Seat position determination device

Abstract

A seat position determination device includes: first and second sensor units disposed on a configuration sensor rail of right and left seat rails; a shield plate disposed on the configuration sensor rail to block detection of each sensor at a portion of a sliding range of the configuration sensor rail; and a seat position determination section that determines a sliding position based on a detection state of the plurality of sensors. The seat position determination section determines the sliding position according to a combination of a first state in which detection of each sensor is not blocked by the shield plate and a second state in which detection of each sensor is blocked by the shield plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a seat position determination device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, it was known that the detection state of a sensor was changed by giving it an inclined shape of shielding plate, and the sliding position of the vehicle's seat rail was linearly determined based on the detection result of the sensor (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-21887). Summary of the Invention

[0003] In technologies for determining the sliding position of a vehicle's seat rails, there are problems, such as the need to develop new sensors and decision units (circuits or logic units), in order to achieve high precision based on the shape of the shielding plate, as in the prior art described above. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in terms of ease of implementation of a structure for determining the sliding position of a vehicle's seat rails at multiple levels.

[0004] One aspect of this disclosure is a seat position determining device that determines the sliding position of a vehicle's seat guide rail, wherein...

[0005] The seat rail has a pair of first and second rails on the left and right sides in the vehicle.

[0006] The seat position determination device includes:

[0007] Multiple sensors are configured on a sensor rail that serves as at least one of a first rail and a second rail;

[0008] A component, configured on a sensor guide rail, obstructs sensor detection within a portion of the sliding range of the sensor guide rail; and

[0009] The seat position determination unit determines the sliding position based on the detection status of multiple sensors.

[0010] The seat position determination unit determines the sliding position based on a combination of a first state where the sensor detects that the sensor is not blocked by a component and a second state where the sensor detects that the sensor is blocked by a component.

[0011] In one aspect of the seat position determination device disclosed herein, a plurality of sensors are arranged on a sensor guide rail, and a component is provided to block the detection of each sensor within a portion of the sliding range of the sensor guide rail. For each of the plurality of sensors, there exists a first state in which the sensor detection is not blocked by the component and a second state in which the sensor detection is blocked by the component. Thus, by combining the first and second states, the seat position determination unit can determine more than three sliding positions. Therefore, the sliding position of the vehicle's seat guide rail can be determined in multiple stages with a simple construction. In one implementation method

[0012] Both the first and second guide rails are used to configure sensor rails.

[0013] Regarding multiple sensors, one sensor is installed in each of the first and second guide rails.

[0014] One component is installed in each of the first and second guide rails.

[0015] The seat position determination unit can determine the sliding position based on three detection states: the first rail and the second rail sensors are both in the first state; the first rail sensor is in the second state; and the first rail and the second rail sensors are both in the second state.

[0016] In one implementation method

[0017] Both the first and second guide rails are used to configure sensor rails.

[0018] Regarding multiple sensors, one sensor is installed in each of the first and second guide rails.

[0019] Two components are placed in the first guide rail, and one component is placed in the second guide rail.

[0020] The seat position determination unit can determine the sliding position based on four detection states: the first rail and the second rail sensors are both in the first state; only the first rail sensor is in the second state; only the second rail sensor is in the second state; and both the first rail and the second rail sensors are in the second state.

[0021] In one implementation method

[0022] Only the first guide rail is a sensor guide rail.

[0023] Regarding multiple sensors, two sensors are installed in the first guide rail.

[0024] Set one component in the first guide rail.

[0025] The seat position determination unit can determine the sliding position based on three detection states: when one sensor and another sensor are both in the first state, when only the other sensor is in the second state, and when one sensor and another sensor are both in the second state.

[0026] According to some aspects of this disclosure, the sliding position of the vehicle's seat rails can be determined in multiple stages with a simple construction. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like symbols denote like elements, and wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the seat position determination device according to the first embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor detecting a first state where it is not obstructed by any component; and

[0030] Figure 2B This is a diagram illustrating an example of a second state where the sensor's detection is blocked by a component.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating examples of sensor output in the first and second states;

[0032] Figure 4 Part (a) is a diagram showing an example where the sensors of both the first and second guide rails are in the first state; Part (b) is a diagram showing an example where only the sensor of the first guide rail is in the second state; Part (c) is a diagram showing an example where the sensors of both the first and second guide rails are in the second state.

