Vehicle seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat which can easily detect biological information accurately.SOLUTION: In a vehicle seat, a non-contact type biological sensor 2 which detects human biological information with electromagnetic waves is provided at a seat 10 on which a person is seated. The seat 10 includes: a seat frame 51 forming a framework; a cushion pad 15 provided on the seat frame 51; a surface cover 16 which covers the seat frame 51 and the cushion pad 15; and a pressure receiving member supported by the seat frame 51. A lumbar support LS is included in the pressure receiving member, and the biological sensor 2 is provided at the lumbar support LS so as to avoid a metallic component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat. [Background technology]

[0002] If the health condition of a driver who drives a vehicle deteriorates, this may have a negative impact on the driving of the vehicle, so it is desirable to detect the deterioration of the health condition in advance and take some kind of measures. As such a measure, a technology is known that estimates biological information such as blood flow and blood pressure based on the measurement results of pulse waves and the like using a non-contact blood flow sensor embedded in the seat cushion and back of the seat to grasp the driver's health condition (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-168177 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, non-contact biosensors are known that irradiate electromagnetic waves to a living body and detect biometric information from the waves reflected from the living body, but the electromagnetic waves irradiated to the living body do not easily pass through various metals such as iron, copper, aluminum, etc. Therefore, the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the biosensor provided on the sheet may be obstructed by metal parts built into the sheet, making it difficult to accurately detect the biometric information.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a vehicle seat that makes it easy to detect biometric information accurately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is as follows: A non-contact biosensor that detects a person's biometric information using electromagnetic waves is installed on the seat on which the person sits. The seat includes a seat frame serving as a skeleton, a cushion pad provided on the seat frame, a skin covering the seat frame and the cushion pad, and a pressure-receiving member supported by the seat frame, The pressure-receiving member includes a lumbar support, The lumbar support is configured so that the biosensor avoids metal parts. Resin materials The present invention is characterized in that it is provided in

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the vehicle seat described in claim 1, The biosensor is characterized in that it is provided at a position that avoids metal components that constitute the support member of the lumbar support.

[0011] Claim 3 The invention described in claim 1 or 2 In the vehicle seat described in The biosensor provided on the pressure-receiving member is characterized in that it is disposed in correspondence with the position of the human heart.

[0012] Claim 4 The invention described in claim 1 to 3 In the vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The biosensor is characterized in that it is provided between portions of the lumbar support that extend in the left-right direction.

[0013] Claim 5 The invention described in claim 1 to 4 In the vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The biosensor is characterized in that it is provided on an upper portion of the lumbar support.

[0014] Claim 6 The invention described in claim 1 to 5In the vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The biosensor is characterized in that it is provided on a pressure receiving plate on the seat occupant side of the lumbar support.

[0015] Claim 7 The invention described in claim 1 to 6 In the vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The biosensor is characterized in that it is provided on a support member of a pressure receiving plate on the seat occupant side of the lumbar support.

[0016] Claim 1~ 7 According to the invention described in the above, the lumbar support is provided so that the biosensor avoids metal parts. Resin materials Since the lumbar support is provided at the back of the seat, the irradiation of electromagnetic waves by the biosensor is less likely to be obstructed, and bioinformation can be detected more accurately. Also, since the lumbar support is deformable, bioinformation can be detected more accurately.

[0017] Claim 3 According to the invention described in the above, the biosensor is disposed in correspondence with the position of the human heart, so that the blood flow state of the thoracic aorta can be grasped. Therefore, it is easier to detect bioinformation compared to the case where bioinformation is detected using a thin blood vessel with a small blood flow rate, for example. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a seat having a built-in seat heater. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a seat cushion. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of a seat back. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between an electromagnetic wave and a member that blocks the electromagnetic wave. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a seat having a spring member built into the seat cushion. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a seat cushion having a built-in spring member. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a seat equipped with a lumbar support device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferable limitations for carrying out the present invention, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0020] 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a seat in which a person sits. This seat 10 is provided in a vehicle such as an automobile, and in this embodiment, it is particularly provided in a vehicle that can run by switching between automatic driving and manual driving.

