Sensor unit

Abstract

To provide a sensor unit to be easily attached / detached to / from a seat on which a person is to be seated, and also to provide a seat with the sensor unit.SOLUTION: A sensor unit 30 comprises: a sensor module 31 including a biological sensor for detecting a biological signal of a seated person, and a wireless communication part connected to the biological sensor so as to wirelessly transmit the detected biological signal to an outer side; and a senor holding body 32 for holding the sensor module 31. The sensor holding body 32 includes a seat attachment part to be detachably attached to an attached part which is arranged at a position on which the seated person abuts on a front surface of a seat cushion 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor unit and a seat with a sensor unit, and more particularly to a sensor unit and a seat with a sensor unit that are attached to a seat on which an occupant sits. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, vehicle seats have been known that have the function of measuring the driver's biometric information while the vehicle is being driven. For example, a seat is known that has the function of measuring the driver's heart rate using a biosensor that detects the driver's bioelectric potential, and quickly alerting the driver if any abnormal changes in the heart rate occur (see Patent Document 1, specifically). In addition, a seat is known that uses a biosensor that detects the driver's seated posture to estimate the driver's physical condition, and controls the seat movement according to the estimation results to help the driver recover from fatigue (see Patent Document 2 for details).

[0003] The vehicle seat described in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of capacitively coupled seat-like sensors arranged between a cushion pad and a trim cover that constitute the seat back, and the heart rate of the seated occupant is measured based on the bioelectric signals of the seated occupant detected by the seat-like sensors. In this case, the plurality of seat-like sensors are fixed to the cushion pad by adhesive or the like. In addition, the seat control device described in Patent Document 2 discloses that multiple piezoelectric elements acting as body pressure distribution sensors are fixed inside the seat back and seat cushion, and that the body pressure distribution of the occupant is detected by converting pressure according to the occupant's seating posture into a voltage signal, and that if it is estimated that the occupant's physical condition is fatigued, the seat is controlled so that the occupant performs exercises to recover from fatigue. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-123359 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-65504 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in vehicle seats such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the biosensor (sensor unit) is fixed to the cushion pad of the seat back (seat cushion) with adhesive or the like, making it difficult to remove the biosensor from the seat. This makes it impossible to change the type of sensor unit or change the output function based on the biometric information obtained from the biometric sensor according to the needs of the seat occupant, which could result in a lack of versatility for the seat. Also, there is a risk that the sensor unit may not be replaced at the appropriate time. In addition, if the user could easily remove the sensor unit from the vehicle seat and attach it to a work chair or other device separate from the vehicle seat, it was expected that the output function based on the sensor unit would be available in a variety of situations.

[0006] Furthermore, in vehicle seats with biosensors such as those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, although the sheet-shaped biosensor is fixed to the cushion pad with adhesive or double-sided tape, it is not fixed to the cover material on the seat occupant side, which may cause the biosensor to shift position, potentially making it impossible to stably detect the biosignals of the seat occupant. Furthermore, when attaching a biosensor to a vehicle seat, there was a need for a simple assembly configuration while also taking into consideration the seating sensation of the seated person.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sensor unit and a seat with a sensor unit that can be easily attached and detached to an object that a person can come into contact with, in particular a seat on which an occupant sits. Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor unit and a seat with a sensor unit that can be attached not only to vehicle seats but also to various other seats such as work chairs. Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor unit and a seat with a sensor unit that can detect the biological signals of a seated occupant more stably. Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor unit and a seat with a sensor unit that have a simple assembly structure but that take into consideration the seating feeling of the seated occupant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above problem is solved by the sensor unit of the present invention, which is a sensor unit that can be attached to an object that a human can contact, and which comprises a biosensor that detects the human's biosignal, a communication unit that is connected to the biosensor and transmits the detected biosignal to the outside, and a sensor holder that holds the biosensor and the communication unit, and the sensor holder has an attachment part that can be attached so as to be detachable from an attachment part provided on the object at a position that the human can contact. The above configuration makes it possible to realize a sensor unit that can be attached to and detached from an object that a person can come into contact with relatively easily.

[0009] In this case, the sensor unit is attached to a seat on which an occupant sits, and the biosensor detects the biosignal of the occupant, and the sensor holder has a seat attachment portion as the attachment portion that is detachably attached to the attachment portion provided in a position on the seat where the occupant can abut. The above configuration makes it possible to realize a sensor unit that can be attached and detached relatively easily to a seat, and also to realize a sensor unit that can be attached not only to vehicle seats but also to various other seats such as work chairs.

[0010] In this case, it is preferable to further include a wireless communication unit as the communication unit that wirelessly transmits the detected biosignal to the outside, and a battery unit that is connected to the biosensor and the wireless communication unit and supplies power. The above configuration makes it possible to realize a sensor unit with a simple configuration, without requiring a separate ECU (Election Control Unit) or power source in the vehicle seat as in the past, making it easier for the user (seat occupant) to remove it from the seat and carry it around.

[0011] In this case, it is preferable that the sensor holder is formed in a bag shape, and the biosensor and the communication unit are held inside the bag. With the above configuration, the biosensor and communication unit do not come into direct contact with the cover material or cushion pad of the seat cushion (seat back), which are components of the seat, thereby preventing the biosensor (communication unit) from shifting position relative to the seat and protecting the biosensor itself, allowing for more stable detection of the biosignals of the seated occupant. The seat-side components may include a headrest, an armrest, an ottoman, etc.

