CN100422767C - Capacitance-based sensor and occupant sensing system - Google Patents
Capacitance-based sensor and occupant sensing system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CN100422767C CN100422767C CNB2006100062770A CN200610006277A CN100422767C CN 100422767 C CN100422767 C CN 100422767C CN B2006100062770 A CNB2006100062770 A CN B2006100062770A CN 200610006277 A CN200610006277 A CN 200610006277A CN 100422767 C CN100422767 C CN 100422767C
- Authority
- CN
- China
- Prior art keywords
- electrode
- occupant
- sensing
- type sensor
- electric capacity
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Images
Landscapes
- Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
- Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
- Air Bags (AREA)
- Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)
Abstract
An occupant sensing electrode is embedded in a seat. An empty seat capacitance reducing electrode is placed between the occupant sensing electrode and a seat frame of the seat in an opposed relationship to the occupant sensing electrode. A dielectric base film may be interposed between the occupant sensing electrode and the empty seat capacitance reducing electrode. The occupant sensing electrode may include a plurality of electrode portions. The electrode portions may include high potential electrode portions and low potential electrode portions.
Description
Technical field
The present invention relates to be embedded in the capacitance type sensor (capacitance-based sensor) in the seat, also relate to the occupant sensing system of determining the seizure condition of seat according to the output of capacitance type sensor.
Background technology
A kind of occupant sensing system comprises capacitance type sensor and occupant's sensing electronic control unit (ECU).Disturbance in the weak electric field that the capacitance type sensor sensing electrode produces, and output is as the sensing result (for example, referring to Japanese unexamined patent publication No. open source literature No.H11-271463) of corresponding curtage.
Particularly, do not having the occupant to be sitting under the situation of the vacant seat chair in the seat, air is got involved between two electrodes of capacitance type sensor.Under child restraint system (CRS) was installed in another situation in the seat, CRS was between two electrodes of capacitance type sensor.Under the occupant was sitting in a situation again in the seat, occupant's health was between two electrodes of capacitance type sensor.
Here, the specific inductive capacity of air is about 1.Although the specific inductive capacity of CRS can change according to the material of CRS, be about 2 to 5 usually.And the specific inductive capacity of human body is about 50.As mentioned above, the specific inductive capacity of the specific inductive capacity of the specific inductive capacity of air, CRS and human body differs from one another.Like this, the electric capacity between two of capacitance type sensor electrodes is according to the type of the intervention object between two electrodes and difference.
According to the difference of electric capacity, occupant's sensing ECU carries out the occupant and determines.Whether particularly, occupant's sensing ECU determines whether seat is empty, and whether CRS is installed in the seat, and/or be grown up and be sitting in the seat.Air bag ECU determines the permission of airbag deployment/forbid according to definite result of occupant's sensing ECU.Particularly, under the state of vacant seat chair or CRS be installed under the state in the seat, the expansion of air bag is under an embargo.On the other hand, under the adult is sitting in state in the seat, allow the expansion of air bag.
Electric capacity that produces when the electric capacity that utilizes capacitance type sensor to measure under the occupant is sitting in state in the seat comprises that the occupant is seated in the seat and because the electric capacity that the dummy status of seat exists always.To this situation be described referring to Figure 34.Figure 34 is the synoptic diagram that schematically shows the circuit structure of the capacitance type sensor that proposes previously.In Figure 34, " Cb " is the electric capacity between electrode 120 and the vehicle ground connection (i.e. GND by the human body seat frame of vehicle ground connection (or be grounding to)), and " Co " is because the dummy status of seat is present in the electric capacity (vacant seat chair electric capacity) between electrode 120 and the vehicle GND.The electric capacity that current sensing device (current sensing circuit) 131 is measured as capacitor C b and capacitor C o sum.Electric capacity between occupant's sensing electrode 120 and the vehicle GND (vacant seat chair electric capacity) Co occupies big ratio in whole capacitor (capacitor C b and capacitor C o sum), and the variation of vacant seat chair capacitor C o directly causes the variation of whole capacitor, thereby has reduced the accuracy class that the occupant determines.And the adjustment of the measurement changes in capacitance of the capacitance type sensor in each vehicle causes the significantly increase of factory's working load.
And referring to Figure 35, under the situation of the occupant sensing system described in the Japanese unexamined patent publication No. open source literature No.H11-271463, passenger sensor 514 is arranged on the end face of seat bottom 510 of passenger seat.Passenger sensor 514 comprises first electrode 512 and second electrode 513.Between first electrode 521 and second electrode 513, produce electric field.When the occupant was sitting on the seat bottom 510, the electric capacity between first electrode 512 and second electrode 513 changed, and caused the electric current between first electrode 512 and second electrode 513 to change.Change by measuring electric current, sense the existence of the occupant on the seat bottom 510.
Yet, only be provided with single group electrode 512,513.Thereby, can not cover the various occupants pattern of taking one's seat.For example, when the occupant misplaces with single group electrode 512,513, can not effectively sense the existence of the occupant on the seat bottom 510.
Summary of the invention
In view of the foregoing, make capacitance type sensor of the present invention and occupant sensing system.Like this, an object of the present invention is to provide and a kind ofly can improve capacitance type sensor and the occupant sensing system that seat occupancy is determined precision.
To achieve these goals, provide a kind of capacitance type sensor that is arranged in the existence that is used for sensing seat occupant in the seat.Capacitance type sensor comprises that occupant's sensing electrode, vacant seat chair electric capacity reduce electrode, current sensing device and drive unit.Occupant's sensing electrode is embedded in the seat.It is relative with occupant's sensing electrode that vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode, and between the seat frame of occupant's sensing electrode and seat, wherein seat is electrically connected to vehicle ground connection.Current sensing device is measured electric current, and place above the other things put with one of them of the second place in.Occupant's sensing electrode is positioned on the side of primary importance, and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode and is positioned on the opposite side of primary importance, thus primary importance between and be connected electrically in occupant's sensing electrode and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces between the electrode.Vehicle ground connection is positioned on the side of the second place, and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode and primary importance is positioned on the opposite side of the second place, thus the second place between and be connected electrically in vehicle ground connection and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces between electrode and the primary importance.Drive unit produces driving voltage, and is arranged in first and second positions another.
In order to realize purpose of the present invention, further provide a kind of capacitance type sensor that is arranged in the existence that is used for sensing seat occupant in the seat.Capacitance type sensor comprises that the dielectric layer, occupant's sensing electrode, the vacant seat chair electric capacity that are embedded in the seat reduce electrode, drive unit and current sensing device.Occupant's sensing electrode comprises first group of electrode part and the second group of electrode part on first side that is arranged in dielectric layer.Vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode and occupant's sensing electrode is oppositely disposed on the opposite side of dielectric layer, one of them at least one of first group of electrode part of thereby vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode between the seat frame of occupant's sensing electrode and seat. and at least one of second group of electrode part is positioned on the side of drive unit; And vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces at least one of at least one and second group of electrode part of electrode and first group of electrode part another and is positioned on the opposite side of drive unit, applies voltage thereby one of the described and vacant seat chair electric capacity of drive unit at least one of at least one and second group of electrode part of first group of electrode part reduces described at least one of at least one and second group of electrode part that electrode and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode and first group of electrode part between another. Current sensing device is measured the electric current between at least one of at least one and second group of electrode part of first group of electrode part.
In order to realize purpose of the present invention, also provide a kind of capacitance type sensor that is arranged in the occupant's who is used for the sensing seat in the seat existence.Capacitance type sensor comprises that the dielectric layer, occupant's sensing electrode, auxiliary electrode, the vacant seat chair electric capacity that are embedded in the seat reduce electrode, drive unit and current sensing device.Occupant's sensing electrode comprises first group of electrode part and the second group of electrode part on first side that is arranged in dielectric layer.First group of electrode part and second group of electrode part are alternately arranged.Auxiliary electrode extends between each first group of electrode part and adjacent second group of electrode part, and not with first side of dielectric layer on first group of electrode part and second group of electrode part electrically contact.Vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode and occupant's sensing electrode and auxiliary electrode and is oppositely disposed on second side of dielectric layer, thereby vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode between the seat frame of occupant's sensing electrode and seat.Drive unit applies voltage between occupant's sensing electrode and auxiliary electrode.Current sensing device is measured the electric current between occupant's sensing electrode and the auxiliary electrode.
In order to realize purpose of the present invention, a kind of occupant sensing system also is provided, this occupant sensing system comprises any one of above-mentioned capacitance type sensor and determines occupant's sensing ECU of the seizure condition of seat according to the output of capacitance type sensor.
Description of drawings
According to following description, appended claims and accompanying drawing, will understand the present invention and other purpose, characteristic and advantage thereof better, wherein in the accompanying drawings:
Fig. 1 is the integrally-built synoptic diagram that illustrates according to the occupant sensing system with capacitance type sensor of the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is the synoptic diagram of front passenger seat, the installation site of the electrode unit of expression capacitance type sensor;
Fig. 3 is the schematic top view of electrode unit;
Fig. 4 is the sectional view that obtains along the line IV-IV among Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is the integrally-built synoptic diagram that the occupant sensing system with capacitance type sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;
Fig. 6 is the integrally-built synoptic diagram that the occupant sensing system with capacitance type sensor of a third embodiment in accordance with the invention is shown;
Fig. 7 is the integrally-built synoptic diagram that the occupant sensing system with capacitance type sensor of a fourth embodiment in accordance with the invention is shown, and the 4th embodiment is the modification of first embodiment;
Fig. 8 is the synoptic diagram that the modification of the capacitance type sensor shown in Fig. 7 is shown;
Fig. 9 is the integrally-built synoptic diagram that illustrates according to the occupant sensing system with capacitance type sensor of the 5th embodiment;
Figure 10 is the sectional view according to the electrode unit of the 6th embodiment;
Figure 11 is the sectional view according to the electrode unit of the 7th embodiment;
Figure 12 is the integrally-built synoptic diagram that illustrates according to the occupant sensing system with capacitance type sensor of the 7th embodiment;
Figure 13 is the sectional view according to the electrode unit of the 8th embodiment;
Figure 14 is the curve map that first result of experiment is shown;
Figure 15 is the curve map that second result of experiment is shown;
Figure 16 is the integrally-built synoptic diagram that illustrates according to the occupant sensing system with capacitance type sensor of the 9th embodiment, and this occupant sensing system is in occupant's state sensing mode of operation;
Figure 17 is the synoptic diagram that is similar to Figure 16 according to the 9th embodiment, and fault sensing mode of operation is shown;
Figure 18 is the part synoptic diagram that illustrates according to the line select switch device circuit structure of the capacitance type sensor of the 9th embodiment;
Figure 19 is the synoptic diagram that is similar to Figure 16, and the modification according to the capacitance type sensor of the 9th embodiment is shown;
Figure 20 is the synoptic diagram that is similar to Figure 19, and the fault sensing mode of operation of this modification is shown;
Figure 21 is the integrally-built synoptic diagram that illustrates according to the occupant sensing system with capacitance type sensor of the tenth embodiment;
Figure 22 has the planimetric map that high potential electrode part, low potential electrode part and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduce the sensor of electrode;
Figure 23 is the sectional view that obtains along the line XXIII-XXIII among Figure 22;
Figure 24 is first planimetric map of revising that the tenth embodiment is shown;
Figure 25 A and 25B are the curve maps that is used to describe first exemplary use of revising;
Figure 26 A and 26B are the curve maps that is used to describe first another exemplary use of revising;
Figure 27 is second planimetric map of revising that the tenth embodiment is shown;
Figure 28 is the sectional view that obtains along the line XXVIII-XXVIII among Figure 27;
Figure 29 is the 3rd planimetric map of revising that the tenth embodiment is shown;
Figure 30 A is the sectional view that obtains along the line XXXA-XXXA among Figure 29;
Figure 30 B is the sectional view that the modification of Figure 30 A is shown;
Figure 31 is the planimetric map that illustrates according to the capacitance type sensor of the 11st embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 32 is the integrally-built synoptic diagram that illustrates according to the occupant sensing system with capacitance type sensor of the 12nd embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 33 is the planimetric map of the sensor of the 12 embodiment;
Figure 34 is the integrally-built synoptic diagram that the occupant sensing system with capacitance type sensor that proposes previously is shown; And
Figure 35 is the synoptic diagram that the prior art occupant sensing system is shown.
