Sensor device

Abstract

A sensor device has a detection line (30, 92) formed in a linear shape from one end (30a, 92a) toward the other end (30b, 92b) and an object detection section (80) that determines that an object has approached or contacted based on a change in electrostatic capacity generated in the detection line. In a case where a prescribed portion between the one end and the other end in the detection line is a first prescribed portion (30d, 30f, 30h, 92d), a gap (30e, 30g, 30i, 92e) is formed between the other end and the first prescribed portion. In a case where a portion in the detection line that is disposed away from the other end between the first prescribed portion and the other end is a second prescribed portion (30c, 92c), the detection line is formed so as to approach the first prescribed portion as the other end is approached from the second prescribed portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-56634, filed on March 29, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a sensor device. Background Technology

[0004] Conventional heater devices have included heating wires, transmitting electrodes, and receiving electrodes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The heating wire, transmitting electrode, and receiving electrode are each formed in a linear shape. When a voltage is applied to the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode, and an object approaches the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the transmitting electrode and the object. Consequently, the electrostatic capacitance between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode decreases.

[0005] When the change in electrostatic capacitance between the transmitting and receiving electrodes exceeds a threshold value, the control unit determines that an object has approached the transmitting and receiving electrodes. Simultaneously, the control unit reduces the current flowing through the heating wire. Therefore, when an object approaches the transmitting and receiving electrodes, heat generation from the heating wire can be suppressed.

[0006] A top width portion is provided on the top side of the receiving electrode. Compared with other areas of the receiving electrode, the top width portion has a larger dimension in the width direction. As a result, the surface density of the top width portion is greater than that of other areas of the receiving electrode.

[0007] Therefore, compared to a heater device without a wide top portion, the electrostatic capacitance between the top side of the receiving electrode and the transmitting electrode can be increased. Consequently, the change in electrostatic capacitance between the receiving electrode and the transmitting electrode when an object approaches the wide top portion of the receiving electrode increases, thereby enhancing the reaction intensity in the top side region of the receiving electrode.

[0008] Existing technical documents

[0009] Patent documents

[0010] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-150761.

[0011] In the aforementioned heater device, when an object approaches the top wide portion of the receiving electrode, the change in electrostatic capacitance between the receiving electrode and the transmitting electrode increases, and the reaction intensity in the top side region of the receiving electrode becomes stronger.

[0012] However, according to the inventors' research, the change in electrostatic capacitance between the receiving electrode and the transmitting electrode is small when the object approaches the tip side of the wide portion at the tip of the receiving electrode. Therefore, a defect occurs where the reaction intensity weakens at the tip side of the receiving electrode's tip side region.

[0013] Such defects are not limited to heater devices; they can occur in any sensor device that determines whether an object is in contact or near based on changes in electrostatic capacitance. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a sensor device that enhances the response intensity when an object comes into contact with or approaches it.

[0015] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the sensor device comprises:

[0016] A detection line, which is formed as a line extending from one end to the other; and

[0017] The object detection unit determines whether an object has approached or come into contact with it based on changes in the electrostatic capacitance generated on the detection line.

[0018] When a specified location between one end and the other end of the detection line is designated as the first specified location.

[0019] A gap is formed between the other end and the first designated part.

[0020] When the portion of the detection line located away from the other end between the first specified portion and the other end is designated as the second specified portion.

[0021] The detection line is formed such that it approaches the first specified position as it moves from the second specified position to the other end.

[0022] Hereinafter, the electrostatic capacitance generated by the detection line will be simply referred to as the electrostatic capacitance of the detection line.

[0023] Therefore, electrostatic capacitance is generated between the object and the other end of the detection line, and also between the object and the first predetermined portion of the detection line. Consequently, on the other end of the detection line, the change in electrostatic capacitance of the detection line increases when the object approaches or comes into contact with it. Therefore, it is possible to provide a sensor device that enhances the response strength when an object comes into contact with or approaches it. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the heater device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure mounted on a car.

[0025] Figure 2 It means Figure 1This is a top view of the internal structure of the heater body of the heater device in the first embodiment, and is also a diagram used to help explain the heating wire, detection wire and control unit.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The diagram is a cross-sectional view (III-III) showing the occupant's fingers approaching the heater body, and is used to further explain the insulating substrate, heating wire, detection wire, insulating layer, and outer sheath that constitute the heater body.

[0027] Figure 4 It's enlarged. Figure 2 A sectional view of section IV.

[0028] Figure 5 It's enlarged. Figure 2 A sectional view of section V in the image.

[0029] Figure 6 It means in Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the heater body of the heater device, in which the occupant's finger approaches the other end of the detection line at a designated location, and is used to illustrate the dimensions of the gap formed between the other end of the detection line and the designated location.

[0030] Figure 7 It means in Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the heater body of the heater device, in which an occupant's finger approaches the area between one end and the other end of the detection line, and is used to illustrate the electric field lines generated between the detection line and the occupant's finger.

[0031] Figure 8 It means in Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the heater body of the comparative heater device, with the occupant's finger approaching the other end of the detection line, and is used to illustrate the electric field lines generated between the other end of the detection line and the occupant's finger.

[0032] Figure 9 It means in Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the heater body of the heater device, in which the occupant's finger approaches the other end of the detection line at a designated location, and is used to illustrate the electric field lines generated between the detection line and the occupant's finger.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to illustrate the increase in the reaction intensity of the detection line when an object approaches or comes into contact with the heater device in the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the detection line of the heater device in the comparative example of the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the detection line of the heater body portion of the heater apparatus in the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the inspection line of the heater body portion of the heater apparatus in the third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the inspection line of the heater body portion of the heater apparatus in the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0038] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the inspection line of the heater body portion of the heater apparatus in the fifth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0039] Figure 16 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the inspection line of the heater body portion of the heater apparatus in the sixth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0040] Figure 17 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the inspection line of the heater body portion of the heater apparatus in the seventh embodiment of this disclosure.

[0041] Figure 18 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the inspection line of the heater body portion of the heater apparatus in the eighth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 19 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the inspection line of the heater body portion of the heater apparatus in the ninth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 20 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the inspection line of the heater body portion of the heater apparatus in the tenth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 21 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the inspection line of the heater body portion of the heater apparatus in the eleventh embodiment of this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 22 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the inspection line of the heater body portion of the heater apparatus in the twelfth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 23 This is a top view showing the internal structure of the heater body of the heater device according to the thirteenth embodiment of this disclosure, and is a diagram used to further explain the heating wire, transmitting electrode wire, receiving electrode wire, and control unit.

[0047] Figure 24 yes Figure 23The diagram shows sectional views XXIV-XXIV, and is a diagram showing the state of the occupant's finger approaching the heater body of the heater device. It is also a diagram used to help explain the insulating substrate, heating wire, detection part, insulating layer and outer skin material that constitute the heater body. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the various embodiments described below, for the sake of simplicity, the same reference numerals will be used to label the same or equivalent parts in the drawings.

[0049] (First Implementation)

[0050] Reference Figures 1-3 The heater device of this first embodiment will be described in detail below. Figure 1 As shown, heater device 1 is installed in the vehicle interior. Heater device 1 forms part of the heating system in the vehicle interior. Heater device 1 is an electric heater that generates heat by being powered by an on-board power source such as a battery or generator installed in the vehicle.

[0051] The heater device 1 is a flexible, thin-film-shaped surface heater, having a heater body 1X that heats up when powered. The heater device 1 radiates heat H mainly in the thickness direction of the heater body 1X, and is used to heat an object located in that direction.