[0012] In this case, the sensor holder has a shape corresponding to the cushion recess as the mounting portion provided on the surface of the seat cushion, which is the seating portion of the seat, and is preferably stored and mounted inside the cushion recess. With the above configuration, even when the sensor unit is attached to the surface of the seat cushion, it is possible to prevent unevenness from occurring on the surface of the seat cushion, thereby allowing for a simple assembly configuration while still taking into consideration the seating feeling of the seated person.

[0013] In this case, it is preferable that the biosensor is disposed in a state sandwiched between the sensor holder and the cushion recess provided in the seat cushion. With the above configuration, the biosensor (sensor unit) can be attached to the seat more stably.

[0014] In this case, the sensor holder holds a plurality of the biosensors, and the biosensors are preferably arranged at intervals in the seat width direction and / or the seat front-to-rear direction, and are arranged in positions that correspond to the positions at which the seated person can contact them. As described above, since the sensor holder holds a plurality of biosensors, a plurality of biosensors can be collectively attached to the sheet with a relatively simple configuration.

[0015] In this case, the sensor holder may preferably have a seat attachment portion that can be attached to the attachment portion provided on the seat so as to sandwich the attachment portion therebetween. With the above configuration, the sensor unit has a simple configuration and is detachable from the seat.

[0016] In this case, it is preferable that a positioning display portion for displaying the holding position of the biosensor to the outside is formed on the surface of the sensor holder. With the above-described configuration, the mounting position of the biosensor can be grasped from outside the sensor holder, making it easy to position the biosensor relative to the seat.

[0017] It is also possible to realize a seat with a sensor unit that includes the above-mentioned sensor unit, and that includes a seat cushion configured by covering a cushion pad with a skin material, and the sensor unit is detachably attached between the skin material and the cushion pad on the seat cushion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a sensor unit that can be easily attached and detached to an object that a person can come into contact with, in particular a seat, and it is also possible to realize a sensor unit that can be attached to various types of seats. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it becomes easier for the seat occupant to remove the seat and carry it around. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the position of the biosensor from shifting relative to the seat, and it is also possible to protect the biosensor itself, thereby making it possible to more stably detect the biosignal of a seated occupant. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the seating feeling of the seated person can be taken into consideration while having a simple assembly structure. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the biosensor (sensor unit) can be attached to the seat more stably, and a plurality of biosensors can be attached to the seat together with a simple configuration. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the positioning of the biosensor relative to the sheet can be easily determined. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a seat with a sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a front view of the sensor unit. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 2A, showing the configuration of a sensor unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a wireless sensor unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the appearance of a seat with a sensor unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a seat with a sensor unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a wired sensor unit in a seat with a sensor unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the seat arrangement of the wired sensor unit of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are external perspective views of a seat with a sensor unit according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a front view of a wired sensor unit. [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the surface of the sensor module and the cushioning material. [Figure 10B]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear surface of the sensor module and the cushioning material. [Figure 11] 10A to 10C are exploded perspective views of a seat with a sensor unit according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seat with a sensor unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the sensor unit, showing a seat attachment part to a seat back (seat cushion). [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a seat with a sensor unit according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a seat with a sensor unit according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a sensor unit-equipped seat according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a sensor unit-equipped seat according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a seat with a sensor unit according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 19A] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another embodiment of the seat mounting portion of the sensor unit. [Figure 19B] 10A and 10B are views showing another embodiment of the seat attachment portion. [Figure 20A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shoe with a sensor unit. [Figure 20B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shoe with a sensor unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20A and 20B. This embodiment relates to an invention of a seat with a sensor unit for an occupant to sit on, in which the sensor unit comprises a biosensor that detects the occupant's biosignal, a wireless communication unit that is connected to the biosensor and wirelessly transmits the detected biosignal to the outside, and a sensor holder that holds the biosensor and the wireless communication unit, and in which the sensor holder has a seat mounting portion that is detachably attached to a mounting portion provided on the surface of the seat cushion at a position where the occupant can abut against it. The side of the seat back of the seat with the sensor unit on which the occupant sits is the front side of the seat.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat S with a sensor unit of this embodiment is a vehicle seat, and is mainly composed of a seat body having a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2, a headrest 3, and an armrest 4, and a sensor unit 30 attached inside the seat body (seat cushion 1) to detect an electrical signal corresponding to the bioelectric potential of a person sitting in the seat and transmit the detected electrical signal to the outside.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat cushion 1 is a seating portion that supports a seated person from below, and is configured by placing a cushion pad 10 on a cushion frame (not shown) that serves as a skeleton, and covering it with a skin material 20. The seat back 2 is a backrest portion that supports the back of a seated occupant from behind, and is configured by placing a cushion pad (not shown) on a back frame (not shown) that serves as the skeleton, and covering it with a skin material (not shown). The headrest 3 is a head portion that supports the head of a seated person from behind, and is constructed by placing a cushion pad (not shown) on a headrest pillar (not shown) that serves as a core material, and covering it with a skin material (not shown). The armrest 4 is an arm portion that supports the arms of a seated occupant from below, and is rotatably attached to the outer surface of the seat back 2 in the seat width direction via a mounting bracket (not shown).

