WO2012053619A1 - Seat occupancy sensor and seat device using same - Google Patents

Abstract

A seat occupancy sensor whereby the relative position of a pressure-sensitive switch can be easily changed within a limited space. Said seat occupancy sensor (1) is characterized by the provision of: a plurality of pressure-sensitive switches (40A to 40D), each of which has a pair of flexible insulating sheets, a sheet-shaped spacer that is interposed between the pair of insulating sheets and has an opening formed therein, and a pair of electrodes (14A and 24A) that are provided on the respective outside surfaces of the pair of insulating sheets and face each other with the opening therebetween; and wiring that electrically connects said pressure-sensitive switches (40A to 40D). The seat occupancy sensor is further characterized in that the pairs of insulating sheets (11A and 11B) and spacers in some of the pressure-sensitive switches (40A and 40B) are separated from the pairs of insulating sheets (21A and 21B) and spacers in the other pressure-sensitive switches (40C and 40D), and at least part of the wiring connecting the aforementioned some pressure-sensitive switches (40A and 40B) to the other pressure-sensitive switches (40C and 40D) comprises a flexible conductive wire (45).

Description

Seating sensor and seat device using the same

The present invention relates to a seating sensor and a seat device using the seating sensor, and more particularly to a seating sensor capable of easily changing the relative position of a pressure sensitive switch in a limited space and a seating device using the seating sensor. About.

Currently, as one of the safety systems in vehicles, an alarm system that detects the wearing of a seat belt when a person gets on and issues a warning when the seat belt is not worn is put into practical use. Such an alarm system detects a person's seating and issues a warning if the seat belt is not worn when the person is seated. For the detection of the person's seating, there may be a case where a seating sensor is used which is disposed in a seating portion of the seat and detects the seating of the person by the load of the person due to the seating.

Patent Document 1 below describes such a seating sensor. The seating sensor described in the following Patent Document 1 has a plurality of on / off type pressure-sensitive switches, and each pressure-sensitive switch has a pair of electrodes facing each other at a predetermined interval. ing. The pair of electrodes are attached to both surfaces of a sheet-like spacer, provided on the surface of a pair of insulating sheets commonly used in each pressure-sensitive switch, and opposed to each other through an opening formed in the spacer. ing. And this seating sensor is disposed between the skin of the seat and the cushion pad, and when a pressure is applied to the pressure sensitive switch by the seating of a person, the insulating sheet bends, so that the pair of electrodes is formed in the opening. Touching, the pressure sensitive switch is turned on.

JP 09-315199 A

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a distribution of a load that a cushion pad of a seat receives from a person through an epidermis in a state where a person is normally seated on the seat. In FIG. 1, a darker portion indicates a state where the cushion pad receives a higher load. In a general seat, only the epidermis is interposed between a person and a cushion pad. Accordingly, the human load is transmitted almost directly to the cushion pad, and as shown in FIG. 1, the largest load is applied to the portion where the human buttocks are located on the cushion pad. And the seating sensor of the said patent document 1 can detect a person's seating by arrange | positioning a pressure sensitive switch in the part in which the person's buttocks are located on a cushion pad.

However, in the seat device described in Patent Document 1, since the seating sensor is disposed between the epidermis and the cushion pad as described above, a person sitting on the seat can feel the cushion pad through the epidermis. A different feeling may be received from the seating sensor, and the seating portion of the seat may feel uncomfortable.

The inventor has intensively studied a method for preventing such a sense of incongruity. As a result, it came to the conclusion that a seating sensor should just be arrange | positioned under the cushion pad of a seat. For this purpose, for example, in a seat device in which a cushion pad is supported by a seat pan, it is conceivable that a seating sensor is disposed on the seat pan so that the seating sensor is sandwiched between the seat pan and the cushion pad. . In the seat device in which the seating sensor is arranged in this way, a person who sits does not receive a touch by the seating sensor through the epidermis. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a sense of incongruity due to the seating sensor when sitting.

However, generally, a plurality of ribs and the like are formed on the seat pan, and a pressure-sensitive switch cannot be disposed at a place where such ribs or the like are formed. In addition, the pressing force that the seat pan receives from the cushion pad due to the holes and irregularities formed in the seat pan tends to be unevenly distributed on the seat pan. Therefore, each pressure-sensitive switch is desirably disposed so as to avoid a rib or the like formed on the seat pan, and is disposed at a location where the seat pan is pressed from the cushion pad with a high pressing force. Further, for example, in a seat device in which a cushion pad is supported by a seat frame and a plurality of springs stretched over the seat frame, it is considered that a seating sensor is disposed on the seat frame or the plurality of springs. It is done. Even in this case, it is desirable that the pressure-sensitive switch of the seating sensor is disposed on the seat frame or the plurality of springs at a position where the seat frame or the plurality of springs are appropriately pressed from the cushion pad. However, in the seating sensor described in Patent Document 1, since each pressure sensitive switch is provided on a common insulating sheet as described above, the relative position of each pressure sensitive switch is uniquely determined. . Therefore, when this seating sensor is placed in a limited space below the cushion pad, if a particular pressure sensitive switch is placed at a location where a high pressure is pressed from the cushion pad, the other pressure sensitive switch is placed. There is a problem that it may not be possible or may be disposed in a place where it is not pressed so much from the cushion pad, and in the seat device in which the pressure sensitive switch is disposed in this way, there may be a problem in detecting the seating. .

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a seating sensor that can easily change the relative position of the pressure sensitive switch in a limited space, and a seat device using the seating sensor.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a seating sensor according to the present invention is a seating sensor that is placed on a seat and detects a seating of a person, and between a pair of flexible insulating sheets and the pair of insulating sheets. A plurality of pressure-sensitive switches having a sheet-like spacer interposed and formed with openings, and a pair of electrodes provided on the respective surfaces of the pair of insulating sheets and facing each other through the openings; Wiring for electrically connecting the plurality of pressure sensitive switches, the pair of insulating sheets in at least one of the pressure sensitive switches, and the spacer are the pair of the other pressure sensitive switches. Insulation sheet and the spacer are separated from each other, and the pair of insulation sheets and the spacer connect the pressure sensitive switches separated from each other. Least part is one which is characterized in that it consists conductive wire having flexibility.

According to such a seating sensor, since each pressure-sensitive switch is a laminated body of insulating sheets and sheet-like spacers on which electrodes are formed, each pressure-sensitive switch can be thinned and each pressure-sensitive switch can be placed in a limited space. A switch can be placed. In addition, since at least a part of the wiring connecting the pressure sensitive switches in which the pair of insulating sheets and the spacers are separated from each other is composed of a conductive wire having flexibility, the conductive wire is limited in a limited space. It is possible to change the relative positions of the pressure sensitive switches that are electrically connected to each other.

In the seating sensor, it is preferable that the conductive wire is composed of a conductive wire and an insulating layer covering the conductive wire.

According to such a seating sensor, when the mounting member on which the seating sensor is mounted is made of metal, the insulation between the mounting member and the conductive wire can be improved.

In the seating sensor, the pair of insulating sheets and the wiring connecting the pressure-sensitive switches in which the spacers are separated from each other further include a resistor, and the conductive wire and the resistor Are preferably connected in series.

According to such a seating sensor, it is possible to suppress an overcurrent from flowing through the resistor. Therefore, heat generation due to overcurrent can be suppressed.

The seating sensor may further include a cushion member that is provided on a side opposite to the spacer side in at least one of the pair of insulating sheets and covers at least a part of the opening through the insulating sheet. preferable.

According to such a seating sensor, when a pressing force is applied to the seating sensor by a person sitting, the cushion member is deformed so as to be crushed and presses the insulating sheet by its elastic force. At this time, the cushion member presses the insulating sheet so that the insulating sheet enters the opening of the spacer. Therefore, this seating sensor can easily detect the seating of a person because the electrodes of the pressure-sensitive switch are easily in contact with each other.

Furthermore, in the seating sensor, the cushion member is preferably made of a resin containing at least one of silicon and polyester.

The temperature inside the car varies greatly depending on the environment. However, according to such a seating sensor, the cushion member contains at least one of silicon and polyester having excellent temperature characteristics. Can be suppressed.

Further, it is preferable that the pressure-sensitive switches in which the pair of insulating sheets and the spacer are separated from each other have different opening sizes.

Since the pair of insulating sheets of the seating sensor is more difficult to bend as the opening of the spacer interposed between the insulating sheets is smaller, the pressure sensitive switch is more difficult to be turned on as the opening is smaller. By the way, when a seating sensor is arranged, the pressing force received by each pressure-sensitive switch is not likely to be uniform due to the structure of the seat or the like. Therefore, the seating sensor is placed so that the pressure-sensitive switch with a small opening is located at a place pressed by a relatively large pressing force, and the pressure-sensitive switch with a large opening is located at a place pressed by a relatively small pressing force. By arranging, it is possible to adjust the pressure-sensitive switches so as to reduce variations in ease of turning on. As a result, even when the pressing force received by the seating sensor is not uniform, the seating of the person can be adjusted so as to be detected more appropriately.

The seat device according to the present invention includes any one of the above-described seating sensors, a cushion pad, and any one of the above-described seating sensors disposed below the cushion pad. is there.

According to such a seat device, since the seating sensor is arranged below the cushion pad, it is possible to prevent a seated person from receiving a feel different from the feel of the cushion pad from the seating sensor. And since the relative position of the pressure sensitive switches electrically connected via the conductive wire can be changed, each pressure sensitive switch is arranged at a place where the seating can be detected appropriately. be able to.

The seating sensor is preferably fixed to the lower surface of the cushion pad.

According to such a seat device, the seating sensor is pressed while the lower surface of the cushion pad is bent by the seating of the person. Therefore, the pressure-sensitive switch of the seating sensor attached to the lower surface of the cushion pad is turned on while being bent. In this way, it is possible to properly detect the seating of a person. Further, since the seating of a person can be detected without a mounting member on which the seating sensor is mounted, the configuration of the seat device can be simplified.

Or said seat apparatus is further arrange | positioned under the said cushion pad, is further provided with the mounting member in which the said seating sensor is mounted, and the said seating sensor is pinched | interposed by the said mounting member and the said cushion pad. Preferably they are arranged.

According to such a seat device, both sides of the pressure-sensitive switch of the seating sensor are pressed by the cushion pad and the mounting member, so that the seating of the person can be detected appropriately.

Further, the placing member may be a seat pan that supports the cushion pad. Alternatively, the mounting member may be a pedestal that is attachable to and detachable from a part of the plurality of springs stretched over the seat frame and mounts the seating sensor above the springs. Alternatively, the placement member may be a seat frame on which a plurality of springs are stretched.

In addition, it is preferable that the seat device further includes a backrest, and the seating sensor is arranged so that the pressure-sensitive switch is in front of a hip point of a person who normally sits.

