A flexible fabric sensor, a seat comfort system, and a seat

Abstract

This utility model relates to a flexible fabric sensor, a seat comfort system, and a seat. The flexible fabric sensor includes a connector, a first conductive layer, a pressure-sensitive layer, and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer has a first wire, and the second conductive layer has a second wire. The connector includes a conductive element and a fastener. Each conductive element is electrically connected to either a first wire or a second wire. The fastener covers at least a portion of any conductive element, and also covers the end of the first wire connected to the conductive element and the end of the second wire connected to the conductive element. The fastener ensures a secure electrical connection between the first or second wire and the conductive element, reducing the risk of disconnection due to stress and enhancing the stability of the electrical connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of seat comfort system technology, and in particular to a flexible fabric sensor, a seat comfort system, and a seat. Background Technology

[0002] Pressure pads, such as those installed in vehicle seats, can detect changes in capacitance or resistance at several points to determine the pressure applied to the pad's surface. This allows for analysis of changes in the user's posture, enabling adjustments to the user's seating position and even monitoring of fatigue. When pressure is applied to a specific area of ​​the pressure pad, a noticeable change in electrical signal is generated at that point, thus enabling pressure detection.

[0003] The pressure pad includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer has a first conductive wire, and the second conductive layer has a second conductive wire. The first or second conductive wire is connected to the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) control motherboard via an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit). In the prior art, when the first or second conductive wire is connected to the flexible circuit board, the electrical connection is achieved by the conductive elements of the flexible circuit board contacting the first or second conductive wire.

[0004] However, the way the conductive parts on the flexible circuit board are connected to the first or second wire in the pressure pad, such as by bonding or direct welding, makes the connection between the two prone to falling off under stress, resulting in poor reliability and instability in use. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a flexible fabric sensor, a seat comfort system, and a seat, which overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a flexible fabric sensor is provided. The flexible fabric sensor includes a connector, a first conductive layer, a pressure-sensitive layer, and a second conductive layer stacked sequentially. The first conductive layer has a first conductive wire, and the second conductive layer has a second conductive wire. The first conductive wire and the second conductive wire partially intersect to form a sensing point. The connector includes conductive elements and fasteners. The number of conductive elements is equal to the sum of the number of the first conductive wire and the number of the second conductive wire. Each conductive element is electrically connected to one of the first conductive wires or one of the second conductive wires. The fasteners cover at least a portion of any of the conductive elements, and the fasteners cover the end of the first conductive wire connected to the conductive element and the end of the second conductive wire connected to the conductive element.

[0007] In an alternative embodiment, the connector further includes clamping members, the number of which is the same as the number of conductive members, wherein a first wire is electrically connected to a conductive member through one of the clamping members, a second wire is electrically connected to a conductive member through one of the clamping members, and the fastener covers the clamping members.

[0008] In one alternative embodiment, the clamping member includes a connecting end and a clamping end, a first wire is electrically connected to a connecting end, a second wire is electrically connected to a connecting end, the clamping end is provided with a clamping port, and a conductive element is inserted into a clamping port.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the connector further includes connection terminals, the number of which is the same as the number of clamps, wherein a first wire is electrically connected to a conductive element via a connection terminal and a clamp in sequence, a second wire is electrically connected to a conductive element via a connection terminal and a clamp in sequence, and the fastener covers the connection terminal.

[0010] In an alternative embodiment, the connector further includes two reinforcing members, one of which has at least a portion located on the side of the fastener facing the first conductive layer, and the other of which has at least a portion located on the side of the fastener facing the second conductive layer.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the first conductive layer further includes a first carrier, with the first wire located on the first carrier, and the second conductive layer further includes a second carrier, with the second wire located on the second carrier.

[0012] In one alternative approach, the number of first wires is M, the number of second wires is N, and the partial intersections of the M first wires and the N second wires form M*N sensing points.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the fastener further covers the portion of the first carrier that carries the end of the first wire that is connected to the conductive element, the portion of the second carrier that carries the end of the second wire that is connected to the conductive element, and a corresponding portion of the pressure-sensitive layer.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a seat comfort system is provided, including the aforementioned flexible fabric sensor.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a seat is provided, including the aforementioned seat comfort system.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model embodiment include:

[0017] This invention relates to a flexible fabric sensor that uses fasteners to cover at least a portion of any of the conductive elements. The fasteners cover the end of the first or second wire connected to the conductive element, and the end of the second wire connected to the conductive element. This not only establishes an electrical connection between the first or second wire and the conductive element, but the fasteners also ensure a secure electrical connection, reducing the risk of the first or second wire losing its electrical connection due to stress and enhancing the stability of the electrical connection between the first or second wire and the conductive element.

