JP3312762B2 - Vehicle occupant detection device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an occupant detection device for an automobile, and more particularly to an occupant detection device for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant in a seat other than the driver's seat in an automobile.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A seat belt for restraining the occupant's body to a seat has been proposed to ensure the safety of an occupant while the vehicle is running. At present, it is not possible to achieve sufficient effects. In particular, there is a tendency that the occupants of seats other than the driver's seat (for example, a passenger seat or a rear seat) wear the seat belt at a low rate.

In order to increase the seatbelt wearing rate, it is conceivable to force the occupant to fasten the seatbelt. In this case, it is determined whether or not the occupant is in the seat. You need to make a good judgment.

[0004] In the case of a driver's seat, the boarding can be easily determined by turning the ignition switch ON / OFF in the case of a driver's seat. There is a drawback in that it cannot be easily performed from a place where it is necessary to distinguish between loading and luggage.

In order to determine the occupant's occupancy in a seat other than the driver's seat, a pressure-sensitive switch is provided on the seat of the automobile and on the floor in front of the seat, and when the pressure-sensitive switch is operated, the occupant enters the seat. (See, for example, JP-A-63-170148).

[0006]

However, when only pressure-sensitive switches provided on the seat and on the floor in front of the seat are actuated, as in the above-mentioned known example, the feet may be pressure-sensitive depending on the posture of the occupant. The switch is not always operated, and it cannot be said that a load is not loaded on both the seat and the floor in front of the seat, and there is a risk of erroneous detection.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to be able to detect the occupant's entry in a seat other than the driver's seat with a high probability.

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
As a means to solve this problem, occupant detection of automobiles
The device is compatible with the load detection means provided on the seat and the seat
Door that outputs a signal when the inner handle of the door is gripped
Inner handle sensor, the load detecting means and the door
Based on the signal input from the inner handle sensor,
Boarding determination means for determining the boarding of the occupant in the vehicle.
I am trying to achieve.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the above object is achieved.
As a means of installation, a vehicle occupant detection system
Load detection means and windshield corresponding to the seat
Window glass operation sensor that outputs a signal when the
And the load detecting means and the window glass operation.
Based on the signal input from the sensor
A ride determination means for determining the ride of the occupant.
Like that.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an occupant detection apparatus for an automobile according to the first or second aspect , wherein the door opening / closing detecting means for detecting opening / closing of a door corresponding to a seat is provided. In addition to the above, when the occupant occupancy is determined in the seat by the occupancy determination means, the occupant occupancy determination is continuously maintained until the door opening / closing detection means detects that the door has been opened. I have.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, as a means for solving the above problems, an occupant detection device for an automobile is provided by load detection means provided on a seat cushion and a seat back of a seat, respectively. a seat back upright position detecting means for detecting that the sea
Load detecting means provided on the seat cushion;
And a boarding judging unit for judging the occupant's occupancy in the seat based on the signal input from all of the load detecting unit and the seat back standing state detecting unit provided on the seat.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an occupant detection system for an automobile according to the first, second, third, or fourth aspect , wherein a child seat is attached to the seat. A child seat detecting means for outputting a signal is additionally provided.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, as means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the first, second, third, or fourth aspect is provided.
5. In the vehicle occupant detection device according to 5, the seat is a seat other than the driver's seat.

[0014]

According to the first, second or sixth aspect of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained by the above means.

That is, the load is detected by the load detecting means provided on the seat (for example, a seat other than the driver's seat), and the specific operation of the occupant (for example, the operation of gripping the inside handle of the door or opening and closing the window glass) is detected. Then, since the distinction from the luggage is clear, the occupant boarding determination is made by the boarding determining means.

According to the third or sixth aspect of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained by the above means.

That is, after the occupant is determined to be in the occupant by the occupant determining means, the occupant occupancy determination is maintained until the door corresponding to the seat (for example, a seat other than the driver's seat) is opened or closed. Will be done.

According to the fourth or sixth aspect of the invention, the following effects can be obtained by the above means.

That is, when the seat back of a seat (for example, a seat other than the driver's seat) is in an upright state, and a load is detected by the load detecting means provided on the seat cushion and the seat back, the distinction from the load is made. Obvious,
The occupant riding determination is made by the riding determining means.

According to the fifth or sixth aspect of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained by the above means.

That is, when the child seat is attached, the occupant cannot enter the seat (for example, a seat other than the driver's seat), and this can be confirmed by inputting a signal from the child seat detecting means.

