Ultrasonic object detection device

Abstract

An ultrasonic object detection device (1) is provided with a resin-made vibration plate (12A), an ultrasonic sensor (6A), and an ultrasonic wave absorber (25A). The resin-made vibration plate (12A) is disposed on the outer side of a door that opens and closes an opening portion (3a) of a vehicle body (3) in a manner extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The ultrasonic sensor (6A) is disposed on the inner surface (12a) of the vibration plate (12A) and is capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic wave absorber (25A) is disposed so as to cover the inner surface (12a) of the vibration plate (12A) including the ultrasonic sensor (6A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an ultrasonic object detection device. Background Technology

[0002] An ultrasonic object detection device is known for preventing vehicle doors from colliding with obstacles when they are being opened. This ultrasonic object detection device includes an ultrasonic sensor capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. The device measures the time from when the ultrasonic sensor transmits an ultrasonic wave until it receives the reflected ultrasonic wave from an object, and detects the presence of an obstacle and the distance to the obstacle based on this time.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses an ultrasonic sensor assembly that places the sensor on the inside of the door panel without creating an opening in the door, thereby improving the design of the vehicle.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: US Patent No. 10393864 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] When an ultrasonic sensor is placed inside a vehicle door without any openings, as described above, the outer panel of the door (typically made of steel) traps a portion of the emitted ultrasonic waves, leaving transverse waves within the panel. The ultrasonic sensor continuously detects these residual transverse waves until they decay. As a result, sometimes the ultrasonic sensor cannot identify the longitudinal waves reflected back from obstacles and the residual transverse waves within the panel, making it difficult to detect obstacles.

[0009] In the ultrasonic sensor assembly described in Patent Document 1, a damping material is provided to attenuate the transverse waves remaining on the outer plate. As a result, the transverse waves remaining on the outer plate can be suppressed, and the receiving sensitivity can be improved. However, in order to obtain sufficient receiving sensitivity, a damping material is required, which complicates the structure of the ultrasonic sensor assembly.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ultrasonic object detection device that can reliably detect objects while simplifying the structure.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] The present invention provides an ultrasonic object detection device comprising: a resin vibrating plate disposed on the outside of a door for opening and closing an opening in the vehicle body, extending along the length of the vehicle; an ultrasonic sensor disposed on the inner surface of the vibrating plate, capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; and an ultrasonic absorbing member disposed to cover the inner surface of the vibrating plate in such a manner as to include the ultrasonic sensor.

[0013] Generally, transverse waves do not easily remain in resin materials. Therefore, even without damping components in the vibrating plate, interference between reflected waves (longitudinal waves) reaching the vibrating plate and the transverse waves remaining in the vibrating plate can be suppressed or even prevented, allowing the ultrasonic sensor to reliably receive the reflected waves. Furthermore, the ultrasonic absorber is located on the inner surface of the vibrating plate, thereby preventing ultrasonic waves generated by the vibration of the vibrating plate that travel towards the inside (door side) of the vibrating plate from being reflected by the door and received by the vibrating plate. That is, false sensing can be prevented. In summary, without the need for damping components in the vibrating plate to attenuate transverse waves, objects around a vehicle can be reliably detected while simplifying the structure of the ultrasonic object detection device.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] The ultrasonic object detection device according to the present invention can reliably detect objects while simplifying the structure. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a side view of a car equipped with the ultrasonic object detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the ultrasonic object detection device according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the door at line III-III.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part IV.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partial sectional view of the door at line V-V.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a side view of a car equipped with the ultrasonic object detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the door at line VII-VII.

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of part VIII.

[0024] Figure 9 This is the ultrasonic object detection device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 A magnified view of part IX.

[0025] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view at line X-X.

[0026] Figure 11 This refers to a variation of the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 The same sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0027] (First Implementation)

[0028] Figure 1 An example of a vehicle is shown: a car 2 equipped with the ultrasonic object detection device 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as object detection device 1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the car 2 has four rotary doors that open and close the opening 3a of the body 3; that is, it has left and right front doors 4 and left and right rear doors 5. (Referring to reference...) Figure 3 and Figure 5 The front door 4 has an outer panel 21A on the outer side of the vehicle and an inner panel 22A on the inner side of the vehicle. An opening 24 for raising and lowering the side window 23 is provided at the upper end of both the outer panel 21A and the inner panel 22A. In this embodiment, both the outer panel 21A and the inner panel 22A of the front door 4 are made of steel. Similarly, the rear door 5 also has an outer panel 21B and an inner panel 22B made of steel.

