JP2011105278A - Seating detecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

In a seating detection device, detection sensitivity is adjusted without changing the thickness or detection area of a detection portion of a load detection device.
A seating detection device includes a cushion member of a cushion portion of a vehicle seat.
1 and one or more detection units 41a that detect load information, and an output unit that is connected to the detection unit 41a and outputs detected load information, and includes a sheet-like membrane switch. Load detecting device 40 and a support member for supporting the cushion member 21 (
A holder 50 having at least a pressure receiving portion 51c which is supported by the S spring 18) and which is disposed below the detection portion 41a and receives pressure from the cushion member 21 through at least the detection portion 41a, and the detection portion 41a and the pressure reception portion 51c. And a spacer 60 interposed therebetween.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a seating detection device.

As a type of seating detection device, one shown in Patent Document 1 is known. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 of Patent Document 1, in the seating detection device, the pressure sensitive switch 3 (detection unit of the load detection device) is formed in a film shape, and the seating surface of the seat cushion 5 5a
It is a size that covers almost the whole area. The pressure sensitive switch 3 is connected to the pad 51 and the skin 53 of the seating surface 5a
Between the two.

In the seating detection device described in Patent Document 1, since the shape of the detection unit depends on the design of the seat, the detection unit has a different shape for each seat (for each vehicle type), and thus the detection unit cannot be shared. There was a problem.

On the other hand, as shown in Patent Document 2, the seating detection device is connected to the cushion member 14.
What was provided in the lower surface of this is known. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 of Patent Document 2, in the seating detection device, the detection body 13 (the detection portion of the load detection device) is formed in a bag shape,
The seat cushion 1 has a size that covers a wide range, from at least one third of the seating surface of the seat cushion 1 to the entire area. The detection body 13 is provided between the frame 12 and the cushion member 14.

JP 09-315199 A JP 2005-257296 A

According to the seating detection device described in Patent Document 2, the seating can be detected by the load detection device provided under the cushion member 14. However, since the load reached has become weaker,
There is also a demand for adjusting the sensitivity of the detection unit of the load detection device without changing the shape of the detection unit, and further improvement is required to dispose the load detection device under the cushion member.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to adjust detection sensitivity in a seating detection device without changing the thickness or detection area of the detection unit of the load detection device.

In order to solve the above problems, the structural feature of the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that one or more detection units that are arranged below the cushion member of the cushion portion of the vehicle seat and detect load information;
An output unit that is connected to the detection unit and outputs detected load information, and that is supported by a support member that supports a cushion member and a load detection device that includes a sheet-like membrane switch, and A holder having at least a pressure receiving portion that is disposed below and receives pressure from the cushion member through at least the detection portion; and a spacer interposed between the detection portion and the pressure receiving portion.

The structural feature of the invention according to claim 2 is that, in claim 1, the spacer is formed of an elastic material in a thin plate shape.

The structural feature of the invention according to claim 3 is that, in claim 1 or claim 2, the spacer is formed of a material having a hardness difference in a predetermined range set in advance with respect to the cushion member.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structural feature according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the detecting portion is arranged below the cushion member and the first contact is formed. A first film having flexibility, a second film having flexibility in which a second contact is formed opposite to the first film and disposed on the spacer and is opposed to the first contact, and the first film.
A separation holding unit that is interposed between the film and the second film and holds the first film and the second film apart from each other, and is elastically deformed by the first film and the second film in response to load input to the cushion member; The structure is such that the load information is detected when the first contact and the second contact come into contact with each other, and the contact surface of the spacer that contacts the second film is formed in a concave cross section.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structural feature according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the detection portion is arranged below the cushion member and the first contact is formed. A first film having flexibility, a second film having flexibility in which a second contact is formed opposite to the first film and disposed on the spacer and is opposed to the first contact, and the first film.
A separation holding unit that is interposed between the film and the second film and holds the first film and the second film apart from each other, and is elastically deformed by the first film and the second film in response to a load input to the cushion member; The load information is detected when the first contact and the second contact come into contact with each other, and a portion corresponding to at least a second contact formation portion of the contact surface of the spacer that contacts the second film has a convex cross section. It was formed.

Further, the structural feature of the invention according to claim 6 is that, in any one of claims 1 to 5, the holder has one or more attachment parts attached to the support member, and the pressure receiving part is attached. It is supported by the support member via the part.

A structural feature of the invention according to claim 7 is that, in claim 6, the holder is an integral structure in which the pressure receiving portion and the attachment portion are integrally formed.

A structural feature of the invention according to claim 8 is that in any one of claims 1 to 7, the holder further includes a fixing portion to which the output portion of the load detection device is fixed. .

A structural feature of the invention according to claim 9 is that, in claim 8, the output portion is detachably fixed to the fixing portion.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth or ninth aspect, the holder includes a connecting portion that connects the pressure receiving portion and the fixing portion, and the connecting portion includes an elastically deformable bent portion. It is that.