[0052] The heater device 1 can be used, for example, to provide immediate warmth to the occupant 3 immediately after the engine for vehicle operation is started. The heater device 1 is configured to radiate heat H towards the feet of the occupant 3 seated in the seat 4 inside the vehicle interior.

[0053] For example, the heater device 1 is provided on the lower surface of the steering column cover 7, which is provided in a manner that covers the steering column 6 that supports the steering wheel 5, and on the dashboard, which is located below the steering column cover 7. Because the heater device 1 is flexible, it is provided along each mounting surface.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the heater body 1X of the heater device 1 in a planar shape. In this state, the heater device 1 is configured to extend along the X and Y directions. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0055] like Figure 3As shown, the heater body 1X of the heater device 1 is formed as a thin film with the Z direction as its thickness direction. The Z direction is a direction that intersects (e.g., orthogonal) the X direction and intersects (e.g., orthogonal) the Y direction. That is, the X direction and the Y direction are intersecting (e.g., orthogonal) relative to the Z direction. The X direction and the Y direction are mutually intersecting (e.g., orthogonal).

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the heater body 1X includes an insulating substrate 10, a heating wire 20, a detection wire 30, an insulating layer 40, and a skin material 50. The insulating substrate 10, as a low thermal conductivity part, is a first electrical insulating material formed as a thin film with the Z direction as its thickness direction and extending in the X and Y directions.

[0057] The insulating layer 40 is a thin film-shaped second electrical insulating material formed with the Z-direction as its thickness direction and extending in the X and Y directions. The insulating layer 40 is disposed on one side of the insulating substrate 10 in the Z-direction and is formed as a thin film along the insulating substrate 10. The side in the Z-direction refers to the side opposite to the occupant, i.e., the occupant-opposite side.

[0058] The skin material 50 is formed as a thin film with the Z-direction as its thickness direction and extending in the X and Y directions. The skin material 50 is formed of an electrically insulating resin material. The skin material 50 is disposed on the opposite side of the insulating substrate 10 in the Z-direction and is formed as a thin film along the insulating substrate 10. The opposite side in the Z-direction refers to the occupant side.

[0059] The insulating substrate 10 and the insulating layer 40 are each formed of a resin material (e.g., a polyimide film) that is electrically insulating and heat-resistant. The resin material has a lower thermal conductivity compared to the heating wire 20 and the detection wire 30. That is, the insulating substrate 10 and the insulating layer 40 have a lower thermal conductivity compared to the heating wire 20 and the detection wire 30.

[0060] The heating wire 20 is formed of a metallic material that heats up when energized. The heating wire 20 is disposed between the insulating substrate 10 and the insulating layer 40. The heating wire 20 is formed of metallic material in a linear shape extending from one end 20a to the other end 20b. The heating wire 20 is formed to surround the detection line 30 in both the X and Y directions. The heating wire 20 generates radiant heat when energized.

[0061] The detection line 30 is disposed between the insulating substrate 10 and the insulating layer 40. Therefore, the detection line 30 and the heating line 20 are surrounded by the insulating substrate 10 and the insulating layer 40. The detection line 30 and the heating line 20 form a single layer between the insulating substrate 10 and the insulating layer 40.

[0062] The detection line 30 is formed from an electrically conductive metal material and extends from one end 30a to the other end 30b. The detection line 30 is formed in a meandering shape in the X and Y directions.

[0063] Therefore, the detection line 30 is integrally arranged across the surface direction of the heater body 1X. Specifically, as... Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the detection line 30 is formed along the heating line 20. Figure 5 As shown, a specified portion between one end 30a and the other end 30b of the detection line 30 is designated as the specified portion (i.e., the first specified portion) 30d.

[0064] The specified portion between the specified portion 30d and the other end 30b in the detection line 30 is designated as the specified portion 30c. The specified portion 30c is a second specified portion disposed away from the specified portion 30d. The detection line 30 is formed such that it approaches the specified portion 30d as it moves from the specified portion 30c toward the other end 30b.

[0065] In the detection line 30, one end 30a, the other end 30b, the designated portion 30c, and the designated portion 30d are staggered in their respective intersecting directions (e.g., the X or Y direction) that intersect the Z direction. In a plane with the Z direction as its normal, the other end 30b is staggered relative to the designated portion 30d. Specifically, in the detection line 30, the designated portion 30d is positioned on the X-direction side relative to the other end 30b.

[0066] In this embodiment, a gap 30e is formed between the other end 30b of the detection line 30 and the designated portion 30d. The gap 30e is set such that its dimension Ka in the direction (e.g., the X direction) connecting the other end 30b of the detection line 30 and the designated portion 30d is greater than 0 mm and less than 5 mm. The dimension Ka of the gap 30e is set based on the outermost diameter Lh of the fingertip 2a of a human child's finger 2.

[0067] Therefore, when the fingertip 2a of the occupant's finger 2 approaches the other end 30b of the detection line 30, as... Figure 6 As shown, the fingertip 2a of finger 2 can be configured to extend across the other end 30b and the designated portion 30d.

[0068] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, a terminal 70 is connected to one end 20a of the heating wire 20. A terminal 71 is connected to the other end 20b of the heating wire 20. A terminal 72 is connected to one end 30a of the detection wire 30.

[0069] In this embodiment, terminals 70, 71, and 72 are respectively connected to the control unit (i.e., the object detection unit) 80. The control unit 80 has a self-capacitance detection circuit that determines whether an object is in contact or approaching based on the change in electrostatic capacitance generated on the detection line 30.

[0070] The control unit 80 includes a control circuit that limits the flow of current between one end 20a and the other end 20b of the heating wire 20 based on the result obtained from the detection circuit. Furthermore, the electrostatic capacitance formed on the detection line 30 will hereinafter be simply referred to as the electrostatic capacitance of the detection line 30.

[0071] Next, refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 The operation of the heater device 1 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0072] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the area between one end 30a and the other end 30b of the object (i.e., the occupant's finger 2) approaching the detection line 30 in this embodiment. Figure 8 This is a comparative example of a heater device with a structure in which the other end 30b of the detection line 30 is not located near a designated location 30d of the detection line 30, and the occupant's finger 2 (i.e., the object) is close to the other end 30b of the detection line 30. Figure 9 This diagram illustrates, in this embodiment, that the occupant's finger 2 approaches the other end 30b and the designated portion 30d of the detection line 30.

[0073] First, the control unit 80 applies a pulsed voltage to the detection line 30, causing the detection line 30 to generate a positive charge. At this time, when the occupant's finger 2 moves away from the outer skin material 50, the positive charge generated on the detection line 30 does not affect the occupant's finger 2. Therefore, the change in electrostatic capacitance between the occupant's finger 2 and the detection line 30 is small, and the change in electrostatic capacitance of the detection line 30 is also small.

[0074] At this time, the control unit 80 determines that the object has not approached the skin material 50 and has not contacted the skin material 50 by judging that the change in the electrostatic capacitance of the detection line 30 is below the threshold.

[0075] Simultaneously, the control unit 80, based on the output voltage of the vehicle power supply, causes current to flow between one end 20a and the other end 20b of the heating wire 20. Therefore, the heating wire 20 generates heat through the current and radiates radiant heat H. Thus, the occupant located on the opposite side in the Z direction relative to the heater body 1X can be heated by the radiant heat H.

