Seat sensor and seat device

Abstract

To provide a seating sensor that can properly detect seating and a seat device.SOLUTION: A seating sensor 1 includes: a sheet-like spacer 30 with apertures 31 to 34; and pressure sensitive switches SW1 to SW4 comprising a pair of electrodes 11 to 14 and 21 to 24 facing each other at the apertures 31 to 34. The apertures 31 to 34 are long in a first direction D1, and a length along the first direction D1 in first regions 41 to 44 where a pair of electrodes 11 to 14 and 21 to 24 overlap each other in the apertures 31 to 34 is greater than a width in a second direction D2, the short direction of the apertures 31 to 34.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seating sensor and a seat device. [Background technology]

[0002] As one of the safety systems in vehicles, an alarm system that warns the driver that the seat belt is not fastened when the driver gets in is in practical use. This alarm system issues a warning when the driver detects that the seat belt is not fastened while the driver detects that the driver is seated. As a device for detecting the seating of a person, a seating sensor that detects the seating by weight may be used.

[0003] As such a seating sensor, the seating detection device of Patent Document 1 below has been proposed. The seating detection device of Patent Document 1 below includes a sheet-like spacer in which multiple circular openings are formed, and multiple pressure-sensitive switches each consisting of a pair of electrodes facing each other in the openings. These pressure-sensitive switches are turned on when a load causes the pair of electrodes to come into contact with each other. In these pressure-sensitive switches, the pair of electrodes overlap each other over the entire opening. Therefore, the load detection range of this pressure-sensitive switch is the range that generally overlaps with the opening. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-315199 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there are cases where an occupant sits in a seat in a position different from the normal seating position, and there is a demand for widening the load detection range of the seating sensor to detect the occupant sitting even in such cases. To meet this demand, it is conceivable to widen the load detection range of the pressure-sensitive switch by increasing the diameter of the opening and widening the area where the pair of electrodes overlap each other in the opening. However, in this case, the load detection sensitivity of the pressure-sensitive switch increases and the load required to turn on the pressure-sensitive switch decreases. For this reason, the pressure-sensitive switch tends to be easily turned on by the load of luggage or the like placed on the seat, and tends to easily erroneously detect the seating.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a seating sensor and a seat device that can appropriately detect seating. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the seating sensor of the present invention comprises a sheet-shaped spacer in which at least one opening is formed, and at least one pressure-sensitive switch consisting of a pair of electrodes facing each other in the opening, wherein the opening is elongated in a first direction, and the length along the first direction of a first region in which the pair of electrodes overlap each other in the opening is greater than the width in a second direction, which is the short side direction of the opening.

[0008] In this seat sensor, the load detection range of the pressure-sensitive switch is approximately the same as the first region. Also, the length of the first region along the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the opening, is greater than the width of the opening in the second direction, which is the lateral direction of the opening. Therefore, this seat sensor can widen the load detection range of the pressure-sensitive switch in the first direction compared to when the shape of the opening is a circle with the same diameter as the width of the long opening in the second direction. Also, this seat sensor can reduce the width of the opening in the second direction compared to when the shape of the opening is the smallest circle that includes the entire first region. Therefore, this seat sensor can suppress the load detection sensitivity of the pressure-sensitive switch from becoming high compared to this case. Therefore, this seat sensor can widen the load detection range while suppressing the load detection sensitivity from becoming high, and can appropriately detect seating.

[0009] In addition, an additional opening connected to the opening and elongated in a third direction different from the first direction may be formed in the spacer, and the length along the third direction in a second region in which the pair of electrodes overlap each other in the additional opening may be greater than the width in a fourth direction, which is the short side direction of the additional opening.

[0010] With this configuration, the pair of electrodes can be opposed to each other at an opening that is, for example, L-shaped, T-shaped, etc. Then, with this seating sensor, it is possible to expand the load detection range in two dimensions while suppressing an increase in the load detection sensitivity.

[0011] The seat sensor may include a plurality of the pressure sensitive switches, the plurality of pressure sensitive switches being arranged along the first direction and electrically connected in series.

[0012] This seat sensor can detect a load when all of the pressure-sensitive switches aligned along the first direction are turned on. Therefore, this seat sensor can suppress erroneous detection caused by luggage being placed on the seat. In addition, the seat sensor can expand the load detection range in the first direction while suppressing the seat sensor from becoming larger in the second direction.

[0013] The seat device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a cushion pad and the above-mentioned seating sensor arranged on the seat surface side of the cushion pad.

[0014] This seat device can appropriately detect whether a person is seated.

[0015] The above-mentioned seat device may further include a member, at least a portion of which is positioned closer to the seat surface than the cushion pad, and which has a high transmission portion that easily transmits a pressing force pressing against the seat surface and a low transmission portion that is less likely to transmit the pressing force than the high transmission portion, and when the seat sensor is viewed in a plane, the first region and the high transmission portion may overlap each other.

[0016] With this configuration, the pressing force can be more easily transmitted to the pressure-sensitive switch and the seating state can be properly detected compared to a case in which the first region and the high transmission portion do not overlap each other when the seating sensor is viewed in a plan view.

[0017] In this case, the member may have an arrangement area in which the high transmission portions are arranged in the first direction at intervals smaller than the length of the first area along the first direction when the seat sensor is viewed in a plane, and the first area may be located within the arrangement area when the seat sensor is viewed in a plane.

[0018] As described above, with this seat sensor, the load detection range of the pressure-sensitive switch can be expanded in the first direction compared to when the shape of the opening is a circle with the same diameter as the width of the elongated opening in the second direction. Therefore, with this configuration, compared to this case, even if the position of the seat sensor relative to the member is shifted in the first direction, it is easier to make the first region and the high transmission portion overlap each other when the seat sensor is viewed in a plan view.

