Seats for transportation

Abstract

In a vehicle seat having a pad supported by a plate, a harness extending from a sensor is arranged on the back side of the pad. The vehicle seat (1) comprises a plate (4), a pad (11, 51), a skin material (12, 52) and a sensor (32), wherein the pad is supported by the plate; the skin material covers the surface of the pad; the sensor is arranged between the surface of the pad and the skin material for obtaining information related to the seated person; the pad has a through hole (35, 58) and a recess (45, 61), wherein the through hole passes through from the surface of the pad to the back side; the recess is recessed on the back side of the pad and connected to the through hole, and the harness connected to the sensor extends in the through hole and the recess.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of July 2, 2019, the invention name of “Seat for Vehicles” and the application number of 201980057165.3. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a seat for a vehicle. Background Art

[0003] A vehicle seat having a seating sensor provided on a seat cushion is known (for example, Patent Document 1). The seating sensor has a thin film-shaped pressure sensor disposed on the surface (upper surface) of a seat cushion pad. The pressure sensor detects the pressure acting on the seating surface of the seat cushion as a sensor, thereby sensing the seating condition of the seat occupant. The pressure sensor is connected to a control device via a wiring harness, wherein the wiring harness extends to the back side of the seat cushion pad via a through hole penetrating the seat cushion pad in the up-down direction. According to this structure, the wiring harness can be disposed in a position where it is difficult for the seat occupant to come into contact with the wiring harness.

[0004] A seat sensor is known, which has a plurality of pressure-sensitive switches on the seat area of ​​a vehicle seat and switches on / off according to the seating of the occupant (for example, Patent Document 2). The seat sensor described in Patent Document 2 has a sheet, a plurality of pressure-sensitive switches and wiring, wherein the sheet is flexible; the plurality of pressure-sensitive switches are provided on the sheet; the wiring is provided on the sheet and is used to connect a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors. The pressure-sensitive switches are provided in pairs on the left and right and are connected in series to form a detection unit. A plurality of detection units are arranged front to back and are connected in parallel to each other. In at least one detection unit, when both pressure-sensitive switches are turned on, the detection circuit is turned on, thereby turning on the seat sensor. Since the plurality of detection units are arranged front to back, even if the occupant is seated on the front or rear side of the seat area, the occupant's seating situation can be sensed by the seat sensor.

[0005] [Prior art literature]

[0006] [Patent Document]

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-65659 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-526844 Summary of the invention

[0008] [Technical problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, in the case of a rear seat, since a pad constituting a seat cushion and a seat back is supported by a vehicle body panel, it is difficult to ensure a space for arranging a wire harness on the back side of the pad.

[0010] In view of the above background, a technical problem of the present invention is to arrange a wire harness extending from a sensor on a back side of a pad in a vehicle seat having a pad supported by a panel.

[0011] [Technical solutions for solving technical problems]

[0012] In order to solve the above technical problems, a technical solution of the present invention is a seat (1) for a vehicle, characterized in that it has a plate (4), a cushion (11, 51), a surface material (12, 52) and a sensor (32), wherein the cushion is supported on the plate; the surface material covers the surface of the cushion; the sensor is arranged between the surface of the cushion and the surface material, and is used to obtain information related to the seated person, and the cushion has a through hole (35, 58) and a recess (45, 61), wherein the through hole passes through from the surface of the cushion to the back side; the recess is recessed on the back side of the cushion and connected to the through hole, and the wiring harness connected to the sensor extends in the through hole and the recess.

[0013] According to this aspect, in the vehicle seat in which the pad is supported by the panel, a space can be formed between the panel and the back surface of the pad by the recessed portion, and the wire harness can be arranged in the space.

[0014] In the above invention, the recessed portion may extend from the through hole to an edge portion of the back surface of the gasket.

[0015] According to this aspect, the wire harness arranged on the back surface of the pad can be led out to the side of the pad.

[0016] In the above invention, the surface (plate surface) of the plate (5) may face the up-down direction, the gasket (11) may be rotatably arranged on the upper surface of the plate with the rear end portion as the center (X1), and the recess may extend backward from the through hole. Alternatively, the surface of the plate (6) may face the front-back direction, the gasket (51) may be rotatably arranged on the front surface of the plate with the lower end portion as the center (X2), and the recess may extend downward from the through hole.

[0017] According to the above technical solution, since the wire harness extends from the through hole to the rotating shaft side on the back side of the pad, the distance between the end of the wire harness and the plate is not easy to change when the pad rotates relative to the plate, thereby preventing the wire harness from being stretched.

[0018] In the above invention, the gasket may include a plurality of members (14, 15) made of different materials, and the through hole may be formed in one of the plurality of members.

[0019] According to this technical solution, the through hole can be easily formed.

[0020] In the above invention, the pad may be provided with an air passage (37) extending from the back to the surface, and the through hole may be formed avoiding the air passage. Also, a stopper (41) for fixing the child seat may be formed on the surface of the pad, and the through hole may be formed avoiding the stopper. Also, a heating cloth (43) having a heating line may be provided on the surface of the pad, and the through hole may open at a position avoiding the heating cloth.

[0021] According to the above technical solution, the influence of other factors on the wire harness can be reduced.

[0022] In the above invention, one end of the through hole may be arranged at a position avoiding a pressure-bearing area (30), wherein the pressure-bearing area is set as an area on the surface of the cushion where a load of a seated person is directly applied. In addition, the surface of the plate may face the up-down direction, the cushion may be arranged on the upper surface of the plate, and the through hole may be arranged behind the pressure-bearing area.

[0023] According to this aspect, the load of the seated person can be made less likely to act on the wire harness.

[0024] When multiple pressure-sensitive sensors are arranged close to each other on a continuous seat, when a load acts on the detection range of one of the pressure-sensitive sensors, the seat will be deformed by the stress acting on the seat, and there is a possibility that other pressure-sensitive sensors will also erroneously detect the load. Therefore, the technical problem of the seat occupancy sensor is to suppress erroneous detection.

[0025] In order to solve the above technical problems, a technical solution of the present invention is a seating sensor (110), which is arranged between the upper surface of a seat cushion lining (106) of a seat cushion (102) constituting a vehicle seat (101) and a surface material (107) covering the seat cushion lining, the seating sensor (110) being characterized in that it comprises a sheet (111), a plurality of pressure-sensitive switches (112) and wiring (113), wherein the sheet is flexible; the plurality of pressure-sensitive switches are arranged on the sheet; the wiring is arranged on the sheet for connecting the plurality of pressure-sensitive switches, the sheet having a main portion (111A) and a plurality of branch portions (111B to 111J), wherein the main portion extends in a left-right direction; the plurality of branch portions extend forward or backward from the main portion, and the plurality of pressure-sensitive switches are respectively arranged at the top of the branch portions.

[0026] According to the technical solution, adjacent pressure-sensitive switches are connected through the branch part, the main part and the branch part. Therefore, when a load acts on a certain pressure-sensitive switch, the deformation of the branch part provided with the pressure-sensitive switch is not easily transmitted to the branch part provided with other adjacent pressure-sensitive switches. Thus, the false detection of other adjacent pressure-sensitive switches can be suppressed.

[0027] In the above technical solution, the main part may extend from the left half to the right half of the passenger's seating area (105), and the branch part may include a first branch part (111B), a second branch part (111C), a third branch part (111D) and a fourth branch part (111E), wherein the first branch part and the second branch part are arranged at intervals from each other in the left-right direction in the left half of the seating area; the third branch part and the fourth branch part are arranged at intervals from each other in the left-right direction in the right half of the seating area, and the pressure-sensitive switch The switch comprises a first pressure-sensitive switch (112B), a second pressure-sensitive switch (112C), a third pressure-sensitive switch (112D) and a fourth pressure-sensitive switch (112E), wherein the first pressure-sensitive switch is arranged at the top of the first branch portion; the second pressure-sensitive switch is arranged at the top of the second branch portion; the third pressure-sensitive switch is arranged at the top of the third branch portion; the fourth pressure-sensitive switch is arranged at the top of the fourth branch portion, and the first to fourth pressure-sensitive switches are arranged on a first imaginary straight line (L1) extending in the left-right direction.

[0028] According to this aspect, when the first to fourth pressure sensitive switches are arranged on the left and right in proximity to each other, erroneous detection of each pressure sensitive switch can be suppressed.

[0029] In the above-mentioned aspect, the hip point (HP) of the occupant may be arranged on the first imaginary straight line.

[0030] According to this aspect, the first to fourth pressure sensitive switches can be arranged at the portion most susceptible to the load of the occupant.

[0031] In the above technical solution, the wiring may connect the first pressure-sensitive switch and the second pressure-sensitive switch in parallel to form a first circuit (116), connect the third pressure-sensitive switch and the fourth pressure-sensitive switch in parallel to form a second circuit (117), and connect the first circuit and the second circuit in series.

[0032] According to this technical solution, even if there are differences in the physique of the occupants and the seat position of the occupants is offset to the left or right, the seat sensor can reliably detect the occupants.

[0033] In the above technical solution, the first branch portion and the first pressure-sensitive switch may be arranged on the left side of the second branch portion and the second pressure-sensitive switch, and the third branch portion and the third pressure-sensitive switch may be arranged on the left side of the fourth branch portion and the fourth pressure-sensitive switch, so that the load for turning the first pressure-sensitive switch into an on state is greater than the load for turning the second pressure-sensitive switch into an on state, and the load for turning the fourth pressure-sensitive switch into an on state is greater than the load for turning the third pressure-sensitive switch into an on state.

[0034] According to this technical solution, the seat occupancy sensor is less likely to mistakenly detect an object other than an occupant. The left and right outer pressure-sensitive switches, namely the first and fourth pressure-sensitive switches, are used to detect a large occupant, and therefore, the occupant can be detected even if the load to turn them on is greater than the load to turn the inner sensor on. By setting the load to turn the left and right outer pressure-sensitive switches on to a greater load, it is possible to suppress the pressure-sensitive switches from turning on due to an object lighter than the occupant.

[0035] In the above technical solution, the first to fourth branch parts may extend from the main part to the rear, and the branch parts may include a fifth branch part (111F), a sixth branch part (111G), a seventh branch part (111H) and an eighth branch part (111J), wherein the fifth branch part and the sixth branch part are in the left half of the seating area and extend forward at intervals from each other in the left-right direction; the seventh branch part and the eighth branch part are in the right half of the seating area and extend forward at intervals from each other in the left-right direction, and the pressure-sensitive The switch comprises a fifth pressure-sensitive switch (112F), a sixth pressure-sensitive switch (112G), a seventh pressure-sensitive switch (112H) and an eighth pressure-sensitive switch (112J), wherein the fifth pressure-sensitive switch is arranged at the top of the fifth branch portion; the sixth pressure-sensitive switch is arranged at the top of the sixth branch portion; the seventh pressure-sensitive switch is arranged at the top of the seventh branch portion; the eighth pressure-sensitive switch is arranged at the top of the eighth branch portion, and the fifth to eighth pressure-sensitive switches are arranged on a second imaginary straight line (L2) extending in the left-right direction.

[0036] According to this technical solution, a rear switch column consisting of the first to fourth pressure-sensitive switches and a front switch column consisting of the fifth to eighth pressure-sensitive switches can be formed, and the occupant can be reliably detected even when the occupant's seating position shifts forward or backward.

[0037] In the above technical solution, the wiring may connect the fifth pressure-sensitive switch and the sixth pressure-sensitive switch in parallel to form a third circuit (118), connect the seventh pressure-sensitive switch and the eighth pressure-sensitive switch in parallel to form a fourth circuit (119), connect the third circuit and the fourth circuit in series, and connect the first circuit and the second circuit in parallel to the third circuit and the fourth circuit.

[0038] According to this aspect, even when there are differences in physique of the occupants and the seat position of the occupants is offset to the left or right, the front switch array consisting of the fifth to eighth pressure-sensitive switches can reliably detect the occupants.

[0039] In the above technical solution, the 5th branch and the 5th pressure-sensitive switch may be arranged on the left of the 6th branch and the 6th pressure-sensitive switch, and the 7th branch and the 7th pressure-sensitive switch may be arranged on the left of the 8th branch and the 8th pressure-sensitive switch, so that the load for turning the 5th pressure-sensitive switch into an on state is greater than the load for turning the 6th pressure-sensitive switch into an on state, and the load for turning the 8th pressure-sensitive switch into an on state is greater than the load for turning the 7th pressure-sensitive switch into an on state.

[0040] According to this aspect, the front switch row consisting of the fifth to eighth pressure-sensitive switches is less likely to erroneously detect an object other than an occupant.

