US20040035224A1 - Seat load measuring apparatus - Google Patents

Seat load measuring apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US20040035224A1
US20040035224A1 US10/644,042 US64404203A US2004035224A1 US 20040035224 A1 US20040035224 A1 US 20040035224A1 US 64404203 A US64404203 A US 64404203A US 2004035224 A1 US2004035224 A1 US 2004035224A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
load
seat
sensor
base frame
connector
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/644,042
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English (en)
Inventor
Hiroshi Kajiyama
Toshihiko Kobata
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Takata Corp
Original Assignee
Takata Corp
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Takata Corp filed Critical Takata Corp
Assigned to TAKATA CORPORATION reassignment TAKATA CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KOBATA, TOSHIHIKO, KAJIYAMA, HIROSHI
Publication of US20040035224A1 publication Critical patent/US20040035224A1/en
Priority to US11/727,129 priority Critical patent/US7399932B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
    • B60R21/015—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats, and the related safety parameters therefor, e.g. speed or timing of airbag inflation in relation to occupant position or seat belt use
    • B60R21/01512—Passenger detection systems
    • B60R21/01516—Passenger detection systems using force or pressure sensing means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/002—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon
    • B60N2/0021—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement
    • B60N2/0024—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement for identifying, categorising or investigation of the occupant or object on the seat
    • B60N2/0025—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement for identifying, categorising or investigation of the occupant or object on the seat by using weight measurement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/002—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon
    • B60N2/0021—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement
    • B60N2/003—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement characterised by the sensor mounting location in or on the seat
    • B60N2/0031—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement characterised by the sensor mounting location in or on the seat mounted on the frame
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/002—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon
    • B60N2/0021—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement
    • B60N2/003—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement characterised by the sensor mounting location in or on the seat
    • B60N2/0032—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement characterised by the sensor mounting location in or on the seat mounted on springs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/002—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon
    • B60N2/0021—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement
    • B60N2/0035—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement characterised by the sensor data transmission, e.g. wired connections or wireless transmitters therefor; characterised by the sensor data processing, e.g. seat sensor signal amplification or electric circuits for providing seat sensor information
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
    • B60N2/06—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable slidable
    • B60N2/07—Slide construction
    • B60N2/0702—Slide construction characterised by its cross-section
    • B60N2/0715—C or U-shaped
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
    • B60N2/06—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable slidable
    • B60N2/07—Slide construction
    • B60N2/0722—Constructive details
    • B60N2/0732—Attachment of seat frame to the slide, e.g. eyelets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
    • B60R21/015—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats, and the related safety parameters therefor, e.g. speed or timing of airbag inflation in relation to occupant position or seat belt use
    • B60R21/01512—Passenger detection systems
    • B60R21/01516—Passenger detection systems using force or pressure sensing means
    • B60R21/0152—Passenger detection systems using force or pressure sensing means using strain gauges
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
    • G01G19/40—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight
    • G01G19/413—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means
    • G01G19/414—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only
    • G01G19/4142—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only for controlling activation of safety devices, e.g. airbag systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2210/00—Sensor types, e.g. for passenger detection systems or for controlling seats
    • B60N2210/40—Force or pressure sensors
    • B60N2210/42—Strain gauges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2230/00—Communication or electronic aspects
    • B60N2230/10—Wired data transmission

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a seat load measuring apparatus for measuring a seat load applied to a seat of a vehicle, such as an automobile, by the weight of an occupant sitting on the seat.
  • the present invention pertains to a seat load measuring apparatus which can be flexibly and effectively adopted to various kinds of motor vehicles.
  • a conventional automobile is equipped with seat belt devices and airbag devices. These devices are provided for restraining the inertial movement of occupants so as to protect the occupants in the event of an emergency such as a vehicle collision at which large deceleration is exerted on the vehicle.
  • the amount of the inertial force acting on the occupant depends on the weight of the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat. If the seat belt device and the airbag device are invariably controlled regardless of the weight of the occupant, it is difficult to make these devices effectively restrain the occupant in relation to the inertial force acting on the occupant. In recent years, there has been a proposal to control the actions of these safety devices based on the weight (body weight) of an occupant sitting in a vehicle seat in order to make the seat belt device and the airbag device restrain the occupant more effectively. For example, adjusting the amount of gas for deploying the airbag, the airbag inflating speed, and/or the magnitude of pretension of the seat belt depending on the weight of the occupant.
  • a vehicle seat be provided with a seat load measuring apparatus for measuring the weight of an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat.
  • the seat load measuring apparatus requires load sensors for detecting the magnitude of load applied to the vehicle seat by the weight of the occupant.
  • load sensors for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H11-304579, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H11-351952, Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2001-304949.
  • Load sensors to be used for this purpose require a high degree of detection accuracy and adequate fracture strength.
  • the load sensor should have a detection accuracy that enables it to detect a load fluctuation of about 100 g in the gravitational direction. The accuracy must not be affected even when a load of 100 kg is applied in any direction other than the gravitational direction.
  • the strength of the load sensor it is required that the sensor effectively and securely withstand a large load in the event of a vehicle collision.
  • the gauge disposed on a sensor plate is deflected and deformed depending on the magnitude of load applied to the vehicle seat.
  • the sensor plate is connected to a cable which connects to an electronic control unit (ECU) mounted on the vehicle so that a casing for the load sensor and the cable are united.
  • ECU electronice control unit
  • different types of vehicles require the cable to be different lengths. Therefore, manufacturers must produce load sensors with varying cable lengths resulting in an increase in production costs.
  • the present invention provides improved compatibility and is more efficient to produce.
  • the forward, backward, leftward, rightward, upward, and downward directions correspond to the forward, backward, leftward, rightward, upward, and downward directions of a vehicle.
  • a seat load measuring apparatus includes a load sensor detecting a load which is applied to a vehicle seat by an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat; a control unit for calculating the load applied to the vehicle seat on the basis of a detection signal of the load sensor; and a cable connecting the load sensor and the control unit to transmit the detection signal of the load sensor to the control unit, and is characterized in that the load sensor has a distortion member which is distorted due to the load applied on the vehicle seat, strain gauges for detecting the distortion of the distortion member, and a sensor-side connector connected to the strain gauges, and the cable has a cable-side connector which is detachably connected to the sensor-side connector.