[0019] When the seat device includes the above member, the member may be a seat heater having a base sheet and a heating wire attached to the base sheet, and a portion of the seat heater that overlaps with the heating wire when the seat occupancy sensor is viewed in a plan view may be the high-conductivity portion, and a portion of the seat heater that does not overlap with the heating wire when the seat occupancy sensor is viewed in a plan view may be the low-conductivity portion. Alternatively, the member may be a skin having a thick portion that is thicker than a predetermined thickness and a thin portion that is thinner than the predetermined thickness, and the thick portion may be the high-conductivity portion, and the thin portion may be the low-conductivity portion. Effect of the Invention

[0020] As described above, the present invention provides a seating sensor and a seat device that can appropriately detect a seated person. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view illustrating a seating sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating the seating sensor of FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the seating sensor taken along line III-III in FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged view showing a portion including one pressure-sensitive switch in the seat sensor of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the seating sensor in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a seating sensor is arranged in a seat device. [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a part of a vertical cross section of a seat in the seating arrangement of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 5 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between a seating sensor and a heating wire. FIG. [Figure 9] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the configuration of a pressure-sensitive switch according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10]13 is an enlarged view showing a portion including a pressure-sensitive switch in a seating sensor according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a configuration of a pressure sensitive switch according to a modified example. [Figure 12] 13 is an enlarged view showing a portion including a pressure-sensitive switch in a seat sensor according to a modified example. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the seating sensor and seat device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments exemplified below are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved from the following embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each component may be changed to facilitate understanding.

[0023] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a plan view that shows a schematic diagram of the seating sensor according to the present embodiment, and Fig. 2 is an exploded view that shows a schematic diagram of the seating sensor 1 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the seating sensor 1 mainly includes a first electrode sheet 10, a second electrode sheet 20, and a spacer 30.

[0024] The first electrode sheet 10 includes a first insulating sheet 10P, electrodes 11 to 14, terminals T1 and T2, and wires 15 and 16 as main components.

[0025] The first insulating sheet 10P is made of an insulating and flexible sheet. Examples of materials that can be used to form the first insulating sheet 10P include resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polyimide (PI). The first insulating sheet 10P is made of a roughly H-shaped main block 10MB and a roughly rectangular tail block 10TB that is connected to the main block 10MB.

[0026] The main block 10MB includes a first band portion 10B1 extending in a predetermined direction, a second band portion 10B2 extending in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the first band portion 10B1, and a third band portion 10B3 extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first band portion 10B1. One end of the third band portion 10B3 is connected to the center of the first band portion 10B1 in the extension direction, and the other end of the third band portion 10B3 is connected to the center of the second band portion 10B2 in the extension direction. In this way, the first band portion 10B1 and the second band portion 10B2 are connected by the third band portion 10B3, and the main block 10MB is generally H-shaped as described above. The tail block 10TB is connected to the center of the first band portion 10B1 in the extending direction, and extends in the same direction as the third band portion 10B3 on the opposite side to the third band portion 10B3.

[0027] The electrodes 11 to 14 of the first electrode sheet 10 are disposed on one surface of the main block 10MB. This surface faces the second electrode sheet 20. In this embodiment, the electrodes 11 and 12 are shaped like oval tracks elongated in the same direction as the extension direction of the first band portion 10B1. The electrode 11 is located on one side in the extension direction of the first band portion 10B1, and the electrode 12 is located on the other side in the extension direction of the first band portion 10B1. The electrodes 13 and 14 are shaped like oval tracks elongated in the same direction as the extension direction of the second band portion 10B2. The electrode 13 is located on one side in the extension direction of the second band portion 10B2, and the electrode 14 is located on the other side in the extension direction of the second band portion 10B2.

[0028] The pair of terminals T1, T2 are arranged on the tail block 10TB. The surface of the first insulating sheet 10P on which the terminals T1, T2 are arranged is the same surface of the first insulating sheet 10P on which the electrodes 11 to 14 are arranged. One terminal T1 is electrically connected to the electrodes 11 and 13 by a wiring 15, and the other terminal T2 is electrically connected to the electrodes 12 and 14 by a wiring 16. The electrodes 11 to 14, the wirings 15 and 16, and the terminals T1 and T2 are formed by, for example, printing using conductive ink.

[0029] The second electrode sheet 20 mainly comprises a second insulating sheet 20P, electrodes 21 to 24, and wirings 25 and .

[0030] The second insulating sheet 20P is made of an insulating and flexible sheet, similar to the first insulating sheet 10P. Therefore, the material constituting the second insulating sheet 20P can be, for example, the material constituting the first insulating sheet 10P.

[0031] In this embodiment, the second insulating sheet 20P is composed of a main block 20MB having the same shape as the main block 10MB of the first insulating sheet 10P, and a tail block 20TB connected to the main block 20MB and having a shorter shape than the tail block 10TB of the first insulating sheet 10P. Therefore, the main block 20MB includes a first band portion 20B1 having the same shape as the first band portion 10B1 of the first insulating sheet 10P and extending in a predetermined direction, a second band portion 20B2 having the same shape as the second band portion 10B2 of the first insulating sheet 10P and extending in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the first band portion 20B1, and a third band portion 20B3 having the same shape as the third band portion 10B3 of the first insulating sheet 10P and extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first band portion 20B1. One end of the third band portion 20B3 is connected to the center of the first band portion 20B1 in the extension direction, and the other end of the third band portion 20B3 is connected to the center of the second band portion 20B2 in the extension direction. The tail block 20TB is connected to the center of the first band portion 20B1 in the extension direction, and extends in the same direction as the third band portion 20B3 on the opposite side to the third band portion 20B3 side.

