JP5573518B2 - Seating determination device and seating determination method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a seating determination apparatus and a seating determination method for determining a seating state of a vehicle seat.

There has been a conventional technique related to a seating determination device that provides a load sensor between a seat frame that supports a cushion portion of a vehicle seat and a vehicle floor and determines a seating state on a vehicle seat based on a seating load detected by the load sensor. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
In the case where one load sensor is provided in the vehicle seat, the load detected by the load sensor is compared with a predetermined threshold value to determine the seating state of the passenger on the vehicle seat. Further, when a plurality of load sensors are provided on the vehicle seat, the seating state of the occupant on the vehicle seat is determined by comparing the total sum of the loads detected by each load sensor with a threshold value.

  Generally, the seating state of the vehicle seat determined by the seating determination device is used for controlling the operation of the airbag. That is, when it is determined that an adult is seated on the vehicle seat, the airbag is fully deployable, and it is determined that there is no seating on the vehicle seat or a child is seated on the vehicle seat. For example, control is performed such that the airbag cannot be deployed.

  In addition, when it is determined that an adult is seated on the vehicle seat, an indicator lamp on the instrument panel of the vehicle is turned on to inform the vehicle occupant that the airbag is ready for operation. There is a case. On the other hand, if the seating determination device determines that there is no seating on the vehicle seat, or if it is determined that a child is seated on the vehicle seat, the indicator lamp is turned off and the airbag is activated. Notifying you that you are not. In the United States, due to laws and regulations, notification to passengers using such indicator lamps is mandatory.

JP 2001-150997 A

  By the way, in order to determine that the state where an adult is seated on the vehicle seat has shifted to a state where there is no seating on the vehicle seat, the present inventor continues that the seating load has become less than a predetermined value for a predetermined time. We considered setting detection as a condition (hereinafter referred to as condition setting). This is for reliably determining that the vehicle seat is in a non-sitting state, as distinguished from a phenomenon in which the seating load temporarily decreases.

  For example, when a seated person on the vehicle seat removes the seat belt and operates the front glove box, the seating load to be detected may temporarily decrease due to the forward weight shift. This becomes conspicuous when a load sensor is provided only behind the vehicle seat in order to reduce the cost of the vehicle seat. In such a case, although the person is seated on the vehicle seat, it is erroneously determined that the vehicle seat is not seated. The condition setting described above is for preventing such erroneous determination.

  However, in the seating determination device provided with the condition settings as described above, assuming that a seated adult gets off the vehicle, even if it is detected that the seating load has decreased by getting off the vehicle, Thereafter, it is not determined that there is no seating until a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, since the indicator lamp of the instrument panel remains on for a while after getting off, the user may feel an abnormality and misunderstand that the vehicle is faulty.

In addition, the present inventor also has a predetermined value in order to ensure accuracy in the determination result even when the determination that an adult is seated on the vehicle seat is changed from the state where it is determined that the vehicle seat is not seated. We considered providing the above seating load on condition that it is detected for a predetermined time or more. Therefore, when such a condition is set, as described above, once the seating determination device erroneously determines that there is no seating, and then corrects the determination that an adult is seated on the vehicle seat again. Must require a certain time.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a seating determination device and a seating determination method capable of accurately notifying a passenger of a seating state of a vehicle seat.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the structural feature of the invention of the seating determination device according to claim 1 is a load detecting means that is attached to the seat portion of the vehicle seat and detects the seating load applied to the seat portion. Based on the seating load detected by the load detecting means, a seating state where a person is seated on the vehicle seat and a seating state where no person is seated on the vehicle seat are determined, and based on the determined result, And a seating determination device that informs the occupant whether or not a seated state has been detected. The seating determination device receives a seating load greater than or equal to a predetermined first load by the load detection device. When it is detected that the vehicle has continued for a predetermined first time, it is determined that it is in a seated state, and a seating notification that informs the occupant that a seated state is detected is executed. In state When it is detected by the load detection means that the seating load less than the second load and less than the second load has continued for a predetermined second time, it is determined that the seating state has changed to the non-seating state, The seating notification is stopped, and when the seating state is detected by the load detection means that at least a seating load smaller than the first load continues for a third time shorter than the second time, the seating preparation state is set. It is determined that a transition has occurred, and the seating notification to the occupant is stopped, and in the ready state without seating, it is greater than the second load within the fourth time set to be less than the time obtained by subtracting the third time from the second time. When the seating load is detected by the load detecting means, it is determined that the seating state has been returned regardless of whether or not the first time has elapsed, and seating notification for the passenger is resumed.

  The above-mentioned “sitting notification notifying the passenger that the seated state is detected” is not only notifying the passenger directly that the seated state of the vehicle seat is detected. It is a concept including notifying indirectly that the seated state of the vehicle seat is detected by notifying the state of the predetermined device that operates based on the seated state. Therefore, for example, to inform whether or not the airbag device that operates based on the detection result of the seating state of the vehicle seat is in an operable state, or to urge the seat belt to be tightened based on the seating state. It includes a warning. The same applies to claim 6 described later.

  In addition, the above-mentioned “no seating state” includes not only a state in which no person is seated on the vehicle seat, but also a state in which a child is seated directly on the vehicle seat, and a child seated on the vehicle seat via a child seat. And a state in which a load is placed on the vehicle seat may be included. The same applies to claim 6 described later.