Embodiment
(first embodiment)
Fig. 1 is the integrally-built synoptic diagram that illustrates according to the occupant sensing system with capacitance type sensor 10 of first embodiment.Fig. 2 is the synoptic diagram that the front passenger seat 9 of the installation site of representing electrode unit 1 is shown, and this electrode unit is as the sensing apparatus of capacitance type sensor 10.
As shown in fig. 1, the capacitance type sensor 10 of present embodiment comprises that occupant's sensing electrode 20, vacant seat chair electric capacity reduce electrode 21, current sensing device (current sensing circuit) 31 and drive unit (driving circuit) 32.Occupant's sensing electrode 20 is embedded at least one of the chair back 17 of seat bottom 12 and front passenger seat 9, and this front passenger seat is as seat of the present invention.In this specific embodiment, as shown in fig. 1, occupant's sensing electrode 20 is embedded in the seat bottom 12.It is relative with occupant's sensing electrode 20 that vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 21, is arranged in occupant's sensing electrode 20 and is electrically connected between the seat frame 26 (that is, being used as the vehicle ground connection (GND) 42 of ground-electrode) of vehicle body.Current sensing device 31 current sensors, and the shown position (primary importance of the present invention) that is connected electrically between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and the vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21 is located.The shown position (second place of the present invention) that drive unit 32 is connected electrically between vehicle ground connection 42 and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21 and the current sensing device 31 is located.Particularly, electrical lead (first lead) 27 extends to point of crossing 30 from occupant's sensing electrode 20, and current sensing device 31 is in electrical lead 27 between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and the point of crossing 30.Electrical lead (second lead) 28 extends to point of crossing 30 from vehicle GND 42, and drive unit 32 is between vehicle GND 42 and point of crossing 30.And electrical lead (privates) 29 reduces electrode 21 from vacant seat chair electric capacity and extends to point of crossing 30.Capacitance type sensor 10 and occupant's sensing ECU 3 form the occupant sensing system of present embodiment.
Here, as shown in Figure 2, the passenger seat 9 that capacitance type sensor 10 wherein is installed has seat frame 26, bolster 91 and the outer cover part (cover sheet or outer cover skin) 90 that is made of metal.Metal pedestal chair frame 26 comprises seat bottom and chair back portion.The seat bottom of seat frame 26 is fixed to vehicle body, and the chair back portion of seat frame 26 is pivotally supported in the rear end of seat bottom, allows chair back portion to move pivotally on the fore-and-aft direction of vehicle.Bolster 91 is set to the seat bottom and the chair back portion of seat frame 26 respectively, and is made by foamed resin for instance.Each outer cover part 90 all covers corresponding bolster 91.Seat frame 26 forms the skeleton structure of front passenger seat 9.Electrode unit 1 forms plates, and comprises that occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduce electrode 21.Electrode unit 1 is between the bolster 91 of the seat bottom of outer cover part 90 and passenger seat 9.
Occupant's sensing ECU 3 is arranged on the vehicle floor, and is connected to electrode unit 1 by shielding line 24.Occupant's sensing ECU 3 comprises current sensing device 31, drive unit 32, unshowned CPU and unshowned communication interface (I/F).Current sensing device 31 constitutes the part of capacitance type sensor 10.CPU comprises modulus (A/D) converter.CPU carries out the value that the A/D conversion obtains according to the measurement electric capacity to the measurement of capacitance type sensor 10 and output and determines whether passenger seat 9 is empty, and whether child restraint system (CRS) is installed in the passenger seat 9, and/or whether the adult is sitting in the passenger seat 9.Then, CPU determines that with the occupant result outputs to unshowned air bag ECU by communication I/F.After this, air bag ECU determines that according to the occupant who receives from occupant's sensing ECU 3 expansion of air bag allows or forbids.
Fig. 3 is the schematic top view of electrode unit 1, and Fig. 4 is the sectional view that obtains along the line IV-IV among Fig. 3.As shown in Fig. 3 and 4, electric shock unit 1 forms the unit member with plates, and comprises that occupant's sensing electrode 20, vacant seat chair electric capacity reduce electrode 21, basal film (film spare) 22, shielding line connector 23, shielding line 24 and aerial lug 25.
In Fig. 4, for better understanding is provided, the vertical dimension that occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduce the basal film 22 of electrode 21 is not that chi is drawn in proportion, but is exaggerated.And, in Fig. 4, the silver electrode element of occupant's sensing electrode 20, silver electrode element and the basal film 22 that vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 21 are shown with simplified way.
Occupant's sensing electrode 20 comprises carbon electrode element 200 and silver electrode element 201.Occupant's sensing electrode 20 forms on the end face of basal film 22, makes occupant's sensing electrode 20 be arranged in substantially in the central authorities of basal film 22.Carbon electrode element 200 is configured as rectangular shape.Silver electrode element 201 is provided with towards the inside of the periphery of carbon electrode element 200 slightly.
Vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 21 and comprises carbon electrode element 210 and silver electrode element 211.Vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 21 and forms on the bottom surface of basal film 22, and it is relative with occupant's sensing electrode 20 to make that vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 21.Like this, occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21 is electrically insulated from each other by basal film 22.Carbon electrode element 210 is configured as rectangular shape.Silver electrode element 211 is provided with towards the inside of the periphery of carbon electrode element 210 slightly.
Next, will be described in the operation of each part of the occupant sensing system that has capacitance type sensor 10 when measuring electric capacity referring to Fig. 1.In the occupant of passenger seat 9 took one's seat state (that is, the occupant takes one's seat, and just is sitting in the state in the passenger seat 9), occupant's health was placed on the outer cover part 90.Like this, human body is present in the path between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and the seat frame 26.When drive unit 32 produced high frequency low voltage driving output (driving voltage), occupant's sensing electrode 20 is subjected to drive to have than low potential (being designated hereinafter simply as low potential).Like this, produce capacitor C b by human body between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vehicle GND 42 (seat frame 26), this electric capacity has high potential (being designated hereinafter simply as high potential).Simultaneously, measure the electric current that between vehicle GND 42 and occupant's sensing electrode 20, flows by current sensing device 31.And vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 21 and is driven and have the electromotive force (low potential) identical with occupant's sensing electrode 20.Like this, not between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21, to produce electric capacity, but between vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21 and vehicle GND42, produce electric capacity.Or rather, effectively measure the occupant by current sensing device 31 and be sitting in the capacitor C b that produces by human body under the state in the passenger seat.Yet, do not measure because the capacitor C o that the dummy status of passenger seat exists always by current sensing device 31.
Therefore, according to present embodiment, can reduce the measurement changes in capacitance of under the dummy status of passenger seat, measuring (for example because the variation that the difference of the size of seat and/or material causes).Therefore, the CPU of occupant's sensing ECU 3 can make the occupant with high precision according to the measurement electric capacity of capacitance type sensor 10 and determines.And, when the occupant sensing system of present embodiment is installed in the dissimilar vehicles, do not require the execution odd word, for example regulate the measurement electric capacity (the measurement electric capacity of vacant seat chair) of capacitance type sensor 10 under the dummy status of passenger seat.
And the part that is connected electrically in the lead 27 between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and the current sensing device 31 is formed by shielding line 24, and the part that is connected electrically in the lead 28 between vehicle GND 42 and the drive unit 32 is formed by shielding line 24.Like this, may reduce noise effect.
And occupant's sensing electrode 20 is arranged on the surface (end face) of basal film 22 (for dielectric), and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 21 and be arranged on another surface (bottom surface) of basal film 22, arranges thereby form sheet form.Forming wherein like this, easily, occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduce electrode 21 by dielectric structure respect to one another.And, easily occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21 are installed in the seat.
(second embodiment)
As shown in Figure 5, second embodiment is characterised in that, the shown position (primary importance of the present invention) that drive unit 32 is connected electrically between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and the vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21 is located, and the shown position (second place of the present invention) that current sensing device 31 is connected electrically between vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21 and the drive unit 32 is located.
The operation of each part of capacitance type sensor 10 in the time of will being described in measurement electric capacity referring to Fig. 5.When being connected electrically in occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vacant seat chair electric capacity and reducing drive unit 32 between the electrode 21 and produce high frequency low voltages and drive output, occupant's sensing electrode 20 is subjected to drive has high potential.Like this, produce capacitor C b by human body between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vehicle GND 42 (seat frame 26), this electric capacity has low potential.Simultaneously, measure the electric current that between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vehicle GND 42, flows by drive unit 32.Vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 21 and has the electromotive force (low potential) identical with vehicle GND 42.Like this, between vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21 and vehicle GND 42, do not produce electric capacity.And, between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21, produce electric capacity.Yet therefore the current sensing device 31 because electric current that capacitor C o produces is not flowed through utilizes current sensing device 31 not measure electric current.Or rather, effectively measure the occupant by current sensing device 31 and be sitting in the electric capacity that produces by human body under the state in the passenger seat.Yet, do not measure because the electric capacity (vacant seat chair electric capacity) that the dummy status of passenger seat exists always by current sensing device 31.
Like this, similar with first embodiment, according to present embodiment, can reduce the measurement changes in capacitance of under the dummy status of passenger seat, measuring (for example because the variation that the difference of the size of seat and/or material causes).
