Structure for arranging sensors in a seat and vehicle seat

Abstract

To provide a structure, for arranging a sensor on a seat, which enables a sensor such as a position sensor to be arranged on a seat so as to enhance comfortable feeling of a passenger when the same sits in the seat.SOLUTION: A structure for arranging a sensor 1 on a seat 10 has: a cushion pad 12; and a plate-like member 18 or 25 arranged below the cushion pad 12. The plate-like member 18 or 25 has a concave section 20 or 26 on a surface thereof. The sensor 1 is arranged in the concave section 20 or 26.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement structure of sensors on a seat.

Background Art

[0002] Sensors such as a position sensor for detecting whether an occupant is seated on a seat may be arranged on the seat (see Patent Document 1). Such sensors are used, for example, in a seat belt reminder technology that issues a warning when the occupant is not wearing a seat belt even though the occupant is seated on the seat, to detect that the occupant is seated on the seat.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, conventionally, when such a sensor is arranged on a seat, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, it may be arranged between a cushion pad and a skin of a seat cushion of the seat. However, when the sensor is arranged between the cushion pad and the skin, that is, immediately below the skin, it may be felt that something hits the buttocks or thighs of the occupant seated on the seat through the skin of the seat, and the seating feeling may deteriorate.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an arrangement structure of sensors on a seat capable of improving the seating feeling of an occupant when arranging the sensors on the seat.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is an arrangement structure of a sensor on a seat including a cushion pad and a plate-like member provided below the cushion pad, wherein a concave portion is provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member, and the sensor is disposed within the concave portion, the sensor is disposed within the concave portion while being fixed to a mounting bracket, and the mounting bracket is attached to the concave portion in a state of being engaged with an engaging portion provided in the concave portion.

[0007] The invention according to claim 2 is an arrangement structure of a sensor on a seat including a cushion pad and a plate-like member provided below the cushion pad, wherein a concave portion is provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member, and the sensor is disposed within the concave portion, the sensor is disposed within the concave portion while being fixed to a mounting bracket, an opening is provided in the plate-like member, and the mounting bracket has a bent portion that bends at the opening, and further has a bracket-side engaging portion that protrudes from an end of the bent portion and engages with the lower surface side of the plate-like member.

[0008] The invention according to claim 3 is an arrangement structure of a sensor on a seat including a cushion pad and a plate-like member provided below the cushion pad, wherein a concave portion is provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member, and the sensor is disposed within the concave portion, the sensor is disposed within the concave portion while being fixed to a mounting bracket, and the mounting bracket is attached to the concave portion by engaging the bracket-side engaging portion with the lower surface side of the plate-like member and engaging with a claw portion protruding from the upper surface of the concave portion.

[0009] The invention according to claim 4 is an arrangement structure of a sensor on a seat including a cushion pad and a plate-like member provided below the cushion pad, wherein a recess is provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member, and the sensor is arranged in the recess, the sensor is arranged in the recess while being fixed to a mounting bracket, and ribs for supporting both ends of the mounting bracket are provided on the upper surface of the recess.

[0010] The invention according to claim 5 is an arrangement structure of a sensor on a seat including a cushion pad and a plate-like member provided below the cushion pad, wherein a recess is provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member, and the sensor is arranged in the recess, the sensor is arranged in the recess while being fixed to a mounting bracket, the mounting bracket has a guide portion for a harness that electrically connects the sensor and an external device, and the guide portion is inclined downward.

[0011] The invention according to claim 6 is an arrangement structure of a sensor on a seat including a cushion pad and a plate-like member provided below the cushion pad, wherein a recess is provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member, and the sensor is arranged in the recess, the sensor is arranged in the recess while being fixed to a mounting bracket, and the mounting bracket has a notch in an outer peripheral portion.

[0012] The invention according to claim 7 is the arrangement structure of a sensor on a seat according to claim 6, wherein the notch is formed at a position corresponding to a raised portion of a wire inserted into the plate-like member.

[0013] The invention according to claim 8 is an arrangement structure of a sensor on a seat including a cushion pad and a plate-like member provided below the cushion pad, a recess is provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member, and the sensor is arranged in the recess, the plate-like member is provided with an opening continuously connected to the recess, and a harness for electrically connecting the sensor and an external device is inserted through the opening.

[0014] The invention according to claim 9 is an arrangement structure of a sensor on a seat according to claim 8, wherein the opening is an opening through which a duct for supplying air to a ventilation passage formed in the cushion pad can pass.

[0015] The invention according to claim 10 is an arrangement structure of a sensor on a seat according to claim 9, a plurality of the openings are provided in the plate-like member, and the harness is inserted through the opening through which the duct is not inserted.

[0016] The invention according to claim 11 is an arrangement structure of a sensor on a seat according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the recess in which the sensor is arranged is provided at a position other than directly below the hollow portion formed in the cushion pad.

