Detection device, steering wheel, and method of manufacturing the detection device

Abstract

To enable positioning of an insulation material and electrodes.SOLUTION: A sensor 50A constituting a detection device 50 provided herein comprises a sheet-like foam 52 and a sheet-like cancel electrode 56 disposed behind the foam 52 and designed to be less stretchable than the foam 52. The sensor 50A of the detection device 50 further comprises a first positioning hole 60 and a second positioning hole 62 formed through the foam 52 and the cancel electrode 56 and designed to have a first positioning pin 94A and a second positioning pin 94B of a press machine 90 used in a later step inserted therein to position the foam 52 and the cancel electrode 56.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection device 、 Steering wheel and a method for manufacturing the detection device Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART It is known that vehicles such as automobiles are provided with a sensor that detects contact of a passenger's hand with the steering wheel (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a capacitance sensor includes a foamed foam sheet having a front surface and a back surface, and a capacitance-type sensor electrode disposed on the front surface of the foam sheet.

[0004] However, when positioning a foam sheet in a sensor such as a capacitance sensor, the foam sheet is prone to deformation, so there is a possibility that the foam sheet and the sensor electrode cannot be positioned properly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-18692 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In consideration of the above, the present invention provides a detection device capable of positioning an insulator and an electrode. 、 Steering wheel and a method for manufacturing the detection device The aim is to obtain [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A detection device of a first aspect of the present invention has a sheet-shaped insulator, a sheet-shaped electrode arranged on at least one side of the insulator and not extending beyond the insulator, and a positioning hole formed through the insulator and the electrode for positioning the insulator and the electrode, and is equipped with a detection unit that detects human contact with a contact object.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a detection device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the electrodes include a first electrode disposed on one side surface of the insulator and a second electrode disposed on the other side surface of the insulator, and the positioning hole is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode. Outside the outer edge of the plane is formed on the first electrode.

[0009] In a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the positioning hole is further provided with a first electrode. Outside the outer edge of the plane is formed on the second electrode.

[0010] A detection device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the detection device according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein the positioning holes are formed in two locations.

[0011] In a fifth aspect of the detection device of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the detection device of the present invention, one of the positioning holes is formed on one side of the electrode, and the other of the positioning holes is formed on the other side of the electrode.

[0012] A steering wheel of a sixth aspect of the present invention comprises a detection device of any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, a rim core around which the detection portion is wound, and a decorative member that covers the detection portion wound around the rim core. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] In the detection device of the first aspect of the present invention, the positioning hole is provided so as to penetrate the insulator and the electrode that does not extend beyond the insulator, so that the insulator and the electrode can be positioned by the positioning hole.

[0014] In the detection device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the second electrode Outside the outer edge of the plane By forming a positioning hole in the first electrode, a positioning hole is formed in a location where no second electrode is disposed, thereby making it possible to prevent a short circuit between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0015] In the detection device of the third aspect of the present invention, the first electrode Outside the outer edge of the plane By forming a positioning hole in the second electrode, the positioning hole is formed in a location where the first electrode is not disposed, thereby making it possible to prevent a short circuit between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0016] In the detection device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, by providing positioning holes in two locations, the insulator and the electrode are positioned by the electrode that does not extend beyond the insulator and the two positioning holes formed to penetrate the insulator, so that the insulator and the electrode can be positioned at more targeted positions.

[0017] In the detection device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, one positioning hole is formed on one side of the electrode and the other positioning hole is formed on the other side of the electrode, so that positioning holes are formed on both sides of the electrode, making it possible to position the insulator and the electrode at more targeted positions.

[0018] In the steering wheel of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the insulator and the electrode are positioned so that the insulator and the electrode are positioned in the correct positions to manufacture the desired detection unit. This allows the detection unit to be wrapped around the rim core metal in the desired position, resulting in a steering wheel with good operability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a steering wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the steering wheel according to the present embodiment, taken along line AA in FIG. 1. [Figure 3]1 is an exploded perspective view of a steering wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from diagonally forward right. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a development view of the detection device according to the present embodiment, seen from the front side. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the detection unit according to the present embodiment, showing the cross section taken along the line BB in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing process of the detection unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views showing a cutting step according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are development views showing components constituting the detection unit cut by the cutting process according to the present embodiment, where FIG. 8A is a view showing the sensor electrode, FIG. 8B is a view showing the cancel electrode, and FIG. 8C is a view showing the foam. [Figure 9] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the setting step and the heat-pressing step according to the present embodiment, showing the CC cross section of FIG. 4. [Figure 10] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a post-process according to the present embodiment, showing the CC cross section of FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The detection device and steering wheel according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a detection unit constituting the detection device 50 of the present invention is provided on the steering wheel 20 as a contact body of the vehicle 10 and configured as a capacitance sensor (hereinafter referred to as sensor) 50A that detects human contact.