[0021] The seat 10 includes a seat cushion 11 that supports the buttocks and thighs of a person, a seat back 14 whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion 11 to serve as a backrest, and a headrest 17 that is provided on the seat back 14 and supports the person's head.

[0022] The seat cushion 11 is mainly composed of a seat cushion frame which serves as a skeleton, a cushion pad 12 provided on the seat cushion frame, and a cover 13 which covers the seat cushion frame and the cushion pad 12 (see FIG. 2). The seat cushion 11 of this embodiment further includes a seat heater 20 provided between the cushion pad 12 and the cover 13 .

[0023] A groove 12a that is long in the left-right direction of the seat 10 is formed on the upper surface of the cushion pad 12. Two grooves 12a are provided on the upper surface of the cushion pad 12 so as to divide the upper surface of the cushion pad 12 in the front-rear direction. In other words, the upper surface of the cushion pad 12 is divided into a front side, a center side, and a rear side.

[0024] The seat back 14 is mainly composed of a seat back frame which serves as a skeleton, a cushion pad 15 provided on the seat back frame, and a cover 16 which covers the seat back frame and the cushion pad 15 (see FIG. 3). The seat back 14 of this embodiment further includes a seat heater 30 provided between the cushion pad 15 and the cover 16 .

[0025] A groove 15a that is long in the left-right direction of the seat 10 is formed on the front surface of the cushion pad 15. Two grooves 15a are provided on the front surface of the cushion pad 15 so as to divide the front surface of the cushion pad 15 in the upper and lower directions. In other words, the upper surface of the cushion pad 15 is divided into an upper side, a central side, and a lower side.

[0026] The seat heater 20 in the seat cushion 11 is a planar heating element that warms the seat cushion 11, and is mainly composed of a planar base material 21 made of a polyester cloth material or the like, and a metal heater wire 22 (also called a heating wire) that is adhesively fixed to the base material 21, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0027] The heater wires 22 are adhesively fixed onto the base material 21, and as shown in FIG. 2, two heater wires 22 snake approximately in parallel from the rear of the seat cushion 11 toward the front and are connected at the front portion. In this embodiment, the heater wire 22 is fixed on the base material 21 while meandering approximately parallel to the front-rear direction, but is not limited thereto, and the arrangement of the heater wire 22 may be changed as appropriate. In addition, the heater wire 22 is fixed on the base material 21 by an adhesive, but the heater wire 22 may be fixed so as to be folded inside the base material 21.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the heater wire 22 is composed of a front heater wire 22a located in the front section of the upper surface of the cushion pad 12, a central heater wire 22b located in the central section, a rear heater wire 22c located in the rear section, and a groove heater wire 23 that connects the front heater wire 22a, the central heater wire 22b, and the rear heater wire 22c together and is inserted into the groove 12a.

[0029] Similarly, the seat heater 30 in the seat back 14 is mainly composed of a base material 31 and a heater wire 32. As shown in FIG. 3, the heater wire 32 is composed of an upper heater wire 32a located in the upper section of the front surface of the cushion pad 15, a central heater wire 32b located in the central section, a lower heater wire 32c located in the lower section, and a groove heater wire 33 which connects the upper heater wire 32a, the central heater wire 32b, and the lower heater wire 32c together and is inserted into the groove 15a.

[0030] As described above, such a seat 10 is provided in a vehicle that can switch between automatic and manual driving, and is therefore configured to be changeable between a configuration suitable for manual driving and a configuration not suitable for manual driving. During autonomous driving, the driver can also be in a relaxed state, so the seat 10 is also changed to a form that is not suitable for manual driving. For example, during autonomous driving, the seat 10 can be changed to a position toward the rear seat side or to a flat state.

[0031] In addition, although not shown in the figure, such a vehicle is equipped with a driving control unit that switches between automatic driving and manual driving, the above-mentioned seat 10 that can be changed into multiple configurations, and a seat control unit that controls the operation of the seat 10 when the configuration is changed. The driving control unit performs control to switch from automatic driving to manual driving, for example, when the vehicle moves from an expressway to a general road or when the vehicle approaches a road with a complex shape. In such cases, if there is an abnormality in the driver's health condition, it is not desirable to forcibly switch to manual driving. Conversely, if the driver's health condition deteriorates during manual driving, it is possible to switch from manual driving to automatic driving, and in such cases, it is necessary to know the health condition in advance.

