Vehicle seats
By positioning biosensors between cushion and cover materials in vehicle seats, the interference from decorative stitching is avoided, ensuring sensing performance and design flexibility, while maintaining close contact and optimal transmission path placement.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2021049235
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-09-30
- Filing Date
- 2021-03-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-21
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-03-23
AI Technical Summary
Vehicle seats with biosensors face interference from decorative stitching, affecting sensing performance and design flexibility.
Position biosensors between cushion and cover materials, with decorative stitching on the cover material, avoiding overlap with sensor detection portions, and arranging transmission paths and sensor insertion holes to ensure close contact and optimal sensing performance while maintaining design freedom.
Ensures close contact between the seat occupant and biosensor, maintains sensing performance, and allows for flexible decorative stitching and transmission path placement, preventing interference with skin grooves and elastic springs.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat provided with a biosensor between a cushion material and a cover material. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, vehicle seats have been known that have the function of measuring the driver's biometric information while the vehicle is being driven. For example, a seat is known that has the function of measuring the driver's heart rate using a biosensor that detects the driver's biosignals, and quickly alerting the driver if any abnormal changes in the heart rate occur (see Patent Document 1, specifically). In addition, a seat is known that uses a biosensor that detects the driver's seated posture to estimate the driver's physical condition, and controls the seat movement according to the estimation results to help the driver recover from fatigue (see Patent Document 2, specifically). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-123359 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-65504 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] Incidentally, some vehicle seats such as those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have decorative stitching formed on the surface of the vehicle seat (strictly speaking, on the surface of the upholstery material) in order to enhance the marketability (design) of the vehicle seat. In this case, if the biosensor (sensor detection portion) and the decorative stitching portion overlap in the thickness direction of the seat cushion, the contact between the driver and the biosensor may be impaired, which may affect the sensing performance of the biosensor. On the other hand, if the degree of freedom in the arrangement pattern of the decorative stitching portion is reduced, there is a risk that the design of the vehicle seat will be affected.
[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that can ensure close contact between the seated occupant and a biosensor. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat having a decorative portion (decorative stitching portion) formed on the surface, which can ensure the sensing performance of a biosensor and enhance the design. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The above problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which provides a vehicle seat including a cushion material, a cover material covering the cushion material, and a biosensor attached between the cushion material and the cover material and detecting the biosignals of a seated occupant, wherein the cover material has a decorative portion formed on the surface of the cover material on the seating surface of the vehicle seat, and the biosensor has a sensor detection portion that detects the biosignals of the seated occupant, and the sensor detection portion is positioned on the seating surface at a position that avoids the decorative portion. Furthermore, the above-mentioned problems are solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which provides a vehicle seat including a cushion material, a skin material covering the cushion material, and a biosensor attached between the cushion material and the skin material and detecting the biosignals of a seated occupant, wherein the skin material has a decorative portion formed on the surface of the skin material at a seating surface in a central portion in the seat width direction of the vehicle seat, and the biosensor has a sensor detection portion that detects the biosignals of the seated occupant at the seating surface in the central portion of the vehicle seat, and the sensor detection portion is positioned on the seating surface in the central portion of the vehicle seat at a position that avoids the decorative portion. The above configuration makes it possible to realize a vehicle seat that can ensure close contact between the seat occupant and the biosensor (sensor detection unit). Specifically, in a vehicle seat with a decorative portion formed on the surface, it is possible to ensure the sensing performance of the biosensor.
[0007] In this case, the decorative portion is a decorative stitch portion formed by partially sewing the upholstery material, and the decorative stitch portion preferably extends elongately in a predetermined direction on the seating surface. Preferably, a plurality of the decorative stitch portions are formed on the seating surface, each extending longitudinally in a predetermined direction, and the sensor detection portion is disposed between the plurality of decorative stitch portions. The above configuration ensures flexibility in the layout pattern of the decorative stitching, thereby ensuring the sensing performance of the biosensor and enhancing the design of a vehicle seat with decorative stitching formed on its surface.
[0008] In this case, it is preferable that a skin hanging groove for hanging an end of the skin material is formed on the surface of the cushion material, and that the plurality of sensor detection units and the plurality of decorative stitching units are arranged at positions that avoid the skin hanging groove. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the sensing performance of the biosensor from being affected by the relationship with the epidermis hanging groove. In addition, it is possible to avoid the pattern of the decorative stitching being affected by the relationship with the skin hanging groove.
