Detection device

Abstract

A detection device is provided that can suppress the foreign body sensation felt in the steering wheel when the driver's hands grip the steering wheel and acquire the driver's biological information. [Solution] The detection devices 3, 3d to 3f are equipped with a first biological detection electrode 11 and a second biological detection electrode 12 arranged on the steering wheels 2 to 2f mounted on the vehicle 1, and when the steering wheels 2 to 2f are in a neutral position, the first biological detection electrode 11 is located on the right side of the steering wheels 2 to 2f and the second biological detection electrode 12 is located on the left side of the steering wheels 2 to 2f, and the first biological detection electrode 11 and the second biological detection electrode 12 have a convex body 11a or a concave body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sensing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A known prior art technique is to detect pulse waves from the driver's hands gripping the steering wheel using sensor electrodes arranged on the steering wheel.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a monitoring device that includes a steering wheel, a plurality of biosensors that detect biometric information of the driver, and a touch sensor that detects the area of ​​contact of the driver with the steering wheel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-330 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional monitoring devices, although a biosensor is arranged along the outer periphery of the steering wheel, no measures are disclosed to prevent the driver from feeling a foreign body sensation when gripping the steering wheel. Therefore, when a biosensor is arranged on the steering wheel, there is room for improvement in suppressing the foreign body sensation when the driver grips the steering wheel and acquiring the driver's biometric information.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a detection device that can suppress the foreign body sensation in the steering wheel when the driver's hands are gripping the steering wheel and acquire the driver's biometric information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A detection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first biological detection electrode and a second biological detection electrode arranged on a steering wheel of a vehicle, and when the steering wheel is in a neutral position, the first biological detection electrode is located on the right side of the steering wheel and the second biological detection electrode is located on the left side of the steering wheel, and the first biological detection electrode and the second biological detection electrode have a convex or concave body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the detection device of the present disclosure, when the driver's hands grip the steering wheel, the foreign body sensation on the steering wheel is suppressed and biometric information of the driver can be acquired. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle equipped with a steering wheel according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a front view showing another steering wheel. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the spoke taken along lines AA and BB in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a steering wheel in a neutral position, with a first living body detection electrode and a second living body detection electrode arranged above a first spoke and a second spoke, as viewed diagonally from above. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a front view showing a steering wheel with a convex portion in a neutral position. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a diagram showing a first living body detection electrode and a second living body detection electrode each having a convex portion. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a front view showing a steering wheel in a neutral position in which the first and second living body detection electrodes are arranged on the front side of the first and second spokes with respect to the vehicle. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a steering wheel in a neutral position in which the first living body detection electrode and the second living body detection electrode are arranged on the third spoke. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a front view showing a steering wheel in a neutral position in which a first biological detection electrode and a second biological detection electrode are arranged above the first spoke and the second spoke, and a third biological detection electrode and a fourth biological detection electrode are arranged on the front side of the vehicle on the first spoke and the second spoke. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a block diagram illustrating another detection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a front view showing a steering wheel in a neutral position, in which the first and second living body detection electrodes are arranged above the first and second spokes, the third and fourth living body detection electrodes are arranged on the front side of the vehicle on the first and second spokes, and the fifth and sixth living body detection electrodes are arranged on the third spoke. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a block diagram illustrating a sensing device corresponding to FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a front view showing a steering wheel in a neutral position in which a first living body detection electrode and a second living body detection electrode are arranged above a first spoke and a second spoke, and a sensor electrode is arranged on the rim. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a block diagram illustrating a detection device corresponding to FIG. 8A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement positions, and connection configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in independent claims are described as optional components.

[0012] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0013] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, expressions such as T-shaped and rightward are used. For example, T-shaped and rightward not only mean a complete T-shape and rightward direction, but also mean a substantial T-shape and rightward direction, i.e., including an error of a few percent. Furthermore, T-shaped and rightward means a T-shape and rightward direction within the scope in which the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "shape" and "direction."

[0014] (Embodiment) <Configuration> First, the detection device 3 provided in the vehicle 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 3A.

[0015] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle 1 equipped with a steering wheel 2 according to an embodiment. Note that in FIG. 1A, the illustration of each connecting member is omitted to avoid complicating the drawing. FIG. 1B is a front view showing another steering wheel 2. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of a spoke 30 taken along lines AA and BB in FIG. 1A. (a) of FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1A, and (b) of FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detection device 3 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a steering wheel 2 in a neutral position, with a first biological detection electrode 11 and a second biological detection electrode 12 disposed above a first spoke 31 and a second spoke 32, as viewed from diagonally above.

[0016] 1A, the steering wheel 2 applies a steering angle to the steering wheels of the vehicle 1. The steering wheel 2 has a rim 20, spokes 30, and a hub .

[0017] An exterior cover 50 is wrapped around the rim 20 and the spokes 30. The exterior cover 50 includes a rim cover 53 that is wrapped around the rim 20 and spoke covers that are wrapped around the spokes 30. The rim cover 53 may be configured integrally with the spoke covers, or may be separable from the spoke covers.

[0018] The rim 20 is a grip portion that is held by the driver's (person's) hand. The rim 20 in Fig. 1A is shown as being ring-shaped. However, the rim 20 is not limited to being ring-shaped, and may be a yoke-shaped rim as shown in Fig. 1B, or an irregular shape such as a D-shape or an oval shape (not shown).

[0019] The rim 20 is made up of a core metal and a foam covering the core metal.

[0020] The foam constitutes the outer shell of the rim 20 of the steering wheel 2. The foam is made of a resin material such as a urethane resin, such as polyurethane. A core metal is embedded in the foam.

[0021] The spokes 30 are support members that connect the rim 20 and the hub 34. The spokes 30 are also made up of a core metal and a foam that covers the core metal. The spokes 30 are arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the rim 20. The spokes 30 are connected to the rim 20 and form a T-shape that is formed integrally with the rim 20.

[0022] Specifically, the spokes 30 include a first spoke 31 , a second spoke 32 , and a third spoke 33 .