[0032] Therefore, as a means for grasping the health condition of the driver, the seat 10 is provided with biosensors 1 and 2 as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The biosensors 1 and 2 in this embodiment are for measuring, for example, the blood flow condition of a person to be measured, and can measure the blood flow at a position facing the skin surface of the measurement area.

[0033] The biosensors 1 and 2 of this embodiment are of a non-contact type that detects a person's bioinformation by electromagnetic waves, and are connected to the operation control unit so as to be capable of data communication. The driving control unit switches between automatic driving and manual driving based on data relating to biological information transmitted from the biological sensors 1 and 2, and the seat control unit changes the configuration of the seat 10 as appropriate.

[0034] As described above, the biosensors 1 and 2 in this embodiment detect a person's biometric information by using electromagnetic waves. Here, electromagnetic waves refer to electromagnetic waves in a broad sense, including radio waves and microwaves of about 100 MHz, as well as infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, etc., and suitable electromagnetic waves are used as long as they do not adversely affect the human body. Such electromagnetic waves have the characteristic that they do not easily pass through various metals including iron, copper, aluminum, etc. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4, the biosensors 1 and 2 in this embodiment are disposed on the sheet 10 at positions that avoid members A1 and A2 that (may) obstruct the passage of the electromagnetic waves.

[0035] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the biosensor 1 provided on the seat cushion 11 is disposed at a position on the seat 10 such that the member A1 does not fall within the irradiation range R of the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the biosensor 1. In other words, when the biosensor 1 is provided on the sheet 10, one of the conditions for accurate detection of bioinformation is that no interfering member A1 is within the irradiation range R of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the biosensor 1.

[0036] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the biosensor 2 provided on the seat back 14 is disposed at a position on the seat 10 such that the irradiation center C of the electromagnetic wave irradiated from the biosensor 2 avoids the member A2. That is, when the biosensor 2 is provided on the sheet 10, the irradiation center C of the electromagnetic wave irradiated from the biosensor 2 needs only to be in a position that avoids the interfering member A2, and may be within the irradiation range R. This is also one of the conditions for making it easier to detect bioinformation.

[0037] 4, the biosensor 1 is disposed at a position closer to the person than a member A3 that blocks the passage of electromagnetic waves. That is, the biosensors 1 and 2 are preferably disposed at positions on the sheet 10 closer to the person than a member (e.g., member A3) that blocks the passage of electromagnetic waves. Although it is possible to detect biometric information even if the interfering members A1 and A2 are placed closer to the person than the biosensors 1 and 2, it is preferable to place the biosensors 1 and 2 closer to the person than the interfering members A1 and A2, because the electromagnetic waves are less likely to be interfered with. This is also one of the conditions for accurately detecting biometric information.

[0038] The members A1, A2, and A3 that block the passage of electromagnetic waves are positioned differently with respect to the biosensors 1 and 2, but since none of the members A1, A2, and A3 completely block the passage of electromagnetic waves, any of them may be used. However, when more accurate detection of bioinformation is required, the positioning of the member A3 is optimal, and the positioning of the member A1 is also suitable. The positioning of the member A2 is not impossible. Additionally, as an additional explanation, FIG. 4 is an example of the state in which the sheet 10 is viewed from the side. Even if the members A1, A2, and A3 are positioned close to the biosensors 1 and 2 in a side view, it is preferable that they are positioned offset in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) because this makes it less likely to impede the passage of electromagnetic waves.

[0039] More specifically, in this embodiment, the members A1, A2, A3 that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves are metal heater wires 22, 32 in the seat heaters 20, 30, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, and the biosensors 1, 2 are positioned in positions on the seat 10 to avoid the heater wires 22, 32. The biological sensors 1 and 2 are disposed at least in two locations spaced apart from each other in the seat 10. More specifically, the biological sensors 1 and 2 are provided on both the seat cushion 11 and the seat back 14.

[0040] In order to improve the comfort of sitting, the biosensor 1 provided on the seat cushion 11 is disposed in correspondence with the center of the left and right ischial bones of the person's buttocks as shown in Fig. 2. In other words, the biosensor 1 is disposed in the center of the seat cushion 11 where the buttocks rest.