[0041] In the above technical solution, the first branch portion and the fifth branch portion may be arranged in a straight line along the front-to-back direction, the second branch portion and the sixth branch portion may be arranged in a straight line along the front-to-back direction, the third branch portion and the seventh branch portion may be arranged in a straight line along the front-to-back direction, and the fourth branch portion and the eighth branch portion may be arranged in a straight line along the front-to-back direction.

[0042] According to this technical solution, the shape of the sheet can be simplified.

[0043] In the above technical solution, the branch portion may have a 9th branch portion (111K), the 9th branch portion extends forward or backward from the main portion, and has a connection portion (114) connected to an external wiring at its top end, and the connection portion is arranged behind the second imaginary straight line and in front of the first imaginary straight line.

[0044] According to this aspect, the front-rear width of the entire seat occupancy sensor can be reduced, so that the seat occupancy sensor can be formed compactly.

[0045] In addition, in the above technical solution, the vehicle seat may constitute a rear seat of a car.

[0046] According to this configuration, in the rear seats where the posture of the occupant can greatly change, the seating condition of the occupant can be sensed using the seating sensor.

[0047] When an object is placed on the seat surface, pressure acts on the seat surface, and the pressure is detected by the pressure sensor. Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish between the situation where the occupant is seated on the seat surface and the situation where the object is placed on the seat surface only by the pressure sensor. Therefore, the technical problem of the vehicle seat capable of sensing the seat of the occupant is to more reliably distinguish between the situation where the occupant is seated on the seat and the situation where the object is placed on the seat surface.

[0048] In order to solve the above technical problems, a technical solution of the present invention is a seat (201, 251, 261, 271) for a vehicle, which has a seat cushion (204) and a seat back (205) arranged at the rear of the seat cushion. The vehicle seat is characterized in that it has a pressure sensor (20), a capacitance sensor (240, 253, 254) and a determination device (246), wherein the pressure sensor is arranged on the seat cushion; the capacitance sensor is arranged on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back; and the determination device determines whether there is a passenger seated based on a signal from the pressure sensor and a signal from the capacitance sensor.

[0049] According to this configuration, since it is determined whether an occupant is seated based on the signal from the pressure sensor and the signal from the capacitance sensor, it is possible to more reliably determine whether an occupant is seated on the seat and whether an object is placed on the seat surface.

[0050] In addition, in the above technical solution, the capacitive sensor may be arranged on the seat back.

[0051] According to this structure, the pressure sensor is provided on the seat cushion, and the capacitance sensor is provided on the seat back. Therefore, compared with the case where both the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor are provided on the seat cushion, the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor can be easily arranged at positions that do not interfere with each other, so that the operation of each sensor is not easily hindered. In addition, compared with the case where both the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor are provided on the seat cushion, the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor can be easily wired.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the capacitive sensor may be provided at a position corresponding to the waist (H) of the occupant.

[0053] According to this technical solution, since the capacitance sensor is disposed in a manner close to the seated occupant, the seating of the occupant can be sensed with higher sensitivity.

[0054] In addition, in the above technical solution, a transverse embedding groove (215) extending in the left-right direction for embedding the skin may be provided on the seat cushion, and the pressure sensor is respectively arranged at the front and rear of the transverse embedding groove.

[0055] According to the technical solution, it is easy to assemble the pressure sensor. In addition, the deformation and positional displacement of the pressure sensor can be suppressed. In addition, by arranging the pressure sensor in front and behind the transverse groove, the pressure acting on the seat surface of the seat cushion can be sensed in a wider range.

[0056] In addition, in the above technical solution, a pair of left and right longitudinal grooves (236) for embedding the skin can be provided on the seat back, and the capacitive sensor is provided between the left and right longitudinal grooves.

[0057] According to this technical solution, it is easy to assemble the capacitance sensor and it is also possible to suppress deformation and positional displacement of the capacitance sensor.

[0058] In addition, in the above technical solution, the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor (253, 254) may be both arranged on the seat cushion.

[0059] According to this technical solution, the capacitive sensor is provided on the seat cushion where the occupant sits. According to this, since the capacitive sensor is arranged close to the seat surface that the occupant contacts when sitting, the seating of the occupant can be sensed with higher sensitivity by the capacitive sensor.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor may be arranged so as to at least partially overlap when viewed from above.

[0061] According to this technical solution, the area where the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor are arranged on the seat surface can be reduced, thereby suppressing the foreign body feeling caused to the occupant by the arrangement of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit and the capacitance sensor.

[0062] In addition, in the above technical solution, the pressure sensor may be arranged on the upper side of the capacitive sensor, and when viewed from above, the pressure sensor may be located inside the outer periphery of the capacitive sensor.

[0063] According to this aspect, since the area in the seat surface where the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor are arranged can be further reduced, the foreign body sensation caused to the occupant by the arrangement of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit and the capacitance sensor can be further suppressed.

[0064] In addition, in the above technical solution, a transverse embedding groove (215) extending in the left-right direction for embedding the surface can be provided on the seat cushion, and the capacitive sensors are respectively provided in front and behind the transverse embedding groove, and the pressure sensor is arranged on the upper side of each of the capacitive sensors.

[0065] According to the technical solution, since the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor are arranged at the front and rear of the transverse groove, the seating of the occupant can be sensed in a wider range of the seating surface. In addition, since the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor are arranged at positions avoiding the groove, it is easy to assemble the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor to the seat cushion, and the deformation and positional displacement of the two sensors when the occupant is seated can be suppressed.

[0066] In addition, in the above technical solution, a transverse groove (215) extending in the left-right direction for embedding the skin can be provided on the seat cushion, the pressure sensor is provided behind the transverse groove, and the capacitive sensor is provided in front of the transverse groove.

[0067] According to this technical solution, since both the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor can be arranged near the seat surface, the seating of the occupant can be detected with higher sensitivity. In addition, since the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor can be arranged without the embedding groove, it is easy to assemble the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor to the seat cushion. The deformation and positional displacement of the two sensors when the occupant is seated can be suppressed.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the capacitive sensor may have an opening (263, 264) penetrating in the up-down direction and be provided on the seat cushion, and the pressure sensor may be arranged inside the opening.

[0069] According to this technical solution, since the pressure sensor is arranged inside the opening of the capacitance sensor, the seating surface can be made flatter, thereby improving the seating feeling.

[0070] In addition, in the above technical solution, the upper surface of the pressure sensor and the upper surface of the capacitance sensor may be coplanar.

[0071] According to this aspect, since the seating surface can be made flatter, the seating comfort is further improved.

[0072] In addition, in the above technical solution, a transverse embedding groove (215) extending in the left-right direction for embedding the skin can be provided on the seat cushion, the capacitive sensors are respectively provided in the front and rear of the transverse embedding groove, and the pressure sensors are respectively arranged inside the openings of the capacitive sensors.

[0073] According to the technical solution, since the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor are arranged at the front and rear of the transverse groove, the seating of the occupant can be sensed in a wider range of the seating surface. In addition, since the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor are arranged at positions avoiding the groove, it is easy to assemble the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor to the seat cushion. In addition, since the pressure sensor is arranged inside the opening of the capacitive sensor, the seating surface can be made flatter. Thus, the seating feeling of the vehicle seat can be improved.

[0074] [Effects of the invention]

[0075] According to the above-described aspect, in the vehicle seat in which the pad is supported by the panel, a space can be formed between the panel and the back surface of the pad by the recessed portion provided on the back surface of the pad, and the wire harness can be arranged in the space.

[0076] According to the technical solution in which the recessed portion extends from the through hole to the edge of the back surface of the gasket, the wire harness arranged on the back surface of the gasket can be led out to the side of the gasket.

[0077] Depending on the technical solution in which the surface of the plate is oriented in the up-down direction, the gasket can be arranged on the upper surface of the plate in a manner of rotating around the rear end portion, and the recess extends rearward from the through hole; or the surface of the plate is oriented in the front-to-back direction, the gasket can be arranged on the front surface of the plate in a manner of rotating around the lower end portion, and the recess extends downward from the through hole. When the gasket rotates relative to the plate, the distance between the end of the wiring harness and the plate is not easily changed, thereby preventing the wiring harness from being stretched.

[0078] According to the technical solution in which the gasket is formed by combining a plurality of members having different materials and the through hole is formed in one of the plurality of members, the through hole can be easily formed.

[0079] According to the technical solutions that an air passage extending from the back side to the surface is formed on the cushion, and the through hole is formed avoiding the air passage, a groove is formed on the surface of the cushion for the arm extending from the child seat to pass through, and the through hole is formed avoiding the groove, and a heating cloth with heating wires is provided on the surface of the cushion, and the through hole is opened at a position avoiding the heating cloth, the influence of other factors on the wiring harness can be reduced.

[0080] According to a technical solution in which the through hole opens at a position avoiding a pressure area, wherein the pressure area is set as an area on the surface of the cushion that is directly affected by the load of the seated person, and the surface of the plate faces the up and down directions, the cushion is arranged on the upper surface of the plate, and the through hole opens at the rear of the pressure area, it can make the load of the seated person less likely to act on the wiring harness.

[0081] According to the technical solution in which the sheet has a main portion extending in the left-right direction and a plurality of branch portions extending from the main portion to the front or rear, and a plurality of pressure-sensitive switches are respectively arranged at the top of the branch portions, the adjacent pressure-sensitive switches are connected through the branch portions, the main portion and the branch portions. Therefore, when a load acts on one of the pressure-sensitive switches, the deformation of the branch portion provided with the pressure-sensitive switch is not easily transmitted to the branch portion provided with the other adjacent pressure-sensitive switches. Thus, the erroneous detection of the other adjacent pressure-sensitive switches can be suppressed.

[0082] According to a technical solution in which the branch portion comprises a first branch portion, a second branch portion, a third branch portion and a fourth branch portion, wherein the first branch portion and the second branch portion are arranged at a distance from each other in the left-right direction in the left half of the seating area, and the third branch portion and the fourth branch portion are arranged at a distance from each other in the left-right direction in the right half of the seating area, and the first to fourth pressure-sensitive switches are arranged on a first imaginary straight line extending in the left-right direction, when the first to fourth pressure-sensitive switches are arranged close to each other in the left-right direction, erroneous detection of each pressure-sensitive switch can be suppressed.

[0083] According to the technical solution in which the hip point of the occupant is arranged on the first imaginary straight line, the first to fourth pressure sensitive switches can be arranged at the portion most susceptible to the load of the occupant.

[0084] According to the technical solution in which the first pressure-sensitive switch and the second pressure-sensitive switch are connected in parallel according to wiring to form the first circuit, the third pressure-sensitive switch and the fourth pressure-sensitive switch are connected in parallel to form the second circuit, and the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in series, the seating sensor can reliably detect the occupant regardless of the physical difference of the occupant or the deviation of the occupant's seating position to the left or right.

[0085] According to the technical solution that the load for turning on the first pressure-sensitive switch is larger than the load for turning on the second pressure-sensitive switch, and the load for turning on the fourth pressure-sensitive switch is larger than the load for turning on the third pressure-sensitive switch, the seat occupancy sensor is less likely to erroneously detect an object other than an occupant. By setting the load for turning on the left and right outer pressure-sensitive switches to be larger, it is possible to suppress the pressure-sensitive switches from being turned on by an object lighter than the occupant.

[0086] According to the technical scheme, the branch portion has a 5th branch portion, a 6th branch portion, a 7th branch portion and an 8th branch portion, wherein the 5th branch portion and the 6th branch portion are in the left half of the seating area and extend forward at a distance from each other in the left-right direction, and the 7th branch portion and the 8th branch portion are in the right half of the seating area and extend forward at a distance from each other in the left-right direction, and the 5th to 8th pressure-sensitive switches are arranged on the second imaginary straight line extending in the left-right direction. A rear switch column consisting of the 1st to 4th pressure-sensitive switches and a front switch column consisting of the 5th to 8th pressure-sensitive switches can be formed, and the occupant can be reliably detected even when the seating position of the occupant is offset forward and backward.

[0087] According to the wiring, the 5th pressure-sensitive switch and the 6th pressure-sensitive switch are connected in parallel to form the 3rd circuit, the 7th pressure-sensitive switch and the 8th pressure-sensitive switch are connected in parallel to form the 4th circuit, the 3rd circuit and the 4th circuit are connected in series, and the 1st circuit and the 2nd circuit are connected in parallel to the 3rd circuit and the 4th circuit. Even in the case where there are physical differences among the passengers and the seating positions of the passengers are shifted to the left or right, the front switch column composed of the 5th to 8th pressure-sensitive switches can reliably detect the passengers.

[0088] According to the technical solution in which the load for turning on the 5th pressure sensitive switch is greater than the load for turning on the 6th pressure sensitive switch, and the load for turning on the 8th pressure sensitive switch is greater than the load for turning on the 7th pressure sensitive switch, the front switch column consisting of the 5th to 8th pressure sensitive switches is less likely to mistakenly detect objects other than occupants.