[0023] When the driver views the steering wheel 2 in the neutral position from the front, the first spoke 31 is disposed on the right side of the steering wheel 2. When the steering wheel 2 is in the neutral position, the first spoke 31 is located to the right of the hub 34, and extends rightward from the hub 34 to connect to the rim 20.

[0024] When the driver views the steering wheel 2 in the neutral position from the front, the second spoke 32 is disposed on the left side of the steering wheel 2. When the steering wheel 2 is in the neutral position, the second spoke 32 is located to the left of the hub 34, and extends leftward from the hub 34 to connect to the rim 20.

[0025] When the driver views the steering wheel 2 in the neutral position from the front, the third spoke 33 is disposed on the lower side of the steering wheel 2. When the steering wheel 2 is in the neutral position, the third spoke 33 is located below the hub 34, and extends downward from the hub 34 to connect to the rim 20.

[0026] For example, when the steering wheel 2 is in the neutral position, if the rim 20 is likened to a clock, the first spoke 31 extends from the hub 34 in the 3 o'clock direction, the second spoke 32 extends from the hub 34 in the 9 o'clock direction, and the third spoke 33 extends from the hub 34 in the 6 o'clock direction. The neutral position is when the vehicle 1 is traveling straight, and is the rotational position at which the front wheels of the vehicle 1 have a steering angle of zero.

[0027] The hub 34 is a member for transmitting the rotational force generated by operating the rim 20 to the steering shaft, and is located at the center of the steering wheel 2.

[0028] 1A and 2, the detection device 3 is mounted on the steering wheel 2 of the vehicle 1. The detection device 3 can detect the heart rate, which is biometric information of the driver holding the steering wheel 2.

[0029] Specifically, the detection device 3 includes a first living body detection electrode 11, a second living body detection electrode 12, and a living body detection circuit .

[0030] The first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12 are arranged on the spokes 30 so as to be exposed from the steering wheel 2. Specifically, the spoke covers are wrapped around the spokes 30, and configure the exterior of the spokes 30 on the steering wheel 2 so as to expose at least a portion of the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12.

[0031] For this reason, the spoke cover has openings formed therein for exposing the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12, respectively.

[0032] 1A and 1C, specifically, the first spokes 31 are covered with a first cover 51 having a first opening 151 formed therein corresponding to the first living body detection electrode 11. That is, the first cover 51 covers the first spokes 31 so that at least a portion of the first living body detection electrode 11 is exposed through the first opening 151. Furthermore, the second spokes 32 are covered with a second cover 52 having a second opening 152 formed therein corresponding to the second living body detection electrode 12. That is, the second cover 52 covers the second spokes 32 so that at least a portion of the second living body detection electrode 12 is exposed through the second opening 152. The spoke cover is a general term for the first cover 51 and the second cover 52.

[0033] The first living body detection electrode 11 is arranged on the first spoke 31. The second living body detection electrode 12 is arranged on the second spoke 32. In other words, when the steering wheel 2 is in the neutral position, the first living body detection electrode 11 is located on the right side of the steering wheel 2 so as to correspond to the driver's right hand, and the second living body detection electrode 12 is located on the left side of the steering wheel 2 so as to correspond to the driver's left hand.

[0034] Specifically, when the steering wheel 2 is in the neutral position, the first living body detection electrode 11 is disposed above the connection between the first spoke 31 and the rim 20. Also, when the steering wheel 2 is in the neutral position, the second living body detection electrode 12 is disposed above the connection between the second spoke 32 and the rim 20.

[0035] In other words, when the driver holds the steering wheel 2 with his / her hands, the first biological detection electrode 11 is arranged on the first spoke 31 so as to come into contact with the fingers (e.g., the thumb or little finger) of the driver's right hand, and the second biological detection electrode 12 is arranged on the second spoke 32 so as to come into contact with the fingers (e.g., the thumb or little finger) of the driver's left hand.

[0036] 1A and 3A, the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12 are both electrically connected to the living body detection circuit 21 via respective wirings connected to the respective connecting members. Note that the connecting member is a general term for the first connecting member 41a and the second connecting member 41b described below. The wiring is a general term for the first wiring 41 and the second wiring 42 described below.

[0037] The detection device 3 further includes a first wiring 41, a first connecting member 41a, a second wiring 42, and a second connecting member 41b.

[0038] The first wiring 41 electrically connects the living body detection circuit 21 and the first living body detection electrode 11. The second wiring 42 electrically connects the living body detection circuit 21 and the second living body detection electrode 12.

[0039] The first connecting member 41a and the second connecting member 41b are, for example, rivets, etc. The first connecting member 41a connects the first wiring 41 to the first living body detection electrode 11, thereby electrically connecting the first wiring 41 and the first living body detection electrode 11. The second connecting member 41b connects the second wiring 42 to the second living body detection electrode 12, thereby electrically connecting the second wiring 42 and the second living body detection electrode 12.

[0040] The first wiring 41, the first connecting member 41a, the second wiring 42, and the second connecting member 41b are covered with a spoke cover so that they cannot be seen from the outside of the steering wheel 2.

[0041] If the spoke covers are made of a material such as leather, stitching is formed in the spoke covers when the spoke covers are wrapped around the spokes 30, and so the first wiring 41, the first connecting member 41a, the second wiring 42, and the second connecting member 41b may be positioned to overlap the stitching so as not to cause discomfort to the driver gripping the steering wheel 2. In this case, when the driver grips the steering wheel 2 with his or her hands, the driver is less likely to feel a foreign body sensation due to the hard objects of the first wiring 41, the first connecting member 41a, the second wiring 42, and the second connecting member 41b.

[0042] 1A and 2, the living body detection circuit 21 is electrically connected to the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12. Specifically, the living body detection circuit 21 is electrically connected to the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12 via a first wiring 41 electrically connected to the first living body detection electrode 11 and a second wiring 42 electrically connected to the second living body detection electrode 12.