(the 3rd embodiment)
The 3rd embodiment is characterised in that the structure of the modification first as described below or second embodiment.That is, as shown in Figure 6, current sensing device 31 has operational amplifier 31a, and this operational amplifier is used to remain on same potential and the electrical isolation between corresponding two electrodes, and wherein current sensing device 31 is between these two electrodes.Like this, be connected occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vacant seat chair electric capacity at current sensing device 31 and reduce in the structure (first embodiment) between the electrode 21, can make these electrodes 20,21 be in by operational amplifier 31a effectively provides in the state of same potential and electrical isolation between electrode 20,21.Under this state, the voltage drop V that utilizes voltmeter measuring resistance R to produce.According to concerning V=iR, with just can high-precision sensing the flow through current i of human body (measuring object) of simple structure.Under the situation of second embodiment, between place current sensing device 31 corresponding two electrodes be that vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 21 and vehicle GND 42, thereby between electrode 21 and vehicle GND 42, effectively provide same potential and electrical isolation by operational amplifier 31a.
(the 4th embodiment)
The 4th embodiment is characterised in that the structure of the modification first as described below or second embodiment.Be connected electrically in forming by shielding line to small part of lead (first lead) between corresponding in occupant's sensing electrode and current sensing device and the drive unit, and be connected electrically in forming by shielding line to small part of lead (second lead) between in vehicle ground connection and current sensing device and the drive unit another.Here, make the shielding part (around the screen of lead) of shielding line have and the identical electromotive force of vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode.Here, identical single shielding line is used to form the part of first and second leads.Alternatively, two shielding lines that separate can be set respectively, forming the part of first and second leads, and the shielding part of these shielding lines that separate can be electrically connected to vacant seat chair electric capacity and reduces electrode.
Particularly, under the situation of first embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the part that is connected electrically in the lead (first lead) 27 between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and the current sensing device 31 can be formed by shielding line 24, and the part that is connected electrically in the lead (second lead) 28 between vehicle ground connection 42 and the drive unit 32 is formed by shielding line 24.The part of shielding line 24 is connected to vacant seat chair electric capacity and reduces electrode 21, reduces the identical electromotive force of electrode 21 to have with vacant seat chair electric capacity.Under the situation of second embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the part that is connected electrically in the lead (first lead) 27 between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and the drive unit 32 can be formed by shielding line 24, and the part that is connected electrically in the lead (second lead) 28 between vehicle ground connection 42 and the current sensing device 31 is formed by shielding line 24.The part of shielding line 24 is connected to vacant seat chair electric capacity and reduces electrode 21, reduces the identical electromotive force of electrode 21 to have with vacant seat chair electric capacity.Utilize said structure, the forming by shielding line 24 to small part of each root lead 27,28, thus can reduce noise effect.And, make the shielding part of shielding line 24 have and reduce the identical electromotive force of electrode 21 with vacant seat chair electric capacity.Like this, reduced capacitor C o ' between the shielding part in each root lead 27,28 and the shielding line 24.Therefore, can further reduce measured vacant seat chair changes in capacitance.
(the 5th embodiment)
The 5th embodiment is characterised in that the structure of modification the 4th embodiment as described below.That is, as shown in Figure 9, vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21 is electrically connected to current sensing device 31 and drive unit 32 by the shielding part of shielding line 24.Utilize the structure of present embodiment, do not need to provide vacant seat chair electric capacity is reduced the independent lead that electrode 21 is connected to current sensing device 31 and drive unit 32.Like this, simplify the structure, thereby can reduce cost.
(the 6th embodiment)
The 6th embodiment is characterised in that the structure of the modification first as described below or second embodiment.That is, as shown in Figure 10, the outside surface of occupant's sensing electrode 20 covers with resin film (dielectric material) 221, and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces outside surface resin film (dielectric material) 221 coverings of electrode 21.In said structure, resin film 221 is attached to basal film 22 by dielectric adhesive 223.Like this, the surface of the surface of occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21 covers with dielectric material.Utilize this structure, when water is spread across and soak passenger seat 9 (seat), can limit contacting of water and electrode 20,21, thus the damage of restriction electrode 20,21.
(the 7th embodiment)
The 7th embodiment is characterised in that the structure of modification the 6th embodiment as described below.That is, as shown in Figure 11, make the surface area of occupant's sensing electrode 20 reduce the surface area of electrode 21 greater than vacant seat chair electric capacity.Figure 12 is the integrally-built synoptic diagram that illustrates according to the occupant sensing system with capacitance type sensor 10 of present embodiment.Utilize present embodiment, by making the surface area of occupant's sensing electrode 20 reduce the surface area of electrode 21, can improve poor at measurement electric capacity of measuring under the dummy status of passenger seat and the measurement electric capacity under the occupant of passenger seat takes one's seat state, measured greater than vacant seat chair electric capacity.And,, can distinguish the dummy status of passenger seat and the mounted state of CRS of passenger seat by improving occupant's sensing precision.
(the 8th embodiment)
The 8th embodiment is characterised in that the structure of modification the 6th embodiment as described below.That is, as shown in Figure 13, make vacant seat chair electric capacity reduce the surface area of the surface area of electrode 21 greater than occupant's sensing electrode 20.Utilize present embodiment,, can reduce the capacitor C o between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and the seat frame 26 by making vacant seat chair electric capacity reduce the surface area of the surface area of electrode 21 greater than occupant's sensing electrode 20.Therefore, can further reduce the vacant seat chair changes in capacitance of measurement.
Condenser type capacitor of the present invention and occupant sensing system have been described with regard to these several embodiment.Yet, the invention is not restricted to the foregoing description.According to those skilled in the art's knowledge, can make amendment to the foregoing description in many ways, and not depart from scope and spirit of the present invention.
For example, can revise the structure of first or second embodiment, make when occupant's sensing ECU 3 according to the output sensing seat harness of buckle switch device do not buckle state the time, occupant's sensing ECU 3 can determine that passenger seat is empty, and wherein CRS is not installed (sky of passenger seat and CRS be existence not).Utilize this layout, by using the output from the buckle switch device, the sky and the CRS that can distinguish passenger seat lack state (that is the non-existent state of occupant and CRS).When only relying on measured electric capacity, this is difficult sometimes.Like this, for example, not during existence, can close luminous air bag and close lamp with expression airbag deployment illegal state at the occupant who detects passenger seat and CRS.Like this, can reduce because the unnecessary luminous worry that causes of emergency warning lamp.
Below, the experimental result of the capacitance type sensor 10 that is used to test above-mentioned each embodiment will be described referring to accompanying drawing.Carry out first experiment, the minimizing of comparing with the structure that proposes previously with the vacant seat chair electric capacity of checking measured each according to first and second embodiment.In the present embodiment, for each comparative example (first embodiment and second embodiment), under various measuring conditions, measure electric capacity.In comparative example, use the capacitance type sensor shown in the Figure 34 that proposes previously.Measuring condition comprises seat dummy status, the mounted state of CRS, three layers of exposure suit state (promptly, wear three layers of exposure suit), two-layer exposure suit state (promptly, wear three layers of exposure suit), individual layer exposure suit state (promptly, wear the individual layer exposure suit) and AF05 (AF05 body size, the American Women's that stature is little).Figure 14 is the curve map that first result of experiment is shown.Check out, the vacant seat chair electric capacity of measuring in first and second experiments reduces to 1/2nd of comparative example.And, for each other condition that are different from the seat dummy status, to check out, the electric capacity of measuring in first and second experiments is with respect to the electric capacity of comparative example minimizing corresponding to dummy status.
In second experiment, for each of first and second embodiment, with occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduce surface area ratio between the electrode 21 be set at 1: 1,2: 1,1: 2.Under this sets, be similar to first experiment, use the capacitance type sensor shown in Figure 34.Measuring condition comprises seat dummy status, CRS installment state and AF50 (AF50 body size, the U.S. male sex of stature standard).Figure 15 is the curve map that second result of experiment is shown.Under the situation of the long-pending ratio of top-bottom electrode surface of 2: 1, measured electric capacity is significantly different according to measuring condition, and checks out, and the precision during the occupant determines is higher.Under the situation of the long-pending ratio of top-bottom electrode surface of 1: 2, vacant seat chair electric capacity minimum, and check out and further effectively reduce measured vacant seat chair changes in capacitance.
(the 9th embodiment)
To the 9th embodiment be described referring to Figure 16 to 18.Except line select switch device 60, present embodiment is identical substantially with second embodiment shown in Fig. 5.Switchgear 60 is used to allow to detect the fault (for example, short circuit, circuit braking) of the capacitor between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and the vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21.More specifically, in a second embodiment, do not measure because there is the electric current that produces in the capacitor C o that occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduce between the electrode 21 by current sensing device 31.Therefore, in some cases, the capacitor (or electrical connection) between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21 when breaking down, can not correctly detect the fault of capacitor by current sensing device 21.If can not detect the capacitor fault when determining occupant's state of seat, then it may reduce definite result's the precision of occupant's state of seat.The 9th embodiment provides other measure to overcome above-mentioned shortcoming with the form of switchgear 60, thereby further improves definite result's the precision of occupant's state of seat.Like this, in the following description, the 9th embodiment concentrates on the structure and the operation of switchgear 60, and does not have to describe in detail the other parts of the structure except that switch device 60.
Particularly, drive unit 32 is between first end and second end of lead (first lead) 27.First end of lead 27 is connected directly to occupant's sensing electrode 20.Current sensing device 31 is between first end and second end of lead (second lead) 28.First end of lead 28 is connected directly to vehicle GND 42, and second end of lead 28 is 30 second ends that are connected to lead 27 in the point of crossing.First end of lead (privates) 29 is connected directly to vacant seat chair electric capacity and reduces electrode 21, and second end of lead 29 30 is connected to second end of lead 27 and second end of lead 28 in the point of crossing.The switching that switchgear 60 is carried out lead 28 and lead 29.More specifically, switchgear 60 is divided into 28a of first and second portion 28b with lead 28.The 28a of first comprises first end of the lead 28 that is connected directly to vehicle GND 42.Second terminal 62 and the 3rd terminal 63 are from the 28a of the first fork of lead 28.Second portion 28b comprises second end and the current sensing device 31 of lead 28.And switchgear 60 is divided into 29a of first and second portion 29b with lead 29.The 29a of first comprises first end of the lead 29 that is connected directly to vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21.The first terminal 61 and the 4th terminal 64 are from the 29a of the first fork of lead 29.Second portion 29b comprises second end of lead 29, and this second end 30 is connected to second end of lead 27 and second end of lead 28 in the point of crossing.
Then, will the operation of present embodiment be described.
At first, will occupant's state sensing operation of present embodiment be described.
When occupant's state of sensing seat when taking one's seat (sensing occupant), during the switchgear 60 of Figure 18 is placed above the other things and put, thereby first and second on-off elements 66,67 are arranged in the relevant position that it is represented with the solid line of Figure 18.The primary importance of switchgear 60 schematically shows in Figure 16.In Figure 16, for simplicity and clear understand for the purpose of, not shown occupant's sensing ECU 3.Except the existence of aforesaid switchgear 60, this layout is identical with second embodiment shown in Fig. 5.Particularly, first on-off element 66 is connected to the first terminal 61, and second switch element 67 is connected to the 3rd terminal 63.In other words, be connected under this state, switchgear 60 is connected electrically between the second portion 28b of the 28a of first of lead 28 and lead 28, and also is connected electrically between the second portion 29b of the 29a of first of lead 29 and lead 29.When the occupant was seated in the seat 9, the latter half of occupant's health was placed on (Fig. 2) on the outer cover part 90, and occupant's health is between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and seat frame 26.When drive unit 32 produces high frequency low-voltages (driving voltage), occupant's sensing electrode 20 is subjected to drive has high potential, and vehicle GND 42 and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduce electrode 21 and is subjected to drive and has low potential.Like this, similar with second embodiment, between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vehicle GND 42, produce capacitor C b, and utilize the electric current between current sensing device 31 measuring vehicle GND 42 and the occupant's sensing electrode 20 by human body.
