JP2004130829A

JP2004130829A - Occupant seating detecting device

Info

Publication number: JP2004130829A
Application number: JP2002294517A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Masuo Ito; 伊藤　益夫
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2002-10-08
Filing date: 2002-10-08
Publication date: 2004-04-30
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-08
Also published as: JP3762734B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an occupant seating detecting device which accurately determines whether an occupant is seated in a seat and whether the occupant is an adult or a child. <P>SOLUTION: The occupant seating detecting device comprises a backrest sensor 2 attached to a backrest part 1a of the seat, an occupant leg detecting sensor 3 set near a floor surface portion in a front part of the seat for detecting an article existing on one plane surface 3a, and an occupant seating determining portion 10 determining seating of the occupant on the basis of pressing force detected by the backrest sensor 2 and the presence or absence of the article detected by the occupant leg detecting sensor 3. When the backrest sensor 2 detects pressing force not less than a specified value and the occupant leg detecting sensor 3 detects the existence of an article having cross-sectional area larger than legs of a person having at least a specified physique, the occupant seating determining portion 10 determines that the occupant having the specified physique is seated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、車両等の座席に乗員が着座されているか、その乗員が大人か子供か等を判定できる乗員着座検出装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、例えば特許文献１として、座席上の着座体が人物か物体か、人物の場合は大人か子供かを判別する着座検知装置が提案されている。ここでは、座席の尻下部に取り付けられている尻下センサと、座席前方の床面部に取り付けられる足下センサと、尻下センサ及び足下センサによって検知された押圧力に基づいて座席上の着座体を判別する着座体判別部とを有する。そして、着座体判別部による判別結果に基づいて、例えばエアバックの起爆装置の作動を制御する。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開平１０−２８７１６２号公報
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記従来の着座検知装置においては、尻下センサ及び足下センサによって検知された押圧力と所定の基準値とを比較して、乗員が所定以上の体重の人物（大人）か、所定未満の体重の人物（子供）かを判別する。具体的には、尻下センサの出力が中〜大、足下センサの出力が中〜大の場合には、乗員は大人であると判断し、尻下センサの出力が中、足下センサの出力がゼロ〜小の場合には乗員は子供であると判断する。
【０００５】
しかしながら、上記従来の着座検知装置は、足下と尻下にあるセンサで検知された押圧力に基づいているため、例えば、座席に大人が着座している場合と、足元空間に物体が存在する状態で座席に子供が着座している場合は、いずれの場合も尻下センサの出力が中〜大、足下センサの出力が中〜大を示し、着座体判別部が大人であると判別する等、乗員が大人であるか子供であるかを正確に判別することは困難であった。
【０００６】
この発明は、上記のような問題点を解消するためになされたものであり、座席に乗員が着座されているか、その乗員が大人か子供か等を正確に判定できる乗員着座検出装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この発明に係る乗員着座検出装置は、座席の背もたれ部分に取り付けられた背もたれセンサと、座席前方の床面部付近に設定された平面に存在する物体を検知するための乗員脚検知センサと、背もたれセンサにより検知された押圧力と、乗員脚検知センサにより検出された物体の存否に基づいて乗員の着座を判定する乗員着座判定部とを備えたことを特徴とする。
【０００８】
【発明の実施の形態】
実施の形態１．
以下、この発明の実施の形態を図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。
【０００９】
図１はこの発明の実施の形態１による乗員着座検出装置を示す構成図である。図１に示すように、本発明の乗員着座検出装置は、車両の座席１の背もたれ部分１ａに取り付けられた背もたれセンサ２と、座席１前方の床面部付近に設定された平面３ａに存在する物体を検知するための乗員脚検知センサ３と、背もたれセンサ２により検知された押圧力と乗員脚検知センサ３により検出された物体の存否に基づいて乗員の着座を判定する乗員着座判定部１０とを備えている。乗員着座判定部１０の判定結果は、例えばダッシュボード２０に設置されたエアバック３５の作動装置３０に出力され、乗員着座判定部１０の判定結果に基づきエアバック３５の作動を制御する。また、乗員着座判定部１０内のメモリには、乗員着座の判定を行う場合の判定基準が記憶されている。
【００１０】
図２は上述の乗員着座検出装置が検知する領域を示す概念図である。図２において、背もたれセンサ２は、車両の座席１の背もたれ部分１ａの領域Ａに存在する物体を検出するセンサであり、背もたれ部分１ａに加わる所定値以上の押圧力を検出する。この背もたれセンサ２は、例えば感圧センサが用いられ、背もたれ部分１ａの主要面全面に渡って複数個のセンサをネット状に配置しても良い。乗員脚検知センサ３は、座席１前方の床面部付近の領域Ｂに存在する物体を検知する光学的検知センサであり、下記に図を用いて詳述する。
