PASSENGER'S WEIGHT MEASUREMENT DEVICE FOR VEHICLE SEAT

• US 20110147096A1
• Filed: 03/03/2011
• Published: 06/23/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: TS Tech Company Limited
• Original Assignee: TS Tech Company Limited
• Inventors: SATO, Kenji, ENDO, Shigeru
• Granted Patent: US 8,316,982 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 177/136
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/002 Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon detection means responsive to presence or absence of children B60N2/266
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0732 Attachment of seat frame to the slide, e.g. eyelets
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/4263 with anti-submarining systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/68 Seat frames
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/686 Panel like structures
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/015 including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats , and the related safety parameters therefor, e.g. speed or timing of airbag inflation in relation to occupant position or seat belt use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01512 Passenger detection systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0152 using strain gauges
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 11/30 Supports specially adapted for an instrument; Supports specially adapted for a set of instruments
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/08 for incorporation in vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/4142 for controlling activation of safety devices, e.g. airbag systems electrical circuits for triggering safety arrangements in case of vehicle accidents B60R21/015
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 5/00 Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes

Abstract

A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat, comprising:

a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant; and

a seat cushion frame,

wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames,

the load sensor is provided at the seat cushion frame,

a spring member that supports the occupant is disposed between the right and left side frames, and

the load sensor is disposed in a space between at least one of the right and left side frames and the spring member.

2. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the load sensor and the spring member are disposed on a same horizontal plane.

3. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the load sensor is provided at a back part of the seat cushion frame, and

the load sensor is disposed more rearwardly than a front end of the spring member and more forwardly than a rear end of the spring member.

4. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the load sensor comprises a rod portion that projects from a main body of the load sensor, and

the rod portion is disposed outside of the spring member.

5. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an attachment member that attaches the load sensor to the seat cushion frame, wherein:

the attachment member is structured as a separate member from the at least one of the right and left side frames, and

an inner end of the attachment member is arranged inside of the at least one of the right and left side frames and outside of the spring member.

6. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the spring member comprises a plurality of spring members that are extended in a front-and-rear direction,

each of the plurality of spring members is formed in an approximately S-shape having concave portions alternatively in a right-and-left direction when viewed from above, and

the load sensor is disposed so as to face one of the concave portions of the spring members that is provided at a closest position from the load sensor.

7. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

the load sensor comprises a rod portion that projects from a main body of the load sensor, and

the one of the concave portions that faces the load sensor and the rod portion are arranged so as to be on a same plane that is orthogonal to the right and left side frames in a right-and-left direction.

8. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

the load sensor is provided at a back part of the seat cushion frame,

rear ends of the plurality of spring members are attached to a rear connecting member that connects between back parts of the right and left side frames, and

the load sensor is arranged so as to face one of the concave portions that is closest to the rear connecting member.

9. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the load sensor is provided at a back part of the seat cushion frame,

a rear end of the spring member is attached to a rear connecting member that connects between back parts of the right and left side frames,

a pan frame is attached to the right and left side frames so as to cover a space between front upper parts of the right and left side frames, and

the load sensor is disposed more rearwardly than a rear end of the pan frame and more forwardly than the rear connecting member.

10. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an attachment member that attaches the load sensor to the seat cushion frame, wherein:

the attachment member is structured as a separate member from the at least one of the right and left side frames,

the load sensor comprises a rod portion that projects from the load sensor,

the rod portion is inserted in a hole that is formed in the attachment member and is fastened by a fastening member, and

an inner end of the attachment member is arranged inside of the at least one of the right and left side frames and outside of the spring member.

11. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the load sensor comprises a connector portion that projects from the load sensor, and

the connector portion is disposed outside of the spring member that is closest to the load sensor.

12. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 10, further comprising another load sensor that is disposed forward of the load sensor, wherein:

the another load sensor is provided at a front part of the seat cushion frame, and

the another load sensor is disposed outside of a front end of the spring member.

13. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

another load sensor that is disposed forward of the load sensor; and

a pan frame that is attached to the right and left side frames so as to cover a space between front upper parts of the right and left side frames, wherein;

the another load sensor is disposed at a front part of the seat cushion frame,

the another load sensor comprises a connector portion that projects rearward from the another load sensor, and

a rear end of the connector portion is arranged more forwardly than a rear end of the pan frame.

14. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a rear connecting member that connects between back parts of the right and left side frames, wherein:

a pan frame is attached to the right and left side frames so as to cover a space between front upper parts of the right and left side frames,

the spring member comprises a plurality of spring members that are extended in a front-and-rear direction,

rear ends of the plurality of spring members are attached to the rear connecting member and front ends of the plurality of spring members are attached to the pan frame, and

the load sensor is disposed outside of one of the plurality of spring members that is closest to the load sensor.

15. A vehicle seat, comprising:

a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant, which is provided at a seat cushion frame,

wherein the seat cushion frame comprises;

right and left side frames;

a front connecting member that connects between front parts of the right and left side frames; and

a rear connecting member that connects between back parts of the right and left side frames,

wherein;

a spring member that supports the occupant is disposed between the right and left side frames,

a rear end of the spring member is attached to the rear connecting member,

a rear end of the load sensor is arranged more forwardly than the rear end of the spring member, and

the load sensor is disposed in a space between at least one of the right and left side frames and the spring member.

16. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 15, wherein the load sensor and the spring member are disposed on a same horizontal plane.

17. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 15, wherein:

the load sensor is provided at a back part of the seat cushion frame, and

the load sensor is disposed more rearwardly than a front end of the spring member.

18. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 15, wherein:

the load sensor comprises a rod portion that projects from a main body of the load sensor, and

the rod portion is disposed outside of the spring member.

19. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 15, further comprising an attachment member that attaches the load sensor to the seat cushion frame, wherein:

the attachment member is structured as a separate member from the at least one of the right and left side frames, and

an inner end of the attachment member is disposed inside of the at least one of the right and left side frames and outside of the spring member.

20. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 15, wherein:

the spring member comprises a plurality of spring members that are extended in a front-and-rear direction,

each of the plurality of spring members is formed in an approximately S-shape having concave portions alternatively in a right-and-left direction when viewed from above, and

the load sensor is disposed so as to face one of the concave portions of the spring members that is provided at a closest position from the load sensor.

21. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 20, wherein:

the load sensor comprises a rod portion that projects from a main body of the load sensor, and

the one of the concave portions that faces the load sensor and the rod portion are arranged so as to be on a same plane that is orthogonal to the right and left side frames in a right-and-left direction.

22. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 20, wherein:

the load sensor is provided at a back part of the seat cushion frame, and

the load sensor is disposed so as to face one of the concave portions that is closest to the rear connecting member.

23. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 15, wherein:

the load sensor is provided at a back part of the seat cushion frame,

a pan frame is attached to the right and left side frames so as to cover a space between front upper parts of the right and left side frames, and

the load sensor is disposed more rearwardly than a rear end of the pan frame and more forwardly than the rear connecting member.

24. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 15, further comprising an attachment member that attaches the load sensor to the seat cushion frame, wherein:

the attachment member is structured as a separate member from the at least one of the right and left side frames,

the load sensor comprises a rod portion that projects from the load sensor,

the rod portion is inserted in a hole that is formed in the attachment member and is fastened by a fastening member, and

an inner end of the attachment member is arranged inside of the at least one of the right and left side frames and outside of the spring member.

25. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 15, wherein:

the load sensor comprises a connector portion that projects from the load sensor, and

the connector portion is disposed outside of the spring member that is closest to the load sensor.

26. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 23, further comprising another load sensor that is disposed forward of the load sensor, wherein:

the another load sensor is provided at a front part of the seat cushion frame, and

the another load sensor is disposed outside of a front end of the spring member.

27. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 23, further comprising:

another load sensor that is disposed forward of the load sensor; and

a pan frame that is attached to the right and left side frames so as to cover a space between front upper parts of the right and left side frames, wherein;

the another load sensor is provided at a front part of the seat cushion frame,

the another load sensor comprises a connector portion that projects rearward from the another load sensor, and

a rear end of the connector portion is arranged more forwardly than a rear end of the pan frame.

28. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a rear connecting member that connects between back parts of the right and left side frames, wherein:

a pan frame is attached to the right and left side frames so as to cover a space between front upper parts of the right and left side frames,

the spring member comprises a plurality of spring members that are extended in a front-and-rear direction,

rear ends of the plurality of spring members are attached to the rear connecting member and front ends of the plurality of spring members are attached to the pan frame, and

the load sensor is disposed outside of one of the plurality of spring members that is closest to the load sensor.

43. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 15, wherein

a pan frame is attached at the right and left side frames so as to cover a space between front upper parts of the right and left side frames,

the spring member comprises a plurality of spring members that extend in a front-and-rear direction,

rear ends of the plurality of spring members are attached to the rear connecting member and front ends of the plurality of spring members are attached to the pan frame, and

an end of the front connecting member that is attached to the at least one of the right and left side frames to which the load sensor is provided is disposed between the load sensor and the front ends of the spring members.

29. A vehicle seat, comprising:

right and left fixed rail members that are attachable to a vehicle;

right and left movable frame members that are movably disposed respectively to the right and left fixed rail members, the right movable frame member comprising a right movable rail member and a right side frame and the left movable frame member comprising a left movable rail member and a left side frame;

a seat cushion frame that comprises a front connecting member that connects between front parts of the right and left movable frame members and a rear connecting member that connects between back parts of the right and left movable frame members; and

a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant, which is provided at the seat cushion frame;

wherein;

the load sensor is provided to at least one of the right and left movable frame members,

a spring member that supports the occupant is disposed between the right and left movable frame members, and

the load sensor is disposed in a space between the at least one of the right and left movable frame members and the spring member.

30. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 29, wherein the load sensor and the spring member are disposed on a same horizontal plane.

31. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 29, wherein:

the load sensor is provided at a back part of the at least one of the right and left movable frame members, and

the load sensor is disposed more rearwardly than a front end of the spring member and more forwardly than a back end of the spring member.

32. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 29, wherein:

the load sensor comprises a rod portion that projects from a main body of the load sensor, and

the rod portion is disposed outside of the spring member.

33. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 29, further comprising an attachment member that attaches the load sensor to the at least one of the right and left movable frame members, wherein:

the attachment member is structured as a separate member from the at least one of the right and left movable frame members to which the load sensor is attached, and

an inner end of the attachment member is arranged inside of the at least one of the right and left movable frame members to which the load sensor is attached and outside of the spring member.

34. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 29, wherein:

the spring member comprises a plurality of spring members that are extended in a front-and-rear direction,

each of the plurality of spring members is formed in an approximately S-shape having concave portions alternatively in a right-and-left direction when viewed from above, and

the load sensor is disposed so as to face one of the concave portions of the spring members that is provided at a closest position from the load sensor.

35. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 34, wherein:

the load sensor comprises a rod portion that projects from a main body of the load sensor, and

the one of the concave portions that faces the load sensor and the rod portion are arranged so as to be on a same plane that is orthogonal to the right and left side frames in a right-and-left direction.

36. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 34, wherein:

the load sensor is provided at a back part of the at least one of the right and left movable frame members,

rear ends of the plurality of spring members are attached to the rear connecting member that connects between back parts of the right and left side frames, and

the load sensor is disposed so as to face one of the concave portions that is closest to the rear connecting member.

37. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 29, wherein:

the load sensor is provided at a back part of the at least one of the right and left movable frame members,

a rear end of the spring member is attached to the rear connecting member that connects between back parts of the right and left side frames,

a pan frame is attached to the right and left side frames so as to cover a space between front upper parts of the right and left side frames, and

the load sensor is disposed more rearwardly than a rear end of the pan frame and more forwardly than the rear connecting member.

38. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 29, further comprising an attachment member that attaches the load sensor to the at least one of the right and left movable frame members, wherein:

the attachment member is structured as a separate member from the at least one of the right and left movable frame members to which the load sensor is attached,

the load sensor comprises a rod portion that projects from the load sensor,

the rod portion is inserted in a hole that is formed in the attachment member and is fastened by a fastening member, and

an inner end of the attachment member is arranged inside of the at least one of the right and left movable frame members to which the load sensor is attached and outside of the spring member.

39. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 29, wherein:

the load sensor comprises a connector portion that projects from the load sensor, and

the connector portion is disposed outside of the spring member that is closest to the load sensor.

40. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 38, further comprising another load sensor that is disposed forward of the load sensor, wherein:

the another load sensor is provided at a front part of at least one of the right and left movable frame members, and

the another load sensor is disposed outside of a front end of the spring member.

41. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 29, further comprising:

another load sensor that is disposed forward of the load sensor; and

a pan frame that is attached to the right and left side frames so as to cover a space between front upper parts of the right and left side frames, wherein;

the another load sensor is disposed at a front part of at least one of the right and left movable frame members,

the another load sensor comprises a connector portion that projects rearward from the another load sensor, and

a rear end of the connector portion is arranged more forwardly than a rear end of the pan frame.

42. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 29, wherein:

the rear connecting member connects between back parts of the right and left side frames,

a pan frame is attached to the right and left side frames so as to cover a space between front upper parts of the right and left side frames,

the spring member comprises a plurality of spring members that are extended in a front-and-rear direction,

rear ends of the plurality of spring members are attached to the rear connecting member and front ends of the plurality of spring members are attached to the pan frame, and

the load sensor is disposed outside of one of the plurality of spring members that is closest to the load sensor.

44. A vehicle seat, comprising:

right and left fixed rail members that are attachable to a vehicle;

right and left movable frame members that are movably disposed, respectively, to the right and left fixed rail members, the right movable frame member comprising a right movable rail member and a right side frame and the left movable frame member comprising a left movable rail member and a left side frame;

a seat cushion frame that comprises a front connecting member that connects between front parts of the right and left movable frame members and a rear connecting member that connects between back parts of the right and left movable frame members; and

a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant, which is provided at the seat cushion frame;

wherein;

the load sensor is provided at a back part of at least one of the right and left movable frame members,

a spring member that supports the occupant is disposed between the right and left movable frame members,

the load sensor is disposed in a space between the at least one of the right and left movable frame members and the spring member,

the load sensor and the spring member are disposed on a same horizontal plane,

a rear end of the spring member is attached to the rear connecting member,

a pan frame is attached to the right and left side frames so as to cover a space between front upper parts of the right and left side frames,

the load sensor is disposed more rearwardly than a rear end of the pan frame and more forwardly than the rear connecting member,

the vehicle seat further comprises an attachment member that attaches the load sensor to the at least one of the right and left movable frame members,

the attachment member is structured as a separate member from the at least one of the right and left movable frame members to which the load sensor is attached,

the load sensor comprises a rod portion that projects from the load sensor,

the rod portion is inserted in a hole that is formed in the attachment member and is fastened by a fastening member,

an inner end of the attachment member is arranged inside of the at least one of the right and left movable frame members to which the load sensor is attached and outside of the spring member,

the spring member comprises a plurality of spring members that are extended in a front-and-rear direction,

rear ends of the plurality of spring members are attached to the rear connecting member and front ends of the plurality of spring members are attached to the pan frame, and

the load sensor is disposed outside of one of the plurality of spring members that is closest to the load sensor.

45. A vehicle seat, comprising:

right and left fixed rail members that are attachable to a vehicle;

right and left movable frame members that are movably disposed, respectively, to the right and left fixed rail members, the right movable frame member comprising a right movable rail member and a right side frame and the left movable frame member comprising a left movable rail member and a left side frame;

a seat cushion frame that comprises a front connecting member that connects between front parts of the right and left movable frame members and a rear connecting member that connects between back parts of the right and left movable frame members;

a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant, which is provided at the seat cushion frame;

another load sensor that is disposed forward of the load sensor; and

a pan frame that is attached to the right and left side frames so as to cover a space between front upper parts of the right and left side frames,

wherein;

the load sensor is provided to at least one of the right and left movable frame members,

a spring member that supports the occupant is disposed between the right and left movable frame members, and

the load sensor is disposed in a space between the at least one of the right and left movable frame members to which the load sensor is provided and the spring member,

the vehicle seat further comprises an attachment member that attaches the load sensor to the at least one of the right and left movable frame members;

the attachment member is structured as a separate member from the at least one of the right and left movable frame members to which the load sensor is attached,

the load sensor comprises a rod portion that projects from the load sensor,

the rod portion is inserted in a hole that is formed in the attachment member and is fastened by a fastening member, and

an inner end of the attachment member is arranged inside of the at least one of the right and left movable frame members to which the load sensor is attached and outside of the spring member,

the load sensor comprises a connector portion that projects from the load sensor,

the connector portion is disposed outside of the spring member that is closest to the load sensor,

the another load sensor is provided at a front part of at least one of the right and left movable frame members,

the another load sensor is disposed outside of a front end of the spring member,

the another load sensor comprises a connector portion that projects rearward from the another load sensor, and

a rear end of the connector portion is arranged more forwardly than a rear end of the pan frame.