[0041] In this embodiment, the biosensor 1 is arranged corresponding to the center of the left and right ischia in this manner, but is not limited to this. For example, the biosensor 1 provided on the seat cushion 11 may be arranged corresponding to the position of the thighs. That is, in FIG. 2, reference symbols P1 and P2 are candidate locations for disposing the biosensor 1, and the candidate locations P1 and P2 correspond to the positions of the thighs of a person seated on the seat . The popliteal artery runs through the thigh, making it an ideal location for measuring the state of blood flow using the biosensor 1.

[0042] The biosensor 2 provided on the seat back 14 is disposed in correspondence with the position of the human heart, as shown in Fig. 3. The thoracic aorta passes through the chest where the heart is located, which is suitable for measuring the state of blood flow with the biosensor 2. On the other hand, the heater wire 32 of the seat heater 30 provided in the seat back 14 is arranged to avoid the position of the human heart in order to position the biosensor 2 and improve the measurement accuracy of the biosensor 2. In other words, the heater wire 32 (22) that blocks the passage of electromagnetic waves is arranged inside the seat 10 so that there is a density difference, and the biosensor 2 is arranged in a place where the density of the heater wire 32 (22) is low. Note that the temperature is likely to be high in places where the density of the heater wire 32 (22) is high. In this embodiment, the biosensor 2 is disposed in correspondence with the position of the heart, but this is not limiting and may be disposed in any position suitable for measuring the state of blood flow.

[0043] The pulse wave velocity and the degree of arteriosclerosis can be calculated by a calculation program preinstalled in the operation control unit (or an external device such as a computer) using data related to the blood flow state in the popliteal artery and the thoracic aorta measured by the biosensors 1 and 2. Furthermore, the operation control unit can calculate the blood pressure (arterial pressure) of the person being measured based on the pulse wave velocity and the degree of arteriosclerosis.

[0044] As described above, the seat 10 in this embodiment is provided in a vehicle that can switch between automatic and manual driving. Therefore, in order to improve safety, the biosensors 1 and 2 may be used in combination with a camera (not shown) that captures an image of a person sitting in the seat 10. By using the biosensors 1 and 2 in combination with a camera, it is possible to determine whether a person who is seated but has not placed their hands on the steering wheel H is simply dozing off, as well as whether their health is deteriorating. Also, a microphone may be employed to collect the voice of the person sitting in the seat 10, and the biosensors 1 and 2 may be used in combination to confirm whether the person is conscious or not. That is, the person sitting in the seat 10 is prompted to speak, and if there is no response, it is determined that the person is unconscious.

[0045] According to the present embodiment as described above, the biosensors 1 and 2 are positioned on the sheet 10 at positions that avoid the components A1, A2, and A3 that constitute the sheet 10 and that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves. This makes it difficult for the components A1, A2, and A3 that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves to obstruct the irradiation of electromagnetic waves by the biosensors 1 and 2, making it easier to accurately detect bioinformation.

[0046] In addition, since the seat 10 is installed in a vehicle that can switch between automatic and manual driving, it is possible to detect the biological information of the driver sitting in the seat. This makes it possible to detect in advance, for example, a deterioration in the driver's health condition, thereby improving safety during automatic or manual driving.

[0047] Furthermore, the biosensor 2 is positioned on the sheet 10 at a position such that the irradiation center C of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the biosensor 2 avoids the member A2 that obstructs the passage of the electromagnetic wave, so that the biosensor 2 can detect bioinformation even while being affected by the member A2 that obstructs the passage of the electromagnetic wave.

[0048] Furthermore, the biosensor 1 is positioned on the sheet 10 at a position where no components are within the irradiation range R of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the biosensor 1, so that the biosensor 1 can detect bioinformation without being affected by components A1 and A3 that obstruct the passage of the electromagnetic waves.

[0049] Furthermore, the biosensor 1 is disposed on the sheet 10 at a position closer to the person than the member A3 that blocks the passage of electromagnetic waves, and is therefore less susceptible to the influence of the member A3 that blocks the passage of electromagnetic waves.