  The structural feature of the invention according to claim 2 is the seating determination device according to claim 1, further comprising seat belt wearing detection means for detecting that the buckle of the seat belt provided for the vehicle seat is engaged. The seating determining means detects that the seating load less than the second load has continued for the second time in the seated state, and the buckle is not engaged by the seat belt wearing detection means. Is detected, the seating notification to the occupant is stopped, and in the seated state, a seating load smaller than at least the first load by the load detecting means is less than the second time. When it is detected that the vehicle has continued for a short third time, and the seat belt wearing detection means detects that the buckle is not engaged. A, it is determined that the shift to the unprepared state seated, is to stop the seating notification for an occupant.

  The structural feature of the invention according to claim 3 is that, in the seating determination device according to claim 1 or 2, when the seating determination means detects that it is in a non-sitting preparation state, a person is seated on the vehicle seat. And recognizing that it is not, and setting a ready state flag.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seating determination apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the seating determination means continues to seat a person on the vehicle seat when in the non-seat preparation state. This is to stop the seating notification in a state where it is recognized.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seating determination device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the seating determination means turns on an indicator provided in the vehicle as a seating notification, and the airbag device. Is that it is ready for operation.

  The structural feature of the seating determination method according to claim 6 is that the load detecting means for detecting the load applied to the seat is attached to the seat of the vehicle seat, and the seating load detected by the load detecting means is used. Based on the result of the determination, a seated state where a person is seated on the vehicle seat and a seated state where no person is seated on the vehicle seat are detected. In the seating determination method for informing whether or not the vehicle is seated, it is determined that the seating is present when the load detecting means detects that the seating load equal to or greater than the predetermined first load has continued for a predetermined first time. Then, a seating notification for notifying the passenger that the seated state is detected is executed, and thereafter, in the seated state, a seating load less than the second load smaller than the first load is applied for a predetermined second time. Continued Is detected by the load detecting means, it is determined that the state has shifted to the non-sitting state, the seating notification to the occupant is stopped, and in the state with the seating, a seating load smaller than at least the first load from the second time If it is detected by the load detecting means that it has continued for a short third time, it is determined that the state has shifted to the no-sitting preparation state, the seating notification to the occupant is stopped, and in the no-sitting preparation state, the second time If seating load greater than the second load is detected by the load detection means within the fourth time set to be less than the time obtained by subtracting the third time from, the seat is present regardless of whether or not the first time has elapsed. It is determined that the vehicle has returned to the state, and seating notification for the passenger is resumed.

According to the seating determination apparatus according to claim 1, when the seating state is detected by the load detection means that the seating load at least smaller than the first load is continued for the third time shorter than the second time, When it is determined that the state has shifted to the non-sitting preparation state and the seating notification is stopped for the occupant, when the seated person gets off, the second time for detecting that the seating load has decreased is not waited for. The seating notification can be stopped.
Therefore, an occupant who gets off the vehicle does not feel abnormal, and can be prevented from being mistaken for a vehicle failure.

  After that, when a seating load larger than the second load is detected by the load detecting means within the fourth time set to be less than the time obtained by subtracting the third time from the second time in the no-sitting preparation state. When the seated person is not actually getting off, it is determined that the seated state has been returned regardless of whether or not the first time has elapsed, and the first time has elapsed when the seated person is not actually getting off. Without being seated.

  According to the seating determination apparatus according to claim 2, when the seating load condition is established and the buckle is not engaged in the seating state, the transition to the seatingless state or the seating preparation state is made. By determining that the seated person has got off, it is possible to reliably detect that the seated person has got off the vehicle and to shift to the no-sitting state or the no-sitting preparation state.

According to the seating determination device according to claim 3, when it is detected that the vehicle is in the non-sitting preparation state, the airbag device in the non-sitting preparation state is recognized by recognizing that no person is seated on the vehicle seat. The operation of the safety device such as the above can be suppressed.
In addition, in the ready state without seating, by setting the ready state flag, if a seating load greater than the second load is detected within the fourth time in the ready state without seating, the first time has not passed. In addition, it is possible to immediately return to the seated state based on the preparation state flag.

According to the seating determination device according to claim 4, the airbag device or the like in the seating-free preparation state by recognizing that a person is continuously seated on the vehicle seat in the seating-free preparation state. The operation of the safety device can be maintained.
In addition, when a seating load larger than the second load is detected within the fourth time in the preparation state without seating, the seating state can be immediately restored.

  According to the seating determination apparatus according to claim 5, the seating notification is performed by lighting an indicator provided on the vehicle and informing the occupant based on the seating state by notifying that the airbag device is in an operable state. The operating state of the airbag device can be notified.

According to the seating determination method according to claim 6, when the seating state is detected by the load detecting means that at least a seating load smaller than the first load continues for a third time shorter than the second time, It is determined that the transition to the non-sitting preparation state is made, and when an adult in the seated state gets off by stopping the seating notification to the occupant, the second time for detecting that the seating load has decreased is elapsed. The seating notification can be stopped without waiting.
Therefore, an occupant who gets off the vehicle does not feel abnormal, and can be prevented from being mistaken for a vehicle failure.

  After that, when a seating load larger than the second load is detected by the load detecting means within the fourth time set to be less than the time obtained by subtracting the third time from the second time in the no-sitting preparation state. When the seated person is not actually getting off, it is determined that the seated state has been returned regardless of whether or not the first time has elapsed, and the first time has elapsed when the seated person is not actually getting off. Without being seated.