[0076] For example, such as Figure 7As shown, in the region between one end 30a and the other end 30b of the detection line 30, when the occupant's finger 2 approaches or touches the outer skin material 50, as described below, the negative charge generated on the occupant's finger 2 increases due to electrostatic induction caused by the positive charge generated in the detection line 30.

[0077] Therefore, when the occupant's finger 2 approaches or touches the outer skin material 50, multiple electric field lines 2Y pass from the detection line 30 toward the occupant's finger 2. At this time, the electrostatic capacitance between the detection line 30 and the occupant's finger 2 increases. That is, when the occupant's finger 2 approaches or touches the outer skin material 50, the electrostatic capacitance of the detection line 30 increases. Figure 7 This represents the electric field line 2Y that flows from the positive charge of the detection line 30 to the negative charge of the occupant's finger 2 when the occupant's finger 2 is close to the skin material 50.

[0078] At this time, the control unit 80 determines that the occupant's finger 2 has approached or contacted the outer skin material 50 by judging that the change (i.e., the increase) in the electrostatic capacitance of the detection line 30 is above a threshold. Simultaneously, the control unit 80 restricts the flow of current between one end 20a and the other end 20b of the heating wire 20. Therefore, heating through the heating wire 20 stops, and the radiant heat H emitted by the heating wire 20 stops.

[0079] On the other hand, such as Figure 8 As shown, in a comparative example of a heater device where the other end 30b of the detection line 30 does not approach the designated part 30d, the following applies when the occupant's finger 2 approaches or touches the outer skin material 50 on the other end 30b side of the detection line 30.

[0080] That is, due to the electrostatic induction caused by the positive charge generated at the other end 30b of the detection line 30, the negative charge generated on the occupant's finger 2 is small. Therefore, the number of electric field lines 2Y from the other end 30b of the detection line 30 to the occupant's finger 2 is small. Therefore, the change in electrostatic capacitance between the occupant's finger 2 and the other end 30b of the detection line 30 is small. That is, even if the occupant's finger 2 approaches or contacts the skin material 50 on the other end 30b side of the detection line 30, the change in electrostatic capacitance of the detection line 30 is small.

[0081] At this time, the control unit 80 determines that the change in electrostatic capacitance formed on the detection line 30 is less than the threshold. That is, even if the occupant's finger 2 actually approaches or touches the skin material 50, the control unit 80 cannot determine that the occupant's finger 2 approaches or touches the skin material 50.

[0082] That is, the control unit 80 will mistakenly determine that the occupant's finger 2 is away from the skin material 50. Therefore, the control unit 80 continues to allow current to flow between one end 20a and the other end 20b of the heating wire 20 based on the output voltage of the vehicle power supply.

[0083] In contrast, in this embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, at the other end 30b of the detection line 30, when the occupant's finger 2 approaches or touches the outer skin material 50, as described below: That is, due to electrostatic induction caused by the positive charge generated at the other end 30b of the detection line 30, a negative charge is generated on the occupant's finger 2. Furthermore, due to electrostatic induction caused by the positive charge generated at a designated location 30d of the detection line 30, a negative charge is generated on the occupant's finger 2.

[0084] At this time, electric field line 2Y extends from the other end 30b of the detection line 30 to the occupant's finger 2, and also extends from a designated portion 30d of the detection line 30 to the occupant's finger 2. Therefore, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the occupant's finger 2 and the other end 30b of the detection line 30, and also between the occupant's finger 2 and the designated portion 30d of the detection line 30. Therefore, on the other end 30b side of the detection line 30, the change in the electrostatic capacitance of the detection line 30 when the occupant's finger 2 approaches or contacts the outer skin material 50 is related to... Figure 8 The scale of the heater device is larger in comparison.

[0085] At this time, the control unit 80 determines that the occupant's finger 2 has approached or touched the outer skin material 50 by judging that the change in the electrostatic capacitance of the detection line 30 is above a threshold. Simultaneously, the control unit 80 restricts the flow of current between one end 20a and the other end 20b of the heating wire 20. Therefore, the heating of the heating wire 20 stops, and the radiant heat H emitted by the heating wire 20 stops.

[0086] Next, refer to Figure 10 This describes the reaction intensity of the detection line 30 in this embodiment.

[0087] (a) Indicates the reaction intensity of the detection line 30 when the occupant's finger 2 approaches the area between one end 30a and the other end 30b of the detection line 30. (b) In a comparative example of a heater device 1 where the other end 30b of the detection line 30 is far from the designated portion 30d, the reaction intensity of the detection line 30 when the occupant's finger 2 approaches the other end 30b and the designated portion 30d of the detection line 30. (c) In this embodiment, the reaction intensity of the detection line 30 when the occupant's finger 2 approaches the other end 30b and the designated portion 30d of the detection line 30.

[0088] from Figure 10As can be seen from (c) in this embodiment, the reaction intensity of the detection line 30 when the occupant's finger 2 approaches the other end 30b and the designated part 30d of the detection line 30 is similar to... Figure 10 The cases (a) and (b) are higher.

[0089] According to the embodiment described above, the heater device 1 includes a detection line 30 and a control unit 80. The detection line is formed as a line extending from one end 30a to the other end 30b. The control unit 80 determines whether an object is approaching or in contact with the skin material 50 based on changes in the electrostatic capacitance of the detection line 30.

[0090] Specifically, when a voltage is applied to the detection line 30, the control unit 80 determines whether an object is approaching or in contact with it based on the change in electrostatic capacitance generated between the detection line 30 and the object. Here, a predetermined portion between one end 30a and the other end 30b of the detection line 30 is designated as the predetermined portion 30d.

[0091] In this embodiment, the detection line 30 approaches the designated portion 30d from the designated portion 30c towards the other end 30b, and a gap 30e is formed between the other end 30b and the designated portion 30d. The designated portion 30c is disposed between the designated portion 30d and the other end 30b in the detection line 30. The designated portion 30c is disposed away from the designated portion 30d.

[0092] Therefore, on the other end 30b of the detection line 30, when the object approaches or contacts the skin material 50, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the object and the other end 30b, and an electrostatic capacitance is also generated between the object and the specified part 30d.

[0093] Therefore, at the other end 30b of the detection line 30, the change in electrostatic capacitance of the detection line 30 when an object approaches or contacts the skin material 50 is related to... Figure 8 The heater device is larger in scale. Therefore, it is possible to provide a heater device 1 that enhances the reaction intensity when an object approaches or contacts the skin material 50 at the other end 30b of the detection line 30.

[0094] In this embodiment with such a configuration, the following effects (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) are obtained.

[0095] (a) A gap 30e, which is larger than 0 mm and less than 5 mm, is formed between the other end 30b of the detection line 30 and the designated part 30d. Therefore, even if a child's finger 2, which is the occupant, approaches the other end 30b of the detection line 30, the finger 2 is configured to cross the other end 30b of the detection line 30 and the designated part 30d.

[0096] Therefore, electrostatic capacitance is generated between the child's finger 2 and the other end 30b of the detection line 30, and between the child's finger 2 and a designated portion 30d of the detection line 30. Thus, the reaction intensity when an object approaches or comes into contact can be reliably enhanced on the other end 30b side of the detection line 30.

[0097] (b) such as Figure 11 As shown, a comparative example of a heater device can be considered where a film-shaped top width portion 30x extending in the Y and X directions is connected to the other end 30b of the detection line 30 to increase the areal density on the other end 30b side of the detection line 30. In this case, a large electrostatic capacitance is generated between the top width portion 30x of the detection line 30 and the object that is close to or in contact with the skin material 50.