[0089] The technical solution in which the 1st branch and the 5th branch are arranged in a straight line along the front-to-back direction, the 2nd branch and the 6th branch are arranged in a straight line along the front-to-back direction, the 3rd branch and the 7th branch are arranged in a straight line along the front-to-back direction, and the 4th branch and the 8th branch are arranged in a straight line along the front-to-back direction can simplify the shape of the sheet.

[0090] According to the technical solution in which the connection portion provided at the top end of the ninth branch portion is arranged behind the second imaginary straight line and in front of the first imaginary straight line, the front-rear width of the entire seat occupancy sensor can be reduced, and the seat occupancy sensor can be made compact.

[0091] According to the structure of the rear seat of the automobile as the vehicle seat, the seating condition of the occupant can be sensed using the seating sensor in the rear seat where the occupant's posture can be greatly changed.

[0092] According to a technical solution in which a vehicle seat has a pressure sensor, a capacitance sensor and a determination device, wherein the pressure sensor is arranged on the seat cushion; the capacitance sensor is arranged on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back; and the determination device determines whether there is an occupant sitting on the seat based on a signal from the pressure sensor and a signal from the capacitance sensor, the situation of the occupant sitting on the seat and the situation of objects placed on the seat surface can be more reliably determined.

[0093] In addition, according to the structure in which the capacitive sensor is provided on the seat back in the above technical solution, the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor can be easily arranged at positions that do not interfere with each other, compared with the case where both the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor are provided on the seat cushion. In addition, the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor can be easily wired, compared with the case where both the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor are provided on the seat cushion.

[0094] In addition, according to the configuration in which the capacitance sensor is provided at a location corresponding to the waist of the occupant in the above-mentioned technical solution, since the capacitance sensor is provided close to the seated occupant, the seating of the occupant can be sensed with higher sensitivity.

[0095] In addition, according to the above technical solution, a transverse groove extending in the left-right direction for embedding the surface is provided on the seat cushion, and the pressure sensor is respectively arranged at the front and rear of the transverse groove, which makes it easy to assemble the pressure sensor. In addition, the deformation and positional displacement of the pressure sensor can be suppressed. In addition, by arranging the pressure sensor at the front and rear of the groove, the pressure acting on the seat surface of the seat cushion can be sensed in a wider range.

[0096] In addition, according to the above technical solution, a pair of left and right longitudinal grooves for embedding the skin are provided on the seat back, and the capacitive sensor is provided between the left and right longitudinal grooves, which makes it easy to assemble the capacitive sensor. In addition, the deformation and positional displacement of the capacitive sensor can be suppressed.

[0097] In addition, according to the above technical solution, both the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor are arranged in the structure of the seat cushion. Since the capacitance sensor is arranged close to the seat surface that the occupant contacts when sitting, the seating of the occupant can be sensed with higher sensitivity through the capacitance sensor.

[0098] In addition, according to the above technical solution, the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor are arranged in a manner that at least partially overlaps when viewed from above, which can reduce the area on the seat surface where the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor are arranged. This can suppress the foreign body sensation caused to the occupant by the arrangement of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit and the capacitance sensor.

[0099] In addition, according to the above-mentioned technical solution, the pressure sensor is arranged on the upper side of the capacitive sensor. When viewed from above, the pressure sensor is located on the inner side of the outer periphery of the capacitive sensor. Since the area where the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor are arranged in the seating surface can be further reduced, the foreign body sensation caused to the occupant due to the arrangement of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit and the capacitive sensor can be further suppressed.

[0100] In addition, according to the above technical solution, a transverse groove extending in the left-right direction for embedding the surface is provided on the seat cushion, and capacitive sensors are respectively provided at the front and rear of the transverse groove, and the pressure sensor is arranged on the upper side of each capacitive sensor. Since the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor are arranged at the front and rear of the transverse groove, the seating of the occupant can be sensed in a wider range of the seating surface. In addition, since the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor are respectively arranged at positions avoiding the groove, it is easy to assemble the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor to the seat cushion, and the deformation and positional displacement of the two sensors when the seat is taken can be suppressed.

[0101] In addition, according to the above technical solution, the seat cushion is provided with a groove extending in the left-right direction for embedding the surface, the pressure sensor is arranged behind the groove, and the capacitance sensor is arranged in front of the groove. Since both the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor can be arranged at a position close to the seat surface, the seating of the occupant can be sensed with higher sensitivity. In addition, since the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor can be arranged avoiding the groove, it is easy to assemble the pressure sensor and the capacitance sensor to the seat cushion, and the deformation and positional displacement of the two sensors when the seat is taken can be suppressed.

[0102] In addition, according to the above technical solution, the capacitive sensor has an opening that passes through in the up-down direction and is provided on the seat cushion, and the pressure sensor is arranged inside the opening. Since the pressure sensor is arranged inside the opening of the capacitive sensor, the seating surface can be made flatter, thereby improving the seating feeling.

[0103] In addition, according to the above technical solution, the upper surface of the pressure sensor and the upper surface of the capacitance sensor are coplanar, which can make the seating surface flatter, thereby further improving the seating feel.

[0104] In addition, according to the above technical solution, a transverse groove extending in the left-right direction for embedding the surface is provided on the seat cushion, and a capacitive sensor is provided at the front and rear of the transverse groove, respectively, and a pressure sensor is arranged inside the opening of the capacitive sensor. Since the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor are arranged at the front and rear of the transverse groove, the seating of the occupant can be sensed within a larger range of the seating surface. In addition, since the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor are arranged at positions avoiding the groove, respectively, it is easy to assemble the pressure sensor and the capacitive sensor to the seat cushion. In addition, since the pressure sensor is arranged inside the opening of the capacitive sensor, the seating surface can be made flatter. In this way, the seating feeling of the vehicle seat can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0105] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the seat according to the first embodiment.

[0106] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the seat cushion pad according to the first embodiment.

[0107] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the seat cushion pad according to the first embodiment.

[0108] Figure 4 It is a plan view of the seat cushion pad according to the first embodiment.

[0109] Figure 5 It is a bottom view of the seat cushion pad according to the first embodiment.

[0110] Figure 6 It is a plan view of a seat cushion pad according to a second embodiment.

[0111] Figure 7 It is a plan view of a rear seat according to a third embodiment.

[0112] Figure 8 It is a side view of a rear seat according to a third embodiment.

[0113] Fig. 9 It is a plan view of a seat occupancy sensor provided on a rear seat according to a third embodiment.

[0114] Fig.10 This is a circuit diagram of a seat occupancy sensor according to a third embodiment.

[0115] Fig.11 It is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a fourth embodiment.

[0116] Fig.12It is a side view of a vehicle seat according to a fourth embodiment and an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first lateral beading groove and its vicinity.

[0117] Fig.13 It is a plan view of a vehicle seat according to a fourth embodiment.

[0118] Fig.14 This is a circuit diagram of a pressure sensitive sensor seat according to a fourth embodiment.

[0119] Fig.15 This is a flowchart of the determination process.

[0120] Fig.16 This is a plan view of a vehicle seat when an occupant is seated at the (A) rear, (B) front, and (C) right side of the seat surface and when a bag of rice is placed on the (D) seat surface.

[0121] Fig.17 It is a plan view of a vehicle seat according to a fifth embodiment.

[0122] Fig.18 It is a plan view of a vehicle seat according to a sixth embodiment.

[0123] Fig.19 It is a plan view of a vehicle seat according to a seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0124] <<First Embodiment>>

[0125] Next, a first embodiment in which the vehicle seat of the present invention is applied to a rear seat of an automobile will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, left and right are determined based on the occupant sitting on the seat.

[0126] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the seat 1 is a horizontal seat capable of seating three persons. The seat 1 comprises a seat cushion 2 and a seat back 3, wherein the seat back 3 extends upward from the rear end of the seat cushion 2. Figure 2 As shown, the seat 1 is supported by a body panel 4 forming the body of the automobile. The body panel 4 has a bottom plate 5 and a wall 6, wherein the bottom plate 5 is formed by stamping a steel plate and has a surface facing the up-down direction; the wall 6 extends upward from the rear end of the bottom plate 5 and has a surface facing the front-back direction. The wall 6 divides the vehicle compartment and the luggage compartment. The seat cushion 2 is supported on the upper surface of the bottom plate 5, and the seat back 3 is supported on the front surface of the wall 6.

[0127] The seat cushion 2 includes a seat cushion pad 11 and a skin material 12, wherein the seat cushion pad 11 is supported by the bottom plate portion 5 and the skin material 12 covers the surface (upper surface) of the seat cushion pad 11. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the seat cushion pad 11 is formed by combining a plurality of parts made of different materials. The seat cushion pad 11 has a hard portion 14 and a soft portion 15, wherein the hard portion 14 constitutes the outer periphery of the back side portion (lower portion) of the seat cushion pad 11; and the soft portion 15 constitutes the surface side portion (upper portion) and the central portion of the lower portion of the seat cushion pad 11. The soft portion 15 has higher flexibility than the hard portion 14 and is combined with the hard portion 14. The hard portion 14 is, for example, EPP (foamed polypropylene), and the soft portion 15 is, for example, foamed polyurethane. The seat cushion pad 11 is maintained in shape by the structure in which the soft portion 15 is supported by the hard portion 14. In other embodiments, in order to maintain the shape of the seat cushion pad 11, a reinforcement such as a wire may be provided inside at least one of the soft portion 15 and the hard portion 14, or a frame for supporting the soft portion 15 may be provided.

[0128] The rear end of the seat cushion pad 11 is rotatably supported on the bottom plate portion 5 around a rotation axis X1 extending in the left-right direction. The seat cushion pad 11 can be rotatably supported by a bracket provided on the bottom plate portion 5. The seat cushion pad 11 rotates around the rotation axis X1, thereby obtaining a normal position and a flipped position, wherein in the normal position, the back surface (lower surface) of the seat cushion pad 11 contacts the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 5 to be seated, and in the flipped position, the front portion of the seat cushion pad 11 is located above relative to the normal position. In the normal position, the front end of the seat cushion pad 11 can be locked to the bottom plate portion 5.

[0129] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a groove 20 for embedding the skin material 12 is formed on the surface (upper surface) of the seat cushion pad 11. A metal wire for hooking a hook provided on the back of the skin material 12 is provided in the groove 20. The metal wire is embedded in the soft portion 15 and exposed to the outside in the groove 20. On the surface of the left portion of the seat cushion pad 11 corresponding to the left seat, left and right longitudinal grooves 21, 22 and front and rear transverse grooves 23, 24 constituting the groove 20 are formed.

[0130] The left and right longitudinal grooves 21, 22 are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction and extend in parallel in the front-back direction. The space between the left and right longitudinal grooves 21, 22 can be set larger than the distance between the hip joints of an average adult male. The front ends of the left and right longitudinal grooves 21, 22 reach the front edge of the seat cushion pad 11. The front transverse groove 23 extends in the left-right direction in front of the position of the hip joint of the seat occupant in the optimal sitting position and is connected to the left and right longitudinal grooves 21, 22. The front transverse groove 23 is provided in the center of the front-back direction of the surface of the seat cushion pad 11. The rear transverse groove 24 extends in the left-right direction behind the position of the hip joint of the seat occupant in the optimal sitting position and is connected to the left and right longitudinal grooves 21, 22. The rear transverse groove 24 is provided in the range of 10% to 30% of the entirety from the rear end in the front-back direction of the surface of the seat cushion pad 11.

[0131] The surface of the seat cushion pad 11 is provided with a left inclined portion 26, a right inclined portion 27 and a rear inclined portion 28, wherein the left inclined portion 26 is inclined to the upper left at a portion on the left side of the left longitudinal groove 21; the right inclined portion 27 is inclined to the upper right at a portion on the right side of the right longitudinal groove 22; and the rear inclined portion 28 is inclined to the upper rear at a portion on the rear side of the rear transverse groove 24. On the surface of the seat cushion pad 11, an area to which the load of the seated person is directly applied is set as a pressure receiving area 30. In the present embodiment, the pressure receiving area 30 corresponds to an area surrounded by the left and right longitudinal grooves 21 and 22 and the rear transverse groove 24.

[0132] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, a sensor 32 for acquiring information about the seated person is provided between the surface of the seat cushion pad 11 and the surface material 12. The sensor 32 may be a load sensor (pressure sensor) for detecting the load of the seated person, a blood pressure sensor for detecting the blood pressure of the seated person, a pulse sensor for detecting the pulse of the seated person, a sweat sensor for detecting the sweat of the seated person, a body odor sensor for detecting the body odor of the seated person, a body temperature sensor for detecting the body temperature of the seated person, etc. The sensor 32 is preferably formed into a film shape and provided along the surface of the seat cushion pad 11.