[0043] The biological detection circuit 21 can acquire biological information about the driver's body based on the biological detection signals output from the first biological detection electrode 11 and the second biological detection electrode 12. The biological information is information indicating the driver's heart rate. The heart rate is detected based on the potential difference between the two biological detection signals output from the first biological detection electrode 11 and the second biological detection electrode 12. Here, the biological detection signal is an example of a biological signal. The heart rate is an example of biological information.

[0044] The biological detection circuit 21 is configured by a low-pass filter, a differential amplifier, an A / D converter, etc. The biological detection circuit 21 inputs a biological detection signal to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on the vehicle 1.

[0045] This allows the ECU to output the driver's heart rate based on the biological detection signal. For example, the ECU can display the driver's heart rate on an in-vehicle monitor installed in the vehicle 1. Note that the biological detection circuit 21 may also display the driver's heart rate indicated by the biological detection signal on the in-vehicle monitor without going through the ECU.

[0046] Although the rim 20 of the steering wheel 2 has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 3B, the rim 20 may have a protrusion formed on the inner circumferential surface of the rim 20. Specifically, the protrusion may be formed on the rim 20b so as to correspond to the driver's fingers when the driver grips the steering wheel 2a. Fig. 3B is a front view showing the steering wheel 2a in the neutral position having the protrusion. Note that in Fig. 3B, the respective connecting members are omitted to avoid complicating the drawing.

[0048] When the driver views the steering wheel 2a from the front with the steering wheel 2a in the neutral position, the convex portion may include a first convex portion 39a located on the right side of the rim 20 and a second convex portion 39b located on the left side of the rim 20. The first convex portion 39a and the second convex portion 39b may be located on the inner peripheral surface of the rim 20 and protrude toward the hub 34.

[0049] The first living body detection electrode 11 may be disposed above the connection between the first spoke 31 and the rim 20, facing the first protrusion 39a. The second living body detection electrode 12 may be disposed above the connection between the second spoke 32 and the rim 20, facing the second protrusion 39b.

[0050] In other words, when the driver grips the rim 20 with their hands, the first convex portion 39a is positioned between the fingers of their right hand, and the second convex portion 39b is positioned between the fingers of their left hand. At this time, the fingers of the right hand are positioned between the first living body detection electrode 11 and the first convex portion 39a, and the fingers of the left hand are positioned between the second living body detection electrode 12 and the second convex portion 39b, making it difficult for the fingers of the right hand and left hand to move. This makes it easier to maintain the first living body detection electrode 11 in contact with the fingers of the right hand, and the second living body detection electrode 12 in contact with the fingers of the left hand.

[0051] In this way, when the driver grips the rim 20, it is expected that the driver's hands will not easily slip off the rim 20 and that the driver's fingers will be able to maintain contact with the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12. The rim 20 may be formed with a plurality of first protrusions 39a and a plurality of second protrusions 39b.

[0052] In the above description, the first biological detection electrode 11 and the second biological detection electrode 12 are planar electrodes arranged on the rim 20 of the steering wheel 2, 2a, and are plate-shaped or sheet-shaped conductive electrodes, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0053] As shown in (a1), (a2), (b1), and (b2) of Fig. 3C, the first biological detection electrode 11 and the second biological detection electrode 12 may have convex portions 11a and 11b or concave portions. (a1), (a2), (b1), and (b2) of Fig. 3C are diagrams illustrating the first biological detection electrode 11 and the second biological detection electrode 12 having convex portions 11a. (a1) of Fig. 3C is a plan view illustrating the cylindrical convex portions 11a of the first biological detection electrode 11 and the second biological detection electrode 12. (a2) of Fig. 3C is a side view illustrating the convex portions 11a of the first biological detection electrode 11 and the second biological detection electrode 12 when viewed from the side. (b1) of Fig. 3C is a plan view illustrating the strip-shaped convex bodies 11b of the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12. (b2) of Fig. 3C is a side view illustrating the strip-shaped convex bodies 11b when viewed from the side of the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12. In Fig. 3C, the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12, which have concave bodies, are not described or illustrated as appropriate.

[0054] The convex bodies 11a and 11b are disposed on the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12, and protrude from the surfaces of the respective living body detection electrodes. The convex bodies 11a and 11b are columnar or wall-shaped. The shapes of the convex bodies 11a and 11b are, for example, cylindrical, prismatic, conical, truncated conical, pyramidal, truncated pyramidal, rectangular parallelepiped, etc. Note that the convex bodies 11a and 11b may have any shape as long as they can be contacted by the driver's hand.

[0055] The concave body is disposed on the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12, and is recessed from the surface of each living body detection electrode. The concave body is, for example, a hole-shaped or groove-shaped body having a circular or polygonal opening. The concave body is tapered inside and has a hole-shaped or groove-shaped body having a circular or polygonal opening. The concave body may have any shape as long as it can be contacted by the driver's hand.

[0056] 3C (a1), (a2), (b1), and (b2), the driver's fingers are illustrated by dashed two-dot lines. When the driver's hand comes into contact with the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12, the surface of the finger comes into contact with the convex bodies 11a and 11b and elastically deforms. This is expected to increase the contact area between the finger and the living body detection electrode compared to electrodes that do not have the convex bodies 11a and 11b.

[0057] The concave bodies are similar to the convex bodies 11a and 11b, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] The above example illustrates a case where, when the steering wheel 2, 2a is in the neutral position, the first biological detection electrode 11 is positioned above the connection portion between the first spoke 31 and the rim 20, and the second biological detection electrode 12 is positioned above the connection portion between the second spoke 32 and the rim 20, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 4, for example, the first living body detection electrode 11 may be arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 in the first spoke 31. Also, the second living body detection electrode 12 may be arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 in the second spoke 32. Fig. 4 is a front view showing a steering wheel 2b in a neutral position in which the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12 are arranged on the front sides of the vehicle 1 in the first spoke 31 and the second spoke 32.