[0023] The cushion pad 10 is a cushion material made of urethane foam or the like, and as shown in FIG. 1, on the left and right side portions of the surface of the cushion pad 10 in the seat width direction, there are formed skin hanging grooves 11 extending in the front-rear direction of the seat, and skin hanging grooves 12 extending in the seat width direction so as to connect the left and right skin hanging grooves 11. Furthermore, on the surface of the cushion pad 10, a cushion recess 13 corresponding to the outer shape of the sensor unit 30 is formed in a portion facing the sensor unit 30 in order to ensure a comfortable seating feeling.

[0024] The skin material 20 is made of a stretchable cloth material, leather material, or the like, and is formed by sewing conductive threads to a base cloth made of natural or synthetic fibers as needed, for example. It should be noted that a wadding material (not shown) may be attached to the rear surface of the cover material 20 in order to improve the seating comfort of the seat cushion 1. On the surface of the skin material 20, skin pockets 21 and 22 for storing the sensor unit 30 are formed in the front and rear portions of the seat from the skin hanging groove 12. Skin pockets 23 and 24 are also formed in the outer portions of the seat width direction from the left and right skin hanging grooves 11, respectively.

[0025] The skin pockets 21 to 24 are bag-shaped pockets formed by separately sewing a cloth material or the like to the back surface of the main body of the skin material 20, and the sensor unit 30 can be stored through pocket openings 21a to 24a provided on the surface of the skin material 20. The front and rear skin pockets 21, 22 are arranged in the center of the seat cushion 1 in the seat width direction, and are arranged side by side in the seat front-rear direction. The left and right skin pockets 23, 24 are disposed at positions facing each other in the seat front-rear direction.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the sensor unit 30 is mainly composed of a sensor module 31 including a biosensor 31a and a bag-shaped sensor holder 32 that holds the sensor module 31, and is detachably attached to the surface pockets 21 to 24 (attachment portions) provided in the seat cushion 1 at positions where the seated person can contact.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the sensor module 31 is mainly composed of a biosensor 31a that detects an electrical signal corresponding to the bioelectric potential of the seated occupant, a wireless communication unit 31b that receives the electrical signal and wirelessly transmits it to the outside, a control unit 31c that performs processing to transmit the electrical signal detected by the biosensor 31a to the wireless communication unit 31b, and a battery unit 31d that supplies power. Specifically, the biosensor 31a is a sensor that detects a respiratory signal (electrical signal) of the seated occupant, and more specifically, is a planar pressure sensor that detects the seating pressure of the seated occupant. The "seating pressure" is a value that periodically changes in accordance with the physiological activity (breathing) of an occupant when the occupant sits on the seat S with the sensor unit. The wireless communication unit 31b uses wireless communication technology to connect to an external terminal, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a computer such as a PC, or an electric device, and transmits and receives electric signals (data signals). The control unit 31c corresponds to a microcomputer and performs overall electrical control, and the battery unit 31d is a relatively small button battery.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the sensor holder 32 is a substantially rectangular bag body, and is mainly composed of a substantially flat cushion material 32a that supports the entire sensor module 31 from below, a cloth member 32b that is attached so as to cover the entire sensor module 31 from above, and a bag-shaped cover material 32c that stores the sensor module 31, cushion material 32a, and cloth member 32b inside. The fabric member 32b is, for example, a nonwoven fabric tape, and all four edges thereof are in contact with and attached to the surface of the cushion material 32a. Alternatively, they may be attached with an adhesive or the like. The cover material 32c is formed by overlapping a pair of surface covers with their faces facing each other, forming one end as an opening, and sewing the remaining end, and a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners is provided on the inner surface of the opening of the cover material 32c as a cover closing portion 32d. The internal space of the cover material 32c is formed to have approximately the same size as the external shape of the cushion material 32a, and the sensor module 31 is housed inside the cover material 32c without being misaligned.

[0029] A positioning indicator 32e is formed as a rectangular sewing line (stitch) on the surface of the sensor holder 32 to externally indicate the holding position of the sensor module 31. Note that instead of the sewing line, a rectangular cushioning material (urethane slab) may be attached separately. Furthermore, on the outer surface of the sensor holder 32, on the back side opposite to the surface on which the positioning display portion 32e is formed, there is provided a seat mounting portion 32f that can be mounted to the surface pockets 21 to 24 (mounting portion) of the seat cushion 1 by bringing their surfaces into contact with each other.

[0030] The sheet attachment portion 32f may be formed as, for example, a hook and loop fastener, or may be formed as double-sided tape and may be attached with detachable adhesive force to the inner surface of the skin pockets 21 to 24. When a hook and loop fastener is used, it is preferable that one side of the hook and loop fastener (for example, the hook side) of the sheet attachment portion 32f is configured to be detachable from the other side of the hook and loop fastener (for example, the loop side) provided on the inner surface of the skin pockets 21 to 24.