The perspective view of the vehicle seat provided with the seating determination apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention Block diagram showing the entire seating determination device The simplified diagram for demonstrating the transition of the seating state of the vehicle seat by Embodiment 1 The figure which showed the flowchart showing the seating determination method by Embodiment 1 Simplified diagram for explaining the transition of the seating state of the vehicle seat according to the second embodiment The figure which showed the flowchart showing the seating determination method by Embodiment 2

<Embodiment 1>
A seating determination apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the description, the front for the occupant (seat occupant) seated in the vehicle seat 1 is the front of the vehicle seat 1, the right hand side of the occupant is the right side of the vehicle seat 1, and the left hand side of the occupant is the vehicle seat 1. Left side.
As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle seat 1 for a passenger seat mounted on a right-hand drive vehicle includes a seat cushion 11 (corresponding to a seat portion of the present invention) on which an occupant is seated, and a rear end portion of the seat cushion 11. The seat back 12 is attached so as to be pivotable in the front-rear direction and serves as a backrest for the occupant. A headrest 13 that supports the head of the occupant is attached to the upper end of the seat back 12.

The seat cushion 11 is formed by a seat frame 111, a pad member 112 disposed above the seat frame 111, and a skin 113 that covers the surface of the pad member 112. A pair of left and right upper rails 14R and 14L are attached to the lower surface of the seat frame 111. The upper rails 14R and 14L are engaged with a pair of lower rails 41R and 41L fixed on the vehicle floor 4 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. Thus, the vehicle seat 1 is formed so as to be movable in the front-rear direction on the floor 4 and fixed at a position desired by the occupant.
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a controller 3 to be described later is attached in the seat cushion 11.

  A pair of left and right seating sensors 2R, 2L (corresponding to the load detection means of the present invention) are interposed between the seat frame 111 and the upper rails 14R, 14L, respectively. The seating sensors 2R and 2L are load sensors formed by strain gauges or the like, and are loads applied downward to the seat cushion 11 (hereinafter referred to as a seating load) when a passenger sits on the vehicle seat 1 or loads are loaded. Is detected). In the present invention, the types, types, and detection principles of the seating sensors 2R and 2L are not limited to specific ones.

  The right seating sensor 2R is interposed between the right portion of the seat frame 111 and the right upper rail 14R, and detects the load that the right portion of the seat cushion 11 bears. Similarly, the left seating sensor 2L is interposed between the left portion of the seat frame 111 and the left upper rail 14L, and detects the load that the left portion of the seat cushion 11 bears. The right seating sensor 2R and the left seating sensor 2L are provided at a predetermined distance in the width direction of the seat cushion 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, the seating sensors 2 </ b> R and 2 </ b> L are both provided at the rear part of the seat cushion 11 (specifically, the rear part from the front and rear center of the seat cushion 11). Hereinafter, the right seating sensor 2R and the left seating sensor 2L are collectively referred to as seating sensors 2R and 2L.
As shown in FIG. 2, each of the seating sensors 2R and 2L includes sensor units 21R and 21L, and amplifier units 22R and 22L that amplify detection signals generated by the sensor units 21R and 21L. Each of the sensor units 21R and 21L is formed by a Wheatstone bridge circuit including four strain gauges.

  A controller 3 (corresponding to seating determination means of the present invention) is connected to the seating sensors 2R and 2L. The controller 3 is necessary to determine the seating state, an A / D converter 31 that digitally converts the detection signals from the seating sensors 2R and 2L, a determination unit 32 that determines a seating state on the vehicle seat 1 based on the detection signal. A storage unit 33 for storing various data, and an indicator driver 34 for operating an indicator lamp 8 to be described later based on the determination result of the seating state.

  The controller 3 is connected to a buckle switch 6 (corresponding to the seat belt wearing detection means of the present invention) of a seat belt device (not shown) provided for the vehicle seat 1. A vehicle battery 72 is connected to the buckle switch 6 via a DC resistor 71. When the buckle switch 6 is in the open state (off), no current flows through the DC resistor 71, so the controller 3 detects the positive terminal voltage (high) of the battery 72 and the buckle of the seat belt device is engaged. It is detected that the seat belt device is not worn. When the buckle switch 6 is in a closed state (on), a current flows through the DC resistor 71, and the controller 3 can detect a voltage drop (low) due to the DC resistor 71. As a result, the controller 3 detects that the seat belt device is attached by the engagement of the buckle of the seat belt device with the tongue.

  Furthermore, the controller 3 is connected to an indicator lamp 8 (corresponding to an indicator) provided on an instrument panel (not shown) of the vehicle. The controller 3 lights the indicator lamp 8 via the indicator driver 34 to notify the vehicle occupant that an unillustrated airbag (corresponding to an airbag device) is in a deployable state. Further, the controller 3 turns off the indicator lamp 8 via the indicator driver 34 to notify that the airbag cannot be deployed.

  The controller 3 is connected to an unillustrated airbag ECU, and the controller 3 transmits an airbag operation permission signal or an airbag operation prohibition signal to the airbag ECU based on the determination result of the seating state. . The airbag ECU sets the airbag in either the deployable state or the undeployable state based on the received signal from the controller 3.

  Next, the transition between the respective seating states of the vehicle seat 1 determined by the controller 3 will be described based on FIG. The controller 3 determines seating of the vehicle seat 1 based on the result of adding the load detected by the left seating sensor 2L and the load detected by the right seating sensor 2R (hereinafter referred to as the combined load WR + WL) and the detection result by the buckle switch 6. Is going. The combined load WR + WL corresponds to the seating load of the present invention.

  If the buckle switch 6 is not turned on and no load is detected by the seating sensors 2R, 2L to press the vehicle seat 1 downward, the controller 3 is in a “no passenger” state in which no person is seated on the vehicle seat 1. It is determined that it exists (shown as J1 in FIG. 3). The “no occupant state” corresponds to the no seating state of the present invention.