[0098] Therefore, on the top wide portion 30x side of the detection line 30, when an object approaches or contacts the skin material 50, the change in electrostatic capacitance of the detection line 30 increases. Thus, on the top wide portion 30x side of the detection line 30, the reaction intensity when an object approaches or contacts the skin material 50 is reliably enhanced.

[0099] However, on the top side 30z of the top width portion 30x, when the object 2A approaches or contacts the skin material 50, the change in electrostatic capacitance between the detection line 30 and the object 2A is small. Therefore, on the top side 30z of the top width portion 30x of the detection line 30, the reaction intensity is weaker when the object approaches or contacts the skin material 50.

[0100] On the other hand, the detection line 30 and the top wide portion 30x are made of metal. Therefore, by using the top wide portion 30x, more metal material constituting the heater body 1X is used. Consequently, the heat capacity of the heater body 1X increases. Therefore, when a finger touches the heater body 1X, the rate at which the temperature of the heater body 1X decreases is slower. Therefore, when a finger touches the heater body 1X, it causes a thermal discomfort to the finger.

[0101] In contrast, in this embodiment, although the detection line 30 is formed with the other end 30b close to the designated portion 30d, the top width portion 30x is not used. Therefore, the weakening of the reaction intensity associated with the top side 30z side of the aforementioned top width portion 30x is not produced.

[0102] In this embodiment, since the top width portion 30x is not used, less metal material is used to constitute the heater body 1X. Therefore, the heat capacity of the heater body 1X does not increase. Consequently, when the finger 2 touches the heater body 1X, the temperature of the heater body 1X decreases rapidly. Therefore, it is possible to suppress any discomfort caused by heat when the finger 2 touches the heater body 1X.

[0103] (c) The insulating substrate 10 and the insulating layer 40 are made of a resin material with lower thermal conductivity compared to the heating wire 20 and the detection wire 30. The insulating substrate 10 and the insulating layer 40 are formed to surround the heating wire 20 and the detection wire 30. As a result, when the finger 2 comes into contact with the outer skin material 50 of the heater body 1X, heat transfer from the heating wire 20 to the finger 2 can be suppressed. Therefore, discomfort to the finger when the finger 2 comes into contact with the outer skin material 50 of the heater body 1X can be suppressed.

[0104] (d) The heater body 1X includes an insulating substrate 10 formed into a film by an electrically insulating material and an insulating layer 40 disposed relative to the insulating substrate 10 in the Z direction (i.e., the thickness direction) and formed into a film by an electrically insulating material along the insulating substrate 10.

[0105] Here, the heating wire 20 and the detection wire 30 are disposed between the insulating substrate 10 and the insulating layer 40. Therefore, the heating wire 20 and the detection wire 30 are disposed in the same layer. This increases the flexibility in the arrangement of the heating wire 20 and the detection wire 30. Consequently, uneven temperature distribution in the surface direction of the insulating substrate 10 and the insulating layer 40 can be suppressed.

[0106] (e) The heater body 1X is equipped with a heating wire 20 that generates heat by the flow of current. The control unit 80 restricts the flow of current in the heating wire 20 when an object is detected approaching or being touched, based on the change in electrostatic capacitance generated in the detection line 30.

[0107] In this embodiment, the other end 30b of the detection line 30 is positioned close to the designated portion 30d. Even if the occupant's finger 2 contacts the outer skin material 50 at the other end 30b of the detection line 30, the control unit 80 reliably restricts the flow of current in the heating line 20.

[0108] Therefore, at the other end 30b of the detection line 30, the heating line 20 can be reliably suppressed from heating when the occupant's finger 2 comes into contact with the outer skin material 50. Thus, by suppressing the transfer of heat from the outer skin material 50 to the finger 2, discomfort to the finger when the finger 2 comes into contact with the outer skin material 50 can be suppressed.

[0109] (Second Implementation)

[0110] In the first embodiment described above, an example is given in which the detection line 30 is formed to approach the specified portion 30d as it moves from the specified portion 30c in the X direction and approaches the other end 30b.

[0111] However, instead of this, in this second embodiment, as Figure 12 As shown, the detection line 30 is formed such that it advances from the designated portion 30c towards one side in the Y direction and approaches the designated portion 30d near the other end 30b. The detection line 30 is formed such that the other end 30b approaches the designated portion 30d in the Y direction. In the detection line 30, the designated portion 30d is positioned on one side in the Y direction relative to the other end 30b. Figure 12 The illustration of one end 30a of the detection line 30 is omitted in the text.

[0112] (Third Implementation)

[0113] In the second embodiment described above, an example is given in which the detection line 30 is formed such that the other end 30b is close to the designated portion 30d in the Y direction.

[0114] However, instead of this, in this third embodiment, as Figure 13 As shown, the detection line 30 is formed such that its other end 30b is close to the designated portion 30d in the X direction. In the detection line 30, the designated portion 30d is positioned on one side of the X direction relative to the other end 30b. Figure 13 The illustration of one end 30a of the detection line 30 is omitted in the text.

[0115] (Fourth Implementation)

[0116] In the second embodiment described above, an example was given in which the detection line 30 is formed to approach the other end 30b as it advances from the designated portion 30c to one side in the Y direction. However, instead of this, in this fourth embodiment, as... Figure 14 As shown, the detection line 30 is formed to approach the other end 30b as it moves from the designated part 30c to the other side in the Y direction.

[0117] In this embodiment, the detection line 30 is formed such that its other end 30b approaches a predetermined portion 30d in the X direction, and a gap 30e is formed between the other end 30b and the predetermined portion 30d. In the detection line 30, the predetermined portion 30d is positioned on one side in the X direction relative to the other end 30b. Figure 14 The illustration of one end 30a of the detection line 30 is omitted in the text.

[0118] (Fifth implementation method)

[0119] In the fourth embodiment described above, an example was given in which the detection line 30 is formed such that a gap 30e is formed between the other end 30b and the designated portion 30d. However, apart from this, in this fourth embodiment, as... Figure 15 As shown, the detection line 30 is formed in such a way that a gap 30g is formed between the other end 30b and the specified part 30f.

[0120] That is, in this embodiment, the detection line 30 is formed such that it approaches the predetermined portions 30d and 30f as it approaches the other end 30b from the predetermined portion 30c. The predetermined portions 30d and 30f are first predetermined portions disposed between one end 30a and the other end 30b of the detection line 30.

[0121] The specified portion 30c is a second specified portion located between specified portions 30d and 30f and the other end 30b in the detection line 30. The specified portion 30c is a second specified portion located away from the specified portions 30d and 30f.

[0122] The gap 30g is set such that its dimension in the direction connecting the other end 30b and the specified part 30f (e.g., the Y direction) is greater than 0mm and less than 5mm. The gap 30e is set such that its dimension in the direction connecting the other end 30b and the specified part 30d (e.g., the X direction) is greater than 0mm and less than 5mm.

[0123] In detection line 30, a designated portion 30d is positioned on one side of the X-direction relative to the other end 30b. In detection line 30, a designated portion 30f is positioned on the other side of the Y-direction relative to the other end 30b. Figure 15 The illustration of one end 30a of the detection line 30 is omitted in the text.

[0124] According to the embodiment described above, the detection line 30 has a gap 30g formed between the other end 30b and the designated portion 30f, and a gap 30e formed between the other end 30b and the designated portion 30d.