  • a seat load measuring apparatus further comprises a base frame which is fixed to a vehicle floor or a lower member of the vehicle seat and on which the load applied on the vehicle seat acts, the load sensor being disposed on the base frame, wherein the base frame is provided with a protector for protecting at least a part of the load sensor including the sensor-side connector, the protector is open in at least one side in any of the vertical direction, the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, the diagonal direction from upper front to lower back or from lower front to upper back, the diagonal direction from upper left to lower right or from lower left to upper right, and the diagonal direction from forward left to backward right or from backward left to forward right in a state mounted to the vehicle, and the entry of the sensor-side connector faces the open side of said protector.
  • the protector is formed by bending a band-like plate to have a protecting portion surrounding at least a part of the load sensor including the sensor-side connector, and mounting portions to be attached to the base frame.
  • the seat load measuring apparatus further comprises front-side and rear-side rail brackets which are disposed near the front and rear ends of the base frame, respectively, and are connected to a seat rail which slides in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and arms which are disposed on a front portion and a rear portion of the base frame, respectively to extend in the longitudinal direction and each of which is provided at its one end with a press portion for transmitting force to said strain gauges and at its other end with a connecting portion relative to each rail bracket, and wherein protective mechanisms are disposed around the front and rear rail brackets, respectively, and when the load applied between the base frame and said rail brackets exceeds a predetermined value, the protective mechanisms directly transmit the excessive load between the base frame and the rail brackets not through the arms, and the protective mechanism at the rear-side rail bracket is provided with a reinforcing member for providing reinforcement against the load in a direction of lifting the base frame.
  • a cable for connecting a load sensor and a control unit can be designed to be detachable by employing a sensor-side connector and a cable-side connector, thereby achieving the adaptability of the load sensor and the connector casing relative to various kinds of motor vehicles.
  • the only preparation required is configuring a cable having a length corresponding to the kind of motor vehicle. Therefore, the seat load measuring apparatus can be easily and inexpensively adopted to various kinds of motor vehicles.
  • the load sensor can be effectively protected and the connection and disconnection between the load sensor and the cable can be facilitated.
  • it is not required to form hole(s) and groove(s) for insertion of the cable-side connector, thus further simplifying the manufacture and reducing the cost.
  • the senor-side connector and the cable-side connector can be delivered in the connected state.
  • the connectors are allowed to be connected during the assembly of a vehicle body by a car manufacturer, the connectors can be delivered separately.
  • the flexibility during manufacturing process is improved. In this manner, an inexpensive seat load measuring apparatus which can be effectively adopted in various kinds of motor vehicles and is easier to install, maintain and manufacture.
  • the protector is formed just by bending a band-like plate. Therefore, the protector can be easily and inexpensively formed. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a protective mechanism is provided so as to effectively withstand large load exerted on the mounting portion of the seat load measuring apparatus disposed between a vehicle seat and a vehicle floor by a moment in a direction of lifting the rear portion of the vehicle seat.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing a vehicle seat provided with a seat load measuring apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the seat load measuring apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 3 (A), 3 (B) show the seat load measuring apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention in the assembled state thereof, wherein FIG. 3(A) is a plan view thereof and FIG. 3(B) is a sectional view taken along a line IIIB-IIIB of FIG. 3(A).
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a sensor portion of the seat load measuring apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 5 (A), 5 (B) are enlarged partial views of a portion about the sensor portion in the seat load measuring apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 6 (A), 6 (B) show a rear end portion of the seat load measuring apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 6(A) is an exploded view thereof and FIG. 6(B) is an assembled view thereof.
  • FIGS. 7 (A), 7 (B) show a bolt mounting portion of the seat load measuring apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 7(A) is an enlarged sectional view taken along the axis of a front stopper bolt and FIG. 7(B) is an enlarged sectional view taken along the axis of a pivot bolt.
  • FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view showing a portion near a double sleeve of the seat load measuring apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 9 (A), 9 (B) show an example of a rear end portion of a base frame of a seat load measuring apparatus as a comparative example relative to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 9(A) is a side sectional view showing the normal state and FIG. 9(B) is a side sectional view showing a state after a force in a direction of lifting the seat is exerted.
  • FIGS. 10 (A), 10 (B) show the rear end portion of the base frame of the seat load measuring apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, wherein FIG. 10(A) is a side sectional view showing the normal state and FIG. 10(B) is a side sectional view showing a state after a force in a direction of lifting the seat is exerted.
  • FIG. 11 is a partial enlarged perspective view of the sensor portion of the seat load measuring apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 12 is a partial plan view of the sensor portion of the seat load measuring apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along a line XIII-XIII of FIG. 12.
  • FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along a line XIV-XIV of FIG. 12.
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view partially showing a connector casing of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 16 (A)- 16 (D) show a variation example of the rear end portion of the base frame of one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 10 (A), 10 (B), wherein FIG. 16(A) is a side sectional view showing the normal state, FIG. 16(B) is a sectional view taken along al line XVIB-XVIB of FIG. 16(A), FIG. 16(C) is a side sectional view showing a state after a force in a direction of lifting the seat is exerted, and FIG. 16(D) is a sectional view taken along a line XVID-XVID of FIG. 16(C).
  • FIGS. 17 (A)- 17 (D) show another variation example of the rear end portion of the base frame of one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 10 (A), 10 (B), wherein FIG. 17(A) is a side sectional view showing the normal state, FIG. 17(B) is a sectional view taken along al line XVIIB-XVIIB of FIG. 17(A), FIG. 17(C) is a side sectional view showing a state after a force in a direction of lifting the seat is exerted, and FIG. 17(D) is a sectional view taken along a line XVIID-XVIID of FIG. 17(C).
  • FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view similar to FIG. 4, but showing a variation example of the sensor portion shown in FIG. 4.
  • FIGS. 19 (A), 19 (B) show a variation example of the sensor portion of the seat load measuring apparatus, wherein FIG. 19(A) is a partial plan view similar to FIG. 12 and FIG. 19(B) is a sectional view similar to FIG. 13, taken along a line XIXB-XIXB of FIG. 19(A).