[0021] In the drawings, the front side of the steering wheel 20 is indicated by an arrow FR, the right side of the steering wheel 20 is indicated by an arrow RH, and the upper side of the steering wheel 20 is indicated by an arrow UP. In the drawings, the thickness direction of the sensor 50A is indicated by an arrow D, the longitudinal direction of the sensor 50A is indicated by an arrow L, and the lateral direction of the sensor 50A is indicated by an arrow W.

[0022] [Steering wheel configuration] 1, a steering wheel 20 according to this embodiment is disposed behind an instrument panel 12 provided at the front of the cabin of a vehicle 10. The steering wheel 20 is disposed in a position where the front of the steering wheel 20 faces the rear of the vehicle, and the vehicle 10 is steered by a driver seated in the driver's seat operating the steering wheel 20.

[0023] The steering wheel 20 has a rim portion 40 formed in an annular shape, a boss portion 30 arranged radially inside the rim portion 40, and three spoke portions 32 connecting the rim portion 40 and the boss portion 30.

[0024] The rim portion 40 is formed in an annular shape when viewed from the front of the steering wheel 20, and is gripped by a driver seated in the driver's seat when steering the vehicle 10. The boss portion 30 is disposed in approximately the center of the steering wheel 20 when viewed from the front of the steering wheel 20. The spoke portions 32 are formed to extend rightward, leftward, and downward from the boss portion 30 toward the rim portion 40.

[0025] 1, the steering wheel 20 is provided with a metal core 24 as a frame member. The core 24 has a boss core 24A of the boss portion 30, spoke cores 24B of the spoke portions 32, and a rim core 24C of the rim portion 40.

[0026] 1 and 3, the boss core metal 24A is formed in a plate shape and is fixed to the tip of the steering shaft 22 connected to a steering mechanism (not shown). The boss core metal 24A forms the framework of the boss portion 30.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, the rim core metal 24C is formed in an annular shape when viewed from the front of the steering wheel 20. As shown in Fig. 2, the rim core metal 24C is formed in a substantially U-shape in a radial cross section of the rim core metal 24C (cross section AA in Fig. 1). The rim core metal 24C forms the framework of the rim portion 40.

[0028] 1, the spoke core 24B is formed in a plate shape and connects between the boss core 24A and the rim core 24C. The spoke core 24B forms the framework of the spoke portion 32.

[0029] A covering member 34 is attached to the boss core metal 24A and the spoke core metal 24B. The covering member 34 may be made of resin. The covering member 34 is formed to cover the front sides of the boss core metal 24A and the spoke core metal 24B.

[0030] The steering wheel 20 is supported by the steering shaft 22 so as to be rotatable together with the steering wheel 20. When a driver seated in the driver's seat grips the rim portion 40 and rotates the steering wheel 20 in the circumferential direction of the steering wheel 20, the steering shaft 22 is rotated and the vehicle 10 is steered.

[0031] (Rim part) As shown in FIG. 2, the rim portion 40 has a rim core metal 24C, an inner member 42, a sensor 50A, and a skin 44 as a decorative member.

[0032] The inner member 42 is made of a soft resin (for example, polyurethane) and is formed so as to cover the entire outer periphery of the rim core metal 24C. The inner member 42 is formed so as to cover the entire periphery of the rim core metal 24C in a radial cross section of the rim core metal 24C. The outer shape of the inner member 42 is formed to be approximately circular in a radial cross section of the rim core metal 24C.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sensor 50A is formed in a sheet shape and is wrapped around the inner member 42 from the outer periphery (outer periphery edge) to the inner periphery (inner periphery edge) of the inner member 42.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the skin 44 covers the entire outer periphery of the rim portion 40 so as to cover the sensor 50A.

[0035] [Sensor configuration] 3, sensors 50A are arranged on both the right and left sides of rim portion 40. Sensor 50A arranged on the right side of rim portion 40 and sensor 50A arranged on the left side of rim portion 40 have the same configuration except that they are formed symmetrically, so the following will only describe sensor 50A arranged on the right side of rim portion 40.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 4, the sensor 50A is formed in the shape of a long, substantially rectangular sheet. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the sensor 50A has a foam 52 as a first insulator (an example of an insulator), a cancel electrode 56 as a first electrode (an example of an electrode) arranged on the back surface side of the foam 52, a sensor electrode 54 as a second electrode (an example of an electrode) arranged on the front surface side of the foam 52, and a hot melt material 55 as a second insulator (an example of an insulator).