[0017] The invention according to claim 12 is an arrangement structure of a sensor on a seat according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein claw portions formed in a claw shape as the engaging portion project from the upper surface of the recess.

[0018] The invention according to claim 13 is an arrangement structure of a sensor on a seat according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a second engaging portion is provided adjacent to the claw portion on the upper surface of the recess. ​

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the invention described in claim 1, in the arrangement structure of the sensor on the seat including a cushion pad and a plate-like member provided below the cushion pad, a concave portion is provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member, and the sensor is arranged in the concave portion. Therefore, unlike the conventional case where the sensor is arranged between the cushion pad and the skin, the cushion pad is interposed between the buttocks and thighs of the occupant and the sensor. As a result, it is less likely to feel that the sensor hits the buttocks and thighs of the occupant sitting on the seat, and the seating feeling of the occupant is improved compared to the conventional case. In addition, if the sensor is simply arranged on the upper surface of the plate-like member, the cushion pad will bulge by the amount of the sensor, which may give the occupant a sense of discomfort and deteriorate the seating feeling. However, in the invention described in claim 1, since the sensor is arranged in the concave portion provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member, it is possible to improve the seating feeling without giving the above-mentioned sense of discomfort.

[0020] In addition, since the sensor is arranged in the concave portion while being fixed to the mounting bracket, it is only necessary to fix the sensor to the mounting bracket and then attach the mounting bracket to the concave portion, so that it becomes easier to arrange the sensor in the concave portion. Also, when the occupant sits on the seat and the load of the occupant is applied to the sensor through the cushion pad, part of the load is absorbed by the mounting bracket. Therefore, compared with the case where the sensor is directly attached to the concave portion, the influence of the occupant's load on the sensor is reduced.

[0021] Furthermore, since the mounting bracket is attached to the concave portion in a state of being engaged with the engaging portion provided in the concave portion, it becomes easier to attach the mounting bracket to the concave portion, and at the same time, it becomes easier to position the mounting bracket by the engaging portion, and it becomes less likely for the mounting bracket to be displaced in the front-rear direction, left-right direction, etc.

[0022] According to the invention described in claim 2, the plate-like member is provided with an opening, the mounting bracket has a bent portion that bends into the opening, and further has a bracket-side engaging portion that protrudes from the end of the bent portion and engages with the lower surface side of the plate-like member. Therefore, the bent portion makes it easier to accurately position the mounting bracket in the left-right direction, making it difficult for the mounting bracket to be displaced in the left-right direction, and improving the rigidity of the mounting bracket itself. Also, since the mounting bracket is provided with a bracket-side engaging portion, the bracket-side engaging portion makes it easier to accurately position the mounting bracket in the up-down direction, making it difficult for the mounting bracket to be displaced in the up-down direction.

[0023] According to the invention described in claim 3, the mounting bracket is attached to the recess by engaging the bracket-side engaging portion with the lower surface side of the plate-like member and engaging with the claw portion protruding from the upper surface of the recess. Therefore, it becomes easier to more accurately position the mounting bracket, and it becomes difficult for the mounting bracket to be displaced in the front-rear direction, up-down direction, etc.

[0024] According to the invention described in claim 4, ribs for supporting both ends of the mounting bracket are provided on the upper surface of the recess. Therefore, in the portion other than the ribs, the main body portion of the mounting bracket is in a state of slightly floating from the recess, so when the load of the occupant is applied to the sensor, the mounting bracket can easily absorb a part of the load. Also, by providing the ribs, the rigidity of the recess itself can be improved, making it difficult for the recess to be damaged.

[0025] According to the invention described in claim 5, the mounting bracket has a guide portion for the harness that electrically connects the sensor and the external device. Since the guide portion is inclined downward, the harness is guided by the guide portion and is supported from below by the guide portion in a state of gently inclining downward. Therefore, even if the seat vibrates, the harness supported by the guide portion is less likely to vibrate relative to the sensor, and it becomes difficult for the harness to be damaged or disconnected.

[0026] According to the invention described in claim 6, since the mounting bracket has a notch in its outer peripheral portion, when a load is applied to the sensor or the mounting bracket and a force that causes deformation in the mounting bracket is applied, the notch absorbs the deformation of the mounting bracket. Therefore, when the force applied to the mounting bracket is removed, the deformation that occurred in the mounting bracket is likely to return to its original state, and it becomes less likely for deformation to remain in the mounting bracket.

[0027] According to the invention described in claim 7, since the notch is formed at a position corresponding to the raised portion of the wire inserted into the plate-like member, it is possible to suppress interference between the mounting bracket and the raised portion of the wire, and it is possible to suppress damage or the like from occurring in the mounting bracket, the plate-like member, or the like.

