Seat position identification device

Abstract

The present invention provides a seat position identification device that enables the identification of the sliding position of a vehicle's seat rail in multiple stages with a simple configuration. [Solution] The seat position identification device 100 includes a first sensor unit 11 and a second sensor unit 21 arranged on sensor placement rails of the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2, shielding plates 12 and 22 arranged on the sensor placement rails and obstructing the detection of each sensor 11, 12 in a part of the sliding range of the sensor placement rails, and a seat position determination unit 32 that determines the sliding position based on the detection state of the multiple sensors 11, 12. The seat position determination unit 32 determines the sliding position according to a combination of a first state in which the detection of each sensor 11, 12 is not obstructed by the shielding plates 12, 22, and a second state in which the detection of each sensor 11, 12 is obstructed by the shielding plates 12, 22.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seat position specifying device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique is known in which the detection state of one sensor is changed by a shielding plate provided with an inclined shape, and the slide position of a vehicle seat rail is linearly specified based on the detection result of the one sensor (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technique for specifying the slide position of a vehicle seat rail, there is a problem that, for example, new development of a sensor and a determination unit (circuit or logic) is required in order to achieve high accuracy in accordance with the shape of the shielding plate as in the above conventional technique. Therefore, there remains room for improvement in the ease of realizing a configuration that specifies the slide position of a vehicle seat rail in multiple stages.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a seat position determining device for determining the sliding position of a seat rail of a vehicle, wherein the seat rail has a pair of left and right first rails and second rails in the vehicle, and comprises a plurality of sensors arranged on a sensor arrangement rail which is at least one of the first rail and the second rail, a member arranged on the sensor arrangement rail which obstructs the detection of the sensors in a part of the sliding range of the sensor arrangement rail, and a seat position determination unit which determines the sliding position based on the detection state of the plurality of sensors, wherein the seat position determination unit determines the sliding position according to a combination of a first state in which the detection of the sensors is not obstructed by the member and a second state in which the detection of the sensors is obstructed by the member.

[0006] In a seat position determination device according to one aspect of this disclosure, a sensor arrangement rail is provided with a plurality of sensors and a member that obstructs the detection of each sensor within a portion of the sliding range of the sensor arrangement rail. For each of the plurality of sensors, there exists a first state in which the detection of the sensor is not obstructed by the member, and a second state in which the detection of the sensor is obstructed by the member. By combining the first and second states, the seat position determination unit can determine three or more different sliding positions. Therefore, it is possible to determine the sliding position of the vehicle's seat rail in multiple stages with a simple configuration.

[0007] In one embodiment, the sensor placement rails are both a first rail and a second rail, one sensor is provided on each of the first and second rails, one member is provided on each of the first and second rails, and the seat position determination unit may determine the slide position according to three detection states: when both the sensors on the first and second rails are in a first state, when only the sensor on the first rail is in a second state, and when both the sensors on the first and second rails are in a second state.

[0008] In one embodiment, the sensor placement rails are both a first rail and a second rail, multiple sensors are provided one on each of the first and second rails, two members are provided on the first rail and one on the second rail, and the seat position determination unit may determine the slide position according to four detection states: when both the sensors on the first and second rails are in a first state, when only the sensors on the first rail are in a second state, when only the sensors on the second rail are in a second state, and when both the sensors on the first and second rails are in a second state.

[0009] In one embodiment, the sensor placement rail is only a first rail, two sensors are provided on the first rail, one member is provided on the first rail, and the sheet position determination unit may determine the slide position according to three detection states: when both one sensor and the other sensor are in a first state, when only the other sensor is in a second state, and when both one sensor and the other sensor are in a second state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to some aspects of this disclosure, it is possible to specify the sliding position of a vehicle's seat rail in multiple stages with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing a seat position identification device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] (a) is a diagram showing an example of the first state in which sensor detection is not obstructed by the component. (b) is a diagram showing an example of the second state in which sensor detection is obstructed by the component. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of sensor output in the first and second states. [Figure 4](a) is a diagram showing an example where both the sensors on the first and second rails are in the first state. (b) is a diagram showing an example where only the sensor on the first rail is in the second state. (c) is a diagram showing an example where both the sensors on the first and second rails are in the second state. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the seat position identification device. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing a seat position identification device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] (a) is a diagram showing an example where both the sensors on the first and second rails are in the first state. (b) is a diagram showing an example where only the sensor on the second rail is in the second state. (c) is a diagram showing an example where only the sensor on the first rail is in the second state. (d) is a diagram showing an example where both the sensors on the first and second rails are in the second state. [Figure 8] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the seat position identification device. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing a seat position identification device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] (a) is a diagram showing an example where both one sensor and the other sensor are in the first state. (b) is a diagram showing an example where only the other sensor is in the second state. (c) is a diagram showing an example where both one sensor and the other sensor are in the second state. [Figure 11] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the seat position identification device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a seat position identification device according to the first embodiment. The seat position identification device 100 is installed in a vehicle such as a passenger car. The vehicle is not limited to a passenger car.