[0125] Therefore, at the other end 30b of the detection line 30, the occupant's finger 2 approaches or contacts the outer skin material 50. At this time, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the occupant's finger 2 and the other end 30b of the detection line 30, and an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the occupant's finger 2 and a designated portion 30d of the detection line 30. Furthermore, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the occupant's finger 2 and a designated portion 30f of the detection line 30.

[0126] Therefore, at the other end 30b of the detection line 30, the change in electrostatic capacitance of the detection line 30 when the occupant's finger 2 approaches or touches the outer skin material 50 is greater than that in the first embodiment described above. Consequently, at the other end 30b of the detection line 30, the reaction intensity when an object approaches or touches the outer skin material 50 is enhanced compared to the first embodiment described above.

[0127] (Sixth Implementation Method)

[0128] In the fifth embodiment described above, the detection line 30 is formed such that one end 30b is close to the designated portion 30d and the other end 30b is close to the designated portion 30f. However, in this sixth embodiment, as... Figure 16 As shown, the detection line 30 is formed with the other end 30b close to the designated part 30h.

[0129] That is, the detection line 30 is formed such that as it approaches the other end 30b from the designated part 30c, it approaches the designated parts 30d, 30f, and 30h respectively. Gap 30e, 30g, and 30i are formed between the other end 30b and the designated parts 30d, 30f, and 30h at each designated part.

[0130] Specifically, a gap 30e is formed between the other end 30b and the designated portion 30d. A gap 30g is formed between the other end 30b and the designated portion 30f. A gap 30i is formed between the other end 30b and the designated portion 30h.

[0131] The specified locations 30d, 30f, and 30h are first specified locations disposed between one end 30a and the other end 30b of the detection line 30. The specified location 30c is a second specified location disposed between the specified locations 30d, 30f, and 30h and the other end 30b of the detection line 30. Furthermore, the specified location 30c is disposed at a position away from the specified locations 30d, 30f, and 30h.

[0132] Therefore, in the detection line 30, a gap 30i is formed between the other end 30b and the designated portion 30h. A gap 30g is formed between the other end 30b and the designated portion 30f. A gap 30e is formed between the other end 30b and the designated portion 30d.

[0133] The gap 30i is set such that its dimension in the direction connecting the other end 30b and the designated portion 30h (e.g., the Y direction) is greater than 0 mm and less than 5 mm. The gap 30g is set such that its dimension in the direction connecting the other end 30b and the designated portion 30f (e.g., the Y direction) is greater than 0 mm and less than 5 mm. The gap 30e is set such that its dimension in the direction connecting the other end 30b and the designated portion 30d (e.g., the X direction) is greater than 0 mm and less than 5 mm.

[0134] In the detection line 30, a specified portion 30h is positioned on one side of the Y direction relative to the other end 30b. A specified portion 30f is positioned on the other side of the Y direction relative to the other end 30b. A specified portion 30d is positioned on one side of the X direction relative to the other end 30b. Figure 16 The illustration of one end 30a of the detection line 30 is omitted in the text.

[0135] According to the embodiment described above, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the occupant's finger 2 and the other end 30b of the detection line 30, and an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the occupant's finger 2 and a predetermined portion 30d of the detection line 30. An electrostatic capacitance is generated between the occupant's finger 2 and a predetermined portion 30f of the detection line 30. An electrostatic capacitance is generated between the occupant's finger 2 and a predetermined portion 30h of the detection line 30.

[0136] Therefore, at the other end 30b of the detection line 30, the change in electrostatic capacitance of the detection line 30 when the occupant's finger 2 approaches or contacts the outer skin material 50 is greater than that in the fifth embodiment described above. Thus, at the other end 30b of the detection line 30, the reaction intensity when the occupant's finger 2 approaches or contacts the outer skin material 50 can be further reliably enhanced.

[0137] (Seventh Implementation)

[0138] In the first embodiment described above, an example was given where the detection line 30 was formed in a meandering shape. However, instead of this, in this seventh embodiment, referring to... Figure 17 This illustrates an example where the detection line 30 is formed as a vortex extending in the X and Y directions. Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the detection line 30 in this embodiment, magnified.

[0139] The detection line 30 has multiple bends that curve at approximately right angles in a direction extending from one end 30a to the other end 30b. The detection line 30 is formed such that its other end 30b is surrounded by an area of ​​the detection line 30 excluding the other end 30b. Figure 17 The illustration of one end 30a of the detection line 30 is omitted. Figure 17 The detection line 30 has 12 bends.

[0140] According to the embodiment described above, the detection line 30 approaches the designated portion 30d as it moves from the designated portion 30c to the other end 30b, and a gap 30e is formed between the other end 30b and the designated portion 30d. The designated portion 30d is disposed between one end 30a and the other end 30b of the detection line 30. The designated portion 30c is disposed between the designated portion 30d and the other end 30b of the detection line 30. The designated portion 30c is disposed away from the designated portion 30d.

[0141] Therefore, similar to the first embodiment described above, this enhances the reaction intensity when an occupant's finger 2 approaches or contacts the outer skin material 50 at the other end 30b of the detection line 30. In the detection line 30, a designated portion 30d is positioned on one side in the X direction relative to the other end 30b.

[0142] In this embodiment, the detection line 30 is formed in a vortex shape extending in the X and Y directions. Therefore, it is possible to suppress uneven reaction intensity caused by the detection line 30 in the X and Y directions.

[0143] (Eighth Implementation)

[0144] In the seventh embodiment described above, an example is given in which the detection line 30 is formed having a plurality of curved portions 30k that are bent at right angles in the direction of its extension.

[0145] However, instead of this, in this eighth embodiment, as Figure 18 As shown, the detection line 30 is formed into a vortex shape that is smoothly curved in the X and Y directions. Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the detection line 30 in this embodiment, magnified.

[0146] In this embodiment, the detection line 30 is formed such that the area surrounding the other end 30b of the detection line 30 is the region of the detection line 30 excluding the other end 30b. In the detection line 30, as it approaches the other end 30b from the designated portion 30c, it also approaches the designated portion 30d, and a gap 30e is formed between the other end 30b and the designated portion 30d. Figure 18 The illustration of one end 30a of the detection line 30 is omitted in the text.

[0147] According to the embodiment described above, similar to the first embodiment, at the other end 30b of the detection line 30, the reaction intensity of the detection line 30 when the occupant's finger 2 approaches or contacts the epidermal material 50 can be enhanced. Furthermore, the detection line 30 is formed in a vortex shape extending in the X and Y directions. Therefore, uneven reaction intensity caused by the detection line 30 in the X and Y directions can be suppressed.

[0148] (Ninth Implementation)

[0149] In the first embodiment described above, an example is given in which the heating wire 20 and the detection wire 30 are formed along the X direction or the Y direction.

[0150] However, instead of this, refer to Figure 19 The ninth embodiment will be described in which the heating wire 20, the detection wire 30, and the heating wire 20A are respectively formed along the Y direction.

[0151] In this embodiment, the heating wire 20, the detection wire 30, and the heating wire 20A are disposed on one side of the insulating substrate 10 in the Z direction. The heating wire 20, the detection wire 30, and the heating wire 20A are disposed between the insulating substrate 10 and the insulating layer 40. The heating wire 20, the detection wire 30, and the heating wire 20A are each formed along the Y direction.