[0050] In addition, since the biosensors 1 and 2 are arranged at least in two places on the sheet and spaced apart from each other, it is possible to detect biometric information from at least two places on the human body, thereby improving the accuracy of calculating the human health condition from the detected biometric information.

[0051] In addition, since the biosensors 1 and 2 are provided on both the seat cushion 11 and the seat back 14, it is possible to detect biometric information on the upper and lower halves of a person's body. This improves the accuracy of calculating the person's health condition from the detected biometric information.

[0052] In addition, the biosensor 2 provided on the seat back 14 is positioned corresponding to the position of the human heart, so it can grasp the blood flow state of the thoracic aorta. Therefore, it is easier to detect bioinformation compared to, for example, detecting bioinformation using thin blood vessels with a low blood flow rate.

[0053] In addition, the biosensor 1 provided on the seat cushion 11 is positioned corresponding to the center of the left and right ischial bones in the person's buttocks, so that the biosensor 1 can be positioned at a position where it does not come into contact with the ischial bones, and comfort when sitting on the seat is not impaired.

[0054] In addition, the biosensor 1 provided on the seat cushion 11 is positioned corresponding to the position of the thigh, so it can grasp the blood flow state of the popliteal artery. Therefore, it is easier to detect bioinformation compared to, for example, detecting bioinformation using a thin blood vessel with a low blood flow rate.

[0055] [Modifications] The embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Modifications will be described below. The following modifications may be combined as far as possible.

[0056] [Variation 1] A seat 40 in this modified example has a built-in seat frame 41 as shown in Fig. 5. The seat frame 41 has a cushion frame 42 that constitutes a seat cushion, and a seat back frame 43 that constitutes a seat back. The cushion frame 42 and the seat back frame 43 are each provided with a cushion pad 42a, and are further covered with a cover 42b to form the seat 40.

[0057] The cushion frame 42 is configured in a frame-like shape in a plan view and includes a pair of side frames 44 that extend long in the front-to-rear direction and are spaced apart from each other on the left and right sides, a pan frame 45 made of sheet metal that connects the front ends of the pair of side frames 44, and a connecting pipe 46 made of a metal pipe that connects the rear ends of the pair of side frames 44. A seat spring 47 is installed between the pan frame 45 and the connecting pipe 46 .

[0058] The seat spring 47 is made up of four spring members 47A to 47D that extend longitudinally and are aligned laterally, and resin connecting members 48A to 48D that connect these spring members 47A to 47D to one another. Each of the spring members 47A-47D is made of a bent metal wire, and has a hook portion 47Aa-47Da formed at its rear end for hooking onto the connecting pipe 46. The spring members 47A-47D extend forward from the hook portion 47Aa-47D and are bent in a zigzag pattern to the left and right. The front end of each of the spring members 47A-47D is connected to the pan frame 45 as shown in Fig. 5, which prevents the spring members 47A-47D from shifting position.

[0059] The biosensor 1 is provided on the cushion frame 42. In this modification, the spring members 47A to 47D are members that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves, and the biosensor 1 is disposed at a position avoiding the spring members 47A to 47D. More specifically, the biosensor 1 is provided on the connecting members 48A to 48D as shown in Fig. 6. The position is a portion corresponding to the center of the left and right ischia in the buttocks of a person, or a portion corresponding to the position of the thighs. When provided to correspond to the position of the thighs, the biosensor 1 may be provided to correspond to the position of one thigh or to correspond to the positions of both thighs. The connecting members 48A-48D are positioned closer to the person than the spring members 47A-47D, and the biosensor 1 is provided on such connecting members 48A-48D, so that measurements made by the biosensor 1 are less susceptible to the influence of the spring members 47A-47D. The connecting members 48A-48D are provided to connect the spring members 47A-47D, but may be provided to connect the zigzag portions of the spring members 47A-47D bent in a zigzag shape, as in another connecting member 48E shown in Fig. 6. The other connecting member 48E has a portion that connects the adjacent spring members 47A, 47B and a portion that connects the zigzag portions of the spring member 47A, and is formed in a substantially L-shape in a plan view. The biosensor 1 can also be placed on such another connecting member 48E. The above-mentioned connecting members 48A to 48E are, in other words, mounting plates having plate-shaped portions, the upper surfaces of which serve as mounting surfaces for the biosensor 1. That is, in this modified example, the biosensor 1 is mounted on the connecting members 48A to 48E in this manner, but this is not limiting, and a plate-like body (that is, a mounting plate having a different form from the connecting members 48A to 48E) located below the cushion pad 42a and the upper surface of which serves as the mounting surface for the biosensor 1 may be used.

