The name of the invention: load detecting sensor unit

Technical field

[0001]

　The present invention relates to a load detecting sensor unit is suitable when to properly detect the seating.

Background technique

[0002]

　One of the safety system in a vehicle, the alarm system to warn the seat belt is not worn while riding has been put into practical use. This alarm system, when the wearing of the seat belt is not sensed in a state in which the seating of a person is sensed, a warning is issued. As an apparatus for sensing the seating of the person, there is a case where the seating detection device is used for detecting the load applied by the seating.

[0003]

　As the seating detecting device, the spacer having an opening formed of a pair disposed between resin films, each film is formed on the electrode, a structure opposite to each other at a predetermined distance in the opening of the spacer that the load sensor is used it is known. However, a film made of resin is generally strength as the temperature increases there is a tendency to deflect a weak force decreases. Therefore, when placed in a high-temperature environment like a car sun-heated car, the strength of the resin film as described above may be lowered. In this case, lighter load than the load of normal human even when applied to the seating arrangement, there is a possibility that erroneous detection as sitting.

[0004]

　The following Patent Document 1, the seat sensing device is described which can suppress the above-described erroneous detection. The load detecting sensor used for the seating detection device, is arranged a spacer which is opening between the film made of a pair of resin, each of the film on the formed electrodes, the predetermined distance from each other in the opening of the spacer open faces, the metal plate covering the opening on a surface opposite to the spacer side of one of the film are arranged.

[0005]

　According to the seating detection device, a metal plate having elasticity, since the elastic is not much changed by the temperature, by the metal plate, the deflection how the film during seating detected, it is suppressed that varies with temperature that. Therefore, according to the seating sensor, it is possible to prevent the load detecting the seating is varied by temperature.

[0006]

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 05324548

Summary of the Invention

[0007]

　However, when the metal plate as described above is provided, the film is difficult bending as compared with the case where the metal plate is not provided, the load detection unit is difficult to turn on, there is detected hardly become shake concerned seated. Therefore, an apparatus for detecting a load which can be used in the seating detection apparatus is suppressed to properly seating while it is possible to detect erroneous detection of the seating is needed.

[0008]

　The present invention aims to provide a load detecting sensor unit capable of suppressing the erroneous detection of the seating while it is possible to appropriately detect the seating.

[0009]

　To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a load detecting sensor unit disposed under the seat cushion, the seat cushion side of the pair of electrodes and the pair of electrodes facing each other with a predetermined distance comprising a load sensor having a metal plate that covers at least a portion of the position one electrode from the seat cushion side, a pressing member having a rigid pressing portion than the seat cushion is pressed against the seat cushion of the seat device, the , the pair of electrodes, is characterized in that the pressing portion is in contact with each other by bending of the metal plate by pressing a portion of the metal plate.

[0010]

　In such a load sensor unit, one electrode located on the seat cushion side is pushed by bending a metal plate which is pressed by the pressing portion, in contact with the other electrode switch is turned on. Incidentally metals, flexibility does not change natural extent as described above even when the temperature changes. Therefore, even when the environmental temperature around the load sensor unit is changed, the deflection how metal plate is pressed by the pressing portion is not changed not that much. Therefore, according to the load sensing sensor unit, even when the environmental temperature changes, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of the seating. Further, in this load sensor unit, since the rigid pressing portion than the seat cushion presses a portion of the metal plate, it is possible to deflect suitably a metal plate than when the seat cushion presses directly metal plate , it is possible to appropriately detect the seating. Further, because the metal has hardly occur creep compared with resin, hard even if part is pressed sticks habit pressed to the metal plate by the pressing member. Therefore, according to the load detection sensor unit of the present invention, while it is possible to properly detect the seating, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of the seating by pressing habit like.

[0011]

　Further, the pressing member, the seat cushion further has a pressure receiving surface that is pressed, the area of ​​the pressure receiving surface is preferably larger than the area in contact with the metal plate of the pressing portion.

[0012]

　Area of ​​the pressure receiving surface which is pressed against the seat cushion is greater than the area of ​​the pressing portion in contact with the metal plate, it is possible to concentrate the pressing force received by the wide surface the pressing portion, wrinkles more appropriately metal plate Maseru can be. Therefore, it is possible to detect a more appropriately seated.

[0013]

　In this case, the area of ​​the pressure receiving surface, it is preferable that the larger than the area of ​​one of the electrodes.

[0014]

　Because the area of ​​the pressure receiving surface is larger than the area of ​​the electrode which is pressed by the pressing portion, it is possible to seat cushion transmit a force to the pressure receiving surface from outside directly above the electrode. Therefore, better able to concentrate the pressing force to the pressing unit, more appropriately it is possible to bend the metal plate. As a result, therefore, it can be detected more appropriately seated.

[0015]

　Further, the pressing portion is preferably in contact with the metal plate in a state of not being pressed against the seat cushion.

[0016]

　The pressing portion is in contact with the metal plate in a state of not being pressed by the seat cushion, with the seat cushion presses the pressing member can be pressed portion immediately presses the metal plate. Therefore, it is possible to detect quickly seated.

[0017]

　Further, preferably further comprises a first movement restricting member for restricting a relative movement between the pressing member and the metal plate in a plane direction of the metal plate.

[0018]

　The first movement restricting member, the relative position between the pressing portion and the metal plate is that it suppresses the shift can be pressed portion is prevented from pressing the other metal plate.

[0019]

　Further, the load detection sensor, and opening sheet-like formed spacers, further comprising a pair of insulating sheet provided on both surfaces of the spacer, the pair of electrodes, the spacer side of the insulating sheet provided on a surface, opposed to each other through the opening, the metal plate is preferably provided on the side opposite to the one of the spacers of the insulating sheet.

[0020]

　In this case, it is pressed electrode on the insulating sheet and the insulating sheet by bending of the pressed metal plate by the pressing portion, so that the electrodes come into contact with each other. According to such a load detecting sensor unit, the electrode is provided on the insulating sheet, it is possible to suppress unnecessary short circuit between the electrode and the other conductive members. Further, even when the flexible insulating sheet by a temperature change varies, since the deflection way of the metal plate as described above does not change natural extent, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection due to temperature of the seating.

[0021]

　Furthermore, said pair of insulating sheet and the metal plate is preferably set to non-adhesive.

[0022]

　Generally the coefficient of thermal expansion differs between the insulating sheet and the metal plate. Therefore, when the temperature changes, the part of the position of the part of the position and the metal plate of the insulating sheet is going Zureyo each other. In this case, when the insulating sheet and a metal plate is adhered, there is a fear that consuming unnecessary stress to the electrodes on the insulating sheet. However, when the insulating sheet and the metal plate is a non-adhesion, the temperature changes, even if the expanding insulating sheet and the metal plate in different expansion indices, unnecessary to the electrode as the stress it is possible to suppress that the take.

[0023]

　In this case, preferably further comprises a movement restricting member for restricting a relative movement of the pair of definitive plane direction of the insulating sheet of the pair of insulating sheet and the metal plate.

[0024]

　According to such a configuration, the movement restricting member, the shift position of the insulating sheet metal plate can be a metal plate is suppressed disadvantageously no longer cover the electrodes.

[0025]

　Moreover, the movement restricting member is preferably a part of the housing the load sensing sensor is housed.