In the invention according to claim 1 configured as described above, the pressure receiving portion of the holder supported by the support member that supports the cushion member is disposed below the detection portion of the load detection device, and at least through the detection portion. It receives pressure from the cushion member. According to this, when an occupant sits on the cushion portion of the vehicle seat, the load is transmitted downward through the cushion member and is received by the holder supported by the support member. At this time, the detection portion of the load detection device is supported by the pressure receiving portion of the holder that is positioned relative to the support member, and is pressed between the pressure receiving portion and the cushion member to which the load is applied. Therefore, information (load information) related to the load transmitted to the detection unit can be detected. Furthermore, since the detection unit is sandwiched between the cushion member and the spacer, the sensitivity of the detection unit can be adjusted by changing the material and shape of the spacer. That is, the detection sensitivity can be adjusted without changing the thickness or detection area of the detection unit of the load detection device.

In the invention which concerns on Claim 2 comprised as mentioned above, in Claim 1, the spacer was formed in the thin plate shape with the elastic material. Thereby, sensitivity can be adjusted by changing the hardness of an elastic material, and appropriate sensitivity adjustment can be performed with a simple configuration.

In the invention according to claim 3 configured as described above, in claim 1 or claim 2, the spacer is formed of a material having a hardness difference in a predetermined range set in advance with respect to the cushion member. Thereby, a sensitivity can be adjusted more appropriately only by changing (exchange) a spacer according to a cushion member (hardness).

In the invention according to Claim 4 configured as described above, in any one of Claims 1 to 3, the detection unit may be disposed below the cushion member and the first contact may be formed. A first film having flexibility, a second film having flexibility in which a second contact is formed opposite to the first film and disposed on the spacer and facing the first contact;
The first film and the second film are interposed between the first film and the second film, and each of the first film and the second film is provided with a separation holding portion that separates and holds the first film and the second film. The first contact point and the second contact point were brought into contact with each other by elastic deformation to detect load information, and the contact surface of the spacer that contacted the second film was formed in a concave cross section. As a result, a space is formed between the detection portion and the spacer, and the second film is less likely to receive a reaction force from the spacer when a load is input to the cushion member, and the second film is against the input load. Since it becomes difficult to bend to the side, the sensitivity of the detection unit can be lowered. Consequently, the detection sensitivity can be adjusted without changing the thickness or detection area of the detection unit of the load detection device.

In the invention according to Claim 5 configured as described above, in any one of Claims 1 to 3, the detection unit may be disposed below the cushion member and the first contact may be formed. A first film having flexibility, a second film having flexibility in which a second contact is formed opposite to the first film and disposed on the spacer and facing the first contact;
The first film and the second film are interposed between the first film and the second film, and each of the first film and the second film is provided with a separation holding portion that separates and holds the first film and the second film. A structure that detects load information by contact between the first contact and the second contact by elastic deformation, and a portion corresponding to at least a second contact formation portion of the contact surface that contacts the second film in the spacer, The cross section was convex. Thereby, at the time of load input to the cushion member, the second contact formation portion of the second film is likely to receive a reaction force from the spacer, and the second film is easily bent toward the first film with respect to the input load. The sensitivity of the detection unit can be increased. Consequently, the detection sensitivity can be adjusted without changing the thickness or detection area of the detection unit of the load detection device.

In the invention according to claim 6 configured as described above, in any one of claims 1 to 5, the holder has one or more attachment portions attached to the support member, and the pressure receiving portion is It is supported by the support member via the mounting portion. Thereby, the pressure receiving part of a holder is reliably supported by the support member via an attaching part.

In the invention according to claim 7 configured as described above, in claim 6, the holder is:
This is an integral structure in which the pressure receiving portion and the attachment portion are integrally formed. Thereby, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. Moreover, it becomes possible to attach to various types of seats only by changing the shape of the holder, which is an integral structure, without changing the shape of the load detection device.

In the invention according to claim 8 configured as described above, in any one of claims 1 to 7, the holder further includes a fixing portion to which the output portion of the load detection device is fixed. Thereby, since the output part of a load detection apparatus can be fixed to a holder reliably, assembly property can be improved.

In the invention concerning Claim 9 comprised as mentioned above, in Claim 8, an output part is fixed to a fixing | fixed part so that attachment or detachment is possible. Thereby, the shape and number of the detection part of a load detection apparatus can be changed easily, and it becomes possible to change easily specifications, such as a sensitivity of a seating detection apparatus.

In the invention according to claim 10 configured as described above, in claim 8 or claim 9, the holder includes a connecting portion that connects the pressure receiving portion and the fixing portion, and the connecting portion includes an elastically deformable bent portion. I have. As a result, when attaching the output part of the membrane switch to the fixed part,
The bent portion is bent so that the pressure receiving portion does not get in the way, and after the mounting, the bent portion is released to bring the membrane switch detection portion into contact with the pressure receiving portion. Therefore, the membrane switch can be easily and reliably attached to the holder.