[0037] (foam) As shown in Figures 4, 5 and 8(c), the foam 52 is formed in the shape of a long, substantially rectangular sheet. The foam 52 can be an elastically stretchable foam (for example, foam rubber). The foam 52 has the property of being more stretchable than the cancel electrode 56 and the sensor electrode 54. The foam 52 is made of an electrically insulating material. The foam 52 electrically insulates the sensor electrode 54 and the cancel electrode 56.

[0038] The foam 52 is formed to a predetermined thickness (for example, about 1 mm) by slicing a foam-molded product (lump). The foam 52 has many bubbles formed therein.

[0039] <Protrusion> 4 and 8(c), a plurality of protrusions 52F that protrude outward in the in-plane direction can be formed on the periphery of the foam 52. As a result, when wrapping the sensor 50A around the inner member 42, the worker can pull the protrusions 52F to stretch the sensor 50A, making it easier to wrap the sensor 50A around the inner member 42.

[0040] <Extension part> As shown in Figures 4 and 8(c), the foam 52 has an extension portion 52A formed thereon that extends outward in the in-plane direction from the outer peripheral edge near one end of the foam 52 in the longitudinal direction L and near one end of the foam 52 in the lateral direction W. (sensor electrode) 4 and 5, the sensor electrode 54 is formed in the shape of a long, substantially rectangular sheet that is smaller than the foam 52, and is disposed on the surface side of the foam 52. The sensor electrode 54 is provided inward in the in-plane direction from the outer periphery of the foam 52. The sensor electrode 54 is provided inward in the in-plane direction from the outer periphery of the cancel electrode 56 in a portion excluding a first extending portion 54A, which will be described later.

[0041] The sensor electrode 54 may be a conductive cloth having a metal plating treatment applied to the surface of an extensible fiber fabric. The sensor electrode 54 may have a property of being less extensible than the foam 52. The sensor electrode 54 has a first extending portion 54A formed near one end of the sensor electrode 54 in the longitudinal direction L and extending outward in the in-plane direction from the outer edge near one end of the sensor electrode 54 in the lateral direction W.

[0042] (cancellation electrode) 4 and 5, the cancel electrode 56 is formed in the shape of a long, substantially rectangular sheet that is smaller than the foam 52 and larger than the sensor electrode, and is disposed on the back surface side of the foam 52. The cancel electrode 56 is provided inward in the in-plane direction from the outer periphery of the foam 52. The cancel electrode 56 is provided outward in the in-plane direction from the outer periphery of the sensor electrode 54, in a portion excluding the first extending portion 54A.

[0043] The cancel electrode 56 can be made of conductive fabric obtained by metal plating the surface of an extensible fiber fabric. The cancel electrode 56 can have a property of being less extensible than the foam 52. The cancel electrode 56 is formed with a second extending portion 56A that extends outward in the in-plane direction from the outer edge near one end of the cancel electrode 56 in the longitudinal direction L and near one end in the lateral direction W.

[0044] (hot melt body) 5, the hot melt body 55 is interposed between the sensor electrode 54 and the foam body 52, and between the cancel electrode 56 and the foam body 52. ​​The hot melt body 55 is made of an electrically insulating hot melt.

[0045] (Terminal) 4, a first metal terminal is provided on the first extension portion 54A of the sensor electrode 54. This first terminal is formed by riveting and crimping the first extension portion 54A of the sensor electrode 54 and the extension portion 52A of the foam 52 in a state where they are attached together. This first terminal constitutes a third positioning hole 64, which will be described later. This first terminal is electrically connected to the control device 58 (ECU).

[0046] A metal second terminal is provided on the second extension portion 56A of the cancel electrode 56. This second terminal is formed by riveting and caulking the second extension portion 56A of the cancel electrode 56 and the extension portion 52A of the foam 52 in a state where they are attached together. This second terminal constitutes a first positioning hole 60, which will be described later. This second terminal is electrically connected to a control device 58 (ECU). The sensor 50A and the control device 58 constitute the detection device 50. The control device 58 may be provided on the steering wheel 20 or on another component.

[0047] [Positioning hole configuration] As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor 50A has a first positioning hole 60 as a positioning hole, a second positioning hole 62 as a positioning hole, a third positioning hole 64 as a positioning hole, a fourth positioning hole 66, and a fifth positioning hole 68.