[0033] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a seat position determination device;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating the seat position determination device according to the second embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7 Part (a) is a diagram showing an example where the sensors of both the first and second guide rails are in the first state; Part (b) is a diagram showing an example where only the sensor of the second guide rail is in the second state; Part (c) is a diagram showing an example where only the sensor of the first guide rail is in the second state; Part (d) is a diagram showing an example where the sensors of both the first and second guide rails are in the second state.

[0036] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a seat position determination device;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the seat position determination device according to the third embodiment;

[0038] Figure 10Part (a) is a diagram illustrating an example where both one sensor and another sensor are in the first state; Part (b) is a diagram illustrating an example where only one sensor is in the second state; Part (c) is a diagram illustrating an example where both one sensor and another sensor are in the second state; and

[0039] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the seat position determination device. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the seat position determination device according to the first embodiment. The seat position determination device 100 is, for example, mounted in a vehicle such as a passenger car. The vehicle is not limited to a passenger car.

[0043] The vehicle features seat rails arranged in pairs on both sides of the vehicle's width to support the seats for occupants. Figure 1 In the example, the pair of seat rails correspond to the right seat rail 1 (first rail) and the left seat rail 2 (second rail). The seat rails slidably support the seat within a predetermined sliding range along the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction. The seat rails can be driven by an electric motor or the like to continuously slide the seat, or they can be unlocked by a manual lever operation to allow the seat to slide in multiple stages.

[0044] The right-side seat rail 1 includes a movable part 1a and a fixed part 1b (see...) Figure 4 (a) to Figure 4 (c) The fixed part 1b is a guide rail component fixed to the vehicle body along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The movable part 1a is a guide rail component slidably disposed relative to the fixed part 1b. The movable part 1a is fixed to the bottom surface of the seat. The movable part 1a slides relative to the fixed part 1b to slidably support the seat along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The construction related to the sliding function of the movable part 1a and the fixed part 1b can use known constructions.

[0045] The left seat rail 2 includes a movable part 2a and a fixed part 2b (see...) Figure 4 (a) to Figure 4(c) The fixed part 2b is a guide rail component fixed to the vehicle body along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The movable part 2a is a guide rail component slidably disposed relative to the fixed part 2b. The movable part 2a is fixed to the bottom surface of the seat. The movable part 2a supports the seat slidably along the vehicle's longitudinal direction by sliding relative to the fixed part 2b. The construction related to the sliding function of the movable part 2a and the fixed part 2b can use known constructions.

[0046] The seat position determining device 100 is a device used to determine the sliding position of the seat rail of a vehicle. The sliding position of the seat rail refers to the position of the seat within the sliding range as it moves along the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the seat position determination device 100 includes a first sensor unit 11 (sensor), a shielding plate 12 (component), and a second sensor unit 21 (sensor). The seat position determination device 100 also includes a shielding plate 22 (component), a seat position determination ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 3, and an occupant restraint device 4.

[0048] The first sensor unit 11 and the shielding plate 12 are mounted on the right seat rail 1. The second sensor unit 21 and the shielding plate 22 are mounted on the left seat rail 2. That is, in Figure 1 In the example, both the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are sensor rails. Multiple first sensor units 11 and second sensor units 21 are respectively installed on the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2.

[0049] The first sensor unit 11 is disposed on either the movable part 1a or the fixed part 1b of the right seat guide rail 1. The shielding plate 12 is disposed on the other of the movable part 1a and the fixed part 1b of the right seat guide rail 1. Figure 4 (a) to Figure 4 In example (c), the first sensor unit 11 is disposed on the movable part 1a of the right seat rail 1. The shielding plate 12 is disposed on the fixed part 1b of the right seat rail 1.

[0050] The second sensor unit 21 is disposed on either the movable part 2a or the fixed part 2b of the left seat guide rail 2. The shielding plate 22 is disposed on the other of the movable part 2a and the fixed part 2b of the left seat guide rail 2. Figure 4 (a) to Figure 4 In example (c), the second sensor unit 21 is mounted on the movable part 2a of the left seat rail 2. The shielding plate 22 is mounted on the fixed part 2b of the left seat rail 2.