When a person is normally seated on the seat device and a load is applied to the cushion pad, the inventor applies a relatively large pressing force from the cushion pad below the cushion pad and in front of the hip point of the person who normally sits. I found it to be received. The present inventor considers this reason as follows. That is, when a person sits normally on a seating device having a backrest, the back of the person comes into contact with the backrest, the back is pushed by the backrest, and the force on the back pushes the hips of the person forward. Therefore, the buttock of the person who sits down presses the cushion pad in the vertical direction by gravity, and pushes the cushion pad forward by the force from the back. Moreover, in addition to the load by this person's buttocks, the load of the leg extended in the front direction works in the vertical direction. Thus, the pressing force that the member that supports the cushion pad receives from the cushion pad is relatively larger than the other portions in front of the hip point of the person who is normally seated. Therefore, according to such a seat device, since the pressure-sensitive switch is arranged in front of the hip point of the person who normally sits, the seating of the person can be detected appropriately.

In the present specification, “regular seating” means sitting with the buttocks located deep in the seating surface and the back in contact with the backrest. Further, the “hip point” means a point where the buttock protrudes to the lowermost side when a person is seated.

Each of the pressure sensitive switches in which the pair of insulating sheets and the spacers are separated from each other includes a right side and a left side with respect to a center line that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cushion pad and passes through the center in the width direction. It is preferable that they are arranged respectively.

A person sitting in a seat usually sits in the center of the width direction of the cushion pad. On the other hand, the luggage is not always placed at the center of the cushion pad in the width direction. Therefore, according to such a seat device, the pressure-sensitive switch is disposed on the right side and the left side with respect to the center line passing through the center in the width direction of the cushion pad, so that the seating of the person can be detected appropriately, and the luggage Can be prevented from being erroneously detected.

Further, in the seat device, at least one set of the pressure sensitive switches arranged on the right side and the left side of the center line is arranged so that a direction connecting the pressure sensitive switches to each other is perpendicular to the center line. It is preferable.

A person sitting in a seat usually sits facing the front of the seat. At this time, the left and right pelvises of the person's buttocks are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the cushion pad and press the cushion pad. Therefore, according to such a seat device, at least one set of the pressure-sensitive switches arranged on the right side and the left side with respect to the center line of the cushion pad is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the cushion pad. , It is possible to detect a person's sitting more appropriately.

Furthermore, in the seat device, it is preferable that at least one set of the pressure-sensitive switches arranged on the right side and the left side of the center line is arranged in a symmetrical position with respect to the center line.

Since the person sitting on the seat usually sits facing the front of the seat at the center of the cushion pad in the width direction, the left and right pelvises of the person's buttocks are symmetrical with respect to the center line of the cushion pad. Press the cushion pad side by side. Therefore, according to such a seat device, the seating of a person can be detected more appropriately.

As described above, according to the present invention, a seating sensor capable of easily changing the relative position of the pressure sensitive switch in a limited space and a seat device using the seating sensor are provided.

It is a figure which shows distribution of the load which the cushion pad of a seat receives from a person through an epidermis in the state where the person seated normally on the seat. It is a top view which shows the seating sensor which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a first electrode sheet shown in FIG. 2. It is a top view which shows the 2nd electrode sheet shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows a spacer. FIG. 5 is a view showing a state of a cross section taken along line VV in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the mode of the structure in the cross section perpendicular | vertical to the length direction of the conductive wire shown in FIG. It is a circuit diagram which shows the circuit structure of the seating sensor shown in FIG. 2 with an equivalent circuit. It is a figure which shows the seat apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention by which the seating sensor shown in FIG. 2 is arrange | positioned. It is a figure which shows distribution of the load which a seat pan receives from a person via a skin and a cushion pad in the state where the person seated normally on the seat device. It is a figure which shows a mode that a pressure-sensitive switch turns on in the state by which the seating sensor is arrange | positioned in a seat like FIG. 9, from the same viewpoint as FIG. It is a top view which shows the seating sensor which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the seating sensor which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the 1st electrode sheet shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the 2nd electrode sheet shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the mode of the cross section along the VV line of FIG. It is a top view which shows the seating sensor which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows a mode that the seating sensor is arrange | positioned on the mounting member which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It shows the structure of a pedestal. It is a figure which shows the mode of the seat apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows distribution of the load which a seat part flame | frame and each spring receive via a cushion pad when a person seats normally on the seat apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the mode of a part of seating sensor which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention, and a part of seat apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification by which the cushion member is provided in both the 1st insulating sheet side and the 2nd insulating sheet side. It is a figure explaining an example of the relationship between opening and a cushion member.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a seating sensor according to the present invention and a seat device using the same will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a seating sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the seating sensor 1 is a wiring that electrically connects the first sensor unit 1 </ b> A and the second sensor unit 1 </ b> B that are symmetrical to each other and the first sensor unit 1 </ b> A and the second sensor unit 1 </ b> B. The conductive wire 45 is provided as a main configuration.

The first sensor unit 1A includes a first electrode sheet 10A, a second electrode sheet 20A stacked on the first electrode sheet 10A, a spacer sandwiched between the first electrode sheet 10A and the second electrode sheet 20A, and a first electrode A cushion member 51A disposed on the side opposite to the spacer of the seat 10A is provided as a main component. Similarly, the second sensor unit 1B includes a first electrode sheet 10B, a second electrode sheet 20B stacked on the first electrode sheet 10B, a spacer sandwiched between the first electrode sheet 10B and the second electrode sheet 20B, A cushion member 51B disposed on the side opposite to the spacer of the one-electrode sheet 10B is provided as a main component.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the first electrode sheet shown in FIG. Specifically, FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the first electrode sheet 10A of the first sensor unit 1A, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the first electrode sheet 10B of the second sensor unit 1B. It is. As described above, since the first sensor unit 1A and the second sensor unit 1B are symmetrical to each other, as shown in FIG. 3, the first electrode sheet 10A and the second electrode sheet 10B are symmetrical to each other. I am doing.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the first electrode sheet 10A includes a flexible film-like first insulating sheet 11A, first electrodes 14A and 14B provided on the first insulating sheet 11A, and a first electrode sheet 10A. Wirings 16A to 16D provided on the insulating sheet 11A and terminals 42A and 43A provided on the first insulating sheet 11A are provided as main components.

The first insulating sheet 11A has a semicircular shape at one end edge and a rectangular shape at the other end edge, and has a generally band shape.

The first electrode 14A is provided at a predetermined interval from the semicircular end, and the first electrode 14B is provided at a predetermined interval from the first electrode 14A. The first electrode 14A and the first electrode 14B are comb electrodes having the same shape. In this comb electrode, a plurality of conductors parallel to each other are connected to each other on one side, and another plurality of conductors parallel to each other are connected to each other on the other side. Then, between the plurality of parallel conductors connected on one side, another plurality of parallel conductors connected on the other side are provided, and the respective conductors are alternately arranged. The plurality of parallel conductors connected on one side and the other plurality of parallel conductors connected on the other side are spaced apart from each other and insulated from each other. Thus, a comb electrode has a set of parallel conductors insulated from each other in one electrode.

The wirings 16A to 16D are provided along the longitudinal direction of the first insulating sheet 11A. In the first electrode 14A, one parallel conductor is connected to one end of the wiring 16A, and the other parallel conductor is connected to one end of the wiring 16C. Further, in the first electrode 14B, one parallel conductor is connected to the other end of the wiring 16A and one end of the wiring 16B, and the other parallel conductor is connected to the other end of the wiring 16C and one end of the wiring 16D. ing.

Further, the terminals 42A and 43A have a substantially rectangular shape, and are in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first insulating sheet 11A at a position spaced from the rectangular end portion of the first insulating sheet 11A. Are arranged side by side. The terminal 42A is connected to the other end of the wiring 16B, and the terminal 43A is connected to the other end of the wiring 16D.

Thus, one parallel conductor of the first electrode 14A, one parallel conductor of the first electrode 14B, and the terminal 42A are electrically connected by the wirings 16A and 16B, and the other parallel conductor of the first electrode 14A The other parallel conductor of the first electrode 14B and the terminal 43A are electrically connected by wirings 16C and 16D.

Further, the first electrode sheet 10B having a symmetrical shape with the first electrode sheet 10A includes a first insulating sheet 11B similar to the first insulating sheet 11A and a first insulating sheet as shown in FIG. 3B. The first electrode 14C is disposed on the sheet 11B in the same manner as the first electrode 14A, and is symmetrical to the first electrode 14A. The first electrode 14C is disposed on the first insulating sheet 11B in the same manner as the first electrode 14B. The first electrode 14D having a symmetrical shape with respect to 14B, the wirings 16E to 16H arranged in the same manner as the wirings 16A to 16D on the first insulating sheet 11B, and the terminals 42A and 43A on the first insulating sheet 11B The terminals 42B and 43B which are arranged and have a symmetrical shape with the terminals 42A and 43A are provided as main components.

In the first electrode 14C, one parallel conductor is connected to one end of the wiring 16G, and the other parallel conductor is connected to one end of the wiring 16E. Further, in the first electrode 14D, one parallel conductor is connected to the other end of the wiring 16G and one end of the wiring 16H, and the other parallel conductor is connected to the other end of the wiring 16E and one end of the wiring 16F. ing.

Further, the terminal 42B is connected to the other end of the wiring 16H, and the terminal 43B is connected to the other end of the wiring 16F.

Thus, one parallel conductor of the first electrode 14C, one parallel conductor of the first electrode 14D, and the terminal 42B are electrically connected by the wirings 16G and 16H, and the other parallel conductor of the first electrode 14C is connected to the other parallel conductor of the first electrode 14C. The other parallel conductor of the first electrode 14D and the terminal 43B are electrically connected by wirings 16E and 16F.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the second electrode sheet shown in FIG. Specifically, FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the second electrode sheet 20A of the first sensor unit 1A, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the second electrode sheet 20B of the second sensor unit 1B. It is. As described above, since the first sensor unit 1A and the second sensor unit 1B are symmetrical with each other, as shown in FIG. 4, the second electrode sheet 20A and the second electrode sheet 20B are symmetrical with each other. I am doing.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the second electrode sheet 20A includes a flexible film-like second insulating sheet 21A and second electrodes 24A and 24B provided on the surface of the second insulating sheet 21A. It has as a main component.

The second insulating sheet 21A has the same width as the first insulating sheet 11A and a different length. Further, the shape of the edge at one end is a semicircular shape similar to the edge at the one end of the first insulating sheet 11A, and the shape of the edge at the other end is the same as the edge at the other end of the first insulating sheet 11A. The overall shape is a belt-like shape. Then, when the second insulating sheet 21A is aligned with one end of the first insulating sheet 11A and one end of the second insulating sheet 21A and the first insulating sheet 11A and the second insulating sheet 21A are overlapped, FIG. As shown, the length is such that the terminals 42A and 43A provided on the first insulating sheet 11A are exposed. In the present embodiment, the second insulating sheet 21A and the first insulating sheet 11A have the same flexibility, and are configured to be bent in the same manner when the same force is applied.

The second electrodes 24A and 24B have a circular shape, and the first electrodes 14A and 14B are sized to fit within the outer periphery. Further, the second electrodes 24A and 24B are arranged in the manner shown in FIG. 2 when the first insulating sheet 11A and the second insulating sheet 21A are overlapped with the one end of the first insulating sheet 11A and the one end of the second insulating sheet 21A aligned. As shown, the first electrodes 14A and 14B are provided within the outer peripheries of the second electrodes 24A and 24B.