【００１１】
図３は本実施の形態の乗員脚検知センサ３を示す概略構成図である。本実施の形態の乗員脚検知センサ３は、座席１前方の床面部付近であって、座席に着座した乗員の脚１０１及び１０２と交差するように設定された一平面３ａに存在する物体を検知する光学的検知センサである。この光学的検知センサは、具体的には、上記一平面３ａ上に存在する物体に光路が遮られるように設定されたそれぞれ一対の光線出力器４ａ及び受光器４ｂ、光線出力器４ｃ及び受光器４ｄ、光線出力器４ｅ及び受光器４ｆ、光線出力器４ｇ及び受光器４ｈ、光線出力器４ｉ及び受光器４ｊから構成されている。更に、この光学的検知センサは、上記一対の光線出力器４ａ及び受光器４ｂと直交するように配置され、上記一平面３ａ上に存在する物体に光路が遮られるように設定されたそれぞれ一対の光線出力器５ａ及び受光器５ｂ、光線出力器５ｃ及び受光器５ｄ、光線出力器５ｅ及び受光器５ｆ、光線出力器５ｇ及び受光器５ｈ、光線出力器５ｉ及び受光器５ｊから構成されている。
【００１２】
図４は本実施の形態の乗員脚検知センサ３の光路を示す概略平面図である。図４において、ライン６ａ，６ｂ，６ｃ，６ｄ，６ｅは、それぞれ光線出力器４ａと受光器４ｂ，光線出力器４ｃと受光器４ｄ，光線出力器４ｅと受光器４ｆ，光線出力器４ｇと受光器４ｈ，光線出力器４ｉと受光器４ｊによって形成された光路を示す。また、ライン７ａ，７ｂ，７ｃ，７ｄ，７ｅは、それぞれ光線出力器５ａと受光器５ｂ，光線出力器５ｃと受光器５ｄ，光線出力器５ｅと受光器５ｆ，光線出力器５ｇと受光器５ｈ，光線出力器５ｉと受光器５ｊによって形成された光路を示す。
【００１３】
本実施の形態において、光路６ａ，６ｂ，６ｃ，６ｄ，６ｅ並びに光路７ａ，７ｂ，７ｃ，７ｄ，７ｅで区切られたメッシュ部分の面積Ｍは、少なくとも大人の脚の断面積（所定の体格を有する人の脚の断面積）Ｓより小さくなるように設定している。そして、座席前方の床面付近に少なくとも大人の脚（所定の体格を有する人の脚）以上の断面積を有する物体が存在すると必ず一つ以上の光路が遮られる。すなわち、一対の光線出力器と受光器により形成される光路のうち、いずれかの光路が遮られることにより少なくとも大人の脚（所定の体格を有する人の脚）以上の断面積を有する物体の存在が検出できる。
【００１４】
次に、乗員着座判定部１０が背もたれセンサ２と乗員脚検知センサ３の出力値に基づいて乗員の着座を判定する動作について説明する。本乗員着座判定部１０は、背もたれセンサ２が所定値以上の押圧力を検知すると共に、乗員脚検知センサ３が少なくとも大人の脚（所定の体格を有する人の脚）以上の断面積を有する物体の存在を検知する場合に、大人（所定の体格を有する人）の乗員が着座したと判定する。
【００１５】
以下、図５に基づいて詳細に説明する。図５は乗員着座判定部１０における判定基準例を示す図であり、それぞれ図６から図１２の状態の場合の乗員着座判定を示している。
【００１６】
まず、図６に示すように、大人５０が座席１に通常に着座した場合、背もたれセンサ２は所定値以上の押圧力を検知すると共に、乗員脚検知センサ３は少なくとも大人の脚（所定の体格を有する人の脚）以上の断面積を有する物体の存在を検知する。この時、乗員着座判定部１０は乗員着座有りと判定し、例えばエアバックの展開ができるようにする。
【００１７】
次に、図７に示すように、チャイルドシート７０が座席１に設置されている場合、背もたれセンサ２は所定値以上の押圧力を検知するが、乗員脚検知センサ３は物体の存在を検知しない。この時、乗員着座判定部１０は乗員着座無しと判定し、例えばエアバックを展開できない状態にする。
【００１８】
次に、図８に示すように、大人５０が座席１に前のめりの状態で着座した場合、乗員脚検知センサ３は少なくとも大人の脚（所定の体格を有する人の脚）以上の断面積を有する物体の存在を検知するが、背もたれセンサ２は押圧力を検知しない。この時、乗員着座判定部１０は乗員着座無しと判定し、例えばエアバックを展開できない状態にする。
【００１９】
次に、図９に示すように、子供６０が座席１の前方に立っている場合、乗員脚検知センサ３は子供の脚の存在を検知するか検知しないかのいずれかの状態になるが、背もたれセンサ２は押圧力を検知しない。この時、乗員着座判定部１０は乗員着座無しと判定し、例えばエアバックを展開できない状態にする。
【００２０】
次に、図１０に示すように、子供６０が座席１に深く着座している場合、背もたれセンサ２は所定値以上の押圧力を検知しない。そして、乗員脚検知センサ３も物体の存在を検知しない。この時、乗員着座判定部１０は乗員着座無しと判定し、例えばエアバックを展開できない状態にする。更に、図１０の状態で座席前方の足元に荷物が存在しても、背もたれセンサ２は所定値以上の押圧力を検知しないので、乗員着座判定部１０は乗員着座無しと判定する。この結果、従来例よりも正確に大人と子供の着座を判定できる。
【００２１】
次に、図１１に示すように、子供６０が座席１に浅く着座している場合、乗員脚検知センサ３は子供の脚の存在を検知するか検知しないかのいずれかの状態になるが、背もたれセンサ２は押圧力を検知しない。この時、乗員着座判定部１０は乗員着座無しと判定し、例えばエアバックを展開できない状態にする。
【００２２】
次に、図１２に示すように、子供６０が座席１上に立ち、ダッシュボードに手をかけている場合、背もたれセンサ２は所定値以上の押圧力を検知しないし、乗員脚検知センサ３も物体の存在を検知しない。この時、乗員着座判定部１０は乗員着座無しと判定し、例えばエアバックを展開できない状態にする。
【００２３】
以上のように実施の形態１によれば、座席の背もたれ部分１ａに取り付けられた背もたれセンサ２と、座席前方の床面部付近に設定された一平面３ａに存在する物体を検知するための乗員脚検知センサ３と、背もたれセンサ２により検知された押圧力と、乗員脚検知センサ３により検出された物体の存否に基づいて乗員の着座を判定する乗員着座判定部１０を備え、乗員着座判定部１０は背もたれセンサ２が所定値以上の押圧力を検知し、乗員脚検知センサ３が少なくとも所定の体格を有する人の脚以上の断面積を有する物体の存在を検知した場合に、所定の体格を有する人の乗員が着座したと判定するようにしたので、座席１に所定の体格を有する人（大人）の乗員が正式に着座したことを正確に判定することができる。
【００２４】
なお、上記説明では、一対の光線出力器４ａ及び受光器４ｂ等の光路と直交するように一対の光線出力器５ａ及び受光器５ｂ等を設置するようにしたが、一側面側のみに一対の光線出力器及び受光器を設置するようにしても良い。この場合、隣り合う一対の光線出力器及び受光器が形成する光路の間隔は、少なくとも大人の脚（所定の体格を有する人の脚）以上の断面積を有する物体が存在すると必ず光路が遮られ物体が検知できるように設定する。
【００２５】
実施の形態２．
上記実施の形態１の乗員脚検知センサ３では、相対する一対の光線出力器及び受光器からなる光路を物体検出の手段として用いたが、本実施の形態においては、同じ側に設置した一対の光線出力器と光線出力器から出力された光線の反射光を受光する受光器を用いて反射光を検出の手段に用いるようにする。
【００２６】
図１３は本実施の形態の乗員脚検知センサ３を示す概略構成図である。本実施の形態の乗員脚検知センサ３は、座席１前方の床面部付近であって、座席に着座した乗員の脚１０１及び１０２と交差するように設定された一平面３ａに存在する物体を検知する光学的検知センサであり、具体的には、上記一平面３ａ上の同じ側に設置された一対の光線出力器８ａ及び受光器８ｂ、光線出力器８ｃ及び受光器８ｄ、光線出力器８ｅ及び受光器８ｆ、光線出力器８ｇ及び受光器８ｈ、光線出力器８ｉ及び受光器８ｊから構成されている。そして、上記一平面３ａ上に物体が存在すれば光線出力器８ａ，８ｃ，８ｅ，８ｇ，８ｉから発した光線が物体に反射し受光器８ｂ，８ｄ，８ｆ，８ｈ，８ｊに受光されるように設定されている。