  • a vehicle seat 1 has a seat cushion 1 a on which an occupant sits, and a seat pan 2 made of a steel plate which is disposed beneath the seat cushion 1 a to entirely cover the under surface of the seat cushion 1 a.
  • a pair of side frames 3 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) extend downwardly from the seat pan 2 and are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance in the lateral (left-to-right) direction of the vehicle.
  • Each side frame 3 is disposed to extend in the longitudinal (front-to-rear) direction of the vehicle.
  • seat rails 8 Disposed on the lower ends of the side frames 3 are seat rails 8 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1), respectively.
  • Each seat rail 8 is a combination of an upper rail 11 which is fixed to the lower end of the side frame 3 and a lower rail 15 which is arranged to slide relative to the upper rail 11 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
  • each seat load measuring apparatus is connected to each lower rail 15 via a pair of front and rear rail brackets 35 , 45 .
  • the seat load measuring apparatuses 10 are fixed to a pair of seat brackets 9 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) which are secured to a vehicle floor 7 and spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the vehicle.
  • the seat load measuring apparatus 10 comprises a base frame 21 which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
  • the base frame 21 is composed of a base bottom 22 and base side walls 23 L, 23 R such that the base frame 21 is formed to have an upward U-shaped cross section (to have an open top). It should be noted that the base frame 21 may be formed to have a downward U-shaped cross section (to have an open bottom).
  • the base frame 21 is provided near the front and rear ends thereof with mounting portions 30 and 40 relative to the vehicle body or the seat rails, respectively, and is provided at the center thereof with a sensor portion 50 .
  • the mounting portion 30 at the front end side of the base frame 21 is provided with a hole 22 A (see FIG. 2) which is formed in the base bottom 22 at a predetermined location and is provided with elongated holes 32 , pivot holes 33 , and small apertures 31 which are formed in front end portions of the left and right base side walls 23 L, 23 R, respectively to correspond to those of the other base side-wall 23 L, 23 R.
  • the hole 22 A is a hole for insertion of a riveting jig J.
  • the elongate holes 32 are long in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 2, FIGS. 3 (A), 3 (B), and FIG.
  • a stopper bolt (pivot pin) 24 is inserted through the elongated holes 32 .
  • the stopper bolt 24 is a pivot pin which pivotally supports a rail bracket 35 and a Z arm 61 Fr together and transmits a seat load to the Z arm 61 Fr as shown in FIG. 3(B).
  • the stopper bolt 24 is provided at one end with a hexagon head 24 H, at the other end with a threaded portion 24 S, and at the middle with a smooth cylindrical surface.
  • the stopper bolt 24 is inserted through the elongated holes 32 and is then fixed by a stopper nut 24 N via a stopper washer 24 W.
  • the pivot holes 33 are formed in positions closer to the center than the positions of the elongated holes 32 .
  • Formed around the pivot holes 33 are counter bores 33 a formed in outer surfaces of the base side walls 23 L, 23 R and convexities 33 b formed in the inner surfaces of the base side walls 23 L, 23 R.
  • Inserted into the pivot holes 33 is a pivot bolt (pivot pin) 25 as shown in FIG. 2, FIGS. 3 ( a ), 3 (B), and FIG. 7(B).
  • the pivot bolt 25 is a pivot pin for supporting the Z arm 61 Fr such that the Z arm 61 Fr pivots relative to the base frame 21 .
  • the Z arm 61 Fr pivots about the pivot bolt 25 .
  • the pivot bolt 25 is provided at one end with a hexagon head 25 H, at the other end with a threaded portion 25 S, and at the middle with a smooth cylindrical surface.
  • the pivot bolt 25 is inserted through the pivot holes 33 and is then fixed by a pivot nut 25 N.
  • stopper bolt 24 and the pivot bolt 25 are of type to be fastened by the nuts 24 N and 25 N, these are easily and securely attached.
  • the small apertures 31 formed adjacent to the pivot holes 33 are service windows for observation of the assembling state.
  • the Z arm 61 Fr is arranged inside the base frame 21 at the mounting portion 30 at the front end side of the base frame 21 .
  • the Z arm 61 Fr has a portion on the rear side from the middle portion, which is forked into two plate-shape branches 66 , when seen in plain view.
  • the Z arm 61 Fr has a portion on the front side, where arm side plates 67 L, 67 R are formed to stand upwardly from the left and right edges.
  • the Z arm 61 Fr is assembled between the base side walls 23 L and 23 R to extend along the inner surfaces of the base side walls 23 L and 23 R. There are gaps between the arm side plate 67 L and the base side wall 23 L and between the arm side plate 67 R and the base side wall 23 R so that flanges of sleeves 70 ( 71 , 72 ) and 75 are disposed in these gaps
  • each of the side plates 67 L, 67 R of the Z arm 61 Fr is provided with holes 62 , 63 formed at locations corresponding to the elongate hole 32 and the pivot hole 33 of the base side wall 23 L, 23 R.
  • FIGS. 3 (A), 3 (B), FIG. 7(A), 7 (B) inserted into the holes 62 (corresponding to the elongate holes 32 of the base frame 21 ) formed near the front end of the Z arm 61 Fr is the stopper bolt 24 .
  • Inserted into the holes 63 (corresponding to the pivot holes 33 of the base frame 21 ) at the middle portion side of the Z arm 61 Fr is the pivot bolt 25 .
  • the main task of the stopper bolt 24 is connecting the rail bracket 35 and the Z arm 61 Fr in such a manner as to allow the pivotal movement of them and transmitting a seat load to the Z arm 61 Fr as can be seen in FIG. 3(B). Since there are gaps between the stopper bolt 24 and the elongated holes 32 , the base frame 21 and the stopper bolt 24 are normally prevented from interfering each other. On the other hand, the main task of the pivot bolt 25 is pivotally supporting the Z arm 61 Fr relative to the base frame 21 , whereby the Z arm 61 can pivot about the pivot bolt 25 .
  • the branches 66 of the Z arm 61 Fr are designed to have a smaller distance between them at the middle portion side. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3 (A), 3 (B), a ridge portion 61 a is formed in the middle portion of the Z arm 61 Fr, thereby increasing the strength of the Z arm 61 Fr. Action portions at the ends (rear ends) of the branches 66 are covered by resin arm caps 66 A, respectively.