[0029] In this embodiment, the vehicle 2 includes an object detection device 1 for the right front door 4 and rear door 5, and an object detection device 1 for the left front door 4 and rear door 5. In this embodiment, the object detection devices 1 for the right side and the left side have the same structure. In the following description, the object detection device 1 for the right front door 4 and rear door 5 will be described.

[0030] Combined with reference Figure 2The object detection device 1 includes six ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6F and a control unit 8 (e.g., ECU (Electronic Control Unit)) that controls these ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6F. Each of the ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6F can transmit ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves from the transmitted ultrasonic waves. Ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6C are used for detecting objects around the front side door 4, and ultrasonic sensors 6D to 6F are used for detecting objects around the rear side door 5. As will be described later, the ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6F are mounted on side trim strips 11A and 11B fitted to the outer side of the vehicle body 3. The ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6F are connected via... Figure 4 The signal line 6a shown is electrically connected to the control unit 8.

[0031] Control unit 8 causes ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C to emit ultrasonic waves, which are then received by the ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C when reflected by an object. Control unit 8 detects the presence of objects around the front door 4 based on whether ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C receive ultrasonic waves. Furthermore, control unit 8 measures the time from when ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C emit ultrasonic waves until they receive the reflected ultrasonic waves, and detects the distance to the object based on this time. Similarly, control unit 8 causes ultrasonic sensors 6D-6F to emit ultrasonic waves, and detects the presence of objects around the rear door 5 based on whether ultrasonic sensors 6D-6F receive ultrasonic waves. Furthermore, control unit 8 detects the distance to the object based on the time from when ultrasonic sensors 6D-6F emit ultrasonic waves until they receive the reflected waves.

[0032] Reference Figure 2 The control unit 8 controls the door opening and closing drive device 9 for the front door 4 and the rear door 5. The control unit 8 can also control the ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6F to detect the presence of objects when the door opening and closing drive device 9 is performing the opening action of the front door 4 and the rear door 5.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The object detection device 1 includes a side trim strip 11A, which has a resin vibrating plate 12A disposed on the outer side of the front door 4 in a manner extending along the length of the vehicle. That is, the vibrating plate 12A is part of the side trim strip 11A. In addition, the side trim strip 11A is disposed at the lower part of the front door 4 and is fitted to the outer surface 21a of the outer panel 21A.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, the vibrating plate 12A is a plate-shaped member that is substantially parallel to the outer plate 21A, i.e., a plate-shaped member facing the side of the vehicle body. Furthermore, the inner surface 12a of the vibrating plate 12A is arranged away from the outer surface 21a of the outer plate 21A. Figure 3As shown, the side trim 11A extends from the upper and lower ends of the vibrating plate 12A toward the outer surface 21a of the outer plate 21A, and its top end abuts against the sidewalls 14a, 14b of the outer surface 21a. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown, the side trim strip 11A extends from the front and rear ends of the vibrating plate 12A toward the outer surface 21a of the outer panel 21A in the vehicle length direction, with its top end abutting against the side walls 14c and 14d of the outer surface 21a. Therefore, a space 13A is defined by the outer surface 21a of the outer panel 21A and the inner surface 11a of the side trim strip 11A. Ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C (described later), an ultrasonic absorber 25A, and a first damping member 31A are disposed within the space 13A. A signal line 6a extends from the space 13A into the interior of the front door 4 via a first hole 21c provided in the front door 4.

[0035] Similarly, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5 The object detection device 1 has a side trim strip 11B on the lower part of the outer side of the rear door 5. The side trim strip 11B has a resin vibrating plate 12B that is configured to extend along the length of the vehicle. In addition, a space 13B is divided by the outer surface 21a of the outer panel 21B and the inner surface 11a of the side trim strip 11B. An ultrasonic sensor 6D to 6F, an ultrasonic absorber 25B, and a first vibration damping member 31B are arranged in the space 13B.