[0152] On a plane with the Z-direction as the normal direction, heating wire 20, detection wire 30, and heating wire 20A are arranged in the order of heating wire 20, detection wire 30, and heating wire 20A. Specifically, heating wire 20, detection wire 30, and heating wire 20A are arranged in the X-direction from one side to the other in the order of heating wire 20, detection wire 30, and heating wire 20A. Heating wire 20A, like heating wire 20, is formed of a metallic material that heats up when electricity is applied.

[0153] In this embodiment, the heating wire (i.e., the first heating wire) 20 and the heating wire (i.e., the second heating wire) 20A may also be connected in series between the terminal 70 and the terminal 71. Alternatively, the heating wire 20A and the heating wire 20 may be provided independently of each other. In this case, the control unit 80 supplies power to the heating wire 20A and the heating wire 20 independently.

[0154] According to the above-described embodiment, the arrangement of heating wires 20 and 20A has increased freedom, which can suppress uneven temperature distribution in the X and Y directions.

[0155] (Tenth Implementation)

[0156] Regarding the heater device 1 of this tenth embodiment, refer to... Figure 20 An example will be described in which the heating wire 20 is formed along the detection line 30 in the heater device 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0157] Figure 20 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of each of the heating wire 20 and the detection wire 30 in the heater device 1 of this embodiment.

[0158] like Figure 20As shown, in this embodiment, the heating wire 20 of the heater device 1 is formed to surround the detection line 30 from the X and Y directions. A gap 30e is formed between the other end 30b of the detection line 30 and the designated portion 30d. The heating wire 20 is disposed in the gap 30e.

[0159] The detection line 30 is formed such that it approaches a predetermined portion 30d as it moves from a predetermined portion 30c to the other end 30b. A gap 30e is formed between the other end 30b and the predetermined portion 30d. The predetermined portion 30d is a first predetermined portion disposed between one end 30a and the other end 30b of the detection line 30.

[0160] The designated portion 30c is a second designated portion disposed between the designated portion 30d and the other end 30b in the detection line 30. The designated portion 30c is disposed away from the designated portion 30d. Therefore, the heater device 1 of this embodiment can achieve the same effect as the heater device 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0161] (Eleventh Implementation Method)

[0162] In the first embodiment described above, an example is given in which the heating wire 20 and the detection wire 30 are formed to extend in a straight line.

[0163] However, instead of this, in this eleventh embodiment, refer to Figure 21 An example of heating wire 20 and detection wire 30 being formed in a wavy shape will be explained. Figure 21 This illustrates an example where the heating wire 20 and the detection wire 30 are formed in a wavy shape and arranged in the X direction.

[0164] (Twelfth Implementation)

[0165] In the ninth embodiment described above, an example is given in which the heating wire 20, the detection wire 30, and the heating wire 20A are formed along the Y direction.

[0166] However, instead of this, in this twelfth embodiment, refer to Figure 22 An example of heating wire 20, detection wire 30, and heating wire 20A being formed in a wavy shape will be explained.

[0167] like Figure 22 As shown, heating wire 20, detection wire 30, and heating wire 20A are formed in a wavy shape. Heating wire 20, detection wire 30, and heating wire 20A are arranged from one side of the X direction to the other, in the order of heating wire 20, detection wire 30, and heating wire 20A. Figure 22 It is a cross-sectional view that is an enlarged view of a portion of the heating wire 20, the detection wire 30, and the heating wire 20A.

[0168] (Thirteenth Implementation Method)

[0169] In the first embodiment described above, an example of using a detection line 30 to detect when an object approaches or comes into contact with the skin material 50 is given.

[0170] However, instead of this, refer to Figure 23 , Figure 24 The thirteenth embodiment of this invention will be described, which uses a detection unit 90 consisting of a transmitting electrode line 91 and a receiving electrode line 92 to detect when an object approaches or contacts the skin material 50. Figure 23 This is a top view of the heater body 1X of the heater device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional view of the heater body 1X of the heater device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0171] exist Figure 23 In, with Figure 2 The same reference numerals denote the same parts, and their descriptions are omitted. Figure 24 In, with Figure 3 The same reference numerals denote the same parts, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0172] like Figure 24 and Figure 23 As shown, the heater body 1X includes an insulating substrate 10, a heating wire 20, an insulating layer 40, a skin material 50, and a detection unit 90. The detection unit 90 and the heating wire 20 are disposed between the insulating substrate 10 and the insulating layer 40. The detection unit 90 and the heating wire 20 are surrounded by the insulating substrate 10 and the insulating layer 40. The detection unit 90 and the heating wire 20 form a single layer between the insulating substrate 10 and the insulating layer 40.

[0173] The heating wire 20 is formed to surround the detection unit 90 in the X and Y directions. The detection unit 90 includes a transmitting electrode wire 91 and a receiving electrode wire 92. The transmitting electrode wire 91 is formed of an electrically conductive metal material and extends from one end 91a to the other end 91b. The transmitting electrode wire 91 is formed along the receiving electrode wire 92 and surrounds the receiving electrode wire 92.

[0174] The receiving electrode line 92 is a linear detection line formed from an electrically conductive metallic material, extending from one end 92a to the other end 92b. A predetermined portion between one end 92a and the other end 92b of the receiving electrode line 92 is designated as a predetermined portion (i.e., the first predetermined portion) 92d. A predetermined portion between the predetermined portion 92d and the other end 92b of the receiving electrode line 92 is designated as a predetermined portion (i.e., the second predetermined portion) 92c. The predetermined portion 92c is positioned away from the predetermined portion 92d.

[0175] In this embodiment, the receiving electrode wire 92 is formed such that it approaches the designated portion 92d as it moves from the designated portion 92c to the other end 92b. A gap 92e is formed between the other end 92b and the designated portion 92d. The gap 92e is set such that its dimension in the direction connecting the other end 92b and the designated portion 92d (e.g., the X direction) is larger than 0 mm and less than 5 mm. The dimension of the gap 92e, like the dimension Ka of the gap 30e, is based on the outermost diameter of the fingertip 2a of a human child's finger 2.

[0176] One end 92a, the other end 92b, and designated portions 92c and 92d are staggered in a direction intersecting the Z direction (e.g., the X or Y direction). In a plane with the Z direction as the normal direction, the other end 92b is staggered relative to the designated portion 92d. Specifically, in the receiving electrode line 92, the designated portion 92d is positioned on one side of the X direction relative to the other end 92b.

[0177] A terminal 70 is connected to one end 20a of the heating wire 20. A terminal 71 is connected to the other end 20b of the heating wire 20. A terminal 73 is connected to one end 91a of the transmitting electrode wire 91. A terminal 74 is connected to one end 92a of the receiving electrode wire 92.

[0178] In this embodiment, terminals 70, 71, 73, and 74 are respectively connected to the control unit 80. The control unit 80 includes a detection circuit that determines the mutual capacitance mode of object contact or proximity based on the change in electrostatic capacitance between the transmitting electrode line 91 and the receiving electrode line 92. The control unit 80 includes a control circuit that limits the flow of current between one end 20a and the other end 20b of the heating wire 20 based on the result obtained from the detection circuit.

[0179] Next, refer to Figure 23 , Figure 24 The operation of the heater device 1 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0180] First, the control unit 80 applies a pulsed voltage between the transmitting electrode line 91 (positive electrode) and the receiving electrode line 92 (negative electrode). As a result, a positive charge is generated on the transmitting electrode line 91 and a negative charge is generated on the receiving electrode line 92. At this time, an electric field line 2Y flows from the transmitting electrode line 91 to the receiving electrode line 92. An electrostatic capacitance is generated between the transmitting electrode line 91 and the receiving electrode line 92.