When a predetermined condition is satisfied after it is determined as “no passenger”, the controller 3 determines that the vehicle seat 1 is “adult seated” (indicated by J2 in FIG. 3). That is, the seating determination transitions from the “no occupant state” to the “adult seating state” as indicated by H1 in FIG. In the present embodiment, the “adult seated state” is a state in which an adult occupant is seated on the vehicle seat 1 and a sufficient load is applied to the seat cushion 11. The “adult seated state” corresponds to the seated state of the present invention.
Further, when a predetermined condition is satisfied after it is determined as “adult seated state”, the controller 3 determines again that the vehicle seat 1 is in the “no occupant state”. That is, the seating determination transitions from the “adult seating state” to the “no occupant state” as indicated by H2 in FIG.

Further, when a predetermined condition is satisfied after it is determined as “adult sitting state”, the controller 3 determines that the vehicle seat 1 is in the “temporary determination state” (shown as J3 in FIG. 3). That is, the seating determination transitions from the “adult seating state” to the “provisional determination state” as indicated by H3 in FIG. When in the “provisional determination state”, the determination unit 32 of the controller 3 recognizes that an adult is seated on the vehicle seat 1.
The “provisional determination state” corresponds to the preparation state without seating according to the present invention. For example, in the vehicle seat 1, a state in which an adult is seated in front of the body with the seat belt removed and looking for a glove box, or an adult is in a vehicle. The situation immediately after getting off from is applicable.

Further, when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the “temporary determination state” is determined, the controller 3 determines that the vehicle seat 1 is in the “adult seating state”. That is, the seating determination returns from the “provisional determination state” to the “adult seating state” as indicated by H4 in FIG.
Further, when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the “temporary determination state” is determined, the controller 3 determines that the vehicle seat 1 is in the “no occupant state”. That is, the seating determination returns from the “provisional determination state” to the “no occupant state” as indicated by H5 in FIG.

The above-mentioned adult occupant means an occupant having an adult physique based on weight, and does not necessarily mean an adult when defined by law or the like. Therefore, even when the child is a minor, if an occupant with a good physique sits on the vehicle seat 1, the adult seated state may occur.
Further, as described above, the transition between the seating determination states by the controller 3 is performed in order to make the gist of the present invention easier to understand, as shown in FIG. Only the “provisional determination state” is described. However, the seating determination state by the controller 3 usually includes several types of determination states other than those described above.

When it is determined that the vehicle seat 1 is in the “adult seated state”, the controller 3 turns on the indicator lamp 8, and when it is determined that the vehicle seat 1 is in the “no occupant state” and “temporary determination state”, the indicator lamp 8 is turned off. The lighting of the indicator lamp 8 corresponds to the seating notification of the present invention.
Further, when the controller 3 determines that the vehicle seat 1 is in the “adult seated state”, the airbag ECU controls the airbag to be in a deployable state. On the other hand, when the controller 3 determines that the state is “no passenger” and “temporary determination state”, the airbag ECU controls the airbag not to be deployed.

Next, based on FIG. 4, a determination method in the case where the controller 3 changes the seating state between the “no occupant state”, the “adult seating state”, and the “temporary determination state” will be described.
First, in the above-mentioned “no occupant state”, the combined load WR + WL is detected as the seating load WS (step S401 in FIG. 4). When in the “no occupant state”, the controller 3 transmits an airbag operation prohibition signal to the airbag ECU so that the airbag cannot be deployed. At the same time, the indicator lamp 8 is turned off to inform the occupant that the airbag cannot be deployed (shown in FIG. 3).

  Next, a state where the seating load WS is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold load W1 (corresponding to the first load of the present invention) is only a predetermined first threshold time T1 (corresponding to the first time of the present invention). It is determined whether or not the process has been continued (step S402). When the state where the seating load WS is equal to or greater than the first threshold load W1 continues for the first threshold time T1, it is determined that the state has transitioned to the “adult seating state” as indicated by H1 in FIG. 3 (step S403). . When the state where the seating load WS is equal to or greater than the first threshold load W1 does not continue for the first threshold time T1, the process returns to step S401.

  When it is determined that the controller 3 has transitioned to the “adult seating state”, the controller 3 transmits an airbag operation permission signal to the airbag ECU so that the airbag can be deployed. At the same time, the indicator lamp 8 is turned on to notify the occupant that the airbag is in a deployable state (sitting notification: shown in FIG. 3).

  Next, in the “adult sitting state”, the seating load WS is detected again (step S404). Thereafter, the state where the buckle switch 6 is OFF and the seating load WS is less than a predetermined second threshold load W2 (corresponding to the second load of the present invention) is a predetermined second threshold time T2 (main It is determined whether or not it has continued for a second time of the invention (step S405). Here, the second threshold load W2 is set to a value sufficiently smaller than the first threshold load W1 so that it can be distinguished from the first threshold load W1 described above.

  When the buckle switch 6 is off and the seating load WS is less than the second threshold load W2 continues for the second threshold time T2, as indicated by H2 in FIG. (Step S412). When it is determined that the state has transitioned to the “no occupant state”, the controller 3 transmits an airbag operation prohibition signal to the airbag ECU so that the airbag cannot be deployed. At the same time, the indicator lamp 8 is turned off to inform the occupant that the airbag cannot be deployed.

