2 th fibers 340 extending along the second direction (Y) may cross each other one by one. Through this, the 3-1 fiber 330 and the 3-2 fiber 340 cross each other and a woven fabric having overall conductivity may be formed.

The 3-1 fiber 330 and the 3-2 fiber 340 have single filaments or a plurality of filaments, respectively, like the 1-1 conductive yarn 131 and the 2-2 conductive yarn 241 described above. It can be implemented with yarns twisted together. Since the method of configuring the conductive yarn has been described above, the overlapping description will be omitted.

In some embodiments, the 3-1 th fiber 330 and the 3-2 th fiber 340 may be copper-plated yarns. The conductive layer 300 may provide a current path. In particular, if the resistive pressure sensor is based as in this embodiment, but instead of using an electrode pattern disposed on a film, if the fiber itself exhibits conductivity, controlling the resistance and conductivity of each component will be an important factor. can

The first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 to which a current signal for sensing pressure is applied or for measuring a change in current are made of silver plating yarn having relatively high electrical conductivity, but the degree of being pressed between them, The present invention was completed by confirming that the conductive layer 300, which performs a direct resistance change according to thickness, contact area, etc., is composed of a copper plating yarn having relatively low electrical conductivity to perform higher pressure sensing.

The first conductive pattern 110 and the second conductive pattern 210 intersecting each other to form a substantially lattice shape, and the conductive layer 300 overlappingly disposed at a location where they intersect may provide a current flow path.

For example, when pressure is applied to a certain position, the conductive layer 300 may be at least partially bent, compressed, or in close contact with the first conductive pattern 110 and the second conductive pattern 210 . . In this case, the first conductive pattern 110 , the conductive layer 300 , and the second conductive pattern 210 may provide a current flow path.

For another example, in a position where no pressure is applied, the conductive layer 300 does not contact the first conductive pattern 110 and/or the second conductive pattern 210 , or the contact area is small so that current does not flow. , even if it flows, the amount can be kept small.

For another example, when a slight pressure is applied to any other location, the conductive layer 300 may not have enough area in contact with the first conductive pattern 110 and/or the second conductive pattern 210, A larger current flows than the above-mentioned non-pressurized position, but a smaller current flows than at a sufficiently pressurized position, and different resistance values may be exhibited.

As described above, the body pressure sensor 10b according to the present embodiment may induce a change in the amount of current or resistance to flow depending on the degree of pressure applied to each position on a plane, and based on this, the body pressure or pressure for each position on a plane is applied. profile can be expressed.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 may be greater than the thickness of the conductive layer 300 . Although the present invention is not limited thereto, the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 may each form an outermost layer of the body pressure sensor 10b. If the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 do not have sufficient thickness, the shape of the body pressure sensor 10b may not be maintained and may be excessively soft or have excessive flexibility. Therefore, it may be preferable to form the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 to have sufficient thickness.

Meanwhile, the tension of the first electrode layer 100 , in particular, the tension of the 1-1 conductive yarn 131 may be greater than the tension of the second electrode layer 200 , particularly the tension of the 2-2 conductive yarn 241 . In the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 7 , the first electrode layer 100 may be an upper electrode layer and the second electrode layer 200 may be a lower electrode layer. In this case, the pressure may be applied from the vehicle seat cover 10a side, that is, from the top. Accordingly, the physical properties of the upper first electrode layer 100 may greatly affect the precision and sensitivity of pressure sensing. If the tension of the first electrode layer 100 is not sufficient, an unintentional current flow may be formed due to the weight of the first electrode layer 100 .

In addition, as described above, the conductive layer 300 is a part that directly contributes to the formation of a current flow path and a change in resistance, and thus the tension of the conductive layer 300 , in particular, the conductive yarns 330 and 340 of the conductive layer 300 . ) may be greater than the tension of the 1-1 conductive yarn 131 of the first electrode layer 100 . It has been described above that the 1-1 conductive yarn 131 and the 2-2 conductive yarn 241 may be silver-plated yarns, and the 3-1 first fibers 330 and 3-2 fibers 340 may be copper-plated yarns. It's like a bar.