[0028] According to the invention described in claim 8, an opening is provided continuously to the recess in the plate-like member, and a harness that electrically connects the sensor and an external device is inserted through the opening. Therefore, compared to the case where there is a distance between the recess and the opening, it becomes easier to route the harness. Also, if there is a distance between the recess and the opening, the harness may be sandwiched between the plate-like member and the cushion pad, and there is a possibility that the harness may rub against the plate-like member or the cushion pad and the harness may be damaged or the wire may break. However, if the recess and the opening are continuous, such rubbing is less likely to occur, and damage or wire breakage of the harness is less likely to occur.

[0029] According to the invention described in claim 9, since the opening is an opening through which a duct for supplying air to the ventilation passage formed in the cushion pad can pass, it is possible to utilize the already formed opening for the duct without newly providing an opening in the plate-like member, and the harness can be inserted through the opening.

[0030] According to the invention described in claim 10, since a plurality of openings are provided in the plate-shaped member and the harness is inserted through the opening through which the duct is not inserted, the harness and the duct do not interfere with each other and do not rub against each other, so that damage or disconnection of the harness is less likely to occur.

[0031] According to the invention described in claim 11, since the recess where the sensor is arranged is provided at a position other than directly below the hollow portion formed in the cushion pad, when a passenger sits on the seat, the load applied to the cushion pad is not absorbed by the hollow portion formed in the cushion pad and directly applied to the sensor, so that the pressure applied to the sensor increases accurately and it becomes easier for the sensor to detect that the passenger has sat on the seat.

[0032] According to the invention described in claim 12, since a claw portion formed in a claw shape as an engaging portion protrudes from the upper surface of the recess, it becomes easier to accurately position the mounting bracket mainly in the front-rear direction, and when attaching the mounting bracket to the recess, by confirming that the claw portion protrudes upward from the engaging hole of the mounting bracket, it becomes easier to confirm that the mounting bracket and the claw portion are properly engaged and that the mounting bracket is arranged at an appropriate position in the recess.

[0033] According to the invention described in claim 13, since a second engaging portion is provided adjacent to the claw portion on the upper surface of the recess, when attaching the mounting bracket to the recess, the claw portion and the second engaging portion sandwich the peripheral portion of the engaging hole of the mounting bracket, making it easier to more accurately position the mounting bracket in the front-rear direction and making it less likely for the mounting bracket to be displaced in the front-rear direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, although various technically preferable limitations are imposed on the embodiments described below for carrying out the present invention, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0036] The seat 10 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in a vehicle such as an automobile and is for an occupant such as a driver to sit on. As shown in FIG. 1, the seat 10 includes a seat cushion 11 that supports the occupant's buttocks and thighs, a seat back 14 whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion 11 to serve as a backrest, and a headrest 16 provided on the seat back 14 to support the occupant's head. In addition, auxiliary support parts such as a neck rest, an armrest, a footrest, and an ottoman may be provided.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the seat cushion 11 is mainly composed of a seat cushion frame 17 (see FIG. 3 described later) serving as a skeleton, a cushion pad 12 provided on the seat cushion frame 17, and a skin 13 (not shown in FIG. 2, see FIG. 1) that covers the seat cushion frame 17 and the cushion pad 12 to form the surface of the seat.

[0038] In this embodiment, an air (warm air or cold air) ventilation passage 30 is provided between the cushion pad 12 and the skin 13 in the seat cushion 11, but the ventilation passage 30 etc. do not necessarily have to be provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a ventilation passage recess 30A that forms a part of the ventilation passage 30 is provided in the cushion pad 12. Also, a recess (not shown) that forms the remaining part of the ventilation passage 30 is provided at a position of the cover member 12A corresponding to the ventilation passage recess 30A, and the ventilation passage 30 is formed by fitting the cover member 12A into a predetermined part of the cushion pad 12.

[0039] In addition, a plurality of punching holes are formed in the cover member 12A, and these punching holes serve as the air outlets 30C of the ventilation passage 30. And the cushion pad 12 including the cover member 12A is covered with the skin 13 that is air-permeable at least at a part corresponding to the air outlets 30C. Then, the air sent from a blower (not shown) passes through the through-hole 30B and is sent into the ventilation passage 30, and the air flowing through the ventilation passage 30 is blown out from the air outlet 30C of the ventilation passage 30 toward the occupant.

[0040] In the seat cushion 11 of the present embodiment, a seat cushion frame 17 is provided below the cushion pad 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the seat cushion frame 17 mainly includes a pair of left and right side frames 17A, connecting members 17B that connect the front end portions and the rear end portions of the respective side frames 17A (the connecting member 17B on the front end side is disposed below the pan frame 18), and a pan frame 18 installed between the respective side frames 17A and the respective connecting members 17B. In the present embodiment, a case where the pan frame 18 functions as a plate-like member provided below the cushion pad 12 will be described. However, a case where the plate-like member is configured in a form other than the pan frame 18 will be described in a modification example described later.