[0014] A vehicle is provided with a pair of left and right seat rails arranged in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle so as to support a seat for an occupant to sit on. In the example of Figure 1, the pair of left and right seat rails corresponds to a right seat rail 1 (first rail) and a left seat rail 2 (second rail). The seat rails slidably support the seat within a predetermined sliding range along the vehicle front-rear direction. The seat rails may be driven by an electric motor or the like to slide the seat continuously, or the lock may be released by manual lever operation to allow the seat to slide in multiple stages.

[0015] The right seat rail 1 includes a movable portion 1a and a fixed portion 1b (see Fig. 4(a) to Fig. 4(c)). The fixed portion 1b is a rail member fixed to the vehicle body along the vehicle front-rear direction. The movable portion 1a is a rail member provided so as to be slidable relative to the fixed portion 1b. The movable portion 1a is fixed to the bottom surface of the seat. The movable portion 1a slides relative to the fixed portion 1b, thereby slidably supporting the seat along the vehicle front-rear direction. A known configuration can be used for the configuration related to the sliding function of the movable portion 1a and the fixed portion 1b.

[0016] The left seat rail 2 includes a movable portion 2a and a fixed portion 2b (see Fig. 4(a) to Fig. 4(c)). The fixed portion 2b is a rail member fixed to the vehicle body along the vehicle front-rear direction. The movable portion 2a is a rail member provided so as to be slidable relative to the fixed portion 2b. The movable portion 2a is fixed to the bottom surface of the seat. The movable portion 2a slides relative to the fixed portion 2b, thereby slidably supporting the seat along the vehicle front-rear direction. A known configuration can be used for the configuration related to the sliding function of the movable portion 2a and the fixed portion 2b.

[0017] The seat position specifying device 100 is a device for specifying the sliding position of the seat rail of a vehicle. The sliding position of the seat rail means the position of the seat that has been moved along the vehicle front-rear direction within the sliding range.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the seat position identification device 100 comprises a first sensor unit 11 (sensor), a shielding plate 12 (member), a second sensor unit 21 (sensor), a shielding plate 22 (member), a seat position determination ECU [Electronic Control Unit] 3, and an occupant restraint device 4.

[0019] The first sensor unit 11 and shielding plate 12 are provided on the right seat rail 1. The second sensor unit 21 and shielding plate 22 are provided on the left seat rail 2. In other words, in the example of Figure 1, both the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are sensor mounting rails. Multiple first sensor units 11 and second sensor units 21 are provided one on each of the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2.

[0020] The first sensor unit 11 is located on either the movable part 1a or the fixed part 1b of the right seat rail 1. The shielding plate 12 is located on either the movable part 1a or the fixed part 1b of the right seat rail 1. In the examples of Figures 4(a) to 4(c), the first sensor unit 11 is located on the movable part 1a of the right seat rail 1. The shielding plate 12 is located on the fixed part 1b of the right seat rail 1.

[0021] The second sensor unit 21 is located on either the movable part 2a or the fixed part 2b of the left seat rail 2. The shielding plate 22 is located on the other of the movable part 2a or the fixed part 2b of the left seat rail 2. In the examples of Figures 4(a) to 4(c), the second sensor unit 21 is located on the movable part 2a of the left seat rail 2. The shielding plate 22 is located on the fixed part 2b of the left seat rail 2.

[0022] In the examples shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(c), a shielding plate 12 is positioned at the fixing portion 1b of the right seat rail 1. A shielding plate 22 is positioned at 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 shielding plate 12 is longer than that of shielding plate 22. The rear end of shielding plate 22 coincides with the rear end of shielding plate 12. The front end of shielding plate 12 is located in front of the front end of shielding plate 22. The extending length of shielding plate 22 may be longer than the length from the front end to the rear end of the second sensor unit 21.

