Sensor device and detection device for occupants

Abstract

A sensor device and an occupant detection device are provided, which can detect the movement and condition of a person in a specific area. The sensor device comprises: an antenna that transmits a radio wave as a transmission wave and receives a reflected wave; and a reflector with a first reflective part that reflects a first transmission wave contained in transmission waves and a first reflected wave contained in reflected waves. The sensor device comprises: a first detection area in which a direct transmission wave contained in the transmission waves arrives, the direct transmission wave being transmitted directly without being reflected by the reflector; and a second detection area in which the first transmission wave reflected by the first reflective part arrives.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sensor device and a detection device for occupants. State of the art

[0002] A conventional occupant status detection system is fitted in a vehicle with multiple seats, including front and rear seats.The occupant status detection system comprises: a radio wave sensor mounted above one of the majority of seats, which generates a sensor signal by transmitting a radio wave as a transmission wave and receiving the radio wave reflected from an object as a reflected wave; a signal processing device which, based on the sensor signal, decides whether the object in a detection area is a person and outputs a decision result; a seat vacancy detection device which detects whether a state of vacating the seat, in which a person has left the seat in front of them, has occurred; and a notification device which issues a warning when the signal processing device decides that the object in the detection area is a person, when the seat vacancy detection device detects the occurrence of the state of vacating the seat (see, for example, PTL 1). Citation list of patent literature

[0003] PTL 1: Unexamined Japanese patent application Publication No. 2020-101415 Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0004] Incidentally, in the conventional occupant state detection system, the detection area is an area that encompasses the entirety of a plurality of rear seats, so that the conventional occupant state detection system does not detect the movement and state of a person in a specific area such as part of a single seat.

[0005] Therefore, it is a task to provide a sensor device and a detection device for occupants that can detect the movement and condition of a person in a specific area. Solution to the problem

[0006] A sensor device in one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: an antenna which transmits a radio wave as a transmission wave and receives a reflected wave; and a reflector with a first reflective part which reflects a first transmission wave, which is contained in transmission waves, and a first reflected wave, which is contained in reflected waves. The sensor device comprises: a first detection area in which a direct transmission wave contained in the transmission waves arrives, wherein the direct transmission wave is transmitted directly without being reflected by the reflector; and a second detection area in which the first transmission wave reflected by the first reflective part arrives. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0007] It is possible to provide a sensor device and a detection device for occupants that can detect the movement and condition of a person in a specific area. Brief description of the drawings [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a drawing showing a sensor device 100 in one embodiment. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a drawing that depicts a state in which the sensor device 100 has been disassembled. [ Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a drawing in which the area is defined by the dashed lines in Fig. The enclosed part is enlarged. [ Fig. 4] Fig. Figure 4 is a drawing showing an example of the structure of a Radar 130. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a drawing showing the interior of a vehicle 1. [ Fig. 6] Fig. Figure 6 is a drawing showing the interior of vehicle 1. [ Fig. 7A] Fig. 7A is a drawing illustrating the detection areas at the time of parking vehicle 1. [ Fig. 7B] Fig. Figure 7B is a drawing illustrating the transmission waves arriving in a CPD area 1, a CPD area 2, and an IMS area. [ Fig. 8A] Fig. Figure 8A is a drawing illustrating a detection area and undetectable areas during the journey of vehicle 1. [ Fig. 8B] Fig. Figure 8B is a drawing illustrating a transmission wave arriving in an SBR area and transmission waves that are reflected to create an undetectable area 1 and an undetectable area 2. Description of the embodiments

[0008] An embodiment in which a sensor device and a detection device for occupants of the present disclosure are used is described below. < Design >< Structure of a sensor device 100>

[0009] Fig. Figure 1 is a drawing showing a sensor device 100 in one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a drawing showing a state in which the sensor device 100 has been disassembled. Fig. 3 is a drawing in which the area is defined by the dashed lines in Fig. The enclosed part is enlarged and shown.