[0022]

According to the first, second or sixth aspect of the present invention, the load is detected by the load detecting means provided on the seat (for example, a seat other than the driver's seat), and the occupant performs a specific operation (for example, inside the door). When the gripping of the handle or the opening / closing operation of the window glass) is detected, the distinction from the baggage is made clear and the occupant boarding judgment is performed by the boarding judging means. There is an excellent effect that occupant detection can be performed with extremely high accuracy.

According to the third or sixth aspect of the present invention, after the boarding determination means determines that the vehicle is in the occupant, the door corresponding to the seat (for example, a seat other than the driver's seat) is opened and closed. Since the occupant occupancy determination is continuously maintained, there is an excellent effect that when the occupant detection becomes impossible due to the movement of the occupant in the seat or the like, a response can be easily made.

According to the invention of claim 4 or 6 , the seat is provided.
When the seat back in the seat (e.g., a seat other than the driver's seat) is in an upright state and the load is detected by the load detecting means provided on the seat cushion and the seat back,
Since the distinction from the luggage is made clear and the occupant occupancy determination is made by the occupant determination means, there is an excellent effect that the occupant detection can be performed with extremely high accuracy while reliably distinguishing between the occupant's occupancy and the loading of the luggage.

According to the invention of claim 5 or 6 , when the child seat is attached, the seat (for example,
Since it is impossible for the occupant to get on the seat other than the driver's seat), this can be confirmed by inputting a signal from the child seat detection means, so that the occupant can be easily judged when the child seat is attached. effective.

[0026]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, an automobile to which the vehicle occupant detection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

This car is of a four-seat type having a driver's seat 1, a passenger's seat 2, and left and right rear seats 3, 4. Each of the seats 1 to 4 has a seat for restraining the body of an occupant. Belts 5 to 8 are respectively provided.
Reference numeral 9 denotes a shift lever.

An ignition switch 10 (see FIG. 1) is provided at an appropriate position in front of the driver's seat 1. By turning on the ignition switch, it is possible to determine whether an occupant enters the driver's seat 1 or not. ing.

The seat cushions 2a to 4a and the seat backs 2b to 4b of the passenger seat 2 and the left and right rear seats 3, 4 are provided.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the seat cushion pressure sensors 11 to 13 and the seat back pressure sensor 1 acting as load detecting means for detecting the load of the occupant are provided.
4 to 16 are respectively provided. Further, the passenger seat 2 has a seatback standing state detecting means (in this embodiment, a seatback angle sensor 17) for detecting the standing state of the seatbacks 2b to 4b by detecting the tilt angle of the seatback 2a. Is attached. In the case of the reclining type, the left and right rear seats 3 and 4 need to be provided with a seatback angle sensor. However, in the present embodiment, the seatback angle sensor is not provided since it is a fixed type.

The pressure sensors 11 to 16 and the seat back angle sensor 17 are provided for discriminating between a case where the occupant sits on the seat and a case where luggage or the like is placed on the seat. 1
If it is detected that pressure is applied to both of the seat backs 1 to 13 and the seat back pressure sensors 14 to 16 and the seat backs 2b to 4b are in an upright state to some extent, it can be determined that the occupant is riding.

Depending on the occupant's posture, the occupant's occupancy may not be determined only by the detection by the pressure sensors 11 to 16 and the seat back angle sensor 17, and the opening and closing of the door corresponding to each of the seats 2 to 4 may be performed. Opening / closing detection means (door opening / closing sensor) 18
20 (see FIG. 1), door inner handle sensors 21 to 23 for detecting that the occupant grips the inner grips of the doors corresponding to the respective seats 2 to 4, and windows corresponding to the respective seats 2 to 4. Window glass operation sensors 24 to 26 (see FIG. 1) for detecting a raising / lowering operation of the glass are additionally provided. The door inner handle sensors 21 to 23 and the window glass operation sensors 24 to 26 detect a specific operation of the occupant and function as occupant operation detecting means. The detection by these sensors 18 to 26 does not occur unless the occupant is in each of the seats 2 to 4, and thus is useful for occupant discrimination.

The seat belts 5 to 8 are provided with seat belt sensors 27 to 30 (see FIG. 1) for detecting the wearing state of the seat belts 5 to 8, respectively.