[0026]

　Load detecting sensor unit may have a housing, in this case, the load sensor may be used is contained within the housing. Therefore, a part of the housing is a movement restricting member, there is no need to provide a separate movement restricting member in addition to the housing. Therefore, the load sensor unit in the case having a housing, the configuration of the load sensor unit can be simplified.

[0027]

　Further, if the pair of insulating sheet as described above is used, a portion covering at least the electrode of the metal plate is preferably spaced from the insulating sheet.

[0028]

　By the metal plate is spaced from the insulating sheet, it is possible to suppress the contact of the slight deflection by the electrode of the metal plate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the seating by the arrangement of such luggage seating surface is detected.

[0029]

　In this case, the metal plate is preferably formed from a bimetal deforms away from the electrode with increasing temperature.

[0030]

　Generally the insulating sheet is made of a resin, when the electrode made of a resin insulating sheet is formed, the resin to become easily deformed with increasing temperature, and the insulating sheet is deformed by weak force with increasing temperature electrode each other is likely to contact. Therefore, by being formed from a bimetal deforms away from the electrode with increasing metal plate temperature as described above, when the temperature rises, it tends electrodes contact each other a weak force, as described above it is possible to suppress the by the fact that the metal plate by metal plate away from the electrode is less likely to push the insulating sheet, that the detection of the seating change it. Therefore, it is possible to detect a more appropriately seated.

[0031]

　Further, the one said electrode being covered with the metal plate and the metal plate are integrated, the electrodes may be a part of the metal plate.

[0032]

　According to the present invention as described above, the load detecting sensor unit capable of suppressing the erroneous detection of the seating while it is possible to appropriately detect the seating is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033]

FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing the construction of a load detection sensor unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[2] Load detection sensor unit of Figure 1 is a sectional view showing a state attached to the S springs.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the construction of a load detection sensor of FIG.
It is a cross-sectional view in FIG. 4] X-X line of the load sensor in Fig.
It is a cross-sectional view in FIG. 5] Y-Y line of the load sensor in Fig.
Is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the load sensor in [6] FIG.
7 is a diagram showing an ON state of the load detection sensor of FIG.
8 is an exploded view showing the construction of a load detection sensor unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a diagram of the load detecting sensor unit viewed from a different angle in Figure 8.
[10] FIG 8 is a cross-sectional view of the load sensor unit of FIG.
[11] FIG 8 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a switch sheet of FIG.
12 is a sectional view showing a structure of a load detection sensor unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034]

　Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the load sensor unit according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Incidentally, for easy understanding, there is a case where the scale of each figure, the scale described in the following description are different.

[0035]

　(First Embodiment)
　FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing the structure of a load detection sensor unit of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a state in which a load detecting sensor unit is attached to the S spring seat device it is. Incidentally, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the load sensor unit in a plane along the lateral direction of the seat device. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the load sensor unit 1A is provided with pedestal 2A, housing 3A, the housing cover 4A and the load detection sensor 5A as main components.

[0036]

　Base 2A includes a mounting portion 21 that the housing 3A is placed, and a pair of hook portions 22 connected to the mounting portion 21. The upper surface of the mounting portion 21 is a mounting surface 21S of the housing 3A is placed. Further, the mounting portion 21 has a plurality of through holes 23 penetrating to the lower surface of portion 21 mounting a mounting surface 21S (the plane of the mounting surface 21S opposite side) is formed. Base 2A are, for example, those formed by molding a metal plate, in this case, the plate thickness is set to 0.8mm for example.

[0037]

　A pair of hook portions 22 across the mounting portion 21 are respectively provided in positions facing each other, a pair of adjacent ones of the plurality of S springs 100 stretched side by side in the opening of the frame in the seat apparatus for a vehicle S They are fitted respectively to the spring 100. Thus, each of the hook portion 22 is a locking portion for locking the seat 2A to S spring 100. In this embodiment, a pair of hook portions 22 are aligned in the lateral direction of the seat device is formed to be fitted into a pair of S springs 100 adjacent to the lateral direction. Further, in a state in which the pair of hook portions 22 is fitted to the pair of S springs 100 adjacent Thus, mounting portion 21 is located below the seat cushion SC is mounted on a plurality of S springs 100, Furthermore, portion 21 mounting when viewing a plurality of S springs from above is disposed between the said pair of S springs 100. In a state in which the pair of hook portions 22 is fitted to the pair of S springs 100 as described above, in the present embodiment, the mounting surface 21S is located below the lower end of each of the S springs 100.

[0038]

　As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 3A has a connector portion 31 connected to the vehicle control unit (not shown), and a switch housing portion 32 that is connected to the connector unit 31. Switch housing portion 32 has a bottom wall 37 and the frame wall 38, the housing space CA is formed for accommodating the load sensor 5A by the bottom wall 37 and the frame wall 38. In the present embodiment, the frame wall 38, lightening processing is given to suppress deformation at the time of resin molding.

[0039]

　The bottom wall 37 of the switch housing portion 32, a pair of fixing pins 33 and the pair of connecting pins 34 are provided. A pair of fixing pins 33 are pins for fixing the load detecting sensor 5A which is accommodated in the housing 3A, respectively. Further, a pair of connecting pins 34, the connector terminal of the connector portion 31 respectively are electrically connected, it is connected to the load detecting sensor 5A and electrically, to electrically connect the connector terminal and the load detection sensor 5A a pin for. In FIG. 1, the connector terminal of the connector portion 31 is omitted.

[0040]

　The outer surface of the frame wall 38 of the switch housing portion 32 a pair of projecting pieces 35 are provided. In the present embodiment, the pair of projecting pieces 35 are provided so as to be aligned in the transverse direction of the seat. Further, the lower end of the frame wall 38 a plurality of hook elements 36 which are fitted in the respective through holes 23 of the base 2A are provided. Each hook piece 36 housing 3A by being fitted into each of the through holes 23 of the base 2A is fixed to the pedestal 2A, housing 3A as described above is mounted on the mounting surface 21S of the base 2A.

[0041]

　Housing cover 4A is a cover member for covering the housing space CA of the switch housing portion 32, a pressing member for pressing the switch of the load sensor 5A by being pressed by the seat cushion SC. Housing cover 4A includes a top wall 44 and the frame wall 48a. The lower end of the frame wall 48a of the housing cover 4A pair of arms 41 are provided. Each arm 41 opening 42 projection piece 35 provided on the frame wall 38 of the switch housing portion 32 of the housing 3A is fitted is bored. Housing cover 4A by a pair of projecting pieces 35 of the housing 3A are fitted respectively to each of the openings 42 of the pair of arms 41 is locked to the housing 3A. Thus, with the housing cover 4A is engaged with the housing 3A, it is a state in which the pair of arms 41 sandwich the housing 3A from the side of the seat.

[0042]

　The top wall 44 of the housing cover 4A, the pressing portion 43 is provided protruding from the inner surface which is opposed to the bottom wall 37 of the switch housing portion 32 of the housing 3A. The pressing portion 43, the tip has a convex curved shape, with the housing cover 4A respective projecting pieces 35 to the respective openings 42 to cover the housing 3A is fitted, the leading end of the load sensor 5A It is in contact with the switch. That is, the tip of the pressing portion 43, housing cover 4A as will be described later in a state not pressed to the seat cushion SC, the tip is in contact with the switch of the load sensor 5A.

[0043]

　Incidentally, the housing cover 4A is formed of a material harder than the seat cushion SC. Thus, there is formed a rigid material than the pressing portion 43 is also the seat cushion SC, which is part of the housing cover 4A. Since generally the seat cushion SC made of foamed urethane resin, as the material of such housing cover 4A, polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), phenol resins, epoxy resins, etc. It includes a resin.