[0133] In the present embodiment, the sensor 32 is a load sensor for detecting the load of the seated person. The sensor 32 has a film 32A and a film-shaped detection portion 32B, wherein the film 32A has flexibility; and the film-shaped detection portion 32B is provided on the film 32A. The detection portion 32B may be, for example, a film-shaped switch, which is connected by making a piezoelectric element and two metal plates separated by a gap face each other, and the two metal plates bend and contact each other when subjected to a load. The film 32A is provided along the surface of the seat cushion pad 11. The film 32A extends from the pressure receiving area 30 through the upper part of the rear side transverse groove 24 to the rear inclined portion 28. In order to avoid interference with the film 32A, the skin material 12 is embedded in the rear side transverse groove 24 on the left and right sides of the film 32A. The front end of the film 32A branches and extends to the left and right sides. The detection portion 32B is provided at the left and right ends of the front end of the film 32A and is arranged in the pressure receiving area 30. The film 32A is provided with a signal line extending from the detection unit 32B. The film 32A may be a flexible printed substrate or the like. A harness 33 for transmitting a detection signal from the detection unit 32B is provided at the rear end of the film 32A of the sensor 32 .

[0134] The seat cushion pad 11 is provided with a harness passage 35 as a through hole extending from the surface to the back surface. The harness 33 connected to the sensor 32 extends from the surface side of the seat cushion pad 11 to the back surface side of the seat cushion pad 11 through the harness passage 35. The open end of the harness passage 35 on the surface side is provided at a position avoiding the pressure receiving area 30. In the present embodiment, the open end of the harness passage 35 on the surface side is provided at the rear inclined portion 28. The harness passage 35 may be formed only in the soft portion 15 or in the soft portion 15 and the hard portion 14. By avoiding the hard portion 14 and forming the harness passage 35 only in the soft portion 15, it is easy to form the harness passage 35. In the present embodiment, the harness passage 35 extends in the up-down direction and penetrates the soft portion 15 and the hard portion 14, and the open end on the back surface side is formed at the hard portion 14. The diameter of the portion 35A of the harness passage 35 formed in the hard portion 14 is formed to be larger than the diameter of the portion 35B of the harness passage 35 formed in the soft portion 15. That is, the harness passage 35 is a stepped hole, and the portion 35A on the back side is expanded to a different height from the portion 35B on the surface side. In other embodiments, the harness passage 35 may also be inclined relative to the up-down direction. By making the harness passage 35 obliquely inclined, the harness passage 35 can be formed only on the soft portion 15, avoiding the hard portion 14.

[0135] The seat cushion pad 11 is provided with an air passage 37 extending from the back to the front. The air passage 37 includes a collection portion 37A and a branch portion 37B, wherein the collection portion 37A is open at the back; and the branch portions 37B are branched from the collection portion 37A and are respectively open at the front. A blower 38 is provided at the open end of the collection portion 37A. A ventilation groove 39 is recessed on the bottom plate portion 5 of the vehicle body panel 4, and the ventilation groove 39 is located at a position corresponding to the open end of the collection portion 37A. The ventilation groove 39 extends in the front-rear direction, and its rear end is connected to the open end of the collection portion 37A, and its front end is connected to the space in the vehicle cabin. The skin material 12 is air-permeable. As the blower 38 rotates, the air in the vehicle cabin flows through the ventilation groove 39, the collection portion 37A, and the branch portion 37B in sequence, and is discharged to the upper side of the seat cushion 2 through the skin material 12. The harness passage 35 is formed to avoid the air passage 37. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the harness passage 35 may overlap with the air passage 37. The ventilation groove 39 may be recessed in the back surface of the seat cushion pad 11 instead of being recessed in the bottom plate portion 5.

[0136] A locking portion 41 for fixing a pair of left and right child seats is formed at the rear end of the surface of the seat cushion pad 11. The locking portion 41 has a groove and a striker, wherein the groove is recessed in the seat cushion pad 11; the striker is disposed inside the groove. The locking portion 41 may be in a shape suitable for the international standard ISO-FIX. The harness passage 35 is formed avoiding each locking portion 41.

[0137] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, a recess 45 is provided on the back side of the seat cushion pad 11, and the recess 45 is connected to the open end of the back side of the harness passage 35. A space capable of housing the harness 33 is formed between the recess 45 and the bottom plate 5 of the vehicle body panel 4. The recess 45 is groove-shaped and extends rearward from the harness passage 35. That is, the recess 45 extends from the harness passage 35 to the rotation axis X1 side of the seat cushion pad 11. The rear end of the recess 45 may also reach the rear edge of the seat cushion pad 11. The recess 45 may be formed to a size capable of housing electronic components such as a connector of the harness 33 and a microcomputer connected to the harness 33.

[0138] The harness 33 extends rearward on the surface of the seat cushion 11 from the sensor 32 provided on the surface of the seat cushion 11 , reaches the back side of the seat cushion 11 through the harness passage 35 , and reaches the rear edge of the seat cushion 11 through the recess 45 .

[0139] like Figure 2As shown, the seat back 3 includes a seat back pad 51 supported by the wall portion 6 of the vehicle body panel 4 and a skin material 52 covering the surface (front surface) of the seat back pad 51. The seat back pad 51 includes a hard portion 53 and a soft portion 54, similarly to the seat cushion pad 11.

[0140] The lower end of the seat back cushion 51 is supported by the wall portion 6 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis X2 extending in the left-right direction. The seat back cushion 51 may be supported by a bracket provided on the wall portion 6 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis X2. The seat back cushion 51 rotates about the rotation axis X2 so as to obtain a normal position in which the back surface (rear surface) of the seat back cushion 51 contacts the front surface of the wall portion 6 and a forward tilted position in which the upper portion of the seat back cushion 51 is located forward relative to the normal position. In the normal position, the upper end of the seat back cushion 51 may be locked to the wall portion 6. In other embodiments, the seat back cushion 51 may be supported by the seat cushion pad 11 so as to be rotatable instead of being supported by the wall portion 6.

[0141] Similar to the seat cushion pad 11, a bezel is formed on the surface of the seat back pad 51. A sensor 57 for acquiring information about the seat occupant is provided between the surface of the seat back pad 51 and the surface material 52. The sensor 57 may be the same as the sensor 32 provided on the seat cushion pad 11.

[0142] The seat back pad 51 is provided with a harness passage 58 extending from the front surface to the back surface. A harness 59 connected to the sensor 57 extends from the front surface of the seat back pad 51 to the back surface of the seat cushion pad 11 through the harness passage 58. The position of the harness passage 58 can be referred to the position of the harness passage 35 of the seat cushion pad 11.

[0143] A recessed portion 61 is formed on the back surface of the seat back pad 51, and the recessed portion 61 is connected to the open end of the back surface side of the harness passage 58. A space capable of storing the harness 59 is formed between the recessed portion 61 and the wall portion 6 of the vehicle body panel 4. The recessed portion 61 is groove-shaped and extends downward from the harness passage 58. That is, the recessed portion 61 extends from the harness passage 58 to the rotation axis X2 side of the seat back pad 51. The lower end of the recessed portion 61 may reach the lower edge of the seat back pad 51.

[0144] The effects of the seat 1 according to the embodiment will be described. The recessed portion 45 provided on the back surface of the seat cushion pad 11 can form a space between the bottom plate portion 5 of the vehicle body panel 4 and the back surface of the seat cushion pad 11, and the wire harness 33 can be arranged in the space. Similarly, the recessed portion 61 provided on the back surface of the seat back pad 51 can form a space between the wall portion 6 of the vehicle body panel 4 and the back surface of the seat back pad 51, and the wire harness 59 can be arranged in the space.

[0145] Since the recessed portion 45 in the seat cushion pad 11 extends from the harness passage 35 to the rear, that is, to the rotation axis X1 side of the seat cushion pad 11, when the seat cushion pad 11 rotates relative to the bottom plate portion 5, the distance between the harness 33 and the bottom plate portion 5 is not easily changed, thereby suppressing the harness 33 from being stretched. Similarly, since the recessed portion 61 in the seat back pad 51 extends from the harness passage 58 to the bottom, that is, to the rotation axis X2 side of the seat back pad 51, the harness 59 can be suppressed from being stretched.

[0146] Since the harness passage 35 opens at a position (rear inclined portion 28) on the surface of the seat cushion pad 11 away from the pressure receiving region 30, the load of the seated person is less likely to act on the harness 33. The seat back 3 is also similar.

[0147] <<Second Embodiment>>

[0148] Next, a seat 70 according to a second embodiment will be described. Figure 6 As shown, the seat 70 involved in the second embodiment is different from the seat 1 involved in the first embodiment in that it does not have the air passage 37 and has a heating cloth 72. Since the other structures of the seat 70 involved in the second embodiment are the same as those of the seat 1 involved in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are attached to the same structures and the description thereof is omitted.

[0149] A heating cloth 72 having a heating line 73 is provided between the surface of the seat cushion pad 11 and the skin material 12. The heating cloth 72 has a substantially rectangular main body 72A and a pair of left and right connecting parts 72B, wherein the main body 72A is arranged in the pressure receiving area 30; the pair of left and right connecting parts 72B extend rearward from the left and right ends of the rear edge of the main body 72A. The heating cloth 72 enters the interior of the transverse grooves 23 and 24 and passes through the lower side of the skin material 12. The pair of left and right connecting parts 72B extend from the surface side to the back side along the rear end of the seat cushion pad 11.

[0150] The main body 72A of the heating cloth 72 is arranged at a position overlapping the detection portion 32B of the sensor 32 and the front portion of the film 32A. On the other hand, the opening end on the surface side of the harness passage 35 is arranged at a position avoiding the heating cloth 72. The opening end on the surface side of the harness passage 35 is arranged in a region defined by the rear edge of the main body 72A and the left and right connecting portions 72B.

[0151] <<Third Embodiment>>

[0152] Next, an embodiment in which the seating sensor for a vehicle seat according to the third embodiment is applied to a seating sensor for rear seats in the second row or the third row of an automobile will be described.

[0153] like Figure 7 As shown, the seat 101 has a seat cushion 102, a pair of left and right seat backs 103, and two headrests 104, wherein the seat cushion 102 is arranged on the floor of the vehicle; the pair of left and right seat backs 103 are supported at the rear of the seat cushion 102; and the two headrests 104 are arranged on the upper part of each seat back 103. The seat cushion 102 extends in the left-right direction and constitutes two seating areas 105 corresponding to two passengers.

[0154] like Figure 8 As shown, the seat cushion 102 has a seat cushion pad 106 and a skin material 107 covering the surface of the seat cushion pad 106. The seat cushion pad 106 can be directly supported by the floor panel of the automobile, or can be supported by a frame member supported by the floor panel. In this embodiment, a sheet-like wadding material 108 is provided between the skin material 107 and the seat cushion pad 106. The wadding material 108 can also be omitted.

[0155] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , each seating area 105 located on the upper surface of the seat cushion 102 is inclined rearward and downward. Each seating area 105 supports the buttocks and thighs of the occupant.

[0156] like Figure 7 and Fig. 9 As shown, a seat sensor 110 for sensing the seat of an occupant is provided on each seat area 105. The seat sensor 110 is equivalent to a switch that is turned on when the occupant is seated and is turned off when the occupant is not seated. The seat sensor 110 includes a sheet 111, a plurality of pressure-sensitive switches 112, and wiring 113, wherein the sheet 111 is flexible; the plurality of pressure-sensitive switches 112 are provided on the sheet 111; and the wiring 113 is provided on the sheet 111 for connecting the plurality of pressure-sensitive switches.

[0157] The sheet 111 is arranged between the soft padding 108 and the seat cushion pad 106. The sheet 111 can be, for example, a flexible printed substrate. The sheet 111 has a main portion 111A and a plurality of branch portions 111B to 111J, wherein the main portion 111A extends in the left-right direction; and the plurality of branch portions 111B to 111J extend forward or backward from the main portion 111A. The main portion 111A extends linearly from the left half to the right half of the passenger's seating area 105. The center of the main portion 111A in the left-right direction is arranged on a front-rear line passing through the center of the seating area 105.

[0158] In the present embodiment, the branch portions 111B to 111J include a first branch portion 111B, a second branch portion 111C, a third branch portion 111D, and a fourth branch portion 111E extending rearward from the main portion 111A, and a fifth branch portion 111F, a sixth branch portion 111G, a seventh branch portion 111H, and an eighth branch portion 111J extending forward from the main portion 111A. In the present embodiment, the main portion 111A and the first branch portion 111B to the eighth branch portion 111J are orthogonal to each other.