[0031] In the above configuration, the sensor unit 30 is connected to a publicly known heart rate measuring device (not shown) via a network, so that the heart rate measuring device can measure the heart rate of the occupant based on the respiratory signal (electrical signal) of the occupant transmitted from the sensor unit 30, and can quickly alert the occupant if any abnormality occurs in the change in heart rate. As for the specific method for calculating the heart rate based on the electrical signal from the sensor unit 30, a known calculation method (for example, the calculation method described in JP 2015-123359 A) can be used, and a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0032] In addition, the type of biosensor can be changed according to the needs of the seated user, and the output function based on the bioinformation detected by the biosensor can be changed. Specifically, in addition to a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a sound sensor, a light sensor, an odor sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc. may also be used. In addition, output functions are expected to include measuring changes in the occupant's heart rate and notifying them of abnormal heart rates (drowsy state), measuring the occupant's sitting posture and controlling the seat movement to create relaxation modes or skeletal correction modes, and playing games or videos for the occupant based on the occupant's biometric information (e.g., electrocardiogram, blood pressure, body temperature, breathing, etc.).

[0033] <Second embodiment of seat with sensor unit> Next, a sensor unit-equipped seat S2 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The sensor unit-equipped sheet S2 differs from the sensor unit-equipped sheet S mainly in the configuration of the sensor unit 130. The sensor unit 130 is mainly composed of a sensor module 131 and a block-shaped sensor holder 132 that holds the sensor module 131, and is detachably attached to a rectangular parallelepiped cushion recess 113 (attachment portion) formed on the surface of the cushion pad 110 of the seat cushion 101.

[0034] The sensor module 131 has the same configuration as the sensor module 31 shown in FIG. The sensor holder 132 is a pad member made of a rectangular block and is formed in a shape corresponding to the cushion recess 113, and a storage recess 133 for storing the sensor module 131 is formed on the surface of the sensor holder 132. At this time, the sensor holder 132 (outer surface of the sensor holder 132) corresponds to the "seat mounting portion" and is attached so as to be detachable from the cushion recess 113 (mounting portion).

[0035] Even with the above configuration, it is possible to realize a sensor unit that can be attached and detached relatively easily from a seat, and it can be attached not only to vehicle seats but also to various other seats such as work chairs.

[0036] <Third embodiment of seat with sensor unit> Next, a sensor unit-equipped seat S3 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The sensor unit-equipped sheet S3 differs from the sensor unit-equipped sheet S mainly in the configuration of the sensor unit 230. The sensor unit 230 is mainly composed of a plurality of sensor modules 231 and a sheet-like sensor holder 232 that holds the plurality of sensor modules 231 together, and is hooked onto the cushion pad 210 (attachment portion) of the seat cushion 201 so as to be detachable.

[0037] The sensor module 231 has the same configuration as the sensor module 31 shown in Figure 3, and multiple sensor modules 231 are arranged at intervals in the seat width direction and the seat front-to-rear direction, and are arranged in a total of four locations corresponding to positions where a seated person can abut. The sensor holder 232 is a single piece of skin material, and is formed in a shape that can cover the surface of the central portion of the cushion pad 210. A plurality of sensor modules 231 are attached to the rear surface of the sensor holder 232 by hook-and-loop fasteners or double-sided tape. At this time, the sensor holder 232 corresponds to the "seat mounting portion" and is attached by being hooked onto the cushion pad 210 (mounting portion) so as to be detachable therefrom.

[0038] Even with the above configuration, it is possible to realize a sensor unit that can be attached and detached relatively easily from a seat, and it can be attached not only to vehicle seats but also to various other seats such as work chairs. Furthermore, a plurality of biosensors can be attached to the seat collectively with a relatively simple configuration.

[0039] <Fourth embodiment of seat with sensor unit> Next, a sensor unit-equipped seat S4 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the seat S4 with sensor unit, the sensor unit 330 is of a wired communication type, as compared to the seat S with sensor unit. As shown in FIG. 6, in the sensor unit 330, the sensor module 331 has a biosensor 331a and a wired communication unit 331b connected to the biosensor 331a for transmitting a detected biosignal to the outside. As shown in FIG. 7, the wired communication unit 331b connects the biosensor 331a to the ECU 340 provided in the seat cushion 301, and is composed of conductive wires and a harness bundling the conductive wires, which output the biosignal obtained from the biosensor 331a to the ECU 340. More specifically, the wired communication unit 331b bends and extends from the sensor holder 332 downwards on the seat, passes through a through-hole in the cushion pad 310, and then bends further forwards on the seat and extends along the bottom surface of the cushion frame, and is connected to the ECU 340. ECU 340 is a control unit of a known heart rate measuring device that can calculate the heart rate of the seated occupant by analyzing the biological signals detected by sensor unit 330, and is attached to the bottom surface of the cushion frame. A power supply battery (not shown) is provided in the periphery of ECU 340.

[0040] Even with the above configuration, it is possible to realize a sensor unit that can be attached to and detached from the seat, and the sensor unit can be interchangeable with various vehicle seats.

[0041] <Fifth embodiment of seat with sensor unit> Next, a sensor unit-equipped seat S5 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10A and 10B. The sensor unit 430 of the sensor unit-equipped seat S5 is of a wired communication type. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the sensor unit 430 is mainly composed of a sensor module 431 and a cushion-shaped sensor holder 432 that holds the sensor module 431 inside, and is attached so as to be detachable from the seat cushion 401 and the seat back 402 (attachment portion), respectively. The sensor unit 430 provided on the seat cushion 401 will now be described.