[0023] As an example, as shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the first sensor unit 11 and the second sensor unit 21 are each composed of magnets 11a and 21a, magnetic sensors 11b and 21b, and support members 11c and 21c.

[0024] In the first sensor unit 11, the magnet 11a and the magnetic sensor 11b are supported by a support 11c such that they face each other across space. The support 11c may be formed in a U-shape in cross-section when viewed from the direction of extension of the movable part 1a and the fixed part 1b of the right seat rail 1.

[0025] The shielding plate 12 is an example of a member that obstructs the detection of the magnetic sensor 11b in a portion of the sliding range of the movable part 1a. The shielding plate 12 may be a plate-shaped member made of a magnetic material (e.g., an iron-based material). The shielding plate 12 is attached to the fixed part 1b of the right seat rail 1 so as the seat slides and the movable part 1a and the fixed part 1b move relative to each other, the shielding plate 12 enters or exits the space (magnetic flux path) between the magnet 11a of the first sensor unit 11 and the magnetic sensor 11b. A portion of the sliding range can be preset so as to distinguish between several sliding positions of the seat rail (e.g., front, center, rear) by obstructing the detection of the magnetic sensor 11b.

[0026] The first sensor unit 11 and the second sensor unit 21 have, for example, the same configuration. The shielding plate 12 and the shielding plate 22 have, for example, the same configuration. One shielding plate 12 and one shielding plate 22 are provided on each of the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2.

[0027] The shape or support structure of the support 11c is not limited, as long as the first sensor unit 11 and the second sensor unit 21 can output a detection result corresponding to the first state and a detection result corresponding to the second state. The first sensor unit 11 and the second sensor unit 21 may have different configurations from each other. The shape or dimensions of the shielding plates 12 and 22 are not limited, as long as they can output a sensor output corresponding to the first state and a sensor output corresponding to the second state. The shielding plates 12 and 22 may have different configurations from each other.

[0028] The seat position determination ECU3 is an electronic control unit (computer) having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), CAN (Controller Area Network) communication circuit, etc. The seat position determination ECU3 realizes various functions by, for example, loading a program stored in ROM into RAM and executing the program loaded into RAM with the CPU. The seat position determination ECU3 may be composed of multiple electronic units. The seat position determination ECU3 is equipped with ROM and RAM as storage units. The seat position determination ECU3 may also be equipped with EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) as a storage unit.

[0029] The occupant restraint device 4 is a device such as an airbag and a seat belt pretensioner that activates, for example, during a vehicle collision. The occupant restraint device 4 can be configured to adjust its operation according to the sliding position of the seat rail. The occupant restraint device 4 may receive information on the sliding position of the seat rail from the seat position determination ECU 3 and operate according to the sliding position of the seat rail. Note that the seat position identification device 100 does not necessarily have to include the occupant restraint device 4.

[0030] The seat position determination ECU 3 receives signals related to the sensor output from the first sensor unit 11 and the detection result from the second sensor unit 21. The seat position determination ECU 3 transmits a control signal, including information regarding the sliding position of the seat rail, to the occupant restraint device 4.

[0031] The seat position determination ECU 3 has a functional configuration that includes a sensor output determination unit 31 and a seat position determination unit 32.

[0032] 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 according to the positions of the shielding plates 12 and 22 relative to the first sensor unit 11 and the second sensor unit 21 as the movable parts 1a and 2a slide back and forth.

[0033] The sensor output determination unit 31 determines a Hi output as the first output (see Figure 3) when the shielding plate 12 does not enter the space between the magnet 11a and the magnetic sensor 11b (see Figure 2(a)), and the magnetic sensor 11b detects the magnetic flux of the magnetic field from the magnet 11a that is not obstructed by the shielding plate 12. The state in which a Hi output is output corresponds to the first state in which the sensor detection is not obstructed by the material. The first output is the sensor output of the first sensor unit 11.

[0034] The sensor output determination unit 31 determines a Lo output as the first output when the shielding plate 12 enters the space between the magnet 11a and the magnetic sensor 11b (see Figure 2(b)), by having the magnetic sensor 11b detect the magnetic flux of the magnetic field produced by the magnet 11a, which is blocked by the shielding plate 12 (see Figure 3). The state in which a Lo output is output corresponds to a second state in which the sensor's detection is obstructed by the material.

