Vehicular interior component and vehicle occupant notification system

Abstract

To enhance tactile sensation and accurately detect that it is being pressed.SOLUTION: A vehicular interior component 10 includes: a substrate 20; a skin material 30 including a body part 31 for covering the substrate 20 and an elastic protrusion 32 protruding toward the substrate 20 from the body part 31; and a pressure-sensitive sensor 40 installed between the substrate 20 and a tip of the elastic protrusion 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an interior part for a vehicle and an occupant notification system for the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a seating sensor unit. The seating sensor unit includes a seating sensor and a pressing member. The seating sensor includes a pair of electrode sheets having electrodes, and a spacer disposed between the pair of electrode sheets. An opening is formed in the spacer. The pair of electrodes face each other through the opening. The pressing member is provided at a position overlapping the opening. The pressing member is non-deformable and configured to press one of the pair of electrodes. The pressing member has a convex curved apex facing one of the electrodes.

[0003] According to this seating sensor unit, when an occupant sits on the seat, the top of the pressing member presses one of the electrode sheets of the seating sensor. As a result, one of the electrode sheets bends to approach the other electrode sheet, causing the electrode sheets to come into contact with each other and become conductive. In this way, the seating of the occupant is detected.

[0004] The pressing member described in Patent Document 1 does not deform even when the top portion presses against the seating sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-144984 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Meanwhile, there is a demand for the development of a vehicle interior part having a pressure sensor that detects when an occupant is pushed in. However, when the seating sensor unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied to a vehicle interior part, the pressing member is non-deformable, so there is a risk that the tactile sensation of the interior part may be impaired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A vehicle interior part for solving the above problem includes a skin material having a base material, a main body portion covering the base material, and an elastic protrusion protruding from the main body portion toward the base material, and a pressure sensor provided between the base material and the elastic protrusion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle interior part according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the interior of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle interior part of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an occupant notification system for a vehicle equipped with the vehicle interior part of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle interior part with the skin material pressed into it. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle interior part according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In this embodiment, an interior part and an occupant notification system applied to a vehicle with three rows of seats will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 1 is provided with a front door 91 for opening and closing the entrance / exit for the first row seats 81, and a sliding door 92 for opening and closing the entrance / exit for the second row seats 82 and the third row seats 83.

[0010] A door trim serving as an interior part 10 is attached to each of the front door 91 and the sliding door 92. A lining material serving as an interior part 10 is attached to a side wall 93 of the vehicle 1 adjacent to the third row seat 83.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 4, the interior part 10 has a base material 20, a main body portion 31 covering the base material 20, a skin material 30 having an elastic protrusion 32 protruding from the main body portion 31 toward the base material 20, and a pressure sensor 40 provided between the base material 20 and the tip of the elastic protrusion 32.

[0012] <Base material 20> The base material 20 is made of a hard resin material such as polypropylene. <Skin material 30> The main body 31 is in the form of a plate having a certain thickness.

[0013] A plurality of elastic protrusions 32 are provided at intervals on the rear surface of the main body portion 31. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the corners of the tip of each elastic protrusion 32 are rounded. The skin material 30 is integrally formed from a soft resin material such as soft polyvinyl chloride.

[0014] 2, a display unit 33 for displaying a pattern is provided on a portion of the surface of the main body 31 that overlaps with a pressure sensor 40 (described later) in the thickness direction of the skin material 30. The pattern may be, for example, a character, a letter, a symbol, or a design.

[0015] Furthermore, a light emitting section 34 is provided on the surface of the skin material 30. The light emitting section 34 has a light source such as an LED. <Pressure Sensor 40> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the pressure sensor 40 is attached to the surface 21 of the base material 20.

[0016] 5, the pressure sensor 40 has a first base film 41 and a second base film 42 that are spaced apart from each other, and a bonding material 43 that is located between the base films 41, 42 and bonds the base films 41, 42. The first base film 41, the second base film 42, and the bonding material 43 are made of flexible resin.

[0017] The bonding material 43 has holes 44 penetrating the bonding material 43 in the thickness direction. A first pressure-sensitive layer 45 and a second pressure-sensitive layer 46 are provided in a stacked state in the hole portion 44. The first pressure-sensitive layer 45 and the second pressure-sensitive layer 46 are made of a flexible resin.

[0018] The first pressure-sensitive layer 45 is bonded to the first base film 41. A first recess 45a is provided in a portion of the first pressure-sensitive layer 45 facing the first base film 41. A first conductive layer 47 is provided in the first recess 45a.