[0010] The sensor device 100 is, for example, installed in a vehicle. The sensor device 100 is a device that receives a signal as a reflected wave, which has been reflected by an occupant (person) or object in the vehicle, and detects a distance to the occupant or object according to a time interval between transmission and reception. The sensor device 100 has a plurality of detection zones and a plurality of non-detected zones for detecting an occupant. The majority of the detection zones are areas in which the detection of an occupant is carried out, and the majority of the non-detected zones are areas in which the detection of an occupant is not carried out.

[0011] The following descriptions are given in an XYZ coordinate system. For clarity, the side in the -Z direction refers to the bottom or base, and the side in the +Z direction refers to the top or top surface. However, this does not represent a universal up-down relationship. Furthermore, a view in the XY plane refers to a top view. If the sensor device 100 is mounted in a vehicle, the Y direction is the vehicle's direction of travel (front-to-back), for example.

[0012] The sensor device 100 comprises a lower housing 110, a circuit board 120, a radar 130, a connector 140, a container 150, and a reflector 160. The container 150 is an example of a housing. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 indicates a panel 10, which is provided on the upper side of the sensor device 100. The panel 10 is a plastic cover that covers the sensor device 100 when the sensor device 100 is installed inside the vehicle. Fig. Figure 3 shows the circuit board 120, the radar 130, the container 150 and the reflector 160, and the container 150 is shown transparently.

[0013] The lower container 110 is a plastic housing that covers the underside of the sensor device 100. The sensor device 100 is attached to a vehicle body by means of a bracket or similar device on the underside of the lower container 110.

[0014] Circuit board 120 is a wiring board on which the radar 130 is mounted. The radar 130 and the connector 140 are attached to the top surface of circuit board 120. The radar 130 and the connector 140 are connected to each other on circuit board 120 by wires.

[0015] The radar device 130 has a substrate 130A, a transmission antenna 131 and a receiving antenna 132 (see Fig. 3) The transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132 are an example of an antenna that transmits a radio wave as a transmission wave and receives a reflected wave. The transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132 are located in the center of the upper surface of the substrate 130A. The substrate 130A is, for example, square in plan view. The transmitting antenna 131 transmits a radio wave as a transmission wave, and the receiving antenna 132 receives a reflected wave, which is reflected by an object or the like. Although the following refers to a transmission wave and a receiving wave of the radar 130, they are synonymous with the transmission of a transmission wave by the transmitting antenna 131 and the reception of a reflected wave by the receiving antenna 132.

[0016] The transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132 are positioned so that they are adjacent to each other in the Y-direction. The Y-direction is the direction of travel (front-to-back direction) of the vehicle. Fig. Figure 3 shows the normal n of radar 130. The normal n passes through the midpoint between the transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132. The forward direction of the transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132 is a direction that is oriented towards the +Z direction along the normal n.

[0017] An occupant detection device 200 is a device, for example, mounted in a vehicle, that detects the distance to an occupant or object based on the cycle time from the transmission of a radio wave to its reception. For example, a pulse radar capable of detecting such a cycle time can be used as radar 130. The circuit structure of radar 130 will be described later using the following examples: Fig. 4 described. The structure of the sensor device 100, which includes the radar 130, will also be described later with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 described.

[0018] The connector 140 is provided to connect the radar 130 to an ECU outside the sensor device 100.

[0019] Container 150 is a resin housing that covers the upper surface (first surface) of the printed circuit board 120. Reflector 160 is attached to the upper surface of container 150.

[0020] The reflector 160 is made of metal and has a first reflective plate 161, a second reflective plate 162 and a third reflective plate 163, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows the first reflective plate 161, the second reflective plate 162, and the third reflective plate 163, each representing an example of a first reflective part, a second reflective part, and a third reflective part, respectively. The reflector 160 is mounted on the upper surface of the container 150, so that, in a top view, it is positioned near the radar 130. The first reflective plate 161, the second reflective plate 162, and the third reflective plate 163 reflect a transmission wave from the radar 130 and reflect a reflected wave, which is bounced back by reflection off an object or similar, toward the radar 130.