[0042] As shown in Figures 9, 10A and 10B, the sensor module 431 has a plurality of biosensors 431a and a wired communication unit 431b connected to the plurality of biosensors 431a and for transmitting detected biosignals to the outside. The biosensors 431a are planar pressure sensors that are spaced apart in the seat width direction and the seat front-rear direction, and are arranged in a total of six locations corresponding to positions where a seated person can come into contact. In order to improve the detection accuracy of the sensors, the biosensors 431a are arranged in four locations corresponding to the buttocks of a seated person. The wired communication unit 431b is a conductive wire that connects the biosensor 431a to an ECU (not shown) provided in the seat cushion 401, and a harness that bundles the conductive wires.

[0043] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the sensor holder 432 is a cushion and is mainly composed of a roughly flat cushion material 432a that supports multiple biosensors 431a from below, and a bag-shaped cover material 432c that stores the sensor module 431 and the cushion material 432a inside. On the backside of the four corners of the sensor holder 432, seat attachment portions 432f (hook and loop fasteners) that can be attached to the surface of the seat cushion 401 are attached.

[0044] The surface of the cushion material 432a is formed with a plurality of storage recesses 433 for storing the biosensors 431a, and linear slit holes 434 provided adjacent to each storage recess 433 for passing through the wired communication section 431b (conductor). In the above configuration, wired communication unit 431b (conductor) extends from biosensor 431a to the rear surface of cushion material 432a through slit hole 434. Furthermore, a plurality of wired communication units 431b are bundled together on the rear surface of cushion material 432a and extend as a harness. The cushioning material 432a may have a multi-layer structure. In this case, each layer may be fixed with adhesive or the like, and a transparent resin base may be provided as an underlying layer. By using a transparent resin, the wiring of the wired communication unit 431b can be easily confirmed. The length and width of the slit hole 434 can be adjusted as appropriate.

[0045] The cover material 432c is formed by overlapping a pair of outer skin covers face to face, forming one end as an opening, and sewing the remaining end, and a line fastener is provided on the inner surface of the opening of the cover material 432c as a cover closing portion 432d. The internal space of the cover material 432c is formed to have the same size as the outer shape of the cushion material 432a, and a plurality of biosensors 431a are housed on the surface of the cover material 432c without being misaligned. On the surface of the cover material 432c, a positioning indicator 432e for indicating the holding position of the sensor module 431 to the outside is formed as a rectangular sewing line. In addition to the positioning display portion 432e, a positioning display portion for confirming the position of the sensor unit 430 in the front-rear direction (left-right direction) may be formed separately.

[0046] Even with the above configuration, it is possible to realize a sensor unit that can be easily attached to and detached from the seat, and the sensor unit can be interchangeable with various vehicle seats. Furthermore, a plurality of biosensors can be collectively attached to the seat with a relatively simple configuration, and can be positioned accordingly.

[0047] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 10A, a storage recess 433 is formed on the surface of cushion material 432a, and a separate storage recess for storing wired communication unit 431b may also be formed on the back surface of cushion material 432a. In this way, when the biosensor 431a and the wired communication unit 431b are attached to the cushion material 432a, the front and rear surfaces of the cushion material 432a become substantially flush, so that the seated person feels comfortable when sitting. It is desirable that the front and back surfaces of the cushion material 432a be approximately flush, but this is not particularly limited, and the portion of the cushion material 432a where the biosensor 431a is attached may be slightly protruding or slightly recessed.

[0048] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 10A, a storage recess 433 for positioning the biosensor 431a is formed on the surface of the cushion material 432a, but as an alternative positioning method, a predetermined marking (triangular marking) or a jig may be used.

[0049] <Sixth embodiment of seat with sensor unit> Next, a sensor unit-equipped seat S6 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The sensor unit-equipped seat S6 differs from the sensor unit-equipped seat S5 mainly in the configuration of the seat attachment portion 533 of the sensor unit 530. The sensor unit 530 is composed of a sensor module 531 including a biosensor 531a and a cushion-shaped sensor holder 532 that holds the sensor module 531 inside, and is attached so as to be detachable from the seat cushion 501 and the seat back 502 (attachment portion), respectively. The sensor unit 530 provided in the seat back 502 will now be described.

[0050] The sensor holder 532 is a single cushion. Seat mounting parts 533 that can be mounted on the surface of the seat back 502 are attached to both ends of the sensor holder 532 in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction).

[0051] The seat mounting portion 533 includes an upper cover 533a attached by sewing to the upper end of the sensor holder 532 and extending toward the headrest 503, and a lower cover 533b attached by sewing to the lower end of the sensor holder 532 and extending toward the seat cushion 501. A pair of insertion holes 534 for inserting a pair of pillars 503a of the headrest 503 are formed in the approximate center of the upper cover 533a in the extending direction. Additionally, an engaging hook 535 (engaging member) that is elongated in the seat width direction and has a generally J-shaped cross section is fixed to the extending end of the upper cover 533a with an adhesive. A rectangular engaging member 536 (engaged member) that is elongated in the seat width direction is fixed to the extending end of the lower cover 533b with an adhesive. The engaging hook 535 and the engaging member 536 are trim cords made of resin, and the engaging hook 535 can be hooked onto the engaging member 536 .