[0159] The first branch portion 111B, the second branch portion 111C, the third branch portion 111D, and the fourth branch portion 111E are arranged in order from the left side at intervals in the left-right direction. The first branch portion 111B and the second branch portion 111C are arranged in the left half of the seating area 105, and the third branch portion 111D and the fourth branch portion 111E are arranged in the right half of the seating area. The left-right distance between the first branch portion 111B and the second branch portion 111C and the left-right distance between the third branch portion 111D and the fourth branch portion 111E are set to be equal to each other. The left-right distance between the second branch portion 111C and the third branch portion 111D is set to be larger than the left-right distance between the first branch portion 111B and the second branch portion 111C. It is preferable that the left-right distance between the second branch portion 111C and the third branch portion 111D is not less than two times and not more than three times the left-right distance between the first branch portion 111B and the second branch portion 111C.

[0160] The fifth branch portion 111F, the sixth branch portion 111G, the seventh branch portion 111H, and the eighth branch portion 111J are arranged in order from the left side at intervals in the left-right direction. The fifth branch portion 111F and the sixth branch portion 111G are arranged in the left half of the seating area 105, and the seventh branch portion 111H and the eighth branch portion 111J are arranged in the right half of the seating area. The fifth branch portion 111F and the first branch portion 111B are arranged in a straight line in the front-to-back direction, the sixth branch portion 111G and the second branch portion 111C are arranged in a straight line in the front-to-back direction, the seventh branch portion 111H and the third branch portion 111D are arranged in a straight line in the front-to-back direction, and the eighth branch portion 111J and the fourth branch portion 111E are arranged in a straight line in the front-to-back direction. The left-right distance between the fifth branch portion 111F and the sixth branch portion 111G and the left-right distance between the seventh branch portion 111H and the eighth branch portion 111J are respectively equal to the left-right distance between the first branch portion 111B and the second branch portion 111C. The left-right distance between the sixth branch portion 111G and the seventh branch portion 111H is equal to the left-right distance between the second branch portion 111C and the third branch portion 111D.

[0161] The first branch portion 111B to the fourth branch portion 111E have the same length. The fifth branch portion 111F to the eighth branch portion 111J have the same length. The first branch portion 111B to the eighth branch portion 111J may have the same length.

[0162] A ninth branch portion 111K extending forward is provided at the center of the main portion 111A in the left-right direction. A connection portion 114 for connecting to a harness 121 as external wiring is provided at the front end of the ninth branch portion 111K. The ninth branch portion 111K is preferably shorter than the fifth to eighth branch portions 111F to 111J.

[0163] In the present embodiment, the plurality of pressure-sensitive switches 112 include the first pressure-sensitive switch 112B to the eighth pressure-sensitive switch 112J. Each pressure-sensitive switch 112 is a membrane switch and has a frame-shaped spacer, a contact sheet and an electrical contact, wherein the contact sheets are spaced apart and stacked with the frame-shaped spacer between them; the electrical contacts are arranged on the mutually facing surfaces of each contact sheet. When subjected to an external load, the contact sheet of the pressure-sensitive switch 112 bends, and the two contacts contact each other and become conductive, i.e., connected. The pressure at which the contacts contact each other can be changed by adjusting the size and thickness of the contacts, the thickness and shape of the spacer, the hardness of the contact sheet, and the like. In addition, each pressure-sensitive switch 112 can be any structure as long as it is a switch that is electrically conductive by sensing pressure.

[0164] like Fig. 9As shown, the first pressure sensitive switch 112B is arranged at the top (rear end) of the first branch 111B, the second pressure sensitive switch 112C is arranged at the top (rear end) of the second branch 111C, the third pressure sensitive switch 112D is arranged at the top (rear end) of the third branch 111D, the fourth pressure sensitive switch 112E is arranged at the top (rear end) of the fourth branch 111E, the fifth pressure sensitive switch 112F is arranged at the top (front end) of the fifth branch 111F, the sixth pressure sensitive switch 112G is arranged at the top (front end) of the sixth branch 111G, the seventh pressure sensitive switch 112H is arranged at the top (front end) of the seventh branch 111H, and the eighth pressure sensitive switch 112J is arranged at the top (front end) of the eighth branch 111J.

[0165] The first pressure-sensitive switch 112B to the fourth pressure-sensitive switch 112E are arranged on the first imaginary straight line L1 extending in the left-right direction. The fifth pressure-sensitive switch 112F to the eighth pressure-sensitive switch 112J are arranged on the second imaginary straight line L2 extending in the left-right direction. The first imaginary straight line L1, the second imaginary straight line L2 and the main part 111A are arranged parallel to each other. The first imaginary straight line L1 is arranged behind the main part 111A, and the second imaginary straight line L2 is arranged in front of the main part 111A.

[0166] The occupant's hip point HP is arranged on the first imaginary straight line L1. The hip point HP is set according to the American SAE standard J-826 and is the rotation center point (position of the hip joint) connecting the torso and thigh of the 3D human body model. The hip point HP is set as the center point of the line segment connecting the two rotation center points when viewed from above.

[0167] The front edge of the connection portion 114 provided at the front end of the ninth branch portion 111K is preferably arranged behind the second virtual straight line L2 and in front of the first virtual straight line L1. This can reduce the overall front-rear width of the seat occupancy sensor 110.

[0168] like Fig.10As shown, the wiring 113 provided on the sheet 111 connects the first pressure sensitive switch 112B to the eighth pressure sensitive switch 112J to form a detection circuit 115. The wiring 113 connects the first pressure sensitive switch 112B and the second pressure sensitive switch 112C in parallel to form a first circuit 116, connects the third pressure sensitive switch 112D and the fourth pressure sensitive switch 112E in parallel to form a second circuit 117, and connects the first circuit 116 and the second circuit 117 in series. In addition, the wiring 113 connects the fifth pressure sensitive switch 112F and the sixth pressure sensitive switch 112G in parallel to form a third circuit 118, connects the seventh pressure sensitive switch 112H and the eighth pressure sensitive switch 112J in parallel to form a fourth circuit 119, and connects the third circuit 118 and the fourth circuit 119 in series. The wiring 113 forms a detection circuit 115 by connecting the first circuit 116 and the second circuit 117 in parallel with the third circuit 118 and the fourth circuit 119. Both ends of the wiring 113 are provided at the connection portion 114, and are connected to the control device 122 through the harness 121. The harness 121 extends to the lower side of the seat cushion pad 106 through a passage 123 that penetrates the seat cushion pad 106 in the up-down direction. The upper end of the passage 123 can be arranged on the second imaginary straight line L2 or behind the second imaginary straight line L2. Thus, the passage 123 can be formed close to the seat occupancy sensor 110, and the range in which the harness 121 is arranged on the upper surface of the seat cushion pad 106 can be reduced. In addition, the seat occupancy sensor 110 and the passage 123 can be arranged compactly.

[0169] The load for turning on the first pressure sensitive switch 112B is set to be larger than the load for turning on the second pressure sensitive switch 112C, and the load for turning on the fourth pressure sensitive switch 112E is set to be larger than the load for turning on the third pressure sensitive switch 112D. The load for turning on the first pressure sensitive switch 112B and the load for turning on the fourth pressure sensitive switch 112E may be set to be the same, and the load for turning on the second pressure sensitive switch 112C and the load for turning on the third pressure sensitive switch 112D may be set to be the same. The load for turning on the fifth pressure sensitive switch 112F is set to be larger than the load for turning on the sixth pressure sensitive switch 112G, and the load for turning on the eighth pressure sensitive switch 112J is set to be larger than the load for turning on the seventh pressure sensitive switch 112H. The load for turning on the fifth pressure sensitive switch 112F and the load for turning on the eighth pressure sensitive switch 112J can be set to be the same, and the load for turning on the sixth pressure sensitive switch 112G and the load for turning on the seventh pressure sensitive switch 112H can be set to be the same. In addition, the load for turning on the first pressure sensitive switch 112B and the load for turning on the fifth pressure sensitive switch 112F can be set to be the same, and the load for turning on the second pressure sensitive switch 112C and the load for turning on the sixth pressure sensitive switch 112G can be set to be the same.

[0170] The positions of the pressure sensitive switches 112 are shown below. In the left-right direction, the distance between the second pressure sensitive switch 112C and the third pressure sensitive switch 112D can be set to be greater than 60 mm and less than 100 mm. The distance between the first pressure sensitive switch 112B and the second pressure sensitive switch 112C and the distance between the third pressure sensitive switch 112D and the fourth pressure sensitive switch 112E can be set to be greater than 30 mm and less than 50 mm. In the front-back direction, the distance between the first pressure sensitive switch 112B and the fifth pressure sensitive switch 112F can be set to be greater than 60 mm and less than 80 mm.

[0171] The control device 122 determines whether an occupant is seated based on the conduction state (on, off) of the seat sensor 110. Furthermore, the control device 122 determines whether a seat belt is worn in each seat area 105. If it is determined that an occupant is seated in the seat area 105 and is not wearing a seat belt, the control device 122 warns the occupant by sound, lighting of a warning light, etc.

[0172] Next, the effect of the seat sensor 110 of the present embodiment will be described. The sheet 111 has a main portion 111A and first to eighth branch portions 111B to 111J, wherein the main portion 111A extends in the left-right direction; the first to eighth branch portions 111B to 111J extend forward or backward from the main portion 111A, and the first to eighth pressure-sensitive switches 112B to 112J are respectively provided at the top ends of the first to eighth branch portions 111B to 111J, so that the pressure-sensitive switches 112B to 112J adjacent to each other are connected via the branch portions 111B to 111J and the main portion 111A. Therefore, when a load acts on any of the pressure-sensitive switches 112B to 112J, the deformation of the branch portions 111B to 111J provided with the pressure-sensitive switches 112B to 112J is not easily transmitted to the branch portions 111B to 111J provided with the other adjacent pressure-sensitive switches 112B to 112J. Therefore, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of the other adjacent pressure-sensitive switches 112B to 112J. In particular, in a method in which the pressure-sensitive switches 112 are arranged in a straight line in the left-right direction, such as the first pressure-sensitive switch 112B to the fourth pressure-sensitive switch 112E or the fifth pressure-sensitive switch 112F to the eighth pressure-sensitive switch 112J, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of each pressure-sensitive switch 112 due to deformation of the sheet 111.

[0173] Since the hip point HP of the occupant is disposed on the first virtual straight line L1, the first to fourth pressure sensitive switches 112B to 112E can be disposed at portions that are most susceptible to the load of the occupant.

[0174] Since the detection circuit 115 is turned on when at least one of the first pressure sensitive switch 112B and the second pressure sensitive switch 112C is turned on and at least one of the third pressure sensitive switch 112D and the fourth pressure sensitive switch 112E is turned on, the seat occupancy sensor 110 detects the occupant, the seat occupancy sensor 110 can reliably detect the occupant even when there is a difference in the occupant's physique or the occupant's seat position is offset to the left or right. For example, when the occupant is large, all of the first pressure sensitive switch 112B to the fourth pressure sensitive switch 112E or the first pressure sensitive switch 112B and the fourth pressure sensitive switch 112E are turned on to turn on the detection circuit 115. In addition, when the occupant is small, such as a child, the second pressure sensitive switch 112C and the third pressure sensitive switch 112D are turned on to turn on the detection circuit 115. Furthermore, when the occupant is seated with a deviation to the left, at least one of the first pressure sensitive switch 112B and the second pressure sensitive switch 112C and the third pressure sensitive switch 112D are turned on, and the detection circuit 115 is turned on. When the occupant is seated with a deviation to the right, at least one of the third pressure sensitive switch 112D and the fourth pressure sensitive switch 112E and the second pressure sensitive switch 112C are turned on, and the detection circuit 115 is turned on.

[0175] In addition, since the front switch column composed of the 5th pressure-sensitive switch 112F to the 8th pressure-sensitive switch 112J is arranged in front of the rear switch column composed of the 1st pressure-sensitive switch 112B to the 4th pressure-sensitive switch 112E, the seat sensor 110 can reliably detect the occupant through the front switch column even if the occupant sits with a forward deviation.