[0060] Specifically, the first living body detection electrode 11 may be arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 near the connection between the first spoke 31 and the rim 20, i.e., on the opposite side of the first spoke 31 from the driver's side. The second living body detection electrode 12 may be arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 near the connection between the second spoke 32 and the rim 20, i.e., on the opposite side of the second spoke 32 from the driver's side.

[0061] When the driver grips the steering wheel 2b with his / her hands, the first biological detection electrode 11 may be arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 in the first spoke 31 so as to come into contact with each finger (e.g., middle finger, ring finger, index finger, little finger) of the driver's right hand, and the second biological detection electrode 12 may be arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 in the second spoke 32 so as to come into contact with each finger (e.g., middle finger, ring finger, index finger, little finger) of the driver's left hand.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5, the first living body detection electrode 11 may be arranged on the right side of the connection between the third spoke 33 and the rim 20. The second living body detection electrode 12 may be arranged on the left side of the connection between the third spoke 33 and the rim 20. Fig. 5 is a front view showing a steering wheel 2c in a neutral position in which the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12 are arranged on the third spoke 33. Note that in Fig. 5, the respective connecting members are omitted to avoid complicating the drawing.

[0063] Specifically, when the steering wheel 2c is in the neutral position, the first living body detection electrode 11 may be arranged below the third spoke 33, i.e., on the right side of the connection between the third spoke 33 and the rim 20. Furthermore, when the steering wheel 2c is in the neutral position, the second living body detection electrode 12 may be arranged below the third spoke 33, i.e., on the left side of the connection between the third spoke 33 and the rim 20.

[0064] In other words, when the driver holds the steering wheel 2c near the third spoke 33 with his / her hand, the first biological detection electrode 11 may be arranged on the first spoke 31 so as to come into contact with the fingers of the driver's right hand (for example, at least one of the thumb and index finger in the case of a forward-handed person, or the little finger in the case of a reverse-handed person), and the second biological detection electrode 12 may be arranged on the second spoke 32 so as to come into contact with the fingers of the driver's left hand (for example, at least one of the thumb and index finger in the case of a forward-handed person, or the little finger in the case of a reverse-handed person).

[0065] In the above description, the detection device 3 is provided with the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12, but the present embodiment is not limited to this.

[0066] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the detection device 3d may further include a third living body detection electrode 13 and a fourth living body detection electrode 14. Figure 6A is a front view showing a steering wheel 2d in a neutral position in which the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12 are arranged above the first spoke 31 and the second spoke 32, and the third living body detection electrode 13 and the fourth living body detection electrode 14 are arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 on the first spoke 31 and the second spoke 32. Figure 6B is a block diagram showing another detection device 3d according to the embodiment. Note that in Figure 6A, the respective wiring and connecting members are omitted from the drawing to avoid complicating the drawing.

[0067] The third living body detection electrode 13 and the fourth living body detection electrode 14 may be arranged on the spokes 30 so as to be exposed from the steering wheel 2d. Specifically, the exterior cover 50 is wrapped around the rim 20 and the spokes 30, and may configure the exterior of the spokes 30 of the steering wheel 2d so as to expose at least a portion of the third living body detection electrode 13 and the fourth living body detection electrode 14. For this reason, the exterior cover 50 may be formed with openings for exposing each of the third living body detection electrode 13 and the fourth living body detection electrode 14. The openings may be formed in the exterior cover 50 at positions corresponding to the third living body detection electrode 13 and the fourth living body detection electrode 14.

[0068] The third living body detection electrode 13 may be arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 in the first spoke 31. The fourth living body detection electrode 14 may be arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 in the second spoke 32.

[0069] Specifically, the third living body detection electrode 13 may be arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 near the connection between the first spoke 31 and the rim 20, i.e., on the opposite side of the first spoke 31 from the driver's side. The fourth living body detection electrode 14 may be arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 near the connection between the second spoke 32 and the rim 20, i.e., on the opposite side of the second spoke 32 from the driver's side.

[0070] In other words, when the driver grips the steering wheel 2d with his / her hands, the third biological detection electrode 13 may be arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 in the first spoke 31 so as to come into contact with each finger (e.g., middle finger, ring finger, index finger, little finger) of the driver's right hand, and the fourth biological detection electrode 14 may be arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 in the second spoke 32 so as to come into contact with each finger (e.g., middle finger, ring finger, index finger, little finger) of the driver's left hand.

[0071] In the above description, an example has been given in which the detection device 3 is equipped with a first biological detection electrode 11, a second biological detection electrode 12, a third biological detection electrode 13, and a fourth biological detection electrode 14, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the detection device 3e may further include a fifth living body detection electrode 15 and a sixth living body detection electrode 16. FIG. 7A is a front view showing a steering wheel 2e in a neutral position, in which the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12 are arranged above the first spoke 31 and the second spoke 32, the third living body detection electrode 13 and the fourth living body detection electrode 14 are arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 on the first spoke 31 and the second spoke 32, and the fifth living body detection electrode 15 and the sixth living body detection electrode 16 are arranged on the third spoke 33. FIG. 7B is a block diagram showing the detection device 3e corresponding to FIG. 7A. Note that in FIG. 7A, the respective wiring and connecting members are omitted from the illustration to avoid complicating the drawing.

[0073] The fifth living body detection electrode 15 and the sixth living body detection electrode 16 may be arranged on the spokes 30 so as to be exposed from the steering wheel 2e. Specifically, the exterior cover 50 is wrapped around the rim 20 and the spokes 30, and may configure the exterior of the spokes 30 of the steering wheel 2e so as to expose at least a portion of the fifth living body detection electrode 15 and the sixth living body detection electrode 16. For this reason, the exterior cover 50 may be formed with openings for exposing each of the fifth living body detection electrode 15 and the sixth living body detection electrode 16. The openings may be formed in the exterior cover 50 at positions corresponding to the fifth living body detection electrode 15 and the sixth living body detection electrode 16.