[0036] The ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C, ultrasonic absorber 25A, and first vibration damping member 31A disposed on the front door 4 will be described below. The ultrasonic sensors 6D-6F, ultrasonic absorber 25B, and first vibration damping member 31B disposed on the rear door 5 will be described in the same manner.

[0037] Reference Figure 4 The ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6C are arranged in close contact with the inner surface 12a of the vibrating plate 12A. The ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6C can transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. That is, each of the ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6C transmits ultrasonic waves and receives ultrasonic waves reflected by objects.

[0038] Continue to refer to Figure 4In this embodiment, the ultrasonic absorber 25A is configured to cover the entire inner surface 11a of the side trim 11A, including the ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C. In other words, the ultrasonic absorber 25A is configured to cover the entire inner surface 12a of the vibrating plate 12A, including the ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C. The ultrasonic absorber 25A has a second hole 25a. The ultrasonic absorber 25A is configured such that the signal line 6a passes through the second hole 25a and the ultrasonic absorber 25A is in contact with the surfaces of the ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C. Furthermore, the ultrasonic absorber 25A is configured to contact the surface of the first damping member 31A (described later). Additionally, the ultrasonic absorber 25A is configured to contact the entire inner surface 11a of the side trim 11A, except for the portions where the ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C and the first damping member 31A (described later) are in contact with the side trim 11A. Examples of ultrasonic absorbers 25A include fabrics such as non-woven fabrics, leather, resins, rubbers such as silicone rubber, urethanes, sponges, sound-absorbing coatings, sound-absorbing components, and sound-absorbing components. The ultrasonic absorber 25A may also be configured to cover only the surfaces of the ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C, the surface of the first damping member 31A, and the inner surface 12a of the vibrating plate 12A, i.e., a portion of the inner surface 11a of the side trim strip 11A.

[0039] Continue to refer to Figure 4 In this embodiment, a first vibration damping member 31A is provided on the side trim strip 11A. The first vibration damping member 31A is disposed between the vibrating plate 12A and the ultrasonic absorber 25A. Furthermore, the first vibration damping member 31A is disposed in close contact with the inner surface 12a of the vibrating plate 12A on the lower side of the ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C. Figure 1 As shown, the first damping member 31A is provided in a manner that extends the entire length of the side trim 11A in the vehicle length direction. The first damping member 31A includes a viscoelastic body 32 (e.g., made of butyl rubber) that is fixed in close contact with the inner surface 11a of the side trim 11A and a thin metal plate 33 (e.g., made of aluminum) disposed on the surface of the viscoelastic body 32.

[0040] The following describes the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the object detection device 1 for the front door 4. The rear door 5 also performs the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the object detection device 1 in the same manner.

[0041] The ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C, driven by the control unit 8, are radiated around the front door 4 via the vibrating plate 12A. When the radiated ultrasonic waves are reflected by an object, the reflected waves enter the vibrating plate 12A and are received by the ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C. As described above, the control unit 8 detects whether there are objects around the front door 4 based on whether the ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C receive ultrasonic waves. Furthermore, the control unit 8 measures the time from when the ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C emit ultrasonic waves until when the ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C receive the ultrasonic waves reflected by the object, and detects the distance to the object based on this time.

[0042] Regarding the ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6C used in the front door 4, the object detection device 1 has the following characteristics.

[0043] Generally, transverse waves do not easily remain in resin materials. In this embodiment, ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C are mounted on a resin vibrating plate 12A, so the transverse waves of the ultrasonic waves emitted by ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C do not easily remain in the vibrating plate 12A. Therefore, interference between the reflected waves (longitudinal waves) reaching the vibrating plate 12A and the transverse waves remaining in the vibrating plate 12A can be suppressed or even prevented, and ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C can reliably receive the reflected waves.

[0044] Furthermore, the ultrasonic absorber 25A is disposed on the inner surface 12a of the vibrating plate 12A, thereby preventing ultrasonic waves generated by the vibration of the vibrating plate 12A that propagate towards the inner side (door side) of the vibrating plate 12A from being reflected by the front door 4 and received by the vibrating plate 12A. That is, false sensing can be prevented. In summary, by eliminating the need for a damping member in the vibrating plate 12A to attenuate transverse waves, it is possible to reliably detect objects around a vehicle while simplifying the structure of the ultrasonic object detection device.