Further, the second electrode sheet 20B having a symmetrical shape with the second electrode sheet 20A includes a second insulating sheet 21B similar to the second insulating sheet 21A and a second insulating sheet as shown in FIG. 4B. On the sheet 21B, the second electrode 24C is arranged in the same manner as the second electrode 24A in the second electrode sheet 20A, and has the same shape and size as the second electrode 24A, and the second electrode 24C on the second insulating sheet 21B. A second electrode 24D arranged in the same manner as the second electrode 24B in the electrode sheet 20A and having the same shape and size as the second electrode 24B is provided as a main component.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing spacers sandwiched between the first electrode sheets 10A and 10B and the second electrode sheets 20A and 20B. Specifically, FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the spacer 30A of the first sensor unit 1A, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the spacer 30B of the second sensor unit 1B. As described above, since the first sensor unit 1A and the second sensor unit 1B are symmetrical to each other, the spacer 30A and the spacer 30B are symmetrical to each other as shown in FIG.

The spacer 30A is made of a flexible insulating sheet 31A. As shown in FIG. 5A, the outer shape of the spacer 30A coincides with the second electrode sheet 20A. In addition, openings 34A and 34B having the same size are formed in the spacer 30A. The openings 34A and 34B have a substantially circular periphery, are formed to be slightly smaller in diameter than the second electrodes 24A and 24B, and are sized to fit the first electrodes 14A and 14B within the outer periphery. The openings 34A and 34B are formed on the outer circumferences of the second electrodes 24A and 24B as shown in FIG. 2 when the spacer 30A is overlapped with the second electrode sheet 20A and viewed along the direction perpendicular to the spacer 30A. The respective openings 34A and 34B are accommodated therein, and the first electrodes 14A and 14B are formed in the peripheral edges of the openings 34A and 34B.

Further, the spacer 30A is formed with a slit 36A that is a slit for air vent and spatially connects the openings 34A and 34B. The spacer 30A has a gas outlet 35A and a slit 36B that connects the gas outlet 35A and the slit 36A. Accordingly, the openings 34A and 34B are spatially connected to the outside of the spacer 30A via the gas outlet 35A and the slits 36A and 36B.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the spacer 30B having a symmetric shape with the spacer 30A is composed of an insulating sheet 31B similar to the spacer 30A and is formed at the same position as the openings 34A and 34B in the spacer 30A. Thus, openings 34C and 34D having the same shape and size are formed. Further, the spacer 30B is formed with a slit 36C that is a slit for air venting and spatially connects the openings 34C and 34D. Further, the gas outlet 35B is connected to the gas outlet 35B and the slit 36C. A slit 36D is formed. Accordingly, the respective openings 34C and 34D are spatially connected to the outside of the spacer 30B via the gas outlet 35B and the slits 36C and 36D.

In addition, the adhesive agent which is not shown in figure for adhere | attaching with 1st electrode sheet 10A, 10B and 2nd electrode sheet 20A, 20B is apply | coated to both surfaces of spacer 30A, 30B.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a state of a cross section taken along line VV in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the first sensor portion 1A and the second sensor portion 1B of the seating sensor 1 are, as described above, the first electrode sheet 10A (10B) and the second electrode sheet 20A (20B). Are stacked on both sides of the spacer 30A (30B), and are fixed and integrated with each other by an adhesive applied to both surfaces of the spacer 30A (30B).

When the first sensor sheet 1A is viewed in plan with the first electrode sheet 10A, the spacer 30A, and the second electrode sheet 20A being integrated, as shown in FIG. 2, the first electrode sheet The first electrode 14A of 10A and the second electrode 24A of the second electrode sheet 20A overlap each other, and the opening 34A formed in the spacer 30A is within the outer periphery of the second electrode 24A, and the first The electrode 14A is within the periphery of the opening 34A. Then, the first electrode 14A and the second electrode 24A are opposed to each other at a predetermined interval by a spacer 30A as shown in FIG. In this way, the pressure sensitive switch 40A having the first and second insulating sheets 11A and 21A, the spacer 30A in which the opening 34A is formed, and the pair of electrodes 14A and 24A facing each other through the opening 34A is configured. Has been. Similarly, the other first electrodes 14B to 14D and the other second electrodes 24B to 24D are opposed to each other with a predetermined interval in the openings 34B to 34D of the spacers, respectively. As shown in FIG. To 40D are configured.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the first sensor unit 1A, a cushion that has an elastic force on the side opposite to the spacer 30A side of the first insulating sheet 11A and deforms so as to be crushed when a pressing force is applied. A member 51A is provided. The cushion member 51A is made of a sponge-like resin provided with a large number of holes, a nonwoven fabric intertwined with resin fibers having elasticity, rubber, or the like. The cushion member 51A is shaped to fit within the outer periphery of the second insulating sheet 21A as shown in FIG. The cushion member 51A is disposed so as to cover at least the openings 34A and 34B of the spacer 30A via the first insulating sheet 11A when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the spacer 30A. Similarly, in the second sensor portion 1B, a cushion member 51B similar to the cushion member 51A provided in the first sensor portion 1A is provided on the side opposite to the spacer 30B side of the first insulating sheet 11B. The cushion member 51B is disposed so as to cover at least the openings 34C and 34D of the spacer 30B via the first insulating sheet 11B when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the spacer 30B.

In the present embodiment, the thickness at which the cushion members 51A and 51B are crushed is set to be more than half of the distance between the opposing electrodes in each of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D.

The first sensor unit 1A and the second sensor unit 1B configured as described above are electrically connected to each other by the conductive wire 45 as described above. FIG. 7 is a view showing a structure in a cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the conductive wire 45 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the conductive wire 45 includes a conductive wire 46 made of a stranded metal wire and an insulating layer 47 that covers the outer periphery of the conductive wire 46. As shown in FIG. 2, at both ends of the conductive wire 45, the conductive wire 46 is exposed from the insulating layer 47, one end of the conductive wire 46 is connected to the terminal 43A, and the other end of the conductive wire 46 is connected to the terminal 43B. Has been.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing the circuit configuration of the seating sensor 1 shown in FIG. 2 as an equivalent circuit. The pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D and the terminals 42A and 42B configured as described above are connected to each other by wirings 16A to 16H and conductive lines 45 as shown in FIG. Thus, the circuit of the seating sensor 1 is configured by connecting the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D.

An OR circuit is configured in the pressure-sensitive switch group including the pressure-sensitive switch 40A and the pressure-sensitive switch 40B of the first sensor unit 1A, and the pressure-sensitive switch including the pressure-sensitive switch 40C and the pressure-sensitive switch 40D of the second sensor unit 1B. An OR circuit is configured in the pressure switch group. Further, an AND circuit is configured by the pressure sensitive switch group including the pressure sensitive switch 40A and the pressure sensitive switch 40B and the pressure sensitive switch group including the pressure sensitive switch 40C and the pressure sensitive switch 40D. Thus, in the seating sensor 1, the pressure-sensitive switches 40A to 40D constitute an AND-OR circuit.

FIG. 9 is a view showing the seat device of the present embodiment in which the seating sensor 1 shown in FIG. 2 is arranged. Specifically, FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a state of the seat device 9 in which the seating sensor 1 is disposed from above, and FIG. 9B is a diagram of the seat device 9 in which the seating sensor 1 is disposed. It is a figure which shows a mode from the side. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the seat device 9 is disposed on the seat pan 92, the cushion pad 93 disposed on the seat pan 92, the backrest 96, and the seat pan 92, A seating sensor 1 sandwiched between a seat pan 92 and a cushion pad 93 is provided.

The seat pan 92 is configured by bending a highly rigid metal plate. As shown in FIG. 9A, the seat pan 92 has a center line L that is parallel to the front and rear direction of the cushion pad 93 and passes through the center in the width direction. As a reference, it has a line-symmetric shape. Further, the seat pan 92 is formed with a substantially rectangular hole 94 in the approximate center, and the hole 94 is formed in front of the hip point HP when a person is normally seated on the seat device 9.

The cushion pad 93 is supported by the seat pan 92. That is, the seat pan 92 is a support member that is disposed below the cushion pad 93 and supports the cushion pad 93. The cushion pad 93 is made of foamed urethane and has cushioning properties. That is, the cushion pad 93 has an elastic force and is deformed so as to be crushed when a pressing force is applied. The cushion pad 93 is covered with a cloth skin (not shown). The backrest 96 is connected to the seat pan 92 by means (not shown) so as to come into contact with the cushion pad 93 behind the cushion pad 93. That is, the seat pan 92 is a support member that supports the cushion pad 93.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the seating sensor 1 is disposed below the cushion pad 93 so as to receive a pressing force from the cushion pad 93. Specifically, the seating sensor 1 is disposed on the seat pan 92 in the seat device 9 such as a vehicle, and is sandwiched between the seat pan 92 and the cushion pad 93. That is, the seat pan 92 is also a placement member on which the seating sensor 1 is placed. Further, in the state in which the seating sensor 1 is arranged in this way, the second insulating sheets 21A and 21B are arranged on the cushion pad 93 side and come into contact with the cushion pad 93, and further, the first insulating sheets 11A and 11B are seats. Arranged on the pan 92 side, cushion members 51A and 51B are sandwiched between the seat pan 92 and the first insulating sheets 11A and 11B, respectively. When the hole 94 or the rib is formed in the seat pan 92 as in the present embodiment, the pressure sensitive switch is changed by changing the relative position between the first sensor unit 1A and the second sensor unit 1B. The seating sensor 1 is arranged so as to avoid the holes 94 and ribs of the seat pan 92 by changing the relative positions of the 40A and 40B and the pressure sensitive switches 40C and 40D.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, the seating sensor 1 has the first sensor portion 1A disposed on the right side with respect to the center line L passing through the center of the cushion pad 93 in the width direction, and the left side. The 2nd sensor part 1B is arrange | positioned. Specifically, in the first sensor unit 1A, the pressure-sensitive switch 40B is positioned on the front side and the pressure-sensitive switch 40A is positioned on the rear side in a region adjacent to the right side of the hole 94 of the seat pan 92. Further, in the second sensor portion 1B, the pressure sensitive switch 40D is located on the front side in the region adjacent to the left side of the hole 94 of the seat pan 92, and the pressure sensitive switch 40C. Is arranged to be located on the rear side. Accordingly, the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40B are arranged on the right side with respect to the center line L, and the pressure sensitive switches 40C and 40D are arranged on the left side. Note that the line connecting the pressure sensitive switch 40A and the pressure sensitive switch 40C is perpendicular to the center line L, and the pressure sensitive switch 40A and the pressure sensitive switch 40C are in a line-symmetrical position with respect to the center line L. Has been placed. Similarly, a line connecting the pressure-sensitive switch 40B and the pressure-sensitive switch 40D is perpendicular to the center line L, and the pressure-sensitive switch 40B and the pressure-sensitive switch 40D are positions that are line-symmetric with respect to the center line L. Is arranged. Moreover, since the AND circuit is configured by the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40B and the pressure sensitive switches 40C and 40D as described above, the pressure sensitive switch group disposed on one side of the center line L, and the center line L An AND circuit is configured with the pressure-sensitive switch group disposed on the other side of the switch. Further, as described above, the OR circuit is configured in the pressure-sensitive switch group including the pressure- sensitive switches 40A and 40B, and the OR circuit is configured in the pressure-sensitive switch group including the pressure- sensitive switches 40C and 40D. Each of the plurality of pressure sensitive switches arranged on the right side of the line L and the plurality of pressure sensitive switches arranged on the left side of the center line L constitutes an OR circuit.