[0041] A recess 20 is provided on the upper surface of the pan frame 18 (plate-like member), and the sensor 1 is disposed in the recess 20. The sensor 1 can be, for example, a position sensor capable of detecting whether or not an occupant is seated on the seat 10. Although it is possible to directly attach the sensor 1 to the recess 20, in the present embodiment, the sensor 1 is fixed to the mounting bracket 2, and the mounting bracket 2 to which the sensor 1 is fixed is disposed in the recess 20.

[0042] When the sensor 1 is directly attached to the recess 20 of the pan frame 18, operations such as screwing the sensor 1 disposed in the recess 20 are necessary, but the attachment is not always easy. However, as described above, if the sensor 1 is fixed to the mounting bracket 2 and attached to the recess 20, the sensor 1 can be easily fixed to the mounting bracket 2, and the mounting bracket 2 can be easily attached to the recess 20, so that the sensor 1 can be easily disposed in the recess 20.

[0043] Also, in the assembled state of the seat 10, a cushion pad 12 is disposed above the sensor 1. When an occupant sits on the seat 10, the load of the occupant is applied to the sensor 1 via the cushion pad 12. At this time, if the sensor 1 is directly attached to the recess 20 of the pan frame 18, the entire load is applied to the sensor 1, which may have an adverse effect on the sensor 1. However, if the sensor 1 is attached to the recess 20 via the mounting bracket 2 as described above, when the load of the occupant is applied to the sensor 1, a part of the load is absorbed by the mounting bracket 2. Therefore, compared with the case where the sensor 1 is directly attached to the recess 20, the influence of the occupant's load on the sensor 1 is reduced.

[0044] Hereinafter, the configuration of the recess 20, the mounting bracket 2, etc. will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the sensor 1 and the mounting bracket 2, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing the recess 20 and the like formed in the pan frame 18 (plate-like member). The flat main body portion 2a of the mounting bracket 2 is provided with a locking hole 2b for locking the locking portion 1a of the sensor 1, and holes 2c into which the screw portions 1b of the sensor 1 (not shown in FIG. 4, see FIG. 7 described later) are inserted are provided. Then, by inserting the locking portion 1a of the sensor 1 into the locking hole 2b of the mounting bracket 2 and locking it, and in this state, screwing the screw portion 1b inserted into the hole 2c of the mounting bracket 2 from the back side (i.e., the lower side) of the mounting bracket 2, the sensor 1 can be easily attached to the mounting bracket 2.

[0045] A harness 1A for electrically connecting the sensor 1 to an external device (not shown, such as a power supply device and a signal processing device from the sensor 1) is connected to the sensor 1, and the mounting bracket 2 has a guide portion 2d for the harness 1A. Since the guide portion 2d gently slopes downward with respect to the main body portion 2a of the mounting bracket 2, the harness 1A is guided by the guide portion 2d and gently slopes downward. If the guide portion 2d is not formed on the mounting bracket 2, the harness 1A will hang downward due to its own weight at the portion where it is connected to the sensor 1. In this state, when the vehicle vibrates and the seat 10 vibrates, the harness 1A will vibrate relatively greatly with respect to the sensor 1, making the harness 1A prone to damage or disconnection. On the other hand, by supporting the harness 1A in a state of being gently inclined downward by the guide portion 2d of the mounting bracket 2 as described above, even when the seat 10 vibrates, the harness 1A supported by the guide portion 2d is less likely to vibrate relatively with respect to the sensor 1, making the harness 1A less prone to damage or disconnection.

[0046] Further, a notch 2e is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the main body portion 2a of the mounting bracket 2. By providing the notch 2e in the outer peripheral portion of the mounting bracket 2 in this way, when a load is applied to the sensor 1 and the mounting bracket 2 as described above, and a force that causes deformation is applied to the main body portion 2a of the mounting bracket 2, the notch 2e absorbs the deformation of the main body portion 2a of the mounting bracket 2. Therefore, when the force is no longer applied to the mounting bracket 2, the deformation generated in the main body portion 2a of the mounting bracket 2 is likely to return to its original state, and it is less likely for the mounting bracket 2 to remain deformed.

[0047] On the other hand, an engaging portion for engaging with the mounting bracket 2 and attaching the mounting bracket 2 to the concave portion 20 is provided in the concave portion 20 of the pan frame 18. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, on the upper surface of the concave portion 20, a claw portion 20a formed in a claw shape is provided as the engaging portion. Further, an engaging hole 2f that engages with the claw portion 20a is provided in the main body portion 2a of the mounting bracket 2. When the mounting bracket 2 to which the sensor 1 is attached is attached to the concave portion 20, as shown in FIG. 6, the claw portion 20a of the concave portion 20 and the engaging hole 2f of the mounting bracket 2 are engaged with each other. In FIG. 6, the illustration of the sensor 1 and the harness 1A is omitted for clarity of the engagement between the claw portion 20a and the engaging hole 2f.