In addition, the core fiber of the 1-1 conductive yarn 131 of the first electrode layer 100, the 1-1 non-conductive yarn 132, and/or the 1-2 fiber 140 are made of polyethylene terephthalate, which has relatively weak elasticity. may include The core fibers of the 3-1 th fiber 330 and the 3-2 th fiber 340 of the conductive layer 300 may also include polyethylene terephthalate. On the other hand, the 2-1 fibers 230, the 2-2 conductive yarns 241, and/or the 2-2 non-conductive yarns 242 of the second electrode layer 200 include nylon or polyurethane having relatively strong elasticity. can be done by

The body pressure sensor 10b according to the present embodiment may be integrated with the seat cover 10a of the vehicle. At this time, as described above, the first electrode layer 100 is disposed on the seat cover 10a side compared to the second electrode layer 200 .

In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle seat module 1 may be configured such that an occupant (not shown) faces the first direction X to ride. That is, the left and right directions of the occupant may be substantially parallel to the second direction Y, and the front-rear direction of the occupant may be substantially parallel to the first direction X.

In this case, it may be preferable that the extending direction of the first conductive pattern 110 of the first electrode layer 100 forming the upper electrode layer is the front-rear direction of the occupant, that is, the first direction (X).

The body of an occupant of the vehicle seat module 1 may directly interfere with the seat cover 10a and the body pressure sensor 10b coupled thereto to cause friction. In particular, the occupant of the vehicle may rub the body and the seat cover 10a, for example, the buttocks and the seat cover 10a in the front-rear direction compared to the left-right direction. That is, according to the passenger's boarding, partial misalignment of the body pressure sensor 10b may occur in the plane direction. can

Accordingly, by extending the first conductive pattern 110 of the first electrode layer 100 located on the upper portion in the first direction (X), it is possible to prevent a decrease in pressure sensing sensitivity due to the above misalignment. Unlike the present embodiment, when the upper electrode layer has a shape extending in the second direction (Y) instead of in the first direction (X), the first conductive pattern 110 and the second conductive pattern 210 due to friction in the front-rear direction ) may be completely distorted, and in this case, pressure sensing may not be completely performed.

In addition, as described in another embodiment to be described later, in some cases, the first electrode layer 100 and/or the second electrode layer 200 may be partially bent to be modularized. Therefore, it is preferable that the upper first electrode layer 100 has the first conductive pattern 110 extending in the first direction (X) in consideration of the bending direction and the degree of bending. This will be described later.

Meanwhile, the plurality of first conductive patterns 110 of the first electrode layer 100 are electrically connected to the first driver 190 , and the plurality of second conductive patterns 210 of the second electrode layer 200 are second It may be electrically connected to the driving unit 290 . Although not shown in the drawings, the first driving unit 190 and the second driving unit 290 may further include a component for controlling driving timing between each other, and may transmit and receive electrical signals to and from each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, a scan signal may be applied to the first electrode layer 100 as the upper electrode layer, and the second electrode layer 200 as the lower electrode layer may be configured to measure a change in current and/or resistance. That is, the current may be configured to sequentially flow along the first conductive pattern 110 of the first electrode layer 100 , the conductive layer 300 , and the second conductive pattern 210 of the second electrode layer 200 . In this specification, the scan signal refers to a signal for sequentially and repeatedly flowing current through a plurality of conductive patterns or conductive lines spaced apart during one frame.

That is, signals may be sequentially applied to the plurality of first conductive patterns 110 spaced apart in the second direction Y during one frame. Assuming that one frame is 6 seconds, a signal is applied to the first first conductive pattern 110 in a period from 0 seconds to 1 second, and a signal is applied to the second first conductive pattern 110 in a period from 1 second to 2 seconds. is applied, and similarly, a signal is applied to the sixth first conductive pattern 110 in a period of 5 to 6 seconds. In addition, a signal may be applied to the first first conductive pattern 110 again in a period of 6 seconds to 7 seconds.

Accordingly, the lapse of time and the first conductive pattern 110 extending in the first direction X may be matched. In addition, when pressure is applied to a specific position at the corresponding moment, the position to which the pressure is applied may be determined based on the magnitude or resistance value of the current detected in the second conductive pattern 210 corresponding to the position. For example, when the flow of current is sensed in the third second conductive pattern 210 in the interval of 1 second to 2 seconds, pressure is applied to a position where the second first conductive pattern 110 and the third second conductive pattern 210 intersect. A way to recognize that you have lost.