[0018] The seat comfort system of this utility model has high connection stability between the first conductive layer or the second conductive layer and the conductive components of the flexible circuit board, ensuring reliable signal transmission, ensuring the reliability of the seat comfort system, and improving the service life of the seat comfort system.

[0019] Similarly, the reliability and service life of the seat of this utility model are improved. Attached Figure Description

[0020] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wireframe of the flexible fabric sensor provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 The embodiment of this utility model provides the following... Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the flexible fabric sensor provided in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 The embodiment of this utility model provides the following... Figure 1 A sectional view of P;

[0025] Figure 5 The embodiment of this utility model provides the following... Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of P along with a schematic diagram of the mold;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the seat provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0027] The labels in the attached diagram are as follows:

[0028] 100. Flexible fabric sensor;

[0029] 10. First conductive layer; 20. Pressure-sensitive layer; 30. Second conductive layer; 40. Connector;

[0030] 11. First carrier; 12. First conductor;

[0031] 31. Second carrier; 32. Second conductor;

[0032] 41. Conductive component; 42. Fastener; 43. Clamping component; 44. Connecting terminal; 45. Reinforcing component;

[0033] 431. Connecting end; 432. Clamping end; 4321. Clamping opening;

[0034] 200. Seat comfort system; 100m. Mold;

[0035] 201. Air bag; 202. Air source; 203. Control system;

[0036] 1000, Seat; 300, Backrest; 400, Seat Cushion. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and similar expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2This utility model provides a flexible fabric sensor 100, which includes a first conductive layer 10, a pressure-sensitive layer 20, and a second conductive layer 30 stacked sequentially, as well as a connector 40. The pressure-sensitive layer 20 is disposed between the first conductive layer 10 and the second conductive layer 30. The first conductive layer 10 and the second conductive layer 30 are electrically connected through the pressure-sensitive layer 20 to form a sensing point, which is used to generate changes in electrical signals, thereby realizing the detection of pressure.

[0040] Regarding the first conductive layer 10 described above, please refer to [link / reference] in some embodiments. Figure 3 The first conductive layer 10 includes a first carrier 11 and a first wire 12. The first wire 12 is disposed on the first carrier 11.

[0041] The first carrier 11 is used to carry the first wire 12. In some embodiments, the first carrier 11 is a fabric, and the first wire 12 can be set on the first carrier 11 by weaving.

[0042] In some embodiments, the number of first wires 12 is M, a portion of the M first wires 12 are arranged along a first direction on the first carrier 11, and another portion of the first wires 12 are used for electrical connection to the connector 40.

[0043] Regarding the second conductive layer 30 described above, please refer to [link / reference] in some embodiments. Figure 3 The second conductive layer 30 includes a second carrier 31 and a second wire 32. The second wire 32 is disposed on the second carrier 31.

[0044] The second carrier 31 is used to carry the second wire 32. In some embodiments, the second carrier 31 is a fabric, and the second wire 32 can be set on the second carrier 31 by weaving.

[0045] In some embodiments, the number of second wires 32 is N, and a portion of M second wires 32 are arranged along a second direction on the second carrier 31, wherein the second direction intersects the first direction. In some embodiments, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and another portion of the second wires 32 is used for electrical connection to the connector 40.

[0046] The partial intersections of M first conductors 12 and N second conductors 32 form M*N sensing points, which are used to generate changes in electrical signals to achieve accurate detection of pressure distribution.

[0047] For the pressure-sensitive layer 20 mentioned above, please refer to Figure 3The pressure-sensitive layer 20 is a material layer with pressure-responsive characteristics; its resistance changes when subjected to external force. In this embodiment, the material of the pressure-sensitive layer 20 can be a polyimide film, which has good flexibility and pressure-responsive characteristics, and can effectively convert pressure changes into electrical signal changes. The pressure-sensitive layer 20 is disposed between the first conductive layer 10 and the second conductive layer 30. When the first conductive layer 10 and the second conductive layer 30 are subjected to external force, the pressure-sensitive layer 20 deforms, causing a change in the contact area between the first conductive layer 10 and the second conductive layer 30, thereby changing the resistance value of the sensing site and generating an electrical signal change. This electrical signal change can be collected and converted into a digital signal, thereby achieving accurate pressure detection.