Because reducing electrode 21, vacant seat chair electric capacity is subjected to the driving of drive unit 32 to have the electromotive force (low potential) identical, so between vehicle GND 42 and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21, do not produce electric capacity with vehicle GND42.Reduce generation capacitor C o between electrode 21 and the occupant's sensing electrode 20 at vacant seat chair electric capacity.Yet,, utilize current sensing device 30 not sense this capacitor C o as describing referring to Fig. 5 among second embodiment.
Then, will the fault sense operation of present embodiment be described.
When the sensing fault, the switchgear 60 of Figure 18 is placed in the second place, thereby first and second on-off elements 66,67 are arranged in the relevant position that it is represented with the dotted line of Figure 18.The second place of switchgear 60 schematically shows in Figure 17.Particularly, first on-off element 66 is connected to second terminal 66, and second switch element 67 is connected to the 4th terminal 64.Lead 27 30 is connected to lead 28 in the point of crossing.Here, drive unit 32 is between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vehicle GND 42, and current sensing device 31 reduces between the electrode 21 at vehicle GND 42 and vacant seat chair electric capacity.In other words, switchgear 60 is connected electrically between the second portion 28b of the 29a of first of lead 29 and lead 28, thereby occupant's sensing electrode 20 is electrically connected to vacant seat chair electric capacity by drive unit 32 and current sensing device 31 and reduces electrode 21.
The sensor 10 of present embodiment provides following advantage.At first, during occupant's state in the sensing seat, reduce (eliminations) vacant seat chair capacitor C o, thus can according between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and seat frame 26 by the occupant's state in the correct sensing seat of capacitor C b of human body generation.Electrode unit 1 (Fig. 3) forms plates, thereby can be easily forms occupant's sensing electrode 20 respectively on the end face of basal film 22 and bottom surface and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 21.
And, can be in advance in the fault that does not detect that senses the electric current between occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21 when the occupant exists under the dummy status of seat.Like this, can guarantee the normal running of sensor 10.And, when needs with mode of operation when occupant's state sensing mode of operation changes to fault sensing mode of operation, only need switch is changed to the second place from primary importance.
Figure 19 and 20 illustrates the modification of the above-mentioned layout shown in Figure 16-18.In this revised, current sensing device 31 was arranged in the lead 27, and wherein this lead extends to point of crossing 30 from occupant's sensing electrode 20.Lead 29 reduces electrode 21 from vacant seat chair electric capacity and extends to point of crossing 30.Drive unit 32 is arranged in the lead 28, and this lead extends to point of crossing 30 from vehicle GND 42.In other words, in the modification shown in Figure 19 and 20, switch in the position of the drive unit 32 of expression among Figure 16-18 and the position of current sensing device 31.The remainder of structure is same as the previously described embodiments.More specifically, except the switchgear 60 of the switchgear 60 that is similar to Figure 18, this structure with referring to identical Fig. 1 to 4 illustrate with first embodiment that describes.
In this revises, in the occupant's state sensing mode of operation shown in Figure 19, low potential is applied to occupant's sensing electrode 20 and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 21, and high potential is applied to vehicle GND 42.In the fault sensing mode of operation shown in Figure 20, switchgear 60 is placed in the second place.Like this, lead 27 30 is connected to lead 29 in the point of crossing.As a result, low potential is applied to occupant's sensing electrode 20, high potential is applied to vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 21.Revise according to this, can obtain to be similar to the advantage of the foregoing description.
(the tenth embodiment)
Figure 21 is the occupant sensing system with capacitance type sensor (occupant sensor) 325 that illustrates according to the tenth embodiment.As shown in Figure 21, front passenger seat 310 comprises the seat bottom 312 and the chair back 316.Seat bottom 312 comprises bolster (cushion pad) 313 and outer cover part (impact-absorbing shell) 314.The seat frame 326 of seat 310 forms the skeleton structure of the seat bottom 312 and the chair back 316.
Sensor 325 comprises that occupant's sensing electrode 330, vacant seat chair electric capacity reduce electrode 345, drive unit (driving circuit) 32 and current sensing device (current sensing circuit) 31.Occupant's sensing electrode 330 comprises one group of high potential electrode part (first group of electrode part) 334a-334c and one group of low potential electrode part (second group of electrode part) 338a-338c.Lead-in wire (first lead) 336 is connected to high potential electrode part 334a-334c, and lead-in wire (second lead) 341 is connected to low potential electrode part 338a-338c.Drive unit 32 and current sensing device 31 are connected on lead-in wire 336 and go between between 341.Drive unit 32 is used HF voltage (driving voltage) between high potential electrode part 334a-334c and low potential electrode part 338a-338c.Current sensing device 31 is measured the electric current that flows between high potential electrode part 334a-334c and low potential electrode part 338a-338c.Reduce lead-in wire (privates) 346 that electrode 345 extends from vacant seat chair electric capacity and be connected to point of crossing (intermediate point) 347 between drive unit 32 and the current sensing device 31.High potential electrode part 334a-334c and low potential electrode part 338a-338c are arranged on the end face (being positioned at first side of dielectric basal film 332 or the first surface on the upside) of dielectric basal film 332, and with seat frame 326 electrical isolations.
Figure 22 and 23 illustrates the details of high potential electrode part 334a-334c, low potential electrode part 338a-338c and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 345.Dielectric basal film 332 is made by for example polyethylene terephthalate dielectric resins such as (PET) for instance.Three high potential electrode part 334a-334c and three low potential electrode part 338a-338c are arranged alternately on the fore-and-aft direction that seat bottom 312 is a vehicle (top-bottom direction among Figure 22).In high potential electrode part 334a-334c and low potential electrode part 338a-338c, high potential electrode part 334c and low potential electrode part 338c are placed on the front side that seat bottom 312 is a vehicle.Each of high potential electrode part 334a-334c all forms elongate rectangular shape, and high potential electrode part 334a-334c's is the horizontal consistent of vehicle with seat bottom 312 vertically.Three high potential electrode part 334a-334c are interconnected by the connector 335 in a side (right side among Figure 22), and the 336 rear side high potential electrode part 334a that go between extend back.
Each of low potential electrode part 338a-338c all forms elongate rectangular shape, and low potential electrode part 338a-338c's is the horizontal consistent of vehicle with seat bottom 312 vertically.Three low potential electrode part 338a-338c are interconnected by the connector 339 at opposite side (left side among Figure 22), and go between and 341 extend back from rear side high potential electrode part 338a.Be arranged in vacant seat chair electric capacity on the bottom surface (being positioned at second side of basal film 332 or the second surface on the downside) of basal film 332 and reduce electrode 345 and make, and form the rectangular shape of the whole bottom surface of cover tape base film 332 substantially by conductive metallic material.Lead-in wire 346 extends back from the back edge that vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 345.
Then, will the operation of the tenth embodiment be described.Drive unit 32 applies HF voltage between low potential electrode part 338a-338c and high potential electrode part 334a-334c, thereby produces weak electric field E (Figure 23).Referring to Figure 21, when the occupant does not take one's seat, that is, in the time of not on seat bottom 312, between high potential electrode part 334a-334c and low potential electrode part 338a-338c, produce capacitor C2.And, reduce generation capacitor (not shown) between the electrode 345 at high potential electrode part 334a-334c and vacant seat chair electric capacity.
When the occupant was sitting on the seat bottom 312, the part of occupant's health (buttocks) was placed on the passage of electric field E, thereby changed the electric capacity of capacitor C2.Vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 345 between seat frame 326 and height and low potential electrode part 334a-334c, 338a-338c.The electromotive force that vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 345 is identical with the electromotive force of low potential electrode part 338a-338c.And current sensing device 31 is not placed on high potential electrode part 334a-334c and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces between the electrode 345.Utilize this structure, by the electric capacity between current sensing device 31 measurement low potential electrode part 338a-338c and the high potential electrode part 334a-334c.Yet, do not measure vacant seat chair electric capacity by current sensing device 31 and reduce human body lateral capacitance component (referring to the arrow " a " of the electric current among expression Figure 21) between electrode 345 and the high potential electrode part 334a-334c.Therefore, according to capacitance variations, that is, and owing to the occupant is present in the variation of the measurement current value that causes in the seat 310 and measured by current sensing device 31, effectively occupant's existence on the sensing seat bottom 312.
The tenth embodiment provides following advantage.At first, even the occupant departs from fore-and-aft direction the position on seat bottom 312, still may be effectively and accurately the occupant on the sensing seat bottom 312 exist, and because occupant's position or the variable effect that posture causes will have little effect to this result who senses.Particularly, three high potential electrode part 334a-334c are by connector 335 interconnection, and three low potential electrode part 338a-338c are by connector 339 interconnection.Like this, if occupant's buttocks B be present in high potential electrode part 334a-334c one of at least and low potential electrode part 338a-338c one of at least between, then can sense the occupant and be present on the seat bottom 312.
For example, buttocks B can be between front side high potential electrode part 334c and front side low potential electrode part 338c, or can be between rear side high potential electrode part 334a and rear side low potential electrode part 338a.And buttocks B can be between center side low potential electrode part 338b and center side high potential electrode part 334b or rear side high potential electrode part 334a.Because three high potential electrode part 334a-334c and three low potential electrode part 338a-338c are present on the end face of basal film 332, and make this become possibility.
And, although three high potential electrode part 334a-334c and three low potential electrode part 338a-338c are arranged on the end face of basal film 332, only measure the human body lateral capacitance component of the electric capacity that between low potential electrode part 338a-338c and high potential electrode part 334a-334c, produces.That is, reduce electrode 345 and do not measure the bolster 313 lateral capacitance component C1 that under the influence of bolster 313, change easily by vacant seat chair electric capacity.Like this, effectively occupant's existence in the sensing seat 310.This becomes possibility by following layout.Promptly, vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 345 and is positioned on the bottom surface of basal film 332, and make that the electromotive force of vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 345 is identical with the electromotive force of low potential electrode part 338a-338c, and current sensing device 31 does not reduce between the electrode 345 between high potential electrode part 334a and vacant seat chair electric capacity.
Then, will the modification of the tenth embodiment be described.
To describe first of the tenth embodiment referring to Figure 24 revises.
In first shown in Figure 24 revises, on the end face of three high potential electrode part (first group of electrode part) 350a-350c and the basal film 332 of three low potential electrode part (second group of electrode part) 354a-354c arranged alternate above vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 345.Three high potential electrode part (rear side, center side and front side electrode portion) 350a-350c electricity each other separates.Lead 351a extends back from rear side high potential electrode part 350a.Lead 351b extends back from center side high potential electrode part 350b.And lead 351c extends back from front side high potential electrode part 350c.