Then, the terminals 42A and 42B are electrically connected to an external power source (not shown) and a measurement unit, and a voltage is applied to the terminals 42A and 42B. As described above, the conductive wire 46 of the conductive wire 45 is covered with the insulating layer 47. Therefore, even if the seating sensor 1 is disposed on the metal seat pan 92, the insulation with the seat pan 92 is excellent.

In this embodiment, the cushion pad 93 has substantially the same elastic force as the cushion members 51A and 51B. Therefore, when the same pressing force is applied to the cushion pad 93 and the cushion members 51A and 51B, the cushion pad 93 and the cushion members 51A and 51B are similarly configured to the first insulating sheets 11A and 11B and the second insulating sheet, respectively. The sheets 21A and 21B are pressed.

Next, the operation of the seating sensor will be described.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the distribution of loads received from a person through the epidermis and cushion pad 93 by the seat pan 92 of the seat apparatus 9 in a state in which a person is normally seated on the seat apparatus 9 as in FIG. It is. In FIG. 10, the region where the seat pan 92 receives the highest pressing force from the cushion pad 93 is indicated by a right oblique line (a line drawn from the upper right to the lower left), and the region receiving the next highest pressing force is indicated by the left oblique line (from the upper left). A line drawn in the lower right) is indicated by a point where a load smaller than the load applied to the right oblique line and the left oblique line is indicated by a point, and an area where a smaller load is applied is plain. However, in FIG. 10, the shape of the hole 94 and the unevenness of the surface of the seat pan 92 are slightly different from those in FIG. 9, and the hole is formed in the seat pan 92 in addition to the hole 94.

As described with reference to FIG. 1, when a person sits on the seat device, on the surface of the cushion pad, the pressing force is concentrated on the place where the person's buttocks are located, but as shown in FIG. 10, The pressing force that the seat pan 92 receives from the cushion pad 93 due to a human load is widely dispersed on the seat pan 92. As shown in FIG. 10, when a person is seated, the seat pan 92 receives a relatively strong pressing force from the cushion pad 93 in the area adjacent to each hole of the seat pan 92 compared to the other portions. ing. In particular, the region adjacent to the hole 94 formed on the center line L in front of the hip point HP is pressed with a stronger force than the region adjacent to the other hole, The area adjacent to the other formed hole is strongly pressed next to the area adjacent to the hole 94.

This is considered as follows. That is, when a person sits normally on the seat apparatus 9 including the backrest 96, the back of the person contacts the backrest 96, the back is pushed by the backrest 96, and the force applied to the back pushes the human buttocks forward. Moreover, in addition to the load by this person's buttocks, the load of the leg extended in the front direction works in the vertical direction. Therefore, the buttocks of the person who sits down presses the cushion pad 93 in the vertical direction by gravity, and pushes the cushion pad 93 forward by the force from the back. Thus, the pressing force received by the seat pan 92 from the cushion pad 93 is stronger than the other portions in front of the hip point HP of the person who is normally seated. When a person is seated, the person usually sits at the approximate center of the cushion pad 93 in the width direction. Therefore, the vicinity of the center of the cushion pad 93 in the width direction, that is, the vicinity of the center line L tends to be pressed with a large force. Thus, in front of the hip point HP, the region adjacent to the hole 94 formed at the center in the width direction of the cushion pad 93 is pressed with a larger force than the region adjacent to the other hole. In the present embodiment, the place (maximum load area) MG where the seat pan 92 receives a large pressing force from the cushion pad 93 is an area adjacent to the hole 94 in the lateral direction. In addition, when a person is seated as described above, the person normally sits symmetrically at the approximate center in the width direction of the cushion pad 93, so the pressing force that the seat pan 92 receives from the cushion pad 93 is the center line L. It is almost symmetrical with respect to.

In the present specification, the maximum load area means that the pressing force at the place where the seat pan 92 is not receiving the most pressing force from the cushion pad 93 is 0, and the seat pan 92 receives the largest pressing force from the cushion pad 93. This is a region where the sheet pan 92 is subjected to a pressing force of 90 or more when the pressing force at the place where the sheet is pressed is 100.

As described above, the first sensor unit 1A is disposed in a region adjacent to one side of the hole 94 of the seat pan 92, and the second sensor unit 1B is disposed on the other side of the hole 94. The locations where the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D are arranged are adjacent to the maximum load region MG. Accordingly, each of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D can appropriately detect the pressing force caused by the seating of the person when the person is seated normally.

FIG. 11 is a view showing, from the same viewpoint as FIG. 6, that the pressure sensitive switch 40A is turned on in a state where the seating sensor 1 is arranged in the seat as shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, only a part of the seat pan 92 and the cushion pad 93 is shown for easy understanding. When a person sits in a state where the seating sensor 1 is disposed in the seating device 9, as shown by an arrow from a direction perpendicular to both surfaces of the seating sensor 1, as shown in FIG. Pressure is applied. Specifically, the second insulating sheet 21 </ b> A receives a pressing force from the cushion pad 93, and the cushion member 51 </ b> A receives a pressing force from the seat pan 92. At this time, the cushion member 51A is deformed so as to be crushed by the pressing force. The first insulating sheet 11A bends so as to enter the opening 34A of the spacer 30A by receiving a pressing force from the cushion member 51A by the elastic force of the cushion member 51A. Similarly, the second insulating sheet 21A receives the pressing force from the cushion pad 93 as described above and bends so as to enter the opening 34A of the spacer 30A. Therefore, one parallel conductor and the other parallel conductor of the first electrode 14A provided on the first insulating sheet 11A facing each other through the opening 34A of the spacer 30A, and the second electrode provided on the second insulating sheet 21A 24A contacts, and one parallel conductor of the first electrode 14A and the other parallel conductor are brought into conduction through the second electrode 24A. Thus, the pressure sensitive switch 40A is turned on.

In the seating sensor 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the thickness of the cushion member 51A being crushed is more than half of the distance between the first electrode 14A and the second electrode 24A. Only by deforming the member 51A without bending, the first electrode 14A provided on the insulating sheet 11A can be brought closer to the second electrode 24A side by more than half of the distance between the electrodes. Easy to turn on.

Further, when a person is seated, substantially the same pressing force is applied to the seating sensor 1 from the seat pan 92 and the cushion pad 93. As described above, in the present embodiment, the cushion pad 93 has the same elastic force as that of the cushion member 51A. Therefore, the cushion member 51A and the cushion pad 93 are the first insulating sheet 11A and the second insulating sheet, respectively. The sheet 21A is pressed with the same elastic force. Accordingly, the pair of insulating sheets 11A and 21A bend in the same manner, and the pair of electrodes 14A and 24A are in contact with each other in the vicinity of the center in the thickness direction of the spacer 30A in the opening 34A. For this reason, in the seat apparatus 9 of this embodiment, it can suppress that the amount of bending of one insulating sheet 21A of the seating sensor 1 becomes large, and can improve the detection sensitivity of seating.

Further, when the first insulating sheet 11A and the second insulating sheet 21A are bent, the air in the opening 34A is discharged from the gas outlet 35A through the slits 36A and 36B shown in FIG. Therefore, when a pressing force is applied to the seating sensor 1, the first insulating sheet 11A and the second insulating sheet 21A can be appropriately bent.

Similarly, the other pressure-sensitive switches 40B to 40D also have the first insulating sheets 11A and 11B and the second insulating sheet 21A, due to the elastic force of the cushion members 51A and 51B and the cushion pad 93, similarly to the pressure-sensitive switch 40A. It turns on when 21B is pressed and bent. At this time, air in the openings 34B to 34D is discharged from the gas outlets 35A and 35B through the slits 36A and 36B and the slits 36C and 36D. Accordingly, similarly to when the pressure sensitive switch 40A is turned on, the first insulating sheets 11A and 11B and the second insulating sheets 21A and 21B can be appropriately bent, and the pair of electrodes of the pressure sensitive switches 40B to 40D. Is easy to touch.

As described above, since the AND-OR circuit is configured by the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D, at least one of the pressure sensitive switch 40A and the pressure sensitive switch 40B and at least one of the pressure sensitive switch 40C and the pressure sensitive switch 40D are used. When one of them is turned on, the terminal 42A and the terminal 42B become conductive. Thus, the seating of the person is detected by measuring a sensing signal sensed by the seating sensor 1 by a measurement unit (not shown).

As described above, according to the seating sensor 1 in the present embodiment, each of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D includes the first insulating sheets 11A and 11B, the second insulating sheets 21A and 21B on which the electrodes are formed, and the sheet shape. Since the spacers 30A and 30B are stacked, each of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D can be disposed in a limited space such as between the seat pan 92 and the cushion pad 93. . The pair of insulating sheets and the spacers are separated from each other, and the wiring connecting the pressure- sensitive switches 40A and 40B of the first sensor unit 1A and the pressure- sensitive switches 40C and 40D of the second sensor unit 1B. A part of the conductive wire 45 has flexibility, so that in a limited space, the pressure- sensitive switches 40A and 40B and the pressure- sensitive switches 40C and 40D that are electrically connected via the conductive wire 45 are provided. The relative position can be easily changed.

Further, according to the seating sensor 1, when a pressing force is applied to the seating sensor 1 due to a person sitting, the cushion members 51A and 51B are deformed so as to be crushed, and the insulating sheets 11A and 11B are pressed by the elastic force. . At this time, the cushion members 51A and 51B press the insulating sheets 11A and 11B so that the insulating sheets 11A and 11B enter the openings 34A to 34D of the spacers 30A and 30B. Therefore, the seating sensor 1 is arranged such that the cushion members 51A and 51B are sandwiched between the seat pan 92 and the insulating sheets 11A and 11B as in the seat device 9, so that the seat pan can be seated when a person is seated. The insulating sheets 11A and 11B on the 92 side can be appropriately bent. On the other hand, since the seat pan 92 supports the cushion pad 93, the insulating sheets 21A and 21B facing the insulating sheets 11A and 11B on the seat pan 92 side are pressed by the cushion pad 93 and can be appropriately bent. . For this reason, according to the seating sensor 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately detect the seating of a person while being placed on the seat pan 92, and the seat device 9 using the seating sensor 1 is a person Can be properly detected.

Furthermore, according to the seat device 9 of the present embodiment, the seating sensor 1 is disposed between the seat pan 92 and the cushion pad 93, so that the person who is seated differs from the feel of the cushion pad 93 by the seating sensor 1. It is possible to prevent the touch from being received. Then, in the limited space between the seat pan 92 and the cushion pad 93, the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40B and the pressure sensitive switches 40C and 40D that are electrically connected via the conductive wire 45 are relative to each other. Therefore, each pressure-sensitive switch can be arranged at a place where seating can be detected appropriately.