When the buckle switch 6 is on or the seating load WS is less than the second threshold load W2 does not continue for the second threshold time T2, or the buckle switch 6 is on and the seating load When the state where WS is less than the second threshold load W2 does not continue for the second threshold time T2, in step S406, the buckle switch 6 is turned off, and the seating load WS is less than the predetermined third threshold load W3. It is determined whether or not a certain state has continued for a predetermined third threshold time T3 (corresponding to the third time of the present invention).
Here, the third threshold load W3 is set to a value sufficiently smaller than the second threshold load W2 so that it can be distinguished from the second threshold load W2. Therefore, it goes without saying that the third threshold load W3 is smaller than the first threshold load W1. The third threshold time T3 is set to a value sufficiently smaller than the second threshold time T2.

  When the state where the buckle switch 6 is OFF and the seating load WS is less than the third threshold load W3 continues for the third threshold time T3, as shown in H3 in FIG. It is determined that the transition has been made to "" (step S407). When it is determined that the state has transitioned to the “provisional determination state”, the controller 3 recognizes that an adult is sitting on the vehicle seat 1 continuously from the “adult seating state”, The airbag operation prohibition signal is transmitted to make the airbag undeployable. At the same time, the indicator lamp 8 is turned off (shown in FIG. 3).

When the buckle switch 6 is on, or when the seating load WS is less than the third threshold load W3 for the third threshold time T3, or when the buckle switch 6 is on and the seating load When the state where WS is less than the third threshold load W3 does not continue for the third threshold time T3, the process returns to step S404.
Next, in the “provisional determination state”, the seating load WS is detected again (step S408). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the seating load WS is equal to or greater than a predetermined fourth threshold load W4 (step S409). Here, the fourth threshold load W4 is set to a value larger than the second threshold load W2 so that it can be distinguished from the second threshold load W2.

When the seating load WS is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold load W4, a predetermined fourth time after it is determined that the time when the seating load WS is determined to be greater than or equal to the fourth threshold load W4 has transitioned to the “provisional determination state”. It is determined whether or not it is within a threshold time T4 (corresponding to the fourth time of the present invention) (step S410). When it is determined that the seating load WS is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold load W4 within the fourth threshold time T4 since it is determined that the seating load WS has transitioned to the “provisional determination state”, the first threshold time T1 described above Regardless of whether or not there is a progress, the process returns to step S403, and it is determined that the state has returned to the “adult seating state” as indicated by H4 in FIG. Thereby, the controller 3 makes the airbag deployable and turns on the indicator lamp 8 to notify the occupant that the airbag is deployable.
Note that, there is a relationship of the second threshold time T2> the third threshold time T3 + the fourth threshold time T4 between the second threshold time T2, the third threshold time T3, and the fourth threshold time T4. In other words, the fourth threshold time T4 is set to be less than the time obtained by subtracting the third threshold time T3 from the second threshold time T2.

When it is determined in step S409 that the seating load WS is less than the fourth threshold load W4, or when it is determined in step S410 that the seating load WS is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold load W4, If it is determined that the fourth threshold time T4 has elapsed since the transition to the “state”, the process proceeds to step S411.
In step S411, as in step S405, it is determined whether or not the state where the buckle switch 6 is off and the seating load WS is less than the second threshold load W2 has continued for the second threshold time T2. Is done. If the state where the buckle switch 6 is off and the seating load WS is less than the second threshold load W2 continues for the second threshold time T2, as shown by H5 in FIG. And the indicator lamp 8 is turned off to inform the occupant that the airbag cannot be deployed (step S412).
When the buckle switch 6 is on or the seating load WS is less than the second threshold load W2 does not continue for the second threshold time T2, or the buckle switch 6 is on and the seating load When the state where WS is less than the second threshold load W2 does not continue for the second threshold time T2, the process returns to step S408.

According to the present embodiment, in the “adult sitting state”, the seating sensors 2R and 2L allow the seating load WS smaller than the second threshold load W2 and less than the third threshold load W3 to be shorter than the second threshold time T2. When it is detected that the vehicle has continued for three threshold times T3, and when it is detected that the buckle switch 6 is off, the indicator lamp 8 is turned off as having transitioned to the “provisional determination state”, thereby When one seated person gets off, the indicator lamp 8 can be turned off without waiting for the second threshold time T2, which is a predetermined time for detecting that the seating load WS has decreased.
Therefore, an occupant who gets off the vehicle does not feel abnormal, and can be prevented from being mistaken for a vehicle failure.

  Further, after the transition to the “provisional determination state”, the seating sensors 2R and 2L make the first threshold within the fourth threshold time T4 that is set to be less than the time obtained by subtracting the third threshold time T3 from the second threshold time T2. When a seating load WS greater than or equal to the fourth threshold load W4 greater than the second threshold load W2 is detected, it is determined that the seat has returned to the “adult seating state” regardless of whether or not the first threshold time T1 has elapsed. When the seated person does not actually get off, it is possible to return to the “adult seated state” without waiting for the first threshold time T1 to elapse.

Further, in the “adult seating state”, when the seating load WS condition is satisfied and it is detected that the buckle switch 6 is turned off, it is determined that the state has transitioned to the “no occupant state” or “temporary determination state”. By doing so, it is possible to reliably detect that the occupant gets out of the vehicle, and shift to the “no passenger” state or the “provisional determination state”.
In addition, when the transition is made from the “adult seating state” to the “temporary judgment state”, the operation of the airbag in the “temporary judgment state” is maintained by recognizing that a person is sitting on the vehicle seat 1 continuously. can do. At the same time, when a seating load WS greater than or equal to the fourth threshold load W4 is detected within the fourth threshold time T4 after the transition to the “provisional determination state”, the state immediately returns to the “adult seating state”. be able to.