【００２７】
更に、上記一対の光線出力器８ａ及び受光器８ｂ等の光路と直交するように同じ側に配置された、それぞれ一対の光線出力器９ａ及び受光器９ｂ、光線出力器９ｃ及び受光器９ｄ、光線出力器９ｅ及び受光器９ｆ、光線出力器９ｇ及び受光器９ｈ、光線出力器９ｉ及び受光器９ｊから構成されている。そして、上記一平面３ａ上に物体が存在すれば光線出力器９ａ，９ｃ，９ｅ，９ｇ，９ｉから発した光線が物体に反射し受光器９ｂ，９ｄ，９ｆ，９ｈ，９ｊに受光されるように設定されている。
【００２８】
図１４は本実施の形態の乗員脚検知センサ３の光路を示す概略平面図である。図において、ライン１０ａ，１０ｂ，１０ｃ，１０ｄ，１０ｅは、それぞれ光線出力器８ａと受光器８ｂ，光線出力器８ｃと受光器８ｄ，光線出力器８ｅと受光器８ｆ，光線出力器８ｇと受光器８ｈ，光線出力器８ｉと受光器８ｊによって形成された光路を示す。また、ライン１１ａ，１１ｂ，１１ｃ，１１ｄ，１１ｅは、それぞれ光線出力器９ａと受光器９ｂ，光線出力器９ｃと受光器９ｄ，光線出力器９ｅと受光器９ｆ，光線出力器９ｇと受光器９ｈ，光線出力器９ｉと受光器９ｊによって形成された光路を示す。
【００２９】
本実施の形態において、光路１０ａ，１０ｂ，１０ｃ，１０ｄ，１０ｅ並びに光路１１ａ，１１ｂ，１１ｃ，１１ｄ，１１ｅで区切られたメッシュ部分の面積は、少なくとも大人の脚の断面積（所定の体格を有する人の脚の断面積）より小さくなるように設定している。そして、座席前方の床面付近に少なくとも大人の脚（所定の体格を有する人の脚）以上の断面積を有する物体が存在すると必ず一つ以上の光路が当該物体により反射される。すなわち、一対の光線出力器と受光器により形成される光路のうち、いずれかの光路が物体により反射する。そして、物体によって反射された光路を受光器が受光する位置は、物体がない状態で反射された光路を受光器が受光する位置とは異なるため、受光器の受光位置の変化で、少なくとも大人の脚（所定の体格を有する人の脚）以上の断面積を有する物体の存在が検出できる。
【００３０】
以上のように実施の形態２によれば、設定された一平面３ａ上の同じ側に一対の光線出力器８ａ及び受光器８ｂ等を設置したので、光線出力器及び受光器の車両への設置箇所の制約が有る場合に有効である。
【００３１】
なお、上記説明では、一対の光線出力器８ａ及び受光器８ｂ等の光路と直交するように一対の光線出力器９ａ及び受光器９ｂ等を設置するようにしたが、一側面側のみ一対の光線出力器及び受光器を設置するようにしても良い。この場合、隣り合う一対の光線出力器及び受光器が形成する光路の間隔は、少なくとも大人の脚（所定の体格を有する人の脚）以上の断面積を有する物体が存在すると必ず光路が物体により反射され検知できるように設定する。
【００３２】
実施の形態３．
上記実施の形態では、座席前方の床面付近に任意な一平面３ａを設定するようにしたが、乗員脚検知センサ３により検知するための平面を複数個設定するようしても良い。検知平面を複数個設定した場合は、座席前方に存在する物体の高さ情報を捕らえることができる。
【００３３】
図１５は、座席前方の床面付近に任意な平面３ａ，３ｂを設定した場合の様子を示す概念図であり、図において大人５０は座席の正規の位置に着座している状態を示す。図１６は、実施の形態１で説明した一対の光線出力器及び受光器からなる光路を検出の手段として用いた場合において、図１５での平面３ａにおける各光路の状態である。図１７は、同じく実施の形態１で説明した一対の光線出力器及び受光器からなる光路を検出の手段として用いた場合において、図１５での平面３ｂにおける各光路の状態である。
【００３４】
一方、図１８は、子供６０が座席に深く腰掛けていると共に、当該座席のフロアに荷物８０が置かれた状態を示している。図１９は、実施の形態１で説明した一対の光線出力器及び受光器からなる光路を検出の手段を用いた場合において、図１８での平面３ａにおける各光路の状態である。図２０は、同じく実施の形態１で説明した一対の光線出力器及び受光器からなる光路を検出の手段を用いた場合において、図１８での平面３ｂにおける各光路の状態である。
【００３５】
図１５に示すように大人５０の乗員の脚１０１および１０２が座席下方に存在する場合、乗員脚検知センサの検知平面３ａ及び３ｂは図１６および図１７の状態になる。また、図１８に示すように子供６０が座席に深く腰掛けてフロアに荷物８０が置かれた場合、乗員脚検知センサの検知平面３ａ及び３ｂは図１９および図２０の状態になる。従って、複数の平面を設定することにより、大人５０の着座状態、子供６０の着座状態、荷物８０の存在を容易に判別することができる。特に、図１８において一平面３ｂしか検知平面が存在しないと、子供６０の深い着座により背もたれセンサ２が一定の押圧荷重を検知し、一平面３ｂの乗員脚検知センサ３が物体有りと検知し、結果として乗員着座判定部１０が着座有りと判定してしまう場合があるが、本実施の形態ではそのような誤判定を無くすことができる。
【００３６】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、この発明に係る乗員着座検出装置は、座席の背もたれ部分に取り付けられた背もたれセンサと、座席前方の床面部付近に設定された平面に存在する物体を検知するための乗員脚検知センサと、背もたれセンサにより検知された押圧力と、乗員脚検知センサにより検出された物体の存否に基づいて乗員の着座を判定する乗員着座判定部とを備えたので、座席に乗員が着座されているか、その乗員が大人か子供か等を正確に判定できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明の実施の形態１による乗員着座検出装置を示す構成図である。
【図２】この発明の実施の形態１による乗員着座検出装置が検知する領域を示す概念図である。
【図３】この発明の実施の形態１による乗員脚検知センサを示す概略構成図である。
【図４】この発明の実施の形態１による乗員脚検知センサの光路を示す概略平面図である。
【図５】この発明の実施の形態１による乗員着座判定部における判定基準を示す図である。
【図６】この発明の実施の形態１による乗員着座判定の状態を示す図である。
【図７】この発明の実施の形態１による乗員着座判定の状態を示す図である。
【図８】この発明の実施の形態１による乗員着座判定の状態を示す図である。
【図９】この発明の実施の形態１による乗員着座判定の状態を示す図である。
【図１０】この発明の実施の形態１による乗員着座判定の状態を示す図である。
【図１１】この発明の実施の形態１による乗員着座判定の状態を示す図である。
【図１２】この発明の実施の形態１による乗員着座判定の状態を示す図である。
【図１３】この発明の実施の形態２による乗員脚検知センサを示す概略構成図である。
【図１４】この発明の実施の形態２による乗員脚検知センサの光路を示す概略平面図である。
【図１５】この発明の実施の形態３による乗員着座判定の状態を示す図である。
【図１６】この発明の実施の形態３による乗員脚検知センサの光路を示す概略平面図である。
【図１７】この発明の実施の形態３による乗員脚検知センサの光路を示す概略平面図である。
【図１８】この発明の実施の形態３による乗員着座判定の状態を示す図である。
【図１９】この発明の実施の形態３による乗員脚検知センサの光路を示す概略平面図である。