And three low potential electrode part (rear side, center side and front side electrode portion) 354a-354c electricity each other separates.Lead 355a-355c extends back from low potential electrode part 354a-354c respectively.And, be provided with two switches (the first and second electrode part selector switch devices) 352,356.Switch 352 be used to select and be electrically connected three high potential electrode part 350a-350c one of them to lead 336, thereby drive unit 32 to Figure 21, and switch 356 be used to select and be electrically connected three low potential electrode part 354a-354c one of them to lead 341, thereby to the current sensing device 31 of Figure 21.
Revise according to this, can select best among best among the high potential electrode part 350a-350c one and the low potential electrode part 354a-354c one according to the body size of the occupant on the seat bottom 312 for instance.For example, when the baby was in seat 310, buttocks of infants can not be placed on the whole top of seat bottom 312.Therefore, in this case, can suppose that the baby is present in the central authorities of seat bottom 312 usually, and can select center side high potential electrode part 350b, can select center side low potential electrode part 354b by second switch 356 by first switch 352.Be installed in the seat bottom 312 and the baby also is like this in children's seat the time at children's seat.Like this, should make above-mentioned selection by 352 pairs of center side high potentials of first switch electrode part 350b, 354b makes above-mentioned selection by 356 pairs of center side low potentials of second switch electrode part.
Figure 25 A to 26B illustrates first exemplary use of revising, wherein occupant's sensing electrode comprises first group of electrode part (high potential electrode part) and second group of electrode part (low potential electrode part), and switches this two arrays of electrodes portion selectively by the switch that is similar to switch 352,356.Particularly, in Figure 25 A and 25B, arrange five groups of electrode part (high potential electrode part and low potential electrode part) of occupant's sensing electrode one by one at seat bottom 312 upper edge fore-and-aft directions.Particularly, in Figure 25 A and 25B, five groups of electrode part of expression on transverse axis are represented measured electric capacity on the longitudinal axis respectively.When switch when a sequence of positions moves to the another location by whole five positions, measure electric capacity by this five groups of electrode part respectively.Particularly, Figure 25 A illustrates the wrap situation of (or thick clothes) of occupant.In this case, because the existence of coat, occupant's buttocks is far away from the electrode part of occupant's sensing electrode, and the electric capacity of measuring in every group of electrode is less.More specifically, only the measurement electric capacity of the measurement electric capacity of center side group electrode part and front side group electrode thereupon just over threshold value th.In contrast, Figure 25 B illustrates children's seat and is present in situation in the passenger seat.In this case, place cluneal region in children, thereby the measurement electric capacity of the measurement electric capacity of center side group electrode part and front side group electrode part thereupon surpasses threshold value th near center side group electrode part.
Figure 26 A and 26B are illustrated on the seat bottom 312 situation of arranging five groups of electrode part along laterally (vehicle laterally) one by one.More specifically, Figure 26 A illustrates the wrap situation of (thick clothes) of occupant, and Figure 26 B illustrates children and is sitting in situation on the seat bottom 312 of not using children's seat.Under adult's situation, place buttocks away from the electrode part of occupant's sensing electrode.Like this, the measurement electric capacity of the measurement electric capacity of center side group electrode part and right group electrode thereupon is just over threshold value th.Under children directly are sitting in situation on the seat bottom, place buttocks near center side group electrode part, more thereby the measurement electric capacity of the measurement electric capacity of center side group electrode part and next right group electrode part surpasses threshold value th.
Then, will describe second of the tenth embodiment referring to Figure 27 and 28 revises.Be similar to above-mentioned the tenth embodiment referring to Figure 21 to 23 description, three high potential electrode part (first group of electrode part) 360a-360c links together by connector 361, and three low potential electrode part (second group of electrode part) 364a-364c links together by connector 365.Auxiliary electrode 370 extends in each electrode part 360a-360c and the space that limits between each electrode part 354a-364c accordingly respectively.More specifically, auxiliary electrode 370 extends in space 367 and space 368,369 with winding form, wherein space 367 is limited between adjacent electrode part 360a-360c, the 364a-364c, and space 368,369 is limited between electrode part 360a-360c, 364a-364c and the connector 361,365.
Form auxiliary electrode 370 by the single slender electrode of bending, and auxiliary electrode 370 comprises five part 371a, two right side part 371b and two left part 371c.For example, drive unit 32 is applied to three electrode part 360a-360c and three electrode part 364a-364c with high potential, and will be applied to auxiliary electrode 370 than low potential.
Revise according to second, form electric field by the capacitor that between auxiliary electrode 370 and first and second groups of electrode part 360a-360c, 364a-364c, produces.Because the layout of auxiliary electrode 370, with the zone of the end face of only comparing more close basal film 332 by the electrode part 360a-360c of Figure 21 to 23, electric field that 364a-364c forms in form electric field E.For example, thus when water splashes seat bottom 312 and gets occupant sensor 325 wet, can sense since water spill the capacitance variations that causes.And, when the temperature of seat bottom 312 or humidity become higher, can sense because the capacitance variations that higher temperature or high humility cause.Disturb the capacitance variations cause to can be used for correcting the threshold value that the occupant uses in determining by said external, or be used to be provided at the alarm that whenever provides that vicious probably occupant determines.In some cases, can change circuit structure, so that the aforesaid operations of employing auxiliary electrode 370, electrode part 360a-360c, 364a-364c switches to the operation referring to Figure 21 to 23 description of only using high potential electrode part 360a-360c and low potential electrode part 364a-364c.
The 3rd modification of the tenth embodiment will be described referring to Figure 29 to 30B.In the 3rd revised, three 375a-375c of potential electrode portion and three low potential electrode part 377a-377c arranged to be similar to second mode of revising, and the same space 378 that produces in revising with second.Yet, the auxiliary electrode 370 of replacement Figure 27, the pressure-sensitive electrode in top (the first pressure-sensitive electrode) 381 is to extend in the space 378 of winding form on the end face of basal film 332.The pressure-sensitive electrode in bottom (the second pressure-sensitive electrode) 382 is oppositely disposed on second side of basal film 332 with the pressure-sensitive electrode 381 in top.The pressure-sensitive electrode 382 in pressure-sensitive electrode 381 in top and bottom forms a plurality of pressure sensitive switch 380.As shown in Figure 30 A, in this revised, vacant seat chair electric capacity reduced electrode 345 and is arranged in pressure-sensitive electrode 382 belows, bottom, made dielectric resin 333 reduce between the electrode 345 between pressure-sensitive electrode 382 in bottom and vacant seat chair electric capacity.In this case, if desired, basal film 332 and dielectric resin 333 can be integrally formed.Capacitance type sensor is sensing occupant health close more accurately.Yet the close precision of capacitance type sensor object sensing (for example, children's seat, rather than occupant's health) is not the same high with the close precision of sensing occupant health.Given this, except capacitance type sensor, also be provided with pressure sensitive switch 380.
Particularly, illustrate therein under the situation of Figure 30 A of the sectional view that obtains along the line XXXA-XXXA among Figure 29, the pressure-sensitive electrode 381 in top is arranged between the high potential electrode part 375a and low potential electrode part 377b on the end face of basal film 332.The pressure-sensitive electrode 382 in bottom is arranged on the bottom surface of basal film 332 position relative with the pressure-sensitive electrode in top 381.A plurality of through holes 384 pass the zone of the basal film 332 between the pressure-sensitive electrode 382 of pressure-sensitive electrode 381 in top and bottom.Each pressure sensitive switch 380 is all formed by the respective through hole 384 of the pressure-sensitive electrode 381 in top, the pressure-sensitive electrode 382 in bottom and basal film 332.Can be easy to form the pressure-sensitive electrode 382 of pressure-sensitive electrode 381 in top and bottom with being similar to the mode that forms high potential electrode part 375a-375c and low potential electrode part 377a-377c.
For example, when children's seat was installed in the front passenger seat, children's seat pressed the pressure-sensitive electrode 381 of portion downwards, and the pressure-sensitive electrode 382 in pressure-sensitive electrode 381 contact bottoms, top, caused the short circuit between the pressure-sensitive electrode 382 of pressure-sensitive electrode 381 in top and bottom.During short circuit between the pressure-sensitive electrode 382 of pressure-sensitive electrode 381 in sensing top and bottom, occupant's sensing ECU senses children's seat and is installed in the front passenger seat.For example, if when children's seat is installed, do not fasten seat harness, then can provide alarm according to the sensing result of pressure sensitive switch 380 to require to fasten seat harness.And, can form pressure sensitive switch 380 easily, thereby can make the increase minimum of cost.
Mode shown in can Figure 30 B is further revised the above-mentioned modification shown in Figure 29 and the 30A.Particularly, under the situation of Figure 29 and 30A, vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 345 and is placed on below the low pressure-sensitive electrode 382, so that dielectric resin 333 is placed between pressure-sensitive electrode 382 in bottom and the vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 345.Alternatively, as shown in Figure 30 B, have to reduce in the electrode 345 at vacant seat chair electric capacity and form, and can in this indentation space, arrange low pressure-sensitive electrode 382, and do not contact vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode 345 corresponding to the space of the meander-shaped of the shape of low pressure-sensitive electrode 382.Utilize this layout, compare, can reduce occupant sensor 325 thickness in vertical direction with Figure 30 A.Like this, compare with Figure 30 A, the occupant on the sensor can obtain the more comfortable sensation of taking.And, as shown in Figure 30 B, identical with the resin film 221 of the 6th embodiment, if want or needs, can be in addition reduce electrode 345 and hang down on the downside of pressure-sensitive electrode 382 that two dielectric films 332 (dielectric piece or dielectric layer) being set at the upside of high and low potential electrode part 375a-375c, 377a-377c and vacant seat chair electric capacity.Similarly, in each of above-mentioned other embodiment and modification thereof, a dielectric film can be set on the upside of occupant's sensing electrode in addition, and on vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces the downside of electrode, another dielectric film be set in addition.And the one or more of these films can be integrally formed.
(the 11 embodiment)
The difference of the tenth embodiment shown in the 11 embodiment shown in Figure 31 and Figure 21 to 23 is the layout of high and low potential electrode part.Particularly, occupant's sensing electrode comprises three high potential electrode part of separating (first group of electrode part) 402a-402c and three low potential electrode part of separating (second group of electrode part) 405a-405c.High potential electrode part 402a-402c is arranged on the front side of end face of basal film 332 (reducing electrode 345 with vacant seat chair electric capacity), and low potential electrode part 405a-405c is arranged on the rear side of end face of basal film 332 (reducing electrode 345 with vacant seat chair electric capacity).And, be provided with first and second switches (the first and second electrode part selector switch devices) 403,406.First switch 403 be used to select and be electrically connected three high potential electrode part 402a-402c one of them to lead 336, thereby drive unit 32 to Figure 21, and second switch 406 be used to select and be electrically connected three low potential electrode part 405a-405c one of them to lead 341, thereby to the current sensing device 31 of Figure 21.
Vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 345 and is arranged on the bottom surface of basal film 332.Apply voltage between select among of in high potential electrode part 402a-402c, selecting of drive unit 32 (referring to Figure 21) and the low potential electrode part 405a-405c one.Current sensing device 31 is measured the electric current between that selects among of selecting among the high potential electrode part 402a-402c and the low potential electrode part 405a-405c.High potential electrode part 402a-402c and low potential electrode part 405a-405c and seat frame 326 electrical isolations.
According to the 11 embodiment, can sense the various patterns of taking one's seat.For example, be positioned at and can be used for the existence of occupant on the sensing seat bottom 312 along the high potential electrode part 402a of fore-and-aft direction and the low potential electrode part 405a that is positioned at the rear side upper edge fore-and-aft direction of seat bottom 312 on the center side of seat bottom 312.And medial side high potential electrode part 402b and medial side low potential electrode part 405b can be used for the existence of occupant on the sensing seat bottom 312.In addition, front side high potential electrode part 402c and rear side low potential electrode part 405c can be used for the existence of occupant on the sensing seat bottom 312.
Electric capacity between select among be arranged in that vacant seat chair electric capacity on the bottom surface of basal film 332 reduces that electrode 345 allows to select among the high potential electrode part 402a-402c one and the low potential electrode part 405a-405c one reduces.Should point out that first switch 403 can be used for select progressively high potential electrode part 402a-402c, second switch 406 can be used for select progressively low potential electrode part 405a-405c.
(the 12 embodiment)
Figure 32 and 33 illustrates the 12 embodiment.Except the layout of occupant's sensing electrode, the 12 embodiment is similar to second embodiment shown in Fig. 5.Particularly, occupant's sensing electrode of the 12 embodiment only comprises the high potential electrode 410a-410f that is arranged on the basal film 332.The seat frame 26 that is electrically connected to vehicle GND 42 is as low potential electrode (or low potential electrode part).More specifically, six parallel to each other separating of high potential electrode 410a-410f, and on fore-and-aft direction, arranging one by one, and each of high potential electrode part 410a-410f all has elongate rectangular shape.Lead-in wire (guide portion) 412a-412f extends from the side of high potential electrode 410a-410f respectively.Switch (electrode part selector switch device) 414 be electrically connected high potential electrode 410a-410f selectively one of them to lead 27, thereby to drive unit 32.
Vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode 345 and is arranged on the bottom surface of basal film 332.Apply voltage between of in high potential electrode part 410a-410f, selecting of drive unit 32 and the seat frame 26.Current sensing device 31 is measured mobile electric current between of selecting and the low potential electrode (seat frame) 26 in high potential electrode part 410a-410f.
According to the 12 embodiment,, select one of them of high potential electrode part 410a-410f by change-over switch 414 for instance according to occupant's body size.By using one and seat frame 26 effective sensing occupants' the existence of selecting among the high potential electrode part 410a-410f.And, be arranged in vacant seat chair electric capacity on the bottom surface of basal film 332 and reduce electrode 345 and allow to reduce electric capacity between of selecting among the high potential electrode part 410a-410c and the low potential electrode (seat frame) 26.And, owing to will be present in seat frame 26 in the seat 310 at first, so do not need the low potential electrode that provides other effectively as the low potential electrode.
Those skilled in the art will be easy to expect additional advantage and modification.Therefore, the present invention is not limited to detail, exemplary apparatus and illustrative example shown and that describe with its broad term.And, can with any characteristic of the sensor described at the foregoing description and in revising one of them or occupant sensing system and the foregoing description and modification another any one or a plurality of property combination or replace with it.For example, in the 12 embodiment shown in Figure 32 and 33, high potential is applied to the electrode part 410a-410f of occupant's sensing electrode.Alternatively, the switch shown in the electrode part 410a-410f of occupant's sensing electrode and Figure 32 and 33 414 can be replaced with the occupant's sensing electrode 20 of first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 to 4.Like this, low potential is applied to the electrode part 410a-410f of occupant's sensing electrode.And the line select switch device 60 of the 9th embodiment shown in Figure 18 can be applicable to any one of the 12 embodiment shown in Figure 32 and 33 or the foregoing description and modification.And then, should point out that term high potential (high potential) and the low potential (than low potential) used above should not be limited to any occurrence, but should think to represent the relation between these two kinds of electromotive forces, that is, high potential is than low potential height, and vice versa.
Claims (35)
1. capacitance type sensor that is arranged in the seat (9), the existence that is used for sensing seat (9) occupant whether, described capacitance type sensor comprises:
Occupant's sensing electrode (20,410a-410f), be embedded in the seat (9);
Vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode (21,345), and (20,410a-410f) relative, (20,410a-410f) and between the seat frame (26) of seat (9), wherein seat is electrically connected to vehicle ground connection (42) to be positioned at occupant's sensing electrode with occupant's sensing electrode;
Drive unit (32), be used to produce driving voltage, and be placed on a place in a primary importance and the second place, wherein said primary importance between be connected electrically in occupant's sensing electrode (20,410a-410f) reduce electrode (21 with vacant seat chair electric capacity, 345) between, the described second place between be connected electrically in vehicle ground connection (42) and vacant seat chair electric capacity and reduce between electrode (21,345) and the primary importance;
Wherein, occupant's sensing electrode (20,410a-410f) and pass between the vehicle ground connection (42) to exist in the seat (9) occupant to be formed with capacitor C b and reduce between electrode (21,345) and the vehicle ground connection (42) and be formed with capacitor C o at vacant seat chair electric capacity; And
Current sensing device (31), be arranged in first and second positions another and be used to measure electric current, this electric current is by at occupant's sensing electrode (20,410a-410f) and pass between the vehicle ground connection (42) and have the change among the capacitor C b that the occupant forms in the seat (9) and change, whether with the existence of occupant in the sensing seat (9).
2. capacitance type sensor according to claim 1, wherein:
Current sensing device (31) is placed on the primary importance place; And
Drive unit (32) is placed on second place place.
3. capacitance type sensor according to claim 2, wherein when drive unit (32) was worked, occupant's sensing electrode (20) had and the identical electromotive force of vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode (21).
4. capacitance type sensor according to claim 1, wherein:
Current sensing device (31) is placed on second place place; And
Drive unit (32) is placed on the primary importance place.
5. capacitance type sensor according to claim 4, wherein when drive unit (32) was worked, described vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode (21) to have and the identical electromotive force of vehicle ground connection (42).
6. capacitance type sensor according to claim 1, wherein current sensing device (31) comprises operational amplifier (31a), be used for keeping occupant's sensing electrode (20), vacant seat chair electric capacity to reduce same potential and electrical isolation between corresponding two of electrode (21) and the vehicle ground connection (42), wherein current sensing device (31) is connected between corresponding two.
7. capacitance type sensor according to claim 1, wherein:
Occupant's sensing electrode (20) and the current sensing device (31) between occupant's sensing electrode (20) and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode (21) and one of them of drive unit (32) are electrically connected to each other by first lead (27);
Another of vehicle ground connection (42) and current sensing device (31) and drive unit (32) is electrically connected to each other by second lead (28);
First lead (27) to small part and second lead (28) form shielding line (24) to small part with shielding part, described shielding line has and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces the identical electromotive force of electrode (21) when drive unit (32) is worked.
8. capacitance type sensor according to claim 7, its hollow seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode (21) is electrically connected to current sensing device (31) and drive unit (32) by the shielding part of shielding line (24).
9. capacitance type sensor according to claim 1, further comprise dielectric layer (22), wherein occupant's sensing electrode (20) is arranged on first side of dielectric layer (22), and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode (21) is arranged on second side of the dielectric layer (22) relative with first side of dielectric layer (22).
10. capacitance type sensor according to claim 9, wherein the surface of occupant's sensing electrode (20) and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduce surface dielectric material (221) covering of electrode (21).
11. capacitance type sensor according to claim 1, the surface area that its hollow seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode (21) is littler than the surface area of occupant sensing electrode (20).
12. capacitance type sensor according to claim 1, the surface area that its hollow seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode (21) is bigger than the surface area of occupant sensing electrode (20).
13. capacitance type sensor according to claim 1, wherein:
Under occupant's state sensing mode of operation of capacitance type sensor, drive unit (32) applies voltage between occupant's sensing electrode (20) and vehicle ground connection (42), and current sensing device (31) is measured the electric current between occupant's sensing electrode (20) and the vehicle ground connection (42); And
Under the fault sensing mode of operation of capacitance type sensor, drive unit (32) applies voltage between occupant's sensing electrode (20) and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode (21), and current sensing device (31) is measured the electric current between occupant's sensing electrode (20) and the vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode (21).
14. capacitance type sensor according to claim 13, wherein:
Under occupant's state sensing mode of operation of capacitance type sensor, drive unit (32) and current sensing device (31) order according to this are connected between occupant's sensing electrode (20) and the vehicle ground connection (42), and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode (21) has and the identical electromotive force of vehicle ground connection (42); And
Under the fault sensing mode of operation of capacitance type sensor, drive unit (32) and current sensing device (31) order according to this are connected between occupant's sensing electrode (20) and the vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode (21).
15. capacitance type sensor according to claim 14, wherein in each of the fault sensing mode of operation of occupant's state sensing mode of operation of capacitance type sensor and capacitance type sensor, occupant's sensing electrode (20) has high potential, and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode (21) and vehicle ground connection (42) has than low potential.
16. capacitance type sensor according to claim 15 further comprises:
First lead (27) has drive unit (32), and described drive unit is between first end and second end of first lead (27), and wherein first end of first lead (27) is connected directly to occupant's sensing electrode (20);
Second lead (28), has current sensing device (31), described current sensing device (31) is between first end and second end of second lead (28), wherein first end of second lead (28) is connected directly to vehicle ground connection (42), and second end of second lead (28) is connected to second end of first lead (27);
Privates (29) has and is connected directly to vacant seat chair electric capacity and reduces first end of electrode (21) and be connected to second end of first lead (27) and second end of second end of second lead (28); And
Line select switch device (60) is carried out the switching to second lead (28) and privates (29), wherein:
Line select switch device (60) is divided into second lead (28):
First (28a) comprises first end of second lead (28) that is connected directly to vehicle ground connection (42); And
Second portion (28b) comprises second end and the current sensing device (31) of second lead (28);
Line select switch device (60) is divided into privates (29):
First (29a) comprises being connected directly to first end that vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces the privates (29) of electrode (21); And
Second portion (29b) comprises second end of privates (29), and described second end is connected to second end of first lead (27) and second end of second lead (28);
Under occupant's state sensing mode of operation of capacitance type sensor, line select switch device (60) is connected electrically between the second portion (28b) of the first (28a) of second lead (28) and second lead (28), and also is connected electrically between the second portion (29b) of the first (29a) of privates (29) and privates (29); And
Under the fault sensing mode of operation of capacitance type sensor, line select switch device (60) is connected electrically between the second portion (28b) of the first (29a) of privates (29) and second lead (28), reduces electrode (21) thereby occupant's sensing electrode (20) is electrically connected to vacant seat chair electric capacity by drive unit (32) and current sensing device (31).