Further, the passenger seat 2 and the left and right rear seats 3 and 4 are configured such that a child seat 31 for carrying an infant can be attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 4, when the child seat is attached, the child seat 31 is attached. The engagement pieces 32, 32 protruding from the back of the seat 2
The switches 34 provided in the fitting recesses 33, 33 are turned on by being engaged with the fitting recesses 33, 33 formed respectively in the first to fourth. That is, the switch 34 functions as a child seat detection unit (in other words, a child seat sensor) for detecting the attachment of the child seat 31. In some cases, a child seat pressure sensor 35 for detecting the load of an infant is provided on the seating surface of the child seat 31. In this case, a child seat seat belt sensor 36 for detecting the wearing of the child seat seat belt 35 is provided. The signals from the child seat pressure sensor 35 and the child seat seat belt sensor 36
It is to be transmitted to the vehicle side via the engaging portion between the 2, 32 and the fitting concave portions 33, 33.

The vehicle occupant detection apparatus according to the present embodiment is used for occupant detection in the seat belt wearing promotion apparatus shown in FIG. A seat occupant determination circuit 61, a passenger seat occupant determination circuit 62 for detecting the occupant state of the occupant in the passenger seat 2, a left rear seat occupant determination circuit 63 for detecting the occupant state of the occupant in the left rear seat 3, and a right. A right rear seat occupant determination circuit 64 for detecting the occupant's riding state in the rear seat 4 is provided. In the case of this embodiment, each of the determination circuits 6
The signals from 1 to 64 are to be input to a control circuit 65, and the control circuit 65 performs various calculations, various determinations, and various control signal outputs.

A signal from the ignition switch 10 is input to the driver's seat occupant determination circuit 61, and an occupant occupant signal K1 is output to the control circuit 65 in response to the input of the signal.

The passenger seat occupant determination circuit 62 determines whether the passenger seat 2
The seat cushion pressure sensor 11, the seat back pressure sensor 14, the seat back angle sensor 17, the door opening / closing sensor 18, the door inner handle sensor 21, and the like. Window glass operation sensor 2
4. Signals from the child seat sensor 34 and the child seat pressure sensor 35 are input, and various determinations (described in detail later) are performed based on these input signals, and an occupant boarding signal K2 is output to the control circuit 65. ing.

The left and right rear seat occupancy determination circuits 63 and 64 function as rear seat occupancy determination means for determining occupant occupancy in the left and right rear seats 3 and 4. The seat cushion pressure sensors 12, 13 and the seat cushion pressure sensors 12, 13 are provided. Signals from the back pressure sensors 15 and 16, the door opening and closing sensors 19 and 20, the door inner handle sensors 22 and 23, the window glass operation sensors 25 and 26, the child seat sensor 34 and the child seat pressure sensor 35 are input, respectively. Various determinations (to be described in detail later) are performed based on the signals, and an occupant boarding signal K3,
K4 is to be output.

That is, the boarding determination circuits 61 to 64 constitute boarding determination means.

These boarding judgment circuits 61 to 64 are provided with the door opening / closing sensors 21 to 21 when the occupant boarding judgment is made.
It is determined that the occupant occupancy determination is continuously maintained until it is detected that the door has been opened by 23.

The control circuit 65 includes, in addition to the occupant riding signals K _{1 to} K ₄ , seat belt sensors 27 to 30, a seat belt sensor 37 for a child seat, a vehicle speed sensor 42 for detecting a vehicle speed, and a throttle valve opening. And a shift sensor 4 for detecting that the shift lever 9 has been shifted to the running state.
4 and a signal from an emergency switch 45 for detecting an emergency state, and various calculations and determinations (described later) are performed based on these input signals, and an engine 46, a message output device 47, A control signal is output to the warning light 48.

Next, the operation of the vehicle occupant detection apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. In addition, the riding condition of the driver's seat occupant,
As described above, it is detected by the ON operation of the ignition switch 10.

[0043] (in other words, whether there is a signal input from the child seat sensor 34) whether or child seat 31 in step S ₁ in the flowchart of boarding determination Figure 5 (I) the passenger is attached is determined made, when the child seat 31 is attached, since the front passenger's seat 2 occupant is no possibility of riding, OFF state timer (not shown) in step S ₂ (i.e., T = 0) after no a determines that the occupant non riding in step S _3, the process returns to reset the occupant flag Fs to zero in step S _4.