Also, a person sitting in the seat usually sits in the center of the cushion pad 93 in the width direction. On the other hand, the load is not always placed at the center of the cushion pad 93 in the width direction. Therefore, according to the seat device 9, the pressure-sensitive switches 40 </ b> A and 40 </ b> B and the pressure-sensitive switches 40 </ b> C and 40 </ b> D are disposed on one side and the other side with respect to the center line L passing through the center of the cushion pad 93 in the width direction. For this reason, it is possible to appropriately detect the seating of a person and prevent erroneous detection of a load.

In addition, the person sitting in the seat usually sits facing the front of the seat. At this time, the left and right pelvises of the person's buttocks are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the cushion pad 93 and press the cushion pad 93. Therefore, according to the seat device 9, the pressure-sensitive switch 40A and the pressure-sensitive switch 40C, and the pressure-sensitive switch 40B and the pressure-sensitive switch 40D disposed on one side and the other side with respect to the center line L are cushioned. Since the pads 93 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, the seating of the person can be detected more appropriately.

Further, since the person sitting on the seat usually sits facing the front of the seat device 9 at the center of the cushion pad 93 in the width direction, the left and right pelvises of the person's buttocks are parallel to the front-rear direction of the cushion pad 93. With the center line L passing through the center in the width direction as a reference, the cushion pads are pressed side by side at symmetrical positions. Therefore, according to the seat device 9, the pressure-sensitive switch 40A and the pressure-sensitive switch 40C, and the pressure-sensitive switch 40B and the pressure-sensitive switch 40D are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to the center line L. Can be detected more appropriately.

Next, the material constituting the seating sensor 1 will be described.

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

Moreover, as an adhesive apply | coated to both surfaces of spacer 30A, 30B, an acrylic adhesive is preferable, for example, the acrylic type which used 1 type, or 2 or more types of (meth) acrylic-acid alkylester as a monomer component Those based on polymers are mentioned.

The first electrodes 14A to 14D, the second electrodes 24A to 24D, the wirings 16A to 16H, and the terminals 42A, 42B, 43A, and 43B are made of conductive paste, metal foil formed by plating, or the like. Consists of Among these, a part may be comprised with an electroconductive paste, and another part may be comprised with the metal foil by plating. Examples of the conductive paste include various metal pastes such as silver paste, carbon paste, and the like. Moreover, as metal foil formed by plating, copper, nickel, or these laminated bodies are mentioned.

Further, the cushion members 51A and 51B are members that have elasticity as described above and deform so as to be crushed. Although it will not be restrict | limited especially if it is the material which comprises such a member, As a material of cushion member 51A, 51B, resin and rubber | gum containing at least one of silicon and polyester can be mentioned. In particular, since the resin containing at least one of silicon and polyester has a small change in elastic force due to a change in temperature, even when the seating sensor 1 is arranged in an automobile having a large change in environmental temperature, the detection load of the seating This is preferable because the change in the thickness can be suppressed.

Further, the material of the conductive wire 46 of the conductive wire 45 is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductor, and examples thereof include copper, iron, nickel, and aluminum. The material of the insulating layer 47 is preferably a material having excellent properties such as flame retardancy, water resistance, and insulation. Such materials include ethylene materials such as polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and ethylene ethyl acrylate copolymer, and composite resins blended with polyolefins such as polypropylene, ethylene propylene rubber and styrene elastomer. The base is formed by adding a metal hydroxide such as magnesium hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In addition, about the component which is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, or an equivalent component, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted except the case where it attaches | subjects the same referential mark and demonstrates in particular. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a seating sensor according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 12, the seating sensor 2 of the present embodiment is different from the seating sensor 1 of the first embodiment in that a resistor 48 is provided in the wiring. The resistor 48 is connected in series with the conductive wire 45 in the middle of the conductive wire 45.

According to the seating sensor 2 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the overcurrent from flowing by the resistor 48. Therefore, heat generation due to overcurrent can be suppressed. In the seat device used with the seat sensor 2 of the present embodiment, the seat sensor 2 may be disposed in the same manner as the seat sensor 1 of the seat device 9 of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, instead of the conductive wire 45, a so-called resistor leg (lead wire of the resistor 48) connected to the resistor 48 may be used as the conductive wire.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the component which is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, or an equivalent component, the same referential mark is attached | subjected and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted except the case where it demonstrates especially. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a seating sensor according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 13, the seating sensor 3 is a wiring that electrically connects the first sensor unit 3 </ b> A and the second sensor unit 3 </ b> B that are symmetrical to each other, and the first sensor unit 3 </ b> A and the second sensor unit 3 </ b> B. The conductive wire 45 is provided as a main configuration.

The first sensor unit 3A includes a first electrode sheet 10A, a second electrode sheet 20A overlaid on the first electrode sheet 10A, a spacer sandwiched between the first electrode sheet 10A and the second electrode sheet 20A, and a first electrode A cushion member 51A disposed on the side opposite to the spacer of the seat 10A is provided as a main component. Similarly, the second sensor unit 3B includes a first electrode sheet 10B, a second electrode sheet 20B stacked on the first electrode sheet 10B, a spacer sandwiched between the first electrode sheet 10B and the second electrode sheet 20B, A cushion member 51B disposed on the side opposite to the spacer of the one-electrode sheet 10B is provided as a main component.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the first electrode sheet shown in FIG. Specifically, FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating the first electrode sheet 10A of the first sensor unit 3A, and FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating the first electrode sheet 10B of the second sensor unit 3B. It is. As described above, since the first sensor unit 3A and the second sensor unit 3B are symmetrical to each other, as shown in FIG. 14, the first electrode sheet 10A and the second electrode sheet 10B are symmetrical to each other. I am doing.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the first electrode sheet 10A includes a flexible film-like first insulating sheet 11A, first electrodes 14A and 14B provided on the first insulating sheet 11A, and a first Wirings 16A and 16B provided on the insulating sheet 11A and terminals 42A provided on the first insulating sheet 11A are provided as main components.

11 A of 1st insulating sheets of this embodiment have the shape of the edge of one end the same shape as 11 A of 1st insulating sheets of 1st Embodiment, However, The other end side is notched in step shape In this respect, it differs from the first insulating sheet 11A of the first embodiment. Specifically, on the other end side of the first insulating sheet 11A of the present embodiment, a portion where the terminal 43A is provided in the first insulating sheet 11A of the first embodiment is cut out into a rectangular shape and is stepped. Is formed.

And on the 1st insulating sheet 11A of this embodiment, the 1st electrode 14A of this embodiment is provided in the place equivalent to the place where the 1st electrode 14A of 1st Embodiment is provided, The first electrode 14B of this embodiment is provided at a place corresponding to the place where the first electrode 14B of one embodiment is provided. The first electrode 14A and the first electrode 14B have a circular shape with the same size. The terminal 42A has the same shape and location as the terminal 42A of the first embodiment.

The wirings 16A and 16B are provided along the longitudinal direction of the first insulating sheet 11A. The wiring 16A is connected to the first electrode 14A and the first electrode 14B, and the wiring 16B is connected to the first electrode 14B and the terminal 42A. Thus, the first electrode 14A, the first electrode 14B, and the terminal 42A are electrically connected by the wirings 16A and 16B.

Further, the first electrode sheet 10B having a symmetrical shape with the first electrode sheet 10A has a symmetrical shape with the first insulating sheet 11A, as shown in FIG. 14B. The first electrode 14C is disposed on the first insulating sheet 11B in the same manner as the first electrode 14A of the present embodiment, and has the same shape and size as the first electrode 14A of the present embodiment, and the first insulating sheet 11B. The first electrode 14D is disposed in the same manner as the first electrode 14B of the present embodiment and has the same shape and size as the first electrode 14B of the present embodiment, and the wirings 16A and 16B on the first insulating sheet 11B. Wirings 16C and 16D that are similarly arranged and a terminal 42B that is arranged in the same manner as the terminal 42A on the first insulating sheet 11B and has the same shape as the terminal 42A are provided as main components.

The wiring 16C is connected to the first electrode 14C and the first electrode 14D, and the wiring 16D is connected to the first electrode 14D and the terminal 42B. Thus, the first electrode 14C, the first electrode 14D, and the terminal 42B are electrically connected by the wirings 16C and 16D.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the second electrode sheet shown in FIG. Specifically, FIG. 15A is a diagram showing a second electrode sheet of the first sensor unit 3A, and FIG. 15B is a diagram showing a second electrode sheet of the second sensor unit 3B. . As described above, since the first sensor unit 3A and the second sensor unit 3B are symmetrical to each other, as shown in FIG. 15, the second electrode sheet 20A and the second electrode sheet 20B are symmetrical to each other. I am doing.

As shown in FIG. 15A, the second electrode sheet 20A includes a flexible film-like second insulating sheet 21A, and second electrodes 24A and 24B provided on the surface of the second insulating sheet 21A. The wirings 26A and 26B provided on the second insulating sheet 21A and the terminals 43A provided on the second insulating sheet 21A are provided as main components.

The second insulating sheet 21A has a symmetrical shape with the first insulating sheet 11A. Therefore, when the first insulating sheet 11A is turned over, the first insulating sheet 11A and the second insulating sheet 21A have the same shape. Also in the present embodiment, the second insulating sheet 21A and the first insulating sheet 11A have the same flexibility and are configured to be bent in the same manner when the same force is applied.

The second electrodes 24A and 24B have a circular shape having the same size as the first electrodes 14A and 14B. When the first insulating sheet 11A and the second insulating sheet 21A are stacked, the first electrode 14A , 14B is provided at a position completely overlapping. Further, the terminal 43A has the same shape and the same size as the terminal 43A of the first embodiment, and the first electrode sheet 10A in the first embodiment and the second electrode sheet 20A of the present embodiment are overlapped with each other. It is provided at a position overlapping the terminal 43A of the embodiment.

The wirings 26A and 26B are provided along the longitudinal direction of the second insulating sheet 21A. The wiring 26A is connected to the second electrode 24A and the second electrode 24B, and the wiring 26B is connected to the second electrode 24B and the terminal 43A. Thus, the second electrode 24A, the second electrode 24B, and the terminal 43A are electrically connected by the wirings 26A and 26B.

Further, the second electrode sheet 20B having a symmetrical shape with the second electrode sheet 20A has a second insulating sheet 21B having a symmetrical shape with the second insulating sheet 21A, as shown in FIG. The second electrode 24C having the same shape and size as the two electrodes 24A, the second electrode 24D having the same shape and size as the second electrode 24B, and the terminal 43B having the same shape and size as the terminal 43A And wirings 26C and 26D as main components.

The second electrodes 24C and 24D are provided at positions that completely overlap the first electrodes 14C and 14D when the first insulating sheet 11B and the second insulating sheet 21B are overlapped. Moreover, the terminal 43B is provided in the position which overlaps with the terminal 43B of 1st Embodiment, when the 1st electrode sheet 10B in 1st Embodiment and the 2nd electrode sheet 20B of this embodiment are piled up.

The wirings 26C and 26D are provided along the longitudinal direction of the second insulating sheet 21B. The wiring 26C is connected to the second electrode 24C and the second electrode 24D, and the wiring 26D is connected to the second electrode 24D and the terminal 43B. Thus, the second electrode 24C, the second electrode 24D, and the terminal 43B are electrically connected by the wirings 26C and 26D.