[0044]

　In a state where the pressing portion 43 of the housing cover 4A is in contact with the load sensor 5A, and the frame wall 38 of the top wall 44 and the housing 3A of the housing cover 4A as shown in FIG. 2, spaced apart, gaps GA is formed.

[0045]

　In a state in which a load detecting sensor unit 1A which is assembled in this manner is attached to a pair of S springs 100, the upper surface 44S of the top wall 44 of the housing cover 4A is opposed at a lower surface with a predetermined distance of the seat cushion SC . The upper surface 44S is a planar. Top 44S is a surface that is pressed by the seat cushion SC, it can be understood as the pressure receiving surface of the load sensor unit 1A. The area of ​​the upper surface 44S is larger than the area of ​​the portion in contact with the switch of the load sensor 5A in the pressing portion 43.

[0046]

　It will now be described load detecting sensor 5A which is accommodated in the switch housing portion 32 of the housing 3A.

[0047]

　Figure 3 is an exploded view showing the structure of a load detection sensor 5A. Further, FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line X-X of the load sensor 5A shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line Y-Y of the load sensor 5A shown in FIG.

[0048]

　As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the load sensor 5A is provided with a first electrode sheet 50, and the second electrode sheet 60, a spacer 70 as main components.

[0049]

　The first electrode sheet 50 has an insulating substrate 51 which has little example flexibility. As the material of the substrate 51, and the like phenolic resin or epoxy resin. In this substrate 51 on one surface F1 which is opposite to the second electrode sheet 60, first electrode 52 and the first contact portion 53 is disposed.

[0050]

　The first electrode 52 is one electrode constituting the switch SW, for example, a circular metal printing layer. The first contact portion 53 is made a non-contact area AR2 which generally has a rectangular contact area AR1 and the second electrode sheet 60 is not in contact in contact with the second electrode sheet 60 is connected to each other.

[0051]

　The other surface F2 opposite to the one surface F1 at the substrate 51 is the lower surface of the load detection sensor 5A, the resistance 54 is disposed on the other surface F2. The resistor 54 is a resistor for detecting the disconnection, in the present embodiment, the resistor 54 is comprised of a chip resistor.

[0052]

　The substrate 51, a plurality of through holes penetrating from one surface F1 of the substrate 51 to the other surface F2 is formed, the first sheet through hole 55A respectively, the second sheet through hole 55B, fixing through-hole 55C , 55D and the pin hole 55E, are 55F.

[0053]

　The first sheet through hole 55A is a sheet through hole opening is positioned in the first region where the electrode 52 is disposed within the one surface F1 of the substrate 51. The first sheet through the hole 55A is provided with a first conductive member CPA, through the first conductive member CPA, other circuit portions which are arranged on the surface F2 of the first electrode 52 of the substrate 51 bets are electrically connected. Thus the first conductive member CPA and the resistor 54 is electrically connected, as a result, the first electrode 52 and the resistor 54 are electrically connected. Also, the first conductive member CPA is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first sheet through hole 55A, the inside first sheet through hole 55A, the air hole SP surrounded by the first conductive member CPA is It is formed.

[0054]

　The second sheet through hole 55B is a sheet through hole opened in the first region of the contact portion 53 is arranged is positioned among the one surface F1 of the substrate 51. In the present embodiment, the opening of the second sheet through hole 55B is positioned in the non-contact area AR2 of the first contact portion 53.

[0055]

　The the second sheet through hole 55B and the second conductive member CPB is filled. Via the second conductive member CPB, circuit portion disposed on the other surface F2 of the substrate 51 and the non-contact area AR2 of the first contact portion 53 is electrically connected, the other surface of the substrate 51 F2 in the second conductive member CPB is connected to the resistor 54. Therefore, the resistor 54 and the first contact portion 53 is electrically connected. Since the first electrode 52 as described above and the resistor 54 are electrically connected, the first electrode 52 and the resistor 54 the first contact portion 53 is electrically connected in series in this order.

[0056]

　Fixing through holes 55C, 55D is a through hole which the pair of fixing pins 33 provided on the bottom wall 37 of the switch housing portion of the housing 3A is inserted. The fixing through-holes 55C, the diameter of 55D is an outer diameter about the same pair of fixing pins 33.

[0057]

　Pin hole 55E, 55F is a through hole which the pair of connecting pins 34 provided on the housing 3A is inserted. Terminal 55T is one end portion of an electric circuit is provided in the load detection sensor 5A is inside the pin hole 55E, the other end portion of the electric circuit of the load detection sensor 5A is inside the pin hole 55F terminals 55S is provided at. Terminal 55T is electrically connected to the contact point between the first electrode 52 and the resistor 54, the terminal 55S is electrically connected to the contact point between the resistor 54 and the first contact portion 53. The terminal 55T, 55S is corresponding pin hole 55E, are provided along the inner peripheral surface of 55F, the terminals 55T, the width of the space surrounded by 55S outer diameter about the same connecting pins 34 It is. These pin hole 55E, the 55F pair of connecting pins 34 are inserted, the terminal 55T and one connection pin 34 are electrically connected to the terminal 55S and the other connection pin 34 are electrically connected.

[0058]

　Second electrode sheet 60 is made of a metal plate 61 has a second electrode 62, the second contact portion 63 as main components.

[0059]

　The metal plate 61 is made flexible from thin metal with, in the present embodiment has a shorter vertical width than the longitudinal width of the substrate 51, and thin rectangular parallelepiped shape having a width equivalent to the width of the substrate 51 It is. As a material of the metal plate 61 is not particularly limited as long as the metal having conductivity, such as copper or stainless steel and the like.

[0060]

　The metal plate 61, fixing through holes 65C penetrating from one surface of the metal plate 61 to the other surface, 65D are formed. Fixing through holes 65C, 65D is a through hole which the pair of fixing pins 33 provided in the bottom wall of the switch housing portion of the housing 3A is inserted, fixing through which is formed on the substrate 51 of the first electrode sheet 50 holes 55C, are 55D and the same shape and size. Further, fixing through-hole 65C, and the placement site of the second electrode 62 and the second contact portion 63 with respect to 65D, fixing through-hole 55C of the first electrode sheet 50, the first electrode 52 and the first contact portion 53 for 55D the placement site is relatively the same positional relationship, Nasari fixing through-hole 55C and the fixing through-hole 65C and Do each other when overlapping the first electrode sheet 50 and the metal plate 61, and the fixing through-hole 55D a fixing through-hole 65D overlap each other.

[0061]

　The second electrode 62 is the other of the electrodes constituting the switch SW, in the present embodiment is a member which faces the first electrode 52 via a spacer 70 in the metal plate 61. That is, part of the metal plate 61 also serves as the second electrode 62. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, the first electrode 52, second electrode 62 positioned on the seat cushion SC side of the second electrode 62 is covered with the metal plate 61 from the seat cushion side, as described above It can be understood as being integrated with the metal plate 61. Incidentally, for example, a metal layer of the same material or different material as the metal plate 61, the second electrode 62 may be disposed at a portion facing the first electrode 52 via a spacer 70 in the metal plate 61.