The child seat 3 in step S ₁
When one is determined to have not been Installing is (in other words, whether there is a signal input from the door sensor 18) whether or passenger's side door is opened and closed in step S ₅ the determination of Is performed, and if there is no opening / closing operation of the passenger's seat door, it is determined that there is no occupant, and step S is performed.
Proceeding to 2, the same processing as described above is performed thereafter.

[0045] If it is determined that the opening and closing operation of the front passenger door in step S _5, it is determined whether the occupant flag Fs is zero is made in step S _6,
In the first process proceeds to Fs = 0 since steps S _7, whether or not there is a signal input from the seat cushion pressure sensor 11 determination is made. Here, when a negative determination, the process proceeds to step S ₃ as there was no passenger boarding, hereafter the same processing is performed.

[0046] When an affirmative determination is made in step S _7, if not (i.e. whether the seat back 2b is in the upright state in step S _8, the seat back tilting angle detected by the angle sensor 17 is within a predetermined range If a negative determination is made, it means that the seat back 2b is in a state in which the occupant cannot be ridden, and the occupant has not been ridden. the process proceeds to step S ₃ as hereafter the same processing is performed.

[0047] When an affirmative determination is made in step S ₈ is whether or not there is a signal input from the seat back pressure sensor 14 determination is made in step S _9.
Here, if a negative determination is made, whether or not there is a signal input from the door inside handle sensor 21 determination is made in step S _10, when a negative determination Again,
Window glass operating sensor 24 in step S ₁₁
It is determined whether or not there has been signal input is made from, when a negative determination Again, it is determined that the load rests on the seat cushion 2a, in step S ₃ as there was no passenger boarding Then, the same processing as described above is performed.

[0048] When a positive determination is made in step S _9, the timer is actuated at step S ₁₂
(That is, T = T + 1), a predetermined time T ₁ (for example, 5
In the case where the state is continued until seconds) has elapsed (Step S _13), determines that the occupant riding in step S _14, and then returns the set of passenger flag Fs to 1 in step S _15. The predetermined time in step S ₁₃ T
If the above condition is resolved before elapse of 1, the seat cushion pressure sensor 11
And it is determined that the seat back pressure sensor 14 is malfunctioning, the process proceeds to step S ₃ as there was no passenger boarding, hereafter the same processing is performed. In addition,
Process is omitted at step S ₁₂ and step S _13, step S ₁₄ only affirmative determination in step S ₉
(Indicated by a dotted line), and it may be determined that an occupant is riding.

[0049] It should be noted that the step S ₁₀ or step S ₁₁
In the case where a positive determination is made, because it can not work if the occupant is not riding, the process proceeds to step S _14, it is determined that the occupant riding.

[0050] (in other words, whether there is a signal input from the child seat sensor 34) whether or child seat 31 in step S ₁ in the flowchart of (II) backseat passenger boarding determination 6 is attached is determined If the child seat 31 is attached, the rear seat 3 (or 4)
Since occupant is not likely to get on, the timer in step S ₂ (not shown) the OFF state (i.e., Ta = 0)
After no and determines that the occupant non riding in step S _3, the process returns to reset the occupant flag Fs to zero in step S _4.

The child seat 3 in step S ₁
When one is determined to have not been Replacing determines whether rear seat door is opened and closed in step S ₅
(In other words, whether there is a signal input from the door sensor 19 is had 20) determined is made, when there is no opening or closing operation of the rear seat door proceeds to step S ₂ as there was no occupant of the passenger Thereafter, the same processing as described above is performed.

[0052] If it is determined that the opening and closing operation of the rear seat door at step S _5, the whether or not there has been signal input from the seat cushion pressure sensor 12 or 13 determination is made in step S _6. Here, if a negative determination is made, a timer is actuated at step _{S 7 (Tb = Tb + 1} ), the predetermined time T
₂ (e.g., 10 seconds) until passage, if the state continues, the process proceeds to step S ₂ as there was no passenger boarding, hereafter the same processing is performed. If there is a signal input from the seat cushion pressure sensor 12 or 13 in step S ₆ before a predetermined time T ₂ has elapsed (i.e., if there is movement of the occupant in the rear seat), or affirmative determination in step S ₆ have been the case (i.e., if there is no movement of the occupant in the rear seat), the determination of whether the occupant flag Fs is zero in step S ₉ made, in the first processing Fs
= 0, so the process proceeds to step S _10, whether or not there is a signal input from the seat back pressure sensor 15 or 16 determination is made. When the rear seats 3 and 4 are of the reclining type, a process of determining whether or not the tilt angles of the seat backs 3b and 4b are within a predetermined range as in the case of the passenger seat 2 (ie, step S Insert ₉ ').