[0060] The biosensor 1 can be placed on each of the connecting members 48A to 48E, and a recess 420 capable of accommodating the biosensor 1 is formed in a portion of the cushion pad 42a of the sheet 40 above the portion where the biosensor 1 is placed. That is, the recess 420 is formed so as to be recessed in the lower surface of the cushion pad 42a, as shown in FIG.

[0061] Furthermore, as described above, the front ends of the spring members 47A-47D are connected to the pan frame 45, preventing misalignment of the spring members 47A-47D, and therefore, misalignment of the biosensor 1 provided on the connecting members 48A-48D that connect the spring members 47A-47D can also be suppressed.

[0062] The biosensor 1 may also be placed on the pan frame 45. As the pan frame 45 is made of sheet metal as described above, it is a member that blocks the passage of electromagnetic waves, and therefore it is preferable to place the biosensor 1 on its upper surface side. In other words, the biosensor 1 is placed at a position closer to the person than the member (pan frame 45) that blocks the passage of electromagnetic waves. When the biosensor 1 is placed on the upper surface of the pan frame 45, it may be placed on a flat area in the center of the pan frame 45, or on an inclined area on the peripheral side. 5, if an opening 45a is formed in the pan frame 45 and the biosensor 1 corresponds to the position of the opening 45a, the biosensor 1 may be disposed at a position farther from the person than the pan frame 45. By disposing the biosensor 1 in this manner, it becomes possible to irradiate electromagnetic waves toward the person through the opening 45a.

[0063] Further, the front ends of the pair of side frames 44 may be connected to each other using a frame material or pipe material (not shown) instead of the pan frame 45, and in this case, the front ends of the spring members 47A to 47D may be connected to the frame material or pipe material. The biosensor 1 may be arranged on the frame material or pipe material provided instead of the pan frame 45 in this way by using a clip member (not shown) or the like.

[0064] 7, the biosensor 1 may be embedded in a cushion pad 42a provided on the cushion frame 42. When the biosensor 1 is embedded in the cushion pad 42a, the cushion pad 42a itself may be formed with the biosensor 1 embedded therein by so-called insert molding. When the biosensor 1 is embedded in the cushion pad 42a, a recess (not shown) for accommodating the biosensor 1 may be formed in the cushion pad 42a to make it easier to install the biosensor 1.

[0065] Furthermore, when embedding the biosensor 1 in the cushion pad 42a, it is not limited to insert molding as described above, but it is preferable to be able to embed the biosensor 1 even after molding of the cushion pad 42a. That is, a form may be adopted in which a part of the cushion pad 42a (the removable part 422 in FIG. 7) is made removable, and a recess 421 for accommodating the biosensor 1 is formed at a position corresponding to the removable part 422. In other words, when the biosensor 1 is to be embedded in the cushion pad 42a, the removable portion 422 is removed, the biosensor 1 is placed in the recess 421, and the removable portion 422 is fitted back into place, thereby embedding the biosensor 1 in the cushion pad 42a. In this modified example, the detachable portion 422 is configured to be detachable from the lower surface side of the cushion pad 42a, but may be configured to be detachable from the upper surface side. In addition to the biosensor 1, a space is formed within the cushion pad 42a in which a harness (not shown) can be wired to electrically connect the biosensor 1 to an external device (e.g., a power generation element, a memory device, a control device, etc.).