Further, when the controller 3 detects “adult seating state”, the indicator lamp 8 provided on the vehicle is turned on to notify that the airbag is in a deployable state, so that the seating state on the vehicle seat 1 is achieved. Based on this, the operating state of the airbag can be notified to the occupant.
The seating sensors 2R and 2L can also detect the seating load WS biased to the left and right sides of the seat cushion 11 by being attached to the left and right portions of the seat cushion 11 one by one.

Further, the controller 3 adds the loads WR and WL detected by the respective seating sensors 2R and 2L to obtain the seating load WS, so that the left and right seating loads WR and WL of the vehicle seat 1 can be biased. The change in the seating load WS can be accurately detected.
In addition, since the seating sensors 2R and 2L are attached to the rear portion of the seat cushion 11, a load by the seated person is easily applied to the seating sensors 2R and 2L.
For this reason, even if the seating sensors 2R and 2L are not provided in the front portion of the seat cushion 11, the load applied to the seat cushion 11 can be accurately detected, and the seating state in the vehicle seat 1 can be accurately determined. And the cost reduction of the vehicle seat 1 accompanying reduction of the seating sensors 2R and 2L can be made compatible.

<Embodiment 2>
A seating determination apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 5 and 6. If the buckle switch 6 is not turned on and the seating sensors 2R and 2L do not detect a load that presses the vehicle seat 1 downward, as shown in FIG. (Flag off) ”(denoted by J11 in FIG. 5). When in the “no occupant state (flag off)”, the determination unit 32 of the controller 3 recognizes that no person is seated on the vehicle seat 1 and turns off the preparation state flag. The “no occupant state (flag off)” corresponds to the no seating state of the present invention.

When a predetermined condition is satisfied after it is determined that there is no “occupant state (flag off)”, the controller 3 determines that the vehicle seat 1 is “adult seated” (shown as J13 in FIG. 5). That is, the seating determination transitions from the “no passenger (flag off)” state to the “adult seating state” as indicated by H11 in FIG. The “adult seated state” is a state in which an adult passenger is seated on the vehicle seat 1 and a sufficient load is applied to the seat cushion 11 as in the case of the first embodiment. The “adult seated state” corresponds to the seated state of the present invention.
In addition, when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the “adult sitting state” is determined, the controller 3 determines again that the vehicle seat 1 is in the “no occupant state (flag off)”. That is, the seating determination transitions from the “adult seated state” to the “no occupant state (flag off)” as indicated by H12 in FIG.

Further, when a predetermined condition is satisfied after it is determined as “adult seated state”, the controller 3 determines that the vehicle seat 1 is in the “no occupant state (flag on)” (shown as J12 in FIG. 5). That is, the seating determination transitions from the “adult seating state” to the “no occupant state (flag on)” as indicated by H13 in FIG. When in the “no occupant state (flag on)”, the determination unit 32 of the controller 3 recognizes that no person is seated on the vehicle seat 1 and turns on (sets up) the preparation state flag.
The “no occupant state (flag on)” corresponds to the preparation state without seating according to the present invention. For example, in the vehicle seat 1, a state where an adult is seated in front of the body with the seat belt removed, or looking for a glove box, or The situation immediately after an adult gets off the vehicle is applicable.

Further, when a predetermined condition is satisfied after it is determined that “no passenger is present (flag on)”, the controller 3 determines that the vehicle seat 1 is “adult seated”. That is, the seating determination returns from the “no occupant state (flag on)” to the “adult seating state” as indicated by H14 in FIG.
Further, when a predetermined condition is satisfied after it is determined that the state is “no occupant (flag on)”, the controller 3 determines that the vehicle seat 1 is in the “no occupant state (flag off)”. That is, the seating determination returns from the “no occupant state (flag on)” to the “no occupant state (flag off)” as indicated by H15 in FIG.

When it is determined that the vehicle seat 1 is in the “adult seated state”, the controller 3 turns on the indicator lamp 8 and determines that the vehicle seat 1 is in the “no occupant state (flag off)” and the “no occupant state (flag on)”. In the case where it is done, the indicator lamp 8 is turned off. As in the case of the first embodiment, lighting of the indicator lamp 8 corresponds to the seating notification of the present invention.
Further, when the controller 3 determines that the vehicle seat 1 is in the “adult seated state”, the airbag ECU controls the airbag to be in a deployable state. On the other hand, when it is determined by the controller 3 that there are “no occupant state (flag off)” and “no occupant state (flag on)”, the airbag ECU controls the airbag not to be deployed.
As described above, with respect to the transition between the seating determination states by the controller 3, the “no occupant state (flag off)”, “adult” shown in FIG. Only the “sitting state” and “no occupant state (flag on)” are described. However, the seating determination state by the controller 3 usually includes several types of determination states other than those described above.

Next, based on FIG. 6, a description will be given of a determination method in the case where the controller 3 changes the seating state between the “no occupant state (flag off)”, “adult seated state”, and “no occupant state (flag on)”.
First, in the “occupant-free state (flag off)” described above, the combined load WR + WL is detected as the seating load WS (step S601 in FIG. 6). When in the “no occupant state (flag off)”, the controller 3 turns off the preparation state flag and transmits an airbag operation prohibition signal to the airbag ECU, thereby disabling the airbag. Further, the indicator lamp 8 is turned off to notify the passenger that the airbag cannot be deployed (shown in FIG. 5).