[0181] Here, when the occupant's finger 2 is away from the outer skin material 50, the positive charge generated on the transmitting electrode line 91 does not affect the occupant's finger 2. Therefore, the change in electrostatic capacitance between the transmitting electrode line 91 and the receiving electrode line 92 is small.

[0182] At this time, the control unit 80 determines that the change in electrostatic capacitance generated by the receiving electrode line 92 is below a threshold. At this time, the control unit 80 determines that the occupant's finger 2 is not close to or in contact with the skin material 50. Furthermore, the electrostatic capacitance generated by the receiving electrode line 92 will be referred to below as the electrostatic capacitance of the receiving electrode line 92.

[0183] At this time, the control unit 80, based on the output voltage of the vehicle power supply, causes current to flow between one end 20a and the other end 20b of the heating wire 20. Therefore, the heating wire 20 generates heat through the current and radiates radiant heat H. Thus, the occupant located on the opposite side in the Z direction relative to the heater body 1X can be heated using the radiant heat H.

[0184] Subsequently, in the region between one end 92a and the other end 92b of the receiving electrode line 92, the occupant's finger 2 approaches or touches the skin material 50. At this time, due to electrostatic induction caused by the positive charge generated in the transmitting electrode line 91, a negative charge is generated in the occupant's finger 2. Therefore, a portion of the electric field line 2Y from the transmitting electrode line 91 to the receiving electrode line 92 is blocked by the occupant's finger 2, and the electrostatic capacitance between the occupant's finger 2 and the transmitting electrode line 91 increases. Accompanying this, the electrostatic capacitance between the transmitting electrode line 91 and the receiving electrode line 92 decreases.

[0185] Simultaneously, the control unit 80 determines that the occupant's finger 2 has approached or contacted the outer skin material 50 by determining that the change (i.e., decrease) in the electrostatic capacitance of the receiving electrode line 92 is above a threshold. At this time, the control unit 80 restricts the flow of current between one end 20a and the other end 20b of the heating wire 20. Therefore, the heating through the heating wire 20 stops, and the radiant heat H emitted by the heating wire 20 stops.

[0186] For example, in the case of a heater device where the other end 92b of the receiving electrode line 92 is not close to the designated location 92d, the number of electric field lines 2Y from the transmitting electrode line 91 to the other end 92b of the receiving electrode line 92 is small.

[0187] At this time, on the other end 92b of the receiving electrode line 92, when the occupant's finger 2 approaches or touches the outer skin material 50, as described below, that is, the number of electric field lines 2Y in the electric field lines 2Y from the transmitting electrode line 91 to the other end 92b of the receiving electrode line 92 that are blocked by the occupant's finger 2 is also small.

[0188] Therefore, at the other end 92b of the receiving electrode line 92, when the occupant's finger 2 approaches or touches the outer skin material 50, a negative charge is generated on the occupant's finger 2 through electrostatic induction caused by the positive charge generated by the transmitting electrode line 91. However, the change in electrostatic capacitance between the transmitting electrode line 91 and the receiving electrode line 92 is small.

[0189] At this point, the control unit 80 determines that the change in electrostatic capacitance of the receiving electrode line 92 is less than the threshold, and therefore cannot determine that the occupant's finger 2 has approached or touched the outer skin material 50. Therefore, based on the output voltage of the vehicle power supply, the control unit 80 continues to allow current to flow between one end 20a and the other end 20b of the heating wire 20.

[0190] In contrast, in this embodiment, at the other end 92b of the receiving electrode line 92, the occupant's finger 2 approaches or contacts the outer skin material 50. At this time, due to electrostatic induction caused by the positive charge generated at the other end 92b of the receiving electrode line 92, a negative charge is generated on the occupant's finger 2. Furthermore, due to electrostatic induction caused by the positive charge generated at a predetermined portion 92d of the receiving electrode line 92, a negative charge is generated on the occupant's finger 2.

[0191] That is, the other end 92b of the electric field line 2Y from the transmitting electrode line 91 to the receiving electrode line 92 is blocked by the occupant's finger 2. The designated portion 92d of the electric field line 2Y from the transmitting electrode line 91 to the receiving electrode line 92 is blocked by the occupant's finger 2.

[0192] At this time, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the occupant's finger 2 and the other end 92b of the receiving electrode line 92, and an electrostatic capacitance is also generated between the occupant's finger 2 and a designated portion 92d of the receiving electrode line 92. Accompanying this, the decrease in electrostatic capacitance between the transmitting electrode line 91 and the receiving electrode line 92 increases. Therefore, on the other end 92b side of the receiving electrode line 92, the change in electrostatic capacitance of the receiving electrode line 92 when the occupant's finger 2 approaches or contacts the outer skin material 50 increases.

[0193] At this time, the control unit 80 determines that the occupant's finger 2 has approached or contacted the outer skin material 50 by judging that the change in the electrostatic capacitance of the receiving electrode line 92 is above a threshold. Simultaneously, the control unit 80 restricts the flow of current between one end 20a and the other end 20b of the heating wire 20. Therefore, the heating wire 20 stops heating, and the radiant heat H emitted by the heating wire 20 stops.

[0194] According to the embodiment described above, the heater device 1 includes a control unit 80, a transmitting electrode line 91, and a receiving electrode line 92. The transmitting electrode line 91 is formed as a line extending from one end 91a to the other end 91b. The receiving electrode line 92 is formed as a line extending from one end 92a to the other end 92b.

[0195] When the control unit 80 applies voltage to the transmitting electrode line 91 and the receiving electrode line 92, and the change in electrostatic capacitance of the receiving electrode line 92 is greater than or equal to a threshold value, it determines that an object has approached or made contact with the outer skin material 50. Specifically, when the control unit 80 applies voltage to the transmitting electrode line 91 and the receiving electrode line 92, and the change in electrostatic capacitance between the transmitting electrode line 91 and the receiving electrode line 92 is greater than or equal to a threshold value, it determines that an object has approached or made contact.

[0196] A predetermined portion between one end 92a and the other end 92b of the receiving electrode line 92 is designated as a predetermined portion 92d. In this embodiment, the receiving electrode line 92 is formed such that as it approaches the predetermined portion 92d from the predetermined portion 92c to the other end 92b, a gap 92e is formed between the other end 92b and the predetermined portion 92d.

[0197] Therefore, at the other end 92b of the receiving electrode line 92, when an object approaches or contacts the outer skin material 50, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the object and the other end 92b, and an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the object and the designated location 92d. Consequently, at the other end 92b of the receiving electrode line 92, the change in electrostatic capacitance of the receiving electrode line 92 when the object approaches or contacts the outer skin material 50 becomes larger.

[0198] Therefore, a heater device 1 is able to provide a heater that enhances the reaction intensity when an object approaches or contacts the skin material 50 at the other end 92b of the receiving electrode line 92.

[0199] (Other implementation methods)

[0200] (1) In the first to thirteenth embodiments described above, an example of applying the sensor device of the present disclosure to the heater device 1 was described. However, instead of this, the sensor device of the present disclosure may also be applied to various devices other than the heater device 1.

[0201] (2) When implementing the thirteenth embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection unit 90 may be used instead of the detection line 30 in the second to twelfth embodiments described above.