[0048] Thus, in the present embodiment, the same applies to the second engaging portion 20b and the like described later. If the mounting bracket 2 (engaging hole 2f) is engaged with the engaging portion (claw portion 20a) provided in the recess 20, the mounting bracket 2 can be attached to the recess 20, making it easier to attach the mounting bracket 2 to the recess 20. Further, with the mounting bracket 2 attached to the recess 20 in a state where the claw portion 20a of the recess 20 and the engaging hole 2f of the mounting bracket 2 are engaged, the claw portion 20a can more accurately position the mounting bracket 2 in the front-rear direction. Also, the claw portion 20a can contribute to positioning the mounting bracket 2 in the left-right direction. Further, when attaching the mounting bracket 2 to the recess 20, by confirming that the claw portion 20a protrudes upward from the engaging hole 2f of the mounting bracket 2, it becomes easier to confirm that the engaging hole 2f of the mounting bracket 2 and the claw portion 20a are properly engaged and that the mounting bracket 2 is disposed at an appropriate position in the recess 20.

[0049] Note that in FIGS. 3 to 5, a case where the sensor 1 is disposed in the recess 20 with the harness 1A extending to the left side of the sensor 1 is shown. However, there may also be a case where the sensor 1 is disposed in the recess 20 with the harness 1A extending to the right side of the sensor 1. And in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the claw portion 20a is provided only on the rear side of the recess 20. However, since the direction of the harness 1A, that is, the direction of the guide portion 2d, may be either leftward or rightward, the engaging hole 2f of the mounting bracket 2 is provided not only on the rear side but also on the front side in the state shown in FIG. 4.

[0050] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, a second engaging portion 20b is provided on the upper surface of the recess 20 adjacent to the claw portion 20a. And when the mounting bracket 2 is attached to the recess 20, as shown in FIG. 6, the peripheral portion α of the engaging hole 2f of the mounting bracket 2 is sandwiched by the claw portion 20a and the second engaging portion 20b. In this way, when the mounting bracket 2 with the sensor 1 attached is mounted in the recess 20 of the pan frame 18, by sandwiching the peripheral portion α of the engagement hole 2f of the mounting bracket 2 between the claw portion 20a and the second engagement portion 20b of the recess 20, the positioning of the mounting bracket 2 in the front-rear direction can be more accurately performed and it becomes easier. And the mounting bracket 2 is less likely to be displaced in the front-rear direction.

[0051] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the left and right ends of the recess 20 are formed to be slightly higher than the upper surface of the recess 20, and these portions are rib portions 20c that support both ends (the left and right portions in this embodiment) of the main body portion 2a of the mounting bracket 2 (see FIG. 6) from below. By providing the rib 20c in this way, in the portion other than the rib 20c, the main body portion 2a of the mounting bracket 2 is in a state of floating slightly from the recess 20. Therefore, as described above, when the load of the occupant is applied to the sensor 1, the mounting bracket 2 is likely to absorb a part of the load. Also, by providing the rib 20c compared to the case where the rib 20c is not provided, the rigidity of the recess 20 itself can be improved, so when the occupant sits on the seat 1 and the load of the occupant is applied and the pan frame 18 is deformed so as to bend, the recess 20 is less likely to be broken.

[0052] Note that, for example, it is also possible to configure to improve the rigidity of the recess 20 by forming ribs on the lower surface side of the recess 20 or the like. Also, a relief portion 20d is formed as an opening in the recess 20. When the mounting bracket 2 is mounted in the recess 20, as shown in FIG. 7, each relief portion 20d is formed so that the locking portion 1a, the screw portion 1b, etc. of the sensor 1 protruding downward from the lower surface of the mounting bracket 2 are located within the relief portion 20d. In the present embodiment, by configuring in this way, when the mounting bracket 2 is mounted in the recess 20, the locking portion 1a, the screw portion 1b, etc. of the sensor 1 protruding downward from the lower surface of the mounting bracket 2 are prevented from interfering with the recess 20.

[0053] In this embodiment, on both sides of the mounting bracket 2, a structure for engaging with the recess 20 of the pamphlet frame 18 is provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the mounting bracket 2 has bent portions 2g that bend downward at the left and right ends of the main body portion 2a, respectively. In the state shown in FIG. 4, the bent portion 2g on the left side of the mounting bracket 2 is divided into two in the front-rear direction because a guide portion 2d is provided between them, while the bent portion 2g on the right side is formed in a single flat plate shape (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 described later). When the mounting bracket 2 is attached to the recess 20, these bent portions 2g sandwich the rib 20c (see FIG. 5) of the recess 20 from the left and right. In this way, the bent portion 2g makes it easier to accurately position the mounting bracket 2 in the left-right direction, and it is less likely for the mounting bracket 2 to be displaced in the left-right direction. Also, by providing the bent portion 2g on the mounting bracket 2 and bending it, the rigidity of the mounting bracket 2 itself can be improved.