17. capacitance type sensor according to claim 13, wherein:
Under occupant's state sensing mode of operation of capacitance type sensor, current sensing device (31) and drive unit (32) order according to this are connected between occupant's sensing electrode (20) and the vehicle ground connection (42), and occupant's sensing electrode (20) has and the identical electromotive force of vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode (21); And
Under the fault sensing mode of operation of capacitance type sensor, current sensing device (31) and drive unit (32) order according to this are connected between occupant's sensing electrode (20) and the vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode (21).
18. capacitance type sensor according to claim 17, wherein:
In occupant's state sensing mode of operation of capacitance type sensor, vehicle ground connection (42) has high potential, and occupant's sensing electrode (20) and vacant seat chair electric capacity reduce electrode (21) and has than low potential;
In the fault sensing mode of operation of capacitance type sensor, occupant's sensing electrode (20) and vehicle ground connection (42) have than low potential, and vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode (21) has high potential.
19. capacitance type sensor according to claim 18 further comprises:
First lead (27) has current sensing device (31), and described current sensing device (31) is between first end and second end of first lead (27), and wherein first end of first lead (27) is connected directly to occupant's sensing electrode (20);
Second lead (28), has drive unit (32), described drive unit is between first end and second end of second lead (28), wherein first end of second lead (28) is connected directly to vehicle ground connection (42), and second end of second lead (28) is connected to second end of first lead (27);
Privates (29) has and is connected directly to vacant seat chair electric capacity and reduces first end of electrode (21) and be connected to second end of first lead (27) and second end of second end of second lead (28); And
Line select switch device (60) is carried out the switching to second lead (28) and privates (29), wherein:
Line select switch device (60) is divided into second lead (28):
First (28a) comprises first end of second lead (28) that is connected directly to vehicle ground connection (42); And
Second portion (28b) comprises second end and the drive unit (32) of second lead (28);
Line select switch device (60) is divided into privates (29):
First (29a) comprises being connected directly to first end that vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces the privates (29) of electrode (21); And
Second portion (29b) comprises second end of privates (29), and described second end is connected to second end of first lead (27) and second end of second lead (28);
Under occupant's state sensing mode of operation of capacitance type sensor, line select switch device (60) is connected electrically between the second portion (28b) of the first (28a) of second lead (28) and second lead (28), and also is connected electrically between the second portion (29b) of the first (29a) of privates (29) and privates (29); And
Under the fault sensing mode of operation of capacitance type sensor, line select switch device (60) is connected electrically between the second portion (28b) of the first (29a) of privates (29) and second lead (28), reduces electrode (21) thereby occupant's sensing electrode (20) is electrically connected to vacant seat chair electric capacity by current sensing device (31) and drive unit (32).
20. capacitance type sensor according to claim 1, wherein:
Occupant's sensing electrode (410a-410f) comprises one group of electrode part (410a-410f), wherein all other electrode part (410a-410f) of group electricity separation therewith of each electrode part; And
Capacitance type sensor further comprises electrode part selector switch device (414), and described electrode part selector switch device is electrically connected to drive unit (32) and current sensing device (31) with one of them of the electrode part (410a-410f) of this group.
21. capacitance type sensor according to claim 20, wherein when drive unit (32) was worked, vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode (345) to have and the identical electromotive force of vehicle ground connection (42).
22. capacitance type sensor according to claim 20, wherein this group electrode part (410a-410f) is arranged in parallel on horizontal one of them of the fore-and-aft direction of vehicle and vehicle, and separates each other.
23. a capacitance type sensor that is arranged in the seat (310), the existence that is used for sensing seat (310) occupant are whether, described capacitance type sensor comprises:
Dielectric layer (332) is embedded in the seat (310);
Occupant's sensing electrode (330), comprise first group of electrode part (334a-334c, 350a-350c, 360a-360c, 375a-375c, 402a-402c) with second group of electrode part (338a-338c, 354a-354c, 364a-364c, 377a-377c, 405a-405c), this two arrays of electrodes portion is arranged on first side of dielectric layer (332);
Vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode (345), relatively be arranged on second side of dielectric layer (332) with occupant's sensing electrode (330), thereby vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode (345) between the seat frame (326) of occupant's sensing electrode (330) and seat (310); Drive unit (32) is used to apply voltage between following:
First group of electrode part (334a-334c, 350a-350c, 360a-360c, 375a-375c, 402a-402c) at least one and second group of electrode part (338a-338c, 354a-354c, 364a-364c, 377a-377c, one of them of 405a-405c) at least one; And
Vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode (345) and first group of electrode part (334a-334c, 350a-350c, 360a-360c, 375a-375c, 402a-402c) at least one and second group of electrode part (338a-338c, 354a-354c, 364a-364c, 377a-377c, 405a-405c) at least one wherein another; And
Current sensing device (31), be used to measure first group of electrode part (334a-334c, 350a-350c, 360a-360c, 375a-375c, 402a-402c) at least one and second group of electrode part (338a-338c, 354a-354c, 364a-364c, 377a-377c, electric current between 405a-405c) at least one, thus this electric current is by at first group of electrode part (334a-334c, 350a-350c, 360a-360c, 375a-375c, 402a-402c) at least one and second group of electrode part (338a-338c, 354a-354c, 364a-364c, with the existence of occupant in the sensing seat (310) whether 377a-377c passes between 405a-405c) at least one and has the change in the capacitor C 2 that the occupant forms in the seat (310) and change.
24. capacitance type sensor according to claim 23, wherein when drive unit (32) is worked, vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode (345) to have and first group of electrode part (334a-334c, 350a-350c, 360a-360c, 375a-375c, 402a-402c) at least one and second group of electrode part (338a-338c, 354a-354c, 364a-364c, 377a-377c, wherein another identical electromotive force of 405a-405c) at least one.
25. capacitance type sensor according to claim 23, first group of electrode part (334a-334c wherein, 350a-350c, 360a-360c, 375a-375c, 402a-402c) with second group of electrode part (338a-338c, 354a-354c, 364a-364c, 377a-377c, 405a-405c) on horizontal one of them of the fore-and-aft direction of vehicle and vehicle, be arranged in parallel, and separate each other.
26. capacitance type sensor according to claim 23, wherein:
(375a-375c) each all is electrically connected to first group of electrode part (334a-334c, 360a-360c, other electrode part 375a-375c) to first group of electrode part for 334a-334c, 360a-360c; And
(377a-377c) each all is electrically connected to second group of electrode part (338a-338c, 364a-364c, other electrode part 377a-377c) to second group of electrode part for 338a-338c, 364a-364c.
27. capacitance type sensor according to claim 23 further comprises the first and second pressure-sensitive electrodes (381,382) that form pressure sensitive switch device (380), wherein:
A plurality of through holes (384) extend to second side from first side of dielectric layer (332) in dielectric layer (332);
The first pressure-sensitive electrode (381) is arranged in a plurality of through holes (384) top on first side of dielectric layer (332); And
The second pressure-sensitive electrode (381) is arranged in a plurality of through holes (384) top on second side of dielectric layer (332).
28. capacitance type sensor according to claim 23 further comprises the first and second electrode selector devices (352,356,403,406), wherein:
First group of electrode part (350a-350c, 402a-402c) each all with first group of electrode part (350a-350c, other electrode part electricity 402a-402c) separates;
Second group of electrode part (338a-338c, 354a-354c, 364a-364c, 377a-377c, 405a-405c) each all with second group of electrode part (338a-338c, 354a-354c, 364a-364c, 377a-377c, other electrode part electricity 405a-405c) separates;
The first electrode part selector switch device (352,403) with first group of electrode part (350a-350c, 402a-402c) one is electrically connected to drive unit (32) and current sensing device (31); And
(354a-354c, 405a-405c) one is electrically connected to drive unit (32) and current sensing device (31) to the second electrode selector device (356,406) with second group of electrode part.
29. capacitance type sensor according to claim 28, wherein when drive unit (32) was worked, (354a-354c, one electromotive force 405a-405c) was identical for the electromotive force of vacant seat chair electric capacity minimizing electrode (345) and second group of electrode part.
30. capacitance type sensor according to claim 28, first group of electrode part (350a-350c wherein, 402a-402c) and second group of electrode part (354a-354c 405a-405c) is arranged in parallel on horizontal one of them of the fore-and-aft direction of vehicle and vehicle, and separates each other.
31. capacitance type sensor according to claim 28, wherein:
First group of electrode part (402a-402c) is arranged in the front side of seat bottom (312) of seat (310) and one of them of rear side; And
Second group of electrode part (405a-405c) be arranged in the front side of seat bottom (312) of seat (310) and rear side wherein another.
32. capacitance type sensor according to claim 28, wherein first group of electrode part (350a-350c) and second group of electrode part (354a-354c) arranged alternate.
33. a capacitance type sensor that is arranged in the seat (310) is used for sensing seat (310) occupant's existence, described capacitance type sensor comprises:
Dielectric layer (332) is embedded in the seat (310);
Occupant's sensing electrode (330), comprise first group of electrode part (360a-360c) and second group of electrode part (364a-364c), this two arrays of electrodes portion is arranged on first side of dielectric layer (332), wherein first group of electrode part (360a-360c) and second group of electrode part (364a-364c) arranged alternate;
Auxiliary electrode (370), between each and second group of electrode part (364a-364c) of first group of electrode part (360a-360c) adjacent one, extend, and do not electrically contact with first group of electrode part (360a-360c) and second group of electrode part (364a-364c) on first side of dielectric layer (332);
Vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode (345), relatively be arranged on second side of dielectric layer (332) with occupant's sensing electrode (330) and auxiliary electrode (370), thereby vacant seat chair electric capacity reduces electrode (345) between the seat frame (326) of occupant's sensing electrode (330) and seat (310);
Drive unit (32) is used for applying voltage between occupant's sensing electrode (330) and auxiliary electrode (370): and
Current sensing device (31), be used to measure the electric current between occupant's sensing electrode (330) and the auxiliary electrode (370), with the existence of occupant in the sensing seat (310) whether thereby this electric current is to have the change in the capacitor C 2 that the occupant forms in the seat (310) and change by passing between auxiliary electrode (370) and occupant's sensing electrode (330).
34. an occupant sensing system comprises:
According to arbitrary described capacitance type sensor (10) in the claim 1 to 33; And
Occupant's sensing ECU (3) is used for determining according to the output of capacitance type sensor (10) occupant's state of seat (9,310).
35. occupant sensing system according to claim 34, wherein:
Occupant's sensing ECU (3) receives the output of the buckle switch device of seat (9,310); And
When occupant's sensing ECU (3) according to the seat harness of the output sensing seat (9,310) of buckle switch device do not buckle state the time, occupant's sensing ECU (3) determines that seat (9,310) is empty and child restraint system is not installed.