[0048] For connector 40 mentioned above, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the connector 40 includes conductive elements 41 and fasteners 42; the number of conductive elements 41 is equal to the sum of the number of first wires 12 and second wires 32; each conductive element 41 is electrically connected to one first wire 12 or one second wire 32, i.e., one first wire 12 is electrically connected to one conductive element 41, and one second wire 32 is electrically connected to one conductive element 41; the fastener 42 covers at least a portion of any one of the conductive elements 41, for example, the fastener 42 covers the end of the conductive element 41 connected to the first wire 12, the fastener 42 covers the end of the conductive element 41 connected to the second wire 32, and the fastener 42 covers the end of the first wire 12 connected to the conductive element 41 and the fastener 42 covers the end of the second wire 32 connected to the conductive element 41. The first wire 12 or the second wire 32 is not only electrically connected to the conductive element 41, but the fastener 42 also ensures a firm electrical connection between the first wire 12 or the second wire 32 and the conductive element 41, reducing the risk of the first wire 12 or the second wire 32 and the conductive element 41 becoming disconnected due to force, and enhancing the stability of the electrical connection between the first wire 12 or the second wire 32 and the conductive element 41.

[0049] In some embodiments, the material of the fastener 42 may be, but is not limited to, a thermoplastic elastomer, preferably a polyurethane elastomer (TPU). The fastener 42 melts under heat and solidifies upon cooling, thereby covering the conductive element 41 and the first wire 12 and the second wire 32.

[0050] In some embodiments, the fastener 42 is injection molded to form a shape that covers the conductive element 41, the first wire 12, and the second wire 32. The design of the fastener 42 not only improves the reliability of the connection but also simplifies the assembly process and reduces production costs.

[0051] It is understood that the fastener 42 is insulated.

[0052] The conductive element 41 is used for electrical connection between an external device (e.g., a flexible circuit board) and the first wire 12 or the second wire 32. In some embodiments, the conductive element 41 is a conductive wire, or the conductive element 41 may also be part of the flexible circuit board, made of highly conductive materials such as copper or silver, to ensure the stability and efficiency of signal transmission.

[0053] It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the fastener 42 also covers the portion of the first carrier 11 that carries the end of the first wire 12 connected to the conductive element 41, the portion of the second carrier 31 that carries the end of the second wire 32 connected to the conductive element 41, and a corresponding portion of the pressure-sensitive layer 20. Through this design, the fastener 42 tightly combines the first carrier 11, the second carrier 31, and the pressure-sensitive layer 20 to form a stable overall structure, further improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the first wire 12 and the second wire 32 and the conductive element 41, and ensuring the continuity and stability of signal transmission.

[0054] In some embodiments, the fastener 42 is transparent, thereby facilitating the confirmation of the status of the conductive element 41, the first wire 12, and the second wire 32 covered by the fastener 42, and ensuring that the first wire 12 or the second wire 32 is electrically connected to the conductive element 41.

[0055] It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the connector 40 further includes clamping members 43, the number of which is the same as the number of conductive members 41. A first wire 12 is electrically connected to a conductive member 41 through a clamping member 43, and a second wire 32 is electrically connected to a conductive member 41 through a clamping member 43. The fastener 42 covers the clamping member 43. By setting the clamping member 43, the clamping member 43 pre-fixes the conductive member 41, thereby ensuring the accurate relative position between the conductive member 41 and the first wire 12 or the second wire 32 when the fastener 42 is subsequently formed. This ensures that the formed fastener 42 reliably covers the conductive member 41, the first wire 12, and the second wire 32, further improving the overall stability and durability of the connector 40, reducing the risk of connection failure caused by external factors, and extending the service life.

[0056] It is worth noting that the fastener 42 is a thermoplastic elastomer. When it is formed by heating and curing, it will shrink during the cooling process, covering and fastening the connection between the conductive part 41 and the wire, improving the tightness and durability of the connection, effectively preventing loosening and disconnection, and ensuring stable signal transmission.