[0051] exist Figure 4 (a) to Figure 4 In example (c), a shielding plate 12 is provided at the fixing portion 1b of the right seat rail 1. A shielding plate 22 is provided at the fixing portion 2b of the left seat rail 2. Along the extending direction of the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2, the extending length of the shielding plate 12 is longer than that of the shielding plate 22. The rear end of the shielding plate 22 coincides with the rear end of the shielding plate 12. The front end of the shielding plate 12 is located in front of the front end of the shielding plate 22. The extending length of the shielding plate 22 may be longer than the length of the second sensor unit 21 from the front end to the rear end.

[0052] As an example, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the first sensor unit 11 and the second sensor unit 21 respectively include magnets 11a and 21a, magnetic sensors 11b and 21b, and support components 11c and 21c.

[0053] In the first sensor unit 11, the magnet 11a and the magnetic sensor 11b are supported by the support member 11c in a manner that they are spatially opposite each other. The support member 11c may, for example, be formed in a U-shaped cross-section when viewed from the extending direction of the movable part 1a and the fixed part 1b of the right seat rail 1.

[0054] The shielding plate 12 is an example of a component used to block the detection of the magnetic sensor 11b within a portion of the sliding range of the movable part 1a. The shielding plate 12 may be a plate-shaped component made of a magnetic material (e.g., an ferro-based material). The shielding plate 12 is mounted on the fixed part 1b of the right seat rail 1 in such a way that it enters or exits the space (magnetic flux path) between the magnet 11a and the magnetic sensor 11b of the first sensor unit 11 as the movable part 1a and the fixed part 1b move relative to each other during seat sliding. A portion of the sliding range may be preset in such a way that the range of existence of the sliding positions of several seat rails (e.g., front, center, rear) can be distinguished by blocking the detection of the magnetic sensor 11b.

[0055] The first sensor unit 11 and the second sensor unit 21 have, for example, the same structure. The shielding plate 12 and the shielding plate 22 have, for example, the same structure. One shielding plate 12 and one shielding plate 22 are respectively provided on the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2.

[0056] Furthermore, as long as the first sensor unit 11 and the second sensor unit 21 can output detection results corresponding to the first state and detection results corresponding to the second state, there are no restrictions on the shape or support structure of the support member 11c. The first sensor unit 11 and the second sensor unit 21 can have different structures from each other. Similarly, as long as the shielding plate 12 and the shielding plate 22 can output sensor outputs corresponding to the first state and sensor outputs corresponding to the second state, there are no restrictions on their shape or size. The shielding plate 12 and the shielding plate 22 can have different structures from each other.

[0057] The seat position determination ECU3 is an electronic control unit (computer) that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and CAN (Controller Area Network) communication circuitry. In the seat position determination ECU3, various functions are implemented, for example, by loading a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing the program loaded into the RAM using the CPU. The seat position determination ECU3 can be composed of multiple electronic units. The seat position determination ECU3 has ROM and RAM as its storage unit. The seat position determination ECU3 can also have EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) as its storage unit.

[0058] Occupant restraint device 4 includes devices such as airbags and seat belt pretensioners that operate during a vehicle collision. As occupant restraint device 4, it can be configured to adjust its operation based on the sliding position of the seat rails. Occupant restraint device 4 can receive information about the sliding position of the seat rails from the seat position determination ECU 3 and operate accordingly. Furthermore, the seat position determination device 100 may not include occupant restraint device 4.

[0059] The seat position determination ECU3 receives the sensor output from the first sensor unit 11 and the signal regarding the detection result of the second sensor unit 21. The seat position determination ECU3 sends a control signal containing information about the sliding position of the seat guide rail to the occupant restraint device 4.

[0060] The seat position determination ECU3 has a sensor output determination unit 31 and a seat position determination unit 32 as a functional component.

[0061] The sensor output determination unit 31 determines the sensor output based on the detection results from the first sensor unit 11 and the second sensor unit 21. The sensor output determination unit 31 determines the sensor output based on the position of the shielding plates 12 and 22 relative to the first sensor unit 11 and the second sensor unit 21, which are accompanied by the forward and backward sliding of the movable parts 1a and 2a.

[0062] There is a case where the shielding plate 12 does not enter the space between the magnet 11a and the magnetic sensor 11b (see reference). Figure 2A In this case, the sensor output determination unit 31 determines the Hi output as the first output by detecting the magnetic flux of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 11a, which is not blocked by the shielding plate 12, using the magnetic sensor 11b. Figure 3 The output Hi corresponds to the first state where the sensor's detection is not blocked by any component. The first output is the sensor output of the first sensor unit 11.