1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a vehicle seat to which a seating detection device according to the present invention is applied. (A) is an enlarged sectional view of a portion including the seat detection device for a vehicle seat shown in FIG. 1, (b) is an enlarged sectional view around the detection unit in an off state, and (c) is It is an expanded sectional view around a detection part of an ON state. It is a perspective view which shows the seating detection apparatus attached to the vehicle seat shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the seating detection apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the load detection apparatus shown in FIG. 3, FIG. (A) is the perspective view which looked at the holder shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4 from diagonally upward, (b) is the perspective view which looked at the holder shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4 from diagonally downward. It is sectional drawing which shows the other modification of a spacer, (a) shows the spacer formed in the cross-sectional convex shape, (b) shows the ON state of the detection part at the time of using the spacer. It is sectional drawing which shows the other modification of a spacer, (a) shows the spacer formed in the cross-section concave shape, (b) shows the ON state of the detection part at the time of using the spacer. It is sectional drawing which shows the other modification of a spacer, (a) shows the spacer formed in the center convex shape with a cross-sectional concave shape, (b) shows the ON state of the detection part at the time of using the spacer. Show. It is a figure which shows the assembly process of a seating detection apparatus, (a) shows the holder single body of an expansion | extension state, (b) shows the holder single body bent, (c) is a load detection apparatus in the holder of a bending state (D) shows the seating detection device in the extended state. When a load is added, it is a figure used for description which a load propagates through a cushion member.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a seating detection device according to the present invention is applied to a vehicle seat will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the vehicle seat 10, FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion including the seating detection device 30 (particularly the detection portion 41a of the load detection device 40), and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the seating detection device 30 attached to the seat, and FIG.

The vehicle seat 10 includes first and second seat track mechanisms 11 and 12, first and second lower arms 13 and 14, a back frame 16, a front cushion frame 17, and an S spring 18.
(18a, 18b), a connecting shaft 19, and a cushion member 21 are provided.

The first seat track mechanism 11 is disposed on the outer side of the seat, and includes a first lower rail 11a provided on the floor side, and a first upper rail 11b slidably engaged with the first lower rail 11a. Become. Similarly, the second seat track mechanism 12 is disposed on the inner side of the seat, and a second lower rail 12a provided on the floor side, and a second upper rail that slidably engages with the second lower rail 12a. 12b.

On the 1st and 2nd upper rails 11b and 12b, the 1st and 2nd lower arms 13 and 14 as a side frame are provided through the lift mechanism using a parallel link.
The operation handle 15 of the lift mechanism shifts the locked state in which the raising and lowering of the first and second lower arms 13 and 14 is prohibited to the unlocked state in which the raising and lowering of the first and second lower arms 13 and 14 is permitted. Is.

A back frame 16 is tiltably attached between the rear portions of the first and second lower arms 13 and 14. The operation handle 16a of the reclining device that adjusts the tilt angle of the back frame 16 is for shifting the locked state in which the tilt of the back frame 16 is prohibited to the unlocked state in which the tilt of the back frame 16 is permitted. .

The front portions of the first and second lower arms 13 and 14 are connected to the pin 1 by a front tilt mechanism.
A front cushion frame 17 that swings around 7a is provided. By rotating the operation handle 17b of the front tilt mechanism provided via the brake mechanism,
The front cushion frame 17 is swung up and down around a pin 17a.

The plurality of S springs 18 (18a, 18b) transmit the movement of the lift mechanism on the first seat track mechanism 11 side to the lift mechanism on the second seat track mechanism 12 side and the front cushion frame 17. It is hung between. The S spring 18 is a support member that supports the cushion member 21 from below.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a seating detection device 30 is attached to and supported by the S spring 18 below the cushion member 21 of the cushion portion 20. The surface of the cushion member 21 is covered with a skin 22 such as leather, fiber, or moquette.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the seating detection device 30 includes a load detection device 40 and a holder 50.
As shown mainly in FIG. 5, the load detection device 40 includes a membrane switch 41 and a connector 42 formed in a film shape (sheet shape). The membrane switch 41 includes a detection unit 41a and an output unit 41b. The detection part 41a is arrange | positioned under the cushion member 21 of the cushion part 20 of the vehicle seat 10, and detects load information.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the detection unit 41a includes an upper film 41a1 and a lower film 41.
a2 and a separation holding portion 41a3. The upper film 41a1 has an upper surface (outer surface).
Is in contact with the lower surface of the cushion member 21, and a contact point 41a4 is provided at the center of the inner surface. The lower film 41a2 has a lower surface (outer surface) in contact with the upper surface of the spacer 60 and a contact 41 in the center of the inner surface.
a5 is provided. The separation holding part 41a3 is interposed between the upper film 41a1 and the lower film 41a2 along the outer peripheral edge. The hardness of the separation holding portion 41a3 is set to a value larger than the hardness of the cushion member 21 and the spacer 60. These members are formed of an elastic material. The contacts 41a4 and 41a5 are arranged to face each other with a space.

In the detection unit 41a configured as described above, when a load is applied to the cushion member 21,
When the hardness of the cushion member 21 and the spacer 60 is equal, as shown in FIG.
The upper film 41a1 bends downward due to the load from the cushion member 21, and the lower film 41a2 bends upward due to the reaction force from the spacer 60, so that the contact 41a4 and the contact 41a5 come into contact with each other. Thereby, since the detection part 41a turns on, load information can be detected.
At this time, the amount of bending of the upper and lower films 41a1 and 41a2 is the same. Further, since the load is concentrated on the upper film 41a1, the sensitivity is lowered.

When the hardness of the cushion member 21 is greater than the hardness of the spacer 60, the amount of bending of the lower film 41a2 is larger than the amount of bending of the upper film 41a1. When the hardness of the cushion member 21 is smaller than the hardness of the spacer 60, the amount of bending of the lower film 41a2 is smaller than the amount of bending of the upper film 41a1.