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2005015749 | 2005-01-24 | ||
| JP2005-015749 | 2005-01-24 | ||
| JP2005015749A JP4229071B2 (en) | 2005-01-24 | 2005-01-24 | Capacitive sensor and occupant detection system |
| JP2005-040773 | 2005-02-17 | ||
| JP2005040773 | 2005-02-17 | ||
| JP2005062738 | 2005-03-07 | ||
| JP2005-062738 | 2005-03-07 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1877365A CN1877365A (en) | 2006-12-13 |
| CN100422767C true CN100422767C (en) | 2008-10-01 |
Family
ID=36959247
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNB2006100062770A Expired - Fee Related CN100422767C (en) | 2005-01-24 | 2006-01-24 | Capacitance-based sensor and occupant sensing system |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP4229071B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN100422767C (en) |
Families Citing this family (33)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP4613784B2 (en) * | 2005-10-07 | 2011-01-19 | アイシン精機株式会社 | Occupant detection device |
| JP2008064501A (en) | 2006-09-05 | 2008-03-21 | Denso Corp | Occupant detection system |
| JP4609731B2 (en) * | 2006-10-31 | 2011-01-12 | 株式会社デンソー | Capacitive occupant detection sensor |
| JP4305519B2 (en) * | 2007-02-07 | 2009-07-29 | 株式会社デンソー | Two-electrode capacitive sensor, vehicle occupant detection device, and vehicle occupant protection system |
| JP4305526B2 (en) | 2007-02-21 | 2009-07-29 | 株式会社デンソー | Capacitive occupant detection system and occupant protection system |
| JP5057150B2 (en) * | 2007-11-29 | 2012-10-24 | 株式会社デンソー | Capacitive occupant detection device |
| WO2010032173A1 (en) * | 2008-09-19 | 2010-03-25 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Electronic textile and method for determining a functional area of an electronic textile |
| JP4702471B2 (en) | 2008-09-19 | 2011-06-15 | 株式会社デンソー | Method for adjusting electrostatic occupant detection device and electrostatic occupant detection device |
| WO2010065411A1 (en) * | 2008-12-03 | 2010-06-10 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Combination seat heater and occupant sensor antenna |
| JP5161320B2 (en) * | 2008-12-04 | 2013-03-13 | 株式会社フジクラ | Capacitance sensor |
| JP4817026B2 (en) | 2009-06-16 | 2011-11-16 | 株式会社デンソー | Electrostatic occupant detection device |
| JP4883140B2 (en) | 2009-06-16 | 2012-02-22 | 株式会社デンソー | Electrostatic sensor and electrostatic occupant detection device |
| KR101076192B1 (en) * | 2009-07-13 | 2011-10-21 | 기아자동차주식회사 | Occupant Classification System For A Vehicle |
| EP2492138A1 (en) * | 2009-10-19 | 2012-08-29 | Fujikura, Ltd. | Head rest position adjustment device |
| CN102725183B (en) * | 2009-11-19 | 2015-05-27 | Tk控股公司 | Occupant detection and classification system |
| KR101684946B1 (en) * | 2010-07-02 | 2016-12-09 | 현대모비스 주식회사 | Apparatus for classifying occupant of an automobile |
| JP2012058014A (en) | 2010-09-07 | 2012-03-22 | Ngk Insulators Ltd | Particulate substance detector |
| US9281415B2 (en) | 2010-09-10 | 2016-03-08 | The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University | Pressure sensing apparatuses and methods |
| JP5639655B2 (en) * | 2010-09-28 | 2014-12-10 | 株式会社フジクラ | Capacitance sensor |
| JP2012224171A (en) * | 2011-04-19 | 2012-11-15 | Honda Elesys Co Ltd | Occupant detection device, and occupant detection method |
| JP5607101B2 (en) * | 2012-04-24 | 2014-10-15 | オートリブ ディベロップメント エービー | Sensor belt device |
| LU92013B1 (en) * | 2012-05-30 | 2013-12-02 | Iee Sarl | Vehicle seat suspension mat |
| CN102951111B (en) * | 2012-10-23 | 2015-10-28 | 廊坊市金色时光科技发展有限公司 | A kind of passenger riding means of identification and method and automotive seat |
| LU92100B1 (en) * | 2012-11-19 | 2014-05-20 | Iee Sarl | B-surface seat occupancy sensor unit |
| CN104709228B (en) * | 2013-12-17 | 2018-09-25 | 安波福电子(苏州)有限公司 | A kind of elasticity cushion safety belt reminding device |
| CN104354620A (en) * | 2014-11-11 | 2015-02-18 | 廊坊市金色时光科技发展有限公司 | Conductive heating film and seat thin film heater |
| CN104691500A (en) * | 2014-12-31 | 2015-06-10 | 浙江吉利汽车研究院有限公司 | Control device for preventing child from starting vehicle |
| CN106114361B (en) * | 2016-08-15 | 2018-02-09 | 厦门精图信息技术有限公司 | Prevent people pass into silence in-car vehicle-mounted warning system |
| JP6642474B2 (en) * | 2017-02-13 | 2020-02-05 | オムロン株式会社 | State determination device, learning device, state determination method, and program |
| LU100330B1 (en) * | 2017-06-29 | 2019-01-08 | Iee Sa | Capacitive Sensor Arrangement |
| JP7085117B2 (en) * | 2018-03-23 | 2022-06-16 | Toto株式会社 | Toilet seat device |
| WO2020017013A1 (en) * | 2018-07-19 | 2020-01-23 | Ｐｏｓｈ Ｗｅｌｌｎｅｓｓ Ｌａｂｏｒａｔｏｒｙ株式会社 | Detection device, seat belt, and driver monitoring system |
| CN113183909B (en) * | 2021-04-20 | 2022-08-12 | 安闻汽车技术(天津)有限公司 | Vehicle-mounted child safety seat and vehicle-mounted child sensing and detecting device and method |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE29521535U1 (en) * | 1995-09-29 | 1997-06-26 | Siemens AG, 80333 München | Crash sensor for a vehicle restraint system |
| WO2003038474A2 (en) * | 2001-10-31 | 2003-05-08 | Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. | Transaction verification systems and method |
| DE20210548U1 (en) * | 2002-07-04 | 2003-08-28 | Brose Fahrzeugteile | Circuit for determining the position of a seat in a motor vehicle has a bridge circuit for varying a bridge voltage with the position of an adjusting device along an adjustment path. |
| US6658336B2 (en) * | 2001-05-11 | 2003-12-02 | General Motors Corporation | Method and system of cooperative collision mitigation |
| DE10225901A1 (en) * | 2002-06-11 | 2004-01-29 | Autoliv Development Ab | Car seat load sensor for air bag control has magnet and magneto resistive sensor in relative motion within leaf spring support |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP3018700B2 (en) * | 1992-01-16 | 2000-03-13 | アイシン精機株式会社 | Dielectric detector |
| US5337353A (en) * | 1992-04-01 | 1994-08-09 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Capacitive proximity sensors |
| JP3346464B2 (en) * | 1998-03-25 | 2002-11-18 | 日本電気株式会社 | Occupant detection system and occupant detection method |
| JP3588259B2 (en) * | 1998-09-04 | 2004-11-10 | 東陶機器株式会社 | Capacitance type seating sensor for human body local cleaning device |
| US6563231B1 (en) * | 1998-12-30 | 2003-05-13 | Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. | Occupant sensor |
| JP4035418B2 (en) * | 2001-10-31 | 2008-01-23 | 株式会社本田電子技研 | Proximity switch and object detection device |
| JP3991769B2 (en) * | 2002-05-29 | 2007-10-17 | アイシン精機株式会社 | On-sheet object detection device |
-
2005
- 2005-01-24 JP JP2005015749A patent/JP4229071B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2006
- 2006-01-24 CN CNB2006100062770A patent/CN100422767C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE29521535U1 (en) * | 1995-09-29 | 1997-06-26 | Siemens AG, 80333 München | Crash sensor for a vehicle restraint system |
| US6658336B2 (en) * | 2001-05-11 | 2003-12-02 | General Motors Corporation | Method and system of cooperative collision mitigation |
| WO2003038474A2 (en) * | 2001-10-31 | 2003-05-08 | Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. | Transaction verification systems and method |
| DE10225901A1 (en) * | 2002-06-11 | 2004-01-29 | Autoliv Development Ab | Car seat load sensor for air bag control has magnet and magneto resistive sensor in relative motion within leaf spring support |
| DE20210548U1 (en) * | 2002-07-04 | 2003-08-28 | Brose Fahrzeugteile | Circuit for determining the position of a seat in a motor vehicle has a bridge circuit for varying a bridge voltage with the position of an adjusting device along an adjustment path. |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP4229071B2 (en) | 2009-02-25 |
| JP2006201129A (en) | 2006-08-03 |
| CN1877365A (en) | 2006-12-13 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CN100422767C (en) | Capacitance-based sensor and occupant sensing system | |
| US7575085B2 (en) | Capacitance-based sensor and occupant sensing system | |
| US7401532B2 (en) | Passenger detection system | |
| JP4362786B2 (en) | Capacitance sensor for film seating detection | |
| JP5609907B2 (en) | Occupant detection sensor | |
| US7497465B2 (en) | Capacitance type sensor and occupant detection system having the same | |
| US6906293B2 (en) | Combined sensor and heating element | |
| CN100431879C (en) | Seating sensor having film switch and resistor element | |
| JP5316527B2 (en) | Capacitive occupant detection device | |
| JP5353991B2 (en) | Capacitive occupant detection device | |
| US9067518B2 (en) | Heating system | |
| CN205010023U (en) | Seat occupies sensor unit , seat occupies sensor and vehicle seat | |
| JP2008111809A (en) | Electrostatic capacity occupant detection sensor | |
| US20080204213A1 (en) | Sensor Mat Comprising Two Switching Levels | |
| LU92957B1 (en) | Capacitive occupant classification sensor with load-dependent antenna area | |
| US7629546B2 (en) | Load sensor | |
| US8294478B2 (en) | Capacitive occupant sensor | |
| US20030020593A1 (en) | Seating detecting device | |
| JP2008064501A (en) | Occupant detection system | |
| US11673488B2 (en) | Sitting sensor | |
| US8487632B2 (en) | Electrostatic sensor and occupant detecting device having the same | |
| JP4412197B2 (en) | Occupant detection sensor | |
| US20080129516A1 (en) | Checkable Seat Occupancy Sensor | |
| CN206983781U (en) | Detection means of taking one's seat and thin film switch | |
| US7671740B2 (en) | Capacitive transmitter electrode |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| C06 | Publication | ||
| PB01 | Publication | ||
| C10 | Entry into substantive examination | ||
| SE01 | Entry into force of request for substantive examination | ||
| C14 | Grant of patent or utility model | ||
| GR01 | Patent grant | ||
| CF01 | Termination of patent right due to non-payment of annual fee | ||
| CF01 | Termination of patent right due to non-payment of annual fee |
Granted publication date: 20081001 Termination date: 20220124 |