[0063] There is a case where the shielding plate 12 enters the space between the magnet 11a and the magnetic sensor 11b (see reference). Figure 2B In this case, the sensor output determination unit 31 determines the Lo output as the first output by detecting the magnetic flux of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 11a blocked by the shielding plate 12 using the magnetic sensor 11b (see reference). Figure 3 The output state of Lo corresponds to the second state where the sensor's detection is blocked by a component.

[0064] Regarding the second sensor unit 21, it also suffers from the same situation as the first sensor unit 11, where the shielding plate 22 does not enter the space between the magnet 21a and the magnetic sensor 21b (see reference). Figure 2A In this case, the sensor output determination unit 31 determines the Hi output as the second output (see reference). Figure 3 The sensor output determination unit 31 determines the sensor output when the shielding plate 22 enters the space between the magnet 21a and the magnetic sensor 21b (see reference). Figure 2B The Lo output is determined as the second output (see reference). Figure 3 The second output is the sensor output of the second sensor unit 21.

[0065] The seat position determination unit 32 determines the sliding position of the seat guide rail based on the detection results from the first sensor unit 11 and the second sensor unit 21. The seat position determination unit 32 determines the sliding position of the seat guide rail based on a combination of a first state where the sensor detection is not blocked by a component and a second state where the sensor detection is blocked by a component. For example, the seat position determination unit 32 determines the sliding position of the seat guide rail based on a combination of a first output and a second output (a combination of Hi output or Lo output).

[0066] In the seat position determination device 100, the seat position determination unit 32 determines the sliding position based on three detection states: the first state is when the sensors of both the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are in the first state; the second state is when only the sensor of the right seat rail 1 is in the second state; and the second state is when the sensors of both the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are in the second state.

[0067] Seat position determination unit 32, for example Figure 4 As shown in (a), when both the first and second outputs are Hi outputs, it is determined that the seat is in the front. The seat position determination unit 32, for example, is as follows... Figure 4 As shown in (b), when the first output is a Lo output and the second output is a Hi output, it is determined that the seat is in the center. The seat position determination unit 32 is, for example, as shown in... Figure 4 As shown in (c), when both the first and second outputs are Lo outputs, it is determined that the seat is located at the rear. In this embodiment, based on the combination of these three sensor outputs, the seat position determination unit 32 can determine the sliding position of the seat guide rail in three levels.

[0068] Next, refer to Figure 5 Explain the operation of the seat position determining device 100. Figure 5 The flowchart processing, for example, can be performed every predetermined calculation cycle when power is supplied to the seat position determination ECU3.

[0069] First, in S01, the seat position determination ECU3 acquires a first output via the sensor output determination unit 31. The sensor output determination unit 31 determines the first output based on the detection result of the first sensor unit 11. Next, in S02, the seat position determination ECU3 determines whether the first output is a Hi output via the seat position determination unit 32. If the first output is a Hi output (S02: Yes), the seat position determination ECU3 acquires a second output via the sensor output determination unit 31 in S03. The sensor output determination unit 31 determines the second output based on the detection result of the second sensor unit 21.

[0070] In S04, the seat position determination ECU3 determines whether the second output is a Hi output via the seat position determination unit 32. If the second output is a Hi output (S04: Yes), the seat position determination ECU3, in S05, determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "forward" via the seat position determination unit 32. The seat position determination unit 32 and... Figure 4 Example (a) shows that when both sensors are in the first state, the combination of their outputs corresponds to determining the sliding position of the seat rail as "forward". Then, the seat position determination ECU3 terminates. Figure 5 The processing.

[0071] On the other hand, if the first output in S02 is not the Hi output (S02: No), in S06, the seat position determination ECU3 obtains the second output through the sensor output determination unit 31. The sensor output determination unit 31 determines the second output based on the detection result of the second sensor unit 21.

[0072] In S07, the seat position determination ECU3 determines whether the second output is a Hi output via the seat position determination unit 32. If the second output is a Hi output (S07: Yes), the seat position determination ECU3, in S08, determines the sliding position of the seat guide rail as "center" via the seat position determination unit 32. The seat position determination unit 32 and... Figure 4 Example (b) shows that the combination of sensor outputs, where the first sensor unit 11 is in the second state and the second sensor unit 21 is in the first state, correspondingly determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "center". Then, the seat position determination ECU3 ends. Figure 5 The processing.