  • the resin arm caps 66 A are sandwiched between wings 53 a, 55 a of upper and lower half arms 53 , 55 (see FIG. 5(B)) of the load sensor 51 (as will be described later).
  • the front rail bracket 35 is assembled inside the Z arm 61 Fr.
  • the front rail bracket 35 is composed of a flat top portion 36 and side walls 37 L, 37 R extending downwardly from the left and right edges of the top portion 36 in such a manner as to have an inverted U-shaped cross section.
  • the lower rail 15 of the seat rail 8 is mounted on the upper surface of the top portion 36 .
  • the top portion 36 has a hole 36 a formed therein through which a rivet fastening the top portion 36 and the seat rail 8 together is inserted.
  • Each of the left and right side plates 37 L, 37 R of the front rail bracket 35 is substantially formed in a trapezoidal shape.
  • the left and right side plates 37 L, 37 R have holes 38 , respectively, to face each other.
  • the holes 38 are formed at locations corresponding to the elongate holes 32 of the base side walls 23 L, 23 R and the holes 62 of the Z arm 61 Fr.
  • the stopper bolt 24 is inserted into the holes 38 as shown in FIGS. 3 (A), 3 (B), and FIG. 7(A).
  • double sleeves 70 are fitted around the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion of the stopper bolt 24 .
  • Each of the double sleeve 70 comprises an inner sleeve 71 which is longer and an outer sleeve 72 which is shorter and fitted around the inner sleeve 71 .
  • the sleeves 71 , 72 have flanges 71 a, 72 a at one ends and tapered portions 71 b, 72 b (see FIG. 8) at the other ends.
  • the inner surfaces of the sleeves 71 , 72 and the end faces of the flanges 71 a, 72 a are coated with Teflon®. It should be noted that FIG. 8 shows the inclinations of the tapered portions 71 b, 72 b in an exaggerated way.
  • the inner sleeve 71 of the double sleeve 70 is fitted into a space between the shaft portion of the stopper bolt 24 and the hole 62 of the arm side plate 67 L ( 67 R) and a space between the shaft portion of the stopper bolt 24 and the hole 38 of the front rail bracket 35 .
  • the outer sleeve 72 is press fitted between the outer periphery of the inner sleeve 71 and the hole 38 of the front rail bracket 35 .
  • the flange 72 a of the outer sleeve 72 is disposed between the arm side plate 67 L ( 67 R) and the side plate 37 L ( 37 R) of the front rail bracket 35 .
  • the flange 71 a of the inner sleeve 71 abuts on the outer surface of the arm side plate 67 L ( 67 R).
  • the relation between the double sleeve 70 and the peripheral components and the works of the double sleeve 70 will be explained with reference to FIG. 8. Since the inner sleeve 71 is press fitted into the hole 62 of the arm side plate 67 L ( 67 R), the inner sleeve 71 is prevented from rattling within the hole 62 . Between the inner sleeve 71 and the stopper bolt 24 inserted through the inner bore of the inner sleeve 71 , the tapered portion 71 b of the inner sleeve 71 is elastically in contact with and supports the outer periphery of the stopper bolt 24 .
  • the stopper bolt 24 is prevented from rattling within the inner bore of the inner sleeve 71 .
  • the tapered portion 72 b of the outer sleeve 72 is elastically in contact with and supports the outer periphery of the inner sleeve 71 . Therefore, while there is a clearance between a portion of the outer sleeve 72 other than the tapered portion 72 b and the inner sleeve 72 , the inner sleeve 71 is prevented from ratting within the inner bore of the outer sleeve 72 .
  • sleeves 75 are fitted around the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion of the pivot bolt 25 .
  • Each sleeve 75 has a flange 75 a at its one end and a tapered portion 75 b at its other end.
  • the inner surface of the sleeve 75 and the end face of the flange 75 a are coated with Teflon®.
  • the sleeve 75 Since the sleeve 75 is press fitted into the hole 63 of the arm side plate 67 L ( 67 R), the inner sleeve 75 is prevented from rattling within the hole 63 .
  • the tapered portion 75 b of the sleeve 75 is elastically in contact with and supports the outer periphery of the pivot bolt 25 . Therefore, while there is a clearance between a portion of the sleeve 75 other than the tapered portion 75 b and the pivot bolt 25 , the stopper bolt 25 is prevented from rattling within the inner bore of the sleeve 75 . Accordingly, the occurrence of noise generated due to the rattling of the pivot bolt 25 and/or the Z arm 61 Fr when the load applied to the seat is varied can be prevented.
  • the mounting portion 40 at the rear end side of the base frame 21 will be explained.
  • the different point of the mounting portion 40 at the rear end side of the base frame from the aforementioned mounting portion 30 at the front end side of the base frame is that the mounting portion 40 at the rear end side of the base frame has two stopper bolts as the protective mechanism for transmitting excessive load from the rear rail bracket 45 to the base frame 21 , thereby having higher loading capacity than the mounting portion 30 at the front end side of the base frame.
  • the mounting portion 40 at the rear end side is provided with a front-side first stopper bolt 26 and a rear-side second stopper bolt 28 .
  • the front-side stopper bolt 26 (hereinafter, sometime called as “front stopper bolt 26 ”) has the same components as those of the stopper bolt 24 of the mounting portion 30 at the front side mentioned above so that the same appendices as those of the numeral “ 24 ” are added to the numeral “ 26 ” and detail descriptions of the components are omitted.
  • the rear-side second stopper bolt 28 (hereinafter, sometime called as “rear stopper bolt 28 ”) is an additional reinforcing member which is not used in the mounting portion 30 at the front end side. The following description will center on the structure of the second stopper bolt 28 as an additional member and the related components.
  • the base frame 21 has circular holes 44 , adjacent to elongated holes 42 and nearer to the rear end thereof than the elongated holes 42 , through which the rear stopper bolt 28 is inserted.
  • Each circular hole 44 has such a diameter as to allow the insertion of the shaft portion of the rear stopper bolt 28 .