[0062]

　The second contact portion 63 is one member constituting the connection maintaining unit AP, in the present embodiment is formed as a leaf spring. That is, the metal plate 61, a pair of notches 61A which extends toward the other end from one end of the metal plate 61, 61B (FIG. 1) is provided at a predetermined interval, these notches 61A, the 61B site sandwiched is a second contact portion 63. Further, as the second contact portion 63 is inclined to the plate surface of the metal plate 61, by the base of the second contact portion 63 is bent to the first electrode sheet 50, the second contact portion 63 It is formed as a leaf spring. Site in this manner differs from the portion to be the second electrode 62 in the metal plate 61 is a second contact portion 63. Position where the second contact portion 63 is formed, when the first electrode sheet 50 and the second electrode sheet 60 are superimposed, is a position overlapping the contact area AR1 of the first contact portion 53. The shape of the leaf spring which is formed as a second contact portion 63 is, for example, may be the root of the width larger trapezoidal shape than the width of the open end, is applicable various shapes other than a rectangle or a trapezoid is there. Further, as the second contact portion 63, the metal layer of the same material or different material as the metal plate 61 may be disposed on the first electrode sheet 50 side of the metal plate 61.

[0063]

　The spacer 70 includes a first electrode sheet 50 is a thin insulating member sandwiched between the second electrode sheet 60, generally the same shape in this embodiment as excluding the second contact portion 63 from the metal plate 61 It is a university. As the material of the spacer 70 PET, include resins, such as PI or PEN.

[0064]

　Opening 71 is formed in the spacer 70. The opening 71 includes a first electrode 52 disposed on the substrate 51, a between the second electrode 62 of the metal plate 61 which is opposite to the first electrode 52, first electrode 52 and the in the vertical direction It is formed at a position overlapping with the second electrode 62. The size of the opening 71 is slightly smaller state than the size of the first electrode 52.

[0065]

　Also the spacer 70 opening 72 slit is formed. The opening 72 includes a first contact portion 53 disposed on a substrate 51, a between the second contact portion 63 of the metal plate 61 which is opposed to the first contact portion 53, the first contact in the vertical direction It is formed at a position overlapping with the parts 53 and the second contact portion 63. The size of the opening 72 is slightly larger state than the size of the leaf spring which is formed as a second contact portion 63 in the metal plate 61.

[0066]

　More spacer 70, fixing through holes 75C penetrating from one surface of the spacer 70 to the other surface, 75D are formed. Fixing through holes 75C, 75D is a through-hole fixing pin 33 provided in the bottom wall of the switch housing portion of the housing 3A is inserted, fixing through-hole 55C formed in the substrate 51 of the first electrode sheet 50 , it is the 55D and the same shape and size. Further, fixing through-hole 75C in the spacer 70, the arrangement site of the opening 71 and the opening 72 for 75D, fixing through-hole 55C of the first electrode sheet 50, the placement site of the first electrode 52 and the first contact portion 53 for 55D It is relatively the same positional relationship with. Accordingly, the first electrode sheet 50, when the spacer 70, overlapping the second electrode sheet 60 overlaps with the fixing through-hole 55C and the fixing through-hole 65C and fixing through-holes 75C are each other, the fixing through-hole 55D fixed and use the through-hole 65D and fixing through-hole 75C overlap each other.

[0067]

　The first electrode sheet 50, the second electrode sheet 60 and the spacer 70 are overlapped with the load sensor 5A is formed. In the load detecting sensor 5A, as shown in FIG. 4, the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 62 are opposed through the opening 71, to form the switch SW. In a state in which the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 62 is separated, the first electrode 52 a distance between the second electrode 62 is, for example, a 0.1 mm. The air holes SP formed in the electrode through-hole 52A is communicated with the opening 71. Therefore, when in contact with the first electrode 52 is bent a second electrode 62, an unnecessary air can be discharged from the air hole SP outside the load detection sensor 5A. The first sheet through hole 55A in this way, if only the hole for electrically connecting the circuit portion disposed on the first electrode 52 and the other surface F2 side disposed on one surface F1 of the substrate 51 without also serves an exhaust hole for discharging air in the opening 71 to the outside of the load sensor 5A.

[0068]

　Further, as described above, in the load detection sensor 5A, in a state where the second contact portion 63 of the second electrode sheet 60 is formed as a leaf spring, it is inclined constantly being plastically deformed against the plate surface of the metal plate 61 is there. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the second contact portion 63, exits the aperture 72 formed in the notch in the spacer 70, is connected to the contact region AR1 of the first contact portion 53 of the first electrode sheet 50 that. Such connection maintaining portion by a first contact portion 53 and the second contact portion 63 is in contact AP is formed. That is, the first contact portion 53 of the first electrode sheet 50 is the one of the members constituting the connection maintaining unit AP that electrical connection can be maintained even when no external pressure is applied to the housing cover 4A, the second electrode the second contact portions 63 of the sheet 60 is the other member constituting the connection maintaining unit AP.

[0069]

　Such load sensor 5A, as shown in FIG. 1, a pair of fixing pins 33 of the housing 3A is fixing through-hole 55C of the first electrode sheet 50, 55D, fixing through-hole 75C of the spacer 70, 75D and second fixing through-hole of the electrode sheet 60 65C, that is inserted in order to 65D, it is fixed to the housing 3A.

[0070]

　In a state in which a load detecting sensor 5A is fixed to the housing 3A, a pair of connecting pins 34 are pin hole 55E of the first electrode sheet 50 are inserted respectively 55F. Thus the pin hole 55E, terminals 55T provided inside the 55F, 55S are in contact with the corresponding connection pins 34 are electrically connected to the connector terminal of the connector portion 31 of the housing 3A via the connection pin 34 that.

[0071]

　Also, by housing cover 4A is attached, the tip of the pressing portion 43 as described above on the opposite side of the first electrode 52 side of the second electrode 62 is in contact in the switch SW. Area of ​​contact with the second electrode 62 in the pressing portion 43 is smaller than the area of ​​the second electrode 62, also the area of ​​the upper surface 44S is the pressure receiving surface is larger than the area of ​​the second electrode 62. Thus the load sensor 5A is fixed to the housing 3A, in a state where the housing cover 4A is mounted, relative movement of the housing cover 4A and the load sensor 5A in the plane direction of the metal plate 61 is restricted. Regulation of this relative movement is by a pair of fixing pins 33 restricts the movement of the load sensor 5A to the housing 3A, a pair of arms 41 regulates the horizontal movement relative to the housing 3A of the housing cover 4A . Thus, in this embodiment, a pair of fixing pins 33 and the pair of arms 41, a first movement restricting member for restricting a relative movement between the housing cover 4A and the metal plate 61 in the plane direction of the metal plate 61 It is configured.

[0072]

　Figure 6 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the load detection sensor 5A fixed to the housing 3A. As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of terminals 55T is a circuit terminal of the load sensor 5A, between the 55S, the switch SW (the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 62), connection maintaining unit AP (first contact parts 53 and the second contact portion 63) are connected. The switch SW is a pair of terminal 55T, is electrically connected between the 55S, the pair of terminals 55T, are connected to the connector terminals provided in the connector portion 31 of the housing 3A through 55S. Further, since the resistor 54 as described above is electrically connected to the first electrode 52 and the first contact portion 53, the resistance against the switch SW 54 is electrically connected in parallel. Therefore, the switch SW when the switch SW is turned on than when in the OFF state, the terminal 55T, the resistance value between the 55S decreases.

[0073]

　It will now be described the detection of the seating by the load sensor unit 1A of the present embodiment.