[0073] If the second output in S07 is not the Hi output (S07: No), the seat position determination ECU3 in S09 determines the sliding position of the seat guide rail as "rear" via the seat position determination unit 32. The seat position determination unit 32 and... Figure 4 Example (c) shows that when both sensors are in the second state, the combination of their outputs correspondingly determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "rear". Then, the seat position determination ECU3 terminates. Figure 5 The processing.

[0074] As described above, in the seat position determination device 100, two sensors (a first sensor unit 11 and a second sensor unit 21) are provided on the sensor guide rails (right seat guide rail 1 and left seat guide rail 2). Two components (a shielding plate 12 and a shielding plate 22) are also provided on the sensor guide rails (right seat guide rail 1 and left seat guide rail 2) to block the detection of each sensor within a portion of the sliding range of the sensor guide rails. For each of the two sensors, there exists a first state where the sensor detection is not blocked by the components and a second state where the sensor detection is blocked by the components. Therefore, by combining the first and second states, the seat position determination unit 32 can determine one of the three sliding positions. Therefore, the sliding positions of the right seat guide rail 1 and left seat guide rail 2 of the vehicle can be determined in multiple levels with a simple configuration.

[0075] In the seat position determination device 100, both the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are sensor rails. Two sensors are provided: a first sensor unit 11 and a second sensor unit 21, one each in the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2. Components include a shielding plate 12 and a shielding plate 22, one each in the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2. The seat position determination unit 32 determines the sliding position based on three detection states: both sensors on the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are outputting Hi (first state); only the sensor on the right seat rail 1 is outputting Lo (second state); and both sensors on the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are outputting Lo. Thus, the sliding position of the vehicle's seat rails can be determined in three levels by a simple configuration combining the Hi or Lo outputs of the two sensors.

[0076] Next, we will refer to Figures 6 to 8 The second embodiment is described below. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that both the first and second guide rails are sensor rails. However, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that two shielding plates 13 and 14 (components) are provided in the fixing portion 1b of the right seat guide rail 1, and a shielding plate 23 (component) is provided in the fixing portion 2b of the left seat guide rail 2.

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown, the seat position determination device 100A of the second embodiment replaces the seat position determination ECU3 with a seat position determination ECU3A including a sensor output determination unit 31A and a seat position determination unit 32A. The difference between the seat position determination ECU3A and the seat position determination ECU3 is that the content determined by the seat position determination ECU3A is changed accordingly to the differences in the configuration and structure of the sensors and components.

[0078] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7 As shown in (d), a first sensor unit 11 is mounted on the movable part 1a of the right seat rail 1. A second sensor unit 21 is mounted on the movable part 2a of the left seat rail 2. Each sensor generates a Hi output or a Lo output through a combination of a magnet and a magnetic sensor, which is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0079] exist Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7In example (d), a shielding plate 13 and a shielding plate 14, spaced apart from each other, are disposed on the fixing portion 1b of the right seat rail 1. The shielding plate 14 is disposed at a rearward position compared to the shielding plate 13. A shielding plate 23 is disposed on the fixing portion 2b of the left seat rail 2. In the extending direction of the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2, the extending length of the shielding plate 23 is longer than that of the shielding plate 14. The rear end of the shielding plate 23 coincides with the rear end of the shielding plate 14. The front end of the shielding plate 23 is located at a forward position compared to the front end of the shielding plate 14, and coincides with the rear end of the shielding plate 13. The extending length of the shielding plate 13 is equal to that of the shielding plate 14. The extending length of the shielding plate 13 may be longer than the length of the first sensor unit 11 from front to rear. The extending length of the shielding plate 14 may be longer than the length of the first sensor unit 11 from front to rear.

[0080] In the seat position determination device 100A, the seat position determination unit 32A determines the sliding position based on four detection states: the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are both in a first state; only the right seat rail 1 is in a second state; only the left seat rail 2 is in a second state; and both the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are in a second state.

[0081] Seat position determination unit 32A, for example Figure 7 As shown in (a), when both the first and second outputs are Hi outputs, it is determined that the seat is in the forward position. The seat position determination unit 32A is, for example, as shown in... Figure 7 As shown in (b), when the first output is a Lo output and the second output is a Hi output, it is determined that the seat is located in center 1. Center 1 is the foremost region in the central area between the front and rear. The seat position determination unit 32A is, for example, as shown in... Figure 7 As shown in (c), when the first output is Hi and the second output is Lo, it is determined that the seat is located in center 2. Center 2 is the rearmost region in the central area between the front and rear. The seat position determination unit 32A is, for example, as shown in... Figure 7 As shown in (d), when both the first and second outputs are Lo outputs, it is determined that the seat is located at the rear. In this embodiment, the seat position determination unit 32A can determine the sliding position of the seat guide rail in four levels based on the combination of these four sensor outputs.