[0066] 5, the seat back frame 43 includes a pair of side frames 43a that extend vertically and are spaced apart from each other, an upper frame 43b that is provided so as to span between the upper ends of the pair of side frames 43a, and a plate-shaped lower member 43c that is provided so as to span between the lower ends of the pair of side frames 43a. In addition, a seat spring 43d made of a plurality of spring members is provided between the upper frame 43b and the lower member 43c so as to span between the pair of side frames 43a. The seat spring 43d is made up of a plurality of spring members that extend left and right and are bent up and down in a zigzag pattern. The seat back frame 43 configured as above can also be provided with the biosensor 2 in the same manner as the cushion frame 42 described above. That is, the biosensor 2 may be provided on either one or both of the pair of side frames 43a. In that case, the biosensor 2 may be attached to the inner surface or the outer surface of the side frame 43a. The biosensor 2 may be provided on the front surface of the lower member 43c. When the lower member 43c is made of metal and the biosensor 2 is disposed on the rear surface side of the lower member 43c, an opening (not shown) is formed in the lower member 43c, and the biosensor 2 is disposed at a position corresponding to the opening. Furthermore, the biosensor 2 may be provided on the seat spring 43d. In this case, similarly to the cushion frame 42 side described above, the biosensor 2 may be disposed on a connecting member (not shown) that connects the spring members of the seat spring 43d, or, if there is a difference in density between the spring members, the biosensor 2 may be disposed in a portion of the spring members with a low density. Although not shown, a cushion pad is also provided on the front side of the seat back frame 43, and the biosensor 2 may be embedded in this cushion pad, similar to the cushion frame 42 side described above.

[0067] According to this modified example, the biosensor 1 is positioned on the sheet 40 at a position that avoids the components 47A-47D that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves among the components that constitute the sheet 40. This makes it difficult for the components 47A-47D that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves to obstruct the irradiation of electromagnetic waves by the biosensor 1, making it easier to detect bioinformation accurately. In addition, the biosensor 1 provided on the cushion frame 42 is disposed corresponding to the center of the left and right ischial bones of the person's buttocks, so that the biosensor 1 can be disposed at a position where it does not come into contact with the ischial bones, and comfort when sitting on the seat is not impaired. Furthermore, the biosensor 1 provided on the cushion frame 42 is disposed corresponding to the position of the thigh, so that the blood flow state of the popliteal artery can be grasped. Therefore, it is easier to detect bioinformation compared to, for example, detecting bioinformation using a thin blood vessel with a low blood flow rate. Furthermore, the biosensor 1(2) is disposed on a resin mounting plate (connecting members 48A-48E) that is attached so as to be positioned closer to a person than the members 47A-47D, 43d that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves. Therefore, even if the biosensor 1(2) is disposed near the members 47A-47D, 43d that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves, it is less susceptible to the influence of the members 47A-47D, 43d that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, the biosensors 1 and 2 are positioned in a position on the seat 40 farther from the person than the members (pan frame 45, lower member 43c) that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves, and corresponding to the position of the opening 45a formed in the members 45, 43c that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves. Therefore, even if the biosensors 1 and 2 are positioned in a position on the seat 40 farther from the person than the members 45, 43c that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves, they are less susceptible to the influence of the members 45, 43c that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves. In addition, the members 47A-47D, 43d that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves are arranged inside the sheet 40 so as to have a density difference, and the biosensors 1, 2 are arranged in locations where the density of the members 47A-47D, 43d that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves is low. Therefore, the biosensors 1, 2 are less susceptible to the influence of the members 47A-47D, 43d that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves compared to when the biosensors 1, 2 are arranged in locations where the density of the members 47A-47D, 43d that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves is high. Furthermore, the cushion pad 42a in the seat 40 is configured so that a portion of the cushion pad 42a (removable portion 422) is removable, and the cushion pad 42a has a recess 421 for accommodating the biosensor 1 at a position corresponding to the portion 422, so that space can be secured within the seat 40 to place the biosensor 1. Furthermore, since the cushion pad 42a in the seat 40 is formed with the biosensor 1 embedded therein, the installation work of the seat 40 can be performed with the biosensor 1 embedded in the cushion pad 42a, which is efficient.

[0068] [Modification 2] A seat 50 in this modified example has a built-in seat frame 51 as shown in Fig. 8. The seat frame 51 has a cushion frame 52 that constitutes a seat cushion, and a seat back frame 53 that constitutes a seat back. The cushion frame 52 and the seat back frame 53 are each provided with a cushion pad, and are further covered with a cover to form the seat 50.