[0019] The second pressure-sensitive layer 46 is bonded to the second base film 42. A second recess 46a is provided in a portion of the second pressure-sensitive layer 46 facing the second base film 42. A second conductive layer 48 is provided in the second recess 46a.

[0020] When the skin material 30 is not pressed toward the substrate 20, the tips of the elastic projections 32 abut against the second base film . In addition, the first pressure-sensitive layer 45 and the second pressure-sensitive layer 46 may be provided for each elastic protrusion 32, or the first pressure-sensitive layer 45 and the second pressure-sensitive layer 46 may be provided for a portion of the multiple elastic protrusions 32.

[0021] In this embodiment, a first pressure-sensitive layer 45 and a second pressure-sensitive layer 46 are provided for the elastic protrusions 32 provided at least in the portions overlapping with the display unit 33 . When a load is applied to the pressure-sensitive layers 45, 46 via the second base film 42 as the skin material 30 is pressed toward the substrate 20, the pressure-sensitive layers 45, 46 are compressed, reducing the distance between the conductive layers 47, 48. This reduces the electrical resistance between the conductive layers 47, 48. The pressure-sensitive sensor 40 detects that the skin material 30 has been pressed in based on the change in electrical resistance, and outputs a signal to the control unit 50, which will be described later.

[0022] <Occupant notification system> 3, the occupant notification system includes the interior part 10 and a control unit 50. The control unit 50 determines whether or not an occupant is present in the vehicle cabin based on a signal from the pressure sensor 40, and when it determines that an occupant is present, outputs a signal to notify the outside of the vehicle.

[0023] The vehicle 1 is provided with a control unit 50 and a speaker 60. The vehicle 1 is also provided with various sensors 70 such as a vehicle speed sensor, a door lock sensor, and the like. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the pressure sensor 40 and various sensors 70. The control unit 50 is also electrically connected to the light emitting unit 34 and the speaker 60. The control unit 50 also has a transmission unit 51 that transmits a signal to the Internet by wireless communication.

[0024] When a signal is input from the pressure sensor 40, the control unit 50 outputs sound toward the vehicle interior by energizing the speaker 60. In addition, when a signal is input from the pressure sensor 40, the control unit 50 energizes the light-emitting unit 34, causing the light-emitting unit 34 to emit light. The speaker 60 and the light-emitting unit 34 correspond to an output unit.

[0025] When a signal is input from the pressure sensor 40 under a condition where a predetermined condition is met, the control unit 50 transmits a signal notifying the presence of an occupant in the vehicle cabin from the transmission unit 51 to the portable communication terminal 100 preregistered in the control unit 50. The portable communication terminal 100 is, for example, a smartphone of the user of the vehicle 1.

[0026] The above-mentioned specified condition is met, for example, when the various sensors 70 detect that the front door 91 and the sliding door 92 of the vehicle 1 have been locked for a specified time (for example, 15 minutes) or more while the vehicle is stopped.

[0027] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the skin material 30 is pressed toward the base material 20, the elastic protrusions 32 are compressed and deformed by the main body 31 and the pressure sensor 40. This provides the user with a tactile sensation similar to that of an interior part in which a foam material such as urethane foam is embedded, thereby enhancing the tactile sensation of the interior part 10.

[0028] Furthermore, when the skin material 30 is pressed toward the base material 20, the elastic protrusions 32 press the pressure sensor 40. Therefore, even if the force pressing the skin material 30 is small, the force can be efficiently applied from the elastic protrusions 32 to the pressure sensor 40. This can improve the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor 40 (above, action 1).

[0029] In a situation where an occupant is left behind in the vehicle cabin, when the occupant touches the upholstery material 30 and thereby presses the upholstery material 30, the control unit 50 determines that an occupant is present in the vehicle cabin based on the signal input from the pressure sensor 40. Then, the control unit 50 outputs a signal to notify the outside of the vehicle (the above is action 2).

[0030] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) A vehicle interior part 10 includes a base material 20, a main body portion 31 covering the base material 20, a skin material 30 having an elastic protrusion 32 protruding from the main body portion 31 toward the base material 20, and a pressure sensor 40 provided between the base material 20 and the tip of the elastic protrusion 32.

[0031] According to this configuration, since the above-mentioned function 1 is achieved, the tactile sensation can be enhanced and pressing can be detected with high accuracy. (2) The pressure sensor 40 is attached to the surface 21 of the base material 20. Therefore, the pressure sensor 40 can be easily attached to the base material 20.

[0032] (3) The occupant notification system includes an interior part 10 and a control unit 50 that determines the presence or absence of an occupant in the vehicle cabin based on a signal from a pressure sensor 40, and outputs a signal to notify outside the vehicle if it determines that an occupant is present.