[0021] The first reflecting plate 161 is a plate-shaped element consisting of a metal plate located substantially parallel to a YZ plane on the upper surface of the container 150, with the upper end (one end in the +Z direction) of the metal plate inclined to approach the transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132. The second reflecting plate 162 is a plate-shaped element resulting from the inclination of a metal plate substantially parallel to a ZX plane on the upper surface of the container 150 so that it approaches the transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132. The first reflecting plate 161 and the second reflecting plate 162 are plate-shaped elements curved to lie side by side.The third reflecting plate 163 is a portion of the first reflecting plate 161 at its upper end in the -Y direction, with the portion bent so that it approaches the transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132. The reflector 160 can be easily manufactured by cutting and bending a sheet of metal or the like.

[0022] A portion of the transmission waves from the radar 130 strikes an object directly without being reflected by the reflector 160. Instead, it is reflected by the object and returns to the radar 130 as a reflected wave. Such a radio wave is a direct wave. A direct wave contained within the transmission waves carried by the radar 130 is a direct transmission wave. A direct wave contained within the reflected waves received by the radar 130 is a direct reception wave. A detection area where a direct transmission wave arrives and the detection of an occupant is performed is an example of a first detection area.

[0023] The remaining portion of the radar 130's transmission waves is reflected by the reflector 160 and arrives at the object as described above. The wave reflected by the object is again reflected by the reflector 160 and returns to the radar 130. Of the transmission and reception waves reflected by the reflector 160, the transmission and reception waves reflected by the first reflecting plate 161 in this manner are examples of a first transmission wave and a first reception wave.

[0024] Of the transmission and reception waves reflected at reflector 160, the transmission and reception waves reflected at the second reflecting plate 162 are examples of a second transmission and a second reception wave. Of the transmission and reception waves reflected at reflector 160, the transmission and reception waves reflected at the third reflecting plate 163 are examples of a third transmission and a third reception wave. A detection area in which the first transmission wave arrives and the detection of an occupant is carried out is an example of a second detection area. A detection area in which the second transmission wave arrives and the detection of an occupant is carried out is an example of a third detection area.An area where the third transmission wave arrives reflected at the third reflecting plate 163 and no occupant is detected is an example of a non-detected area. The non-detected area is part of an area that does not belong to the first detection area, second detection area, or third detection area.

[0025] Although one aspect is described here in which the third reflective plate 163 is a part resulting from bending a portion of the upper end of the first reflective plate 161, the third reflective plate 163 can also be a part resulting from bending a portion of the upper end of the second reflective plate 162. The third reflective plate 163 can also be a reflective part provided on the upper surface of the container 150, instead of a part resulting from bending a portion of the upper end of either the first reflective plate 161 or the second reflective plate 162.

[0026] Wave reflection using the first reflecting plate 161, the second reflecting plate 162 and the third reflecting plate 163, wherein the first detection area, the second detection area, the third detection area and the undetectable area will be determined later by means of Fig. 7A to Fig. 8B described. < Structures of the radar 130 and the occupant detection device 200>

[0027] Fig. Figure 4 is a drawing showing an example of the structures of the radar 130 and the occupant detection device 200. Fig. Figure 4 shows an occupant detection device 200 and an ECU (electronic control unit) 50. The occupant detection device 200 comprises the sensor device 100 and a detection device 170. Fig. 4 The components of the sensor device 100, with the exception of the radar 130, are omitted.

[0028] The radar 130 comprises the transmitting antenna 131, the receiving antenna 132, a PA (power amplifier) ​​133, a switch 134, a signal output unit 135, an LNA (low noise amplifier) ​​136, and a mixer 137. The detection unit 170 is connected to the output side of the mixer 137.

[0029] The occupant detection device 200 is installed inside a vehicle. The occupant detection device 200 transmits a transmission wave (electromagnetic wave) from the radar via the transmission antenna 131, receives a signal at the receiving antenna 132 as a reflected wave reflected by an occupant or an object inside the vehicle, and detects the presence or absence of an occupant inside the vehicle according to the received signal. More precisely, the occupant detection device 200 detects the distance to an occupant or object based on the round-trip time from the transmission of the signal from the transmission antenna 131 until the reception of a reflected wave. An occupant or an object inside the vehicle is an example of a detectable object.Since the signal intensity of the reflected wave changes depending on the object's material, the shape (orientation) of the reflecting surface, and similar factors, the intensity of the reflected wave changes when the object moves. What moves inside the vehicle is the occupant, allowing the occupant to be detected.