[0032] In this embodiment, the electrodes 21-24 of the second electrode sheet 20 are congruent in shape with the electrodes 11-14 of the first electrode sheet 10, and are arranged on one surface of the main block 20MB. This surface faces the first electrode sheet 10. The electrodes 21-24 are arranged at positions corresponding to the electrodes 11-14 of the first electrode sheet 10. For this reason, when the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20 are overlapped and viewed in a plane, the electrodes 11 and 21 overlap each other, the electrodes 12 and 22 overlap each other, the electrodes 13 and 23 overlap each other, and the electrodes 14 and 24 overlap each other.

[0033] The electrodes 21 and 22 are electrically connected by a wiring 25, and the electrodes 23 and 24 are electrically connected by a wiring 26. The electrodes 21 to 24 and the wirings 25 and 26 are formed, for example, by printing using conductive ink.

[0034] The spacer 30 is made of a flexible insulating sheet. Therefore, the material constituting the insulating sheet can be, for example, the same material as the material constituting the first insulating sheet 10P and the second insulating sheet 20P. The outer shape of the spacer 30 is generally the same as that of the second insulating sheet 20P.

[0035] The spacer 30 has openings 31-34 formed therein, each of which is elongated in a first direction D1, which is a predetermined direction. In this embodiment, the first direction D1 is approximately the same as the extending direction of the first band portion 10B1, and the shape of each of the openings 31-34 is approximately an oval track shape elongated in the first direction D1. The openings 31-34 may be elongated in the first direction D1, and may be shaped, for example, rectangular or elliptical, and the first direction D1 may be different from the extending direction of the first band portion 10B1. The opening 31 is formed at a position corresponding to the electrode 11 of the first electrode sheet 10, the opening 32 is formed at a position corresponding to the electrode 12, the opening 33 is formed at a position corresponding to the electrode 13, and the opening 34 is formed at a position corresponding to the electrode 14. When the spacer 30 is superimposed on the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20 and viewed in a plane, each opening 31-34 of the spacer 30 is located inside the peripheral edge of the corresponding electrodes 11-14 of the first electrode sheet 10 and inside the peripheral edge of the electrodes 21-24 of the second electrode sheet 20 that correspond to these electrodes 11-14.

[0036] The spacer 30 has slits, which are air vents (not shown), and the openings 31 to 34 are spatially connected to one another by the slits, and are also spatially connected to the space outside the spacer 30. An adhesive (not shown) is applied to both sides of the spacer 30 for bonding the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20 thereto.

[0037] The seating sensor 1 in Fig. 1 is constructed by integrating the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20 configured as above via a spacer 30. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 1, the seating sensor 1 is composed of a substantially H-shaped main block 1MB and a substantially rectangular tail block 1TB.

[0038] The main block 1MB includes a first band portion 1B1, a second band portion 1B2, and a third band portion 1B3. The first band portion 1B1 has the same shape as the first band portions 10B1 and 20B1 of the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20. The second band portion 1B2 extends in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the first band portion 1B1 and has the same shape as the second band portions 10B2 and 20B2 of the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20. The third band portion 1B3 extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first band portion 1B1 and has the same shape as the third band portions 10B3 and 20B3 of the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20. One end of the third band portion 1B3 is connected to the center of the first band portion 1B1 in the extending direction, and the other end of the third band portion 1B3 is connected to the center of the second band portion 1B2 in the extending direction. Therefore, the seating sensor 1 of this embodiment is generally H-shaped as a whole.

[0039] In addition, in the tail block 1TB, a part of the tail block 10TB of the first electrode sheet 10 is exposed, and a pair of terminals T1, T2 are exposed from this exposed part. The tail block 1TB is connected to the center of the first band portion 1B1 in the extending direction, and extends in the same direction as the extending direction of the third band portion 1B3 on the opposite side to the third band portion 1B3 side. It is sufficient that at least a pair of terminals T1, T2 are exposed in the tail block 1TB. Therefore, for example, the second insulating sheet 20P does not need to have a tail block 20TB, and the spacer 30 does not need to have a portion corresponding to the tail block 20TB of the second insulating sheet 20P.

[0040] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the seating sensor 1 taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20 are integrated via the spacer 30, so that the electrodes 11 and 21 face each other at a predetermined interval in the opening 31 to form the pressure-sensitive switch SW1. Similarly, although not shown, the electrodes 12 and 22 face each other at a predetermined interval in the opening 32 to form the pressure-sensitive switch SW2, the electrodes 13 and 23 face each other at a predetermined interval in the opening 33 to form the pressure-sensitive switch SW3, and the electrodes 14 and 24 face each other at a predetermined interval in the opening 34 to form the pressure-sensitive switch SW4. These four pressure-sensitive switches SW1 to SW4 are configured by sharing one first electrode sheet 10, one second electrode sheet 20, and one spacer 30. 1, the two pressure sensitive switches SW1 and SW2 are aligned along a first direction D1, and the two pressure sensitive switches SW3 and SW4 are aligned along the first direction D1. The two pressure sensitive switches SW1 and SW3 are aligned along a second direction D2, and the two pressure sensitive switches SW2 and SW4 are aligned along the second direction D2.