[0009] In this case, the skin hanging grooves are arranged on the left and right sides in the seat width direction, each extending longitudinally in a direction intersecting the seat width direction, the plurality of decorative stitching portions are arranged between the left and right skin hanging grooves in the seat width direction, each extending longitudinally along the seat width direction, and the plurality of sensor detection portions are arranged between the left and right skin hanging grooves in the seat width direction, and are also arranged between the plurality of decorative stitching portions in a direction intersecting the seat width direction. With the above-described configuration, it is possible to ensure the sensing performance of the biosensor while avoiding interference with the epidermis hanging groove, and also to ensure a degree of freedom in the arrangement pattern of the decorative stitching portion.
[0010] At this time, a control device is provided that processes the biosignal detected by the biosensor, and the biosensor includes a transmission path for electrically connecting the sensor detection unit and the control device, and the transmission path is connected to the plurality of sensor detection units on the surface of the cushion material and extends across the decorative stitch portion. the sensor detection unit is attached to a front surface side of the cushion material, and the control device is attached to a rear surface side of the cushion material; the cushion material is provided at a position on the seating surface different from that of the sensor detection unit, and has a sensor insertion hole that penetrates the cushion material in a thickness direction and through which the transmission path is inserted; the transmission path connects the sensor detection unit and the control device while passing through the sensor insertion hole; the sensor insertion hole is disposed between the plurality of sensor detection units on the seating surface in a seat width direction or a direction intersecting the seat width direction, and is disposed at a position on the seating surface that overlaps with the decorative stitching portion. That's good. As described above, the transmission path may extend across the decorative stitch portion, unlike the sensor detection portion, without affecting sensing performance. Therefore, the above configuration ensures flexibility in the placement of the transmission path and the decorative stitch portion. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the transmission line for connecting the sensor detection unit and the control device can be arranged in a simple manner. Furthermore, as described above, the sensor insertion hole may be positioned so as to overlap the decorative stitch portion, unlike the sensor detection portion, without affecting sensing performance. Therefore, the above configuration ensures flexibility in the placement of the sensor insertion hole and the decorative stitch portion.
[0011] In this case, the sensor detection unit is attached to the front side of the cushion material, and the control device is attached to the back side of the cushion material, and the cushion material is provided at a position on the seating surface different from the sensor detection unit, and has a sensor insertion hole that penetrates the cushion material in the thickness direction and allows the transmission path to pass through, and the transmission path connects the sensor detection unit and the control device while passing through the sensor insertion hole. With the above configuration, the transmission line for connecting the sensor detection unit and the control device can be arranged in a simple manner.
[0012] In this case, the sensor insertion hole is preferably arranged between the plurality of sensor detection units in the seat width direction or in a direction intersecting the seat width direction on the seating surface, and is preferably arranged at a position on the seating surface that overlaps with the decorative stitching portion. As described above, the sensor insertion hole may be positioned so as to overlap the decorative stitch portion, unlike the sensor detection portion, without affecting sensing performance. Therefore, the above configuration ensures freedom in the placement of the sensor insertion hole and the decorative stitch portion.
[0013] In this case, the seat cushion is provided with a cushion material placed on a cushion frame serving as a skeleton and covered with the upholstery material, and the cushion frame has cushion side frames arranged on the left and right sides in the seat width direction, an erection frame erected in the front portions of the left and right cushion side frames, a connecting frame connecting the rear portions of the left and right cushion side frames, and a plurality of elastic springs hooked onto the erection frame and the connecting frame and extending in the front-to-rear direction of the seat, and the sensor insertion hole is preferably arranged between the plurality of elastic springs in the seat width direction, and the sensor detection unit is preferably arranged in a position overlapping the elastic springs in the vertical direction. The seat back may also include a back frame that serves as a skeleton, on which the cushion material is placed and which is then covered with the skin material, and the back frame may include back side frames that are arranged on the left and right sides in the seat width direction, a plurality of wire members that are hooked onto the left and right back side frames, respectively, and that extend in the seat width direction, and a support plate that is held by the plurality of wire members and supports the seat occupant, and the sensor detection unit may be arranged in a position that overlaps with the wire members and the support plate in the seat fore-and-aft direction. The above configuration can prevent the transmission line from interfering with the elastic spring, suppress deformation and misalignment of the transmission line, and ensure optimal sensing performance of the biosensor. [Effects of the Invention]