[0030] The transmission antenna 131 is connected to the signal output unit 135 via the PA 133 and the switch 134. The transmission antenna 131 transmits a transmission wave, which was output by the signal output unit 135, passed through the switch 134 and was amplified in the PA 133, into the interior of the vehicle.

[0031] The receiving antenna 132 is connected to the LNA 136. The receiving antenna 132 receives a signal as a reflected wave that was emitted by the transmitting antenna 131 and reflected by an occupant or an object inside the vehicle, and sends an output to the LNA 136.

[0032] The PA 133 is located between the switch 134 and the transmission antenna 131. The PA 133 amplifies a transmission wave that is output by the signal output unit 135 and input via the switch 134, and outputs the transmission wave to the transmission antenna 131.

[0033] The LNA 136 is positioned between the receiving antenna 132 and the mixer 137. The LNA 136 amplifies a signal received at the receiving antenna 132 in a low-noise state and sends an output to the mixer 137.

[0034] Switch 134 is located between signal output unit 135 and PA 133. Switch 134 is turned on at a predetermined sampling interval by detection unit 170 and outputs a transmission wave to PA 133. The predetermined sampling interval is, for example, 20 Hz.

[0035] The signal output unit 135 outputs a transmission wave which is used to detect an occupant or an object inside the vehicle. The signal output unit 135 has two output terminals, each of which is connected to the switch 134 and the mixer 137.

[0036] Mixer 137 is connected to the output port of LNA 136, the output port of signal output unit 135, and the input port of detection unit 170. Mixer 137 combines (down-converts) a signal input from LNA 136 with a signal having the same frequency as a transmission wave input from signal output unit 135 and sends an output to the input port of detection unit 170 as a received signal representing the reflection level of a reflected wave. Incidentally, if there is no reflection, the reflection level is background noise.

[0037] Since detection is performed by switching on switch 134 once, the detection occurs during the sampling period in which switch 134 is switched on. For example, a transmission wave is sent from the transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132 towards the seat surface of a seat located in the interior of the vehicle to determine the presence or absence of an occupant. Detection refers to the determination of the presence or absence of an occupant in the space between the transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132 and the seat surface of a seat located in the interior of the vehicle in directions connecting the transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132 and the seat surface.

[0038] The detection unit 170 is implemented using a computer which includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an input / output interface, an internal bus and the like.

[0039] The detection unit 170 sets a threshold value, which is used to determine the presence or absence of an occupant. It compares the intensity of a received signal with this threshold value and detects an occupant based on the comparison result. Since the transit time to an occupant or object varies, it is possible to determine their presence or absence.

[0040] The ECU 50, which is one of the vehicle's control units, is connected to the detection unit 170. The detection unit 170 notifies the ECU 50 of a decision result. < Radar placement 130>

[0041] Fig. Figure 5 is a drawing showing the interior of vehicle 1. Fig. The 5 are a right front seat 5FR, a left front seat 5FL, a right rear seat 5RR, a middle rear seat 5RC and a left rear seat 5RL.

[0042] The sensor device 100 can, for example, be placed near a ceiling light 2RL above a rear side window on the left side of the vehicle's interior. In this case, it is sufficient to also install the sensor device 100 on the ceiling above a rear side window on the right side. It is possible to detect occupants or objects in and around the right rear seat 5RR, middle rear seat 5RC, and left rear seat 5RL. It is also possible to detect occupants or objects in and around the right front seat 5FR and left front seat 5FL by placing the sensor device 100 in an overhead console 3 on the ceiling above the center of the front seats in the interior or in the vicinity of the overhead console 3.