[0052] In the above configuration, to attach the sensor unit 530 to the seat back 502, first, as shown in Fig. 12, the sensor unit 530 is attached to the seat back 502 so as to cover the seat attachment portion 533. Specifically, the front, top, bottom, and rear surfaces of the seat back 502 are covered with an upper cover 533a and a lower cover 533b. At this time, the pillar 503a of the headrest 503 is inserted into the insertion hole 534 of the upper cover 533a. 13, at the lower end of the rear surface of the seat back 502, the engaging hooks 535 of the upper cover 533a are hooked onto the engaging members 536 of the lower cover 533b.

[0053] The sensor unit 530 provided on the seat cushion 501 is attached in the same manner. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the seat mounting portion 533 covers the top, front, bottom and rear surfaces of the seat cushion 501. 13, at the rear end of the seat cushion 501, the engaging hooks 535 of the rear cover 533a are hooked onto the engaging members 536 of the front cover 533b.

[0054] Even with the above configuration, it is possible to realize a sensor unit that can be easily attached to and detached from the seat, and the sensor unit can be interchangeable with various vehicle seats.

[0055] <Seventh embodiment of seat with sensor unit> Next, a sensor unit-equipped seat S7 according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The sensor unit-equipped seat S7 differs from the sensor unit-equipped seat S6 in the configuration of the seat attachment portion 633 of the sensor unit 630. The sensor unit 630 is mainly composed of a sensor module 631, a cushion-shaped sensor holder 632 that holds the sensor module 631 inside, and a seat mounting part 633 that is attached to the surface of the sensor holder 632 and can be attached to the seat cushion 601 (seat back 602). The sensor unit 630 provided on the seat cushion 601 will now be described.

[0056] The seat attachment portion 633 is a long skin cover attached to the surface of the sensor holder 632 by sewing or adhesive, and covers the cushion pad 610 as part of the skin material 620 of the seat cushion 601. Line fasteners 633a are provided along the entire outer edge of the seat mounting portion 633, at the front end and both ends in the seat width direction, and by engaging with line fasteners 620a provided on the cover material 620 as a pair, the sensor unit 630 can be attached to the seat cushion 601. In this case, no fastener line 633a is provided at the rear end of the outer edge of the seat attachment portion 633. This makes it possible to easily manufacture the seat S7 with the sensor unit, and also makes it easier to assemble the sensor unit 630.

[0057] With the above configuration, the sensor unit 630 can be attached to the seat cushion 601 in the same way as changing the cover material.

[0058] <Eighth embodiment of seat with sensor unit> Next, a sensor unit-equipped seat S8 according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The sensor unit-equipped seat S8 is different from the sensor unit-equipped seat S6 in the configuration of the seat attachment portion 733 of the sensor unit 730. The sensor unit 730 includes a sensor module 731, a cushion-shaped sensor holder 732 that holds the sensor module 731 inside, and seat mounting portions 733 that are attached to both ends of the sensor holder 732 in the width direction (seat width direction) and can be attached to the seat cushion 701. The sensor unit-equipped seat S8 is provided with resin protective covers 734 on the left and right sides to protect the seat cushion 701 from the outside in the seat width direction.

[0059] The seat attachment portion 733 is attached to both the left and right ends of the sensor holder 732 by sewing, and includes a left cover 733a and a right cover 733b that extend outward in the seat width direction. The sensor unit 730 can be attached to the seat cushion 701 by sandwiching the extending ends of the left cover 733a and the right cover 733b between the seat cushion 701 and the protective cover 734, respectively.

[0060] <Ninth embodiment of seat with sensor unit> Next, a sensor unit-equipped seat S9 according to a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The sensor unit-equipped seat S9 is different from the sensor unit-equipped seat S6 in the configuration of the seat attachment portion 833 of the sensor unit 830. The sensor unit 830 includes a sensor module 831, a cushion-shaped sensor holder 832 that holds the sensor module 831 inside, and a seat mounting portion 833 that is attached to the upper end of the sensor holder 832 and can be attached to the seat back 802. The seat S8 with sensor unit is equipped with a J-shaped hook 834 attached at an upper position on the underside of the seat back 802, and a table 835 positioned below the hook 834 and rotatably attached to the seat back 802.

[0061] The seat mounting portion 833 is a long cover that is attached by sewing to the upper end of the sensor holder 832 and extends upward, and is provided with a pair of insertion holes 833a for inserting a pair of pillars 803a of the headrest 803, and a hook hole 833b for hanging on the hook 834. In addition, the extending end of the seat attachment portion 833 is sandwiched between the seat back 802 and the table 835 . With the above configuration, the sensor unit 830 can be attached to the seat back 802 using existing parts. The sensor unit 830 may be attached to the seat back 802 using an armrest, which is an existing part.