[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a vehicle seat that can ensure close contact between the seat occupant and the biosensor. Specifically, it is possible to ensure the sensing performance of the biosensor in a vehicle seat that has a decorative portion formed on the surface. Furthermore, the present invention allows for flexibility in the layout pattern of the decorative stitching, thereby ensuring the sensing performance of the biosensor and enhancing the design of a vehicle seat with decorative stitching. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to ensure the sensing performance of the biosensor while avoiding interference with the epidermis hanging groove, and also to ensure the degree of freedom in arranging the decorative stitching portion. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to ensure a degree of freedom in the layout of the transmission lines and the layout of the decorative stitch portions, and it is also possible to arrange the transmission lines in a simple manner. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to ensure a degree of freedom in the placement of the sensor insertion hole and the decorative stitch portion. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the transmission line from interfering with the elastic spring, thereby suppressing deformation and displacement of the transmission line, and also to ensure the sensing performance of the biosensor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view showing a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a seat frame that serves as a framework. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the seat cushion, illustrating the layout pattern of the sensors, transmission paths, and decorative stitching portions. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the seat back, illustrating the layout pattern of the sensors, transmission paths, and decorative stitching portions. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state of a seat frame, a cushioning material, a biosensor, and a transmission line. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a biosensor, a control device, and a power supply. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the seat cushion, illustrating a first modified example of the arrangement pattern of the biosensor and the decorative stitching portion. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the arrangement pattern of the biosensor and decorative stitch portion. [Figure 7C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the arrangement pattern of the biosensor and decorative stitch portion. [Figure 7D] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the arrangement pattern of the biosensor and decorative stitch portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the seat back, illustrating a fifth modified example of the arrangement pattern of the biosensor and the decorative stitching portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment relates to an invention of a vehicle seat that is mainly characterized by a vehicle seat equipped with a biosensor that is attached between a cushion material and a cover material and detects the biosignals of an occupant, wherein the cover material has a decorative portion (decorative stitching portion) formed on the surface of the cover material on the seating surface of the vehicle seat, the biosensor has a sensor detection portion that detects the biosignals of the occupant, and the sensor detection portion is positioned on the seating surface to avoid the decorative portion. The side of the vehicle seat where the occupant sits relative to the seat back is the front side of the seat.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle seat S of this embodiment is a vehicle seat, and is mainly composed of a seat body having a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2, and a headrest 3, sheet-like biosensors 30, 40 attached inside the seat body to detect electrical signals (biosignals) corresponding to the bioelectric potential of an occupant seated in the seat body, and a control device 50 that receives the biosignals detected by the biosensors 30, 40 and transmits the received biosignals to an external device (for example, a mobile terminal M owned by the occupant). Moreover, decorative stitching portions 60 are formed on the surfaces of the seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2, respectively.
[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the seat cushion 1 is a seating portion that supports a seated person from below, and is configured by placing a cushion material 1a on a cushion frame 10 shown in Figure 2, which serves as a skeleton, and covering it with a cover material 1b. The cushion material 1a is a pad member made of foamed urethane or the like, and is composed of a cushion center portion 1A located in the center of the seat width direction, and left and right cushion side portions 1B (side bolster portions) located outside the cushion center portion in the seat width direction. On the surface of the cushion material 1a, left and right skin hanging grooves 1aa are formed, which extend in the front-rear direction of the seat so as to separate the cushion center portion 1A from the left and right cushion side portions 1B. Furthermore, a sensor insertion hole 1ab for passing a part of the biosensor 30 is formed on the surface of the cushion material 1a between the left and right skin hanging grooves 1aa and penetrating the cushion material 1a in the thickness direction. In addition, a cushion recess corresponding to the outer shape of the biosensor 30 may be formed on the surface of the cushion material 1a in a portion facing the biosensor 30 in order to ensure a comfortable seating feeling.
[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the seat back 2 is a backrest portion that supports the back of a seated occupant from behind, and is configured by placing cushion material 2a on a back frame 20 shown in Figure 2, which serves as the skeleton, and covering it with a skin material 2b. The cushion material 2a is composed of a cushion center portion 2A located in the center portion in the seat width direction, and left and right cushion side portions 2B located on the outer sides in the seat width direction. On the surface of the cushion material 2a, left and right skin hanging grooves 2aa are formed, which extend in the vertical direction so as to separate the cushion center portion 2A from the left and right cushion side portions 2B.
[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the cushion frame 10 is a roughly rectangular frame-like body and is mainly composed of cushion side frames 11 arranged on the left and right sides, plate-shaped pan frames 12 (mounting frames) mounted on the front end portions of each cushion side frame 11, a rear connecting frame 13 connecting the rear portions of each cushion side frame 11, and a plurality of elastic springs 14 (elastic support members) hooked onto the pan frames 12 and the rear connecting frame 13 and extending in a snake-like shape in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat.
[0021] The cushion side frame 11 is a plate-shaped frame that is long in the front-rear direction of the seat. A reclining device 4 is attached to the rear portion of the cushion side frame 11, and a rail device 6 is attached to the lower portion thereof via a height link device 5.
[0022] The pan frame 12 is a frame that supports the thighs of a seated person and is made of a rectangular plate body, with both end portions in the seat width direction placed on and attached to the upper surfaces of the cushion side frames 11. The elastic springs 14 are elastic support members that support the buttocks of a seated occupant, and a plurality of elastic springs 14 are provided at predetermined intervals in the seat width direction. The elastic spring 14 is configured such that its front end portion is hooked onto the edge of a hook hole (not shown) formed on the top surface of the pan frame 12, and its rear end portion is hooked onto the rear connecting frame 13 via a hook member (not shown).