[0033] According to such a configuration, the above-mentioned effect 2 is achieved, so that it is possible to notify a person outside the vehicle that there is an occupant in the vehicle compartment. (4) A display section 33 for displaying a pattern is provided on the surface of the main body section 31 at a portion overlapping the pressure sensor 40 in the thickness direction of the skin material 30.

[0034] According to this configuration, since a pattern is displayed on the display unit 33 provided on the surface of the main body 31, it is possible to attract the interest of children, in particular, in touching the display unit 33. This increases the probability that a child will touch the skin material 30 when the child is left behind inside the vehicle, and therefore increases the probability that the fact that a child is left behind inside the vehicle will be notified to the outside of the vehicle.

[0035] (5) The occupant notification system includes a speaker 60 that outputs sound toward the vehicle interior based on a signal from the pressure sensor 40 , and a light-emitting unit 34 that emits light based on a signal from the pressure sensor 40 .

[0036] According to this configuration, when an occupant touches the display unit 33, this is detected by the pressure sensor 40. Then, based on a signal from the pressure sensor 40, a sound is output from the speaker 60 toward the vehicle interior, and the light-emitting unit 34 emits light. This can further stimulate the interest of children, especially young children, in touching the display unit 33. This can further increase the probability that a young child will touch the skin material 30 when left behind in the vehicle interior, and further increase the probability that the fact that a young child is left behind in the vehicle interior will be notified to the outside of the vehicle.

[0037] <Example of change> The above embodiment can be modified as follows, for example. The present embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

[0038] The control unit 50 may be configured to output a signal to sound the horn of the vehicle 1, when it is determined that an occupant is present. In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which sound is output from the speaker 60 toward the vehicle interior based on a signal from the pressure sensor 40, and the light-emitting unit 34 emits light. However, it is possible to omit either the sound output from the speaker 60 or the light emission from the light-emitting unit 34. It is also possible to omit both the sound output from the speaker 60 and the light emission from the light-emitting unit 34. In this case, the light-emitting unit 34 may be omitted from the interior part 10.

[0039] The display unit 33 of the main body unit 31 may be omitted. As shown in FIG. 7, the pressure-sensitive sensor 40 may be embedded in the base material 20 so that the surface of the pressure-sensitive sensor 40 is flush with the surface 21 of the base material 20 .

[0040] According to this configuration, no step is generated between the surface of the pressure sensor 40 and the surface 21 of the base material 20. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the tactile sensation caused by the elastic protrusions 32 getting caught on the step.

[0041] The main body 31 of the skin 30 may be divided into two layers. In this case, the skin 30 is composed of an inner layer of the main body 31, a cushioning material having the elastic protrusions 32, and a design layer attached to the surface of the inner layer.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the interior part 10 is embodied as a door trim and an interior lining material. However, the interior part 10 may also be embodied as an instrument panel or a console box of a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1. Vehicle 10…Interior parts 20...Base material 21…Surface 30…Skin material 31…Main body 32...Elastic protrusion 33...Display section 34…Light emitting part 40...Pressure sensor 41…First base film 42…Second base film 43…Binding material 44...hole 45…First pressure-sensitive layer 45a…First recess 46…Second pressure-sensitive layer 46a...Second recess 47…First conductive layer 48...Second conductive layer 50...Control unit 51...Transmitter 60…Speaker 70...Various sensors 81…1st row seat 82…2nd row seats 83…3rd row seat 91…Front door 92...Sliding door 93…Side wall 100...Portable communication terminal

Claims

1. A substrate; a skin material having a main body covering the base material and elastic protrusions protruding from the main body toward the base material; A pressure sensor provided between the base material and the elastic protrusion. Vehicle interior parts.

2. The pressure sensor is attached to a surface of the substrate. The vehicle interior part according to claim 1.

3. the pressure sensor is embedded in the substrate; The surface of the pressure sensor is flush with the surface of the substrate. The vehicle interior part according to claim 1.

4. The vehicle interior part according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a control unit that determines whether or not an occupant is present in the vehicle cabin based on a signal from the pressure sensor, and when it determines that the occupant is present, outputs a signal to notify the outside of the vehicle. Vehicle occupant notification system.

5. a display unit for displaying a pattern is provided on a surface of the main body unit at a portion overlapping the pressure sensor in a thickness direction of the skin material; 5. A vehicle occupant notification system according to claim 4.

6. an output unit that outputs at least one of sound and light toward the vehicle interior based on a signal from the pressure sensor; 6. A vehicle occupant notification system according to claim 5.

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