As described above, in this embodiment, the load information is not an absolute load value, but indicates a state that is smaller than a predetermined load, that is, an off state, while a large load is applied. That state, that is, the ON state is shown. It is preferable that one or more detectors 41a are formed. In the present embodiment, only one detection unit 41a is formed.

The output part 41b is connected to the detection part 41a via a flexible conduction part 41c. The output part 41b outputs the load information detected by the detection part 41a. That is, an output electrode is formed on the output portion 41b. The connector 42 is connected to the output unit 41b. In this embodiment, the output unit 41b and the connector 42 are “output unit” described in the claims.
Is configured. The connector 42 may not be provided. In this case, the output unit 41b
The “output unit” described in the claims is configured only from the above. The connector 42 is
It attaches to the fixing | fixed part 52c mentioned later so that attachment or detachment is possible. That is, the connector 42 is provided with a fixing portion engaging portion 42a that is detachably engaged with the fixing portion 52c.
The connector 42 includes a connecting portion 42b to which an external wire harness is detachably connected.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the holder 50 has the load detection device 40 as a support member S.
This is a plate-like member that is supported by the spring 18 (18a, 18b) and is formed in a square shape. The holder 50 includes first and second plate-like members 51 and 52 arranged in parallel to face each other, and first and second connection members 53 and 54 that connect the first and second plate-like members 51 and 52. I have.

The first plate-like member 51 is a member formed in an elongated plate shape, and both ends thereof are mounted on the upper portions of the two opposing portions 18a1 and 18a2 of the S spring 18a. Part 18
a1 is a front portion, and a portion 18a2 is a rear portion.

At one end (front end) of the first plate-like member 51, a first locking portion 51a that is detachably locked to the front portion 18a1 of the S spring 18a is formed. The 1st latching | locking part 51a has a downward opening, and the internal diameter is formed in the slightly smaller diameter than the S spring 18a. Since the first locking portion 51a is externally fitted to the S spring 18a, the relative movement in the radial direction (the longitudinal direction of the vehicle) is restricted with respect to the front portion 18a1 of the S spring 18a. Relative movement is possible in the axial direction of the front portion 18a1 (the left-right direction of the vehicle).

The other end (rear end) of the first plate member 51 is formed with a first engagement portion 51b that is detachably engaged with the rear portion 18a2 of the S spring 18a. The first engaging portion 51b has a front-facing opening (
It is formed in the shape of a long and narrow groove having a horizontal opening), and its inner diameter is S spring 18.
The diameter is slightly larger than or substantially the same as a. The first engagement portion 51b can move in the radial direction (vehicle longitudinal direction) with respect to the rear portion 18a2 of the S spring 18a, and the axial direction of the rear portion 18a2 of the S spring 18a (vehicle Relative movement is possible in the horizontal direction).
In addition, the 1st latching | locking part 51a and the 1st engaging part 51b support S the cushion member 21.
It is an attachment part attached to the spring 18 (18a).

According to the first plate-like member 51 configured as described above, when the occupant is seated, the S spring 18a.
Even if the front portion 18a1 and the rear portion 18a2 expand, the expansion is not hindered, and the first plate-like member 51 can be reliably supported on the S spring 18a.

The first plate member 51 is formed with a pressure receiving portion 51c. The pressure receiving portion 51c is the first
The cushion member is supported by the S spring 18 (18a, 18b) via the locking portion 51a and the first engagement portion 51b and is disposed below the detection portion 41a of the load detection device 40 and at least via the detection portion 41a. The pressure from 21 is received. The pressure receiving portion 51 c is formed in a concave shape between both ends of the first plate-like member 51.

The pressure receiving portion 51c is provided with a spacer 60. The spacer 60 is bonded to the upper surface of the pressure receiving portion 51c with an adhesive, a double-sided tape, or the like. The spacer 60 is to be interposed between the detection unit 41a and the pressure receiving unit 51c of the load detection device 40. Spacer 6
Reference numeral 0 denotes a thin flat plate member made of an elastic material such as a cushion material, a rubber material, or a cloth material (such as an unknown cloth material or felt). In this embodiment, the spacer 60 is formed in a square shape, and the pressure receiving portion 5
It is accommodated in the concave portion 1c and is wider than the detection portion 41a.

The spacer 60 can change the sensitivity of the detection unit 41a of the load detection device 40 by changing the hardness of the elastic material. That is, by holding the detection unit 41a between two elastic bodies having different hardnesses (elastic moduli), the stress near the surface where the two elastic bodies contact, that is, the boundary surface increases due to the difference in hardness. Therefore, the load on the cushion part 20 can be efficiently detected by arranging the detection part 41a near the boundary surface.

When the sensitivity is changed by changing the hardness, the sensitivity is the cushion member 21 and the spacer 6.
Depends on the relative hardness difference from zero. Specifically, the sensitivity increases as the relative hardness difference increases, and the sensitivity tends to decrease as the hardness difference decreases. Specifically, by setting a relative hardness difference between the cushion member 21 and the spacer 60, the detection unit 4 in the member having a lower hardness is used.
Since the load or reaction force tends to concentrate on the 1a-corresponding location, the amount of deflection at the location becomes large, and the contact 41a4 and the contact 41a5 are easily brought into contact with each other. Therefore, the sensitivity of the detection unit 41a increases as the relative hardness difference between the cushion member 21 and the spacer 60 increases. However, even if the hardness difference is large, the sensitivity decreases when the spacer hardness is extremely high or when the spacer hardness is extremely low (for example, when the hardness is not different from that of the holder 50 (when it is extremely high), or the detection at the spacer 60 is performed. When a concave portion is provided in the film portion corresponding region of the portion 41a (when it is extremely low).