[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the back frame 20 is a roughly rectangular frame-like body and is mainly composed of back side frames 21 arranged on the left and right sides, an inverted U-shaped upper frame 22 connecting the upper end portions of each back side frame 21, a plate-shaped lower frame 23 connecting the lower end portions of each back side frame 21, a plurality of elastic wires 24 (wire members) hooked onto each back side frame 21 and extending in a snake-like shape in the seat width direction, and a support plate 25 held by the plurality of elastic wires 24 and supporting the seated occupant.
[0024] The back side frame 21 is a sheet metal member that extends in the vertical direction and has a substantially C-shaped cross section, and its lower end portion is connected to the rear end portion of the cushion side frame 11 via the reclining device 4. In the above configuration, the back frame 20 is capable of rotating relative to the cushion frame 10.
[0025] 1 and 3, the biosensor 30 is a sheet-shaped pressure sensor that detects the seating pressure applied to the seating surface of the seat cushion 1 when an occupant sits on the seat, and is attached between the cushion material 1a and the cover material 1b and is located in the center of the seat width direction. Specifically, it is located between the left and right cover hanging grooves 1aa in the seat width direction. 4, the biosensor 40 is a pressure sensor that detects the seating pressure applied to the seating surface of the seat back 2, and is attached between the cushion material 2a and the skin material 2b and is located in the center of the seat width direction. Specifically, it is located between the left and right skin hanging grooves 2aa in the seat width direction. Here, "seating pressure" refers to a value that periodically changes in response to the physiological activity of the seated person, specifically breathing, when the person is seated on the seat cushion 1, and is a target value that is detected by a pressure sensor.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the biosensor 30 is made up of a plurality of sensors, including a front biosensor 30a disposed in the center of the seat cushion 1 and a rear biosensor 30b disposed in the rear part of the seat cushion 1. The biosensors 30a and 30b are each disposed at a position corresponding to or near the hip point of a seated person, and each independently detects the seat pressure and outputs a detection signal based on the detected seat pressure.
[0027] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the biosensors 30a and 30b have a sensor detection unit 31 that detects the seating pressure of a seated person, and a transmission path (first transmission path 32, second transmission path 33) for outputting a detection signal when the sensor detection unit 31 detects the seating pressure. The sensor detection unit 31 is a pressure-sensitive switch that is adhered to a conductive sheet. The first transmission path 32 is formed by adhering a conductive wire serving as a transmission path onto a conductive sheet. The second transmission path 33 is composed of a first portion 33a in which conductive wires are bonded onto a conductive sheet, and a second portion 33b in which the conductive wires are bundled to form a wire harness. The second transmission path 33 passes through the sensor insertion hole 1ab in the cushion material 1a to connect the first transmission path 32 to the control device 50 that receives the detection signal.
[0028] The front biosensor 30a has a first sensor detector 31a, a second sensor detector 31b, a third sensor detector 31c, and a fourth sensor detector 31d. The first sensor detection unit 31a and the second sensor detection unit 31b are arranged at the same position (overlapping position) in the seat front-rear direction, and at different positions in the seat width direction. The third sensor detection unit 31c and the fourth sensor detection unit 31d are positioned rearward of the first sensor detection unit 31a (second sensor detection unit 31b), positioned at the same position (overlapping position) in the seat fore-and-aft direction, and positioned at different positions in the seat width direction.
[0029] In addition, the front biological sensor 30a has, as the first transmission path 32, a first portion 32a connecting the first sensor detection portion 31a and the second sensor detection portion 31b, a second portion 32b connecting the third sensor detection portion 31c and the fourth sensor detection portion 31d, and a third portion 32c connecting the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b and extending toward the sensor insertion hole 1ab. The first portion 32a and the second portion 32b extend in the seat width direction, and the third portion 32c extends in the seat front-rear direction.
[0030] The rear biological sensor 30b has a fifth sensor detection unit 31e and a sixth sensor detection unit 31f. The fifth sensor detection unit 31e and the sixth sensor detection unit 31f are arranged at the same position (overlapping position) in the seat front-rear direction, but at different positions in the seat width direction. In addition, the rear biological sensor 30b has, as the first transmission path 32, a fourth portion 32d connecting the fifth sensor detection portion 31e and the sixth sensor detection portion 31f, and a fifth portion 32e extending from the fourth portion 32d toward the sensor insertion hole 1ab. The fourth portion 32d extends along the seat width direction, and the fifth portion 32e extends along the seat front-rear direction.