[0053] When a negative determination is made in step S _10, the door inner handle sensor 22 in step S ₁₁
Or it is determined whether or not there is a signal input from the 23 made, when a negative determination Again, step S ₁₂
Window glass operation sensor 25 or 26
It is determined whether or not there has been a signal input from the vehicle. If a negative determination is made here as well, it is determined that there is luggage on the seat cushion 3a or 4a, and it is determined that no occupant has boarded the vehicle. _Proceeding to ₃ , the same processing is performed thereafter.

[0054] When an affirmative determination is made in step S _10, the timer is actuated at step S ₁₃
(That is, Ta = Ta + 1), a predetermined time T ₁ (for example, 5
In the case where that state until seconds) has elapsed is continued (step S _14), determines that the occupant riding in step S _15, and then returns the set of passenger flag Fs to 1 in step S _16. The predetermined time in step S ₁₄ T
_{If the} above condition is resolved before elapse of ₁ , the seat cushion pressure sensor 12
Alternatively 13 and the seat back pressure sensor 15 or 16 is determined that the malfunction, the process proceeds to step S ₃ as there was no passenger boarding, hereafter the same processing is performed. Note that by omitting the processing in step S ₁₃ and step S _14, the process proceeds directly to step S ₁₅ only affirmative determination in step S ₁₀ (the dotted line shown), may be determined that the passenger boarding.

[0055] It should be noted that the step S ₁₁ or step S ₁₂
In the case where a positive determination is made, because it can not work if the occupant is not riding, the process proceeds to step S _15, it is determined that the occupant riding.

(III) Judgment of Riding a Child Seat In step S ₁ of the flowchart of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not the child seat 31 is attached (in other words, whether or not a signal is input from the child seat sensor 34). If it is determined that the child seat 31 is attached, the process proceeds to step S
_{At 2} , it is determined whether a signal is input from the child seat pressure sensor 35. If a positive result in this case, the occupant of the child seat 31 in step S ₃ (i.e., infant) is determined that there is ride, when a negative determination is made, the occupant of the child seat 31 in step S ₄ ( That is, it is determined that there is no ride of the infant). That is, with respect to the child seat 31, it is determined whether to enter or not to enter based on whether or not a signal is input from the child seat pressure sensor 35.

Next, the operation of the seat belt wearing promotion device equipped with the vehicle occupant detection device according to the present embodiment (ie,
The operation of the control circuit will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

[0058] initializing the control circuit 65 in step S1 of the flow chart of FIG. 8 is performed, signals from various sensors, are input in step S _2, described above in step _{S 3 (I), (II} ), (III) Is determined for each seat in the manner described above.

[0059] If the occupant to at least one of the driver's seat 1 and the other seat 2-4 in the passenger boarding determination is determined to be riding in step S _3, Step S ₄
It is determined whether or not an emergency signal (for example, a signal from the emergency switch 45 or a detection signal indicating that the throttle valve opening is equal to or larger than the predetermined opening) is input. Here, if an affirmative determination is made, since emergency occurs, the process proceeds to step S ₁₇ to be described later, when the already engine output restriction has been made is immediately deregulation. In addition,
In the case of an emergency signal output by the ON operation of the emergency switch 45, the emergency switch 45 is operated for a predetermined time (for example, 6 hours).
It is automatically turned off after the elapse.

[0060] When a negative determination is made in step S _4, the occupant of the driver's seat 1 in step S ₅ (i.e., driver) if not (i.e. whether wearing the seat belt 5, the seat belt sensor 27 it is determined whether or not) there is a signal input made from, where negative (i.e., when the seat belt is not mounted as determined) has been the presence of normal running flag F ₂ in step S ₆ (i.e., normal running when either unusual or during running) is determined, if it is determined that the time of non-normal running, it is determined whether the time of running early in the step S ₇ is performed.

The determination at the time of the initial running is to output a signal when the vehicle speed has risen to a predetermined value (for example, 3 km / h → 5 km / h), or to shift the shift lever 9 from the P, N range to the D range. This is carried out by the shift sensor 44 which outputs a signal when it is performed.