[0074]

　When a person in the seat device is seated, the lower surface of the seat cushion SC is moved downward by the load of a person, the lower surface of the seat cushion SC is in contact with the upper surface 44S of the housing cover 4A. When the lower surface of the seat cushion SC is moved further downward, the lower surface of the seat cushion SC presses the upper surface 44S of the housing cover 4A. When the further lower surface of the seat cushion SC is moved downward, since the gap GA is formed between the housing cover 4A and the housing 3A as described above, the housing cover 4A downward within this gap GA to move to.

[0075]

　Figure 7 is a diagram showing an ON state of the load detection sensor 5A. The downward movement of the housing cover 4A, the tip of the pressing portion 43 presses the second electrode 62, as shown in FIG. 7, the second electrode 62 is in contact with the first electrode 52, the load detecting sensor 5A switch SW is in the oN state. That is, the second electrode 62 due to deflection of the metal plate 61 due to the pressing portion 43 presses the metal plate 61 is in contact with the first electrode 52. Therefore, the pair of terminals 55T, the resistance value between the 55S becomes lower, the change in resistance is detected by the vehicle control unit (not shown) via the connection pin 34 and connector terminal. In this way the seating is detected.

[0076]

　At this time, as described above, since it is larger than the area of ​​the portion where the area of ​​the upper surface 44S is a pressure receiving surface that is pressed to the seat cushion SC is in contact with the second electrode 62 is the tip of the pressing portion 43, a wide can be concentrated pressing force received by the surface to the pressing portion 43, more suitably it can be bent a metal plate 61. Particularly in this embodiment, the tip of the pressing portion 43 is a convex curved surface, than when the distal end of the pressing portion 43 is a flat, added at a higher density a pressing force to the metal plate 61 it can, it is possible to more appropriately bend the metal plate 61. Furthermore, the area of ​​the upper surface 44S as described above can be larger than the area of ​​the second electrode 62, the seat cushion SC convey a force to the upper surface 44S from outside directly on the second electrode 62. Therefore, better able to concentrate the pressing force to the pressing portion 43, more suitably it can be bent a metal plate 61.

[0077]

　In the load sensor unit 1A of the present embodiment as described above, is a site where the second electrode 62 is opposed to the first electrode 52 in the metal plate 61, a portion of the metal plate 61 serves as the second electrode 62 there. Incidentally, metal, flexible unchanged natural degree even when the temperature changes. Therefore, even when the environmental temperature around the load detection sensor unit 1A is changed, the deflection how the metal plate 61 which is pressed by the pressing portion 43 does not change not that much. Therefore, according to the load sensing sensor unit 1A, even when the environmental temperature changes, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of the seating. Also, in the load sensing sensor unit 1A, since the seat cushion rigid pressing portion 43 than SC presses the portion of the metal plate 61, the metal plate 61 than when the seat cushion SC presses directly the metal plate 61 can be bent in appropriate, it is possible to appropriately detect the seating. Further, because the metal has hardly occur creep compared with resin, hard part sticks habit pushing the metal plate 61 is pressed by the pressing portion 43. Therefore, according to the load detection sensor unit 1A of the present invention, while it is possible to properly detect the seating, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of the seating by pressing habit like.

[0078]

　Further, in the present embodiment, the tip of the pressing portion 43 as described above, the upper surface 44S of the housing cover 4A to the seat cushion SC is in contact with the metal plate 61 in a state of not being pressed. Therefore, by the seat cushion SC presses the housing cover 4A is a pressing member, it is possible to quickly pressing portion 43 presses the metal plate 61. Therefore, it is possible to detect quickly seated.

[0079]

　Further, in this embodiment, the first consisting of a pair of fixing pins 33 and the pair of arms 41 that regulates the relative movement of the housing cover 4A and the metal plate 61 in the plane direction of the metal plate 61 as in the above It is provided with a movement restricting member. Accordingly, it suppressed that the relative position between the pressing portion 43 and the metal plate 61 is shifted, it is possible to press portion 43 is prevented from pressing the other metal plate 61.

[0080]

　Further, the load detection sensor 5A of this embodiment, a portion including the second contact portion 63 in the second electrode sheet 60 becomes bent metal plate 61, the second contact portion 63 to the first contact portion 53 there is a plate spring for pressing. Therefore the other members for maintaining the first contact portion 53 and the second contact portion 63 is always in the connected state can be eliminated. Thus, miniaturization becomes possible while suppressing the number of components is increased.

[0081]

　(Second Embodiment)
　will be described a second embodiment of the present invention will now. In describing this embodiment, for the first embodiment and the same or equivalent components, explanation except overlapping otherwise particularly stated are denoted by the same reference numerals will be omitted.

[0082]

　Figure 8 is an exploded view showing the structure of a load detection sensor unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a view of the load sensor unit from a different angle in Figure 8. Further, FIG. 10, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the load sensor unit of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the load sensor unit 1B of the present embodiment includes a housing 3B, a housing cover 4B and the load detection sensor 5B as the main components. Although the base is not listed in FIGS. 8-10, the load sensor unit 1B in the present embodiment may not include may include a pedestal.

[0083]

　8, as shown in FIG. 9, the housing 3B has a bottom wall 87, a plurality of frame wall 88, and a plurality of arms 81. The bottom wall 87 is generally has a circular plate shape, the frame wall 88 are connected at three locations of the outer periphery of the bottom wall 87. Frame wall 88 has the same shape as the outer periphery of the outer shape substantially the bottom wall 87, the inner shape is a flat shape. Further, the bottom wall 87 has a plurality of through holes 30H are formed.

[0084]

　Each frame wall 88 is generally based on the generally center of the circular bottom wall 87, are arranged in a direction forming 90 degrees from each other, at 90 degrees from each other inner surface of the frame wall 88 adjacent to each other, facing each other the inner surface 89 of the frame wall 88 are opposed to each other. These inner surface 89 is generally parallel with any of the line connecting the center of the through hole 30H adjacent to each other. Further, on the outer periphery of each of the frame wall 88, the arm 81 is connected. Each arm 81 opening 82 is drilled. Also, frame walls 88 and the arm 81, in the present embodiment is the three places, not provided in the direction of the load sensor unit 1B extend.

[0085]

　Housing cover 4B is a cover member for covering the bottom wall 87 and the frame wall 88, a pressing member for pressing the switch of the load sensor 5B by being pressed by the seat cushion SC shown in FIG. 10. Housing cover 4B has a top wall 45 and the frame wall 48b. Top wall 45 is substantially a plate-like member of circular. Further, the frame wall 48b of the housing cover 4B is divided into a plurality, is connected to the outer peripheral shape of the top wall 45. Between each of the frame wall 48b which is divided into a plurality, hooks 47 are connected to the top wall 45. Each hook piece 47 is configured to be fitted into the opening 82 formed in the arm 81 of the housing 3B. Each hook piece 47 by being fitted into the opening 82, relative movement of the housing 3B and the housing cover 4B along the surface direction of the bottom wall 87 and top wall 45 is restricted.