[0045] Furthermore, reflected waves incident on the vibrating plate at the locations where ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6C are mounted will be received by ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6C. Additionally, reflected waves from other parts of the vibrating plate besides those at the locations where ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6C are mounted will also propagate within the vibrating plate and reach ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6C, where they will be received. In other words, reflected waves can be received through the entire vibrating plate, thus improving the sensitivity of reflected wave reception.

[0046] Furthermore, when ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C transmit ultrasonic waves via vibrating plate 12A, the vibration of the lower part of vibrating plate 12A is suppressed by the first damping member 31A, thus preventing the ultrasonic waves from traveling downwards. Additionally, when ultrasonic waves are reflected by an obstacle and received by ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C via vibrating plate 12A, the vibration caused by the ultrasonic waves received on the lower side of vibrating plate 12A can be suppressed by the first damping member 31A. In summary, this prevents ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C from falsely detecting obstacles such as curbs on the lower side of the front door 4.

[0047] The ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6C are mounted on the inner surface 12a of the vibrating plate 12A and are not visible from the outside. Therefore, objects can be detected by ultrasound in a way that does not damage the appearance or even the design of the vehicle. In addition, the vibrating plate 12A is part of the side trim 11A, so in vehicles that come standard with the side trim 11A, the ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6C can be installed without having to install a new vibrating plate 12A on the front side door 4.

[0048] As described above, the ultrasonic object detection device according to this embodiment can reliably detect objects while simplifying the structure.

[0049] The ultrasonic sensors 6D to 6F used in the rear door 5 also meet the above characteristics.

[0050] (Second Implementation)

[0051] Figures 6 to 8 A second embodiment of the invention is shown. In this second embodiment, points not specifically mentioned are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0052] In the object detection device 1 of the second embodiment, the side trim strip 11A, which is fitted onto the outer surface 21a of the outer panel 21A of the front door 4, is located approximately at the center of the front door 4 in the vehicle height direction. Furthermore, the first damping member 31A is not provided in the object detection device 1 of the front door 4. Similarly, the side trim strip 11B, which does not have the first damping member 31B, is located approximately at the center of the rear door 5 in the vehicle height direction.

[0053] Regarding the ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6C used in the front door 4, the object detection device 1 has the following characteristics.

[0054] In the object detection device 1 of the second embodiment, the side trim strip 11A is provided at approximately the center of the front door 4 in the vehicle height direction. Therefore, even if there is an obstacle such as a curb on the lower side of the front door 4, the distance between the side trim strip 11A and the obstacle is sufficiently ensured, so there is no risk of falsely sensing an obstacle.

[0055] In summary, the object detection device 1 of the second embodiment can further simplify the structure of the object detection device 1.

[0056] The ultrasonic sensors 6D to 6F used in the rear door 5 also meet the above characteristics.

[0057] (Third Implementation)

[0058] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A third embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this third embodiment, the points not specifically mentioned are the same as in the second embodiment.

[0059] The object detection device 1 of the third embodiment also includes an annular second damping member 35A, which is disposed on the outer panel 21A of the front door 4 opposite to the vibrating plate 12A. Specifically, the second damping member 35A is disposed on the inner surface 21b of the outer panel 21A.

[0060] Similar to the front door 4, an annular second damping member 35B is provided on the inner surface 21b of the outer panel 21B of the rear door 5. Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be further described using the ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6C of the front door 4 as an example, and the rear door 5 also has the same structure.

[0061] The second vibration damping member 35A is disposed on the inner surface 21b of the outer panel 21A of the front door 4 such that, in a top-view perspective, the ultrasonic sensor 6A is located approximately at the center of the second vibration damping member 35A. Furthermore, in a top-view perspective of the outer panel 21A, the second vibration damping member 35A is disposed on the outer panel such that it surrounds the ultrasonic sensor 6A with open gaps. Similarly, second vibration damping members 35A are disposed for both ultrasonic sensors 6B and 6C. That is, three second vibration damping members 35A are provided on the outer panel 21A.