[0041] As described above, when the spacer 30 is superimposed on the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20 and viewed in plan, the openings 31-34 are located inside the periphery of the corresponding electrodes 11-14 and inside the periphery of the electrodes 21-24 of the second electrode sheet 20 corresponding to the electrodes 11-14. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, when the seat sensor 1 is viewed in plan, a first region 41 in which the electrode 11 in the opening 31 and the electrode 21 corresponding to the electrode 11 overlap is the entire opening 31. Note that FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion including one pressure-sensitive switch SW1 in the seat sensor 1 of FIG. 1. A length 41L along the first direction D1 in the first region 41 in which the pair of electrodes 11 and 21 overlap each other in the opening 31 is larger than a width 31W in the second direction D2, which is the short side direction of the opening 31. Note that this length 41L is the width from one end to the other end of the first region 41 in the first direction D1. Similarly, although not shown, the first region in each of the openings 32-34 where the electrodes 12-14 and the electrodes 22-24 corresponding to the electrodes 12-14 overlap is the entire opening 32-34. The length along the first direction D1 of the first region in the openings 32-34 where the pairs of electrodes 12-14, 22-24 overlap each other is greater than the width of the openings 32-34 in the second direction D2.

[0042] When a load is applied to the pressure-sensitive switch, the two electrodes of the pressure-sensitive switch come into contact with each other. When the two electrodes come into contact with each other, the pressure-sensitive switch is turned on. At this time, some of the air in the opening of the spacer 30 moves through the slit and is discharged to the outside.

[0043] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the seating sensor 1 of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the pressure sensitive switch SW1 and the pressure sensitive switch SW3 are electrically connected in parallel to each other, and the pressure sensitive switch SW2 and the pressure sensitive switch SW4 are electrically connected in parallel to each other. Furthermore, the pressure sensitive switch SW1 and the pressure sensitive switch SW2, and the pressure sensitive switch SW3 and the pressure sensitive switch SW4 are electrically connected in series to each other. Therefore, in the seating sensor 1, when both the pressure sensitive switches SW1 and SW2 are on and / or when both the pressure sensitive switches SW3 and SW4 are on, a pair of terminals T1 and T2 are electrically connected to each other.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the seating sensor 1 is arranged in a seat device, and is a diagram seen from a direction in which the arranged seating sensor 1 is viewed from above. Also, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a part of a vertical cross section of a seat in the seat device 100 of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the seat device 100 of this embodiment has a seat SE and a backrest SB, and as shown in FIG. 7, the seat SE of this embodiment includes the seating sensor 1, a cushion pad CP, a cover 50, and a seat heater 60. Note that FIG. 6 shows a first region 41 where the pair of electrodes 11, 21 overlap each other in the opening 31, a first region 42 where the pair of electrodes 12, 22 overlap each other in the opening 32, a first region 43 where the pair of electrodes 13, 23 overlap each other in the opening 33, and a first region 44 where the pair of electrodes 14, 24 overlap each other in the opening 34.

[0045] In this embodiment, the seating sensor 1 is fixed to the upper surface of the cushion pad CP via an adhesive layer 70, and the cushion pad CP to which the seating sensor 1 is attached is surrounded by the skin 50. A part of the surface of the skin 50 opposite to the cushion pad CP side is the seat surface SF, and at least a part of the skin 50 is disposed on the seat surface SF side of the cushion pad CP. Examples of materials constituting the cushion pad CP include urethane foam. Examples of the configuration of the skin 50 include a leather sheet, a resin sheet, a cloth sheet, and a multi-layered sheet in which a cushioning material such as cotton is sandwiched between cloth sheets. The skin 50 of this embodiment has a plurality of thick parts 51 that are thicker than a predetermined thickness and a plurality of thin parts 52 that are thinner than a predetermined thickness. In FIG. 6, the thick parts 51 are hatched with a plurality of dots to facilitate understanding. The predetermined thickness is, for example, 50% of the maximum thickness of the skin 50. In such a skin 50, the thick portion 51 serves as a high transmission portion that easily transmits the pressure pressing against the seat surface SF, and the thin portion 52 serves as a low transmission portion that is less able to transmit the pressure pressing against the seat surface SF than the high transmission portion.

[0046] The seat heater 60 of this embodiment has a base sheet 61 and an electric heating wire 62 attached to one surface of the base sheet 61. Examples of materials constituting the base sheet 61 include nonwoven fabric. In this embodiment, the seat heater 60 is disposed between the cushion pad CP and the upholstery 50 so that the surface of the base sheet 61 to which the electric heating wire 62 is attached is located on the upholstery 50 side, and the seating sensor 1 is sandwiched between the seat heater 60 and the cushion pad CP. In such a seat heater 60, when the seating sensor 1 is viewed from above, a portion overlapping with the electric heating wire 62 is a high transmission portion that easily transmits the pressing force pressing the seat surface SF, and a portion not overlapping with the electric heating wire 62 is a low transmission portion that is less likely to transmit the pressing force pressing the seat surface SF than the high transmission portion. Note that it is sufficient that the seat heater 60 is disposed closer to the seat surface SF than the cushion pad CP, and it is sufficient that the seating sensor 1 is disposed closer to the seat surface SF than the cushion pad CP. For example, the seat heater 60 may be disposed closer to the cushion pad CP than the seat sensor 1, and the seat sensor 1 may be disposed between the seat heater 60 and the skin 50. In addition, the base sheet 61 may be disposed such that the surface to which the heating wire 62 is attached is located on the cushion pad CP side.