In the present embodiment, the spacer 60 is preferably formed of a material having a hardness difference within a predetermined range set in advance with respect to the cushion member 21. The hardness difference within the predetermined range is obtained by experiments, simulations, or the like, and is appropriately set according to the intended sensitivity. Thereby, a sensitivity can be adjusted more appropriately only by changing (replacement) the spacer 60 according to the cushion member 21 (its hardness).

The spacer 60 can change the sensitivity of the detection unit 41a by changing the shape by providing a protrusion or a recess, or changing the hardness by changing the material. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the spacer 61 has a contact surface (upper surface) that contacts the detection unit 41a.
May be formed to have a convex cross section. In FIG. 7, the spacer 61 is formed in a conical shape with the center at the apex.

According to the spacer 61 configured as described above, when a load is applied to the cushion member 21 in the detection unit 41a, the hardness of the cushion member 21 and the spacer 61 is equal to the case illustrated in FIG. Similarly, the upper film 41a1 bends downward due to the load from the cushion member 21. At the same time, both sides of the lower film 41a2 are pushed and move downward,
At this time, since the central portion of the lower film 41a2 is in contact with the tip of the spacer 61, the lower film 41a2 bends upward. Further, when both sides of the lower film 41 a 2 are pushed and come into contact with the side portions of the spacer 61, the lower film 41 a 2 is bent upward by a reaction force from the spacer 61 thereafter. Then, the contact 41a4 and the contact 41a5 come into contact with each other. Thus, if the protrusion is provided on the spacer 60, the sensitivity of the detection unit 41a increases.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, the spacer 62 should just make it form the contact surface (upper surface) contact | abutted with the detection part 41a in cross-sectional concave shape. In FIG. 8, the spacer 62 has a convex part 62a at the peripheral part and a concave part 62b at the central part. In this case, the convex part 6 of the peripheral part of the spacer 62
The condition is that 2a and the separation holding portion 41a3 overlap.

According to the spacer 62 configured as described above, when a load is applied to the cushion member 21 in the detection unit 41a, when the hardness of the cushion member 21 and the spacer 62 is equal, the case illustrated in FIG. Similarly, the upper film 41a1 bends downward due to the load from the cushion member 21. At the same time, both sides of the lower film 41a2 are pushed and move downward,
At this time, since the central portion of the lower film 41a2 has a space for the recess 62b, the spacer 62
It does not contact the bottom surface of the recess 62b. Further, both sides of the lower film 41a2 are pressed to compress the peripheral convex portion 62a, and the bent upper film 41a1 becomes the lower film 41a.
2 abuts. When the upper film 41a1 is further bent in the contacted state, the lower film 41a2 contacts the bottom surface of the recess 62b of the spacer 62, and the contact 41a4 and the contact 41a5 contact each other. Thus, if the recessed part 62b is provided, a sensitivity will fall.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the spacer 63 may be provided with a convex portion 63c at the center of the concave portion 63b formed in a concave shape in the cross section like the spacer 62 shown in FIG.

According to the spacer 63 configured as described above, when a load is applied to the cushion member 21 in the detection unit 41a, when the cushion member 21 and the spacer 63 have the same hardness, the case illustrated in FIG. Similarly, the upper film 41a1 bends downward due to the load from the cushion member 21. At the same time, both sides of the lower film 41a2 are pushed and move downward,
At this time, since the center part of the lower film 41a2 is in contact with the convex part 63c, the lower film 41a2 bends upward. Further, both sides of the lower film 41a2 are pressed to compress the convex portion 63a at the peripheral portion, and thereafter, the lower film 41a2 bends upward due to a reaction force from the spacer 63. Then, the contact 41a4 and the contact 41a5 come into contact with each other. The sensitivity in this case is
The sensitivity between that of FIG. 7 and that of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the second plate member 52 is a member formed in an elongated plate shape, and is set to the same length as the first plate member 51. Both ends of the second plate-like member 52 are two opposing portions 18b1,1 of the S spring 18b (the S spring adjacent to the S spring 18a).
It is mounted on the upper part of 8b2. The portion 18b1 is a front portion, and the portion 1
8b2 is a rear portion.

At one end (front end) of the second plate-like member 52, a second locking portion 52a is formed that is detachably locked to the front portion 18b1 of the S spring 18b. The second locking portion 52a is a first locking portion 51a.
It is formed in the same way. The other end (rear end) of the second plate-like member 52 is formed with a second engagement portion 52b that is detachably engaged with the rear portion 18b2 of the S spring 18b. Second engaging portion 52
b is formed similarly to the 1st engaging part 51b. In addition, the 2nd latching | locking part 52a and the 2nd engaging part 52b are attachment parts attached to S spring 18 (18b) which supports the cushion member 21. As shown in FIG.

According to the second plate-like member 52 configured as described above, when the occupant is seated, the S spring 18b.
Even if the front portion 18b1 and the rear portion 18b2 expand, the expansion is not hindered, and the second plate-like member 52 can be reliably supported on the S spring 18b.