The spacers sandwiched between the first electrode sheets 10A and 10B and the second electrode sheets 20A and 20B are the same as the spacers 30A and 30B of the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a view showing a state of a cross section taken along the line VV of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, the first sensor portion 3A and the second sensor portion 3B of the seating sensor 3 are, as described above, the first electrode sheet 10A (10B) and the second electrode sheet 20A (20B). Are stacked on both sides of the spacer 30A (30B), and are fixed and integrated with each other by an adhesive applied to both surfaces of the spacer 30A (30B).

In this manner, the first electrode sheet 10A, the spacer 30A, and the second electrode sheet 20A are integrated, and the first electrode 14A and the second electrode 24A overlap, and the outer periphery of the first electrode 14A and the second electrode 24A. An opening 34A is accommodated therein. Then, the first electrode 14A and the second electrode 24A are opposed to each other at a predetermined interval by a spacer 30A as shown in FIG. In this way, the pressure sensitive switch 40A using the first electrode 14A and the second electrode 24A as electrodes is configured. Similarly, the other first electrodes 14B to 14D and the other second electrodes 24B to 24D are opposed to each other with a predetermined interval by the spacers 30A and 30B to constitute the pressure sensitive switches 40B to 40D.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the terminals 42A and 42B are exposed from one surface side of the first and second sensor portions 3A and 3B, and the other surface side of the first and second sensor portions 3A and 3B is exposed. Terminals 43A and 43B are exposed. The conductive wire 45 is connected to the terminals 43A and 43B exposed from the other surface side of the first and second sensor units 3A and 3B, and the first sensor unit 3A and the second sensor unit 3B are electrically connected to each other. It is connected. Similarly to the first embodiment, an OR circuit is configured in the pressure-sensitive switch group including the pressure-sensitive switch 40A and the pressure-sensitive switch 40B of the first sensor unit 3A, and the pressure-sensitive switch of the second sensor unit 3B. An OR circuit is configured in the pressure-sensitive switch group including 40C and the pressure-sensitive switch 40D, and includes a pressure-sensitive switch group including the pressure-sensitive switch 40A and the pressure-sensitive switch 40B, and a pressure-sensitive switch including the pressure-sensitive switch 40C and the pressure-sensitive switch 40D. An AND circuit is configured by the pressure switch group.

The seating sensor 3 having such a configuration is disposed on the seat pan 92 in the same manner as the seating sensor 1 of the first embodiment. When each pressure sensitive switch 40A is pressed, the first electrode 14A and the second electrode 24A come into contact with each other, and the pressure sensitive switch 40A is turned on. Similarly, the pressure sensitive switches 40B to 40D are turned on. In the seating sensor 3, since the AND-OR circuit is configured by the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D, either one of the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40B or one of the pressure sensitive switches 40C and 40D is turned on. The seating sensor 3 detects the seating of a person.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In addition, about the component which is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, or an equivalent component, the same referential mark is attached | subjected and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted except the case where it demonstrates especially. FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a seating sensor according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In the seating sensor 1 of the first embodiment, the openings 34A and 34B formed in the spacer 30A of the first sensor unit 1A and the openings 34C and 34D formed in the spacer 30B of the second sensor unit 1B are all the same. It was a size. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17, the seating sensor 4 of the present embodiment includes openings 34A and 34B formed in the spacer of the first sensor unit 1A and an opening 34C formed in the spacer of the second sensor unit 1B. , 34D are different sizes from each other. In the present embodiment, the sizes of the openings 34C and 34D of the pressure sensitive switches 40C and 40D are formed smaller than the sizes of the openings 34A and 34B of the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40B.

The pair of insulating sheets sandwiching the spacer of the pressure sensitive switch is more difficult to bend as the spacer openings 34A to 34D interposed between the insulating sheets are smaller. Therefore, the pressure- sensitive switches 40C and 40D having the small openings 34C and 34D are less likely to be turned on than the pressure- sensitive switches 40A and 40B having the large openings 34A and 34B.

By the way, when the seating sensor 4 is disposed on a mounting member such as a seat pan, the pressing force received by each of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40B is not uniform due to the structure of the cushion pad or the mounting member. There is a case. However, according to the seating sensor 4 of the present embodiment, the pressure- sensitive switches 40C and 40D having small openings are located at locations where the pressure is pressed with a relatively large pressing force, and the openings are opened at locations where the pressure sensor is pressed with a relatively small pressing force. By arranging the seating sensor 4 so that the large pressure- sensitive switches 40A and 40B are positioned, it is possible to adjust the pressure-sensitive switches 40A to 40D so that variations in ease of turning on can be reduced. As a result, even when the pressing force received by the seating sensor 4 is not uniform, the seating of the person can be adjusted so that it can be detected more appropriately.

In the seating sensor 4 of the present embodiment, the pair of insulating sheets and spacers are separated from each other by the openings 34A and 34B of the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40B and the openings 34C and 34D of the pressure sensitive switches 40C and 40D. The sizes were different from each other. However, the opening of the pressure sensitive switch in which the pair of insulating sheets and the spacer are not separated from each other (for example, the opening of the pressure sensitive switch 40A and the opening of the pressure sensitive switch 40B) may have different sizes.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the component which is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, or an equivalent component, the same referential mark is attached | subjected and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted except the case where it demonstrates especially.

FIG. 18 is a view showing a state in which the seating sensor according to the present invention is arranged on the mounting member of the present embodiment. In the first embodiment, the seating sensor 1 is disposed on a seat pan 92 as a mounting member, whereas in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. The second sensor unit 1 </ b> B is disposed on the other pedestal 6.

Each pedestal 6 is a member for disposing the seating sensor 1 in a seating device having a plurality of springs stretched over the seat frame. Specifically, in a state where the first sensor unit 1A is placed on one pedestal 6 and the second sensor unit 1B is placed on the other pedestal 6, each pedestal 6 is a seating device. It can be attached to and detached from some of the plurality of springs. That is, each pedestal 6 is a mounting member for disposing the seating sensor 1 above the spring. In the present embodiment, the pedestals 6 have the same shape.

FIG. 19 shows the structure of the base 6. Specifically, FIG. 19A is a top view of the pedestal 6 as viewed from one wide surface side, and FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view taken along line WW in FIG. 19A. . As shown in FIG. 19A, the pedestal 6 has a substantially plate shape, one surface is flat, and the other surface is formed with a pair of grooves 7.

These grooves 7 have a space SP in which a part of each of the two springs of the plurality of springs stretched over the seat frame is fitted. In FIG. 19B, the spring 95 fitted into the groove 7 is indicated by a dotted line. Each groove 7 in the present embodiment is formed in accordance with the shape of a part of the two springs 95 to be fitted into the groove 7, and both ends of the groove 7 are open on the side surface of the base 6.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19B, the bottom 7 a on the inner surface of the base 6 that forms the groove 7 has a shape that matches the shape of a part of the outer peripheral surface of the spring 95 that is fitted into the groove 7. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the bottom portion 7a is a semicircular arc shape. For this reason, when the spring 95 is fitted in the groove 7, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed between the bottom 7 a and the surface of the spring 95.

Moreover, the side part 7b of the inner surface of the pedestal 6 forming the groove 7 is formed in parallel to each other, and the distance (groove width) W between both the side parts 7B is the diameter of the spring 95 fitted in the groove 7. And the same level. Further, the depth D of the groove 7 is greater than the diameter of the spring 95. Therefore, when the spring 95 is fitted in the groove 7, the groove 7 restricts the relative movement of the position between the base 6 and the spring 95. As a result, the rolling of the pedestal 6 disposed above the spring 95 stretched over the seat frame can be reduced by the groove 7.

Furthermore, a pair of convex portions 8x and 8y projecting inside the space SP of the groove 7 are provided at the longitudinal edge of the groove 7 of the base 6. These convex portions 8x and 8y are made of a resin plate having flexibility, and face each other at the same interval from the center of the groove 7 in the width direction. One wide surface of the convex portions 8x and 8y is flush with the wide surface of the base 6 on which the groove 7 is formed. Further, the height H between the position of the protrusions 8x and 8y that protrudes most toward the groove 7 and the lowest position of the groove 7 is smaller than the diameter of the spring 95. For this reason, when the groove 7 is fitted into the spring, the convex portions 8x and 8y themselves bend, and the force to return from the bending acts as a force for suppressing the spring 95 fitted into the groove 7. . As a result, the convex portions 8x and 8y can reduce a situation in which the spring 95 is detached from the groove 7.

As shown in FIG. 18, the cushion member 51 </ b> A of the first sensor unit 1 </ b> A and the cushion member 51 </ b> B of the second sensor unit 1 </ b> B are formed on the planar surfaces of the pedestals 6 where the grooves 7 are not formed. The first sensor unit 1 </ b> A is placed on one pedestal 6, and the second sensor unit 1 </ b> B is placed on the other pedestal 6.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state of the seat device according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 20A is a diagram showing the state of the seat device 90 in which the seating sensor 1 is disposed from above, and FIG. 20B is the state of the seat device 90 in which the seating sensor 1 is disposed. It is a figure shown from the side.

As shown in FIG. 20, the seat device 90 of this embodiment mainly includes a seat frame 91, a plurality of springs 95, a seating sensor 1, and a cushion pad 93 and a backrest 96 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. Prepare as a simple configuration. That is, while the seat device 9 of the first embodiment has the cushion pad 93 supported by the seat pan 92, the seat device 90 of the present embodiment has the cushion pad 93 by the seat frame 91 and the plurality of springs 95. Is supported. Therefore, the seat frame 91 and the plurality of springs 95 serve as support members for the cushion pad 93.

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

The plurality of springs 95 are stretched over the seat frame 91 at a predetermined interval from each other. Each of the springs 95 in the present embodiment is made of a wire having a shape meandering repeatedly in an S shape on the same surface, the front end of each spring 95 is attached to the front frame member 91a, and the rear end of each spring 95 is the rear frame. It is attached to the member 91b.

The spring 95 is not limited to an S-shape, for example, a Z-shape, and can use a wire rod that is in a meandering state having various shapes, and a wire rod in a meandering state in which a plurality of shapes are combined. . Further, the spring 95 may be a wire rod meandering continuously in one or a plurality of shapes, or may be a wire rod meandering in one or a plurality of shapes at predetermined intervals, without meandering. A straight wire may be used. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the plurality of springs 95 are stretched in the front-rear direction, but may be in the left-right direction or in an oblique direction.

Each base 6 on which the seating sensor 1 is placed is disposed on two springs 95 and is sandwiched between the spring 95 and the cushion pad 93. The method of disposing these pedestals 6 on the springs 95 is that each of the pedestals is placed in a state in which the portion corresponding to the groove 7 of the spring 95 is applied to the convex portions 8x and 8y provided on the edge of the groove 7. 6 is pressed against the spring 95. Then, since the convex portions 8x and 8y have flexibility, the open ends of the convex portions 8x and 8y are bent toward the inner side of the groove 7, and the spring 95 is fitted into the groove 7. In this way, the seat 6 is disposed on the spring 95 and the cushion pad 93 is disposed on the spring 95, whereby the seating sensor 1 is disposed so as to receive a pressing force from the cushion pad 93 below the cushion pad 93. It is sandwiched between the base 6 and the cushion pad 93.