[0047] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the main block 1MB in which the pressure-sensitive switches SW1 to SW4 of the seating sensor 1 are formed is located forward of the backrest SB. The longitudinal direction of the third band portion 1B3 extends in the front-rear direction of the seat SE, and the longitudinal directions of the first band portion 1B1 and the second band portion 1B2 extend along the left-right direction of the seat SE. That is, the seating sensor 1 is arranged in this manner, and the first direction D1, which is the longitudinal direction of the openings 31 to 34, is along the left-right direction of the seat SE. In addition, when the seating sensor 1 is viewed from above, the third band portion 1B3 extends along the center line CL in the width direction of the seat SE. The pressure-sensitive switches SW1 and SW2 are located behind the hip point HP of the seat SE, and the pressure-sensitive switches SW3 and SW4 are located forward of the hip point HP of the seat SE. The hip point HP is the position of the hip point of the three-dimensional seated human body model based on JIS-D4607 when the three-dimensional seated human body model is seated on the seat SE. In addition, in FIG. 6, an area ST1 where a load is applied to the seat SE when the phantom is properly seated is indicated by a dashed line.

[0048] In this embodiment, seating is detected by a vehicle control unit (not shown) electrically connected to the pair of terminals T1, T2. When the pair of terminals T1, T2 are electrically disconnected, the vehicle control unit determines that an occupant is not seated in the seat SE, and when the pair of terminals T1, T2 are electrically connected, the vehicle control unit determines that an occupant is seated in the seat SE. Therefore, in the seating sensor 1 of this embodiment, seating is detected at least when both pressure-sensitive switches SW1, SW2 are on and when both pressure-sensitive switches SW3, SW4 are on.

[0049] As described above, the seat sensor 1 of this embodiment includes the sheet-like spacer 30 in which the four openings 31-34 are formed, and the four pressure-sensitive switches SW1-SW4 each consisting of a pair of electrodes 11-14, 21-24 facing each other in the openings 31-34. The openings 31-34 are elongated in the first direction D1. In the seat sensor 1 of this embodiment, the load detection range of the pressure-sensitive switches SW1-SW4 is approximately the same as the first regions 41-44 in the openings 31-34 where the pairs of electrodes 11-14, 21-24 overlap each other. In addition, the length of the first regions 41-44 along the first direction D1 is greater than the width of the openings 31-34 in the second direction D2, which is the short side direction. Therefore, according to the seat sensor 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the load detection range of the pressure-sensitive switches SW1 to SW4 can be expanded in the first direction D1 compared to when the shape of the opening is a circle C1 having the same diameter as the width of the long openings 31 to 34 in the second direction D2. Also, in the seat sensor 1 of this embodiment, the width of the openings 31 to 34 in the second direction D2 can be made smaller compared to when the shape of the opening is the smallest circle C2 including the entire first region 41 to 44. Therefore, according to the seat sensor 1 of this embodiment, the load detection sensitivity of the pressure-sensitive switches SW1 to SW4 can be suppressed from increasing compared to this case. Therefore, according to the seat sensor 1 of this embodiment, the load detection range can be expanded while suppressing the load detection sensitivity from increasing, and seating can be appropriately detected. In terms of expanding the load detection range, it is preferable that the length of the first region 41 to 44 along the first direction D1 is at least twice the width of the openings 31 to 34 in the second direction. With this configuration, the load detection range can be expanded more than in the case where two circular pressure sensitive switches are provided adjacent to each other.

[0050] In the seat sensor 1 of this embodiment, the two pressure-sensitive switches SW1 and SW2 are arranged along the first direction D1 and electrically connected in series, and the two pressure-sensitive switches SW3 and SW4 are arranged along the first direction D1 and electrically connected in series. As described above, the seat sensor 1 of this embodiment can detect a load when the two pressure-sensitive switches SW1 and SW2 arranged along the first direction D1 are both turned on, or when the two pressure-sensitive switches SW3 and SW4 arranged along the first direction D1 are both turned on. Therefore, the seat sensor 1 of this embodiment can suppress false detection caused by luggage being placed on the seat. In addition, the seat sensor 1 can expand the load detection range in the first direction D1 while suppressing the seat sensor 1 from becoming larger in the second direction D2.

[0051] The seating apparatus 100 of this embodiment also includes the cushion pad CP and the seating sensor 1 disposed on the seat surface SF side of the cushion pad CP. Therefore, the seating apparatus 100 of this embodiment can appropriately detect a seated person.