[0035] The sensor output determination unit 31 determines a Hi output as the second output for the second sensor unit 21, similar to the first sensor unit 11, if the shielding plate 22 does not enter the space between the magnet 21a and the magnetic sensor 21b (see Figure 2(a)). If the shielding plate 22 enters the space between the magnet 21a and the magnetic sensor 21b (see Figure 2(b)), the sensor output determination unit 31 determines a Lo output as the second output (see Figure 3). The second output is the sensor output of the second sensor unit 21.

[0036] The seat position determination unit 32 determines the sliding position of the seat 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 rail according to a combination of a first state in which sensor detection is not obstructed by a member and a second state in which sensor detection is obstructed by a member. For example, the seat position determination unit 32 determines the sliding position of the seat rail according to a combination of the first output and the second output (a combination of Hi output or Lo output).

[0037] In the seat position identification device 100, the seat position determination unit 32 determines the slide position according to three detection states: when both the sensors on the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are in the first state; when only the sensor on the right seat rail 1 is in the second state; and when both the sensors on the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are in the second state.

[0038] The seat position determination unit 32 determines that the seat is in a forward position when both the first output and the second output are Hi outputs, for example as shown in Figure 4(a). The seat position determination unit 32 determines that the seat is in a center position when the first output is Lo output and the second output is Hi output, for example as shown in Figure 4(b). The seat position determination unit 32 determines that the seat is in a rearward position when both the first output and the second output are Lo outputs, for example as shown in Figure 4(c). In this embodiment, the seat position determination unit 32 can determine the sliding position of the seat rail in three stages according to these three combinations of sensor outputs.

[0039] Next, the operation of the seat position identification device 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. The flowchart in Figure 5 may be executed, for example, at predetermined calculation cycles when power is supplied to the seat position determination ECU 3.

[0040] First, in step S01, the seat position determination ECU 3 obtains a first output using 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 step S02, the seat position determination ECU 3 uses the seat position determination unit 32 to determine whether the first output is a Hi output or not. If the first output is a Hi output (S02: YES), the seat position determination ECU 3 obtains a second output using the sensor output determination unit 31 in step S03. The sensor output determination unit 31 determines the second output based on the detection result of the second sensor unit 21.

[0041] In step S04, the seat position determination ECU 3 determines whether the second output is a Hi output using the seat position determination unit 32. If the second output is a Hi output (S04: YES), in step S05, the seat position determination ECU 3 determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "forward" using the seat position determination unit 32. The seat position determination unit 32 determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "forward" in a combination of sensor outputs where both sensors are in the first state, as in the example in Figure 4(a). After that, the seat position determination ECU 3 terminates the process shown in Figure 5.

[0042] On the other hand, if the first output is not a Hi output in step S02 (S02: NO), in step S06, the seat position determination ECU 3 obtains a second output using 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.

[0043] In step S07, the seat position determination ECU 3 determines whether the second output is a Hi output using the seat position determination unit 32. If the second output is a Hi output (S07: YES), in step S08, the seat position determination ECU 3 uses the seat position determination unit 32 to determine the sliding position of the seat rail as "center". The seat position determination unit 32 corresponds to 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, as shown in the example in Figure 4(b), and determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "center". After that, the seat position determination ECU 3 completes the process shown in Figure 5.

[0044] If the second output is not a Hi output in step S07 (S07:NO), the seat position determination ECU 3 determines the seat rail slide position as "rear" in step S09 using the seat position determination unit 32. The seat position determination unit 32 corresponds to the combination of sensor outputs where both sensors are in the second state, as in the example in Figure 4(c), and determines the seat rail slide position as "rear". After that, the seat position determination ECU 3 terminates the process shown in Figure 5.

[0045] As explained above, in the seat position determination device 100, two sensors (first sensor unit 11 and second sensor unit 21) and two members (shielding plate 12 and shielding plate 22) that obstruct detection of each sensor in a portion of the sliding range of the sensor arrangement rail are arranged on the sensor placement rail (right seat rail 1 and left seat rail 2). For each of the two sensors, there is a first state in which sensor detection is not obstructed by the member, and a second state in which sensor detection is obstructed by the member. As a result, by combining the first and second states, the seat position determination unit 32 can determine three different sliding positions. Therefore, it is possible to determine the sliding positions of the vehicle's right seat rail 1 and left seat rail 2 in multiple stages with a simple configuration.