[0202] (3) In the first to thirteenth embodiments described above, an example was described in which one heating wire 20 was used in the heater device 1. However, instead of this, two or more heating wires 20 may also be used in the heater device 1.

[0203] (4) In the first to twelfth embodiments described above, an example was described in which one detection line 30 was used in the heater device 1. However, instead of this, two or more detection lines 30 may also be used in the heater device 1.

[0204] (5) In the above-described thirteenth embodiment, an example was described in which one receiving electrode wire 92 was used in the heater device 1. However, instead of this, two or more receiving electrode wires 92 may also be used in the heater device 1.

[0205] (6) Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and appropriate modifications can be made. Additionally, the above-described embodiments are not unrelated to each other and can be appropriately combined except in cases where combination is clearly impossible. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential, except where specifically stated to be necessary or where they are clearly considered necessary in principle. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, when referring to the number, value, quantity, range, etc., of the constituent elements of the embodiments, the number is not limited to that specific number, except where specifically stated to be necessary or where it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc., of the constituent elements, the shape, positional relationship, etc., is not limited to that shape, positional relationship, etc., except where specifically stated to be necessary or where it is limited to a specific shape, positional relationship in principle. Furthermore, the control unit and method described in this disclosure can also be implemented by a dedicated computer, which is provided by comprising a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the control unit and method described in this disclosure can also be implemented by a special-purpose computer provided by a processor composed of one or more special-purpose hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control unit and method described in this disclosure can also be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers, which are composed of a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor composed of one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program can also be stored as instructions to be executed by the computer in a computer-readable non-volatile storage medium.

[0206] (This is the viewpoint of the publication)

[0207] The above disclosure can be understood, for example, as shown below.

[0208] [First Viewpoint]

[0209] A sensor device comprising:

[0210] Detection lines (30, 92), which are formed as lines extending from one end (30a, 92a) to the other end (30b, 92b); and

[0211] The object detection unit (80) determines whether an object has approached or come into contact with the object based on the change in electrostatic capacitance generated on the detection line.

[0212] When a predetermined location between one end and the other end of the detection line is designated as the first predetermined location (30d, 30f, 30h, 92d),

[0213] A gap (30e, 30g, 30i, 92e) is formed between the other end and the first specified part.

[0214] When the portion of the detection line located away from the other end between the first specified portion and the other end is designated as the second specified portion (30c, 92c),

[0215] The detection line is formed such that it approaches the first specified location as it moves from the second specified location to the other end.

[0216] [Second Viewpoint]

[0217] According to the sensor device described in the first viewpoint, the gap is set to be less than 5 mm in the direction connecting the other end and the first designated portion.

[0218] [Third Viewpoint]

[0219] According to the sensor device described in the first or second viewpoint

[0220] The detection line has multiple of the first specified locations (30d, 30f, 30h).

[0221] Furthermore, the detection line is formed such that it approaches a plurality of the first specified locations as it approaches the other end from the second specified location.

[0222] [Fourth viewpoint]

[0223] The sensor device described in any one of the first to third viewpoints.

[0224] It has an electrical insulating material (10) formed into a film by means of an electrical insulating material.

[0225] The detection line is positioned relative to the electrical insulating material in the thickness direction (Z) of the electrical insulating material.

[0226] On a plane with the thickness direction as the normal direction, the other end is offset relative to the first specified part.

[0227] [Fifth Viewpoint]

[0228] The sensor device described in any one of the first to fourth viewpoints.

[0229] It has a heating wire (20) that generates heat through the flow of electric current.

[0230] When the object detection unit determines that the object is approaching or in contact with the object, it restricts the flow of current in the heating wire.

[0231] [Sixth Viewpoint]

[0232] According to the sensor device described in the fifth viewpoint, it includes a low thermal conductivity section (10, 40), which is made of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than the heating wire and the detection wire, and is formed to surround the heating wire and the detection wire.

[0233] [Seventh Viewpoint]

[0234] According to the fifth viewpoint, the sensor device includes:

[0235] A first electrical insulating material (10), which is formed into a film by means of an electrical insulating material; and

[0236] A second electrical insulating material (40) is disposed relative to the first electrical insulating material in the thickness direction of the first electrical insulating material, and is formed as a film by means of an electrical insulating material along the first electrical insulating material.

[0237] The heating wire and the detection wire are disposed between the first electrical insulating material and the second electrical insulating material.

[0238] [Eighth Viewpoint]

[0239] According to the fifth viewpoint, the sensor device includes:

[0240] Electrical insulating material (10), which is formed into a film by means of electrical insulating material; and

[0241] The second heating wire (20A) generates heat by the flow of current when the first heating wire is used as the first heating wire.

[0242] The first heating wire, the detection wire, and the second heating wire are respectively arranged in the thickness direction (Z) relative to the electrical insulating material.

[0243] On a plane with the thickness direction as the normal direction, the first heating wire, the detection wire, and the second heating wire are arranged in the order of the first heating wire, the detection wire, and the second heating wire.

Claims

1. A sensor device, characterized by have: The detection lines (30, 92) are formed as lines extending from one end (30a, 92a) to the other end (30b, 92b); as well as The object detection unit (80) determines whether an object has approached or come into contact with the object based on the change in electrostatic capacitance generated on the detection line. When a predetermined location between one end and the other end of the detection line is designated as the first predetermined location (30d, 30f, 30h, 92d), A gap (30e, 30g, 30i, 92e) is formed between the other end and the first specified part. When the portion of the detection line located away from the other end between the first specified portion and the other end is designated as the second specified portion (30c, 92c), The detection line is formed such that it approaches the first specified location as it moves from the second specified location to the other end.

2. The sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gap is set such that its dimension in the direction connecting the other end and the first specified portion is greater than 0 mm and less than 5 mm.

3. The sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection line has multiple of the first specified locations (30d, 30f, 30h). Furthermore, the detection line is formed such that it approaches a plurality of the first specified locations as it approaches the other end from the second specified location.

4. The sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has an electrical insulating material (10) formed into a film by means of an electrical insulating material. The detection line is positioned relative to the electrical insulating material in the thickness direction (Z) of the electrical insulating material. On a plane with the thickness direction as the normal direction, the other end is offset from the first specified part.

5. The sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a heating wire (20) that generates heat through the flow of electric current. When the object detection unit determines that the object is approaching or in contact with the object, it restricts the flow of current in the heating wire.

6. The sensor device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It has a low thermal conductivity section (10, 40) which is made of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than the heating wire and the detection wire, and is formed to surround the heating wire and the detection wire.

7. The sensor device of claim 5, wherein, have: A first electrical insulating material (10), which is formed into a film by means of an electrical insulating material; and A second electrical insulating material (40) is disposed relative to the first electrical insulating material in the thickness direction of the first electrical insulating material, and is formed as a film by means of an electrical insulating material along the first electrical insulating material. The heating wire and the detection wire are disposed between the first electrical insulating material and the second electrical insulating material.

8. The sensor device of claim 5, wherein, have: Electrical insulating material (10), which is formed into a film by means of electrical insulating material; and The second heating wire (20A) generates heat by the flow of current when the first heating wire is used as the first heating wire. The first heat generating line, the detection line, and the second heat generating line are arranged in the thickness direction (Z) with respect to the electrically insulating material, In a plane in which the thickness direction is a normal direction, the first heat generating line, the detection line, and the second heat generating line are arranged in the order of the first heat generating line, the detection line, and the second heat generating line.

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