[0043] Fig. Figure 6 is a drawing showing the interior of vehicle 1. Fig. Figure 6 shows the right rear seat 5RR, middle rear seat 5RC and left rear seat 5RL. The in Fig. The sensor device 100 shown in Figure 6 has three radar units 130. The sensor device 100 can be installed in the center of the ceiling of the interior of vehicle 1, as shown in Figure 6. Fig. Figure 6 shows that it is possible to detect occupants or objects on the right rear seat 5RR, middle rear seat 5RC, and left rear seat 5RL, as well as around these seats. As described above, the sensor device 100 is provided on the ceiling of the interior of the vehicle 1, as shown in Figure 6. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown. < Detection areas at the time of vehicle parking 1>

[0044] Fig. 7A is a drawing showing the detection areas at the time when vehicle 1 is parked. Fig. Figure 7A indicates a CPD (Child Presence Detection) area 1, a CPD area 2, and an IMS (Intruder Monitoring System) area as detection areas, which the sensor device 100 (left) has, the sensor device 100 being located near the room light 2RL on the ceiling above the rear side window on the left side of the interior of the vehicle 1. CPD area 1 is an example of a first detection area. CPD area 2 and the IMS area are examples of a second detection area.

[0045] CPD area 1, CPD area 2, and IMS area are areas with distances that lie within a predetermined range from the sensor device 100. Since the sensor device 100 detects a distance to an occupant or object according to the rotation period of a transmission wave and a reception wave, the occupant detection device 200 detects the presence or absence of an occupant or object in CPD area 1, CPD area 2, and IMS area.

[0046] CPD Area 1 and CPD Area 2 are areas used for the detection of unattended child prevention (CPD). At the time the vehicle 1 is parked, small children left in the middle rear seat 5RC and the left rear seat 5RL, or infants in car seats, are detected. CPD Area 1 and CPD Area 2 are positioned within a top-down view of the seat surfaces of the middle rear seat 5RC and the left rear seat 5RL, and are located within several tens of centimeters (approximately 20 cm to approximately 50 cm) of these seat surfaces.To detect young children or babies in car seats, the area of ​​CPD area 1 and CPD area 2 is adjusted vertically to a range within a few tens of centimeters of the seat surfaces of the middle rear seat 5RC and the left rear seat 5RL. For the right rear seat 5RR, detection using sensor device 100 (right) on the right side is sufficient.

[0047] The IMS area is a zone used for intruder detection for crime prevention (IMS). Specifically, it is used to detect an intruder or similar individual who breaks the left rear side window and extends their arm into the interior for theft, such as a car break-in, while the vehicle is parked. The IMS zone is positioned, in plan view, on the left side within the rear side window and within a range of 10 cm to 50 cm from the ceiling, corresponding to the height of the side window. On the right side, detection using sensor device 100 on the right side is sufficient.

[0048] The sensor device 100 detects an intruder in a similar way to an occupant.

[0049] Fig. Figure 7B is a diagram showing transmission waves arriving in CPD area 1, CPD area 2, and the IMS area. The direct transmission wave propagates towards CPD area 1. Additionally, a first reflected wave, reflected by the first reflecting plate 161, propagates towards CPD area 2 and the IMS area. Thus, CPD area 1 is an area where the direct wave arrives. CPD area 2 and the IMS area are also areas where the first reflected wave arrives. < Detection range during vehicle movement 1>

[0050] Fig. Figure 8A is a drawing showing a detection area and undetectable areas during the journey of vehicle 1. Fig. Figure 8A represents a Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) area, which is an area where the sensor device 100, located near the interior light 2RL on the upper side of the rear left-hand side window in the interior of vehicle 1, performs a detection; and a Non-Detected Area 1 and a Non-Detected Area 2, which are areas where the sensor device 100 does not perform a detection. The SBR area is an example of the second detection area. The SBR area is an example of the third detection area.

[0051] The SBR area is an area in which a seatbelt reminder is activated for an occupant while vehicle 1 is in motion. The area in Fig. The SBR area shown in Figure 8A is for an occupant in the left rear seat 5RL. If a seatbelt reminder is activated for the left rear seat 5RL, the occupant in the left rear seat 5RL will be detected while the vehicle is in motion, and other occupants should not be detected. The SBR area at the left rear seat 5RL is set at a height where the presence or absence of the occupant's head in the left rear seat 5RL is detected. The SBR area is positioned within a range where the back of the left rear seat 5RL is visible from above and is located between 10 cm and 40 cm from the ceiling.