[0082] Next, refer to Figure 8 Explain the operation of the seat position determination device 100A. Figure 8 The flowchart processing can be performed, for example, at predetermined calculation cycles when power is supplied to the seat position determination ECU3A.

[0083] First, in S10, the seat position determination ECU 3A acquires a first output via the sensor output determination unit 31A. The sensor output determination unit 31A determines the first output based on the detection result of the first sensor unit 11. Next, in S11, the seat position determination ECU 3A determines whether the first output is a Hi output via the seat position determination unit 32A. If the first output is a Hi output (S11: Yes), the seat position determination ECU 3A acquires a second output via the sensor output determination unit 31A in S12. The sensor output determination unit 31A determines the second output based on the detection result of the second sensor unit 21.

[0084] In S13, the seat position determination ECU3A determines whether the second output is a Hi output via the seat position determination unit 32A. If the second output is a Hi output (S13: Yes), the seat position determination ECU3A determines the sliding position of the seat guide rail as "forward" in S14 via the seat position determination unit 32A. The seat position determination unit 32A and... Figure 7 Example (a) shows that when both sensors are in the first state, the combination of their outputs determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "forward". Then, the seat position determination ECU3A terminates. Figure 8 The processing.

[0085] On the other hand, if the second output is not the Hi output in S13 (S13: No), the seat position determination ECU 3A determines the sliding position of the seat guide rail as "Center 1" in S15 through the seat position determination unit 32A. The seat position determination unit 32A and... Figure 7 Example (b) shows that the combination of sensor outputs, where the first sensor unit 11 is in the second state and the second sensor unit 21 is in the first state, correspondingly determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "center 1". Then, the seat position determination ECU 3A ends. Figure 8 The processing.

[0086] On the other hand, if the first output in S11 is not the Hi output (S11: No), in S16, the seat position determination ECU 3A obtains the second output through the sensor output determination unit 31A. The sensor output determination unit 31A determines the second output based on the detection result of the second sensor unit 21.

[0087] In S17, the seat position determination ECU 3A determines whether the second output is a Hi output via the seat position determination unit 32A. If the second output is a Hi output (S17: Yes), the seat position determination ECU 3A, in S18, determines the sliding position of the seat guide rail as "Center 2" via the seat position determination unit 32A. The seat position determination unit 32A and... Figure 7Example (c) shows that the combination of sensor outputs, where the first sensor unit 11 is in the first state and the second sensor unit 21 is in the second state, correspondingly determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "center 2". Then, the seat position determination ECU 3A ends. Figure 8 The processing.

[0088] If the second output in S17 is not the Hi output (S17: No), the seat position determination ECU 3A determines the sliding position of the seat guide rail as "rear" in S19 via the seat position determination unit 32A. The seat position determination unit 32A and... Figure 7 Example (d) shows that when both sensors are in the second state, the combination of their outputs correspondingly determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "rear". Then, the seat position determination ECU 3A terminates. Figure 8 The processing.

[0089] As described above, in the seat position determination device 100A, both the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are sensor rails. The two sensors are a first sensor unit 11 and a second sensor unit 21, each installed in the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2, respectively. The components are two shielding plates 13 and 14 installed in the right seat rail 1 and one shielding plate 23 installed in the left seat rail 2. The seat position determination unit 32A determines the sliding position based on four detection states: both sensors in the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are in a first state; only the sensor in the right seat rail 1 is in a second state; only the sensor in the left seat rail 2 is in a second state; and both sensors in the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are in a second state. Thus, by combining the Hi or Lo outputs of the two sensors in a simple configuration, the sliding position of the vehicle's seat rails can be determined in four levels.

[0090] Next, we will refer to Figures 9 to 11 The third embodiment is described below. The differences between the third embodiment and the first and second embodiments are: 1. Only the first guide rail is a sensor guide rail; 2. A shielding plate 16 (component) is provided on the fixed part 1b side of the right seat guide rail 1, and two sensors (first sensor unit 11 and third sensor unit 15) are provided on the movable part 1a side of the right seat guide rail 1.