[0062] <Tenth and Eleventh Embodiments of the Sensor Unit-Equipped Seat> Next, sensor unit-equipped seats S10 and S11 according to tenth and eleventh embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. The sensor unit-equipped seat S10 is a sofa-type seat for sitting in. A cushion-shaped (cushion-shaped) sensor unit 930 is detachably attached to the surface of a seat cushion 901 of the seat S10. The sensor unit seat S11 is an office chair type seat. A cushion-shaped (cushion-shaped) sensor unit 1030 is detachably attached to the surface of a seat cushion 1001 of the seat S11. These sensor units 930, 1030 are preferably attached to the seat cushions 901, 1001 using, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0063] <Other Alternative Embodiments> In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the sensor unit 30 is attached inside the seat cushion 1, but this is not particularly limited and can be changed, and the sensor unit 30 may be attached inside the seat back 2, inside the headrest 3, or inside or outside the armrest 4. The sensor unit 30 may also be attached inside or outside an ottoman (not shown). Furthermore, although the sensor unit 30 is attached to a seat on which an occupant sits, it is not particularly limited and may be attached to the inside or outside of an object that a person can come into contact with.

[0064] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the sensor unit 30 has a seat attachment portion 32f (hook-and-loop fastener or double-sided tape) that can be attached to the surface of the cover material 20 (cover pockets 21-24) of the seat cushion 1, but this can be changed without being limited to hook-and-loop fastener or double-sided tape. 19A, the sensor unit 30A may have a rectangular plate-shaped magnet inside as the seat attachment portion 32Af. With this configuration, the sensor unit 30A is detachably attached to a metal wire (for example, a metal wire for fastening an upholstery material) provided in the cushion pad of the seat cushion or the seat back. Alternatively, the sensor unit 30A is detachably attached to a metal frame that forms the framework of the seat cushion or the seat back. 19B, the sensor unit 30B may have a mounting band on its outer surface (back surface) as a seat mounting portion 32Bf. In this configuration, the seat mounting portion 32Bf is detachably mounted to the outer surface of the armrest (mounting portion) with the armrest sandwiched therebetween.

[0065] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the sensor module 131 (biosensor) is stored on the surface of the block-shaped sensor holder 132, but this is not particularly limited, and the sensor module 131 may be stored in a storage recess provided on the back surface of the sensor holder 132. In this case, the sensor module 131 (biosensor) is arranged in a state sandwiched between the sensor holder 132 and the cushion recess 113 provided in the seat cushion 101 (cushion pad 110) in the vertical direction. This configuration allows the biosensor to be attached to the seat more stably. Also, by minimizing the thickness of the block of the sensor holder 132, it becomes easier to detect the biosignal of the seated occupant.

[0066] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the sensor unit-equipped seat S5 is provided with a cushion-shaped (cushion-shaped) sensor unit 430, and the sensor unit 430 may further have a charging means (charging unit) that uses wireless or wired communication, or may have a remaining charge display unit that displays the remaining charge. The sensor unit 430 may also have a display processing unit that wirelessly communicates with the mobile phone of the seated person and displays a predetermined screen effect based on the sensing information on the display unit of the mobile phone. Furthermore, the sensor unit 430 may further include a failure determination unit that determines a failure in the sensing function, and may also include a failure notification unit (failure display unit) that notifies the user of a failure when a failure occurs. The failure display unit is preferably located in front of the seat surface of the seat occupant. Furthermore, the shape of the sensor unit 430 and the shape of the biosensor 431a are not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be a triangular shape, a circular shape, or the like, as long as it is a shape that is easy to position.

[0067] In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, sensor unit 430 is configured as a single cushion (cushion), but the cushion may further have a pocket on the outer or inner surface. In this case, an ECU, a battery, a tablet, etc. may be inserted into the pocket. Note that the pocket is preferably detachably attached to the main body of sensor unit 430.

[0068] 8, in the above embodiment, the sensor unit 430 is detachably attached to the seat cushion 401. Therefore, the design of the sensor holder 432 (cover material 432c) can be changed and it can be washed independently. On the other hand, the sensor unit 430 may be attached integrally to the seat cushion 401 (covering material 420). In this case, the electronic components inside the sensor unit 430 can be suitably protected (the electronic components can be prevented from being exposed to the outside). When the sensor unit 430 is integrally attached to the skin material 420, it is preferable to first store the cushion material 432a with the biosensor 431a shown in FIG. 10A inside the cover material 432c, and then sew the cushion material 432a, the cover material 432c, and the skin material 420 together.

[0069] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the sensor unit 430 is attached to the seat cushion 401 and the seat back 402 to sense the seating pressure of the seated occupant, but may also be attached to other seat components. Specifically, the sensor unit 430 may be attached to an armrest, an ottoman, or the like. In this way, the sensor unit 430 can sense not only the seating pressure of the seated person, but also the hand and leg movements of the seated person. Furthermore, the sensor unit 430 may be capable of reversibly sensing the seating pressure of a seated person. In this case, the sensor unit 430 can be attached upside down on the seat cushion 401, and different sensing information can be obtained. It is also preferable that the sensor unit 430 can perform sensing even when it is attached upside down, either front to back or left to right. In this case, it is preferable that the biosensors 431a are arranged so as to be symmetrical front to back (left to right). Furthermore, since sensor unit 430 is a single cushion (cushion), it may be possible to fold it in half, for example. When folded, biosensor 431a and wired communication unit 431b should be positioned to avoid the fold. Alternatively, they may be positioned so as to overlap the fold.

[0070] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, multiple wired communication units 431b (conductors) are bundled and extend on the back surface of cushion material 432a, but the routing direction of the wired communication units 431b (conductors) and the routing direction of the harness can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, although the wired communication unit 431b (harness) protrudes to the outside from the opening of the sensor holder 432, the position from which the wired communication unit 431b protrudes does not have to be a corner of the opening of the sensor holder 432. In other words, it may be the center of the opening of the sensor holder 432, or may be the position of a through-hole separately formed at a predetermined position of the sensor holder 432.