  • the rear stopper bolt 28 is provided at one end with a hexagon head 28 H, at the other end with a threaded portion 28 S, and at the middle with a smooth cylindrical surface.
  • the rear stopper bolt 28 is fixed by a stopper nut 28 N as shown in FIG. 3(A) and FIG. 6(B) when assembled.
  • a Z arm 61 Rr to be arranged inside the rear side portion of the base frame 21 has the same structure as the aforementioned Z arm 61 Fr arranged in the front side portion of the base frame and comprises branches 66 , arm side plates 67 L, 67 R, and arm caps 66 A of action portions at the ends thereof.
  • the Z arm 61 Fr at the front end side of the base frame and the Z arm 61 Rr at the rear end side of the base frame are arranged symmetrically about the center of the base.
  • the rear rail bracket 45 is arranged inside the Z arm 61 Rr. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 6 (A), 6 (B), the rear rail bracket 45 is composed of a flat top portion 46 and side walls 47 L, 47 R extending downwardly from the left and right edges of the top portion 46 in such a manner as to have an inverted U-shaped cross section.
  • the lower rail 15 of the seat rail 8 is mounted on the upper surface of the top portion 46 .
  • the top portion 46 has two hole 46 a formed therein through which rivets 15 R (see FIGS. 10 (A), 10 (B)) fastening the top portion 46 and the lower rail 15 together are inserted.
  • Each of the side plates 47 L, 47 R of the rear rail bracket 45 is substantially formed in a trapezoidal shape.
  • Each of the left and right side plates 47 L, 47 R have holes 48 and elongate holes 49 at locations corresponding to the elongated holes 42 and the circular holes 44 of the base side walls 23 L, 23 R.
  • the front stopper bolt 26 is inserted through the holes 48 (corresponding to the elongate holes 42 and the holes 62 of the Z arm 61 Rr).
  • double sleeves 70 are inserted through spaces between the front stopper bolt 26 and the hole 48 of the rear rail bracket 45 and between the front stopper bolt 26 and the hole 62 of the Z arm 61 Rr similarly to the aforementioned case.
  • the front stopper bolt 26 is loosely fitted to the elongate holes 42 of the base frame 21 .
  • the rear stopper bolt 28 is inserted through the elongate holes 49 (corresponding to the circular holes 44 ) of the rear rail bracket 45 with suitable predetermined gaps.
  • the works of the mounting portion 40 at the rear end side of the base frame 21 will be described later.
  • each of the left and right base side walls 23 L, 23 R is formed with a notch 23 X at the middle in the longitudinal direction of the base frame 21 .
  • a protector 29 which overhangs in the leftward direction is fixed to the outer surface of the left base side wall 23 L.
  • the protector 29 is formed by bending a band-like plate to have a protecting portion 29 a, formed in a U-like or C-like shape, and mounting flanges 29 b, 29 c formed on both sides of the protecting portion 29 a.
  • a load sensor 51 is installed inside the notches 23 X of the base frame 21 and the protector 29 .
  • the protecting portion 29 a encloses and protects a portion of the load sensor 51 projecting outside of the base side wall 23 L through the notch 23 X of the base side wall 23 L, i.e. a connector receiving portion (see FIG. 11) of the sensor plate 52 and a connector casing 57 a (see FIG. 11 and FIG. 12) of a sensor-side connector 57 .
  • the connector casing 57 a is attached to the upper surface of the connector receiving portion by casing fixing screws 101 , 102 (see FIG. 11).
  • the level of the upper edge of the protector 29 is higher than any of the level of the upper surface of the sensor plate 52 , the level of the upper surface of the connector casing 57 a, and the level of the upper surface of the sensor-side connector 57 .
  • the level of the lower edge of the protector 29 is lower than any of the level of the lower surface of the sensor plate 52 , the level of the lower surface of the connector casing 57 a, and the level of the lower surface of the sensor-side connector 57 .
  • the protector 29 can securely protect precision components such as the sensor plate 52 and the connector 57 of the seat load measuring apparatus 10 even if the base frame in which the seat load measuring apparatus 10 and the protector 29 are assembled is dropped when the base frame 21 is mounted to a vehicle or during transportation.
  • a cover (not shown) is preferably provided to cover the upper side of the protector 29 in order to further ensure the protection.
  • the lower side of the protector 29 is also open. However, since the object matters are easily removed from the inside of the protector 29 even if object matters enter into the protector 29 , there is no necessary to cover the lower side of the protector 29 .
  • the connector casing 57 a has an opening 57 f. Disposed around the peripheral edge, on the side to be in contact with the sensor plate 52 , of the opening 57 f is a watertight packing 57 g. With the watertight packing 57 g, the connector casing 57 a and the sensor plate 52 can be water-tightly sealed. When potting is made on the opening 57 f, the watertight packing 57 g also functions to prevent leakage of potting material.
  • the opening 57 f is covered by resin, on the side not the side to be in contact with the sensor plate 52 , in order to prevent object matters from entering through the opening 57 f.
  • FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show an example of structure for mounting the sensor plate 52 to the base frame 21 , this example being different from the mounting structure composed of the components shown in FIG. 4. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the sensor plate 52 can be attached to the base frame 21 just by screwing bolts into a mounting base provided on the base bottom 22 .
  • the sensor plate 52 as the main component of the load sensor 51 is a spring member which is a rectangular plate having two necks 52 c as a whole.
  • the sensor-side connector 57 is fixed by a vise 57 a (see FIG. 5(A)).
  • ECU electronice control unit
  • an insulating layer for electrical insulating, a wiring layer, and a resistive layer are formed on the sensor plate 52 .
  • four strain resistors 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 are formed as strain gauges which cooperate together to compose the load sensor 51 .
  • the four strain resistors 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 are connected to each other to form a bridge circuit which is connected to the connector 57 .
  • terminals 57 b, 57 c of the connector 57 are connected to the conductors 52 a, 52 b of the bridge circuit formed on the sensor plate 52 by the strain resistors.
  • ends 57 d, 57 e, opposite to the side connected to the conductors 52 a, 52 b, of the terminals 57 b, 57 c of the connector 57 are disposed to project downwardly, thereby forming a male connector 57 .
  • the terminals 57 b, 57 c of the connector 57 are press-fitted into the connector casing 57 a and are thus united with the connector casing 57 a.