The second plate-like member 52 is formed with a fixing portion 52c to which the connector 42 to which the output portion 41b of the load detection device 40 is connected is fixed. The fixing portion 52c is the second plate-like member 5
2 between the two ends and formed on the lower surface thereof. The fixing portion 52c is configured such that the fixing portion engaging portion 42a of the connector 42 is detachably attached. In addition, you may make it comprise so that the fixing | fixed part 52c may not be provided.

The first connecting member 53 is a plate-like member that connects the front end of the first plate-like member 51 and the front end of the second plate-like member 52. The first connecting member 53 includes a bent portion 53a that can be elastically deformed. The second connecting member 54 is a plate-like member that connects the rear end portion of the first plate-like member 51 and the rear end portion of the second plate-like member 52. The second connecting member 54 includes a bent portion 54a that can be elastically deformed. The bent portions 53a and 54a are preferably configured to be positioned and fixed in a bent state (see FIG. 10B) and an extended state (see FIG. 10A).

Next, assembly of the seating detection device 30 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. First, the holder 50 in which the spacer 60 is attached to the upper surface of the pressure receiving portion 51c is prepared.
At this time, the holder 50 is positioned in the extended state (see FIG. 10A).

Next, the holder 50 is bent at the bent portions 53a and 54a and positioned in the bent state (FIG. 1).
0 (b)). As a result, the pressure receiving portion 51c that has been positioned substantially linearly on the fixed portion 52c can be displaced, so that the load detecting device 51c can be easily moved without being obstructed when the next load detecting device 40 is attached. Can be attached to.

Then, by engaging the fixing portion 52 a of the load detection device 40 with the fixing portion 52 c of the holder 50 in the bent state, the connector 42 of the load detection device 40 is connected to the fixing portion 5 of the holder 50.
Fix to 2c. Therefore, the load detection device 40 is fixed to the holder 50.

Then, the holder 50 to which the load detection device 40 is fixed is deformed from the bent state to the extended state and positioned in the extended state (see FIG. 10D). At this time, the detection portion 41 a of the load detection device 40 is positioned on the upper surface of the spacer 60.

Furthermore, the assembly | attachment to the S spring 18 of the seating detection apparatus 30 assembled in this way is demonstrated. First, the first and second engaging portions 51b and 52b are moved to the S springs 18a and 18b (18a2
, 18b2). At this time, although the first and second engaging portions 51b and 52b are engaged with the S springs 18a and 18b, the holder 50 can be rotated about the S springs 18a and 18b as long as it does not come off. The S springs 18a and 18b can be slid as guide pins.

Next, the holder 50 is rotated or slid to lock the first and second locking portions 51a and 52a with the S springs 18a and 18b (18a1 and 18b1).

Further, load propagation in the cushion member 21 will be described with reference to FIG. When the object A is placed on the seating surface 20a of the cushion portion 20 and a load is applied, the load is the object A
Is expanded from the contact range S1 where the contact is made and propagates almost directly below the cushion member 21 (FIG. 1).
1 is propagated in a range indicated by a broken line). At this time, the load is a range S2 wider than the contact range S1.
And propagates to the lower surface of the cushion member 21. If the detection unit 41a of the load detection device 40 is installed in the propagation range S2, the load can be detected. In the present embodiment, a membrane switch 41 is used as the load detection device 40. In this case, only when a load equal to or higher than the load at which the membrane switch 41 is turned on (the predetermined load) is applied,
It can be detected that a load is applied. As described above, even when the detection unit 41a is provided on the lower surface of the cushion member 21, it is possible to reliably detect a load state when a load is applied to the seating surface.

Further, when a local load is applied, it propagates only to the surface layer portion and does not propagate to the lower surface of the cushion member 21. For this reason, it can suppress detecting erroneously the load added by the corner | angular part of a load.

As is clear from the above description, in the seating detection device according to the present embodiment, the pressure receiving portion 51c of the holder 50 supported by the support member (S spring 18) that supports the cushion member 21.
Is arranged below the detection portion 41a of the load detection device 40 and receives pressure from the cushion member 21 through at least the detection portion 41a. According to this, the cushion part 2 of the vehicle seat
When the occupant sits at 0, the load is transmitted downward through the cushion member 21 and is received by the holder 50 supported by the support member (S spring 18). At this time, the detection portion 41a of the load detection device 40 is supported by the pressure receiving portion 51c of the holder 50 that is positioned relative to the support member (S spring 18), and a load is applied to the pressure receiving portion 51c. Since it is pressed between the cushion member 21 and the cushion member 21, the information (load information) relating to the load transmitted to the detection unit 41a can be detected. Furthermore, since the detection unit 41a is sandwiched between the cushion member 21 and the spacer 60, the sensitivity of the detection unit 41a can be adjusted by changing the material and shape of the spacer 60. That is, the detection sensitivity can be adjusted without changing the thickness or detection area of the detection unit 41a of the load detection device 40.

Furthermore, since the shape of the detection unit 41a can be determined without depending on the design of the sheet, the common use of the detection unit 41a of the load detection device 40 can be achieved.

Furthermore, since the detection part 41a of the load detection apparatus 40 can be arrange | positioned in the lower surface of the cushion member 21 away from the seating surface of the cushion part 20, it improves riding comfort, without causing the foreign material feeling at the time of sitting. Can do.