[0071] In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 11, the sensor unit 530 is attached to the seat back 502, and it is preferable that the sensor unit 530 be disposed in a position that avoids the reclining device (not shown). Alternatively, the sensor unit 530 may be further hooked using a component of the reclining device.

[0072] In the above embodiment, seats S1-S11 with sensor units are described as shown in Figures 1-19A and B, but the present invention is not limited to seating seats and may also be, for example, shoes S12 with sensor units as shown in Figures 20A and B. The shoes S12 with sensor units preferably have an insole 1101 (inner sole) with a sensor unit 1130 inside the shoes. Specifically, it is preferable that a plurality of sensor units 1130 are provided and stored in storage recesses 1101a formed in the upper part of the insole 1101, respectively. Alternatively, the floor may be equipped with a sensor unit.

[0073] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat used in an automobile was described as a specific example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be used for various seats such as two-wheeled vehicle seats, vehicle seats for trains and buses, seats for vehicles such as airplanes and ships, as well as office chairs for work, wheelchairs, and child seats in shopping carts.

[0074] In this embodiment, the sensor unit and the sensor unit-equipped seat according to the present invention have been mainly described. However, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the arrangement and configuration of the sensor unit described in the above embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] S, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S10, S11 Seat with sensor unit 1,101,201,301,401,501,601,701,901,1001 Seat cushion 2,402,502,602,802 seat backs 3,503,803 headrest 503a, 803a Pillar 4 Armrest (mounting part) 10,110,210,310,610 Cushion pad 11,12 Skin hanging groove 13,113 Cushion recess 20,620 Skin material 620a wire zipper 21, 22, 23, 24 Skin pocket (attachment part) 21a, 22a, 23a, 24a Pocket opening 30 (30A, 30B), 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030 sensor unit 31,131,231,331,431,531,631,731,831 Sensor Module 31a, 331a, 431a, 531a Biometric sensors 31b, 331b, 431b Wireless communication section, wired communication section (communication section) 31c Control section 31d Battery section 32,132,232,332,432,532,632,732,832 Sensor holder 32a, 432a cushioning material 32b Cloth parts 32c, 432c Cover material 32d, 432d Cover closing part 32e,432e Positioning display unit 32f (32Af, 32Bf), 432f seat mounting part (mounting part) 133,433 Storage recess 434 Slit Hole 533,633,733,833 Seat mounting part (mounting part) 533a Upper cover (rear cover) 533b Lower cover (front cover) 633a Wire fastener 733a left cover 733b Right cover 833a Insertion hole 833b Hook hole 534 Insertion hole 535 Engagement hook 536 Engagement member 734 Protective Cover 834 Hook 835 Table 340 ECU S12 Shoes with Sensor Unit 1101 insole 1101a Storage recess 1130 Sensor Unit

Claims

1. A sensor unit attached to an object that a person can touch, a biosensor for detecting a biosignal of the human; a communication unit connected to the biosensor for transmitting the detected biosignal to an outside; a sensor holder that holds the biosensor and the communication unit, The sensor unit is characterized in that the sensor holder has an attachment portion that is detachably attached to an attachment portion provided on the object at a position where the person can come into contact.

2. The sensor unit is attached to a seat on which an occupant sits, the biosensor detects a biosignal of the seated occupant; The sensor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor holder has a seat mounting portion as the mounting portion that is detachably attached to the mounting portion provided in the seat at a position where the seated person can abut against it.

3. a wireless communication unit serving as the communication unit for wirelessly transmitting the detected biological signal to an outside; The sensor unit according to claim 2 , further comprising a battery unit connected to the biosensor and the wireless communication unit for supplying power.

4. 4. The sensor unit according to claim 2, wherein the sensor holder is formed in a bag shape, and holds the biosensor and the communication unit inside the bag.

5. The sensor unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the sensor holder has a shape corresponding to a cushion recess as the mounting portion provided on the surface of a seat cushion that serves as the seating portion of the seat, and is housed and mounted inside the cushion recess.

6. 6. The sensor unit according to claim 5, wherein the biological sensor is disposed in a state sandwiched between the sensor holder and the cushion recess provided in the seat cushion.

7. the sensor holder holds a plurality of the biosensors; The sensor unit according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the plurality of biological sensors are arranged at intervals in the seat width direction and / or the seat front-to-rear direction, and are arranged in correspondence with positions where the seated person can contact.

8. The sensor unit according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the sensor holder has a seat mounting portion that can be mounted to the mounting portion provided on the seat so as to sandwich the mounting portion therebetween.

9. The sensor unit according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the sensor holder has a sheet mounting portion that can be mounted to the mounting portion provided on the sheet by contacting the surfaces of the mounting portion with each other.

10. 10. The sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein a positioning indicator is formed on a surface of the sensor holder to indicate to the outside the position where the biosensor is held.

11. A sensor unit-equipped sheet comprising the sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A seat cushion is provided which is configured by covering a cushion pad with a surface material, The seat with a sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit is detachably attached on the seat cushion between the cover material and the cushion pad.

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