[0054] Furthermore, on the bent portion 2g of the mounting bracket 2, bracket-side engaging portions 2h are provided so as to protrude forward from the front end portion of the bent portion 2g and backward from the rear end portion, respectively. As shown in FIG. 9, when the mounting bracket 2 is attached to the recess 20 of the pamphlet frame 18, the bracket-side engaging portion 2h of the mounting bracket 2 engages with the lower surface side of the pamphlet frame 18 (see β in FIG. 9. R in the figure indicates a rib provided on the lower surface of the pamphlet frame 18). And by configuring it in this way, the bracket-side engaging portion 2h makes it easier to accurately position the mounting bracket 2 in the up-down direction, and it is less likely for the mounting bracket 2 to be displaced in the up-down direction.

[0055] In this embodiment, as described above, by attaching the mounting bracket 2 to which the sensor 1 is attached to the recess 20 of the pamphlet frame 18, as shown in FIG. 8, the sensor 1 can be accurately and reliably attached to the recess 20 of the pamphlet frame 18 via the mounting bracket 2.

[0056] By the way, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, when the opening 18A is provided in the pan frame 18, the harness 1A can be guided under the seat 10 by inserting the harness 1A through the opening 18A. It is also possible to newly form the opening 18A for inserting the harness 1A in the pan frame 18. Further, in the following, although the description will be made based on FIGS. 3, 5, etc., the present invention is not limited to the case where two openings 18A are provided as shown in FIGS. 3, etc., and one opening 18A may be provided, or three or more openings 18A may be provided. Further, the opening 18A does not have to be provided on the left and right of the recess 20 as shown in FIGS. 3, etc., and may be provided before and after the recess 20 or the like. Furthermore, the opening 18A may be a notch (i.e., a shape notched inward from the end of the pan frame 18), etc., and is not limited to the case of being a hole as shown in FIGS. 3, etc. Also, the opening 18A does not have to be the opening for the duct 19 described below.

[0057] In the seat 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, an air passage 30 is provided between the cushion pad 12 and the skin 13 of the seat cushion 11, and the air sent from a blower (not shown) provided below the pan frame 18 passes through the through hole 30B and is sent into the air passage 30, and the air flowing through the air passage 30 blows out toward the occupant from the air outlet 30C of the air passage 30. And the opening 18A is provided as a through hole through which the duct 19 (see FIG. 1) for supplying to the through hole 30B from the blower can pass. Therefore, by using this opening 18A as the opening through which the harness 1A of the sensor 1 is inserted, it is possible to use the already formed opening 18A for the duct without newly providing the opening 18A in the pan frame 18, and the harness 1A can be inserted through the opening 18A.

[0058] Also, although the blower is provided below the pan frame 18, it is usually provided on either the left or right side of the sheet 10. Therefore, the position where the duct 19 penetrates the pan frame 18 also shifts to the left or right of the center according to the position of the blower. Thus, in the sheet 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, openings 18A through which the duct 19 can pass are provided at two locations, one on the left and one on the right of the center of the pan frame 18, so as to be able to handle any of those cases. And in the present embodiment, the portion between the two openings 18A is a recess, and the recess 20 of the pan frame 18 described above is formed in this portion.

[0059] In the present embodiment, the opening 18A is provided continuously with the recess 20 of the pan frame 18 in this way. That is, the above-described recess 20 for arranging the sensor 1 or the mounting bracket 2 is provided in the portion between the plurality of openings 18A provided close to each other (the portion bridging the front and rear portions of the pan frame 18 between the plurality of openings 18A). Generally, when a plurality of openings 18A are provided close to each other, the portion between them becomes weak in rigidity and is prone to deformation. However, as described above, in the present embodiment, the rigidity of the recess 20 itself is improved by providing ribs 20c in the recess 20 formed in that portion, so that such deformation is less likely to occur.

[0060] In addition, since the harness 1A of the sensor 1 attached to the recess 20 of the pan frame 18 via the mounting bracket 2 is inserted into the opening 18A provided continuously with the recess 20, it is easier to handle the harness 1A than when there is a distance between the recess 20 and the opening 18A. Further, if there is a distance between the recess 20 and the opening 18A, the harness 1A will be sandwiched between the pan frame 18 and the cushion pad 12 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 10 described later), and the harness 1A may rub against the pan frame 18 or the cushion pad 12, resulting in damage or disconnection of the harness 1A. However, if the recess 20 and the opening 18A are continuous as in the present embodiment, such rubbing is less likely to occur, and damage or disconnection of the harness 1A is less likely to occur.