  Next, as in the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the state where the seating load WS is equal to or greater than the first threshold load W1 has continued for the first threshold time T1 (step S602). When the state where the seating load WS is equal to or greater than the first threshold load W1 continues for the first threshold time T1, it is determined that the transition is made to the “adult seating state” as indicated by H11 in FIG. 5 (step S603). . When the state where the seating load WS is equal to or greater than the first threshold load W1 does not continue for the first threshold time T1, the process returns to step S601.

  When it is determined that the controller 3 has transitioned to the “adult seating state”, the controller 3 transmits an airbag operation permission signal to the airbag ECU so that the airbag can be deployed. At the same time, the indicator lamp 8 is turned on to notify the occupant that the airbag is in a deployable state (sitting notification: FIG. 5). Further, the preparation state flag is kept off.

Next, in the “adult seating state”, the seating load WS is detected again (step S604). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the state in which the buckle switch 6 is off and the seating load WS is less than the second threshold load W2 has continued for the second threshold time T2 (step S605).
If the state where the buckle switch 6 is OFF and the seating load WS is less than the second threshold load W2 continues for the second threshold time T2, as shown in H12 in FIG. It is determined that the flag has been changed to “OFF” (step S612). When it is determined that the state has transitioned to the “no occupant state (flag off)”, the controller 3 transmits an airbag operation prohibition signal to the airbag ECU so that the airbag cannot be deployed. Further, the controller 3 keeps the preparation state flag off and turns off the indicator lamp 8 to inform the occupant that the airbag cannot be deployed (shown in FIG. 5).

  When the buckle switch 6 is on or the seating load WS is less than the second threshold load W2 does not continue for the second threshold time T2, or the buckle switch 6 is on and the seating load When the state where WS is less than the second threshold load W2 does not continue for the second threshold time T2, in step S606, the buckle switch 6 is turned off and the seating load WS is less than the predetermined third threshold load W3. It is determined whether or not a certain state has continued for a predetermined third threshold time T3.

When the state where the buckle switch 6 is OFF and the seating load WS is less than the third threshold load W3 continues for the third threshold time T3, as shown in H13 in FIG. It is determined that the state has transitioned to (flag on) "(step S607). When it is determined that the state has shifted to the “no occupant state (flag on)”, the controller 3 recognizes that no person is seated on the vehicle seat 1 and transmits an airbag operation prohibition signal to the airbag ECU. Then, the airbag cannot be deployed. In addition, when it is determined that the state has shifted to the “no occupant state (flag on)”, the controller 3 turns on (sets) the preparation state flag and turns off the indicator lamp 8.
When the buckle switch 6 is on, or when the seating load WS is less than the third threshold load W3 for the third threshold time T3, or when the buckle switch 6 is on and the seating load When the state where WS is less than the third threshold load W3 does not continue for the third threshold time T3, the process returns to step S604.

Next, in the “no occupant state (flag on)”, the seating load WS is detected again (step S608). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the seating load WS is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold load W4 (step S609).
When the seating load WS is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold load W4, the time point when it is determined that the seating load WS is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold load W4 is the first time after the transition to the “no occupant state (flag on)”. It is determined whether or not it is within 4 threshold time T4 (step S610).

  If it is determined that the seating load WS is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold load W4 and is within the fourth threshold time T4 since it has been determined that the seating load WS has transitioned to the “no occupant state (flag on)”, the process returns to step S603. 5, it is determined that the vehicle has returned to the “adult seated state” as indicated by H 14 in FIG. 5, the preparation state flag is turned off, the airbag can be deployed, and the indicator lamp 8 is turned on to Is informed that the airbag can be deployed.

  When it is determined in step S609 that the seating load WS is less than the fourth threshold load W4, or when it is determined in step S610 that the seating load WS is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold load W4, “no occupant” If it is determined that the fourth threshold time T4 has elapsed since the transition to the state (flag on) ", the process proceeds to step S611.

In step S611, as in step S605, it is determined whether or not the state where the buckle switch 6 is off and the seating load WS is less than the second threshold load W2 has continued for the second threshold time T2. Is done. When the state where the buckle switch 6 is OFF and the seating load WS is less than the second threshold load W2 continues for the second threshold time T2, as shown in H15 in FIG. Flag off) ”, the preparation state flag is turned off, the airbag cannot be deployed, the indicator lamp 8 is turned off, and the airbag cannot be deployed to the occupant. (Step S612).
When the buckle switch 6 is on or the seating load WS is less than the second threshold load W2 does not continue for the second threshold time T2, or the buckle switch 6 is on and the seating load When the state where WS is less than the second threshold load W2 does not continue for the second threshold time T2, the process returns to step S608.

According to the present embodiment, when it is detected that the vehicle is in the “no occupant state (flag on)”, the controller 3 recognizes that no person is seated on the vehicle seat 1. The operation of the airbag at the time can be suppressed.
Further, in the “no occupant state (flag on)”, by setting the preparation state flag, within the fourth threshold time T4 after the transition to the “no occupant state (flag on)”, the second threshold load W2 that is larger than the second threshold load W2 When a seating load WS greater than or equal to four threshold loads W4 is detected, it is possible to immediately return to the “adult seating state” based on the preparation state flag without waiting for the first threshold time T1 to elapse.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified or expanded as follows.
In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the transition between the “adult seated state” and the “no occupant state”. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. It may be applied to the case of transition between the “child seated state” and the “child seated state”.
In addition, as a means for seating notification according to the present invention, a method other than lighting of the indicator lamp 8 such as lighting of an illuminating lamp in a vehicle interior or sound by an audio device of the vehicle may be used.