[0052] The seat device 100 of this embodiment includes a cover 50, and at least a part of the cover 50 is located closer to the seat surface SF than the cushion pad CP. The cover 50 has a thick portion 51, which is a high transmission portion that easily transmits the pressing force pressing the seat surface SF, and a thin portion 52, which is a low transmission portion that is less likely to transmit the pressing force than the thick portion 51. As shown in FIG. 6, when the seat sensor 1 is viewed from above, the first regions 41-44 and the thick portion 51 in the cover 50 overlap each other. Therefore, the seat device 100 of this embodiment can transmit the pressing force to the pressure-sensitive switches SW1-SW4 more easily than when the first regions 41-44 and the thick portion 51 do not overlap each other when the seat sensor 1 is viewed from above, and can appropriately detect the seating.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the first direction D1 is along the left-right direction of the seat SE, and the thick portions 51 are arranged at intervals along the first direction D1 over the entire seat surface SF. The interval between adjacent thick portions 51 is smaller than the length of the first regions 41-44 along the first direction D1. Therefore, when the seat sensor 1 is viewed in a plan view, the cover 50 has an arrangement area in which the thick portions 51, which are high transmission parts, are arranged in the first direction D1 at intervals smaller than the length of the first regions 41-44 along the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the entire seat surface SF is such an arrangement area, and when the seat sensor 1 is viewed in a plan view, the first regions 41-44 are located within this arrangement area. As described above, according to the seat sensor 1 of this embodiment, the load detection range of the pressure-sensitive switches SW1-SW4 can be expanded in the first direction D1 compared to when the shape of the opening is a circle with the same diameter as the width of the elongated openings 31-34 in the second direction D2. Therefore, according to the seat device 100 of the present embodiment, even if the position of the seat sensor 1 with respect to the skin 50 is shifted in the first direction D1, it is easier to make the first regions 41-44 and the thick portion 51 overlap each other when the seat sensor 1 is viewed in a plan view, compared to this case. The skin 50 may be configured so that the arrangement area in which the thick portions 51 are arranged as described above is only a part of the seat surface SF. The seat sensor 1 may be arranged so that the first regions 41-44 are not located in such an arrangement area. The seat sensor 1 may be arranged so that the first direction D1 is not aligned along the arrangement direction of the thick portions 51, for example, so that the first direction D1 and the arrangement direction of the thick portions 51 are perpendicular to each other. The first regions 41-44 and the thick portion 51 do not have to overlap each other when the seat sensor 1 is viewed in a plan view. The skin 50 may not have the thick portion 51 that is a high transmission area and the thin portion 52 that is a low transmission area.

[0054] The seat device 100 of this embodiment also includes a seat heater 60 disposed on the seat surface SF side of the cushion pad CP. The seat heater 60 has a base sheet 61 and an electric heating wire 62 attached to the base sheet 61. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the seat sensor 1 and the electric heating wire 62, and is a diagram of the seat device 100 viewed from the direction of the seat sensor 1 viewed from above, similar to FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 8, when the seat sensor 1 is viewed from above, the first regions 41-44 and the electric heating wire 62 overlap each other. As described above, when the seat sensor 1 is viewed from above, the portion of the seat heater 60 that overlaps with the electric heating wire 62 is a high transmission portion that easily transmits the pressing force pressing the seat surface SF, and the portion of the seat heater 60 that does not overlap with the electric heating wire 62 is a low transmission portion that is less likely to transmit the pressing force pressing the seat surface SF than the high transmission portion. For this reason, in the seat device 100 of this embodiment, the first regions 41-44 and the high transmission parts of the seat heater 60 overlap each other. Therefore, compared to a case in which the first regions 41-44 and the heating wire 62 do not overlap each other when the seating sensor 1 is viewed in a plan view, the pressing force is more easily transmitted to the pressure-sensitive switches SW1-SW4, and seating can be appropriately detected.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 8, the heating wire 62 is arranged so as to repeatedly meander in the front-rear direction. The seat heater 60 has an arrangement region 65 in which the heating wire 62 is arranged in the first direction D1 at intervals smaller than the length of the first regions 41-44 along the first direction D1. That is, in the arrangement region 65 of the seat heater 60, the high transmission parts are arranged in the first direction D1 at intervals smaller than the length of the first regions 41-44 along the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the first regions 41-44 are located within this arrangement region 65 when the seat sensor 1 is viewed in a plan view. Therefore, compared with a case in which the shape of the opening is a circle with the same diameter as the width of the elongated openings 31-34 in the second direction D2, even if the position of the seat sensor 1 relative to the seat heater 60 is shifted in the first direction D1, it is easier to make the first regions 41-44 and the high transmission parts of the seat heater 60 overlap each other when the seat sensor 1 is viewed in a plan view. The seating sensor 1 may be arranged so that the first regions 41-44 are not located within the arrangement region 65. The seating sensor 1 may be arranged so that the first direction D1 is not aligned along the direction in which the heating wire 62 is arranged, and the heating wire 62 may be arranged so as to repeatedly meander in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the first regions 41-44 and the heating wire 62 do not have to overlap each other when the seating sensor 1 is viewed in a plan view.

[0056] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference symbols and will not be described again unless otherwise specified. In the seating sensor 1 of this embodiment, the configuration of the pressure sensitive switches SW1 to SW4 is different from that of the pressure sensitive switches SW1 to SW4 in the first embodiment. Note that in this embodiment, the configurations of the pressure sensitive switches SW1 to SW4 are the same, so the configuration of the pressure sensitive switches SW1 will be described and the configurations of the pressure sensitive switches SW2 to SW4 will be omitted.

[0057] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the pressure-sensitive switch SW1 according to this embodiment, and is an exploded view that shows a schematic diagram of a part of the seating sensor 1. In the spacer 30 of this embodiment, an opening 31 that is elongated in the first direction D1 like the opening 31 in the first embodiment and an additional opening 31A that is elongated in a third direction D3 different from the first direction D1 and connected to the opening 31 are formed. In this embodiment, the first direction D1 is approximately the same as the extension direction of the first band portion 10B1 of the first electrode sheet 10, and the third direction D3 is approximately perpendicular to the first direction D1. Therefore, the second direction D2, which is the short-side direction of the opening 31, and the third direction D3 of the additional opening 31A are approximately the same, and the first direction D1 and the fourth direction D4, which is the short-side direction of the additional opening 31A, are approximately the same. In addition, one end of the additional opening 31A in the third direction D3 is connected to one end of the opening 31 in the first direction D1. Therefore, a generally L-shaped opening 31H is formed by the opening 31 and the additional opening 31A. In Fig. 9, the boundary between the opening 31 and the additional opening 31A is indicated by a dashed line. The width of the opening 31 in the first direction D1 is generally the same as the width of the additional opening 31A in the third direction D3, and the width of the opening 31 in the second direction D2 is generally the same as the width of the additional opening 31A in the fourth direction D4.