  • the connector 57 is composed of a male connector 57 having terminals projecting downwardly. The entry of the male connector 57 faces the open bottom of the protector 29 .
  • the cable 103 to be connected to the ECU is provided with the cable-side connector 104 .
  • the cable-side connector 104 is composed of a female connector 57 which is detachable relative to the male connector 57 .
  • the cable 103 to be connected to the ECU is connected to the cable-side connector 104 . Therefore, in a state that the seat load measuring apparatus 10 is attached to the base frame 21 , the cable-side connector 104 is inserted into the male connector 57 through the open bottom of the protector 29 , thereby establishing the electrical connection. On the other hand, the cable-side connector 104 inserted in the male connector 57 can be detached from the male connector 57 . Contrary to the aforementioned case, the connector 57 of the connector casing 57 a side may be composed of a female connector and the connector of the cable 103 side may be composed of a male connector.
  • the load sensor 51 and the cable 103 to be connected to the ECU are structured to be detachable from each other by using a male connector and a female connector, the adaptability of the load sensor 51 and the connector casing 57 a relative to various kinds of motor vehicles is achieved.
  • the only requirement is preparing the cable 103 having a length corresponding to the kind of vehicle. Therefore, the seat load measuring apparatus 10 can be easily and inexpensively adopted to various kinds of motor vehicles.
  • the load sensor 51 can be effectively protected and the connection and disconnection between the ECU and the load sensor 51 can be facilitated.
  • the seat load measuring apparatus 10 can be easily and inexpensively adopted to various kinds of motor vehicles. Moreover, it is not required to form hole(s) and groove(s) for insertion of the cable-side connector 104 , thus further simplifying the manufacture and reducing the cost.
  • connection of the cable-side connector 104 is achieved by utilizing the open bottom of the protector 29
  • connection of the cable-side connector may be achieved by utilizing the open top of the protector 29 .
  • the entry of the sensor-side connector 57 is arranged to face upwardly.
  • a protector 29 which is open in at least one side in the vertical direction of the vehicle a protector 29 which is open in at least one side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or a protector 29 which is open in at least one side in the lateral direction of the vehicle may be employed.
  • a protector 29 which is open in at least one side in the diagonal direction from upper front to lower back or from lower front to upper back, a protector 29 which is open in at least one side in the diagonal direction from upper left to lower right or from lower left to upper right, or a protector 29 which is open in at least one side in the diagonal direction from forward left to backward right or from backward left to forward right may be employed. That is, the protector 29 of the present invention may be a protector which is open in at least one side in any of the vertical direction, the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, the diagonal direction from upper front to lower back or from lower front to upper back, the diagonal direction from upper left to lower right or from lower left to upper right, and the diagonal direction from forward left to backward right or from backward left to forward right. However, it is preferable to utilize the open bottom of the protector 29 for connection of the cable-side connector 104 , because of the aforementioned reason.
  • the male connector 57 and the cable-side connector 104 can be delivered in the connected state.
  • the male connector 57 and the cable-side connector 104 are allowed to be connected during the assembly of a vehicle body by a car manufacturer, the male connector 57 and the cable-side connector 104 can be delivered separately.
  • the flexibility during manufacturing process is improved. In this manner, a seat load measuring apparatus which can be effectively adapted for various kinds of motor vehicles and has improved compatibility and efficiency.
  • the load may be obtained by conversion from deflection of the sensor plate 52 detected by other elements such as electrical capacitance pressure sensors or Hall elements.
  • a standing center post 59 is fixed to the base bottom 22 at the middle in the longitudinal direction of the base bottom 22 .
  • the center post 59 is a substantially cylindrical member having bolts B 1 , B 2 projecting upwardly and downwardly.
  • the lower bolt B 2 of the center post 59 penetrates the base bottom 22 and is screwed into a center nut 59 N.
  • the upper bolt B 1 of the center post 59 penetrates a central hole 52 e (see FIG. 4) of the sensor plate 52 and is fixed by the center nut 58 N via a center washer 59 W.
  • the center of the sensor plate 52 is solidly fixed to the base bottom 22 of the base frame 21 through the center post 59 .
  • the structure of the load sensor 51 will be further described. Attached to the both front and rear ends of the sensor plate 52 are half arms 53 , 55 .
  • the half arms 53 , 55 are two pairs to be arranged at front and rear ends of the sensor plate 52 , respectively. As for each pair, the half arms 53 , 55 are arranged above and below the sensor plate 52 to clamp the sensor plate 52 as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5(B). Since the half arms 53 , 55 have same configuration, a description will be made as only the half arm 55 arranged below the sensor plate 52 .
  • the half arm 55 is a plate member of a rectangular shape and is provided with a mounting hole 55 e formed in the center of the base thereof.
  • the half arm 55 has wings 55 a which project in the rightward and leftward directions from edges thereof near the center.
  • Levee-like supports 55 b are formed on the backs of the wings 55 a to extend in the rightward and leftward directions.
  • the top of each support 55 b is slightly edged.
  • the actions of the upper and lower half arms 53 , 55 , the sensor plate 52 , and the Z arm 61 when load is applied to the seat load measuring apparatus 10 are described in detail, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-258223 and should be understood by reading the publication, so the description will be omitted here.
  • the Load applied to the seat load measuring apparatus 10 is obtained by the computation of the ECU on the basis of the measured distortion of the sensor plate 52 .
  • FIGS. 9 (A), 9 (B) show an example of a rear end portion of a base frame of a seat load measuring apparatus as a comparative example relative to the present invention, wherein FIG. 9(A) is a sectional view showing the normal state and FIG. 9(B) is a sectional view showing a state after a force in a direction of lifting the seat is exerted.
  • FIGS. 10 (A), 10 (B) show the rear end portion of the base frame of the seat load measuring apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 10(A) is a sectional view showing the normal state and FIG. 10(B) is a sectional view showing a state after a force in a direction of lifting the seat is exerted.
  • a single stopper bolt i.e. the front stopper bolt 26
  • the stopper bolt 26 is perfectly fitted relative to the rear rail bracket 45 ′ and a Z arm 61 Rr and is loosely fitted in elongate holes 42 of the base frame 21 .