[0062] The second damping member 35A includes a viscoelastic body 36 (e.g., made of butyl rubber) and a thin metal plate 37 (e.g., made of aluminum) disposed on the surface of the viscoelastic body 36. The viscoelastic body 36 of the second damping member 35A is fixed in close contact with the inner surface 21b of the outer plate 21A. The second damping member 35A may also be rectangular.

[0063] Regarding the ultrasonic sensors 6A to 6C used in the front door 4, the object detection device 1 has the following characteristics.

[0064] In the third embodiment, the vibration of the outer panel 21A when the vibration of the vibrating plate 12A caused by the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C is suppressed, and the vibration is transmitted to the outer panel 21A of the front door 4 via the connection between the vibrating plate 12A and the outer panel 21A of the front door 4, can be suppressed. Specifically, the vibration of the outer panel 21A can be suppressed in the area where the annular second damping member 35A is disposed and in the area inside it. Therefore, the ultrasonic waves generated by the vibration of the outer panel 21A can be suppressed, and the ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C from the outer panel 21A can be suppressed. Therefore, the obstacle detection accuracy of the ultrasonic sensors 6A-6C can be improved.

[0065] Furthermore, the second damping member 35A is disposed on the inner surface 21b of the outer plate 21A, so that the second damping member 35A can be assembled even when the gap between the vibrating plate 12A and the outer surface 21a of the outer plate 21A is narrow.

[0066] The ultrasonic sensors 6D to 6F used in the rear door 5 also meet the above characteristics.

[0067] like Figure 11 As shown, in a variation of the third embodiment, the second vibration damping member is disposed on the outer surface 21a of the outer plate 21A.

[0068] By providing the second damping member 35A on the outer surface 21a of the outer panel 21A, the second damping member 35A can be installed simultaneously when the side trim strip 11A is installed on the front side door 4.

[0069] The invention has been described using a revolving side door as an example, but the invention can also be applied to doors other than revolving doors such as gull-wing doors, and to doors other than side doors such as rear doors.

[0070] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0071] 1: Ultrasonic object detection device;

[0072] 2: Cars;

[0073] 3: Vehicle body;

[0074] 3a: Opening;

[0075] 4: Front door;

[0076] 5: Rear door;

[0077] 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F: Ultrasonic sensors;

[0078] 6a: Signal line;

[0079] 8: Control Department;

[0080] 9: Door opening and closing drive device;

[0081] 11A, 11B: Side trim strips;

[0082] 11a: Inner surface;

[0083] 12A, 12B: Vibrating plate;

[0084] 12a: Inner surface;

[0085] 13A, 13B: Space;

[0086] 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d: Lateral walls;

[0087] 21A, 21B: outer panel;

[0088] 21a: Outer surface;

[0089] 21b: Inner surface;

[0090] 21c: First hole;

[0091] 22A, 22B: Inner panels;

[0092] 23: Side window glass;

[0093] 24: Open;

[0094] 25A, 25B: Ultrasonic absorbing components;

[0095] 25a: Second hole;

[0096] 31A, 31B: First vibration damping components;

[0097] 32: Viscoelastic materials;

[0098] 33: Metal plate;

[0099] 35A, 35B: Second vibration damping components;

[0100] 36: Viscoelastic materials;

[0101] 37: Metal plate.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic object detection device, comprising: A resin-made vibrating plate is positioned on the outside of a door that opens and closes to the vehicle body, extending along the length of the vehicle. An ultrasonic sensor, disposed on the inner surface of the vibrating plate, is capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; and An ultrasonic absorber is configured to cover the inner surface of the vibrating plate in such a manner that it includes the ultrasonic sensor. The vibrating plate is positioned at the bottom of the door. The ultrasonic object detection device further includes a first vibration damping member, which is disposed on the inner surface of the vibrating plate at a position lower than the ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic absorber is configured to contact the surface of the first damping member.

2. The ultrasonic object detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The ultrasonic object detection device also includes a second vibration damping member, which is disposed on the outer panel of the door in the portion opposite to the vibrating plate.

3. The ultrasonic object detection device according to claim 2, wherein, The second vibration damping member is disposed on the outer surface of the outer plate.

4. The ultrasonic object detection device according to claim 2, wherein, The second vibration damping member is disposed on the inner surface of the outer plate.

5. The ultrasonic object detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The vibrating plate is part of the side trim.

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