[0057] It is worth noting that in some embodiments, please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 4 The clamping member 43 includes a connecting end 431 and a clamping end 432. A first wire 12 is electrically connected to a connecting end 431, and a second wire 32 is electrically connected to a connecting end 431. The clamping end 432 is provided with a clamping opening 4321, and a conductive member 41 is inserted into a clamping opening 4321. Through this design, the clamping member 43 can firmly fix the conductive member 41, ensuring the stability of the connection between the first wire 12 or the second wire 32 and the conductive member 41.

[0058] It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the connector 40 further includes connection terminals 44, the number of which is the same as the number of clamping members 43. A first wire 12 is electrically connected to a conductive member 41 sequentially through a connection terminal 44 and a clamping member 43, and a second wire 32 is electrically connected to a conductive member 41 sequentially through a connection terminal 44 and a clamping member 43. The fastener 42 covers the connection terminal 44. The provision of the connection terminal 44 facilitates the electrical connection between the first wire 12 or the second wire 32 and the connection terminal 44, and facilitates the electrical connection between the clamping member 43 and the connection terminal 44, further simplifying the assembly steps and improving production efficiency. The design of the connection terminal 44 enhances the reliability of the electrical connection, ensures the stability of signal transmission, reduces maintenance costs, and extends the service life of the equipment.

[0059] It is understood that when the clamping member 43 includes the connecting end 431, one of the connecting terminals 44 is electrically connected to one of the connecting ends 431.

[0060] It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the connector 40 further includes two reinforcing members 45, one of which has at least a portion located on the side of the fastener 42 facing the first conductive layer 10, and the other of which has at least a portion located on the side of the fastener 42 facing the second conductive layer 30. By setting the reinforcing members 45, the two reinforcing members 45 pre-fix the first conductive layer 10 and the second conductive layer 30, and pre-fix the conductive element 41, the fastener 42, and the connecting terminal 44 between the formation of the fastener 42, ensuring the relative positions of each component during the forming process of the fastener 42. After the fastener 42 is formed, the reliability of the connection between each part of the connector 40 and the first wire 12 and the second wire 32 is further guaranteed.

[0061] It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the reinforcing member 45 is a plate-shaped component. The reinforcing member 45 is insulated, and its material can be plastic.

[0062] In some embodiments, the reinforcement 45 is transparent, so that after the fastener 42 is formed, the internal structure can be easily observed to ensure the connection status of the first wire 12 or the second wire 32 electrically connected to the conductive element 41 through the connecting terminal 44 and the clamping member 43, so as to detect potential problems in time and improve maintenance efficiency.

[0063] It is worth noting that in some embodiments, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 Before the fastener 42 of this embodiment is formed, a first wire 12 is electrically connected to a connecting terminal 44, a second wire 32 is electrically connected to a connecting terminal 44, a connecting terminal 44 is electrically connected to a clamping member 43, and a conductive member 41 is electrically connected to a clamping member 43. Then, one of the fasteners 45 is placed on the side of the first conductive layer 10 facing away from the pressure-sensitive layer 20, covering a portion of the first wire 12, and covering the connecting terminal 44, clamping member 43, and conductive member 41 electrically connected to the first wire 12. Then, another fastener 45 is placed on the side of the second conductive layer 30 facing away from the pressure-sensitive layer 20. A portion of the second conductor 32 is covered, including the connecting terminal 44, clamping member 43, and conductive member 41 electrically connected to the second conductor 32. Subsequently, two reinforcing members 45, along with the components clamped by the two reinforcing members 45, are placed in the mold 100m. The mold 100m is closed and a thermoplastic elastomer is injected. By molding the thermoplastic elastomer in the mold 100m onto the reinforcing members 45 and / or conductive member 41, and curing it, a fastener 42 is formed. This presses and fixes the conductive member 41, reinforcing member 45, clamping member 43, connecting terminal 44, first conductive layer 10, and second conductive layer 30, thereby achieving a stable and reliable electrical connection between the first conductor 12 or the second conductor 32 and the conductive member 41.

[0064] In this embodiment of the invention, fasteners 42 cover the end of the conductive element 41 connected to the first wire 12, the end of the conductive element 41 connected to the second wire 32, and the end of the first wire 12 connected to the conductive element 41. The fasteners 42 also cover the end of the second wire 32 connected to the conductive element 41. This not only achieves an electrical connection between the first wire 12 or the second wire 32 and the conductive element 41, but the fasteners 42 also ensure a secure electrical connection between them. This reduces the risk of the first wire 12 or the second wire 32 and the conductive element 41 becoming disconnected due to stress, thus enhancing the stability of the electrical connection between the first wire 12 or the second wire 32 and the conductive element 41.