[0062] affirmative determination in step S ₇ (i.e., the running initial time and determination) if has been a predetermined alarm message from the message output device 47 in step S ₈ (e.g., "seat belt vehicle speed for unattached will be limited ") is output, and then proceeds to step S _9. Note that negative (i.e., during non-traveling initial and determination) at step S ₇ when been, the process proceeds to step S ₉ bypasses the step S _8. That is, the warning message is to be issued at the beginning of traveling.

[0063] Regulatory speed Vs (e.g., 20 km / h) and the vehicle speed V in step S ₉ made comparison with the case of V ≧ Vs, the output restriction of the engine 46 in step S ₁₀ (e.g., a throttle valve opening degree is a predetermined amount Narrow regulation) is performed, is controlled such that V <Vs, the engine output restriction flag F ₁ in step S ₁₁ is set to 1. Although so as to compare the regulation vehicle speed Vs and the vehicle speed V at step S _9, the engine speed N and the restricting rotation speed Ns (e.g., 1500 rpm) and comparing, N <Ns
In some cases, control is performed such that

[0064] If it is determined that V <Vs in step S _9, the determination of whether or not the traffic jam traveling state in step S ₁₂ is performed. This congestion traveling determination is based on the vehicle speed V =
If the driving state of 0 to 10 km / h continues for 5 minutes or more, it is detected as traffic congestion, and the vehicle speed V is at least 10 km / h.
If it exceeds, it will be considered as non-congested driving. If it is determined that the traffic jam running in step S _12, a warning lamp 48 is illuminated in step S ₁₃ from where the driver in Step S ₅ is determined to seat belt not mounted,
This will encourage the driver to wear the seat belt 5. The reason for performing this control is that the engine output is not regulated even if the occupant removes the seat belt during traffic congestion, so that it is necessary to notify the driver by turning on the warning light 48. If it is determined that the non-congested traveling in step S _12, the degree is not necessary to perform the engine output restricting vehicle speed
(Or engine speed) as well as a, so your it even less of a rear collision, as in the traffic jam, bypassing the step S ₁₃ (in other words, without turning on the warning lamp 48)
To return.

[0065] On the other hand, an affirmative decision (i.e., the seat belt is worn and judgment) in step S ₅ when been the other occupant (e.g., the passenger or rear seat passenger) in step S ₁₄ is wearing a seat belt (In other words, the seat belt sensors 27 to 30 and 37)
Is determined. Here, negative (i.e., the seat belt is not mounted and determination) if has been the automotive determination is made whether the time of starting in step S _15. If a positive result is obtained in this it does not perform the processing of the following steps S ₇ described above, the determination of whether the engine output restriction flag F ₁ = 1 at step S ₁₆ of FIG. 9 is performed. F ₁ = 0 when starting
So the process proceeds to step S _17, engine output regulation is released. The reason for performing such control is to take into account that, in the case of an occupant other than the driver, the seatbelt is not always fastened at the same time as riding, and the seatbelt is often worn shortly after the vehicle starts. .

[0066] When the engine output restriction is released in step S _17, is reset to the engine output restriction flag F ₁ = 0 in step S _18, a determination whether the normal running state is made in step S _19. The normal traveling determination is based on the vehicle speed V and the regulated speed Vs (for example, 20 km / h).
Are compared, and if V> Vs, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling normally,
In step S ₂₀ is set to the normal running flag F ₂ = 1, if the V ≦ Vs, it is determined that a non-normal driving is reset in step S ₂₁ to F ₂ = 0, is then returned.

[0067] When it is determined not to be at the start in step S _15, the process returns to step S _6, as if the driver seat belt is not mounted normal running flag F ₂ = 1
In it is determined whether or not is made, negative (i.e., non-normal running judged) when has been in the process of the following steps S ₇ described above is performed, an affirmative determination is made (i.e., determines that the normal running) If the the warning lamp 48 is illuminated in step S _22, the process returns to step S ₁₇ subsequent Figure 9, the engine output restriction is released. If such control is performed, even if the occupant removes the seat belt during normal driving (for example, when driving at a speed of 20 km / h or more), the engine output is not regulated, so rapid deceleration is performed. Will not happen.

[0068] (in other words, if all passengers is determined to seat belt use) if it is determined that even seatbelts other occupants in step S _14, the step S ₁₅
The Bypass flow proceeds to step S ₁₆ in FIG. 9, a determination is made of whether or not the engine output restriction flag F ₁ = 1,
In the case of F ₁ = 0 is everyone since it is of wearing the seat belt, naturally engine output restriction in step S ₁₇ is released.