[0048] (First positioning hole) As shown in Figures 4, 8(b), and 8(c), the first positioning hole 60 is formed near one end of the cancel electrode 56 and the foam 52 in the longitudinal direction L and near one end in the short direction W. The first positioning hole 60 is formed near a corner of the cancel electrode 56 and the foam 52, which are formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular long sheet. The first positioning hole 60 is provided outside the outer edge of the sensor electrode 54 in the in-plane direction.

[0049] The first positioning hole 60 is composed of a first cancellation electrode through hole 56B as an electrode through hole provided in the cancellation electrode 56, and a first foam through hole 52B as an insulator through hole provided in the foam 52.

[0050] The first cancel electrode through-hole 56B is formed in the second extending portion 56A as a through-hole that penetrates in the thickness direction of the cancel electrode 56. The first cancel electrode through-hole 56B can be a circular through-hole with a predetermined diameter (for example, about 3 mm).

[0051] The first foam through-hole 52B is formed in the extension portion 52A as a through-hole that penetrates the foam 52 in the thickness direction. The first foam through-hole 52B can be a circular through-hole of the same size as the first cancellation electrode through-hole 56B. The first foam through-hole 52B is formed as a through-hole that connects to the first cancellation electrode through-hole 56B. The first foam through-hole 52B is formed at the same position as the first cancellation electrode through-hole 56B in the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction W.

[0052] (Second positioning hole) 4, 8(b), and 8(c), the second positioning hole 62 is formed near the other end of the cancel electrode 56 and the foam 52 in the longitudinal direction L and near the other end in the short direction W. The second positioning hole 62 is formed near a corner of the cancel electrode 56 and the foam 52, which are formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular long sheet, that is diagonal to the corner where the first positioning hole 60 is formed. The second positioning hole 62 is provided outward in the in-plane direction from the outer edge of the sensor electrode 54.

[0053] The second positioning hole 62 is composed of a second cancel electrode through hole 56C as an electrode through hole provided in the cancel electrode 56, and a second foam through hole 52C as an insulator through hole provided in the foam 52.

[0054] The second cancel electrode through-hole 56C is formed as a through-hole that penetrates in the thickness direction of the cancel electrode 56. The second cancel electrode through-hole 56C can be a circular through-hole with a predetermined diameter (for example, about 3 mm).

[0055] The second foam through-hole 52C is formed as a through-hole that penetrates the foam 52 in the thickness direction. The second foam through-hole 52C can be a circular through-hole of the same size as the second cancellation electrode through-hole 56C. The second cancellation electrode through-hole 56C and the second foam through-hole 52C can also be elongated (elliptical) through-holes. The second foam through-hole 52C is formed as a through-hole that connects to the second cancellation electrode through-hole 56C. The second foam through-hole 52C is formed at the same position as the second cancellation electrode through-hole 56C in the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction W.

[0056] (Third positioning hole) 4, 8(a), and 8(c), the third positioning hole 64 is formed near one end of the sensor electrode 54 and the foam 52 in the longitudinal direction L and near one end of the sensor electrode 54 and the foam 52 in the short direction W. The third positioning hole 64 is formed near a corner of the sensor electrode 54 and the foam 52, which are formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular long sheet. The third positioning hole 64 is provided outside the outer edge of the cancel electrode 56 in the in-plane direction.

[0057] The third positioning hole 64 is composed of a first sensor electrode through-hole 54B provided in the sensor electrode 54 and a third foam through-hole 52D provided in the foam 52.

[0058] The first sensor electrode through-hole 54B is formed in the first extending portion 54A as a through-hole that penetrates in the thickness direction of the sensor electrode 54. The first sensor electrode through-hole 54B can be a circular through-hole with a predetermined diameter (for example, about 3 mm).

[0059] The third foam through-hole 52D is formed in the extension portion 52A as a through-hole that penetrates the foam 52 in the thickness direction. The third foam through-hole 52D can be a circular through-hole of the same size as the first sensor electrode through-hole 54B. The third foam through-hole 52D is formed as a through-hole that connects to the first sensor electrode through-hole 54B. The third foam through-hole 52D is formed at the same position as the first sensor electrode through-hole 54B in the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction W.

[0060] (Fourth positioning hole) 4 and 8(a), the fourth positioning hole 66 is formed on one end side of the second positioning hole 62 in the longitudinal direction L and near the other end in the short direction W. The fourth positioning hole 66 can be provided near the center in the longitudinal direction L of the sensor electrode 54, which is formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular long sheet. The fourth positioning hole 66 is provided near the outer edge of the sensor electrode 54.