【図２０】この発明の実施の形態３による乗員脚検知センサの光路を示す概略平面図である。
【符号の説明】
１　座席、２　背もたれセンサ、３　乗員脚検知センサ、３ａ，３ｂ　乗員脚を検知するための平面、４ａ，４ｃ，４ｅ，４ｇ，４ｉ　光線出力器、４ｂ，４ｄ，４ｆ，４ｈ，４ｊ　受光器、５ａ，５ｃ，５ｅ，５ｇ，５ｉ　光線出力器、５ｂ，５ｄ，５ｆ，５ｈ，５ｊ　受光器、８ａ，８ｃ，８ｅ，８ｇ，８ｉ　光線出力器、８ｂ，８ｄ，８ｆ，８ｈ，８ｊ　受光器、９ａ，９ｃ，９ｅ，９ｇ，９ｉ　光線出力器、９ｂ，９ｄ，９ｆ，９ｈ，９ｊ　受光器、１０　乗員着座判定部。[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an occupant seating detection device that can determine whether an occupant is seated on a seat of a vehicle or the like and whether the occupant is an adult or a child.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a seating detection device that determines whether a seated body on a seat is a person or an object, and in the case of a person, is an adult or a child. Here, the under-foot sensor attached to the bottom of the seat, the under-foot sensor attached to the floor in front of the seat, and the seating body on the seat based on the pressing force detected by the under-foot sensor and the under-foot sensor. And a seating body discriminating unit for discriminating. Then, for example, the operation of the airbag detonator is controlled based on the determination result by the seating body determination unit.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-287162
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-mentioned conventional seating detection device, the occupant is compared with a pressing force detected by the underfoot sensor and the underfoot sensor and a predetermined reference value to determine whether the occupant is a person (adult) having a weight greater than or equal to a predetermined weight, or a person having a weight less than a predetermined weight. It is determined whether the person (child). Specifically, if the output of the underfoot sensor is medium to large and the output of the underfoot sensor is medium to large, the occupant is determined to be an adult, and the output of the underfoot sensor is medium and the output of the underfoot sensor is In the case of zero to small, it is determined that the occupant is a child.
[0005]
However, since the above-mentioned conventional seating detection device is based on the pressing force detected by the sensors under the feet and under the buttocks, for example, when an adult is sitting on the seat and when there is an object in the foot space. In the case where a child is seated in the seat, the output of the under-ass sensor indicates medium to large, the output of the under-foot sensor indicates medium to large in any case, and the seated body determination unit determines that the child is an adult, etc. It has been difficult to accurately determine whether an occupant is an adult or a child.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides an occupant seating detection device capable of accurately determining whether an occupant is seated on a seat, whether the occupant is an adult or a child, and the like. The purpose is to:
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An occupant sitting detection device according to the present invention includes a backrest sensor attached to a backrest portion of a seat, an occupant leg detection sensor for detecting an object existing on a plane set near a floor portion in front of the seat, and a backrest sensor. And an occupant seating determination unit that determines the seating of the occupant based on the pressing force detected by the sensor and the presence or absence of an object detected by the occupant leg detection sensor.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0009]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an occupant sitting detection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an occupant sitting detection device according to the present invention includes a backrest sensor 2 attached to a backrest portion 1 a of a vehicle seat 1, and an object existing on a plane 3 a set near a floor surface portion in front of the seat 1. An occupant leg detection sensor 3 for detecting an occupant, and an occupant seating determination unit 10 that determines the occupant's seat based on the pressing force detected by the backrest sensor 2 and the presence or absence of an object detected by the occupant leg detection sensor 3. Have. The determination result of the occupant sitting determination unit 10 is output to, for example, the operating device 30 of the airbag 35 installed on the dashboard 20, and controls the operation of the airbag 35 based on the determination result of the occupant sitting determination unit 10. In the memory in the occupant sitting determination unit 10, a determination criterion for determining the occupant sitting is stored.
[0010]
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an area detected by the above-described occupant sitting detection device. In FIG. 2, a backrest sensor 2 is a sensor that detects an object existing in an area A of a backrest portion 1a of a vehicle seat 1, and detects a pressing force applied to the backrest portion 1a to a predetermined value or more. As the backrest sensor 2, for example, a pressure-sensitive sensor is used, and a plurality of sensors may be arranged in a net shape over the entire main surface of the backrest portion 1a. The occupant leg detection sensor 3 is an optical detection sensor that detects an object existing in an area B near the floor in front of the seat 1, and will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the occupant leg detection sensor 3 of the present embodiment. The occupant leg detection sensor 3 according to the present embodiment detects an object existing on a plane 3a near the floor in front of the seat 1 and set to intersect with the legs 101 and 102 of the occupant seated on the seat. Optical detection sensor. More specifically, the optical detection sensor includes a pair of light beam output devices 4a and 4b, a light beam output device 4c, and a light beam receiver 4b, each of which is set so that an optical path is blocked by an object existing on the one plane 3a. 4d, a light output device 4e and a light receiver 4f, a light output device 4g and a light receiver 4h, a light output device 4i and a light receiver 4j. Further, the optical detection sensor is disposed so as to be orthogonal to the pair of light output devices 4a and the light receiver 4b, and each of the pair of optical detection sensors is set so that an optical path is blocked by an object existing on the one plane 3a. It comprises a light beam output device 5a and a light receiver 5b, a light beam output device 5c and a light receiver 5d, a light beam output device 5e and a light receiver 5f, a light beam output device 5g and a light receiver 5h, a light beam output device 5i and a light receiver 5j.