[0176] Since the load for turning on the first pressure sensitive switch 112B is set to be larger than the load for turning on the second pressure sensitive switch 112C, and the load for turning on the fourth pressure sensitive switch 112E is set to be larger than the load for turning on the third pressure sensitive switch 112D, it is possible to suppress the seat sensor 110 from erroneously detecting an object other than the occupant as the occupant. When the occupant is seated with a leftward deviation, the load acting on the pressure sensitive switch 112 located on the outside in the deviation direction (the first pressure sensitive switch 112B when the occupant is seated with a leftward deviation) is larger than the load applied to the pressure sensitive switches 112C and 112D located on the left and right inner sides when the occupant is seated in the optimal position. In addition, when the occupant is physically large and the load acts on the left and right outer pressure sensitive switches 112B and 112E, the load applied is larger due to the weight of the occupant than when the occupant is physically small and the load acts on the left and right inner pressure sensitive switches 112C and 112D. Therefore, even if the load that turns on the first pressure-sensitive switch 112B and the fourth pressure-sensitive switch 112E located on the left and right outer sides is set to be greater than the load that turns on the second pressure-sensitive switch 112C and the third pressure-sensitive switch 112D located on the left and right inner sides, the occupant can be detected. By making the load that turns on the first pressure-sensitive switch 112B and the fourth pressure-sensitive switch 112E located on the left and right outer sides greater than the load that turns on the second pressure-sensitive switch 112C and the third pressure-sensitive switch 112D located on the left and right inner sides, it is possible to suppress the first pressure-sensitive switch 112B and the fourth pressure-sensitive switch 112E from being turned on by an object lighter than the occupant. The fifth pressure-sensitive switch 112F to the eighth pressure-sensitive switch 112J arranged on the front side can also achieve the same effect.

[0177] <<Fourth Embodiment>>

[0178] like Fig.11 As shown, the vehicle seat 201 involved in the fourth embodiment is arranged in two rows along the vehicle width direction, that is, along the left-right direction, on a bottom plate 203 that divides the bottom of the vehicle compartment 202. The two vehicle seats 201 arranged in the left-right direction are approximately symmetrical. The vehicle seats 201 respectively constitute the rear seats of the second row and later of the vehicle. The vehicle seats 201 each have a seat cushion 204, a seat back 205, and a headrest 206, wherein the seat cushion 204 is used to support the buttocks of the seated person; the seat back 205 is provided at the rear of the seat cushion 204 and functions as a backrest; and the headrest 206 is provided on the upper part of each seat back 205.

[0179] The seat cushions 204 are each substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped and have a surface that faces substantially in the up-down direction. The upper surface of the seat cushions 204 constitutes a seating surface 207 corresponding to one passenger. The seating surface 207 is recessed downward substantially in the center in the left-right direction and is inclined rearward and slightly downward in the front-back direction. Thus, the seating surface 207 is shaped to correspond to the buttocks and thighs of the passenger. When the passenger sits, the buttocks and thighs of the passenger are placed on the seating surface 207.

[0180] The seat back 205 is in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, extending in the up-down direction and having a surface facing substantially in the front-back direction. The front surface of the seat back 205 respectively constitutes a support surface 208 for supporting the back of the occupant. The support surface 208 is recessed rearward at a substantially center in the left-right direction and is slightly inclined rearward toward the upper side. Thus, the support surface 208 has a shape corresponding to the back of the occupant, and the back of the occupant is supported by the support surface 208.

[0181] By a known backrest tilt adjustment mechanism, the lower end of the seat back 205 is rotatably supported by a pivot at the rear end of the seat cushion 204. That is, the lower end of each seat back 205 is coupled to the rear end of the seat cushion 204 so as to be tiltable forward and backward.

[0182] like Fig.12 As shown, the seat cushion 204 has a seat cushion frame (not shown) as a skeleton, a cushion component 211 and a surface material 212, wherein the cushion component 211 is supported by the seat cushion frame; the surface material 212 is arranged on the surface of the cushion component 211 and constitutes the outer surface of the seat cushion 204.

[0183] like Fig.11 As shown, a middle portion 213 and a bulging portion 214 are formed on the upper surface of the cushion member 211 of the seat cushion 204, wherein the middle portion 213 is inclined rearward and downward at the approximate center in the left-right direction; and the bulging portion 214 bulges upward at the left and right sides of the middle portion 213. Fig.13 As shown, a first transverse embedded groove 215 and a pair of left and right first longitudinal embedded grooves 216 are also provided on the upper surface of the cushion component 211 of the seat cushion 204, wherein the first transverse embedded groove 215 extends in the left and right direction at a substantially middle portion in the front-to-back direction; and the pair of left and right first longitudinal embedded grooves 216 extend from the front edge to the rear edge of the cushion component 211. The first longitudinal embedded grooves 216 are respectively formed substantially along the boundary between the middle portion 213 and the bulging portion 214. Both ends of the first transverse embedded groove 215 are connected to the first longitudinal embedded grooves 216.

[0184] The first transverse embedding groove 215 and the first longitudinal embedding groove 216 are grooves formed on the upper surface of the pad member 211 and recessed downward (for the first transverse embedding groove 215, refer to Fig.12). A plurality of hooking parts 217 are provided on the surface material 212 covering the cushion part 211, and are located at positions corresponding to the first transverse groove 215 and the first longitudinal groove 216, respectively. The hooking parts 217 are inserted into the first transverse groove 215 or the first longitudinal groove 216, respectively. A fixing part 218 is provided inside the first transverse groove 215 and the first longitudinal groove 216. The hooking parts 217 are hooked to the corresponding fixing parts 218, respectively. Thus, the surface material 212 is embedded in the first transverse groove 215 and the first longitudinal groove 216. Accordingly, the first transverse groove 215 and the first longitudinal groove 216 can be respectively referred to as grooves provided for embedding the surface material 212 of the seat cushion 204.

[0185] like Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , a pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 for sensing a load acting on the seat surface 207 is provided between the upper surface of the cushion member 211 of the seat cushion 204 and the back surface of the surface material 212 of the seat cushion 204. The pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 is a device having a plurality of pressure-sensitive switches 220 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.11 ) is a flexible sheet-like component, which is a so-called membrane switch. Each pressure sensitive switch 220 has an electrode arranged along the surface of the pressure sensitive sensor unit 219. When the surface of the pressure sensitive sensor unit 219 is pressed and a load greater than a specified value acts on the electrode, each pressure sensitive switch becomes turned on (i.e., conductive). Accordingly, the pressure sensitive switches 220 each function as a pressure sensor that senses the pressure acting on the electrode. The pressure sensitive sensor unit 219 includes a first subunit 221 and a second subunit 222. The first subunit 221 and the second subunit 222 are both sheet-like components, and each includes a plurality of pressure sensitive switches 220. As Fig.12 As shown, the first subunit 221 and the second subunit 222 are arranged to extend in the left-right direction along the surface of the cushion member. The back side of each of the first subunit 221 and the second subunit 222 contacts the surface of the cushion member 211 of the seat cushion 204. The first subunit 221 and the second subunit 222 are connected to each other by a wiring 223.

[0186] like Fig.13 As shown, the first subunit 221 is located in front of the first transverse groove 215 and is disposed between the left and right first longitudinal grooves 216. The second subunit 222 is located behind the first transverse groove 215 and is disposed between the left and right first longitudinal grooves 216. That is, the pressure sensitive switch 220 is provided at the front and rear of the first transverse groove 215, respectively.

[0187] In the present embodiment, two pressure-sensitive switch pairs are provided in each of the first subunit 221 and the second subunit 222, and the pressure-sensitive switch pairs are composed of two pressure-sensitive switches 220 arranged in the left-right direction. The pressure-sensitive switch pairs are respectively located at the left and right ends of the first subunit 221 and the second subunit 222. That is, one pressure-sensitive switch pair (hereinafter referred to as the first left pressure-sensitive switch pair 225L) is provided at the left end of the first subunit 221, and one pressure-sensitive switch pair (hereinafter referred to as the first right pressure-sensitive switch pair 225R) is provided at the right end of the first subunit 221. One pressure-sensitive switch pair (hereinafter referred to as the second left pressure-sensitive switch pair 226L) is provided at the left end of the second subunit 222, and one pressure-sensitive switch pair (hereinafter referred to as the second right pressure-sensitive switch pair 226R) is provided at the right end of the second subunit 222. The first left pressure-sensitive switch pair 225L and the first right pressure-sensitive switch pair 225R are arranged so as to be aligned in the front-back direction. The second left pressure sensitive switch pair 226L and the second right pressure sensitive switch pair 226R are arranged so as to be aligned in the front-rear direction.

[0188] exist Fig.14 A circuit diagram of the pressure sensitive sensor unit 219 is shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown, the pressure sensitive switches 220 included in each pressure sensitive switch pair 224L, 224R, 225L, 225R are connected in parallel ( Fig.14 That is, each of the pressure-sensitive switch pairs 224L, 224R, 225L, and 225R is turned on when any one of the included pressure-sensitive switches 220 is turned on. Furthermore, when the first left pressure-sensitive switch pair 225L or the second left pressure-sensitive switch pair 226L is turned on, and the first right pressure-sensitive switch pair 225R or the second right pressure-sensitive switch pair 226R is turned on, the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 is turned on and turned on.

[0189] like Fig.12 As shown, the seat back 205 has a seat back frame (not shown) as a skeleton, a cushion component 231 and a skin material 232, wherein the cushion component 231 is supported by the seat back frame; the skin material 232 is arranged on the surface of the cushion component 231 and constitutes the outer surface of the seat back 205.

[0190] like Fig.11As shown, a middle portion 233 and a bulging portion 234 are formed on the front surface of the cushion member 231 of the seat back 205, wherein the middle portion 233 is inclined upward and backward at the approximate center in the left-right direction; and the bulging portion 234 bulges forward at the left and right sides of the middle portion 233. A second transverse embedded groove 235 and a pair of left and right second longitudinal embedded grooves 236 are also provided on the upper surface of the cushion member 231, wherein the second transverse embedded groove 235 extends in the left-right direction at the approximate center in the up-down direction; and the pair of left and right second longitudinal embedded grooves 236 extend from the upper edge to the lower edge of the cushion member 231. The second transverse embedded grooves 235 are respectively formed along the boundaries of the middle portion 233 and the bulging portion 234, and both ends of the second transverse embedded groove 235 are connected to the second longitudinal embedded grooves 236.

[0191] The second transverse beading groove 235 and the second longitudinal beading groove 236 are grooves respectively formed on the front surface of the cushion member 231 of the seat back 205 and recessed toward the rear. Similar to the first transverse beading groove 215 and the first longitudinal beading groove 216, the second transverse beading groove 235 and the second longitudinal beading groove 236 are provided for fitting the skin material 232 of the seat back 205.

[0192] like Fig.12 As shown, a capacitive sensor 240 is provided between the front surface of the cushion part 231 of the seat back 205 and the back surface of the skin material 232. The capacitive sensor 240 is in the form of a flexible film. The capacitive sensor 240 is a non-contact proximity sensor, and the capacitive sensor 240 becomes an on state when an object approaches. In more detail, the capacitive sensor 240 becomes an on state when an object with a large relative dielectric constant is located within a specified distance (detection distance) from its surface. The object with a large relative dielectric constant referred to here is an object with a relative dielectric constant of 10 or more, more preferably an object with a relative dielectric constant of 30 or more, including water, human body, etc. The detection distance is less than 10 cm, more preferably less than 30 cm.

[0193] like Fig.12 As shown, the capacitive sensor 240 is arranged along the front surface of the cushion component 231 of the seat back 205. Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 2 , the capacitive sensor 240 is located between the left and right second longitudinal grooves 236. In addition, the capacitive sensor 240 is located below the second transverse groove 235 and is provided at a position corresponding to the waist H of the occupant, that is, behind the waist H of the occupant (see FIG. 2 ). Fig.12 The waist H referred to here more precisely refers to the portion behind the lumbar spine of the back of the occupant, and the position of the waist H is preferably determined using a three-dimensional seat human body model for measuring the interior dimensions of a vehicle cabin as specified in JIS D4607.

[0194] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, a determination device 246 for determining whether an occupant is seated is provided on each of the vehicle seats 201. The determination device 246 is a computer having a central processing unit (CPU), a memory or other storage device, and has an input unit and an output unit, wherein the input unit is used to input a signal from the outside; and the output unit is used to output a signal to the outside. The input unit of the determination device 246 is connected to a pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and a capacitance sensor 240. In the present embodiment, the determination devices 246 are respectively combined with the lower surface of the seat cushion 204 of the vehicle seat 201. The determination device 246 performs a determination process to determine whether an occupant is seated based on a signal from the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 input from the input unit (more specifically, the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 is turned on or off) and a signal from the capacitance sensor 240 input from the input unit (more specifically, the capacitance sensor 240 is turned on or off). Below, refer to Fig.15 The details of the determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0195] like Fig.15 As shown, the determination means 246 determines whether the pressure sensitive sensor unit 219 is in the on state or the off state in the first step ST1. When the pressure sensitive sensor unit 219 is in the on state, step ST2 is executed, and when the pressure sensitive sensor unit 219 is in the off state, the determination process ends.

[0196] The determination means 246 determines whether the capacitance sensor 240 is in the on state or the off state in step ST2. The determination means 246 executes step ST3 when the capacitance sensor 240 is in the on state, and ends the determination process when the capacitance sensor 240 is in the off state.