[0061] The fourth positioning hole 66 is formed by a second sensor electrode through-hole 54C provided in the sensor electrode 54.

[0062] The second sensor electrode through-hole 54C is formed as a through-hole that penetrates the sensor electrode 54 in the thickness direction. The second sensor electrode through-hole 54C can be a circular through-hole with a predetermined diameter (for example, about 3 mm). The second sensor electrode through-hole 54C can also be an elongated (elliptical) through-hole.

[0063] (Fifth positioning hole) 4 and 8(c), the fifth positioning hole 68 is formed on one end side of the second positioning hole 62 in the longitudinal direction L and near one end in the lateral direction W. The fifth positioning hole 68 is provided near the outer edge of the foam 52.

[0064] The fifth positioning hole 68 is formed by a fourth foam-member through-hole 52E provided in the foam member 52.

[0065] The fourth foam through-hole 52E is formed as a through-hole that penetrates the foam 52 in the thickness direction. The fourth foam through-hole 52E can be a circular through-hole with a predetermined diameter (for example, about 3 mm). The fourth foam through-hole 52E can also be an elongated (elliptical) through-hole.

[0066] [Sensor manufacturing method] As shown in FIG. 6, the sensor 50A is manufactured through a laminating process (step S101), a cutting process (step S102), a setting process (step S103), a heating and pressing process (step S104), and a post-process (step S105).

[0067] (Lamination process) In the laminating process (step S101), as shown in FIG. 7, a rectangular, long sheet-like hot melt sheet 155 that forms the hot melt body 55 is attached to one side of a rectangular, long sheet-like sensor electrode sheet 154 that forms the sensor electrode 54.

[0068] In addition, a rectangular, long sheet-like hot melt sheet 155 that forms the hot melt body 55 is attached to one side of a rectangular, long sheet-like cancel electrode sheet (not shown) that forms the cancel electrode 56 on one side thereof.

[0069] (Cutting process) 7, in the cutting process (step S102), the sensor electrode sheet 154 to which the hot melt sheet 155 is attached is set in a press machine 70 consisting of an upper die 72 and a lower die 75 each having a cutting blade 72A, and a shearing process is performed to form a sensor electrode 54 to which the hot melt sheet 155 is attached in a desired shape. In addition, a punching process is performed to form a first sensor electrode through-hole 54B and a second sensor electrode through-hole 54C in the sensor electrode 54 to which the hot melt sheet 155 is attached.

[0070] Similarly, the cancel electrode sheet to which the hot melt sheet 155 is attached is set in the press machine 70, and a cancel electrode 56 of a desired shape to which the hot melt sheet 155 is attached is formed by shearing. Furthermore, a first cancel electrode through-hole 56B and a second cancel electrode through-hole 56C are formed in the cancel electrode 56 to which the hot melt sheet 155 is attached by punching.

[0071] Similarly, a rectangular, long foam sheet 152 (see FIG. 8(c)) is set in a press machine 70, and a foam 52 having a desired shape is formed by shearing. Furthermore, a first foam through-hole 52B, a second foam through-hole 52C, a third foam through-hole 52D, and a fourth foam through-hole 52E are formed in the foam 52 by punching.

[0072] (Setting process) In the setting process (step S103), as shown in FIG. 9, the sensor electrode 54 with the attached hot melt sheet 155 facing upward, the foam 52, and the cancel electrode 56 with the attached hot melt sheet 155 facing downward are stacked in this order and set in a heating and pressing machine 80 consisting of an upper mold 82 and a lower mold 84.

[0073] The lower mold 84 has a first positioning pin 84A to be inserted into the first positioning hole 60, a second positioning pin 84B to be inserted into the second positioning hole 62, a third positioning pin 84C to be inserted into the third positioning hole 64, and a fourth positioning pin 84D to be inserted into the fourth positioning hole 66. The lower mold 84 may have a fifth positioning pin (not shown) to be inserted into the fifth positioning hole 68.

[0074] The upper mold 82 has a first insertion hole 82A into which the first positioning pin 84A is inserted, a second insertion hole 82B into which the second positioning pin 84B is inserted, and a third insertion hole 82C into which the third positioning pin 84C is inserted. The upper mold 82 may have a fifth insertion hole (not shown) into which a fifth positioning pin (not shown) is inserted.