[0012]
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing an optical path of the occupant leg detection sensor 3 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, lines 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, and 6e are respectively a light beam output device 4a and a light beam receiver 4b, a light beam output device 4c and a light beam receiver 4d, a light beam output device 4e and a light beam receiver 4f, and a light beam output device 4g and a light beam reception device. 4 shows an optical path formed by the light detector 4h, the light beam output device 4i, and the light receiver 4j. The lines 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d and 7e are respectively a light beam output device 5a and a light beam receiver 5b, a light beam output device 5c and a light beam receiver 5d, a light beam output device 5e and a light beam receiver 5f, and a light beam output device 5g and a light beam receiver 5h. , A light output device 5i and a light receiver 5j.
[0013]
In the present embodiment, the area M of the mesh portion divided by the optical paths 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e and the optical paths 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e is at least the cross-sectional area of an adult leg (a predetermined physical size). (Section area of a person's leg). When an object having a cross-sectional area equal to or larger than at least an adult's leg (a person's leg having a predetermined size) is present near the floor in front of the seat, one or more optical paths are always blocked. That is, the presence of an object having at least an adult leg (a leg of a person having a predetermined physique) or more by blocking one of the optical paths formed by the pair of light output devices and the light receiving device. Can be detected.
[0014]
Next, an operation in which the occupant sitting determination unit 10 determines the occupant's sitting based on the output values of the backrest sensor 2 and the occupant leg detection sensor 3 will be described. The occupant seating determination unit 10 includes an object in which the backrest sensor 2 detects a pressing force equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the occupant leg detection sensor 3 has a cross-sectional area equal to or larger than at least an adult leg (a person's leg having a predetermined physique). Is detected, it is determined that an occupant of an adult (a person having a predetermined physique) is seated.
[0015]
Hereinafter, it will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination standard in the occupant seat determination unit 10, and illustrates an occupant seat determination in the states of FIGS. 6 to 12, respectively.
[0016]
First, as shown in FIG. 6, when an adult 50 normally sits on the seat 1, the backrest sensor 2 detects a pressing force equal to or more than a predetermined value, and the occupant leg detection sensor 3 detects at least an adult leg (a predetermined physique). The presence of an object having a cross-sectional area greater than or equal to the leg of a person having At this time, the occupant seat determination unit 10 determines that the occupant is seated, and enables, for example, deployment of an airbag.
[0017]
Next, as shown in FIG. 7, when the child seat 70 is installed on the seat 1, the backrest sensor 2 detects a pressing force equal to or greater than a predetermined value, but the occupant leg detection sensor 3 does not detect the presence of an object. At this time, the occupant seating determination unit 10 determines that there is no occupant seating, and sets, for example, a state in which the airbag cannot be deployed.
[0018]
Next, as shown in FIG. 8, when the adult 50 sits on the seat 1 in a forward leaning state, the occupant leg detection sensor 3 has a cross-sectional area larger than at least an adult leg (a leg of a person having a predetermined physique). Although the presence of the object is detected, the backrest sensor 2 does not detect the pressing force. At this time, the occupant seating determination unit 10 determines that there is no occupant seating, and sets, for example, a state in which the airbag cannot be deployed.
[0019]
Next, as shown in FIG. 9, when the child 60 is standing in front of the seat 1, the occupant leg detection sensor 3 is in a state of detecting or not detecting the presence of the child's leg. The backrest sensor 2 does not detect the pressing force. At this time, the occupant seating determination unit 10 determines that there is no occupant seating, and sets, for example, a state in which the airbag cannot be deployed.
[0020]
Next, as shown in FIG. 10, when the child 60 is seated deeply on the seat 1, the backrest sensor 2 does not detect a pressing force equal to or more than a predetermined value. The occupant leg detection sensor 3 does not detect the presence of the object. At this time, the occupant seating determination unit 10 determines that there is no occupant seating, and sets, for example, a state in which the airbag cannot be deployed. Further, even if there is luggage at the foot in front of the seat in the state of FIG. 10, since the backrest sensor 2 does not detect a pressing force equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the occupant sitting determination unit 10 determines that there is no occupant sitting. As a result, the seating of adults and children can be determined more accurately than in the conventional example.
[0021]
Next, as shown in FIG. 11, when the child 60 is seated shallowly on the seat 1, the occupant leg detection sensor 3 is in a state of detecting or not detecting the presence of the child's leg. The backrest sensor 2 does not detect the pressing force. At this time, the occupant seating determination unit 10 determines that there is no occupant seating, and sets, for example, a state in which the airbag cannot be deployed.