[0197] In step ST3, the determination device 246 outputs a signal indicating that an occupant is seated from the output unit, and ends the determination process.

[0198] The output unit of the determination device 246 may be connected to a control device 248 (ECU) mounted on the vehicle body. The control device 248 (ECU) may be, for example, a computer that controls the vehicle body. When the vehicle is driven, the control device 248 may instruct the determination device 246 to perform determination processing, receive a signal output from the determination device 246, and determine whether the seated occupant is using the seat belt that should be used. When it is determined that the seated occupant is not using the seat belt that should be used, the control device 248 may issue a warning to the occupant.

[0199] Next, the effects of the vehicle seat 201 are described. The determination device 246 outputs a signal corresponding to the occupant's seating when the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 is in the on state and the capacitance sensor 240 is in the on state. That is, the determination device 246 determines the seating of the occupant based on the signal (on, off) of the pressure-sensitive switch 220 included in the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the signal (on, off) of the capacitance sensor 240.

[0200] For example, when an occupant sits on the vehicle seat 201, a load acts on the seat surface 207. Fig.16 As a result, the second left pressure-sensitive switch pair 226L and the second right pressure-sensitive switch pair 226R are respectively turned on, and the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 is turned on. Fig.16 (B) shows that in the case of a passenger ratio Fig.16 (A) When the person is seated forward, the first left pressure-sensitive switch pair 225L and the first right pressure-sensitive switch pair 225R are respectively turned on. As a result, the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 is turned on. Fig.16 (C) shows that even if the occupant ratio Fig.16 In the case of (A) when the occupant is seated offset to the right, the right pressure-sensitive switch 220 of the second left pressure-sensitive switch pair 226L and the right pressure-sensitive switch 220 of the second right pressure-sensitive switch pair 226R are also turned on. As a result, the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 is turned on. In this way, by using the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219, even when the occupant is offset forward and in the left-right direction, the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 is turned on.

[0201] However, if Fig.16 As shown in (D), for example, when a bag of rice (about 30 kg) is placed on the seat surface 207, a load acts on the portion indicated by coloring, and sometimes the second left pressure-sensitive switch pair 226L and the second right pressure-sensitive switch pair 226R are respectively turned on. In this case, when the determination device 246 makes a determination based only on the signal from the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219, an erroneous signal is output.

[0202] On the other hand, the capacitance sensor 240 is turned on when an object with a large relative dielectric constant is located within the detection distance from the surface. More specifically, when an object with a large relative dielectric constant such as water or a human body is located within the detection distance of the portion of the support surface 208 corresponding to the back of the human waist, the capacitance sensor 240 is turned on. Accordingly, when an occupant (with a relative dielectric constant of about 40) sits on the seat surface 207, that is, Fig.15(A) to (C), the capacitance sensor 240 is turned on. When the bag of rice (relative dielectric constant of about 4) is placed on the seat surface 207, that is, Fig.15 (D), the capacitance sensor 240 is in the disconnected state. In this way, since the determination device 246 determines whether an occupant is seated based on the signal from the pressure sensitive switch 220 and the signal from the capacitance sensor 240, it is possible to distinguish objects such as bagged rice that are heavy and have a low relative dielectric constant. In this way, by configuring the determination device 246 to make a determination based on the signal from the pressure sensitive switch 220 and the signal from the capacitance sensor 240, it is possible to more reliably distinguish whether an occupant is seated on the vehicle seat 201 and whether an object is placed on the seat surface 207.

[0203] In addition, in this embodiment, if Fig.11 As shown in the figure, the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 is provided on the seat cushion 204, and the capacitance sensor 240 is provided on the seat back 205. Thus, compared with the case where both the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the capacitance sensor 240 are provided on the seat cushion 204, it is easy to wire them separately, so that assembly is easy. In addition, by providing the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the capacitance sensor 240 in different components, the two do not overlap. Thus, since they are respectively arranged at positions close to the seat surface 207 that the body of the occupant contacts when sitting, the sensitivity can be improved.

[0204] When the electrode of the pressure-sensitive switch 220 of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 is arranged near the capacitance sensor 240, it is sometimes difficult to accurately measure the capacitance, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the capacitance sensor 240. In addition, when the capacitance sensor 240 is arranged on the surface of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219, the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 may be turned on due to the weight of the capacitance sensor 240. In this embodiment, by providing the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the capacitance sensor 240 in different components, they do not interfere with each other, and the operation of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the operation of the capacitance sensor 240 are not easily hindered.

[0205] like Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 2 , the capacitive sensor 240 is provided at a position corresponding to the waist H of the passenger, more specifically, at the rear of the lumbar spine of the passenger. When the passenger is seated, the waist H of the passenger is likely to contact or approach the support surface 208 of the seat back 205. By providing the capacitive sensor 240 at a position corresponding to the waist H of the seated passenger, the capacitive sensor 240 can be brought closer to the body of the seated passenger. As a result, the body of the seated passenger can be more reliably sensed by the capacitive sensor 240.

[0206] like Fig.13As shown in FIG. 1 , the first subunit 221 and the second subunit 222 are respectively arranged at the front and rear of the first transverse groove 215 and between the left and right first longitudinal grooves 216. In this way, by arranging the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 away from the first transverse groove 215 and the first longitudinal groove 216, the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 can be easily arranged, and deformation and positional displacement of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 can be suppressed. In addition, by arranging the first subunit 221 and the second subunit 222 separately at the front and rear of the first transverse groove 215, the pressure acting on the seat surface 207 of the seat cushion 204 can be sensed in a wider range. As a result, even when the occupant sits in front of the seat surface 207 or sits to the left or right, the seating situation of the occupant can be more reliably sensed.

[0207] like Fig.11 As shown, the capacitive sensor 240 is disposed between the left and right second longitudinal bead grooves 236. By disposing the capacitive sensor 240 away from the bead grooves, the capacitive sensor 240 can be easily assembled, and deformation and positional displacement of the capacitive sensor 240 can be suppressed.

[0208] <<Fifth Embodiment>>

[0209] The number and arrangement of the capacitive sensors 240, the arrangement of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219, and the determination process of the vehicle seat 251 involved in the fifth embodiment are different from those of the vehicle seat 201 of the fourth embodiment, and the description of other parts is omitted because they are the same as the fourth embodiment.

[0210] exist Fig.17 , a top view of the vehicle seat 251 is shown. However, regarding the left vehicle seat 251, a state in which a part of the surface material 212 is removed is shown. Fig.17 As shown, two capacitance sensors 253 and 254 are provided on the vehicle seat 251 according to the second embodiment. Both of the two capacitance sensors 253 and 254 are arranged on the seat cushion 204. That is, a pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and two capacitance sensors 240 are provided on the seat cushion 204. Both of the two capacitance sensors 240 are arranged between the surface of the padding member 211 constituting the seat cushion 204 and the back surface of the skin material 212.

[0211] One of the two capacitive sensors 240, a capacitive sensor 253 (hereinafter referred to as the first capacitive sensor 253), is located in front of the first transverse groove 215 and between the first longitudinal grooves 216 that form a left and right pair. The other capacitive sensor 254 (hereinafter referred to as the second capacitive sensor 254) is located behind the first transverse groove 215 and between the first longitudinal grooves 216 that form a left and right pair. Thus, two capacitive sensors 253 and 254 are respectively arranged in front and behind the first transverse groove 215 that extends in the left-right direction. The first capacitive sensor 253 and the second capacitive sensor 254 are each formed in a sheet shape and have a substantially rectangular shape that extends in the left-right direction. The first capacitive sensor 253 and the second capacitive sensor 254 are arranged so that their back surfaces are in surface contact with the upper surface of the pad member 211 that constitutes the seat cushion 204.

[0212] The first subunit 221 of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 is configured so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the first capacitive sensor 253 when viewed from above. In the present embodiment, the first subunit 221 is configured on the upper side of the first capacitive sensor 253, and is located inside the outer periphery of the first capacitive sensor 253 when viewed from above. The first subunit 221 is configured so that the back surface is in surface contact with the first capacitive sensor 253.

[0213] The second subunit 222 of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 is configured so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the second capacitive sensor 254 when viewed from above. In the present embodiment, the second subunit 222 is configured on the upper side of the second capacitive sensor 254, and is located inside the outer periphery of the second capacitive sensor 254 when viewed from above. The second subunit 222 is configured so that the back surface is in surface contact with the second capacitive sensor 254.

[0214] The determination device 246 performs a determination process to determine whether an occupant is seated based on the on / off of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the on / off of the two capacitance sensors 240 input from the input unit. The determination process performed by the determination device 246 of the vehicle seat 251 according to the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment only in step ST2, and therefore description of the other parts is omitted.

[0215] In step ST2, the determination device 246 determines whether at least one of the first capacitance sensor 253 and the second capacitance sensor 254 is in the on state. When at least one is in the on state, step ST3 is executed. When both the first capacitance sensor 253 and the second capacitance sensor 254 are in the off state, the determination process is terminated.

[0216] Next, the effects of the vehicle seat 251 configured in this way will be described. Both of the two capacitive sensors 240 are provided close to the seat surface 207 of the seat cushion 204 where the occupant sits. Since the two capacitive sensors 240 are in contact with the seat surface 207, the two capacitive sensors 240 can be brought closer to the seated occupant. As a result, the seat of the occupant can be sensed with higher accuracy by the capacitive sensors 240.

[0217] In addition, the first subunit 221 and the first capacitance sensor 253, and the second subunit 222 and the second capacitance sensor 254 are respectively arranged to overlap when viewed from above. According to this, the area of ​​the region where the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the capacitance sensor 240 are arranged on the surface of the pad member 211 of the seat cushion 204 can be reduced. As a result, the foreign body sensation caused to the occupant by the arrangement of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the capacitance sensor 240 can be further suppressed.

[0218] In the present embodiment, the first subunit 221 is further arranged inside the outer periphery of the first capacitance sensor 253, and the second subunit 222 is arranged inside the outer periphery of the second capacitance sensor 254. By arranging in this way, the area of ​​the region where the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the capacitance sensor 240 overlap each other can be further increased. As a result, the area of ​​the region where the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the capacitance sensor 240 are arranged on the surface of the pad member 211 of the seat cushion 204 can be further reduced, thereby further suppressing the foreign body sensation caused to the occupant.

[0219] In addition, the first capacitance sensor 253 and the second capacitance sensor 254 are respectively arranged between the left and right first longitudinal grooves 216 and are located in the front and rear of the first transverse groove 215. Thus, since the first capacitance sensor 253 and the second capacitance sensor 254 can be arranged to avoid the first transverse groove 215 and the first longitudinal groove 216, it is easy to assemble the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the two capacitance sensors 253 and 254, and deformation or positional displacement of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the two capacitance sensors 253 and 254 can be suppressed. By arranging the first capacitance sensor 253 and the second capacitance sensor 254 in the front and rear of the first transverse groove 215, when the occupant sits in the front part of the seat surface 207, the first capacitance sensor 253 is turned on, and when the occupant sits in the rear part, the second capacitance sensor 254 is turned on. Thus, the seating of the occupant can be sensed in a wider range in the front-rear direction.

[0220] <<Sixth Implementation Method>>

[0221] Compared with the vehicle seat 201 involved in the fifth embodiment, the vehicle seat 261 involved in the sixth embodiment is different in the shape of the first capacitance sensor 253, the shape of the second capacitance sensor 254, the configuration of the first sensor unit, and the configuration of the second sensor unit, while the other parts are the same as those in the fifth embodiment, and thus the description of the other parts is omitted.

[0222] exist Fig.18 , a top view of the vehicle seat 261 is shown. However, with respect to the left vehicle seat 261, a portion of the surface material 212 is shown after being removed. Fig.18 As shown, the first capacitive sensor 253 and the second capacitive sensor 254 are each in the form of a sheet and are in a substantially rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction. An opening 263 and 264 penetrating in the up-down direction are provided on each of the first capacitive sensor 253 and the second capacitive sensor 254. The openings 263 and 264 are each in a substantially rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction.

[0223] The first capacitance sensor 253 is located in front of the first transverse groove 215 and between the first longitudinal grooves 216 that form a left and right pair. The second capacitance sensor 254 is located behind the first transverse groove 215 and between the first longitudinal grooves 216 that form a left and right pair. Thus, the two capacitance sensors 253 and 254 having openings 263 and 264 are respectively arranged in front and rear of the first transverse groove 215 that extends in the left-right direction. The back surfaces of the first capacitance sensor 253 and the second capacitance sensor 254 are in surface contact with the upper surface of the pad member 211 of the seat cushion 204.