[0058] The shape of the pair of electrodes 11, 12 in this embodiment is a roughly L-shape corresponding to the opening 31H. As in the first embodiment, the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20 are integrated via the spacer 30, so that the electrodes 11 and 21 face each other at a predetermined interval in the opening 31H to form the pressure-sensitive switch SW1. Here, when the spacer 30 is superimposed on the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20 and viewed in a plane, the opening 31H is located inside the periphery of the corresponding electrode 11 and inside the periphery of the electrode 21. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the seating sensor 1 is viewed in a plane, the first region 41 where the electrode 11 and the electrode 21 corresponding to the electrode 11 overlap in the opening 31, which is a part of the opening 31H, is the entire opening 31. Also, the second region 41A where the electrode 11 and the electrode 21 corresponding to the electrode 11 overlap in the additional opening 31A, which is another part of the opening 31H, is the entire additional opening 31A. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion including the pressure-sensitive switch SW1 in the seat sensor 1 according to this embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 10, the boundary between the opening 31 and the additional opening 31A is indicated by a broken line. As in the first embodiment, the length 41L along the first direction D1 in the first region 41 where the pair of electrodes 11, 21 overlap each other in the opening 31 is greater than the width 31W in the second direction D2 of the opening 31. In addition, the length 41AL along the third direction D3 in the second region 41A where the pair of electrodes 11, 21 overlap each other in the additional opening 31A is greater than the width 31AW in the fourth direction D4 of the additional opening 31A.

[0059] According to this configuration, the load detection range can be expanded in two-dimensional directions while suppressing an increase in the load detection sensitivity. The additional opening 31A constituting the other part of the opening 31H may be connected to the opening 31 long in the first direction D1 and long in a third direction D3 different from the first direction D1. For example, one end of the additional opening 31A in the third direction D3 may be connected to the center of the opening 31 in the first direction D1, in which case the opening 31H is T-shaped. In addition, the spacer 30 may further have another additional opening connected to the opening 31 long in the first direction D1 and long in a direction different from the first direction D1, and the electrodes 11 and 21 may also face the other additional opening. For example, the other additional opening may be long in the same direction as the third direction D3 of the additional opening 31A on the opposite side to the additional opening 31A side with respect to the opening 31, and one end of the other additional opening may be connected to the center of the opening 31 in the first direction D1. In this case, a generally cross-shaped opening is formed by the opening 31, the additional opening 31A, and the other additional opening.

[0060] Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to these.

[0061] For example, in the above embodiment, the seat sensor 1 is described as having four pressure-sensitive switches. However, the seat sensor 1 may have at least one pressure-sensitive switch. For example, the seat sensor 1 may not have the second band portion 1B2 and the third band portion 1B3 in the above embodiment.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the openings 31 to 34 are elongated in approximately the same direction as the extension direction of the first band portion 10B1 of the first electrode sheet 10. However, the longitudinal direction of the openings 31 to 34 is not particularly limited. For example, the longitudinal direction of the openings 31 and 32 and the longitudinal direction of the openings 33 and 34 may be different or approximately perpendicular.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the two pressure-sensitive switches SW1 and SW2 are arranged along the first direction D1 and electrically connected in series, and the two pressure-sensitive switches SW3 and SW4 are arranged along the first direction D1 and electrically connected in series. However, for example, the two pressure-sensitive switches SW1 and SW2 do not have to be arranged along the first direction D1 and do not have to be electrically connected in series. From the viewpoint of suppressing erroneous detection due to luggage being placed on the seat, it is preferable that the multiple pressure-sensitive switches are arranged along the first direction D1 and electrically connected in series, and in this case, a load can be detected when all of the multiple pressure-sensitive switches arranged along the first direction D1 are turned on. For example, three or more pressure-sensitive switches may be arranged along the first direction D1 and electrically connected in series.

[0064] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the pressure-sensitive switches SW1-SW4 in which the first regions 41-44 in which the pair of electrodes 11-14, 21-24 overlap each other in the openings 31-34 are the entire openings 31-34 have been described as an example. However, as long as the first regions 41-44 are one continuous region and the length of the first regions 41-44 in the first direction D1 is greater than the width of the openings 31-34 in the second direction D2, there is no particular limitation on the shape of the pair of electrodes 11-14, 21-24. For example, the pressure-sensitive switch may be configured as shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a pressure-sensitive switch according to a modified example, and is an exploded view that, like FIG. 9, roughly illustrates a part of the seating sensor 1. Note that the same or equivalent components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference symbols and will not be described again unless otherwise specified.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 11, the pressure-sensitive switch SW1 of this modification is composed of a pair of electrodes 11, 21, similar to the first embodiment, and the pair of electrodes 11, 21 face each other at a predetermined interval in the opening 31. The shape of the opening 31 is a generally oval track shape that is long in the first direction D1, similar to the first embodiment. In this modification, the electrode 11 is composed of four main parts 11a to 11d and three connection parts 11e to 11g aligned along the first direction D1. The width of the main parts 11a to 11d in the second direction D2 is larger than the width of the connection parts 11e to 11g in the second direction D2. In this modification, the main parts 11a to 11d are generally circular in shape, and the connection parts 11e to 11g are strip-shaped extending in the first direction D1. The main parts 11a and 11b are electrically connected by a connection part 11e, the main parts 11b and 11c are electrically connected by a connection part 11f, and the main parts 11c and 11d are electrically connected by a connection part 11g. The centers of the main parts 11a to 11d are located on a straight line L that passes through the center of the opening 31 in the second direction D2 and extends along the first direction D1, and the connection parts 11e to 11g extend along this straight line L. Similarly to the electrode 11, the electrode 21 is composed of four circular main parts 21a to 21d lined up along the first direction D1 and three strip-shaped connection parts 21e to 21g. The main parts 21a to 21d correspond to the main parts 11a to 11d, and the connection parts 21e to 21g correspond to the connection parts 11e to 11g.