[0022]
Next, as shown in FIG. 12, when the child 60 stands on the seat 1 and puts his hand on the dashboard, the backrest sensor 2 does not detect a pressing force equal to or more than a predetermined value, and the occupant leg detection sensor 3 also performs Does not detect the presence of an object. At this time, the occupant seating determination unit 10 determines that there is no occupant seating, and sets, for example, a state in which the airbag cannot be deployed.
[0023]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the backrest sensor 2 attached to the backrest portion 1a of the seat, and the occupant leg for detecting an object existing on the one plane 3a set near the floor in front of the seat. An occupant seating determination unit 10 for determining whether the occupant is seated based on the detection sensor 3, the pressing force detected by the backrest sensor 2, and the presence or absence of an object detected by the occupant leg detection sensor 3; Has a predetermined physique when the backrest sensor 2 detects a pressing force equal to or more than a predetermined value and the occupant leg detection sensor 3 detects the presence of an object having a cross-sectional area equal to or greater than the leg of a person having at least a predetermined physique. Since it is determined that the occupant of the person is seated, it is possible to accurately determine that the occupant of the person (adult) having the predetermined physique in the seat 1 is officially seated.
[0024]
In the above description, the pair of light output devices 5a and the light receivers 5b and the like are installed so as to be orthogonal to the optical paths of the light output devices 4a and the light receivers 4b and the like. A light output device and a light receiver may be provided. In this case, the interval between the optical paths formed by the pair of adjacent light beam output devices and the light receivers is always interrupted when an object having a cross-sectional area larger than at least an adult leg (a leg of a person having a predetermined size) is present. Make settings so that objects can be detected.
[0025]
Embodiment 2 FIG.
In the occupant leg detection sensor 3 according to the first embodiment, the optical path including the pair of the opposing light beam output devices and the light receiver is used as the means for detecting the object. However, in the present embodiment, the pair of the The reflected light is used as a detecting means by using a light beam output device and a light receiving device that receives the reflected light of the light beam output from the light beam output device.
[0026]
FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the occupant leg detection sensor 3 of the present embodiment. The occupant leg detection sensor 3 according to the present embodiment detects an object existing on a plane 3a near the floor in front of the seat 1 and set to intersect with the legs 101 and 102 of the occupant seated on the seat. Specifically, a pair of light beam output devices 8a and 8b, light beam output devices 8c and 8d, light beam output devices 8e and 8e are installed on the same side on the one plane 3a. It comprises a light receiver 8f, a light output device 8g and a light receiver 8h, a light output device 8i and a light receiver 8j. If an object exists on the one plane 3a, light rays emitted from the light beam output devices 8a, 8c, 8e, 8g, 8i are reflected by the object and received by the light receivers 8b, 8d, 8f, 8h, 8j. Is set to
[0027]
Further, a pair of light beam output devices 9a and 9b, a light beam output device 9c and a light beam receiver 9d, respectively, which are arranged on the same side so as to be orthogonal to the optical paths of the pair of light beam output devices 8a and 8b, etc. It comprises an output device 9e and a light receiver 9f, a light beam output device 9g and a light receiver 9h, a light beam output device 9i and a light receiver 9j. If an object exists on the one plane 3a, light rays emitted from the light beam output devices 9a, 9c, 9e, 9g, 9i are reflected by the object and received by the light receivers 9b, 9d, 9f, 9h, 9j. Is set to
[0028]
FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view showing an optical path of the occupant leg detection sensor 3 of the present embodiment. In the drawing, lines 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e are respectively a light beam output device 8a and a light beam receiver 8b, a light beam output device 8c and a light beam receiver 8d, a light beam output device 8e and a light beam receiver 8f, and a light beam output device 8g and a light beam receiver. 8h shows an optical path formed by the light beam output device 8i and the light receiver 8j. The lines 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d and 11e are respectively a light beam output device 9a and a light receiver 9b, a light beam output device 9c and a light receiver 9d, a light beam output device 9e and a light receiver 9f, a light beam output device 9g and a light receiver 9h. , A light output device 9i and a light receiver 9j.
[0029]
In the present embodiment, the area of the mesh portion divided by the optical paths 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e and the optical paths 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, and 11e is at least the cross-sectional area of an adult leg (having a predetermined physical size). (The cross-sectional area of a human leg). When an object having a cross-sectional area equal to or larger than at least an adult's leg (a person's leg having a predetermined physique) exists near the floor in front of the seat, one or more optical paths are always reflected by the object. That is, one of the optical paths formed by the pair of light output devices and the light receiver is reflected by the object. The position at which the light receiver receives the light path reflected by the object is different from the position at which the light receiver receives the light path reflected without the object. The presence of an object having a cross-sectional area equal to or greater than a leg (a leg of a person having a predetermined size) can be detected.
[0030]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, a pair of the light output device 8a and the light receiver 8b are installed on the same side on the set one plane 3a, so that the light output device and the light receiver are installed on the vehicle. This is effective when there are restrictions on the location.
[0031]
In the above description, the pair of light output devices 9a and the light receiver 9b are installed so as to be orthogonal to the optical paths of the light output devices 8a and 8b. An output device and a light receiver may be provided. In this case, the distance between the optical paths formed by the pair of adjacent light beam output devices and the light receiving devices is such that the optical path is always determined by the presence of an object having a cross-sectional area equal to or larger than at least the leg of an adult (the leg of a person having a predetermined size). Set to be reflected and detectable.