[0031] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, the first portion 33a of the second transmission path 33 is continuous with the first transmission path 32, bends downward, and extends so as to pass through the sensor insertion hole 1ab. The second portion 33b of the second transmission path 34 continues from the first portion 33a, bends forward of the seat, and extends further toward the bottom surface of the pan frame 12, with its extending tip connected to the control device 50 via a connector.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the biosensor 40 is disposed from the center to the lower portion of the seat back 2, and includes a sensor detection unit 41 and transmission paths (a first transmission path 42 and a second transmission path 43). The first transmission path 42 is disposed on the surface of the cushion material 2a. The second transmission path 43 continues from the first transmission path 42 and extends toward the seat cushion 1. It passes below the cushion material 1a and the cushion frame 10, and its extending tip is connected to the control device 50 via a connector.
[0033] The biosensor 40 has a first sensor detection unit 41a, a second sensor detection unit 41b, a third sensor detection unit 41c, a fourth sensor detection unit 41d, a fifth sensor detection unit 41e, and a sixth sensor detection unit 41f. The first sensor detection portion 41a and the second sensor detection portion 41b are arranged at the same position (overlapping position) in the up-down direction, and at different positions in the sheet width direction. The third sensor detection unit 41c and the fourth sensor detection unit 41d are positioned lower than the first sensor detection unit 31a (second sensor detection unit 31b), are positioned at the same position (overlapping position) in the vertical direction, and are positioned at different positions in the sheet width direction. The fifth sensor detection unit 41e and the sixth sensor detection unit 41f are positioned lower than the third sensor detection unit 41c (fourth sensor detection unit 41d), are positioned at the same position (overlapping position) in the vertical direction, and are positioned at different positions in the sheet width direction.
[0034] The biosensor 40 also has, as the first transmission path 42, a first portion 42a connecting the first sensor detection unit 41a and the second sensor detection unit 41b, a second portion 42b connecting the third sensor detection unit 41c and the fourth sensor detection unit 41d, a third portion 42c connecting the fifth sensor detection unit 41e and the sixth sensor detection unit 41f, and a fourth portion 42d connecting the first portion 42a, the second portion 42b and the third portion 42c and extending downward.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the control device 50 processes the biosignals detected by the biosensors 30 and 40, and is attached to the bottom surface of the pan frame 12 via a holder (not shown). In detail, as shown in FIG. 6, the control device 50 has a communication unit 51 for receiving the biosignals detected by the biosensors 30 and 40 and wirelessly transmitting them to the outside, and a control unit 52 for performing processing to transmit the biosignals detected by the biosensors 30 and 40 to the communication unit 51.
[0036] The communication unit 51 uses wireless communication technology to connect to an external terminal, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a computer such as a PC, or an electric device, and transmits and receives electric signals (data signals). The control unit 52 corresponds to a microcomputer and performs overall electrical control. The control device 50 is supplied with power from a power source P mounted in the vehicle. The control device 50 may be installed inside the vehicle seat S or outside the vehicle seat S.
[0037] In the above configuration, for example, the control device 50 is connected to a publicly known heart rate measuring device (not shown) via a network, so that the heart rate measuring device can measure the heart rate of the occupant based on the occupant's breathing signals transmitted from the biosensors 30 and 40, and can quickly alert the occupant if any abnormalities occur in the changes in their heart rate. As for a specific method for calculating the heart rate based on a respiratory signal, a known calculation method (for example, the calculation method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-123359) can be used, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0038] In addition, the "type of biosensor" can be changed according to the occupant's needs, and the "output function" based on the biometric information detected by the biosensor can be changed. Specifically, in addition to a pressure sensor, a capacitance sensor, a temperature sensor, a sound sensor, a light sensor, an odor sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc. may also be used. In addition, the "output function" is expected to include measuring changes in the occupant's heart rate and alerting them to abnormal heart rates (drowsy state), measuring the occupant's sitting posture and controlling the seat movement to create relaxation modes or skeletal correction modes, and playing games or videos for the occupant based on the occupant's biometric information (e.g., electrocardiogram, blood pressure, body temperature, breathing, etc.). In this case, it is preferable that the biometric information obtained by the biometric sensor be used by a dedicated app downloaded to the seat occupant's mobile device M. In this way, the biometric information can be used to operate the dedicated app, and the biometric information can be stored in the dedicated app.