[0052] The SBR area is an area with a distance that lies within a predetermined range from the sensor device 100. Since the sensor device 100 detects a distance to an occupant or object according to the round-trip time of a transmission wave and a reception wave, the occupant detection device 200 detects the presence or absence of an occupant or object in the SBR area.

[0053] Undetectable Area 1 and Undetectable Area 2 are areas where occupants who must not be detected are present when the presence or absence of an occupant in the left rear seat 5RL is detected while the vehicle 1 is in motion with the sensor device 100 on the left side. Occupants in the middle rear seat 5RC and the left front seat 5FL must be distinguished from an occupant in the left rear seat 5RL. For this reason, Undetectable Area 1 and Undetectable Area 2 are each positioned in areas where the middle rear seat 5RC and the left front seat 5FL are present in a top view, and these areas lie within the range of 10 cm to 40 cm from the ceiling in the vertical direction.

[0054] Fig. Figure 8B is a drawing showing a transmission wave arriving in the SBR area and transmission waves that are reflected to create the undetectable area 1 and the undetectable area 2. A second reflected wave, which is reflected at the second reflecting plate 162, propagates from the transmission waves towards the SBR area. That is, the SBR area is the area where the second reflected wave arrives. A portion of the second reflected wave, which is contained within the transmission waves, specifically the portion reflected at the second reflecting plate 162, arrives in an area other than the SBR area, namely CPD area 1, CPD area 2, and the IMS area.

[0055] Undetectable Area 2 is positioned within an area encompassing the SBR area and is located in a different area than the SBR area, CPD area 1, CPD area 2, and IMS area. The positioning of Undetectable Area 2 within an area encompassing the SBR area is intended to ensure that Undetectable Area 2 is an area where a person sitting adjacent to the SBR area could be present when an occupant or object is detected inside the vehicle 1. Here, the area encompassing the SBR area is located at the center rear seat 5RC, to the side and right of the SBR area, and at the left front seat 5FL, in front of the SBR area. Undetectable Area 2 is positioned at the left front seat 5FL, in front of the SBR area.Because if an area in front of the SBR area is included in the detection area, it is not known which seat, left rear seat 5RL or left front seat 5FL, a person is in.

[0056] The second reflective plate 162 has a shape by means of which the undetectable area 2 is formed on the back of the second reflective plate 162, as seen from the radar 130, and is positioned such that the undetectable area 2 is formed.

[0057] Furthermore, of the transmission waves, the third transmission wave, which is reflected at the third reflecting plate 163, propagates in a direction other than the undetectable area 1, which is located in the center of the rear seat 5RC. The undetectable area 1, where no transmission wave arrives, is thus realized. The vehicle 1 is positioned in an area that encompasses the SBR area and includes an area other than the SBR area, namely the CPD area 1, the CPD area 2, and the IMS area. The positioning of the undetectable area 1 within an area that encompasses the SBR area implies that the undetectable area 1 is an area where there is a possibility that a person is located there, in the vicinity of a person who, upon detection of an occupant or an object inside the vehicle 1, is likely to be in the SBR area.Here is the area encompassing the SBR area: an area positioned next to and to the right of the SBR area at the middle rear seat 5RC, and in front of the SBR area at the left front seat 5FL. The undetectable area 1 is adjacent to and to the right of the SBR at the middle rear seat 5RC. This is because if an area adjacent to and to the right of the SBR area is included in the detection area, it is not known which seat a person is occupying: the left rear seat 5RL or the middle rear seat 5RC.

[0058] The third reflecting plate 163 has a shape in which the undetectable area 1 is formed on the back side of the third reflecting plate 163, as seen by the radar 130, and is positioned such that the undetectable area 1 is formed. This is similar to the first reflecting plate 161; the first reflecting plate 161 has a shape in which a predetermined undetectable area is formed on the back side of the first reflecting plate 161 when seen by the radar 130. Here, the predetermined undetectable area formed on the back side of the first reflecting plate 161 is not used.