[0086]

　The top wall 45 of the housing cover 4B, the pressing portion 46 projecting from an inner surface which is opposed to the bottom wall 87 of the housing 3B are provided. The pressing portion 46, except that the tip is a planar, but is the same shape as the pressing portion 43 of the first embodiment, the shape of the tip may be a convex curved shape. Further, the top wall 45 of the housing cover 4B, a plurality of ribs 49 projecting from the inner surface of the same side pressing portion 46 is provided is provided. These ribs 49 are formed at the positions laid on a plurality of through-holes 30H formed in the bottom wall 87 of the housing 3B. These ribs 49, the housing cover 4B is a state in which each of the hooks 47 to the respective openings 82 to cover the housing 3B is fitted, is inserted into the through holes 30H. The pressing portion 46, in this state, the tip is in contact with the load sensor 5B. Therefore, in the same manner as the pressing portion 43 of the first embodiment, the tip of the pressing portion 46, in a state where the housing cover 4B is not pressed to the seat cushion SC, as described below, the tip of the load sensor 5B switch It is in contact with.

[0087]

　Incidentally, the housing cover 4B also similar to the first embodiment in the present embodiment is formed of a material harder than the seat cushion SC, than the pressing portion 46 is also the seat cushion SC, which is part of the housing cover 4B It is formed from a rigid material. Thus, housing cover 4B of the present embodiment is composed of the same material as the housing cover 4A of the first embodiment.

[0088]

　In a state where the pressing portion 46 of the housing cover 4B is in contact with the load sensor 5B, a frame wall 88 of the top wall 45 and the housing 3B of the housing cover 4B as shown in FIG. 10 are spaced apart, the gap GA is formed.

[0089]

　In state where the pumped load detecting sensor unit 1A is provided under the seat cushion SC in the seating arrangement, the upper surface 45S of the top wall 45 of the housing cover. 4B, at a lower surface with a predetermined distance of the seat cushion SC opposite Te. The upper surface 45S is a planar. Top 45S is a surface that is pressed by the seat cushion SC, can be understood as the pressure receiving surface of the load sensor unit 1B, the area of ​​the upper surface 45S is than the area of ​​the portion in contact with the load sensor 5B in the pressing portion 46 It is larger.

[0090]

　It will be described load detecting sensor 5B of the present embodiment.

[0091]

　11, FIG. 8 is an exploded view showing a load sensor 5B in FIG. However, for easy understanding, and FIGS. 8 and 9, by changing the viewing direction in the Figure 11. From Figure 8, as shown in FIG. 11, the load sensor 5B of this embodiment includes a switch sheet 50B having a switch SW, and a metal plate 60B.

[0092]

　8, as shown in FIG. 9, the switch sheet 50B of the present embodiment is a sheet-like membrane switches. Switch sheet 50B has a generally rectangular main block 50m, and a narrow tail block 50t width than the main block 50m is connected to the main block 50m. Switch SW is provided for the main block 50m. Further, there is formed a wide blade portion 50f width in the tail block 50t. Further, in the vicinity of each vertex of the main block 50m, the through-hole 50H is formed.

[0093]

　As shown in FIG. 11, the switch sheet 50B of the present embodiment includes a first electrode sheet 56 and the spacer 58 and the second electrode sheet 57.

[0094]

　The first electrode sheet 56 includes a first insulating sheet 56s, and the first electrode 56e, and the first terminal 56c as main components.

[0095]

　The first insulation sheet 56s is an insulating sheet having flexibility, a main block 56m main blocks 50m having the same shape of the switch sheet 50B, is connected to the main block 56m and tailstock 50t of the switch sheet 50B generally consisting of a tail block 56t of the same shape. The shape of the tail block 56t is in that the opposite side of the distal end portion main block 56m has become narrower than other parts of the tail block 56t, different from the shape of the tailstock 50t switch sheet 50B. In addition, the main block 56m, through-holes 56H in the same position as the through hole 50H of the switch sheet 50B is formed. Such material of the first insulation sheet 56s, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) resin or the like.

[0096]

　The first electrode 56e is provided on one of the surfaces of a generally center of the main block 56m. The first electrode 56e is made of a layer of conductors, for example, a substantially circular metal printing layer. The first terminal 56c is made of a layer of conductors, for example, a substantially rectangular metal layer. The first terminal 56c, the first electrode 56e is provided on the surface of the provided side in the distal end portion of the tail block 56t. Further, the first electrode 56e and the first terminal 56c are electrically connected to each other through the first wiring 56w.

[0097]

　Second electrode sheet 57 includes a second insulation sheet 57s, a second electrode 57e, and a second terminal 57c as main components.

[0098]

　The second insulating sheet 57s is a first insulating sheet 56s similar insulating sheet. In this embodiment, the second insulation sheet 57s has a main block 57m having the same shape as the main block 56m of the first insulation sheet 56s, except tail block 56t and the distal end portion of the first insulation sheet 56s is connected to the main block 57m shape consists tail block 57t of the same shape. The distal end portion of the tail block 57t are narrower width than other portions of the tail block 57t, when the superposed first insulating sheet 56s and the second insulating sheet 57s, a tail block of the first insulating sheet 56s 56t and a tip section is so as not to overlap each other in the tip section and tail block 57t of the second insulating sheet 57s in. In addition, the main block 57m, similarly to the first insulating sheet 56s, through-holes 57H in the same position as the through hole 50H of the switch sheet 50B is formed. The material of the second insulation sheet 57s, like the first insulation sheet 56s, PET, there may be mentioned resins such as PI or PEN, the material of the second insulation sheet 57s has a material of the first insulation sheet 56s it may be different even in the same.

[0099]

　The second electrode 57e is configured similarly to the first electrode 56e, it is generally provided on one of the surfaces of the center of the main block 57m of the second insulating sheet 57s. The position where the second electrode 57e is provided is a position overlapping with the first electrode 56e when overlapped with the first electrode sheet 56 and the second electrode sheet 57. The second terminal 57c is configured similarly to the first terminal 56c, a second electrode 57e of the distal end portion of the tail block 57t is provided on the surface of the provided side. Further, as described above, when stacking the first insulation sheet 56s and the second insulating sheet 57s, since the distal end portion of each of the insulating sheet do not overlap with each other, the first terminal 56c and the second terminal 57c, the first insulating exposed without position between the seat 56s and the second insulating sheet 57s. Further, the second electrode 57e and the second terminal 57c are electrically connected to each other via the second wiring 57 W.

[0100]

　The spacer 58 is an insulating sheet having flexibility consists of a main block 58m, and the tail block 58t that is connected to the main block 58m. Main block 58m is external first insulating sheet 56s, the second insulation sheet 57s of the main block 56m, is the same as the outer shape of 57m. In addition, the main block 58m, central and opening 58c is formed on, also, the first insulating sheet 56s, in the same manner as the second insulating sheet 57s, the through-holes at the same positions as the through holes 50H of the switch sheet 50B 58H is formed. Tailstock 58t, the first insulating sheet 56s, tailstock 56t of the second insulating sheet 57s, the width of 57t is shaped except a narrow tip region.

[0101]

　Opening 58c is substantially circular in shape, diameter than the diameter of the first electrode 56e and the second electrode 57e is slightly smaller. The opening 58c is a spacer 58 by superimposing the first electrode sheet 56 and the second electrode sheet 57, the spacer 58 when viewed from the inside of the opening 58c the first electrode 56e and the second electrode 57e periphery It is formed so as to be located. Further spacer 58, a slit 58b for connecting the external space of the space and the switch sheet 50B in the opening 58c is formed. The slit 58b has a first electrode sheet 56, the spacer 58, the second electrode sheet 57 when stacked, respectively, are air vent.