Furthermore, since the arrangement | positioning restrictions of the detection part 41a of the load detection apparatus 40 are not received, the freedom degree of the design of a sheet | seat can be improved. Further, it is possible to suppress the influence of the skin material, the skin tension, the heater and the air conditioning, and to exhibit a stable detection performance.

Further, when the detection unit is provided on the seat seating surface, it is necessary to dispose the seating surface in a relatively wide range in the detection range, which leads to an increase in the size of the seating detection device and an increase in cost.
However, in this embodiment, since the propagation range S2 of the load propagating to the lower surface of the cushion member 21, that is, the detectable range is widened, the detectable range is widened as compared with the case where it is provided on the seating surface. Can be reduced, and as a result, downsizing of the device,
Cost can be reduced.

Moreover, the spacer 60 was formed in the thin plate shape with the elastic material. Thereby, sensitivity can be adjusted by changing the hardness of an elastic material, and appropriate sensitivity adjustment can be performed with a simple configuration.

Further, the spacer 60 is formed of a material having a hardness difference within a predetermined range set in advance with respect to the cushion member 21. As a result, the spacer 6 according to the cushion member 21 (hardness).
Sensitivity can be adjusted more appropriately simply by changing (changing) 0.

The detection unit 41 a is disposed below the cushion member 21 and has a first contact point 41.
a flexible first film 41a1 in which a4 is formed, and a second contact 4 that is disposed below the first film 41a1 and that is disposed on the spacer 60 and that faces the first contact 41a4.
A flexible second film 41a2 on which 1a5 is formed, and the first film 41a
1 and the second film 41a2, and the first film 41a1 and the second film 41
The first contact 41a3 is provided by an elastic deformation of the first film 41a1 and the second film 41a2 accompanying the load input to the cushion member 21.
4 and the second contact point 41a5 are in contact with each other to detect load information, and the contact surface of the spacer 60 (62) that contacts the second film 41a2 is formed in a concave cross section. Thus, a space is formed between the detection unit 41a and the spacer 60, and the cushion member 2
The second film 41a2 is less likely to receive a reaction force from the spacer 60 when a load is input to 1, and the second film 41a2 is less likely to bend toward the first film 41a1 with respect to the input load. Can be lowered. Consequently, the detection sensitivity can be adjusted without changing the thickness or detection area of the detection unit 41a of the load detection device 40.

The detection unit 41 a is disposed below the cushion member 21 and has a first contact point 41.
a flexible first film 41a1 in which a4 is formed, and a second contact 4 that is disposed below the first film 41a1 and that is disposed on the spacer 60 and that faces the first contact 41a4.
A flexible second film 41a2 on which 1a5 is formed, and the first film 41a
1 and the second film 41a2, and the first film 41a1 and the second film 41
The first contact 41a3 is provided by an elastic deformation of the first film 41a1 and the second film 41a2 accompanying the load input to the cushion member 21.
4 and the second contact 41a5 are in contact with each other to detect load information, and at least the second contact surface of the spacer 60 (61, 63) that contacts the second film 41a2 is used.
The part corresponding to the formation part of the contact 41a5 was formed in a convex cross section. As a result, when the load is input to the cushion member 21, the second contact point 41a5 formation portion of the second film 41a2 is easily subjected to the reaction force from the spacer 60, and the second film 41a2 side of the first film 41a1 with respect to the input load Therefore, the sensitivity of the detection unit 41a can be increased. Consequently, the detection sensitivity can be adjusted without changing the thickness or detection area of the detection unit 41a of the load detection device 40. Further, the detection unit 41a can be downsized.

The holder 50 also has one or more attachment parts (first and second locking parts 51a and 52a, first and second engagement parts 51b and 52b) attached to the support member (S spring 18). The pressure receiving portion 51c is an attachment portion (first and second engaging portions 51a and 52a, first and second engaging portions 51).
b, 52b) and is supported by the support member (S spring 18). As a result, the pressure receiving portion 51c of the holder 50 is attached to the mounting portions (first and second engaging portions 51a and 52a, first and second engaging portions 5).
1b, 52b) is securely supported by the support member (S spring 18).

The holder 50 includes a pressure receiving portion 51c and an attachment portion (first and second locking portions 51a, 52a,
The first and second engaging portions 51b and 52b) are an integral structure integrally formed. Thereby, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. Moreover, it becomes possible to attach to various types of seats only by changing the shape of the holder 50 that is an integral structure without changing the shape of the load detection device 40.

The holder 50 further includes a fixing portion 52c to which the connector 42 (or the output portion 41b) of the load detection device 40 is fixed. Thereby, since the connector 42 (or output part 41b) of the load detection apparatus 40 can be reliably fixed to the holder 50, assembly property can be improved.

Moreover, the connector 42 (or output part 41b) of the load detection apparatus 40 is detachably fixed to the fixing part 52c. Thereby, the shape and number of the detection parts 41a of the load detection device 40 can be easily changed, and specifications such as the sensitivity of the seating detection device 30 can be easily changed.