[0059] When outputting sensor device 100, there is no distinction between the one in Fig. 7A shows CPD area 1, CPD area 2 and IMS area and the one in Fig.Figure 8B shows the SBR area. Therefore, if an occupant or similar is detected in any of the areas CPD 1, CPD 2, IMS, or SBR, the output of sensor device 100 will be a signal representing that an occupant or similar has been detected. If an occupant or similar is not detected in any of the areas CPD 1, CPD 2, IMS, or SBR, the output of sensor device 100 will be a signal representing that an occupant or similar has not been detected.

[0060] Therefore, the undetectable area 1 and the undetectable area 2 are areas that may not be included in the four detection areas, CPD area 1, CPD area 2, IMS area and SBR area, and are contained in an area other than the first detection area, second detection area and third detection area.

[0061] As described above, the sensor device 100 comprises: CPD area 1, in which the direct transmission wave, encompassing the transmission waves, arrives, the direct transmission wave being transmitted directly without being reflected by the reflector 160; and CPD area 2 and the IMS area, in which the first transmission wave arrives, having been reflected by the first reflective plate 161. Therefore, it is possible to detect the movement and state of an occupant (a person) in a specific area such as CPD area 1, CPD area 2, and the IMS area.

[0062] Therefore, it is possible to provide the sensor device 100, which can detect the movement and condition of a person in a specific area.

[0063] Furthermore, the reflector 160 has a second reflective plate 162, which reflects the second transmitted wave contained within the transmitted waves and the second reflected wave contained within the reflected waves, and furthermore has the SBR area in which the second transmitted wave reflected by the second reflective plate 162 arrives. Therefore, it is possible to provide the sensor device 100 and the occupant detection device 200, which can detect the movements and states of persons in more specific areas.

[0064] Furthermore, the reflector 160 has a third reflective plate 163, which reflects the third transmission wave contained within the transmission waves and causes propagation in a different area than CPD area 1, CPD area 2, the IMS area, and the SBR area. By reflecting the third transmission wave in a different area than CPD area 1, CPD area 2, the IMS area, and the SBR area, the reflected wave does not reach CPD area 1, CPD area 2, the IMS area, or the SBR area, thus enabling reliable detection in CPD area 1, CPD area 2, the IMS area, and the SBR area.

[0065] The first reflecting plate 161 and the second reflecting plate 162 are plate-shaped elements curved so that they abut each other. They are inclined relative to the forward direction of the radar 130, so that they approach the radar 130. The third reflecting plate 163 is a curved part resulting from bending the tip of the first reflecting plate 161 or the second reflecting plate 162 in a direction in which the tip approaches the radar 130. Therefore, the reflector 160 can be easily made from a metal plate or similar material. Incidentally, the first reflecting plate 161 and the second reflecting plate 162 can be made from separate metal plates or similar materials. The third reflecting plate 163 can also be made from a separate metal plate or similar material.That is, the first reflecting plate 161, the second reflecting plate 162 and the third reflecting plate 163 can be formed separately, and the third reflecting plate 163 can be a part that is attached to the top of the first reflecting plate 161 or the second reflecting plate 162 in a direction in which the third reflecting plate 163 approaches the radar 130.

[0066] Since the third reflective plate 163 has a shape in which a predetermined undetected area is formed on the back of the third reflective plate 163, as seen by the radar 130, a predetermined undetected area can be reliably formed on the back of the third reflective plate 163.

[0067] Since the third reflective plate 163 forms a non-detected area within a region that encompasses at least one of the regions CPD region 1, CPD region 2, IMS region and SBR region, the detection of an occupant or object in CPD region 1, CPD region 2, IMS region and SBR region can be reliably carried out.

[0068] The second reflective plate 162 has a shape in which the SBR area is formed and a predetermined undetectable area is formed on the back of the second reflective plate 162, as seen by the radar 130, so that an undetectable area can be reliably formed on the back of the second reflective plate 162.

[0069] Since the second reflective plate 162 forms a non-detected area within a region that encompasses at least one of the regions CPD region 1, CPD region 2, IMS region and SBR region, the detection of an occupant or object in the CPD region 1, CPD region 2, IMS region and SBR region can be reliably carried out.