[0074] The fifth living body detection electrode 15 may be disposed on the right side of the connection between the third spoke 33 and the rim 20. The sixth living body detection electrode 16 may be disposed on the left side of the connection between the third spoke 33 and the rim 20.

[0075] Specifically, when the steering wheel 2e is in the neutral position, the fifth living body detection electrode 15 may be arranged below the third spoke 33, i.e., on the right side of the connection between the third spoke 33 and the rim 20. Furthermore, when the steering wheel 2e is in the neutral position, the sixth living body detection electrode 16 may be arranged below the third spoke 33, i.e., on the left side of the connection between the third spoke 33 and the rim 20.

[0076] In other words, when the driver holds the steering wheel 2e with his / her hand near the third spoke 33, the fifth biological detection electrode 15 may be arranged on the first spoke 31 so as to come into contact with the fingers of the driver's right hand (for example, at least one of the thumb and index finger in the case of a forward-handed person, or the little finger in the case of a reverse-handed person), and the sixth biological detection electrode 16 may be arranged on the third spoke 33 so as to come into contact with the fingers of the driver's left hand (for example, at least one of the thumb and index finger in the case of a forward-handed person, or the little finger in the case of a reverse-handed person).

[0077] As shown in FIG. 1C , the first living body detection electrode 11, the second living body detection electrode 12, the third living body detection electrode 13, the fourth living body detection electrode 14, the fifth living body detection electrode 15, and the sixth living body detection electrode 16 may each be configured by laminating a conductor such as metal on the underside of a conductive elastic body. Furthermore, the living body detection electrodes are not limited to a conductive elastic body, and may include a resin member with a plated surface or a metal member. While FIG. 1C illustrates the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12, the third living body detection electrode 13, the fourth living body detection electrode 14, the fifth living body detection electrode 15, and the sixth living body detection electrode 16 are not shown in detail because they have the same configuration as the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12. In this embodiment, each living body detection electrode has a two-layer structure composed of a conductive elastic body such as an elastomer and a conductor.

[0078] Here, if it is possible to create a configuration that has low resistance properties similar to those of a two-layer biodetection electrode made up of an elastic material such as an elastomer and a conductor, it may also be a single-layer structure made up of only an elastic material without a conductor.

[0079] The elastic body such as an elastomer is made of a material such as conductive rubber.

[0080] The conductor is made of a material such as a conductive cloth having elasticity, a metal cloth having flexibility and elasticity, or a conductive paste.

[0081] For example, if the conductor is a conductive cloth or a metal cloth, each biodetection electrode may be formed by pressing the conductive cloth or the metal cloth onto an elastic body, or each biodetection electrode may be formed by adhering the conductive cloth or the metal cloth to the elastic body with conductive double-sided tape.

[0082] In another example, when the conductor is a conductive paste, each of the biological detection electrodes may be formed by applying the conductive paste to an elastic body.

[0083] Furthermore, the third living body detection electrode 13, the fourth living body detection electrode 14, the fifth living body detection electrode 15 and the sixth living body detection electrode 16 may also be electrically connected to the living body detection circuit 21 via respective wirings corresponding to the respective living body detection electrodes, similar to the above-described first living body detection electrode 11 and second living body detection electrode 12. Furthermore, the respective living body detection electrodes and the respective wirings may be connected so as to be electrically connected by respective connecting members such as rivets.

[0084] Although the shapes of the first living body detection electrode 11, the second living body detection electrode 12, the third living body detection electrode 13, the fourth living body detection electrode 14, the fifth living body detection electrode 15, and the sixth living body detection electrode 16 are illustrated as rectangular, they are not limited to rectangular shapes. These living body detection electrodes may be polygonal, circular, or the like, and their arrangement positions may be changed as appropriate.

[0085] In the above description, the detection devices 3, 3d, and 3e are provided with at least the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12, but the present embodiment is not limited to this.

[0086] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the detection device 3f may be able to detect that the driver's hands are gripping the steering wheel 2f. Figure 8A is a front view showing a steering wheel 2f in a neutral position, in which the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12 are arranged above the first spoke 31 and the second spoke 32, and the sensor electrode 17 is arranged on the rim 20. Figure 8B is a block diagram showing the detection device 3f corresponding to Figure 8A. Note that in Figure 8A, the rim and respective connecting members are omitted from illustration to avoid complicating the drawing.

[0087] Specifically, the detection device 3f may further include a sensor electrode 17, a grip detection circuit 22, and a processing unit 120.

[0088] The sensor electrode 17 may be capable of detecting the driver's grip on the rim 20 of the steering wheel 2f. The grip by the driver's hand means that the driver's hand is in contact with the sensor electrode 17. The contact includes direct contact of the driver's hand with the sensor electrode 17, and also indirect contact via an object if the sensor electrode 17 is capable of detecting a human hand.

[0089] When the steering wheel 2f is in the neutral position and the driver looks straight at the steering wheel 2f, the sensor electrodes 17 may be arranged on the right and left sides of the rim 20 of the steering wheel 2f. In other words, a pair of sensor electrodes 17 may be arranged on the rim 20.

[0090] Each of the pair of sensor electrodes 17 is a planar solid electrode made of a conductor or resistor, and may be a capacitive sensor electrode 17 configured as a plate- or sheet-shaped conductive electrode made of a thin metal plate. The pair of sensor electrodes 17 may be in the form of a long strip arranged along the circumferential direction of the rim 20.

[0091] Each of the pair of sensor electrodes 17 may independently output to the grip detection circuit 22 a grip signal detected when the driver's hands grip the steering wheel 2f.

[0092] The grip detection circuit 22 acquires a grip signal from each of the pair of sensor electrodes 17. Based on the grip signal, the grip detection circuit 22 can determine whether the driver's hands are gripping the rim 20 of the steering wheel 2f. The grip detection circuit 22 outputs the determination result to the processing unit 120.