[0091] like Figure 9As shown, the seat position determination device 100B according to the third embodiment replaces the seat position determination ECU 3 and has a seat position determination ECU 3B including a sensor output determination unit 31B and a seat position determination unit 32B. The seat position determination ECU 3B differs from the seat position determination ECUs 3 and 3A in that the content determined by the seat position determination ECU 3B is changed accordingly to the differences in the configuration and structure of the sensors and components.

[0092] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 (a) to Figure 10 As shown in (c), a first sensor unit 11 and a third sensor unit 15 (sensor) are mounted on the movable part 1a of the right seat rail 1. The third sensor unit 15 is configured similarly to the first sensor unit 11. The point at which any sensor generates Hi or Lo output via a combination of a magnet and a magnetic sensor is the same as in the first and second embodiments. The first sensor unit 11 is positioned further forward than the third sensor unit 15 in the extending direction of the right seat rail 1. Furthermore, the left seat rail 2 does not have a sensor and is therefore not a sensor rail.

[0093] exist Figure 10 (a) to Figure 10 In example (c), the shielding plate 16 is disposed on the fixing portion 1b of the right seat rail 1. The front end of the shielding plate 16 is located behind the rear end of the third sensor unit 15 when the right seat rail 1 is slid to its forwardmost position. The shielding plate 16 is configured to block the detection of both the first sensor unit 11 and the third sensor unit 15 within a portion of the sliding range of the movable portion 1a. In the extending direction of the right seat rail 1, the extension length of the shielding plate 16 may be longer than the length from the front end of the first sensor unit 11 to the rear end of the third sensor unit 15.

[0094] In the seat position determination device 100B, the seat position determination unit 32B determines the sliding position based on three detection states: one of the first sensor unit 11 and the other of the third sensor unit 15 are in the first state, only the other sensor is in the second state, and one of the sensors and the other of the third sensor unit 15 are in the second state.

[0095] Seat position determination unit 32B, for example Figure 10 As shown in (a), when both the first and third outputs are Hi outputs, it is determined that the seat is positioned forward. The third output is the sensor output of the third sensor unit 15. The seat position determination unit 32B is, for example, as shown in... Figure 10As shown in (b), when the third output is a Lo output and the first output is a Hi output, it is determined that the seat is in the center. The seat position determination unit 32B is, for example, as shown in... Figure 10 As shown in (c), when both the first and third outputs are Lo outputs, it is determined that the seat is located at the rear. In this embodiment, based on the combination of these three sensor outputs, the seat position determination unit 32B can determine the sliding position of the seat guide rail in three levels.

[0096] Next, refer to Figure 11 Explain the operation of the seat position determining device 100B. Figure 11 The flowchart processing can be performed, for example, at predetermined calculation cycles when power is supplied to the seat position determination ECU 3B.

[0097] First, in S20, the seat position determination ECU 3B acquires a first output via the sensor output determination unit 31B. The sensor output determination unit 31B determines the first output based on the detection result of the first sensor unit 11. Next, in S21, the seat position determination ECU 3B determines whether the first output is a Hi output via the seat position determination unit 32B. If the first output is a Hi output (S21: Yes), the seat position determination ECU 3B acquires a third output via the sensor output determination unit 31B in S22. The sensor output determination unit 31B determines the third output based on the detection result of the third sensor unit 15.

[0098] In S23, the seat position determination ECU 3B determines whether the third output is a Hi output via the seat position determination unit 32B. If the third output is a Hi output (S23: Yes), the seat position determination ECU 3B, in S24, determines the sliding position of the seat guide rail as "forward" via the seat position determination unit 32B. The seat position determination unit 32B and... Figure 10 Example (a) shows that when both sensors are in the first state, the combination of their outputs determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "forward". Then, the seat position determination ECU 3B terminates. Figure 11 The processing.

[0099] On the other hand, if the third output in S23 is not the Hi output (S23: No), the seat position determination ECU 3B in S25 determines the sliding position of the seat guide rail as "center" through the seat position determination unit 32B. The seat position determination unit 32B and... Figure 10 Example (b) shows that the combination of sensor outputs, where the third sensor unit 15 is in the second state and the first sensor unit 11 is in the first state, correspondingly determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "center". Then, the seat position determination ECU 3B ends. Figure 11The processing.