[0032]
Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the above embodiment, an arbitrary plane 3a is set near the floor in front of the seat, but a plurality of planes for detection by the occupant leg detection sensor 3 may be set. When a plurality of detection planes are set, height information of an object existing in front of the seat can be captured.
[0033]
FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which arbitrary planes 3a and 3b are set near the floor in front of the seat, and shows a state in which an adult 50 is seated at a regular position of the seat. FIG. 16 shows a state of each optical path on the plane 3a in FIG. 15 in a case where the optical path including the pair of light output devices and the light receiving device described in the first embodiment is used as a detection unit. FIG. 17 shows a state of each optical path on the plane 3b in FIG. 15 in a case where the optical path including the pair of light beam output devices and the light receiving devices described in the first embodiment is used as a detection unit.
[0034]
On the other hand, FIG. 18 shows a state where the child 60 is seated deeply on the seat and the luggage 80 is placed on the floor of the seat. FIG. 19 shows the state of each optical path on the plane 3a in FIG. 18 in the case where the means for detecting the optical path composed of the pair of light output devices and the light receiving device described in the first embodiment is used. FIG. 20 shows the state of each optical path on the plane 3b in FIG. 18 in the case where the means for detecting the optical path composed of the pair of light output devices and the light receiving device described in the first embodiment is used.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 15, when the legs 101 and 102 of the occupant of the adult 50 are present below the seat, the detection planes 3a and 3b of the occupant leg detection sensors are in the states of FIGS. When the child 60 sits deeply on the seat and the luggage 80 is placed on the floor as shown in FIG. 18, the detection planes 3a and 3b of the occupant leg detection sensors are in the states of FIGS. 19 and 20. Therefore, by setting a plurality of planes, the sitting state of the adult 50, the sitting state of the child 60, and the presence of the luggage 80 can be easily determined. In particular, in FIG. 18, if there is only the detection plane 3b in the plane 3b, the backrest sensor 2 detects a constant pressing load due to the child 60 being deeply seated, and the occupant leg detection sensor 3 in the plane 3b detects that there is an object. As a result, the occupant seating determination unit 10 may determine that there is seating, but in the present embodiment, such erroneous determination can be eliminated.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the occupant seating detection device according to the present invention includes the backrest sensor attached to the backrest portion of the seat and the occupant leg detection for detecting an object existing on a plane set near the floor in front of the seat. A sensor, a pressing force detected by the backrest sensor, and an occupant seating determination unit that determines the seating of the occupant based on the presence or absence of an object detected by the occupant leg detection sensor, so that the occupant is seated on the seat. Or whether the occupant is an adult or a child can be accurately determined.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an occupant seating detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an area detected by an occupant seating detection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an occupant leg detection sensor according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing an optical path of the occupant leg detection sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing determination criteria in an occupant sitting determination section according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state of occupant sitting determination according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an occupant seat determination state according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state of occupant sitting determination according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state of occupant sitting determination according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state of occupant sitting determination according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state of occupant sitting determination according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state of occupant sitting determination according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an occupant leg detection sensor according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view showing an optical path of an occupant leg detection sensor according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an occupant seat determination state according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing an optical path of an occupant leg detection sensor according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view showing an optical path of an occupant leg detection sensor according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an occupant seat determination state according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view showing an optical path of an occupant leg detection sensor according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view showing an optical path of an occupant leg detection sensor according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 seat, 2 backrest sensor, 3 occupant leg detection sensor, 3a, 3b plane for detecting occupant leg, 4a, 4c, 4e, 4g, 4i light beam output device, 4b, 4d, 4f, 4h, 4j light receiver, 5a, 5c, 5e, 5g, 5i light output devices, 5b, 5d, 5f, 5h, 5j light output devices, 8a, 8c, 8e, 8g, 8i light output devices, 8b, 8d, 8f, 8h, 8j light output devices, 9a, 9c, 9e, 9g, 9i light beam output devices, 9b, 9d, 9f, 9h, 9j light receivers, 10 occupant seat determination section.

Claims

A backrest sensor attached to the backrest portion of the seat, an occupant leg detection sensor for detecting an object existing on a plane set near the floor in front of the seat, a pressing force detected by the backrest sensor, and an occupant leg. An occupant seating detection device, comprising: an occupant seating determination unit that determines an occupant's seat based on the presence or absence of an object detected by a detection sensor.

The occupant seating determination unit is configured to perform a predetermined operation when the backrest sensor detects a pressing force of a predetermined value or more and the occupant leg detection sensor detects the presence of an object having a cross-sectional area equal to or greater than a leg of a person having at least a predetermined physique. The occupant seating detection device according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that an occupant of a person having a physique of (1) is seated.

The occupant leg detection sensor includes a pair of opposing light output units and a light receiving unit, and detects the object by blocking an optical path formed by the light output unit and the light receiving unit. The occupant seating detection device according to claim 1 or 2.

The occupant leg detection sensor includes a pair of light output units and a light receiving unit arranged on the same side, and detects the object by reflecting the light path from the light output unit to the light receiving unit by the object. The occupant sitting detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

The occupant seating detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of planes to be detected by the occupant leg detection sensor are set.