[0075] When setting the sensor electrode 54, foam 52, and cancel electrode 56 in the heating and pressing machine 80, the first positioning pin 84A is inserted into the first positioning hole 60, the second positioning pin 84B is inserted into the second positioning hole 62, the third positioning pin 84C is inserted into the third positioning hole 64, and the fourth positioning pin 84D is inserted into the fourth positioning hole 66, thereby positioning the sensor electrode 54, foam 52, and cancel electrode 56 with respect to the heating and pressing machine 80. A fifth positioning pin (not shown) may be inserted into the fifth positioning hole 68.

[0076] (heating and pressing process) In the heating and pressing step (step S104), the laminate set in the setting step (step S103) is heated to melt the hot melt sheet 155, and the laminate is pressed in the thickness direction to manufacture the sensor 50A. The temperature to which the heating and pressing machine 80 heats the laminate is set to a temperature at which the hot melt sheet 155 melts.

[0077] (post-process) In the post-process (step S105), as shown in FIG. 10, the sensor 50A manufactured in the heating and pressing process (step S104) is set in a press machine 90, which is a device used in the post-process and is composed of an upper mold 92 and a lower mold 94 each having a cutting blade 92A.

[0078] The lower mold 94 has a first positioning pin 94A as a positioning pin to be inserted into the first positioning hole 60 and a second positioning pin 94B as a positioning pin to be inserted into the second positioning hole 62 .

[0079] The upper mold 82 has a first insertion hole 92B into which the first positioning pin 94A is inserted, and a second insertion hole 92C into which the second positioning pin 94B is inserted.

[0080] When setting the sensor 50A in the press machine 90, the first positioning pin 94A is inserted into the first positioning hole 60, and the second positioning pin 94B is inserted into the second positioning hole 62, thereby positioning the sensor 50A relative to the press machine 90. Note that the sensor 50A may also be positioned relative to the press machine 90 using the first positioning hole 60, the second positioning hole 62, and the third positioning hole 64.

[0081] Then, with the sensor 50A positioned relative to the press machine 90, the upper die 92 is lowered relative to the lower die 94, and the sensor 50A is sheared by the cutting blade 92A, thereby forming the sensor 50A in a desired shape.

[0082] [Operation of this embodiment] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0083] In the steering wheel 20 configured as described above, when an occupant grips the rim portion 40 of the steering wheel 20 and the occupant's hand comes into contact with the surface 44, the control device 58 detects the capacitance generated between the occupant's hand and the sensor electrode 54, and detects the occupant's grip of the rim portion 40 (the occupant's hand touching the surface 44). The control device 58 also controls the sensor electrode 54 and the cancel electrode 56 to have the same potential. This limits the generation of parasitic capacitance between the sensor electrode 54 and the rim core metal 24C. This prevents the capacitance generated between the occupant's hand and the sensor electrode 54 from changing due to the parasitic capacitance between the sensor electrode 54 and the rim core metal 24C, and prevents a decrease in the accuracy of detecting the occupant's grip of the rim portion 40.

[0084] The sensor 50A constituting the detection device 50 of this embodiment has a sheet-like foam 52, a sheet-like cancel electrode 56 that is arranged on the back side of the foam 52 and does not stretch beyond the foam 52, and a first positioning hole 60 and a second positioning hole 62 that are formed to penetrate the foam 52 and the cancel electrode 56 and into which a first positioning pin 94A and a second positioning pin 94B of a press processing machine 90 used in a subsequent process are inserted to position the foam 52 and the cancel electrode 56.

[0085] By providing the first positioning hole 60 and the second positioning hole 62 so as to penetrate the foam 52 and the cancel electrode 56, which does not extend beyond the foam 52, the first positioning pin 94A and the second positioning pin 94B of the press machine 90 used in a subsequent process are inserted into the first positioning hole 60 and the second positioning hole 62, thereby positioning the foam 52 and the cancel electrode 56. Therefore, the foam 52 and the cancel electrode 56 can be positioned at target positions with respect to the press machine 90 used in a subsequent process. As a result, the sensor 50A can be positioned with high precision.

[0086] Furthermore, because the first positioning hole 60 and the second positioning hole 62 are provided so as to penetrate the foam 52 and the cancel electrode 56, the lengths of the first positioning hole 60 and the second positioning hole 62 in the thickness direction of the sensor 50A are increased. As a result, the sensor 50A with the first positioning pin 94A and the second positioning pin 94B inserted therein is less likely to come off the first positioning pin 94A and the second positioning pin 94B. This improves the workability of subsequent processes.

[0087] The sensor 50A constituting the detection device 50 of this embodiment has a sheet-shaped sensor electrode 54 arranged on the surface side of the foam 52, and the first positioning hole 60 and the second positioning hole 62 are formed outside the sensor electrode 54.