Further, the pressure-sensitive switches 40A to 40D in the seating sensor 1 are respectively arranged in front of the hip point HP. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the pressure sensitive switches 40B and 40D are arranged along the width direction of the cushion pad so as to avoid the position that is vertically above the spring 95, and are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center line L as a reference. Be placed. Further, the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40C are arranged at positions on the vertical side of the spring 95 along the width direction of the cushion pad 93, behind the pressure sensitive switches 40B and 40D. Arranged at symmetrical positions.

The terminals 42A and 42B (not shown in FIG. 20) connected to the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D are electrically connected to an external power source and a measurement unit (not shown) from below the seat frame 91.

FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram showing the distribution of loads received by the seat frame 91 and the respective springs 95 via the cushion pads 93 when a person normally sits on the seat device 90 of FIG. Specifically, in FIG. 21, the region that receives the highest pressing force from the cushion pad 93 is indicated by a right oblique line (line drawn from the upper right to the lower left), and the region that receives the next highest pressing force is the left oblique line (from the upper left to the lower right). A region to which a load smaller than the load applied to the right oblique line and the left oblique line is applied is indicated by a point.

As shown in FIG. 21, the load applied to the spring portion and the seat frame portion (right hatched portion) in front of the hip point HP is larger than the spring portion (left hatched portion) in the vicinity of the hip point HP. . The reason for this is that, as in the case of the first embodiment, the back of the person seated by the back 96 is pushed, so that the force applied to the back pushes the person's buttocks forward, and the person's buttocks sit by gravity. This is because the cushion pad 93 is pressed in the vertical direction, and the cushion pad 93 is pressed forward by the force from the back, and the foot load extending in the forward direction works in the vertical direction.

As described above, since the pressure-sensitive switches 40A to 40D are disposed in front of the hip point HP, a stronger pressing force is exerted than the pressure-sensitive switch 40A is disposed immediately below the hip point HP. It will be added to ~ 40D. Accordingly, each of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D can appropriately detect the pressing force caused by the seating of the person when the person is seated normally.

In the present embodiment, the pressure sensitive switches 40B and 40D are arranged in the region (right hatched portion) that receives the highest pressing force from the cushion pad 93, and in the region that receives the next highest pressing force (left hatched portion). Pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40C are arranged. However, each of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D may be arranged in a region receiving the highest pressing force from the cushion pad 93 (right hatched portion) or a region receiving the next highest pressing force (left hatched portion). good.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D are formed on the upper surface of the base 6 where the grooves 7 into which a part of the plurality of springs 95 stretched over the seat frame 91 can be fitted are formed. A seating sensor 1 having For this reason, if predetermined portions of a plurality of springs 95 are fitted into the grooves 7, even if the diameter of the springs 95 is small or the space between the springs 95 is large, the springs are interposed via the respective pedestals 6. Pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D can be arranged above 95. Therefore, the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D can be disposed between the spring 95 and the cushion pad 93 placed on the spring 95 in a stable state.

When the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D receive a pressing force from the cushion pad 93, a force opposite to the pressing force works from below the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D. Accordingly, the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D are appropriately turned on by the load of the person, and the seating sensor 1 can detect the seating of the person.

Further, since the first sensor unit 1A and the second sensor unit 1B are connected by the conductive wire 45 having flexibility, the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D can be obtained by arranging the respective bases 6 at appropriate locations. Can be placed in an appropriate location. In this case, the groove 7 is formed in advance so as to match the shape of the spring 95 where the respective pedestals 6 are to be disposed so that the respective pedestals can be disposed at appropriate positions.

In the case of the present embodiment, the pressure sensitive switches 40B and 40D are arranged at positions avoiding the position on the spring 95 vertically, whereas the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40C are positions on the spring 95 vertically. Is arranged. Therefore, the force opposed to the pressing force received from the cushion pad 93 is greater in the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40C that are above the spring than in the pressure sensitive switches 40B and 40D that are not above the spring 95. On the other hand, the pressure sensitive switches 40B and 40D are arranged at a place where a stronger pressing force is received from the cushion pad 93 than the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40C. In this way, variation in the pressing force received by each of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D is suppressed. As a result, the uniformity (balance) at which the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D are turned on can be improved.

Incidentally, the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D have a diameter larger than the diameter of the spring 95 which is a wire (the groove width of the groove 7). For this reason, in the pressure sensitive switches 40A, 40C arranged on the vertical side of the spring 95, the portion on the vertical side of the spring 95 tends to be applied with a larger force than the portion not on the vertical side. That is, the distribution of pressure applied to the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40C tends to be non-uniform. This tendency becomes more prominent as the diameter of the spring 95, which is a wire rod, becomes smaller. On the other hand, since the pressure sensitive switches 40B and 40D are arranged so as to avoid the vertical position of the spring 95, the distribution of the applied pressure in the pressure sensitive switches 40B and 40D is substantially uniform. Therefore, the pressure- sensitive switches 40B and 40D arranged so as to avoid the vertical position of the spring 95 are more durable than the pressure- sensitive switches 40A and 40C arranged on the vertical position of the spring 95. Is reduced.

In addition, since the periphery of the space where the spring 95 is stretched tends to be blocked and the air permeability is poor, it is easy to receive heat from the spring 95 generally formed of metal. Therefore, the pressure- sensitive switches 40B and 40D arranged so as to avoid the vertical position of the spring 95 are more affected by the heat received from the spring than the pressure- sensitive switches 40A and 40C arranged on the vertical of the spring 95. It is small, and a decrease in durability due to heating is greatly reduced.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the pressure sensitive switch 40A (40C) arranged at a position vertically above the spring 95 and the pressure sensitive switch 40B (40D) arranged avoiding the position are connected in parallel. Since the OR circuit is configured, the arrangement of the seating sensor 1 of the present embodiment is particularly useful. This is because both the advantage of arranging the pressure-sensitive switch above the spring 95 and the advantage of arranging the pressure-sensitive switch while avoiding the position can be obtained equally.

Since cushion members 51A and 51B are provided at the bottoms of the first and second sensor portions 1A and 1B, respectively, in the seating sensor 1 of the present embodiment, the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40C are located above the spring 95. It is possible to alleviate the non-uniform distribution of pressure applied to the.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In addition, about the component which is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, or an equivalent component, the same referential mark is attached | subjected and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted except the case where it demonstrates especially.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a part of the seating sensor and a part of the seat device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a state in the vicinity of the pressure-sensitive switch 40 </ b> A of the seating sensor 1. As shown in FIG. 22, in the vicinity of the pressure-sensitive switch 40A of the seating sensor 1 of the present embodiment, each first insulating sheet 11A side is set as a cushion pad 93 side and applied to the surface of the first insulating sheet 11A. The first insulating sheet 11 </ b> A is adhered to the lower surface of the cushion pad 93 by the adhesive AD. Although not shown, the first insulating sheets 11A and 11B are attached to the lower surface of the cushion pad 93 also in the vicinity of the pressure sensitive switches 11B to 11D. That is, the seating sensor 1 is disposed below the cushion pad 93 by fixing the first insulating sheet 11A and the first insulating sheet 11B to the lower surface of the cushion pad, and the space below the seating sensor 1 is a space. This is different from the seating sensor 1 of the first embodiment.

The cushion pad 93 may be formed with a recess, and the cushion member 51A may enter the recess so that the cushion member 51A is surrounded by the cushion pad 93. Alternatively, while the cushion pad 93 is elastically deformed, The cushion member 51 </ b> A may be surrounded by the cushion pad 93.

Thus, the seating sensor 1 attached to the lower surface of the cushion pad 93 detects the seating of a person as follows. That is, when a person sits on the seat device, the cushion pad 93 is crushed by the load of the person and is bent downward. At this time, the lower surface of the cushion pad 93 bends so that a specific part located in front of the hip point HP is at the lowest side. The seating sensor 1 adhered to the lower surface of the cushion pad 93 receives a pressing force from the cushion pad 93, so that the cushion member 51A pressed by the cushion pad 93 enters the opening 34A of the pressure sensitive switch 40A. Deform. Then, the first insulating sheet 11A pushed by the cushion member 51A is deformed so as to enter the opening 34A together with the first electrode 14A disposed on the first insulating sheet 11A, and the first electrode 14A and the second electrode 24A Touch. Thus, the pressure sensitive switch 40A is turned on. Further, the pressure sensitive switch 40 </ b> A bends along the deflection of the lower surface of the cushion pad 93 along the deflection of the lower surface of the cushion pad 93. That is, the first insulating sheet 11A and the second insulating sheet 21A bend in the same direction. At this time, the first insulating sheet 11A disposed on the cushion pad 93 side is on the inner peripheral side of the deflection than the second insulating sheet 21A. Accordingly, in the pressure-sensitive switch 40A, the first electrode 14A and the second electrode 24A are closer due to the difference between the inner and outer circumferences of the first insulating sheet 11A and the second insulating sheet 21A. As a result, the pressure sensitive switch 40A is more easily turned on. The other pressure sensitive switches 40B to 40D are also turned on in the same manner.

In this embodiment, the seating sensor 1 is fixed to the lower surface of the cushion pad 93 by being adhered with the adhesive AD, but the seating sensor 1 may be fixed by other methods. For example, the seating sensor 1 may be fixed to the lower surface of the cushion pad 93 by a plurality of pins or the like that penetrate the periphery of each pressure-sensitive switch and are pierced by the cushion pad 93.

According to the seating sensor 1 and the seat device of the present embodiment, each pressure sensitive sensor is placed in a place where the pressing force received by the cushion member 51A from the cushion pad 93 is relatively large, or in a place where the amount of deflection of the lower surface of the cushion member 51A is relatively large. Since the seating sensor 1 can be arranged so that the switches 40A to 40D are positioned, the sensitivity with which the pressure sensitive switch is turned on as a whole can be improved.

Further, since the seating of a person can be detected without a mounting member on which the seating sensor 1 is mounted, the configuration of the seat device can be simplified.

The present invention has been described above by taking the first to sixth embodiments as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

For example, in the above embodiment, the number of pressure sensitive switches is four. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of pressure sensitive switches may be plural, and the number of pressure sensitive switches is two or three. However, it may be 5 or more. In the above embodiment, an OR circuit is configured in each of the pressure sensitive switch group including the pressure sensitive switches 40A and 40B and the pressure sensitive switch group including the pressure sensitive switches 40C and 40D. It is assumed that an AND circuit is configured by the pressure-sensitive switch group including the pressure- sensitive switches 40A and 40B and the pressure-sensitive switch group including the pressure- sensitive switches 40C and 40D. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, an OR circuit may be formed by the whole of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D. The pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D are connected in series, and the whole of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D. An AND circuit may be formed.