[0039] <Details of decorative stitching> The decorative stitch portion 60 is a decorative portion formed on the surface of the upholstery material 1b of the seat cushion 1 and the surface of the upholstery material 2b of the seat back 2, as shown in FIGS. More specifically, the decorative stitch portion 60 is a decorative stitch formed by partially sewing the upholstery materials 1b and 2b with thread.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the decorative stitch portion 60 has a first stitch portion 61, a second stitch portion 62, and a third stitch portion 63 on the seat cushion 1, and is arranged between the left and right skin hanging grooves 1aa in the seat width direction, and each extends longitudinally along the seat width direction on the seating surface. The first stitch portion 61 is disposed at a position further forward of the seat than the second stitch portion 62. The second stitch portion 62 is disposed at a position further forward of the seat than the third stitch portion 63. The stitched portions 61, 62, 63 are arranged between the left and right skin hanging grooves 1aa in the seat width direction.
[0041] The stitch portions 61, 62, and 63 are arranged in parallel. The third sensor detection unit 41c and the fourth sensor detection unit 41d are disposed at a central position between the first stitch unit 61 and the second stitch unit 62 which are disposed in parallel. The fifth sensor detection unit 41e and the sixth sensor detection unit 41f are disposed at positions shifted from the center position between the second stitch unit 62 and the third stitch unit 63 which are disposed in parallel.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the decorative stitch portion 60 has a fourth stitch portion 64, a fifth stitch portion 65, and a sixth stitch portion 66 on the seat back 2, and is arranged between the left and right skin hanging grooves 2aa in the seat width direction, and each extends longitudinally along the seat width direction on the seating surface.
[0043] In the above configuration, the sensor detection units 31 are arranged at different positions in the seat front-rear direction, as shown in Fig. 3. The third sensor detection unit 31c (fourth sensor detection unit 31d) is arranged between the first stitched portion 61 and the second stitched portion 62 in the seat front-rear direction. Therefore, the sensing performance of the biosensor 30 can be ensured.
[0044] In the above configuration, the transmission path (first transmission path 32) extends so as to straddle the decorative stitch portion 60 (61 to 63). This is because the first transmission path 32 does not affect sensing performance even when it straddles the decorative stitch portion 60, unlike the sensor detection portion 31. This ensures freedom in the placement of the first transmission path 32 and the decorative stitch portion 60.
[0045] In the above configuration, the sensor insertion holes 1ab are arranged on the seating surface of the seat cushion 1 between the plurality of sensor detection portions 31 in the seat width direction and the front-rear direction. Therefore, the sensing performance is not affected, and the transmission line for connecting the sensor detection unit 31 and the control device 50 can be arranged in a simple manner.
[0046] In the above configuration, the sensor insertion hole 1ab is disposed at a position on the seating surface of the seat cushion 1 that overlaps with the decorative stitch portion 60. This is because the sensor insertion hole 1ab does not affect sensing performance even if it is positioned so as to overlap the decorative stitch portion 60, unlike the sensor detection portion 31. This ensures freedom in the placement of the sensor insertion hole 1ab and the decorative stitch portion 60.
[0047] 5, in the above configuration, the sensor insertion hole 1ab is disposed between the multiple elastic springs 14 in the seat width direction. The sensor detection unit 31 is disposed at a position overlapping with the elastic springs 14 in the up-down direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the transmission path (second transmission path 33) from interfering with the elastic spring 14, and to suppress deformation and displacement of the second transmission path 33. Furthermore, it is possible to ensure the sensing performance of the biosensor 30 in a favorable manner.
[0048] 2 and 4, the sensor detection unit 41 is disposed at a position overlapping the elastic wire 24 and the support plate 25 in the seat front-rear direction. This ensures optimal sensing performance of the biosensor 40.
[0049] <Biosensor and decorative stitch placement pattern> Next, a modified example 1-5 of the layout pattern of the biosensor and decorative stitch portion will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7D and 8. FIG. It should be noted that the description of the same contents as those of the biosensors 30, 40 and decorative stitch section 60 will be omitted.
[0050] Modification 1 shown in FIG. 7A is an arrangement pattern of the biosensor 30 and the decorative stitch portion 60 in the seat cushion 1, and the position of the sensor insertion hole 1ab is different from that in FIG. That is, the sensor insertion hole 1ab is disposed at a position different from the sensor detection portion 31 and also at a position different from the decorative stitch portion 60. The sensor detection unit 31 is disposed adjacent to the decorative stitch unit 60 . The above-described configuration also ensures close contact between the seat occupant and the biosensor, and also allows for an improved design with decorative stitching.
[0051] Variant 2 shown in Figure 7B is an arrangement pattern of the biosensor 30 and decorative stitch portion 60 in the seat cushion 1, and compared to Figure 3, it does not have a sensor insertion hole 1ab, and the transmission path (first transmission path 32) extends behind the seat. That is, the biosensor 30 has, as the first transmission path 32, a first portion 32a connecting the first sensor detection portion 31a and the second sensor detection portion 31b, a second portion 32b connecting the third sensor detection portion 31c and the fourth sensor detection portion 31d, a third portion 32c connecting the fifth sensor detection portion 31e and the sixth sensor detection portion 31f, and a fourth portion 32d connecting the first portion 32a, the second portion 32b and the third portion 32c and extending toward the rear of the seat. The second transmission path 33 extends downward continuously from the first transmission path 32, and the extending portion bends in front of the seat and further extends toward the pan frame 12, and is connected to the control device 50.