[0088] However, if a through-hole that penetrates the cancel electrode 56 and the sensor electrode 54 is formed in the sensor 50A, there is a possibility that a short circuit will occur between the cancel electrode 56 and the sensor electrode 54 via this through-hole.

[0089] In this embodiment, the first positioning hole 60 and the second positioning hole 62 are formed outside the sensor electrode 54, so that the first positioning hole 60 and the second positioning hole 62 are formed in a location where the sensor electrode 54 is not located. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cancel electrode 56 and the sensor electrode 54 from shorting out.

[0090] Furthermore, by forming the first positioning hole 60 and the second positioning hole 62 outside the sensor electrode 54, the first positioning hole 60 and the second positioning hole 62 are formed in a location that has little effect on the detection of human contact, so the detection accuracy of the detection device 50 can be maintained.

[0091] In the sensor 50A constituting the detection device 50 of this embodiment, the third positioning hole 64 is formed outside the cancel electrode 56.

[0092] By forming the third positioning hole 64 outside the cancel electrode 56, the third positioning hole 64 is formed in a location where the cancel electrode 56 is not located. As a result, it is possible to prevent a short circuit between the cancel electrode 56 and the sensor electrode 54. Furthermore, the sensor 50A can be positioned with respect to the press machine 90 used in a subsequent process by the first positioning hole 60, the second positioning hole 62, and the third positioning hole 64. Therefore, it is possible to position the foam 52 and the cancel electrode 56 at more targeted positions. As a result, it is possible to position the sensor 50A with greater precision.

[0093] In the sensor 50A constituting the detection device 50 of this embodiment, positioning holes are formed in two locations.

[0094] By providing positioning holes in two locations (first positioning hole 60 and second positioning hole 62), the first positioning pin 94A and second positioning pin 94B are inserted into the cancel electrode 56, which does not extend beyond the foam 52, and the first positioning hole 60 and second positioning hole 62, which are formed to penetrate the foam 52, thereby positioning the foam 52 and the cancel electrode 56. This makes it possible to position the foam 52 and the cancel electrode 56 at more targeted positions relative to the press machine 90 used in a subsequent process. As a result, the sensor 50A can be positioned with greater precision.

[0095] In the sensor 50A constituting the detection device 50 of this embodiment, one first positioning hole 60 is formed at one end of the cancel electrode 56, and the other second positioning hole 62 is formed at the other end of the cancel electrode 56.

[0096] A first positioning hole 60 is formed at one end of the cancel electrode 56, and a second positioning hole 62 is formed at the other end of the cancel electrode 56, thereby forming positioning holes at both ends of the cancel electrode 56. This allows the sensor 50A to be positioned with high precision.

[0097] Furthermore, by forming the first positioning hole 60 and the second positioning hole 62 at both ends of the cancel electrode 56, the positioning holes are formed in places that have little effect on the detection of human contact, and therefore the detection accuracy of the detection device 50 can be maintained.

[0098] The steering wheel 20 of this embodiment includes a detection device 50, a rim core metal 24C around which a sensor 50A is wound, and a cover 44 that covers the sensor 50A wound around the rim core metal 24C.

[0099] When the detection device 50 is provided on the steering wheel 20, the sensor 50A is attached by being wrapped around the rim core metal 24C. In such a case, it is necessary to prevent the sensor 50A wrapped around the rim core metal 24C from wrinkling or overlapping, so as not to affect the operation of the steering wheel 20. For this reason, it is necessary to position the sensor 50A, cut the outer shape of the sensor 50A to an accurate size, and inspect it.

[0100] In the steering wheel 20 of this embodiment, the above-mentioned sensor 50A is positioned in the correct position relative to the press machine 90 used in a subsequent process by inserting the first positioning pin 94A and the second positioning pin 94B of the press machine 90 used in a subsequent process into the first positioning hole 60 and the second positioning hole 62 to position the foam 52 and the cancel electrode 56. Therefore, the sensor 50A is cut to the desired outer shape in a subsequent process. As a result, when the sensor 50A is wrapped around the rim core metal 24C, the occurrence of wrinkles and overlaps is suppressed, and the operability of the steering wheel 20 can be maintained.

[0101] The detection device and steering wheel of the present invention have been described above based on the above embodiment. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention according to the claims.

[0102] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the cancel electrode 56 was arranged on the back side of the foam 52, and the sensor electrode 54 was arranged on the front side of the foam 52. However, the electrodes may be arranged on only one side of the foam.