Further, in the above embodiment, the cushion members 51A and 51B are not essential components. In the above-described embodiment in which the seating sensor 1 includes the cushion members 51A and 51B, the cushion members 51A and 51B and the cushion pad 93 have the same elastic force. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The cushion members 51A and 51B and the cushion pad 93 may have different elastic forces. For example, in the seat device 90, the elastic force of the cushion members 51A and 51B can be weaker than the elastic force of the cushion pad 93. In this case, according to the seat device 90, it is possible to suppress the vibration from the seat pan 92 from being transmitted to the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F by the cushion members 51A and 51B having a weaker elastic force than the cushion pad 93. In addition, the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F can operate stably and can stably detect a person's seating. Alternatively, in the seat device 90, the elastic force of the cushion members 51A and 51B can be stronger than the elastic force of the cushion pad 93. In this case, according to the seat device 90, the cushion pad 93 contracts more than the cushion members 51A and 51B when a person is seated, and the contraction of the cushion members 51A and 51B is suppressed. It is possible to suppress a decrease in the distance to the pressure switches 40A to 40F. Accordingly, the heat transmitted from the seat pan 92 to each of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F can be absorbed by the cushion members 51A and 51B, so that the pressing force required to turn on the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40F depends on the temperature. Fluctuation can be suppressed, and the load for detecting seating can be suppressed from changing due to temperature. Further, the thickness at which the cushion members 51A and 51B are crushed may not be more than half the distance between the opposing electrodes in each of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D.

Further, in the first to fifth embodiments, the cushion member 51A is provided only on the first insulating sheet 11A side of the first sensor unit 1A, but on both the first insulating sheet 11A side and the second insulating sheet 21A side. A cushion member may be provided. FIG. 23 is a view showing a modification in which cushion members are provided on both the first insulating sheet 11A side and the second insulating sheet 21A side from the same viewpoint as FIG. In the seating sensor shown in FIG. 23, a cushion member 51A is provided on the side opposite to the spacer 30A side of the first insulating sheet 11A, and a cushion member 52A is provided on the side opposite to the spacer 30A side of the second insulating sheet 21A. It has been. When a load caused by seating is applied to such cushion members 51A and 52A, the cushion members 51A and 52 are deformed so as to be crushed by the load, and the insulating sheets 11A and 21A are deformed by the elastic force. Then, the spacer 30A is appropriately bent so as to enter the opening 34A. In this way, bending each insulating sheet 11A, 21A is a case where a seating sensor is placed on an object that is deformed by a load, even if the seating sensor is placed on an object that is not deformed by a load. Even can be obtained. Accordingly, when the cushion member is provided on both the first insulating sheet 11A side and the second insulating sheet 21A side as in this modification, it is possible to prevent the seating detection load from being different depending on where the seating sensor is to be disposed. can do. Moreover, since each cushion member 51A, 52A has a property which can change freely according to a condition, it is a part between each cushion member 51A, 52A and the member facing cushion member 51A, 52A. Even if a general gap occurs, the first insulating sheet 11A and the second insulating sheet 21A can be appropriately bent. The cushioning member 51A and the cushion member 52A may have the same elastic force in a unit area based on the position pressed with a predetermined pressing force or the thickness at which the cushion members 51A and 52A are crushed may be the same. May be. Further, similarly to the first sensor unit 1A, a cushion member may be provided on both the first insulating sheet 11B side and the second insulating sheet 21B side of the second sensor unit 1B. Also in the sixth embodiment, cushion members may be provided on both the first insulating sheets 11A and 11B and the second insulating sheets 21A and 21B.

In the above embodiment, the cushion member 51A covers the entire openings 34A and 30B formed in the spacer 30A via the first insulating sheet 11A of the first sensor unit 1A. The cushion member 51B The entire openings 34C and 30D formed in the spacer 30B were covered via the first insulating sheet 11B of the second sensor unit 1B. However, the cushion members 51A and 51B may not cover the entire opening. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the opening 34A and the cushion member 51A. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the opening 34A may be configured to be partially covered by the cushion member 51A. Similarly, the opening 34B may be configured to be partially covered by the cushion member 51A, and the openings 34C and 34D may be configured to be partially covered by the cushion member 51B. In short, the cushion members 51A and 51B may be cushion members that cover at least a part of the openings 34A to 34D via the first insulating sheets 11A and 11B. Also in the above modification, at least a part of the openings 34A to 34D may be covered with the cushion member provided on the second insulating sheets 21A and 21B side.

As described above, when the cushion members 51A and 51B are cushion members that cover at least a part of the openings 34A to 34D, the ratio of the cushion members covering the openings (the amount of the cushion member closed relative to the openings) is made different. The sensitivity of the pressure switches 40A to 40D can be adjusted. In particular, when the size of the opening varies depending on the pressure-sensitive switch as in the fourth embodiment, for example, in the pressure-sensitive switch having the larger opening and the pressure-sensitive switch having the smaller opening, the opening of one of the pressure-sensitive switches is The entire structure may be covered with a cushion member, and the opening of the other pressure sensitive switch may be configured to be partially covered with the cushion member. In this way, even if there is a restriction on the place where the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D are to be arranged, the uniformity (balance) at which the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D are turned on can be improved.

Further, in the fifth embodiment, the seating sensor 1 is disposed on the plurality of springs by the pedestal. However, when the plurality of springs 95 are stretched over the seat frame 91 as in the fifth embodiment, the placement member on which the seating sensor 1 is placed is not limited to the pedestal 6. . For example, the seat frame 91 can be applied as a mounting member on which the seating sensor 1 is mounted. Specifically, the seating sensor 1 can be placed on the upper surface of the front frame member 91a, the rear frame member 91b, the side frame member 91c or 91d. As shown in FIG. 21, among these members 91a to 91d, the upper surface of the front frame member 91a receives the highest pressing force from the cushion pad 93. Therefore, from the viewpoint of further improving the sensitivity of the pressure sensitive switches 40A to 40D, it is preferable that the upper surface of the front frame member 91a is the place where the seating sensor 1 is disposed. By the way, when the number of pressure-sensitive switches placed on one pedestal increases, the pedestal tends to increase, and the larger the pedestal, the higher the possibility of hindering the cushioning properties of the cushion pad 93. . From the viewpoint of avoiding such a possibility regardless of the number of pressure-sensitive switches and the like, it is preferable that the upper surface of the seat frame 91 is used as the place where the seating sensor 1 is disposed.

In the fifth embodiment, the pedestal 6 that can be supported by the two springs 95 is used. However, a pedestal that can be supported by a bent portion of the single spring 95 may be used. As such a pedestal, for example, the pedestal 6 shown in FIG. 19A may be cut between the two grooves 7 and one of the cut pedestals 6 may be used as a new pedestal.

In the fifth embodiment, the pedestal 6 on which the seating sensor 1 is placed above the spring 95 is used. However, a pedestal on which the seating sensor 1 is placed below the spring 95 may be used. For example, a groove 7 is formed on the seat surface side of the seat, the groove 7 is fitted into a part of two springs 95 from the lower side, and a pedestal on which a seating sensor is placed below the two springs 95 is given. be able to. When such a pedestal is employed, the pressure-sensitive switch may be disposed between adjacent springs, or may be disposed directly below the spring.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the conducting wire 45 by which the conducting wire 46 was coat | covered with the insulating layer 47 was used, the insulating layer 47 is not necessarily essential in the conducting wire 45, The kind of the conducting wire 45 has a flexibility. As long as it can be changed.

It should be noted that the components of the seating sensor or seat device in the present invention can be combined as appropriate in addition to the above.

According to the present invention, a seating sensor that can easily change the relative position of the pressure sensitive switch in a limited space, and a seat device using the seating sensor are provided.

1, 2, 3, 4 ... Seating sensor 1A, 3A ... 1st sensor part 1B, 3B ... 2nd sensor part 6 ... Base 7 ... Groove 10A, 10B ... 1st Electrode sheets 11A, 11B ... first insulating sheets 14A-14D ... first electrodes 16A-16H ... wiring 20A, 20B ... second electrode sheets 21A, 20B ... second insulating sheets 24A- 24D ... Second electrode 26A-26D ... Wiring 30A, 30B ... Spacer 34A-34D ... Opening 36A-36D ... Slit 40A-40D ... Pressure sensitive switch 42A, 42B, 43A, 43B ... Terminal 45 ... Conductive wire 46 ... Conductor wire 47 ... Insulating layer 48 ... Resistor 51A, 51B, 52A ... Cushion member 9, 90 ... Seat device 91 ... Seat frame 9 2 ... Seat pan 93 ... Cushion pad 94 ... Hole 95 ... Spring 96 ... Backrest

Claims (16)

1. A seating sensor that is placed on a seat and detects a person's seating,
   A pair of insulating sheets having flexibility, a sheet-like spacer interposed between the pair of insulating sheets and having openings formed thereon, and provided on the respective surfaces of the pair of insulating sheets, and the openings A plurality of pressure sensitive switches having a pair of electrodes opposed to each other via
   Wiring for electrically connecting the plurality of pressure sensitive switches;
   With
   The pair of insulating sheets and the spacer in at least one of the pressure sensitive switches are separated from the pair of insulating sheets and the spacer in the other pressure sensitive switches,
   The seating sensor, wherein the pair of insulating sheets and the spacers connect at least a part of the wiring connecting pressure-sensitive switches separated from each other, and are made of a conductive wire having flexibility.
2. The seating sensor according to claim 1, wherein the conductive wire includes a conductive wire and an insulating layer covering the conductive wire.
3. The pair of insulating sheets and the wiring connecting the pressure-sensitive switches in which the spacers are separated from each other further have a resistor,
   The seating sensor according to claim 1, wherein the conductive wire and the resistor are connected in series.
4. The cushioning member is further provided on at least one of the pair of insulating sheets on the side opposite to the spacer side, and covers at least a part of the opening through the insulating sheet. 4. The seating sensor according to any one of 3 above.
5. The seating sensor according to claim 4, wherein the cushion member is made of a resin containing at least one of silicon and polyester.
6. The seating according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure-sensitive switches in which the pair of insulating sheets and the spacers are separated from each other have different sizes of the openings. Sensor.
7. Cushion pad,
   The seating sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, disposed below the cushion pad;
   A seat device comprising:
8. The seat device according to claim 7, wherein the seating sensor is fixed to a lower surface of the cushion pad.
9. Further comprising a placement member disposed below the cushion pad and on which the seating sensor is placed;
   The seating device according to claim 7, wherein the seating sensor is disposed between the mounting member and the cushion pad.
10. 10. The seat device according to claim 9, wherein the placing member is a seat pan that supports the cushion pad.
11. 10. The mounting member according to claim 9, wherein the mounting member is a pedestal that is detachably attached to a part of a plurality of springs stretched over a seat frame and mounts the seating sensor above the springs. Seating equipment.
12. The seat device according to claim 9, wherein the mounting member is a seat frame on which a plurality of springs are stretched.
13. With a backrest,
    The seating device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the seating sensor is arranged such that the pressure-sensitive switch is located in front of a hip point of a person who normally sits.
14. The pressure-sensitive switches in which the pair of insulating sheets and the spacers are separated from each other are respectively on the right side and the left side with respect to a center line that is parallel to the front-rear direction of the cushion pad and passes through the center in the width direction. The seat device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the seat device is arranged.
15. At least one pair of the pressure sensitive switches arranged on the right side and the left side of the center line is arranged such that a direction connecting the pressure sensitive switches to each other is perpendicular to the center line. The seat device according to claim 14.
16. The seat device according to claim 15, wherein at least one set of the pressure-sensitive switches arranged on the right side and the left side of the line is arranged in a symmetrical position with respect to the center line.

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