Passenger's weight measurement device for vehicle seat and attachment structure for load sensor

• US 8,540,047 B2
• Filed: 09/07/2011
• Issued: 09/24/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: TS Tech Company Limited
• Original Assignee: TS Tech Company Limited
• Inventors: Takayasu, Wataru, Ishima, Shinya, Endo, Shigeru, Sato, Kenji
• Primary Examiner(s): Gibson, Randy W
• Application Number:
  US13/137,713
• Publication Number:
  US 20120000716A1
• Time in Patent Office: 748 Days
• Field of Search: 177/136, 177/144, 177/DIG.9, 180/273, 280/735, 296/65.01, 296/68.1
• US Class Current: 180/273
• 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 2/0025 by using weight measurement
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0031 mounted on the frame
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/06 slidable B60N2/12 , B60N2/2209 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/4263 with anti-submarining systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/90 Details or parts not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2210/40 Force or pressure sensors
• 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 21/01516 using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0152 using strain gauges
• 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: Y10S 177/09 Scale bearings
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 411/946 Spring-seated

Abstract

A lower rail is fixed to a vehicle floor, and an upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to the lower rail. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail. A rectangular frame is attached onto the load sensor, a rod of the load sensor sequentially penetrates a web of the rectangular frame and a spring holder upward, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A nut is screwed to the rod, and the nut tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. The coil spring is sandwiched between a flange of the spring holder and the web and is compressed by tightening the nut.

Claims

1. A passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for a vehicle seat, comprising:

lower rails that are attachable to a floor of a vehicle;

a movable member of an upper rail side including side frames, the movable member being provided so as to move in a front-back direction with respect to the lower rails;

a load sensor having a rod and a main body;

an insertion hole portion formed at the movable member, through which the rod of the load sensor is inserted;

a ring-shaped bush member that is inserted through the insertion hole portion; and

a cylindrical member that is disposed between the ring-shaped bush member and the rod, wherein

the cylindrical member is inserted in the ring-shaped bush member so that an outer surface of the cylindrical member contacts an inner surface of the ring-shaped bush member

the cylindrical member defines a projecting portion and a cylinder portion,

the projecting portion projects outside from the cylinder portion in a radial direction,

the projecting portion is disposed at a load sensor main body side of the cylindrical member, and

the projecting portion contacts the main body of the load sensor.

2. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped bush member has better slidability than the insertion hole portion.

3. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped bush member is made of a resin and an inner circumference of the insertion hole portion is a metal.

4. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped bush member is configured by impregnating an oil in a metal.

5. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein grease is disposed on the ring-shaped bush member.

6. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein a space is provided between an inner surface of the cylindrical member and an outer surface of the rod of the load sensor.

7. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the cylindrical member is engaged with the inner surface of the ring-shaped bush member.

8. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the projecting portion of the cylindrical member is formed unitarily with the cylinder portion of the cylindrical member.

9. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the ring-shaped bush member comprises a first portion that is inserted through the insertion hole portion and a second portion that extends outside from the first portion in a radial direction, and

the second portion is arranged so as to face the projecting portion of the cylindrical member.

10. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped bush member comprises a first portion that is inserted through the insertion hole portion, a second portion that extends outside from one end of the first portion in a radial direction and a third portion that extends outside from an other end of the first portion in the radial direction.

11. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 9, wherein

the second portion of the ring-shaped bush member is a plurality of plate-shaped flange parts, and

the projecting portion of the cylindrical member that faces the flange parts is arranged between the flange parts and the main body of the load sensor.

12. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 10, wherein

the second portion of the ring-shaped bush member is a plate-shaped flange part, and

the projecting portion of the cylindrical member that faces the flange part is arranged between the flange part and the main body of the load sensor.

13. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 11, wherein

the cylinder portion and the projecting portion of the cylindrical member as formed unitarily.

14. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 11, wherein a diameter of the projecting portion of the cylindrical member is greater than a diameter of the flange parts of the ring-shaped bush member.

15. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein an inner diameter enlarged portion where an inner diameter is enlarged is provided at each end of the ring-shaped bush member at the inner surface thereof.

16. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein a deformation absorbing member that absorbs a deformation due to a load transmitted from the movable member to the load sensor through a load transfer path is provided at an outer circumference side of the cylindrical member.

17. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 16, wherein the deformation absorbing member is an elastic member.

18. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein a connector that extends from the main body of the load sensor extends parallel to an upper rail that constitutes the moveable member.

19. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein

the movable member comprises side frames and supporting brackets that are joined with the side frames and that support the load sensor.

29. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

33. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an integral extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

37. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the ring-shaped bush member and a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

41. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an integral extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the ring-shaped bush member and a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

48. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein

the cylindrical member extends beyond the ring-shaped bush member in a direction away from the main body of the load sensor.