The body pressure sensor 10b according to the present embodiment has a configuration for intentionally applying a scan signal to the first conductive pattern 110 that is an upper electrode. A portion for detecting a signal, that is, the second conductive pattern 210 may require a more precise measurement of the magnitude of current compared to a portion to which a scan signal is applied, that is, the first conductive pattern 110 . However, as will be described in another embodiment to be described later, the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 may be partially bent, and in this case, the bending length required for the upper electrode layer may be greater than that of the lower electrode layer. . Accordingly, a conductive pattern for detecting a signal requiring relatively precision, that is, the second conductive pattern 210 may be disposed on the lower portion and the first conductive pattern 110 may be disposed on the upper portion to form a relatively long length. That is, in the body pressure sensor 10b according to the present embodiment, the extension length of the first conductive pattern 110 may be greater than the extension length of the second conductive pattern 210 .

As described above, the conductive layer 300 provides a path for a current flowing from the first conductive pattern 110 to the second conductive pattern 210 and causes a change in resistance. In this case, in a plan view, a region overlapping the conductive layer 300 in the third direction Z may approximately define an active region AR, and other regions may define an inactive region NR. In the present specification, the active region AR is defined as a virtual grid capable of sensing a position where pressure is applied as the first conductive pattern 110 , the conductive layer 300 , and the second conductive pattern 210 overlap each other. means space. On the other hand, in the inactive region NR, at least one of the first conductive pattern 110 , the conductive layer 300 , and the second conductive pattern 210 does not exist, and even if a pressure is applied to the corresponding position, the intensity of the pressure and/or It means the area where the pressure is applied cannot be extracted. In FIG. 3 , the first conductive pattern 110 , the conductive layer 300 , and the second conductive pattern 210 are all positioned in the active region AR, and only the first conductive pattern 110 is present in the inactive region NR. Alternatively, a case in which only the second conductive pattern 210 exists is exemplified.

Functions of the active region AR and the inactive region NR will be described in more detail along with other embodiments.

On the other hand, the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 are bonded to each other to form a first bonding point (TP1), the first electrode layer 100 and / or the second electrode layer 200 is the seat cover (10a) ) and may be combined to form a second bonding point TP2. FIG. 8 shows the combined layout of the body pressure sensor 10b as viewed from the rear side, ie, the inner side, of the seat cover 10a.

In the seat cover 10 having a body pressure sensor built-in according to the present embodiment, both the first coupling point TP1 and the second coupling point TP2 may be located in the inactive region NR. 8 illustrates a case in which the first coupling point TP1 has an approximately 'L' shape, and the second coupling point TP2 is approximately point coupled, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, a plurality of the first coupling point TP1 and/or the second coupling point TP2 may be provided.

In addition, the first bonding point TP1 may be located closer to the active area AR than the second bonding point TP2 . In other words, the second coupling point TP2 to which the seat cover 10a and the body pressure sensor 10b are coupled may be located more outside than the first coupling point TP1 .

When an occupant rides in the vehicle seat module 1 , at least the seat cover 10a may be at least partially bent by receiving a tensile force due to the occupant's body weight. In this case, when the second coupling point TP2 is located inside the first coupling point TP1, that is, on the side of the center of gravity of the occupant, the stress applied to the second coupling point TP2 may be greater, and the seat There may be a problem that the cover 10a and the body pressure sensor 10b are peeled off. However, even if the first bonding point TP1, which is the bonding point between the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200, is located relatively close to the center of gravity of the occupant, the body pressure sensor 10b itself has a predetermined elasticity. , the occupant may be relatively more robust to stress for reasons such as being located further in the third direction (Z) from the position where the pressure is applied.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the second coupling point TP2 may be positioned relatively outside, that is, further away from the center of gravity of the occupant in the horizontal direction to improve durability.

A method of forming the first bonding point TP1 and the second bonding point TP2 is not particularly limited, and may be coupled through a heat bonding method such as press thermoforming or laser molding, or sewing bonding.

Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, a description of the same or extremely similar configuration to the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and this will be easily understood by those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings.

9 and 10 are views illustrating a body pressure sensor and a vehicle seat module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the body pressure sensor 11b, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the same position as in FIG. 7 .

9 and 10 , the body pressure sensor 11b of the vehicle seat module 2 according to the present embodiment is integrated with the seat cover 10a and may be in a partially bent state.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrode layer 100 may be bent in the first direction (X), and the second electrode layer 200 may be bent in the second direction (Y). Unlike this embodiment, when the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 are bent in the same direction, the first conductive pattern 110 of the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 of the first electrode layer 100 are bent. An area in which the conductive patterns 210 face each other may increase. In this case, signal interference between the first conductive pattern 110 and the second conductive pattern 210 , for example, a cross-talk phenomenon may occur. Therefore, it may be desirable to cross the bending directions of the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 .

The first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 may be bent toward the seat cushion 20 and the seat frame (not shown), that is, downward, respectively.

In this case, the first electrode layer 100 includes the 1-1 electrode layer 100a (or a portion of the first electrode layer in the active region) located in the active region and the 1-2 electrode layer 100b (or the first electrode layer 100b) located in the inactive region. 1) in the inactive region of the electrode layer).

Similarly, the second electrode layer 200 includes the 2-1 electrode layer 200a (or a portion of the second electrode layer in the active region) located in the active region and the 2-2 electrode layer 200b (or the second electrode layer) located in the inactive region. part within the inactive region of ). Both the 1-1 electrode layer 100a and the 2-1 electrode layer 200a may be portions that are located on the passenger's buttocks and receive direct pressure. In addition, the 1-2 th electrode layer 100b and the 2-2 nd electrode layer 200b may include at least partially bent portions, and may be at least partially inserted under the seat cushion 20 .

In this case, in the cross-sectional view, the 1-2 electrode layer 100b, the 2-2 electrode layer 200b, the seat cushion 20, the 1-1 electrode layer 100a, the conductive layer 300, and the 2-1 electrode layer ( 200a) and the seat cover 10a may be sequentially stacked. That is, the 2-1 electrode layer 200a and the 2-2 electrode layer 200b may be interposed between the 1-1 electrode layer 100a and the 1-2 electrode layer 100b.

Unlike the present embodiment, when the first and second electrode layers 100b are positioned on top of the 2-2 electrode layers 200b, that is, when the first electrode layers 100 and the second electrode layers 200 are alternately stacked. Signal interference between the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 may occur. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 are bent so that the first electrode layer 100 is positioned in the outer direction and the second electrode layer 200 is disposed therebetween to alleviate this problem. can do.

11 and 12 are views illustrating a body pressure sensor and a vehicle seat module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the body pressure sensor 12b, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the same position as in FIG. 7 .

11 and 12 , the body pressure sensor 12b of the vehicle seat module 3 according to the present embodiment further includes insulating layers 410 , 420 , 430 , 440 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 and the like. It is different from the vehicle seat module and body pressure sensor according to the

Although not shown in the drawings, the body pressure sensor 12b according to the present exemplary embodiment may be at least partially bent downward as in the previous exemplary embodiment. In this case, both the upper and lower surfaces of the first electrode layer 100 and the upper and lower surfaces of the second electrode layer 200 may have conductivity. Accordingly, by disposing at least one insulating layer 410 , 420 , 430 , 440 between them, conduction thereof may be prevented.

12 shows that the first insulating layer 410 and the second insulating layer 420 are respectively disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the first electrode layer 100 , and the third insulating layer is respectively disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the second electrode layer 200 . A case in which the 430 and the fourth insulating layer 440 are disposed is exemplified.

In some embodiments, the insulating layers 410 , 420 , 430 , and 440 may be disposed only in the inactive region. That is, the insulating layers 410 , 420 , 430 , and 440 may not be disposed in the active region. In addition, the insulating layers 410 , 420 , 430 , and 440 do not cover the 1-1 electrode layer 100a and the 2-1 electrode layer 200a, but the 1-2 electrode layer 100b and the 2-2nd electrode layer 100b. It may be disposed to cover only the electrode layer 200b. For example, the second insulating layer 420 and the third insulating layer 430 may prevent a short circuit between the first-second electrode layer 100b and the second-second electrode layer 200b.