  • a lower surface of a lower rail 15 and a top portion 46 ′ of the rear rail bracket 45 ′ are connected to each other by two rivets 15 R aligned in the longitudinal direction.
  • a base bottom 22 of the base frame 21 is connected to a seat bracket (leg) 9 ′ by a single rivet 9 R at a front side (left side in FIGS. 9 (A), 9 (B)) and a welded portion W at a rear side.
  • the welded portion W is more securely welded, for example by continuous welding, than spot welding of the present invention shown in FIG. 10 as described later.
  • the seat bracket 9 ′ is fixed to a vehicle floor 7 by a bolt 7 B.
  • the vertical center line between the two upper rivets 15 R and the vertical center line of the stopper bolt 26 are shifted from each other as shown in the drawings.
  • the seat bracket 9 ′ has two holes at locations corresponding to two holes 22 A formed in the aforementioned base bottom 22 .
  • the holes 22 A are provided for insertion of riveting jig J (shown by a virtual line in FIG. 9(A)).
  • the riveting jig J is used for driving the rivets 15 R for connecting the rail 15 and the rail bracket 45 ′ after the seat load measuring apparatus and the seat rail 15 are put on the seat bracket 9 ′.
  • bolts and nuts which can be inserted into the holes 22 A may be used to connect the rail 15 and the rail bracket 45 ′.
  • two stopper bolts i.e. the front and rear stopper bolts 26 , 28 , are provided for transmitting an excessive load exerted on the rear rail bracket 45 to the base frame 21 .
  • the front stopper bolt 26 is perfectly fitted relative to the rear rail bracket 45 and the Z arm 61 Rr and is loosely fitted in the elongate holes 42 of the base frame 21 (see FIG. 7(A)).
  • the rear stopper bolt 28 is perfectly fitted relative to the base frame 21 and is loosely fitted in the elongated holes 49 of the rear rail bracket (see also FIG. 6(A)).
  • a lower surface of the lower rail 15 and the top portion 46 of the rear rail bracket 45 are connected to each other by two rivets 15 R aligned in the longitudinal direction.
  • the base bottom 22 of the base frame 21 is connected to the seat bracket 9 by a single rivet 9 R at a front side (left side in FIGS. 10 (A), 10 (B)) and spot welding portions SP (at two locations aligned in the lateral direction of the vehicle) at the middle.
  • the seat bracket 9 has two holes at locations corresponding to the holes 22 A (see also FIG. 2) formed in the base bottom 22 . Similarly to the above case, the holes 22 A are provided for insertion of a riveting jig.
  • the vertical center line between the upper two rivets 15 R and the vertical center line of the front stopper bolt 26 is shifted from each other, the vertical center line between the rivets 15 R is substantially the same as the vertical center line of the rear stopper bolt 28 .
  • the load applied to the seat rail 15 is transmitted directly to the seat bracket 9 via the rail bracket 45 and the rear stopper bolt 28 . Therefore, relatively simple structure is enough for the connection between the base frame 21 of the seat load measuring apparatus 10 and the seat bracket 9 .
  • the seat bracket 9 shown in FIGS. 10 (A), 10 (B) has a fixed base 9 a and connecting portions 9 b extending diagonally from the fixing base 9 a.
  • the fixed base 9 a is fixed to a vehicle floor 7 by a bolt 7 B.
  • the connecting portions 9 b stand along the respective base side walls 23 L and 23 R.
  • the connecting portions 9 b are disposed in spaces (see FIG. 2 and FIGS. 6 (A), 6 (B)) between the hexagonal head 28 H of the rear stopper bolt 28 and the outer surface of the corresponding base side wall 23 L, 23 R and between the bearing surface of the stopper nut 28 N and the outer surface of the corresponding base side wall 23 L, 23 R.
  • the rear stopper bolt 28 penetrates the centers of the connecting portions 9 b.
  • the moment of inclining the seat is applied evenly to the two rivets 15 R connecting the lower rail 15 and the rear rail bracket 45 so as to reduce the local load on the lower rail 15 and the rear rail bracket 45 , thereby preventing the lower rail 15 and the rear rail bracket 45 from being deformed.
  • the vertical center line between the upper two rivets 15 R is substantially the same as the vertical center line of the rear stopper bolt 28 as described above, the force of breaking the rivets 15 R and the moment of bending the lower rail 15 are reduced.
  • the moment of inclining the lower rail 15 is transmitted to the seat bracket 9 via the rear stopper bolt 28 and is finally received by the vehicle floor 7 .
  • the load to the base frame 21 is reduced so as to restrain the base frame 21 from being deformed. In this manner, effect of the rising of the seat rear portion upon the mounting portion 40 is avoided.
  • FIGS. 16 (A)- 16 (D) show a variation example of the rear end portion of the base frame of the seat load measuring apparatus shown in FIGS. 10 (A), 10 (B), wherein FIG. 16(A) is a side sectional view showing the normal state, FIG. 16(B) is a sectional view taken along a line XVIB-XVIB of FIG. 16(A), FIG. 16(C) is a side sectional view showing a state after a force in a direction of lifting the seat is exerted, and FIG. 16(D) is a sectional view taken along a line XVID-XVID of FIG. 16(C).
  • FIG. 16(A) is a side sectional view showing the normal state
  • FIG. 16(B) is a sectional view taken along a line XVIB-XVIB of FIG. 16(A)
  • FIG. 16(C) is a side sectional view showing a state after a force in a direction of lifting the seat is exerted
  • FIGS. 10 (A), 10 (B) The embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 (A), 10 (B) is structured such that, when a large load acts on the vehicle seat in the lifting direction, for example, in the event of a vehicle collision, the load is received by the two bolts, i.e. the first and second stopper bolts 26 , 28 .
  • this variation example is structured such that the load is received by only one bolt, i.e. the second stopper bolt 28 as shown in FIGS. 16 (A), 16 (B).
  • the second stopper bolt 28 is positioned on the center line between the front and rear rivets 15 R and 15 R for fastening the rear rail bracket 45 and the lower rail 15 and is perfectly fitted relative to the base frame 21 . Further, the second stopper bolt 28 is loosely fitted in the elongate holes 49 of the rear rail bracket 45 and also loosely fitted in circular holes 9 c formed in the both side walls of the seat bracket 9 .