[0061] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the duct 19 is inserted into one of the plurality of openings 18A. Therefore, if the harness 1A is configured to be inserted into the opening 18A through which the duct 19 is not inserted, the harness 1A and the duct 19 will not interfere with each other and will not rub against each other, so that damage or disconnection of the harness 1A is less likely to occur. Note that the harness 1A may be configured to be inserted into the opening 18A through which the duct 19 is inserted.

[0062] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the duct 19 is passed through the opening 18A of the pan frame 18 and inserted into the through hole 30B formed in the cushion pad 12 from below. However, since the cushion pad 12 is not lifted even when the duct 19 is inserted into the through hole 30B, the state where the upper surface of the sensor 1 abuts against the lower surface of the cushion pad 12 is maintained. In addition, when an occupant sits on the seat 10, a load is applied to the cushion pad 12 from above, the cushion pad 12 is compressed, and the pressure applied from the cushion pad 12 to the sensor 1 increases. Therefore, the sensor 1 can surely detect when the occupant sits on the seat 10.

[0063] In FIG. 10, a case is shown where the upper surface of the pan frame 18 and the upper surface of the sensor 1 are flush, and a cushion pad 12 with a flat bottom is placed thereon. However, for example, it is also possible to arrange the upper surface of the sensor 1 to be positioned above the upper surface of the pan frame 18 and configure the cushion pad 12 to have a recess at a position corresponding to the sensor 1.

[0064] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, when the recess 20 of the pan frame 18 is provided directly below a hollow portion such as the ventilation passage 30 formed in the cushion pad 12, when a passenger sits on the seat 10, the portion of the cushion pad 12 above the hollow portion deflects downward to absorb the load, and it becomes difficult for the load to be transmitted to the lower portion of the hollow portion. Therefore, the pressure applied to the sensor 1 is less likely to increase, and it may be difficult for the sensor 1 to detect that a passenger has sat on the seat 10. Therefore, it is desirable that the recess 20 where the sensor 1 is disposed be provided at a position other than directly below the hollow portion such as the ventilation passage 30 formed in the cushion pad 12. With this configuration, the load applied to the cushion pad 12 when a passenger sits on the seat 10 is directly applied to the sensor 1. Therefore, the pressure applied to the sensor 1 increases accurately, and it becomes easier for the sensor 1 to detect that a passenger has sat on the seat 10.

[0065] As described above, according to the arrangement structure of the sensor 1 on the seat 10 according to the present embodiment, the sensor 1 is disposed in the recess 20 provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member (pan frame 18) provided below the cushion pad 12 (see FIG. 10). In the conventional arrangement structure of the sensor on the seat, as described above, since the sensor 1 is disposed between the cushion pad 12 and the skin 13 (that is, immediately below the skin), it may be felt that something hits the buttocks and thighs of the passenger sitting on the seat 10 through the skin 13 of the seat 10, resulting in a poor seating feeling.

[0066] However, in the arrangement structure of the sensor 1 on the seat 10 according to the present embodiment, since the cushion pad 12 is interposed between the buttocks and thighs of the occupant and the sensor 1 as described above, it is difficult to feel that the sensor 1 is hitting the buttocks and thighs of the occupant sitting on the seat 10, and the seating feeling of the occupant is improved compared to the conventional case.

[0067] Also, if the sensor 1 is simply arranged on the upper surface of the plate-like member (pam frame 18), the cushion pad 12 will bulge by the amount of the sensor 1, which may give the occupant a sense of discomfort and deteriorate the seating feeling. However, in the arrangement structure of the sensor 1 on the seat 10 according to the present embodiment, as described above, a concave portion 20 is provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member (pam frame 18), and the sensor 1 is arranged therein, so that it is possible to improve the seating feeling without giving the above-described sense of discomfort.

[0068] [Modification Example] In the above embodiment, the case where the pam frame 18 provided below the cushion pad 12 is used as the plate-like member has been described. However, the structure of the seat cushion frame 17 below the cushion pad 12 (not shown in FIG. 12) may be composed of, for example, a pam frame 18 and a wire 17C (also referred to as an S spring, etc.) as shown in FIG. 12, or there may be a case where there is no pam frame 18 and only the wire 17C is used. And in such a case, it is possible to configure to provide a plate-like member at the portion of the wire 17C.