[0069] The seat back frame 53 supports the lumbar support device LS, which is a pressure receiving member. The seat back frame 53 includes a pair of sheet metal frames 54 arranged spaced apart on the left and right, and a pipe frame 55 formed by bending a pipe material into a U-shape and connected to the upper ends of the pair of sheet metal frames 54. The seat back frame 53 has a lower frame 56 which serves as a connecting member and support that connects the lower parts of the sheet metal frames 54 together, and a bridging frame 57 which serves as a bridging member that connects the left and right sides of the pipe frame 55 together. The lower frame 56 is a member made of sheet metal having a cross-sectional shape with upper and lower edges extending slightly forward, and its left and right ends are fixed by welding to portions of the sheet metal frame 54 extending inwardly to the left and right.

[0070] The lumbar support device LS is a device that receives the force of the occupant leaning against the seat back and transmits it to the seat back frame 53, and also changes the shape of the part that comes into contact with the occupant's lower back to change the support state for the lower back according to the occupant's preference, and is attached to the seat back frame 53. The lumbar support device LS comprises a resin pressure plate 60 that receives the load from the occupant's back through a cushion member not shown, a support member 61 that supports the pressure plate 60 and changes the shape of the pressure plate 60, a lower hook portion 62 for fixing the lower part of the support member 61 (lumbar support device LS) to the lower frame 56, and a wire 63 for fixing the upper end part of the support member 61 to the bridge frame 57.

[0071] The biosensor 2 is provided for the lumbar support device LS. In this modification, the metal parts constituting the support member 61 are parts that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves, and the biosensor 2 is disposed at a position that avoids the metal parts constituting the support member 61. More specifically, the biosensor 2 is provided on a location other than the surface of the resin pressure-receiving plate 60 and the metal parts that make up the support member 61. The location of the biosensor 2 corresponds to the location of the human heart.

[0072] According to this modified example, the biosensor 2 is positioned on the sheet 50 at a position that avoids the components 61 that constitute the sheet 50 and that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves. This makes it difficult for the components 61 that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves to obstruct the irradiation of electromagnetic waves by the biosensor 2, making it easier to accurately detect bioinformation. In addition, the biosensor 2 provided on the lumbar support device LS on the seat back frame 53 side is positioned corresponding to the position of the human heart, so that it can grasp the blood flow state of the thoracic aorta. Therefore, it is easier to detect bioinformation compared to, for example, detecting bioinformation using thin blood vessels with a low blood flow rate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] A1 Materials that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves A2 Materials that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves A3 Materials that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves R Irradiation range C Irradiation center 1. Biometric sensor 2. Biometric Sensors 10 Sheets 11 Seat cushion 12 Cushion pad 12a groove 13 Epidermis 14 Seat back 15 Cushion pad 15a groove 16 Epidermis 17 Headrest 20 Seat heater 21 Base material 22 Heater wire 22a Front heater wire 22b central heater wire 22c Rear heater wire 23 Groove heater wire 30 Seat heater 31 Base material 32 Heater wire 32a Upper heater wire 32b central heater wire 32c Lower heater wire 33 Groove heater wire

Claims

1. A non-contact biosensor that detects a person's biometric information using electromagnetic waves is installed on the seat on which the person sits. The seat includes a seat frame serving as a skeleton, a cushion pad provided on the seat frame, a skin covering the seat frame and the cushion pad, and a pressure-receiving member supported by the seat frame, The pressure-receiving member includes a lumbar support, The vehicle seat, wherein the biosensor is provided in a resin member of the lumbar support so as to avoid metal parts.

2. 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the biosensor is provided at a position that avoids metal components that constitute a support member of the lumbar support.

3. 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the biosensor provided on the pressure-receiving member is disposed in correspondence with a position of a human heart.

4. 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the biosensor is provided between portions of the lumbar support that extend in the left-right direction.

5. 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the biosensor is provided above the lumbar support.

6. 6. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the biosensor is provided on a pressure receiving plate of the lumbar support on a side of the seated person.

7. 7. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the biosensor is provided on a support member of a pressure receiving plate on a seat occupant's side of the lumbar support.

Images