[0066] When the spacer 30 is superimposed on the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20 and viewed in a plan view, the main parts 11a to 11d and the connection parts 11e to 11g, which are the electrodes 11, are located inside the opening 31. Also, the main parts 21a to 21d and the connection parts 21e to 21g, which are the electrodes 21, are located inside the opening 31. The main parts 11a and 21a, the main parts 11b and 21b, the main parts 11c and 21c, the main parts 11d and 21d, the connection parts 11e and 21e, the connection parts 11f and 21f, and the connection parts 11e and 21e overlap with each other, respectively. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, when the seating sensor 1 is viewed in a plan view, a first region 41 in the opening 31 where the electrode 11 and the electrode 21 corresponding to the electrode 11 overlap is a part of the opening 31. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion including the pressure-sensitive switch SW1 in the seat sensor 1 according to this modification. The length 41L of the first region 41 along the first direction D1 is greater than the width 31W of the opening 31 in the second direction D2. Even with this configuration, as in the first embodiment, the load detection range can be expanded while suppressing an increase in load detection sensitivity, and seating can be appropriately detected. In addition, since the first region 41 overlaps only a portion of the opening 31 as described above, the amount of material constituting the pair of electrodes 11, 21 can be reduced compared to the case where the first region 41 overlaps the entire opening 31.

[0067] The shapes, numbers, and sizes of the main parts 11a-11d, 21a-21d and the connecting parts 11e-11g, 21e-21g are not particularly limited. For example, when the seat sensor 1 is viewed from above, the main parts may have a rectangular shape, and at least one part of the main parts may be located outside the opening 31.

[0068] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the seat device 100 including the seat heater 60 has been described as an example. However, the seat device 100 does not necessarily have to include the seat heater 60. The seat device 100 may also include a member different from the seat heater 60, which has a high transmission portion that easily transmits the pressure that presses the seat surface SF and a low transmission portion that transmits the pressure less easily than the high transmission portion. Examples of such members include coarse cushion foam, cushion foam with holes, cushion foam with non-uniform thickness, and a child seat. [Industrial Applicability]

[0069] As described above, the seating sensor and seating device capable of appropriately detecting a seated state can be used in fields such as vehicle seating devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1. Seat sensor 11~14,21~24...electrode 31~34...Aperture 31A Additional opening 41~44...1st area 41A...Second area 50...epidermis 51...Thick part 52 Thin section 60. Heated seat 61...Base sheet 62...Heating wire 100 Seating device CP···Cushion Pad SW1~SW4: Pressure-sensitive switches T1, T2... terminals

Claims

1. a sheet-like spacer having at least one opening formed therein; At least one pressure-sensitive switch comprising a pair of electrodes facing each other at the opening; Equipped with The opening is elongated in a first direction; a length along the first direction of a first region in which the pair of electrodes overlap each other in the opening is greater than a width along a second direction that is a short side direction of the opening, Each of the pair of electrodes includes a plurality of generally circular main portions arranged in the first direction, and a connection portion located between adjacent main portions and electrically connecting the main portions, a width of the main portion in the second direction is greater than a width of the connection portion in the second direction, In the opening, the main portion of one of the pair of electrodes and the main portion of the other of the pair of electrodes overlap each other. A seating sensor comprising:

2. an additional opening is formed in the spacer, the additional opening being connected to the opening and elongated in a third direction different from the first direction; A length along the third direction in a second region where the pair of electrodes overlap each other in the additional opening is greater than a width in a fourth direction, which is a short side direction of the additional opening.

2. The seat sensor according to claim 1,

3. A plurality of the pressure sensitive switches are provided, The pressure sensitive switches are arranged along the first direction and electrically connected in series.

3. The seat sensor according to claim 1, wherein the seat sensor is a seat occupancy sensor.

4. Cushion pad and The seating sensor according to claim 1 , which is disposed on a seat surface side of the cushion pad; Equipped A seating arrangement comprising:

5. At least a part of the member is disposed closer to the seat surface than the cushion pad, and has a high transmission part that easily transmits a pressing force pressing against the seat surface and a low transmission part that is less likely to transmit the pressing force than the high transmission part, When the seat sensor is viewed from above, the first region and the high transmission portion overlap each other.

5. The seating arrangement according to claim 4.

6. the member has an arrangement region in which the high transmission portions are arranged in the first direction at intervals smaller than a length of the first region along the first direction when the seat sensor is viewed in a plan view, When the seat sensor is viewed from above, the first region is located within the arrangement region.

6. The seating arrangement according to claim 5.

7. the member is a seat heater having a base sheet and a heating wire attached to the base sheet, a high conduction portion is a portion of the seat sensor that overlaps with the heating wire of the seat heater when viewed from above; The low conduction portion is a portion of the seat sensor that does not overlap with the heating wire of the seat heater when viewed from above.

7. A seating arrangement as claimed in claim 5 or 6.

8. the member is a skin having a thick portion having a thickness greater than a predetermined thickness and a thin portion having a thickness less than the predetermined thickness, The thick portion is the high transmission portion, and the thin portion is the low transmission portion.

7. A seating arrangement as claimed in claim 5 or 6.

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