[0093] The processing unit 120 may acquire the result from the grip detection circuit 22 and may also acquire a biological detection signal from the biological detection circuit 21. In this case, when the sensor electrode 17 detects that the driver's hands are gripping the steering wheel 2f, that is, when the grip detection circuit 22 determines that the driver's hands are gripping the rim 20 of the steering wheel 2f, the processing unit 120 may output the driver's heart rate to an ECU or the like using the driver's biological detection signal. As a result, the driver's heart rate is displayed on an in-vehicle monitor via the ECU. Note that the processing unit 120 may also display the driver's heart rate indicated by the biological detection signal on an in-vehicle monitor without going through the ECU.

[0094] On the other hand, if the sensor electrode 17 detects that the driver's hands are not gripping the steering wheel 2f, that is, if the grip detection circuit 22 determines that the driver's hands are not gripping the rim 20 of the steering wheel 2f, the processing unit 120 does not need to use the driver's biological detection signal and does not need to output the driver's heart rate to an ECU, etc.

[0095] In other words, the processing unit 120 outputs the driver's heart rate to the ECU etc. only when the driver's hands are gripping the rim 20, and does not output the driver's heart rate to the ECU etc. when the driver's hands are not gripping the rim 20.

[0096] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the detection devices 3, 3d to 3f according to this embodiment will be described.

[0097] As described above, the detection devices 3, 3d to 3f relating to technology 1 of this embodiment include a first biological detection electrode 11 and a second biological detection electrode 12 arranged on the spokes 30 of the steering wheels 2 to 2f mounted on the vehicle 1, and the first biological detection electrode 11 is arranged on the right side of the spoke 30 when the driver looks straight on the steering wheels 2 to 2f with the steering wheels 2 to 2f in the neutral position, and the second biological detection electrode 12 is arranged on the left side of the spoke 30 when the driver looks straight on the steering wheels 2 to 2f with the steering wheels 2 to 2f in the neutral position.

[0098] According to this, since the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12 are arranged on the spokes 30, the driver is less likely to feel a foreign body sensation due to a hard object when gripping the steering wheel 2 to 2f with his or her hands.

[0099] In addition, when the driver grips the steering wheel 2 to 2f with his hands, his hands are placed on the upper side of the spokes 30, and the fingers of his right hand come into contact with the first biological detection electrode 11 and the fingers of his left hand come into contact with the second biological detection electrode 12, so that the first biological detection electrode 11 and the second biological detection electrode 12 can acquire the driver's biological signals (biological detection signals).

[0100] Furthermore, the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12 may be made of an elastic material such as an elastomer.

[0101] Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the driver's hands grip the steering wheels 2 to 2f, the foreign body sensation felt in the steering wheels 2 to 2f can be suppressed, and biological information of the driver can be acquired.

[0102] Furthermore, the detection device 3 according to Technology 2 of this embodiment is the detection device 3 described in Technology 1. In this case, when the driver looks straight at the steering wheel 2 with the steering wheel 2 in a neutral position, the spokes 30 have a first spoke 31 arranged on the right side of the steering wheel 2 and a second spoke 32 arranged on the left side of the steering wheel 2, the steering wheel 2 has the spokes 30 and a rim 20 connected to the first spoke 31 and the second spoke 32, and when the steering wheel 2 is in a neutral position, the first living body detection electrode 11 is arranged above the connection portion between the first spoke 31 and the rim 20, and the second living body detection electrode 12 is arranged above the connection portion between the second spoke 32 and the rim 20.

[0103] This allows the first biological detection electrode 11 and the second biological detection electrode 12 to be located near the driver's hands when the driver grips the steering wheel 2. Therefore, when the driver grips the steering wheel 2, the driver's hands come into contact with the respective biological detection electrodes, making it possible to stably acquire the driver's biological information.

[0104] For example, in this embodiment, when the rim 20 is likened to a clock with the steering wheel 2 in the neutral position, the first spoke 31 extends from the hub 34 in the 3 o'clock direction, and the second spoke 32 extends from the hub 34 in the 9 o'clock direction. However, preferred gripping positions for the hand with respect to the rim 20 are positions on the rim 20 around 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock (from around 2 o'clock to around 4 o'clock and from around 8 o'clock to around 10 o'clock). The biological detection electrodes can be disposed at these preferred gripping positions. Therefore, when the driver grips the steering wheel 2 with their hands at the positions around 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, the thumb of their right hand comes into contact with the first biological detection electrode 11, and the thumb of their left hand comes into contact with the second biological detection electrode 12, making it possible to stably acquire the driver's biological information.

[0105] Furthermore, the detection device 3d relating to technology 3 of this embodiment is the detection device 3d described in technology 2, which further includes a third biological detection electrode 13 and a fourth biological detection electrode 14 arranged on the steering wheel 2d of the vehicle 1, and in which the third biological detection electrode 13 is arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 in the first spoke 31, and the fourth biological detection electrode 14 is arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 in the second spoke 32.

[0106] For example, in this embodiment, when the rim 20 is likened to a clock with the steering wheel 2d in the neutral position, the first spoke 31 extends from the hub 34 in the 3 o'clock direction, and the second spoke 32 extends from the hub 34 in the 9 o'clock direction. However, preferred gripping positions for the hand with respect to the rim 20 are positions around 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock on the rim 20. The biological detection electrodes can be disposed at these preferred gripping positions. Therefore, when the driver grips the steering wheel 2d with their hands at positions around 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the right hand contact the third biological detection electrode 13, and the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the left hand contact the fourth biological detection electrode 14, making it possible to stably acquire the driver's biological information.

[0107] Furthermore, the detection device 3e relating to technology 4 of this embodiment further includes a fifth biological detection electrode 15 and a sixth biological detection electrode 16 arranged on the steering wheel 2e of the vehicle 1, and the steering wheel 2e has a third spoke 33 arranged on the underside of the steering wheel 2e and connected to the rim 20 when the driver looks straight at the steering wheel 2e when the steering wheel 2e is in the neutral position, and when the steering wheel 2e is in the neutral position, the fifth biological detection electrode 15 is arranged on the right side of the connection portion between the third spoke 33 and the rim 20, and the sixth biological detection electrode 16 is arranged on the left side of the connection portion between the third spoke 33 and the rim 20, which is the detection device 3e described in technology 3.