  Further, as a seating notification, a warning for prompting the seatbelt device to be tightened based on the seating state may be provided.

  Further, the present invention can be applied not only to the vehicle seat 1 for the passenger seat but also to the driver seat, the middle seat, or the rear seat.

Alternatively, the seating sensors 2R and 2L may be pressure sensors that detect the pressure generated in the seat cushion 11 due to the seating, and the load applied to the seat cushion 11 may be detected from the detected pressure.
Alternatively, the seating sensors 2R and 2L may be displacement sensors that detect the displacement of the seat cushion 11, and the load applied to the seat cushion 11 may be detected from the amount of displacement against the urging force of the seat spring.

  Further, at least one seating sensor 2R, 2L may be provided in at least the seat cushion 11, but when a plurality of seating sensors 2R, 2L are provided in the seat cushion 11, only a pair of left and right seats are provided at the front portion of the seat cushion 11. Seating sensors 2R and 2L may be attached, or seating sensors may be attached to the four corners of the seat cushion 11, respectively. Alternatively, the seating sensors 2R and 2L may be attached one by one to the right front and left rear, or one by one to the left front and right rear.

  In the drawings, 1 is a vehicle seat, 2R is a right seating sensor (load detection means), 2L is a left seating sensor (load detection means), 3 is a controller (seat determination means), and 6 is a buckle switch (seat belt wearing detection means). , 8 is an indicator lamp (indicator), 11 is a seat cushion (seat portion), W1 is a first threshold load (first load), W2 is a second threshold load (second load), and T1 is a first threshold time (first load). 1 hour), T2 represents a second threshold time (second time), T3 represents a third threshold time (third time), and T4 represents a second threshold time (fourth time).

Claims (6)

A load detecting means attached to the seat of the vehicle seat for detecting a seating load applied to the seat;
Based on the seating load detected by the load detecting means, a seated state where a person is seated on the vehicle seat and a seatless state where no person is seated on the vehicle seat are determined, and based on the determined result Seating determination means for notifying the passenger whether or not the seated state is detected,
In a seating determination device comprising:
The seating determination means includes
When it is detected by the load detection means that a seating load equal to or greater than a predetermined first load has continued for a predetermined first time, it is determined that the seating is present, and the seating is present to an occupant. Execute seating notification to inform you that
Thereafter, in the seated state, when the load detecting means detects that a seating load less than the second load and less than the second load has continued for a predetermined second time, the seatless state is entered. It is determined that the transition has occurred, and the seating notification to the passenger is stopped,
In the seated state, when the load detection means detects that at least a seating load smaller than the first load has continued for a third time shorter than the second time, the state transits to a non-sitting preparation state. And stop the seating notification to the passenger,
When the seating load larger than the second load is detected by the load detecting means within the fourth time set to be less than the time obtained by subtracting the third time from the second time in the preparation state without the seating. In addition, it is determined that the seating state has been returned regardless of whether or not the first time has elapsed, and the seating notification to the passenger is resumed. A seat belt wearing detection means for detecting that a buckle of a seat belt provided for the vehicle seat is engaged;
The seating determination means includes
In the seated state, the load detection means detects that a seating load less than the second load has continued for the second time period, and the buckle is engaged by the seat belt attachment detection means. When it is detected that there is no seating, it is determined that the state has transitioned to the no seating state, and the seating notification for the passenger is stopped,
In the seated state, it is detected by the load detection means that at least a seating load smaller than the first load lasted for a third time shorter than the second time, and the seat belt wearing detection means, 2. The seating determination device according to claim 1, wherein when it is detected that the buckle is not engaged, it is determined that the state has shifted to the non-sitting preparation state, and the seating notification to an occupant is stopped. . The seating determination means includes
3. The seating determination device according to claim 1, wherein when it is detected that the vehicle is in the preparation state without seating, it is recognized that no person is seated on the vehicle seat and a preparation state flag is set. . The seating determination means includes
3. The seating determination device according to claim 1, wherein, in the preparation state without seating, the seating notification is stopped in a state where it is recognized that a person is continuously seated on the vehicle seat. . The seating determination means includes
The seating determination according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein as the seating notification, an indicator provided on the vehicle is turned on to notify that the airbag device is in an operable state. apparatus. A load detecting means for detecting a load applied to the seat is attached to the seat of the vehicle seat,
Based on the seating load detected by the load detection means, a seated state where a person is seated on the vehicle seat and a seatless state where no person is seated on the vehicle seat are determined, and the determined result Based on the seating determination method for notifying the passenger whether the seated state is detected or not,
When it is detected by the load detection means that a seating load equal to or greater than a predetermined first load has continued for a predetermined first time, it is determined that the seating is present, and the seating is present to an occupant. Execute seating notification to inform you that
Thereafter, in the seated state, when the load detecting means detects that a seating load less than the second load and less than the second load has continued for a predetermined second time, the seatless state is entered. It is determined that the transition has occurred, and the seating notification to the passenger is stopped,
In the seated state, when the load detection means detects that at least a seating load smaller than the first load has continued for a third time shorter than the second time, the state transits to a non-sitting preparation state. And stop the seating notification to the passenger,
When the seating load larger than the second load is detected by the load detecting means within the fourth time set to be less than the time obtained by subtracting the third time from the second time in the preparation state without the seating. In addition, it is determined that the seating state has been returned regardless of whether or not the first time has elapsed, and the seating notification to the passenger is resumed.

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