[0102]

　As the material of the spacer 58, like the first insulation sheet 56s and the second insulating sheet 57s, PET, can be mentioned resins such as PI or PEN. The material of spacer 58 may be different from be the same as the material of the first insulation sheet 56s or the second insulation sheet 57s. Further, on both surfaces of the spacer 58, the adhesive (not shown) for being bonded to the first electrode sheet 56 and the second electrode sheet 57 is coated.

[0103]

　The first electrode sheet 56 and the spacer 58 and in a state where the second electrode sheet 57 is adhered in this order, the first electrode 56e of the first electrode sheet 56, the first wiring 56w, and the second electrode sheet 57 the second electrode 57e of the second wiring 57w is positioned between the first insulating sheet 56s and the second insulating sheet 57s. Then, the first electrode 56e and the second electrode 57e constitute a switch SW to face through the opening 58c. Further, in a state in which the first electrode sheet 56 and the spacer 58 and the second electrode sheet 57 are stacked, overlapping respective through-holes 56H, 57H, 58H each other, the through hole 50H of the switch sheet 50B.

[0104]

　Further, the first terminal 56c and the second terminal 57c of the switch sheet 50B, the signal cable 19 which is connected to a control device (not shown) are connected. The first terminal 56c and the second terminal 57c and each of the signal cable 19 is connected by a conductive paste or soldering. End of the tailstock 50t switch sheet 50B including a first terminal 56c and the second terminal 57c of the signal cable 19 is connected, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are covered by the terminal sealing resin 18 . The terminal sealing resin 18 is made of, for example, a hot melt or photocurable resin. Thus, with that respective signal cable 19 is disengaged from the respective first terminal 56c and the second terminal 57c is suppressed, it is suppressed that the first terminal 56c and the second terminal 57c are short-circuited by conductive dust or the like ing.

[0105]

　The metal plate 60B consists of a metal plate having flexibility. Metal plate 60B is, for example, made of the same material as the metal plate 61 of the second electrode sheet 60 in the first embodiment. Metal plate 60B is a main block 50m of the switch sheet 50B with substantially the same shape, the through-hole 60H in the same position as the through hole 50H of the switch sheet 50B is formed. Therefore, when overlapping the switch sheet 50B and the metal plate 60B, the through hole 60H of the through hole 50H and the metal plate 60B of the switch sheet 50B overlap each other. Further, when the overlapped and switch sheet 50B and the metal plate 60B, the metal plate 60B covers the switch SW of the switch sheet 50B. Specifically, as apparent from FIG. 11, the metal plate 60B, the spacer 58 of the first insulation sheet 56s provided on the opposite side, the first electrode 56e, the seat cushion SC side of the second electrode 57e the first electrode 56e positioned covering the seat cushion SC side. In the present embodiment, it is a non-adhered to each other the metal plate 60B and the first insulation sheet 56s (switch sheet 50B).

[0106]

　Load detection sensor 5B of the above configuration, as shown in FIGS. 8-10, it is disposed on the bottom wall 87 of the housing 3B. Specifically, the main block 50m of the switch sheet 50B having a switch SW is positioned on the bottom wall 87 of the housing 3B. Since the frame wall 88 and the arm 81 of the housing 3B as described above is not provided in the extending direction of the load sensor unit 1B, tailstock 50t of the switch sheet 50B, terminal sealing resin 18, a pair of signal cable 19 is derived from the housing 3B.

[0107]

　Further, as described above, covers the housing 3B in which the housing cover 4B is disposed a load sensor 5B, in each of the state where the hooks 47 is fitted into each opening 82, the pressing portion 46 as described above, tip comes into contact with the position overlapping the switch SW in the metal plate 60B of the load detection sensor 5B. Area of ​​contact with the metal plate 60B in the pressing portion 46 is smaller than the area of ​​the first electrode 56e is pressed to the metal plate 60B, also, the area of ​​the upper surface 45S is a pressure receiving surface than the area of ​​the first electrode 56e also large. Further, in this state, each of the ribs 49, is inserted into the through holes 50H of the through holes 60H and the switch sheet 50B of the metal plate 60B, it is inserted into the through holes 30H of the housing 3B. Therefore, the metal plate 60B as described above and the first insulation sheet 56s is be a non-bonded together, relative positional deviation of the switch sheet 50B and the metal plate 60B is suppressed. Thus, the ribs 49, regulates the relative movement surface direction definitive the switch sheet 50B and the metal plate 60B, i.e. relative to definitive surface direction of the first insulating sheet 56s and the second insulating sheet 57s and the metal plate 60B It may be understood as the second movement restricting member for restricting the movement. Further, the ribs 49 can also be understood as the first movement restricting member for restricting a relative movement between the housing cover 4B and the metal plate 60B in the plane direction of the metal plate 60B.

[0108]

　It will now be described the detection of the seating by the load sensor unit 1B of the present embodiment.

[0109]

　When a person in the seat device is seated, by the load of a person similarly to the description of the first embodiment the lower surface of the seat cushion SC is moved downward, the lower surface of the seat cushion SC contacts the upper surface 45S of the housing cover 4B, to press the upper surface 45S. When the further lower surface of the seat cushion SC is moved downward, the tip of the pressing portion 46 presses the metal plate 60B, the bending of the metal plate 60B, also bending the first insulation sheet 56s, so that the first electrode 56e is in contact with the second electrode 57e, the switch SW of the load sensor 5B is turned on. The seating by the vehicle control unit (not shown) is connected to the signal cable 19 is detected. In this embodiment, larger than the area of ​​the first electrode 56e of the area of ​​the similarly top 45S of the first embodiment is pressed by a metal plate 60B, the upper surface from the other directly above the seat cushion SC is of the first electrode 56e 45S it is possible to transmit a force to. Therefore, better able to concentrate the pressing force to the pressing portion 46, more suitably it can be bent a metal plate 61.

[0110]

　In the present embodiment, the rib 49, relative movement or such that definitive surface direction of the switch sheet 50B and the metal plate 60B, relative movement of the metal plate 60B and the housing cover 4B is restricted. However, the rib 49 is not essential. In this case, for example, moving in the surface direction of the switch sheet 50B and the metal plate 60B by the inner surface 89 of the frame wall 88 of the housing 3B is restricted, whereby the relative in-plane direction of the metal plate 60B and the switch sheet 50B it may be as to regulate the movement, also relative movement of the metal plate 60B and the housing cover 3B may be restricted by the hooks 47. However, in this case, 8, in addition to the frame wall 88 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, in the direction from the main block 50m of the switch sheet 50B to the tail block 50t, the movement of the switch sheet 50B and the metal plate 60B If the formation of the regulation to frame wall is good.

[0111]

　(Third Embodiment)
　will be described a third embodiment of the present invention will now. In describing this embodiment, for the first embodiment and the same or equivalent components, explanation except overlapping otherwise particularly stated are denoted by the same reference numerals will be omitted.

[0112]

　Figure 12 is a sectional view showing a structure of a load detection sensor unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, the load sensor unit 1C of this embodiment, instead of the load detecting sensor 5A, in that the load detecting sensor 5C is used, different from the load detecting sensor unit 1A of the first embodiment.