[0108] For example, in this embodiment, when the rim 20 is likened to a clock with the steering wheel 2e in the neutral position, the third spoke 33 extends from the hub 34 in the 6 o'clock direction, but some drivers may grip the steering wheel at a position around 6 o'clock (between 5 and 7 o'clock). Therefore, when the driver grips the steering wheel 2e with their hands at a position around 6 o'clock, their right hand comes into contact with the fifth living body detection electrode 15 and their left hand comes into contact with the sixth living body detection electrode 16, making it possible to stably acquire the driver's biological information.

[0109] Furthermore, the detection device 3 according to Technology 5 of this embodiment is the detection device 3 described in Technology 1. In this case, when the driver looks straight at the steering wheel 2b with the steering wheel 2b in the neutral position, the spokes 30 have a first spoke 31 arranged on the right side of the steering wheel 2b and a second spoke 32 arranged on the left side of the steering wheel 2b, and the first living body detection electrode 11 is arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 of the first spoke 31, and the second living body detection electrode 12 is arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1 of the second spoke 32.

[0110] For example, in this embodiment, when the rim 20 is likened to a clock with the steering wheel 2b in the neutral position, the first spoke 31 extends from the hub 34 in the 3 o'clock direction, and the second spoke 32 extends from the hub 34 in the 9 o'clock direction. However, preferred gripping positions for the hand with respect to the rim 20 are at approximately 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock on the rim 20. The biological detection electrodes can be disposed at these preferred gripping positions. Therefore, when the driver grips the steering wheel 2b with their hands at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the right hand come into contact with the first biological detection electrode 11, and the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the left hand come into contact with the second biological detection electrode 12, making it possible to stably acquire the driver's biological information.

[0111] Furthermore, the detection device 3 according to Technology 6 of this embodiment is the detection device 3 described in Technology 1. In this case, when the driver looks straight at the steering wheel 2c with the steering wheel 2c in the neutral position, the steering wheel 2c has third spokes 33 that are arranged on the lower side of the steering wheel 2c and connected to the rim 20 of the steering wheel 2c, the first living body detection electrode 11 is arranged on the right side of the connection portion between the third spokes 33 and the rim 20, and the second living body detection electrode 12 is arranged on the left side of the connection portion between the third spokes 33 and the rim 20.

[0112] For example, in this embodiment, when the rim 20 is likened to a clock with the steering wheel 2c in the neutral position, the third spoke 33 extends from the hub 34 in the 6 o'clock direction, but some drivers may grip the steering wheel at the 6 o'clock position. Therefore, when the driver grips the steering wheel 2c with their hands at the 6 o'clock position, their right hand comes into contact with the first living body detection electrode 11 and their left hand comes into contact with the second living body detection electrode 12, making it possible to stably acquire the driver's biological information.

[0113] The detection device 3 according to the seventh technique of the present embodiment is the detection device 3 described in the first technique. In this case, when the driver looks at the steering wheel 2a from the front when the steering wheel 2a is in the neutral position, the spokes 30 have a first spoke 31 arranged on the right side of the steering wheel 2a and a second spoke 32 arranged on the left side of the steering wheel 2a; the steering wheel 2a has a rim 20 connected to the spokes 30 and the first spoke 31 and the second spoke 32; the rim 20 has a convex portion formed to be arranged on the inner surface of the rim 20; the convex portion includes a first convex portion 39a arranged on the right side of the rim 20 and a second convex portion 39b arranged on the left side of the rim 20 when the driver looks at the steering wheel 2a from the front when the steering wheel 2a is in the neutral position; the first biological detection electrode 11 is arranged on the upper side of the connection portion between the first spoke 31 and the rim 20, facing the first convex portion 39a; and the second biological detection electrode 12 is arranged on the upper side of the connection portion between the second spoke 32 and the rim 20, facing the second convex portion 39b.

[0114] According to this, the first convex portion 39a is disposed on the right side of the steering wheel 2a in the neutral position, and the second convex portion 39b is disposed on the left side of the steering wheel 2a in the neutral position. Therefore, when the driver grips the steering wheel 2a, the fingers of the driver's right hand are likely to be positioned between the first convex portion 39a and the first spoke 31, and the fingers of the driver's left hand are likely to be positioned between the second convex portion 39b and the second spoke 32. If the first convex portion 39a is positioned so as to align with the fingers of the driver's right hand, the fingers of the right hand will contact the first biological detection electrode 11, and if the second convex portion 39b is positioned so as to align with the fingers of the driver's left hand, the fingers of the left hand will contact the second biological detection electrode 12. This makes it possible to acquire the driver's biological information more reliably.

[0115] Furthermore, the detection devices 3, 3d to 3f according to Technology 8 of this embodiment are the detection devices 3, 3d to 3f described in any one of Technologies 1 to 7. In this case, when the steering wheels 2 to 2f are in the neutral position, the first living body detection electrode 11 is located on the right side of the steering wheels 2 to 2f, and the second living body detection electrode 12 is located on the left side of the steering wheels 2 to 2f, and the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12 have a convex body 11a or a concave body.

[0116] As a result, when the driver grips the steering wheel 2 to 2f with his / her hands, the contact area between the driver's fingers and the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12 can be increased in this embodiment compared to when the driver's fingers come into contact with the living body detection electrodes of this embodiment on which no convex body 11a or concave body is formed. Therefore, the driver's living body signal (living body detection signal) can be acquired more reliably from the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12.

[0117] Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the driver's hands grip the steering wheels 2 to 2f, the foreign body sensation felt in the steering wheels 2 to 2f can be suppressed, and biological information of the driver can be acquired.