[0103] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the sensor 50A is provided with the first positioning hole 60 and the second positioning hole 62 as positioning holes into which the positioning pins of a device used in a subsequent process are inserted. However, the sensor may be provided with one positioning hole or three or more positioning holes as positioning holes into which the positioning pins of a device used in a subsequent process are inserted.

[0104] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the insulator was the foam 52. However, the insulator is not limited to this form, and may be any insulator as long as it has electrical insulating properties.

[0105] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the hot melt material 55 is interposed between the sensor electrode 54 and the foam 52, and between the cancel electrode 56 and the foam 52. However, an adhesive material (for example, double-sided tape) may be interposed between the sensor electrode and the foam, and between the cancel electrode and the foam.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the cancel electrode 56 and the sensor electrode 54 are made of conductive cloth. However, the cancel electrode and the sensor electrode are not limited to this.

[0107] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the first electrode was the cancel electrode 56 and the second electrode was the sensor electrode 54. However, the first electrode may be the sensor electrode and the second electrode may be the cancel electrode.

[0108] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the device used in the post-process is the press machine 90 that shears the sensor 50A. However, the device used in the post-process is not limited to this, and may also be a processing device that post-processes the sensor 50A or a jig device that inspects the sensor 50A.

[0109] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the first positioning hole 60 and the second positioning hole 62 are used for positioning in a later process. However, the first positioning hole 60 and the second positioning hole 62 may be used for positioning in a process other than the later process. Furthermore, the third positioning hole 64 and the second positioning hole 62 may be used for positioning in a later process. Furthermore, the first positioning hole 60, the second positioning hole 62, and the third positioning hole 64 may be used for positioning in a later process.

[0110] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which one third positioning hole 64 is formed as a positioning hole that penetrates the sensor electrode 54 and the foam 52. However, two or more positioning holes that penetrate the sensor electrode 54 and the foam 52 may be formed.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the detecting unit constituting the detecting device of the present invention is an electrostatic capacitance sensor. However, the detecting unit constituting the detecting device of the present invention can be applied to a sensor in which an electrode is disposed on at least one side of an insulator.

[0112] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the detection unit constituting the detection device of the present invention was provided on the rim portion 40 of the steering wheel 20. However, the detection unit constituting the detection device of the present invention may be provided on a component other than the steering wheel 20 (for example, an instrument panel). [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 20... steering wheel (an example of a contact member), 24C... rim core metal, 44... skin (an example of a decorative member), 50... detection device, 50A... sensor (an example of a detection unit), 54... sensor electrode (an example of a second electrode), 52... foam (an example of an insulator), 56... cancel electrode (an example of an electrode, a first electrode), 60... first positioning hole (an example of a positioning hole), 62... second positioning hole (an example of a positioning hole), 64... third positioning hole 64 (an example of a positioning hole), 94A... first positioning pin (an example of a positioning pin), 94B... second positioning pin (an example of a positioning pin).

Claims

1. a sheet-like insulator; a sheet-like electrode disposed on at least one side of the insulator and not extending beyond the insulator; a positioning hole formed through the insulator and the electrode, the positioning hole positioning the insulator and the electrode; a detection unit that detects contact of a person with a contact object; the electrodes include a first electrode disposed on one side surface of the insulator and a second electrode disposed on the other side surface of the insulator; The positioning holes are formed in the first electrode on the outer side of the outer edge of the second electrode in the in-plane direction and in the second electrode on the outer side of the outer edge of the first electrode in the in-plane direction. Detection device.

2. The positioning holes are formed at two locations. The detection device according to claim 1 .

3. One of the positioning holes is formed on one side of the electrode, The other positioning hole is formed on the other side of the electrode. The detection device according to claim 2 .

4. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a rim core around which the detection portion is wound; a decorative member that covers the detection portion and is wound around the rim core metal; A steering wheel comprising:

5. a sheet-like insulator; a sheet-like electrode disposed on at least one side of the insulator and not extending beyond the insulator; a detection unit that detects contact of a person with a contact object; In a method for manufacturing a detection device, the electrodes include a first electrode disposed on one side surface of the insulator and a second electrode disposed on the other side surface of the insulator, positioning holes are formed through the first electrode on the outer side of the insulator and the outer edges of the second electrode in the in-plane direction and through the second electrode on the outer side of the insulator and the outer edges of the first electrode in the in-plane direction, The positioning hole is used to position the insulator and the first electrode, and the positioning hole is used to position the insulator and the second electrode. A method for manufacturing a detection device.

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