[0100] On the other hand, if the first output in S21 is not the Hi output (S21: No), in S26, the seat position determination ECU 3B determines the sliding position of the seat guide rail as "rear" through the seat position determination unit 32B. The seat position determination unit 32B and... Figure 10 Example (c) shows that when both sensors are in the second state, the combination of their outputs correspondingly determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "rear". Then, the seat position determination ECU 3B terminates. Figure 11 The processing.

[0101] As described above, in the seat position determination device 100B, only the right seat rail 1 is equipped with sensor rails. The two sensors are two first sensor units 11 and a third sensor unit 15 mounted on the right seat rail 1. The component is a shielding plate 16 mounted on the right seat rail 1. The seat position determination unit 32B determines the sliding position based on three detection states: both the first sensor unit 11 (one sensor) and the third sensor unit 15 (the other sensor) are in a first state; only the third sensor unit 15 is in a second state; and both the first sensor unit 11 and the third sensor unit 15 are in the second state. Thus, by combining the Hi or Lo outputs of the two sensors in a simple configuration, the sliding position of the vehicle's seat rail can be determined in three levels.

[0102] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. This disclosure can be implemented in various ways with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described above.

[0103] In the above embodiments, the first sensor unit 11 is disposed on the movable part 1a of the right seat rail 1, but it may also be disposed on the fixed part 1b. In this case, the shielding plate 12 may also be disposed on the movable part 1a of the right seat rail 1. The same applies to other sensors and components.

[0104] In the above embodiments, examples are shown of using two sensors to determine the sliding position of the vehicle's seat rail in three or four levels, but the embodiments are not limited to these examples. For example, it is also possible to use three or more sensors to determine the sliding position in five or more levels.

[0105] In the above embodiments, a first sensor unit 11, which utilizes a magnet as a sensor, is used to determine the configuration of the first state and the second state. However, the physical quantity detected by the sensor is not limited to this example. For example, the configuration of the first state and the second state can also be determined by combining an optical sensor and a light-shielding plate.

[0106] In the above embodiments, the sliding position of the vehicle's seat rails determined by the seat position determining devices 100, 100A, and 100B is used to adjust the operation of the occupant restraint device 4, but this is not limited to this example. For example, the sliding position of the vehicle's seat rails determined by the seat position determining devices may also be used for purposes other than the operation of the occupant restraint device 4, or the seat position determining devices may be used as stand-alone devices.

Claims

1. A seat position determining device for determining the sliding position of a vehicle seat guide rail, wherein, The seat rail has a pair of first and second rails on the left and right sides in the vehicle. The seat position determining device includes: Multiple sensors are configured on a sensor rail that serves as at least one of the first rail and the second rail; A component, configured on the configuration sensor rail, obstructs the sensor's detection within a portion of the sliding range of the configuration sensor rail; as well as The seat position determination unit determines the sliding position based on the detection states of multiple sensors. The seat position determination unit determines the sliding position based on a combination of a first state where the sensor detects that the component does not block the sensor's detection and a second state where the sensor detects that the component blocks the sensor's detection.

2. The seat position determining device as described in claim 1, wherein, Both the first guide rail and the second guide rail are the configured sensor guide rails. Regarding the plurality of sensors, one sensor is respectively installed in the first guide rail and the second guide rail. One of the aforementioned components is disposed in each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail. The seat position determination unit determines the sliding position based on three detection states: the first guide rail and the second guide rail are both in the first state, the first guide rail is only in the second state, and the first guide rail and the second guide rail are both in the second state.

3. The seat position determining device as described in claim 1, wherein, Both the first guide rail and the second guide rail are the configured sensor guide rails. Regarding the plurality of sensors, one sensor is respectively installed in the first guide rail and the second guide rail. Two of the components are placed in the first guide rail, and one is placed in the second guide rail. The seat position determination unit determines the sliding position based on four detection states: the first guide rail and the second guide rail are both in the first state; only the first guide rail sensor is in the second state; only the second guide rail sensor is in the second state; and both the first guide rail and the second guide rail sensor are in the second state.

4. The seat position determining device as described in claim 1, wherein, Only the first guide rail is the configured sensor guide rail. Regarding the plurality of sensors, two of the sensors are arranged in the first guide rail. One of the components is installed in the first guide rail. The seat position determination unit determines the sliding position based on three detection states: when one sensor and the other sensor are both in the first state, when only the other sensor is in the second state, and when one sensor and the other sensor are both in the second state.

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