The holder 50 includes a connecting portion (first and second) that connects the pressure receiving portion 51c and the fixing portion 52c.
The connecting portions 53, 54) are provided, and the connecting portions (first and second connecting members 53, 54) are provided with bent portions 53a, 54a that can be elastically deformed. Thereby, when attaching the output part 41b of the membrane switch 41 to the fixing | fixed part 52c, the bending parts 53a and 54a are bent and the pressure receiving part 5 is bent.
1c does not get in the way, and after the attachment, the bent portions 53a and 54a are released from bending, and the detection portion 41a of the membrane switch 41 is brought into contact with the pressure receiving portion 51c. Therefore, the membrane switch 41 can be easily and reliably attached to the holder 50.

In each embodiment described above, the holder 50 is connected to the first plate-like member 51 by the pressure receiving portion 51c.
The second plate-like member 52 is provided with the fixing portion 52c. However, the first plate-like member 51 is provided with the pressure receiving portion 51c and the fixing portion 52c, and the second plate-like member 52, the first and second couplings are provided. The members 53 and 54 may be deleted. In this case, the fixing part 52c may be provided on the lower surface of the pressure receiving part 51c.

Moreover, in each embodiment mentioned above, the 1st and 2nd connection member 53 from the holder 50,
54 may be deleted. Further, one of the first and second connecting members 53 and 54 may be deleted (for example, the shape is substantially U-shaped), one of the first and second connecting members 53 and 54 is deleted, and the other is the first You may make it offset to the center vicinity site | part of the 1 plate-like member 51 and the 2nd plate-like member 52 (For example, as a shape, it is substantially H-shaped.). That is, the holder 50
The shape is not limited to a substantially square shape.

Furthermore, in each embodiment mentioned above, you may make it delete the attachment part provided in the 1st plate-shaped member 51. FIG.

Moreover, in each embodiment mentioned above, although S spring 18 was used as a support member,
A cushion pan formed in a dish shape (tray shape) may be used. in this case,
The attachment portion may be configured by an engagement pin (or engagement hole), and an engagement hole (or engagement pin) that engages with the engagement pin (or engagement hole) may be formed in the cushion pan. . An opening for the connector 42 of the load detection device 40 is preferably provided. This is for connecting a wire harness to the connector 42.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Vehicle seat, 11, 12 ... 1st and 2nd seat track mechanism, 13, 14 ...
1st and 2nd lower arm, 16 ... back frame, 17 ... front cushion frame, 1
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... S spring (support member), 20 ... Cushion part, 21 ... Cushion member, 30 ... Seating detection apparatus, 40 ... Load detection apparatus, 41 ... Membrane switch, 41a ... Detection part, 41b ... Output part, 42 ... Connector, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 ... Holder, 51, 52 ... 1st and 2nd plate-shaped member, 51a ... 1st latching | locking part (attachment part), 51b ... 1st engagement part (attachment part), 51c ... Pressure receiving part, 52a ... 2nd Locking part (attachment part), 52b ... second engagement part (attachment part), 52c ... fixing part, 53,54 ... first and second connecting members, 53a, 54a ... bending part, 60,61,62, 63: Spacer.

Claims (10)

1 which is disposed below a cushion member of a cushion portion of a vehicle seat and detects load information
A load detection device including two or more detection units, and an output unit that outputs the load information detected by being connected to the detection units, and configured by a sheet-like membrane switch;
A holder having at least a pressure receiving portion that is supported by a support member that supports the cushion member and that is disposed below the detection portion and that receives pressure from the cushion member through at least the detection portion;
A spacer interposed between the detection unit and the pressure receiving unit;
A seating detection device comprising: 2. The seating detection device according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is formed of an elastic material in a thin flat plate shape. The seating detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacer is formed of a material having a hardness difference within a predetermined range set in advance with respect to the cushion member. 4. The flexible first film according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is disposed below the cushion member and has a first contact formed thereon, and the first film.
A flexible second film that is disposed on the spacer and that faces the lower side of the film and has a second contact point that faces the first contact point, and between the first film and the second film. A separation holding unit interposed and holding the first film and the second film apart, and the first contact and the first contact by elastic deformation of the first film and the second film accompanying a load input to the cushion member A structure for detecting the load information by contacting the second contact;
A seating detection device, wherein a contact surface of the spacer that contacts the second film has a concave cross section. 4. The flexible first film according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is disposed below the cushion member and has a first contact formed thereon, and the first film.
A flexible second film that is disposed on the spacer and that faces the lower side of the film and has a second contact point that faces the first contact point, and between the first film and the second film. A separation holding unit interposed and holding the first film and the second film apart, and the first contact and the first contact by elastic deformation of the first film and the second film accompanying a load input to the cushion member A structure for detecting the load information by contacting the second contact;
A seating detection device, wherein at least a portion corresponding to a portion where the second contact is formed on a contact surface of the spacer that contacts the second film is formed in a convex cross section. The holder according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the holder has one or more attachment parts attached to the support member, and the pressure receiving part is supported by the support member via the attachment part. A seating detection device. 7. The seating detection device according to claim 6, wherein the holder is an integral structure in which the pressure receiving portion and the attachment portion are integrally formed. 8. The seating detection device according to claim 1, wherein the holder further includes a fixing portion to which the output portion of the load detection device is fixed. 9. The seating detection device according to claim 8, wherein the output unit is detachably fixed to the fixing unit. 10. The seating detection device according to claim 8, wherein the holder includes a connecting portion that connects the pressure receiving portion and the fixing portion, and the connecting portion includes a bent portion that is elastically deformable. 10.

Images