[0118] Furthermore, the detection devices 3, 3d to 3f according to Technology 8 include a first biological detection electrode 11 and a second biological detection electrode 12 arranged on the steering wheels 2 to 2f of the vehicle 1, and when the steering wheels 2 to 2f are in a neutral position, the first biological detection electrode 11 is located on the right side of the steering wheels 2 to 2f and the second biological detection electrode 12 is located on the left side of the steering wheels 2 to 2f, and the first biological detection electrode 11 and the second biological detection electrode 12 may have a convex body 11a or a concave body.

[0119] In this case, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned technique 8 are achieved.

[0120] Furthermore, the detection devices 3, 3d to 3f according to Technology 9 of this embodiment are the detection devices 3, 3d to 3f described in any one of Technologies 1 to 8. In this case, the first living body detection electrode 11 and the second living body detection electrode 12 include a conductive elastic body, a resin member with a plated surface, or a metal member.

[0121] For example, when a driver's hands grip the steering wheel 2 to 2f and come into contact with an elastic or resin member, corrosion of the electrodes due to sweat on the hands can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the driver's hands grip the steering wheel 2 to 2f, the conductive elastic member can stably acquire the driver's biometric information. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both suppression of electrode corrosion and stable acquisition of biometric information.

[0122] Furthermore, the detection device 3 according to Technology 10 of this embodiment is the detection device 3 described in any one of Technologies 1 to 9. In this case, when the driver looks straight at the steering wheel 2 to 2b in the neutral position, the steering wheel 2 to 2b has a first spoke 31 arranged on the right side of the steering wheel 2 to 2b and a second spoke 32 arranged on the left side of the steering wheel 2 to 2b, and the first spoke 31 is covered with a first cover 51 in which a first opening 151 corresponding to the first living body detection electrode 11 is formed, and the second spoke 32 is covered with a second cover 52 in which a second opening 152 corresponding to the second living body detection electrode 12 is formed.

[0123] According to this, the steering wheels 2 to 2b are covered with the first cover 51 and the second cover 52, and therefore can be provided with a design that the driver desires.

[0124] Furthermore, the first spokes 31 can be covered with the first covers 51 so as to hold the first living body detection electrodes 11 overlapping the first openings 151, and the second spokes 32 can be covered with the second covers 52 so as to hold the second living body detection electrodes 12 overlapping the second openings 152. This makes it easier to assemble the steering wheels 2 to 2b.

[0125] Furthermore, the detection devices 3, 3d to 3f relating to technology 11 of this embodiment are detection devices 3, 3d to 3f described in any one of technologies 1 to 10, further comprising a first wiring 41, a first connecting member 41a that electrically connects the first biological detection electrode 11 and the first wiring 41, a second wiring 42, and a second connecting member 41b that electrically connects the second biological detection electrode 12 and the second wiring 42.

[0126] This makes it possible to firmly and easily connect the first wiring 41 and the first biological detection electrode 11 with the first connecting member 41a, and to firmly and easily connect the second wiring 42 and the second biological detection electrode 12 with the second connecting member 41b.

[0127] Furthermore, the detection device 3f relating to technology 12 of this embodiment is the detection device 3f described in any one of technologies 1 to 11, further comprising a sensor electrode 17 for detecting that the driver's hands are gripping the steering wheel 2f.

[0128] This makes it possible to determine whether the driver is gripping the steering wheel 2f.

[0129] Furthermore, the detection device 3f relating to technology 13 of this embodiment is the detection device 3f described in technology 12, which further includes a processing unit 120 that outputs the driver's biological condition (heart rate) using the driver's biological signal (biological detection signal) detected by the first biological detection electrode 11 and the second biological detection electrode 12 when the sensor electrode 17 detects that the driver's hands are gripping the steering wheel 2f.

[0130] According to this, when the driver's hands are not gripping the steering wheel 2f, the output of the biological state is stopped, and when the driver's hands are gripping the steering wheel 2f, the output of the biological state can be performed.

[0131] (Other variations) While the detection device according to the present disclosure has been described based on the above-mentioned embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, modifications that would occur to those skilled in the art may also be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0132] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the above-mentioned embodiments that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0133] The present disclosure is useful in a steering wheel mounted on a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1 vehicle 2~2f steering wheel 3. 3d~3f Detection device 11 First living body detection electrode 12 Second living body detection electrode 13 Third living body detection electrode 14 Fourth biodetection electrode 15. 5th living body detection electrode 16 Sixth living body detection electrode 17 Sensor electrode 20 rims 30 spokes 31 First Spoke 32 Second spoke 33 Third spoke 41 1st wiring 41a first connecting member 41b Second connecting member 42 2nd wiring 51 First Cover 52 Second Cover 120 Processing section 151 First Opening 152 Second Opening

Claims

1. a first living body detection electrode and a second living body detection electrode disposed on a steering wheel of a vehicle; When the steering wheel is in a neutral position, the first living body detection electrode is located on the right side of the steering wheel, the second living body detection electrode is located on the left side of the steering wheel, The first living body detection electrode and the second living body detection electrode each have a convex or concave body. Detection device.

2. The first living body detection electrode and the second living body detection electrode include a conductive elastic member, a resin member with a plated surface, or a metal member. The detection device according to claim 1 .

3. the steering wheel has a first spoke arranged on the right side of the steering wheel and a second spoke arranged on the left side of the steering wheel when the driver looks at the steering wheel from the front in a neutral position, the first spoke is covered with a first cover having a first opening corresponding to the first biological detection electrode; the second spoke is covered with a second cover having a second opening formed therein corresponding to the second biological detection electrode; 3. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The device further includes a first wiring, a first connecting member that electrically connects the first living body detection electrode and the first wiring, a second wiring, and a second connecting member that electrically connects the second living body detection electrode and the second wiring. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Further, a sensor electrode is provided for detecting whether the driver's hands are gripping the steering wheel. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Further, a processing unit is provided which, when the sensor electrode detects that the driver's hands are gripping the steering wheel, outputs the driver's biological condition using the driver's biological signals detected by the first biological detection electrode and the second biological detection electrode. The detection device according to claim 5.

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