[0065] This utility model embodiment also provides a seat comfort system 200, such as Figure 6 As shown, the seat comfort system 200 includes the flexible fabric sensor 100. The seat comfort system 200 may also include an air bag 201, an air source 202, a control system 203, and a valve body (not shown). The air bag 201 provides support and a comfortable massage experience for the occupant's back, waist, and / or hips and legs. The air bag 201 is connected to the air source 202 via the valve body. The control system 203 is connected to the valve body and is used to control the air source 202 to inflate / deflate the air bag 201 via the valve body. The flexible fabric sensor 100 is built into the seat 1000 and is connected to the control system 203, transmitting signals between them. The structure and function of the flexible fabric sensor 100 can be referred to in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0066] Understandably, there can be multiple airbags 201, which can provide support and a comfortable massage experience for the occupant's back, waist and / or hips and legs respectively.

[0067] This utility model embodiment also provides a seat 1000, such as Figure 6 As shown, the seat 1000 includes the seat comfort system 200. The seat 1000 can be installed in any vehicle, or it can be an office chair or a home chair. The seat 1000 also includes a backrest 300 and a seat cushion 400. The backrest 300 is connected to the seat cushion 400. The airbags 201 are distributed in the backrest 300 and / or the seat cushion 400. When an occupant sits on the seat cushion 400, the seat cushion 400 supports the pressure of the occupant's buttocks, and the backrest 300 supports the pressure of the occupant's back, waist, and tailbone from the shoulders down.

[0068] It should be noted that while the preferred embodiments of this utility model are provided in the specification and accompanying drawings, this utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are not intended to impose additional limitations on the content of this utility model; their purpose is to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of this utility model. Furthermore, the above-described technical features can be combined with each other to form various embodiments not listed above, all of which are considered to be within the scope of this utility model specification. Moreover, those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible fabric sensor, characterized in that, include: Connector, first conductive layer, pressure-sensitive layer and second conductive layer stacked in sequence; The first conductive layer has a first conductive wire, the second conductive layer has a second conductive wire, and the partial intersection of the first conductive wire and the second conductive wire forms a sensing site; The connector includes conductive elements and fasteners; the number of conductive elements is equal to the sum of the number of the first wire and the number of the second wire; Each of the conductive elements is electrically connected to one of the first wires or one of the second wires; The fastener covers at least a portion of any of the conductive elements, and the fastener covers the end of the first wire connected to the conductive element, and the fastener covers the end of the second wire connected to the conductive element.

2. The flexible fabric sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector further includes clamping members, the number of which is the same as the number of conductive members. A first wire is electrically connected to a conductive member through a clamping member, and a second wire is electrically connected to a conductive member through a clamping member. The fastener covers the clamping member.

3. The flexible fabric sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping member includes a connecting end and a clamping end. A first wire is electrically connected to a connecting end, a second wire is electrically connected to a connecting end, and the clamping end is provided with a clamping port. A conductive element is inserted into a clamping port.

4. The flexible fabric sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector further includes connection terminals, the number of which is the same as the number of clamping members. A first wire is electrically connected to a conductive member via a connection terminal and a clamping member in sequence. A second wire is electrically connected to a conductive member via a connection terminal and a clamping member in sequence. The fastener covers the connection terminal.

5. The flexible fabric sensor according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The connector further includes two reinforcing members, one of which has at least a portion located on the side of the fastener facing the first conductive layer, and the other of which has at least a portion located on the side of the fastener facing the second conductive layer.

6. The flexible fabric sensor according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first conductive layer further includes a first carrier, and the first wire is located on the first carrier. The second conductive layer further includes a second carrier, and the second wire is located on the second carrier.

7. The flexible fabric sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of first wires is M, and the number of second wires is N. The partial intersections of the M first wires and the N second wires form M*N sensing points.

8. The flexible fabric sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fastener also covers the portion of the first carrier that carries the end of the first wire that is connected to the conductive element, the portion of the second carrier that carries the end of the second wire that is connected to the conductive element, and a portion of the corresponding pressure-sensitive layer.

9. A seat comfort system, characterized in that, Including the flexible fabric sensor as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A type of seat, characterized in that, Includes the seating comfort system as described in claim 9.

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