However, as the first electrode layer 100 and the second electrode layer 200 are partially bent, the insulating layers 410 , 420 , 430 , and 440 are formed with the 1-1 electrode layer 100a and the 2-1 electrode layer 200a. ) and the third direction (Z) may be overlapped, of course.

In order to achieve a user-friendly design, the body pressure sensor 12b according to the present embodiment may use fibers woven with non-conductive yarns in the insulating layers 410 , 420 , 430 , and 440 .

In the above, the embodiment of the present invention has been mainly described, but this is only an example and does not limit the present invention. It will be appreciated that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible.

Therefore, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention includes changes, equivalents or substitutes of the technical idea exemplified above. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiment of the present invention may be implemented by modification. And differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

100: first electrode layer
110: first conductive pattern
120: first non-conductive region
200: second electrode layer
210: second conductive pattern
220: second non-conductive region
300: conductive layer
410: first insulating layer
420: second insulating layer
430: third insulating layer
440: fourth insulating layer

Claims (14)

seat cushion;
a seat cover disposed on the seat cushion; and
A body pressure sensor disposed between the seat cushion and the seat cover, the body pressure sensor comprising an upper electrode layer, a lower electrode layer, and a conductive layer interposed between the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer;
The body pressure sensor has an active region overlapping the conductive layer in a plan view and an inactive region that is a region other than the active region,
wherein the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer in the inactive region are in a bent state, respectively. According to claim 1,
The upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer each include a conductive pattern extending in one direction,
A scan signal for sensing body pressure is applied to the upper electrode layer,
A vehicle seat module configured to sequentially flow current along the upper electrode layer, the conductive layer, and the lower electrode layer. According to claim 1,
The vehicle seat module further comprising a heating seat disposed between the seat cover and the body pressure sensor. delete According to claim 1,
The vehicle seat module is a vehicle seat module configured such that the occupant faces a first direction, and directions intersecting the first direction face left and right directions,
The conductive pattern of the upper electrode layer extends in the first direction,
The conductive pattern of the lower electrode layer extends in the left or right direction. According to claim 1,
The body pressure sensor is coupled to the seat cover,
The body pressure sensor is a vehicle seat module that is not directly coupled to a seat cushion. delete According to claim 1,
A vehicle seat module in which a bending direction of the upper electrode layer and a bending direction of the lower electrode layer cross each other. According to claim 1,
Each of the upper and lower surfaces of the upper electrode layer is at least partially conductive,
An upper surface and a lower surface of the lower electrode layer are at least partially conductive, respectively. According to claim 1,
The upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer of the body pressure sensor are each bent toward the seat cushion,
On the cross section of the vehicle seat module,
A vehicle seat in which the inactive region of the upper electrode layer, the inactive region of the lower electrode layer, the seat cushion, the active region of the lower electrode layer, the conductive layer, the active region of the upper electrode layer, and the seat cover are sequentially stacked module. According to claim 1,
The body pressure sensor further includes a plurality of insulating layers covering upper and lower surfaces of the inactive region of the lower electrode layer and upper and lower surfaces of the inactive region of the upper electrode layer. According to claim 1,
In the inactive region, the upper electrode layer is bonded to each other with the lower electrode layer to form a first bonding point,
In the inactive region, the upper electrode layer or the lower electrode layer is combined with the seat cover to form a second bonding point. 13. The method of claim 12,
In a plan view, the first bonding point is located closer to the active area than the second bonding point. A body pressure sensor is coupled to the rear surface of the seat cover,
The seat cover to which the body pressure sensor is coupled is disposed on the seat cushion,
A method of manufacturing a vehicle seat module comprising at least partially bending the body pressure sensor, the method comprising:
The body pressure sensor includes an upper electrode layer, a lower electrode layer, and a conductive layer interposed between the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer,
The body pressure sensor has an active region overlapping the conductive layer in a plan view and an inactive region that is a region other than the active region,
wherein the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer in the inactive region are respectively bent.

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