[0052] Variant 3 shown in Figure 7C is an arrangement pattern of the biosensor 30 and decorative stitch portion 60 in the seat cushion 1, and compared to Figure 3, it does not have a sensor insertion hole 1ab, and the transmission paths (first transmission paths 32) each extend behind the seat. That is, the biosensor 30 is made up of four sensors, including left and right front biosensors 30a arranged in the center of the seat cushion 1 and left and right rear biosensors 30b arranged in the rear of the seat cushion 1. The four first transmission paths 32 each extend rearward of the seat. The second transmission path 33 extends downward with the four first transmission paths 32 bundled together, and the extending portion further extends toward the front of the seat and is connected to the control device 50.
[0053] Variation 4 shown in Fig. 7D is an arrangement pattern of the biosensor 30 and the decorative stitch portion 60 in the seat cushion 1, and is different from Fig. 3 in the position of the sensor insertion hole 1ab and in the pattern of the transmission path (first transmission path 32). In addition, the pattern of the decorative stitch portion 60 is different. That is, the biosensor 30 has a T-shaped front biosensor 30a disposed in the center of the seat cushion 1 and a substantially T-shaped rear biosensor 30b disposed in the rear part of the seat cushion 1. The sensor insertion hole 1ab is disposed between the front biosensor 30a and the rear biosensor 30b. In addition, in the decorative stitch portion 60, a third stitch portion 63 continues from the second stitch portion 62 and extends toward the rear of the seat. The second stitch portion 62 and the third stitch portion 63 are arranged so as to intersect with each other. The sensor detection unit 31 is arranged at a position away from the intersection of the second stitch portion 62 and the third stitch portion 63. The sensor detection unit 31 is also arranged between each of the stitch portions 61, 62, and 63.
[0054] Variation 5 shown in FIG. 8 is an arrangement pattern of the biosensor 40 and the decorative stitching portion 60 on the seat back 2, and the pattern of the decorative stitching portion 60 is different from that of FIG. That is, the decorative stitch portion 60 has a fourth stitch portion 64, a fifth stitch portion 65, and a sixth stitch portion 66, and the fourth stitch portion 64 extends downward continuously from the fifth stitch portion 65. In other words, the fourth stitch portion 64 extends in the vertical direction so as to overlap with the first transmission path 42.
[0055] Even with the configurations of the above-described modified examples 1 to 5, it is possible to ensure close contact between the seated person and the biosensor. Also, the decorative stitching 60 can enhance the design.
[0056] <Other Alternative Embodiments> In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the sensor detection unit 31 (31a to 31f) is arranged at a position on the seating surface of the seat cushion 1 that avoids the decorative stitching portion 60, but this can be changed without any particular limitation. For example, it is sufficient that at least one sensor detection unit 31 is positioned to avoid the decorative stitch portion 60, and the remaining sensor detection units 31 may be positioned to overlap the stitch portion.
[0057] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the upholstery material 1b (2b) has a decorative stitched portion 60 formed by partially stitching the surface of the upholstery material 1b (2b), but the decorative portion may be decorated by a method other than the stitched portion. Furthermore, the decorative stitch portion 60 (decorative portion) may have a curved or bent shape relative to the surface of the skin material 1b.
[0058] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat used in an automobile was described as a specific example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be used for various seats such as two-wheeled vehicle seats, vehicle seats for trains and buses, seats for vehicles such as airplanes and ships, as well as office chairs for work, wheelchairs, and child seats in shopping carts.