[0069] At that time, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, a plate-like member 25 can be provided at the portion of the wire 17C so as to insert the wire 17C. Then, in the same manner as in the above embodiment, a concave portion 26 is provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member 25, and the sensor 1 can be configured to be arranged in the concave portion 26 in a state of being fixed to the mounting bracket 2. In addition, in FIG. 13, the description of the engaging portion (see FIGS. 4 and 5) and the like for attaching the mounting bracket 2 to the concave portion 26 is omitted, but the engaging portion and the like are appropriately formed on the concave portion 26 side or the mounting bracket 2 side so that the mounting bracket 2 can be properly attached to the concave portion 26. The description of the harness 1A of the sensor 1 and the like is also omitted, but in this case as well, it is possible to provide a guide portion 2d (see FIG. 4 and the like) and the like on the mounting bracket 2. In addition, the configurations of the concave portion 20, the mounting bracket 2, and the like according to the above-described embodiment can be appropriately applied to the concave portion 26, the mounting bracket 2, and the like in this modification example.

[0070] In the case of the modification example shown in FIG. 13, since the wire 17C is inserted into the plate-like member 25, in the concave portion 26 of the plate-like member 25, the portion where the wire 17C is inserted bulges more than the other portions (see the broken line in the figure). Therefore, it is possible to form the notch 2e of the mounting bracket 2 in the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 4) at a position corresponding to the bulging portion of the wire 17C inserted into the plate-like member 25 as shown in FIG. 13. With this configuration, in addition to the operational effects described in the above embodiment, since the mounting bracket 2 has the notch 2e at the bulging portion of the wire 17C, it is possible to suppress interference between the mounting bracket 2 and the bulging portion of the wire 17C, and it is possible to suppress damage and the like to the mounting bracket 2, the plate-like member 25, and the like.

[0071] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modification example, and it goes without saying that it can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0072] 1 Sensor 1A Harness 2 Mounting Bracket 2d Guide Portion 2e Notch 2g Bent Portion 2h Bracket-Side Engaging Portion 10 Seat 12 Cushion pad 17C Wire 18 Pan frame (plate-like member) 18A Opening 19 Duct 20 Concave portion 20a Claw portion (engagement portion) 20b Second engagement portion (engagement portion) 20c Rib 25 Plate-like member 26 Concave portion 30 Vent passage (hollow portion) β Lower surface side of the plate-like member

Claims

1. A structure for arranging a sensor in a seat including a cushion pad and a plate-shaped member provided below the cushion pad, a recessed portion serving as a sensor mounting portion is provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member; the sensor has a locking portion, and the sensor is disposed in the recess in a state where it is locked by the locking portion; A structure for arranging a sensor on a seat, wherein the recess has a step portion provided on the rear side of the locking portion.

2. The recess has a protrusion formed between the sensor and the step portion, 2. The arrangement of sensors on a seat according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is arranged so that its upper surface is flush with the upper surfaces of the protrusions and the step.

3. A sensor arrangement structure on a sheet as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor is arranged so that its upper surface is flush with the upper surface of the plate-like member.

4. A notch is formed in the surface supporting the lower surface of the sensor, The notches are provided on both sides of the sensor, 4. The arrangement of sensors in a seat according to claim 1, wherein the sensors are arranged on a straight line connecting the notches.

5. A notch is formed in the surface supporting the lower surface of the sensor, The notches are provided on both sides of the sensor, A sensor arrangement structure for a seat as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sensor is arranged so that the connection between the sensor and the harness is located at a position that avoids the straight line connecting the notches.

6. A sensor arrangement structure on a sheet as described in Claim 5, characterized in that the connection portion is provided at a position perpendicular to the straight line connecting the notches.

7. A sensor arrangement structure on a sheet described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a locking hole is formed in the surface supporting the underside of the sensor, and the locking portion is locked into the locking hole.

8. A sensor arrangement structure on a seat as described in Claim 7, characterized in that the locking portion is provided along the outer peripheral surface of the sensor.

9. The plate-like member has an opening adjacent to the recess, 9. The arrangement of sensors in a seat according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the opening is provided at a position that avoids the locking portion.

10. A sensor arrangement structure on a sheet described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sensor is attached to a surface that supports the underside of the sensor by engaging an engaging portion provided in the recess of the plate-like member.

11. A sensor arrangement structure on a seat as described in Claim 10, characterized in that the engagement portion protrudes forward and is engaged.

12. A seat cushion having a seat cushion frame and a cushion pad disposed on the seat cushion frame; a sensor provided below the cushion pad; a seat back connected to the seat cushion; a headrest provided on the seat back; a plate-shaped member provided below the cushion pad and indirectly supported by the seat cushion frame, the seat cushion has a cover covering the seat cushion frame and the cushion pad, A blower for blowing air is disposed under the seat cushion, a recess serving as a sensor mounting portion is provided on the upper surface of the plate-like member, the recess being away from the blower; the sensor is electrically connected to an external device by a harness; The sensor has a locking portion, and the sensor is locked in the recess by the locking portion. The vehicle seat is characterized in that the recess has a step portion provided on the rear side of the engaging portion.

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