  • the first stopper bolt 26 can be omitted, that is, reducing the number of parts. Further, since the first stopper bolt 26 can be omitted, the configuration of the rear rail bracket 45 can be simplified such that it can be symmetrical about the position where the second stopper bolt 28 penetrates. Furthermore, since the second stopper bolt 28 is arranged at a position on the center line between the first and rear rivets 15 R, 15 R, no or little offset load or moment due to the offset load is exerted on the rear rail bracket 45 .
  • FIGS. 16 (A) through 16 (D) The embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 (A) through 16 (D) is structured such that the base frame 21 is fixed to the vehicle floor 7 via the seat bracket 9 and the rear rail bracket 45 is fixed to the lower rail 15 .
  • this variation example is structured such that the base frame 21 is fixed to the lower rail 15 via the seat bracket 9 and the rear rail bracket 45 is fixed to the vehicle floor 7 as shown in FIGS. 17 (A) through 17 (D).
  • the other structure and other works and effects of the variation example are substantially the same as those of the aforementioned example shown in FIGS. 16 (A)- 16 (D).
  • FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view similar to FIG. 4, but showing a variation example of the sensor portion shown in FIG. 4.
  • the hole of the washer 58 W, the center hole 52 e of the sensor plate 52 , and the hole of the center washer 59 W are each formed in a rectangular shape.
  • the hole 58 W 1 of the washer 58 W, the center hole 52 e of the sensor plate 52 , and the hole 59 W 1 of the center washer 59 W are each formed in a circular shape as shown in FIG. 18.
  • FIGS. 19 (A), 19 (B) show a variation example of the sensor portion of the seat load measuring apparatus, wherein FIG. 19(A) is a partial plan view similar to FIG. 12 and FIG. 19(B) is a sectional view similar to FIG. 13, taken along a line XIXB-XIXB of FIG. 19(A).
  • FIG. 19(A) is a partial plan view similar to FIG. 12
  • FIG. 19(B) is a sectional view similar to FIG. 13, taken along a line XIXB-XIXB of FIG. 19(A).
  • FIGS. 19 (A), 19 (B) show a variation example of the sensor portion of the seat load measuring apparatus, wherein FIG. 19(A) is a partial plan view similar to FIG. 12 and FIG. 19(B) is a sectional view similar to FIG. 13, taken along a line XIXB-XIXB of FIG. 19(A).
  • FIG. 19(A) is a partial plan view similar to FIG. 12
  • the mounting structure of the sensor plate 52 relative to the base frame 21 is the same as the mounting structure composed of the components shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIGS. 19 (A), 19 (B).
  • the other structure and other works and effects of the variation example are substantially the same as those of the aforementioned example.
  • the seat load measuring apparatus 10 and the lower rail 15 or the seat bracket 9 are riveted together.
  • the front stopper bolt 26 and the Z arm do not interfere the riveting work because the positions of the rivets are shifted from the front stopper bolt 26 and the front and rear ends of the Z arm 61 .
  • a cable for connecting a load sensor and a control unit can be designed to be detachable by employing a sensor-side connector and a cable-side connector, thereby achieving the adaptability of the load sensor and the connector casing relative to various kinds of motor vehicles. Only required is preparing a cable having a length corresponding to the kind of motor vehicle. Therefore, the seat load measuring apparatus can be easily and inexpensively adopted to various kinds of motor vehicles.
  • the load sensor can be effectively protected and the connection and disconnection between the load sensor and the cable can be facilitated.
  • the seat load measuring apparatus can be easily and inexpensively adopted to various kinds of motor vehicles. Moreover, it is not required to form hole(s) and groove(s) for insertion of the cable-side connector, thus further simplifying the manufacture and reducing the cost.
  • the senor-side connector and the cable-side connector can be delivered in the connected state.
  • the connectors are allowed to be connected during the assembly of a vehicle body by a car manufacturer, the connectors can be delivered separately.
  • the flexibility during manufacturing process is improved. In this manner, a seat load measuring apparatus which can be effectively adopted in various kinds of motor vehicles and is easier to install, maintain and manufacture can be provided.
  • the protector is formed just by bending a band-like plate. Therefore, the protector can be easily and inexpensively formed. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a protective mechanism is provided so as to withstand large load exerted on the mounting portion of the seat load measuring apparatus disposed between a vehicle seat and a vehicle floor by a moment in a direction of lifting the rear portion of the vehicle seat. In addition, the seat load measuring apparatus can be easily and inexpensively adopted to various kinds of motor vehicles.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
US10/644,042 2002-08-21 2003-08-20 Seat load measuring apparatus Abandoned US20040035224A1 (en)

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US11/727,129 US7399932B2 (en) 2002-08-21 2007-03-23 Seat load measuring apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

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JP2002-240096 2002-08-21
JP2002240096 2002-08-21
JP2002324758 2002-11-08
JP2002-324758 2002-11-08
JP2003191694A JP4183124B2 (ja) 2002-08-21 2003-07-04 シート荷重計測装置
JP2003-191694 2003-07-04

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US11/727,129 Expired - Fee Related US7399932B2 (en) 2002-08-21 2007-03-23 Seat load measuring apparatus

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EP (1) EP1391706B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
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DE (1) DE60305811T2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

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US20060086182A1 (en) * 2004-10-27 2006-04-27 Lear Corporation Load detecting vehicle seat assembly
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US9804042B2 (en) 2015-03-11 2017-10-31 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Load sensor and load detecting device
US20180292297A1 (en) * 2017-03-30 2018-10-11 Crrc Qingdao Sifang Rolling Stock Research Institute Co., Ltd. Loading test test-and-control system and method of vehicle lifter lifting unit
US10351021B2 (en) * 2017-05-22 2019-07-16 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat fastening structure and vehicle seat fastener

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DE60305811T2 (de) 2007-06-28
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EP1391706B1 (en) 2006-06-07
JP4183124B2 (ja) 2008-11-19
US20070209451A1 (en) 2007-09-13
DE60305811D1 (de) 2006-07-20
JP2004205489A (ja) 2004-07-22

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