[0113]

　Load detection sensor 5C of the present embodiment has a similar switch sheet 50C and the switch sheet 50B of the second embodiment, a metal plate 60C. Metal plate 60C becomes a metal plate 60B Toko of the second embodiment has a width greater than the width of the switch sheet 50C. The metal plate 60C of the present embodiment has covered the switch SW of the switch sheet 50C, portions of covering the first electrode of the switch SW, the second electrode, the first electrode sheet in the switch sheet 50C, the second electrode sheet They are spaced apart from each other. Specifically, it is constructed as follows. Housing 3A in this embodiment, has a pair of ribs 39 at a position surrounded by the frame wall 38. The distance between the ribs 39, the width of the metal plate 60C are smaller than both ends of the metal plate 60C is fixed to the ribs 39, the metal plate 60C is bent. This deflection, as described above, a portion covering the first electrode of the switch SW, the second electrode is spaced apart first electrode sheet in the switch sheet 50C, the second electrode sheet. Then, in contact with the site where the tip of the pressing portion 43 of the housing cover 4A covers the first electrode, the second electrode of the metal plate 60C.

[0114]

　Also in the detection of the seating by the load sensor unit 1C of this embodiment, when a person in the seat device is seated, the lower surface of the seat cushion SC is moved downward by the load of a person similarly to the description of the first embodiment, the seat cushion the lower surface of the SC is to press the upper surface 44S of the housing cover 4A. When the further lower surface of the seat cushion SC is moved downward, the tip of the pressing portion 43 presses the metal plate 60C, a metal plate 60C is by flexing from the state of FIG. 12, a first electrode of the switch sheet 50C No. and second electrodes are seated in contact is detected.

[0115]

　According to the load detecting sensor unit 1C of this embodiment, since the metal plate 60C is spaced from the insulating sheet of the switch sheet 50C, it is possible to prevent the contact is slight deflection in the electrode of the metal plate 60C . Therefore, it is possible to seat when the seat cushion is bent by baggage is placed on the seat surface of the seat apparatus is suppressed false detection that is detected.

[0116]

　In the present embodiment, it is also possible that the metal plate 60C is composed of a bimetal. In this case, the metal plate 60C includes a first electrode of the switch SW with increasing temperature, a portion covering the second electrode, the first electrode, to be formed from a bimetal deforms away from the second electrode preferable. When the electrode made of a resin insulating sheet is formed as in this embodiment, the insulating sheet is easily deformed with increasing temperature, the switch SW is easily turned on by a weak force with increasing temperature. The metal is flexible unchanged natural degree even when the temperature changes, do not at all mean flexibility is not changed. Therefore, by a metal plate 60C is formed from bimetal deforms away from with the electrodes increasing temperature, if the temperature increases, easily switch SW is turned on by or weak force which tends deflection metal plate and to become, by the fact that the metal plate away from the electrode, it is possible to prevent the detection of the seating change. Therefore, it is possible to detect a more appropriately seated.

[0117]

　Although the load detection sensor unit of the present invention have been described above embodiments as an example, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0118]

　For example, the pressing portion 43 and 46 in each embodiment, in a state other than the time of detection of seating may be separated from the metal plate.

[0119]

　For example, the base 2A is not essential in the first embodiment. In this case, the load sensor unit 1A of the first embodiment, the hook portion 22 of the base 2A may be provided on the housing 3A. Further, the load sensor unit 1A is not a structure which is fixed to S spring seat apparatus, by changing the shape of the housing 3A by eliminating base 2A, it is configured to be placed on the seat pan of the seat device it may be.

[0120]

　Further, the load detection sensor unit 1B of the second embodiment has a pedestal as in the first embodiment may be configured to be secured to the S spring seat device.

[0121]

　Further, in the second embodiment it has to be a non-adhered to each other the metal plate 60B and the switch sheet 50B, may be bonded to each other with the metal plate 60B and the switch sheet 50B. However, the adhesive to or hardened or softened by temperature, since there is a matter that is on load changes, it is preferable that the metal plate 60B and the switch sheet 50B as described above are non-adhered to each other.

[0122]

　The components of the load detecting sensor units 1A, 1B, 1C, besides the contents shown in the variation of the embodiment and the described above, as appropriate, in combination without departing from the present purposes, omitted, modified, it can be as well as attach well known techniques.

[0123]

　In the above embodiment, FIG. 2, FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 12, the lower surface of the seat cushion SC in the time of non-seated, as described in the state in which separated the load sensor unit. However, the lower surface of the seat cushion SC during unseated may be in contact with the load sensor unit.

[0124]

　As described above, according to the present invention, the load detecting sensor unit capable of suppressing the erroneous detection of the seating while it is possible to appropriately detect the seating is provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS

[0125]

1A, 1B, 1C ... load detection sensor unit
2A ... pedestal
3A, 3B ... housing
4A, 4B ... housing cover
5A, 5B, 5C ... load detection sensor
43 and 46 ... pressing part
50B, 50C ... switch sheet
50, 56 ... first electrode sheet
51 ... substrate
52,56E ... first electrode
56s ... first insulating sheet
57, 60 ... second electrode sheet
62,57E ... second electrode
57s ... second insulating sheet
70,58 ... spacer
61,60B, 60C ··· metal plate
SC ... seat cushion
SW ... switch

The scope of the claims

[Claim 1]

　A load detecting sensor unit disposed under the seat cushion,
　wherein at least a portion of one electrode located on the seat cushion side of the pair of electrodes and the pair of electrodes facing each other with a predetermined distance a load sensor having a metal plate covering the seat cushion side,
　and a pressing member having a rigid pressing portion than the seat cushion is pressed to the seat cushion
comprises a
　pair of electrodes, the pressing portion of the metal contact with each other by bending of the metal plate by pressing the portion of the plate-
load detection sensor unit, characterized in that.

[Claim 2]

　The pressing member further comprises a pressure receiving surface that is pressed to the seat cushion,
　an area of the pressure receiving surface is larger than the area in contact with the metal plate of the pressing portion
of claim 1, wherein the load detection sensor unit.

[Claim 3]

　Area of the pressure receiving surface is larger than the area of the one electrode
load detection sensor unit according to claim 2, characterized in that.

[Claim 4]

　The pressing portion is in contact with the metal plate in a state of not being pressed against the seat cushion
load detection sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

[Claim 5]

　The pressing member further comprising a first movement restricting member for restricting a relative movement between the metal plate in a plane direction of the metal plate
according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that load detection sensor unit.

[Claim 6]

　The load sensing sensor includes a sheet-like spacer having an opening formed, the further a pair of insulating sheet provided on both sides of the spacer,
　the pair of electrodes, the spacer side surface of the insulating sheet provided, facing each other through said opening,
　said metal plate, and one of the spacers of the insulating sheet is provided on the opposite side
according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that load detection sensor unit.

[Claim 7]

　Wherein the pair of insulating sheet and the metal plate is a non-adhesive
load detecting sensor unit according to claim 6, characterized in that.

[8.]

　Comprising further a second movement restricting member for restricting a relative movement of the pair of definitive plane direction of the insulating sheet of the pair of insulating sheet and the metal plate
load detecting sensor unit according to claim 7, characterized in that .

[Claim 9]

　The second movement restricting member is a part of the housing the load sensing sensor is accommodated
load detecting sensor unit according to claim 8, characterized in that.

[Claim 10]

　Site covering at least the electrode of the metal plate is spaced apart from the insulating sheet
load detection sensor unit according to any one of claims 6 9, characterized in that.

[Claim 11]

　The metal plate is formed of a bimetal deforms away from the electrode with increasing temperature
load detection sensor unit according to claim 7, characterized in that.

[Claim 12]

　Wherein is the one the electrodes of which are covered with a metal plate and the metal plate and is integrally said electrode is a part of the metal plate
according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that load detection sensor unit.