[0070] Furthermore, the circuit board 120, which has a first surface on which the radar 130 is placed, and the container 150, which covers the same side as the first surface of the circuit board 120, are included, and the reflector 160 is provided on the container 150 so that the positioning of the reflector 160 relative to the radar 130 can be reliably carried out. Therefore, the direct wave and the reflected wave can be formed as designed.

[0071] Furthermore, the radar 130 is provided on the ceiling of the interior of vehicle 1, so that a structure can be realized in which the detection of an occupant or an object in the detection area can be easily carried out from above.

[0072] Furthermore, the occupant detection device 200 includes the detection unit 170, which detects a person (occupant) or an object in the interior of the vehicle 1 according to the detection result of the sensor device 100 mounted in the vehicle 1, so that it is possible to provide the occupant detection device 200, which can detect the movement and condition of a person in a specific area.

[0073] Up to this point, the sensor device and the occupant detection device have been described in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments. Various variations and modifications are possible without deviating from the scope of the claims.

[0074] This international application claims priority over Japanese patent application No. 2022-021547, which was filed on February 15, 2022, and the entire content of that application is incorporated into this international application by reference. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle 100 sensor device 110 lower case 120 circuit boards 130 radar 130A circuit board 131 Transmission antenna (example of an antenna) 132 Receiving antenna (example of an antenna) 140 connectors 150 containers (example of a housing) 160 Reflector 161 first reflective plate (example of a reflective part) 162 second second reflective plate (example of a reflective part) 163 third third reflective plate (example of a reflective part) 170 detection unit 200 occupant detection device QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2020-101415

[0003] JP 2022-021547

[0074]

Claims

[1] A sensor device comprising: an antenna which sends a radio wave as a transmission wave and receives a reflected wave; and a reflector having a first reflecting part which reflects a first transmission wave contained in transmission waves and a first reflected wave contained in reflected waves; wherein the sensor device comprises a first detection area in which a direct transmission wave contained in the transmission waves arrives, the direct transmission wave being directly transmitted without being reflected by the reflector, and a second detection area in which the first transmission wave reflected by the first reflecting part arrives. [2] The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein: the reflector has a second reflecting part which reflects a second transmission wave included in the transmission waves and a second reflected wave included in the reflected waves, and the sensor device further comprises a third detection region in which the second transmission wave reflected by the second reflecting part arrives. [3] The sensor device according to claim 2, wherein the reflector further comprises a third reflective part which reflects a third transmission wave included in the transmission waves and causes it to propagate in a region other than the first detection region, the second detection region and the third detection region. [4] The sensor device according to claim 3, wherein: the first reflecting part and the second reflecting part are a plate-shaped member which is bent to abut each other and inclined with respect to a front direction of the antenna so as to approach the antenna; and the third reflective part is a bent part resulting from bending a tip of the first reflective part or the second reflective part in a direction in which the tip approaches the antenna, or the first reflective part, the second reflective part and the third reflective part are formed separately, wherein the third reflective part is a part attached to the tip of the first reflective part or to the tip of the second reflective part in a direction in which the third reflective part approaches the antenna. [5] The sensor device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the third reflective part has a shape by which a predetermined non-detected area is formed on a back side of the third reflective part when viewed from the antenna. [6] The sensor device according to claim 5, wherein the third reflective part forms the predetermined non-detected area in an area surrounding at least one of the first detection area, the second detection area and the third detection area. [7] The sensor device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the second reflective part has a shape by which the third detection area is formed and a predetermined non-detected area is formed on a back side of the second reflective part as viewed from the antenna. [8] The sensor device according to claim 7, wherein the second reflective part forms the predetermined non-detected area in an area surrounding at least one of the first detection area, the second detection area and the third detection area. [9] The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a circuit board having a first surface on which the antenna is placed; and a housing covering the same side as the first surface of the printed circuit board, wherein the reflector is provided on the housing. [10] The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the antenna is provided on a ceiling of the interior of the vehicle. [11] An occupant detection device comprising: the sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sensor device is mounted in a vehicle; and a detection unit that detects an occupant in the vehicle according to a detection result of the sensor device mounted in the vehicle.

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