20. A passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for a vehicle seat, comprising:

lower rails that are attachable to a floor of a vehicle;

a first movable member of an upper rail side that is provided so as to move in a front-back direction with respect to the lower rails;

a load sensor which is fastened to the first movable member, the load sensor having a threaded rod portion;

a second movable member of a side-frame side that supports a part of the load sensor;

an insertion hole portion formed at the second movable member, through which the threaded rod portion of the load sensor is inserted;

a ring-shaped bush member that is inserted through the insertion hole portion, the ring-shaped bush member engaging with an edge of the insertion hole portion; and

a cylindrical member that is disposed between the ring-shaped bush member and the threaded rod portion, wherein

an outer surface of the cylindrical member engages with an inner surface of the ring-shaped member,

the cylindrical member defines a projecting portion and a cylinder portion,

the projecting portion projects outside from the cylinder portion in a radial direction,

the projecting portion is disposed at a load sensor main body side of the cylindrical member, and

the projecting portion contacts a main body of the load sensor.

23. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 20, wherein a connector that extends from the main body of the load sensor extends parallel to an upper rail that constitutes the first moveable member.

26. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 20, wherein

the second movable member comprises side frames and supporting brackets that are joined with the side frames and that support the load sensor.

30. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 20, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

34. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 20, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an integral extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

38. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 20, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the ring-shaped bush member and a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

42. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 20, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an integral extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the ring-shaped bush member and a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

45. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 20, wherein

an elastic deformation absorbing member that absorbs a deformation due to a load transmitted from at least one of the first and second movable members to the load sensor through a load transfer path is provided at an outer circumference side of the cylindrical member.

49. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 20, wherein

the cylindrical member extends beyond the ring-shaped bush member in a direction away from the main body of the load sensor.

21. A passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for a vehicle seat, comprising:

lower rails that are attachable to a floor of a vehicle;

a first movable member of an upper rail side that is provided so as to move in a front-back direction with respect to the lower rails;

a load sensor that is fastened to the first movable member, the load sensor having a threaded rod portion;

a second movable member of a side-frame side that supports a part of the load sensor;

an insertion hole portion formed at the second movable member, through which the threaded rod portion of the load sensor is inserted;

a ring-shaped bush member that is inserted through the insertion hole portion, the ring-shaped bush member engaging with an edge of the insertion hole portion; and

a load transfer member that transmits a load from the second movable member to the load sensor, the load transfer member being arranged between the ring-shaped bush member and the threaded rod portion, wherein

the load transfer member comprises a cylinder portion and a projecting portion,

the cylinder portion is disposed between the ring-shaped bush member and the threaded rod portion,

an outer surface of the cylinder portion engages with an inner surface of the ring-shaped bush member,

the projecting portion projects outside from the cylinder portion in a radial direction,

the projecting portion is disposed at a load sensor main body side of the cylinder portion, and

the projecting portion contacts a main body of the load sensor.

24. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 21, wherein a connector that extends from the main body of the load sensor extends parallel to an upper rail that constitutes the first moveable member.

27. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 21, wherein

the second movable member comprises side frames and supporting brackets that are joined with the side frames and that support the load sensor.

31. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 21, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

35. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 21, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an integral extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

39. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 21, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the ring-shaped bush member and a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

43. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 21, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an integral extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the ring-shaped bush member and a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

46. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 21, wherein

an elastic deformation absorbing member that absorbs a deformation due to a load transmitted from at least one of the first and second movable members to the load sensor through a load transfer path is provided at an outer circumference side of the load transfer member.

50. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 21, wherein

the load transfer member extends beyond the ring-shaped bush member in a direction away from the main body of the load sensor.

22. A passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for a vehicle seat, comprising:

lower rails that are attachable to a floor of a vehicle;

a first movable member of an upper rail side that is provided so as to move in a front-back direction with respect to the lower rails;

a load sensor that is supported by the first movable member, the load sensor having a rod;

a second movable member of a side-frame side that supports a part of the load sensor;

an insertion hole portion formed at the second movable member, through which the rod of the load sensor is inserted;

a ring-shaped bush member that is inserted through the insertion hole portion; and

a cylindrical member that is disposed between the ring-shaped bush member and the rod, wherein

the cylindrical member is inserted in the ring-shaped bush member so that an outer surface of the cylindrical member contacts an inner surface of the ring-shaped bush member,

the cylindrical member defines a projecting portion and a cylinder portion,

the projecting portion projects outside from the cylinder portion in a radial direction,

the projecting portion is disposed at a load sensor main body side of the cylindrical member, and

the projecting portion contacts a main body of the load sensor.

25. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 22, wherein a connector that extends from the main body of the load sensor extends parallel to an upper rail that constitutes the first moveable member.

28. That passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 22, wherein

the second movable member comprises side frames and supporting brackets that are joined with the side frames and that support the load sensor.

32. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 22, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

36. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 22, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an integral extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

40. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 22, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the ring-shaped bush member and a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

44. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 22, wherein

the main body of the load sensor that contacts the projecting portion includes an integral extension section that extends toward the projecting portion, a diameter of the projecting portion being larger than a diameter of the ring-shaped bush member and a diameter of the extension section of the main body of the load sensor.

47. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 22, wherein

an elastic deformation absorbing member that absorbs a deformation due to a load transmitted from at least one of the first and second movable members to the load sensor through a load transfer path is provided at an outer circumference side of the cylindrical member.

51. The passenger'"'"'s weight measurement device for the vehicle seat as claimed in claim 22, wherein

the cylindrical member extends beyond the ring-shaped bush member in a direction away from the main body of the load sensor.