[0059] In this embodiment, the vehicle seat according to the present invention has been mainly described. However, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]
[0060] S Vehicle seat Sa seat frame 1 seat cushion 1A Center of cushion 1B Cushion side part 1a, 2a cushioning material 1aa, 2aa Skin hanging groove 1ab Sensor insertion hole 1b, 2b Skin material 2 seat backs 2A Center of cushion 2B Cushion side part 3 Headrest 4 Reclining device 5 Height link device 6 Rail device 10 Cushion Frame 11 Cushion side frame 12 Pan Frame 13 Rear connecting frame 14 Elastic spring (elastic support member) 20 Back Frame 21 Backside Frame 22 Upper frame 23 Lower frame 24 Elastic wire (wire material) 25 Support Plate 30 Biometric Sensor 30a Front biosensor (first biosensor) 30b Rear biosensor (second biosensor) 31 Sensor detection unit 31a to 31f First to sixth sensor detection units 32 First Transmission Line 32a~32e Parts 1~5 33 Second Transmission Line 33a Part 1 33b Part 2 40 Biometric Sensor 41 Sensor detection unit 41a to 41f First to sixth sensor detection units 42 First Transmission Line 42a~42d Parts 1~4 43 Second Transmission Line 50 Control device 51 Communications Department 52 Control section 60 Decorative stitching section (decorative section) 61~66 1st~6th stitch section M mobile device P power supply
Claims
1. A vehicle seat including a cushion material, a cover material covering the cushion material, and a biosensor attached between the cushion material and the cover material and configured to detect a biosignal of a seated occupant, the upholstery material has a decorative portion formed on a surface of the upholstery material in the seating surface of the vehicle seat, the biosensor has a sensor detection unit that detects a biosignal of the seated occupant, The vehicle seat is characterized in that the sensor detection portion is disposed at a position on the seating surface so as to avoid the decorative portion.
2. The decorative portion is a decorative stitch portion formed by partially sewing the skin material, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the decorative stitching portion extends elongately in a predetermined direction on the seating surface.
3. A vehicle seat including a cushion material, a cover material covering the cushion material, and a biosensor attached between the cushion material and the cover material and configured to detect a biosignal of a seated occupant, the upholstery material has a decorative portion formed on a surface of the upholstery material in a seating surface at a central portion in a seat width direction of the vehicle seat, the biosensor has a sensor detection unit that detects a biosignal of the seated occupant on a seating surface in the central portion of the vehicle seat, The vehicle seat, wherein the sensor detection unit is disposed on the seating surface in the central portion of the vehicle seat at a position that avoids the decorative portion.
4. The decorative portion is a decorative stitch portion formed by partially sewing the skin material, 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the decorative stitching portion extends elongately in a predetermined direction on the seating surface.
5. The decorative stitching portion is formed in a plurality on the seating surface, and each of the decorative stitching portions extends longitudinally in a predetermined direction.
5. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the sensor detection portion is disposed between a plurality of the decorative stitch portions.
6. a surface of the cushion material is formed with a skin hanging groove for hanging an end of the skin material; 6. The vehicle seat according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of sensor detection portions and the plurality of decorative stitching portions are arranged at positions that avoid the skin hanging groove.
7. The skin hanging grooves are arranged on the left and right sides in the seat width direction, and extend longitudinally in a direction intersecting the seat width direction, The decorative stitch portions are arranged between the left and right skin hanging grooves in the seat width direction, and each extends longitudinally along the seat width direction, The vehicle seat according to claim 6, characterized in that the plurality of sensor detection portions are arranged between the left and right skin hanging grooves in the seat width direction, and are arranged between the plurality of decorative stitching portions in a direction intersecting the seat width direction.
8. a control device that processes the biological signal detected by the biological sensor; the biosensor includes a transmission path for electrically connecting the sensor detection unit and the control device; the transmission path is connected to the plurality of sensor detection units on the surface of the cushion material and extends across the decorative stitch portion; the sensor detection unit is attached to the surface side of the cushion material, The control device is attached to the back surface side of the cushion material, the cushion material is provided at a position on the seating surface different from the sensor detection portion, and has a sensor insertion hole that penetrates the cushion material in a thickness direction and through which the transmission path is inserted, the transmission line connects the sensor detection unit and the control device while passing through the sensor insertion hole, 8. The vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein the sensor insertion hole is arranged between the plurality of sensor detection units in the seat width direction or in a direction intersecting the seat width direction on the seating surface, and is arranged at a position on the seating surface that overlaps with the decorative stitching portion.
9. a seat cushion configured by placing the cushion material on a cushion frame serving as a skeleton and covering the cushion with the skin material; The cushion frame includes cushion side frames disposed on the left and right sides in the seat width direction, an erection frame erected on front portions of the left and right cushion side frames, a connecting frame connecting rear portions of the left and right cushion side frames, and a plurality of elastic springs hooked to the erection frame and the connecting frame and extending in the seat front-rear direction, the sensor insertion hole is disposed between the plurality of elastic springs in the seat width direction, 9. The vehicle seat according to claim 8, wherein the sensor detection portion is disposed at a position overlapping the elastic spring in the vertical direction.
10. a seat back configured by placing the cushion material on a back frame serving as a skeleton and covering the cushion material with the skin material; The back frame includes back side frames disposed on the left and right sides in the seat width direction, a plurality of wire members hooked to the left and right back side frames, respectively, and extending in the seat width direction, and a support plate held by the plurality of wire members and supporting the seat occupant, 10. The vehicle seat according to claim 8, wherein the sensor detection portion is disposed at a position overlapping the wire member and the support plate in the front-rear direction of the seat.
Citation Information
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