[0224] The first subunit 221 is arranged inside the opening 263 of the first capacitance sensor 253. The back surface of the first subunit 221 is in surface contact with the pad member 211 of the seat cushion 204. In the present embodiment, the thickness of the first subunit 221 is made substantially equal to the thickness of the first capacitance sensor 253, and the upper surface of the first subunit 221 is made coplanar with the upper surface of the first capacitance sensor 253.

[0225] The second subunit 222 is disposed inside the opening 264 of the second capacitance sensor 254. The back surface of the second subunit 222 is in surface contact with the pad member 211 of the seat cushion 204. In the present embodiment, the thickness of the second subunit 222 is substantially equal to the thickness of the second capacitance sensor 254, and the upper surface of the second subunit 222 is coplanar with the upper surface of the second capacitance sensor 254.

[0226] The first capacitance sensor 253 , the second capacitance sensor 254 , the first subunit 221 , and the second subunit 222 are respectively disposed between the pad member 211 and the surface material 212 of the seat cushion 204 .

[0227] Next, the effect of the vehicle seat 261 constructed in this way will be described. The first subunit 221 is arranged inside the opening 263 of the first capacitance sensor 253. As a result, it is not easy for a height difference to occur between the upper surface of the first subunit 221 and the upper surface of the first capacitance sensor 253. Similarly, since the second subunit 222 is arranged inside the opening 264 of the second capacitance sensor 254, it is not easy for a height difference to occur between the upper surface of the second subunit 222 and the upper surface of the second capacitance sensor 254. As a result, it is not easy for a height difference to occur on the seat surface 207, thereby improving the sitting feeling. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the upper surface of the first subunit 221 is coplanar with the upper surface of the first capacitance sensor 253, and the upper surface of the second subunit 222 is coplanar with the upper surface of the second capacitance sensor 254, the seat surface 207 can be made flatter. As a result, the sitting feeling can be further improved.

[0228] In addition, the first capacitive sensor 253 and the second capacitive sensor 254 are arranged between the left and right first longitudinal grooves 216, and are arranged in front and behind the first transverse groove 215. Thus, since the two capacitive sensors 253 and 254 can be arranged to avoid the first transverse groove 215 and the first longitudinal groove 216, it is easy to assemble the capacitive sensors 253 and 254, and it is possible to suppress deformation or positional displacement of the pressure sensitive sensor unit 219 and the two capacitive sensors 253 and 254. In addition, by arranging the two capacitive sensors 253 and 254 in front and behind the first transverse groove 215, it is possible to sense the seating of the occupant in a wider range in the front-to-back direction.

[0229] <<Seventh Implementation Method>>

[0230] Compared with the vehicle seat 201 involved in the fourth embodiment, the vehicle seat 271 involved in the seventh embodiment has different configurations of the capacitive sensor 240 and the structure and configuration of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219, while the description of other parts is omitted because they are the same as the vehicle seat 201 involved in the fourth embodiment.

[0231] exist Fig.19 , a top view of the vehicle seat 271 is shown. However, regarding the left vehicle seat 271, a state in which a part of the surface material 212 is removed is shown. Fig.19As shown, the capacitive sensor 240 is provided between the surface of the cushion member 211 of the seat cushion 204 and the back surface of the skin material 212 of the seat cushion 204. The capacitive sensor 240 is arranged on the surface of the cushion member in front of the first transverse beading groove 215 and between the left and right first longitudinal beading grooves 216. The back surface of the capacitive sensor 240 is in surface contact with the surface of the cushion member 211 of the seat cushion 204.

[0232] Unlike the first embodiment, the pressure sensitive sensor unit 219 does not include the second subunit 222 but includes only the first subunit 221. When the first left pressure sensitive switch pair 225L is on and the first right pressure sensitive switch pair 225R is on, the pressure sensitive sensor unit 219 is on.

[0233] The pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 (first subunit 221) is also provided between the surface of the cushion member 211 of the seat cushion 204 and the back surface of the skin material 212 of the seat cushion 204. The pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 is arranged behind the first transverse beading groove 215 and between the left and right first longitudinal beading grooves 216. The back surface of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 is in surface contact with the surface of the cushion member of the seat cushion 204.

[0234] Next, the effects of the vehicle seat 271 constructed in this way will be described. Since the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the capacitance sensor 240 are both arranged at positions close to the seat surface 207, the seating of the occupant can be sensed with higher sensitivity. In addition, since the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the capacitance sensor 240 are arranged away from the first transverse groove 215 and the first longitudinal groove 216, it is easy to assemble them with respect to the seat cushion 204. In addition, the deformation and positional displacement of the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the capacitance sensor 240 when the occupant is seated can be suppressed. In addition, by arranging the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 behind the first transverse groove 215, the load of the occupant is more likely to act on the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 than when it is arranged in front of the first transverse groove 215, so the seating of the occupant can be sensed more reliably.

[0235] The description of the specific embodiment ends here. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be widely modified. For example, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the recessed portion 45 may be provided in the bottom plate portion 5 instead of being provided on the back surface of the seat cushion pad 11. That is, the recessed portion 45 may be provided on one of the back surface of the seat cushion pad 11 and the bottom plate portion 5. Similarly, the recessed portion 45 may be provided on one of the back surface of the seat back pad 51 and the wall portion 6.

[0236] In the first and second embodiments, the open end of the front side of the harness passage 35 may be provided inside the fitting groove. The open end of the front side of the harness passage 35 may be provided in any of the left and right longitudinal grooves or the front and rear transverse grooves.

[0237] In the third embodiment, the ninth branch portion 111K may extend rearward from the center of the main portion 111A. In this case, the connection portion 114 may be provided at the rear end of the ninth branch portion 111K, and the connection portion 114 may be arranged in front of the first imaginary straight line L1. In addition, the ninth branch portion 111K may extend leftward from the left end of the main portion 111A, or may extend rightward from the right end of the main portion 111A. Each of the branch portions 111B to 111K may be bent or curved.

[0238] In the fifth embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 219 and the capacitance sensor 240 are separately configured, but it is also possible to provide the pressure-sensitive switch 220 and the capacitance sensor 240 on a single sheet member. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the determination device 246 is coupled to the lower surface of the seat cushion 204, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the determination device 246 may be arranged at a predetermined position on the bottom plate 203, or may be constituted by software built into the control device 248.

[0239] Description of Reference Numerals

[0240] 1: seat involved in the first embodiment; 2: seat cushion; 3: seat back; 4: body panel; 5: bottom plate; 6: wall; 11: seat cushion pad; 12: surface material; 14: hard part; 15: soft part; 20: groove; 28: rear tilting part; 30: pressure area; 32: sensor; 33: wiring harness; 35: wiring harness passage; 37: air passage; 41: locking part; 45: recessed part; 51: seat back cushion; 52: surface material; 57: sensor; 58: harness passage; 59: harness; 61: recess; 70: seat involved in the second embodiment; 72: heating cloth; 101: seat involved in the third embodiment; 102: seat cushion; 105: seating area; 106: seat cushion pad; 107: surface material; 110: seating sensor; 111: sheet material; 111A: main part; 111B to 111K: first branch part to ninth branch part; 112 B to 112J: 1st to 8th pressure-sensitive switches; 113: wiring; 114: connection portion; 116: 1st circuit; 117: 2nd circuit; 118: 3rd circuit; 119: 4th circuit; 122: control device; 201: vehicle seat according to the fourth embodiment; 204: seat cushion; 205: seat back; 206: headrest; 215: 1st transverse groove; 220: pressure-sensitive switch (pressure sensor); 236 : The second longitudinal groove; 240: The capacitive sensor; 246: The determining device; 251: The vehicle seat involved in the fifth embodiment; 253: The first capacitive sensor; 254: The second capacitive sensor; 261: The vehicle seat involved in the sixth embodiment; 263, 264: The openings; 271: The vehicle seat involved in the seventh embodiment; HP: Hip point; L1: The first imaginary straight line; L2: The second imaginary straight line; H: Waist.

Claims

1. A seating sensor provided between an upper surface of a seat cushion pad constituting a seat for a vehicle and a surface material covering the seat cushion pad, characterized in that: A sheet, a plurality of pressure sensitive switches and wiring, wherein: The sheet material is flexible; A plurality of the pressure-sensitive switches are disposed on the sheet; The wiring is provided on the sheet and is used to connect the plurality of pressure-sensitive switches. The sheet has a main portion and a plurality of branch portions, wherein the main portion extends in the left-right direction; and the plurality of branch portions extend forward or backward from the main portion. The plurality of pressure-sensitive switches are respectively arranged at the top ends of the branch portions. The main portion extends from the left half to the right half of the passenger's seating area, The branch portion includes a first branch portion, a second branch portion, a third branch portion, and a fourth branch portion, wherein the first branch portion and the second branch portion are arranged at a distance from each other in the left-right direction in the left half of the seating area; the third branch portion and the fourth branch portion are arranged at a distance from each other in the left-right direction in the right half of the seating area, The pressure sensitive switch comprises a first pressure sensitive switch, a second pressure sensitive switch, a third pressure sensitive switch and a fourth pressure sensitive switch, wherein the first pressure sensitive switch is arranged at the top end of the first branch portion; the second pressure sensitive switch is arranged at the top end of the second branch portion; the third pressure sensitive switch is arranged at the top end of the third branch portion; and the fourth pressure sensitive switch is arranged at the top end of the fourth branch portion. The first to fourth pressure-sensitive switches are arranged on a first imaginary straight line extending in the left-right direction. The wiring connects the first pressure sensitive switch and the second pressure sensitive switch in parallel to form a first circuit, connects the third pressure sensitive switch and the fourth pressure sensitive switch in parallel to form a second circuit, and connects the first circuit and the second circuit in series.

2. The seat occupancy sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hip point of the occupant is arranged on the first virtual straight line.

3. The seat occupancy sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first branch portion and the first pressure-sensitive switch are arranged on the left side of the second branch portion and the second pressure-sensitive switch, and the third branch portion and the third pressure-sensitive switch are arranged on the left side of the fourth branch portion and the fourth pressure-sensitive switch. The load for turning on the first pressure sensitive switch is greater than the load for turning on the second pressure sensitive switch. The load for turning on the fourth pressure sensitive switch is greater than the load for turning on the third pressure sensitive switch.

4. The seat occupancy sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first to fourth branch parts extend from the main part to the rear, The branch portion includes a fifth branch portion, a sixth branch portion, a seventh branch portion, and an eighth branch portion, wherein the fifth branch portion and the sixth branch portion are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction and extend forward at a distance therefrom in the left half of the seating area; and the seventh branch portion and the eighth branch portion are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction and extend forward at a distance therefrom in the right half of the seating area. The pressure sensitive switch comprises a fifth pressure sensitive switch, a sixth pressure sensitive switch, a seventh pressure sensitive switch and an eighth pressure sensitive switch, wherein the fifth pressure sensitive switch is disposed at the top of the fifth branch portion; the sixth pressure sensitive switch is disposed at the top of the sixth branch portion; the seventh pressure sensitive switch is disposed at the top of the seventh branch portion; and the eighth pressure sensitive switch is disposed at the top of the eighth branch portion. The fifth to eighth pressure sensitive switches are arranged on a second imaginary straight line extending in the left-right direction.

5. The seat occupancy sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that: The wiring connects the 5th pressure-sensitive switch and the 6th pressure-sensitive switch in parallel to form a 3rd circuit, connects the 7th pressure-sensitive switch and the 8th pressure-sensitive switch in parallel to form a 4th circuit, connects the 3rd circuit and the 4th circuit in series, and connects the 1st circuit and the 2nd circuit in parallel to the 3rd circuit and the 4th circuit.

6. The seat occupancy sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fifth branch portion and the fifth pressure-sensitive switch are arranged on the left side of the sixth branch portion and the sixth pressure-sensitive switch, and the seventh branch portion and the seventh pressure-sensitive switch are arranged on the left side of the eighth branch portion and the eighth pressure-sensitive switch. The load for turning on the fifth pressure-sensitive switch is greater than the load for turning on the sixth pressure-sensitive switch. The load for turning on the eighth pressure sensitive switch is greater than the load for turning on the seventh pressure sensitive switch.

7. The seat occupancy sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first branch portion and the fifth branch portion are arranged in a straight line along the front-to-back direction, the second branch portion and the sixth branch portion are arranged in a straight line along the front-to-back direction, the third branch portion and the seventh branch portion are arranged in a straight line along the front-to-back direction, and the fourth branch portion and the eighth branch portion are arranged in a straight line along the front-to-back direction.

8. The seat occupancy sensor according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: The branch portion includes a ninth branch portion, the ninth branch portion extends forward or backward from the main portion, and has a connection portion connected to an external wiring at its top end. The connecting portion is arranged behind the second imaginary straight line and in front of the first imaginary straight line.

9. The seat occupancy sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The vehicle seat constitutes the rear seat of the automobile.

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