By the way, F ₁ = 1 at step S ₁₆
(I.e., the engine output restriction) When it is determined that the throttle valve it is determined whether or not being actuated in the opening direction is made in step S _23. This determination is made by a signal input from a throttle valve opening sensor 43, an affirmative decision (i.e., determined that the throttle valve opening operation) when it is, the engine output restriction in step S ₂₄ is maintained , Then returned. As a result, even when the occupant wears the seat belt during the opening operation of the throttle valve, sudden acceleration is prevented since the engine output regulation is not released. Step S
Negative (i.e., a determination throttle valve closing direction during operation) at ₂₃ while it is in progress, the engine output restriction is released in step S _17.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that the design can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a seat belt wearing promotion device provided with a vehicle occupant detection device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing an automobile equipped with an automobile occupant detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a seat in a vehicle provided with the vehicle occupant detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an attached state of a child seat in an automobile provided with the occupant detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for determining whether or not a passenger is on the passenger seat in the vehicle occupant detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention;
This is a passenger seat riding determination routine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart (that is, a rear seat riding determination routine) for performing a rear seat riding determination in the vehicle occupant detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for performing a child seat riding determination in the vehicle occupant detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention (that is, a child seat riding determination routine).
It is.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart (first half) for explaining the operation of the seatbelt wearing promotion device using the vehicle occupant detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart (second half) illustrating the operation of the seatbelt wearing promotion device using the vehicle occupant detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a driver's seat, 2 is a passenger seat, 3 is a left rear seat, 4 is a right rear seat, 5 to 8 are seat belts, 9 is a shift lever, 10
Is an ignition switch, 11 to 13 are load detecting means
(Seat cushion pressure sensor), 14 to 16 are load detecting means (seat back pressure sensor), 17 is a standing state detecting means (seat back angle sensor), 18 to 20 are door open / close detecting means (door open / close sensor), 21 to 21 23 is an occupant operation detecting means (door inner handle sensor), 24 to 26 are occupant operation detecting means (window glass operation sensor), 27
30 is a seat belt sensor, 31 is a child seat, 34 is a child seat sensor, 35 is a child seat pressure sensor, 36 is a child seat seat belt, 37 is a child seat seat belt sensor, 42 is a vehicle speed sensor, and 43 is a throttle valve opening sensor. , 44 is a shift sensor, 45 is an emergency switch, 46 is an engine, 47 is a message output device, 48
Is a warning light, and 61 to 64 are boarding determination means (boarding determination circuit).

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-60-234036 (JP, A) JP-A-63-170148 (JP, A) JP-A-4-314639 (JP, A) JP-A-59-1984 206244 (JP, A) Japanese Utility Model 1-98048 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model 63-180434 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model 62-148433 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model 60-55685 (JP, U) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B60N 2/00-2/54

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] A load detecting means provided on a seat, and a seat.
Signal is output when the inner handle of the door corresponding to
Door handle sensor, the load detecting means and the front
Based on the signal input from the handle sensor inside the door.
Boarding determination means for determining the boarding of the occupant in the seat.
An occupant detection device for an automobile. 2. A load detecting means provided on a seat, the seat comprising:
Output when opening and closing the window glass corresponding to
A window glass operation sensor;
And the signal input from the window glass operation sensor
Boarding determination to determine the occupant's boarding in the relevant seat
Means for detecting an occupant of an automobile
apparatus. 3. A door opening / closing detecting means for detecting opening / closing of a door corresponding to a seat is provided, and when an occupant is judged in the seat by the boarding judging means, the door is opened by the door opening / closing detecting means. The vehicle occupant detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the occupant occupancy determination is continuously maintained until it is detected that the opening operation has been performed. 4. A load detecting means provided on a seat cushion and a seat back of a seat, a seat back standing state detecting means for detecting that the seat back is in a standing state, and a load provided on the seat cushion.
Detecting means, load detecting means provided on the seat back
And an occupant determination device for determining the occupant's occupancy in the seat based on a signal input from all of the seat back standing state detection means. 5. A child seat detecting means for outputting a signal when a child seat is attached to the seat is provided .
5. The vehicle occupant detection device according to 2, 3, or 4 . Claim wherein said seat is characterized in that it is a seat other than the driver's seat 1, 2, 3, 4 or
5 occupant detection device of vehicle according.