[0046] In the seat position identification device 100, the sensor placement rails are both the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2. The two sensors are a first sensor unit 11 and a second sensor unit 21, one of which is provided on the right seat rail 1 and one of which on the left seat rail 2. The components are shielding plates 12 and 22, one of which is provided on the right seat rail 1 and one of which on the left seat rail 2. The seat position determination unit 32 determines the slide position according to three detection states: when both the sensors on the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 produce a Hi output (first state), when only the sensor on the right seat rail 1 produces a Lo output (second state), and when both the sensors on the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 produce a Lo output. This makes it possible to determine the slide position of the vehicle's seat rails in three stages with a simple configuration that combines the Hi or Lo outputs of the two sensors.

[0047] Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the sensor placement rails are both the first rail and the second rail, but it differs from the first embodiment in that two shielding plates 13 and 14 (members) are provided on the fixing portion 1b of the right seat rail 1, and one shielding plate 23 (member) is provided on the fixing portion 2b of the left seat rail 2.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, the seat position determination device 100A according to the second embodiment includes a seat position determination ECU 3A, which includes a sensor output determination unit 31A and a seat position determination unit 32A, instead of the seat position determination ECU 3. The seat position determination ECU 3A differs from the seat position determination ECU 3 in that the content of the determination is changed in response to differences in the arrangement and configuration of sensors and components.

[0049] As shown in Figures 6 and 7(a) to 7(d), a first sensor unit 11 is attached to the movable part 1a of the right seat rail 1. A second sensor unit 21 is attached to the movable part 2a of the left seat rail 2. Both sensors generate a Hi output or Lo output using a combination of a magnet and a magnetic sensor, similar to the first embodiment.

[0050] In the examples shown in Figures 7(a) to 7(d), shielding plates 13 and 14 are positioned spaced apart from each other at the fixing portion 1b of the right seat rail 1. Shielding plate 14 is positioned behind shielding plate 13. Shielding plate 23 is positioned at 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 extended length of shielding plate 23 is longer than that of shielding plate 14. The rear end of shielding plate 23 coincides with the rear end of shielding plate 14. The front end of shielding plate 23 is positioned forward of the front end of shielding plate 14 and coincides with the rear end of shielding plate 13. The extended length of shielding plate 13 is equivalent to that of shielding plate 14. The extended length of shielding plate 13 may be longer than the length from the front end to the rear end of the first sensor unit 11. The extended length of the shielding plate 14 may be longer than the length from the front end to the rear end of the first sensor unit 11.

[0051] In the seat position identification device 100A, the seat position determination unit 32A determines the slide position according to four detection states: when both the sensors on the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are in the first state; when only the sensor on the right seat rail 1 is in the second state; when only the sensor on the left seat rail 2 is in the second state; and when both the sensors on the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are in the second state.

[0052] The seat position determination unit 32A determines that the seat is located forward when both the first output and the second output are Hi outputs, for example as shown in Figure 7(a). The seat position determination unit 32A determines that the seat is located at center 1 when the first output is Lo output and the second output is Hi output, for example as shown in Figure 7(b). Center 1 is the area closer to the front of the central region between the front and rear. The seat position determination unit 32A determines that the seat is located at center 2 when the first output is Hi output and the second output is Lo output, for example as shown in Figure 7(c). Center 2 is the area closer to the rear of the central region between the front and rear. The seat position determination unit 32A determines that the seat is located rear when both the first output and the second output are Lo outputs, for example as shown in Figure 7(d). In this embodiment, the seat position determination unit 32A can determine the sliding position of the seat rail in four stages according to these four combinations of sensor outputs.

[0053] Next, the operation of the seat position identification device 100A will be explained with reference to Figure 8. The flowchart in Figure 8 may be executed, for example, at predetermined calculation cycles when power is supplied to the seat position determination ECU 3A.

[0054] First, in step S10, the seat position determination ECU 3A obtains a first output using 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 step S11, the seat position determination ECU 3A determines whether the first output is a Hi output using the seat position determination unit 32A. If the first output is a Hi output (S11: YES), the seat position determination ECU 3A obtains a second output using the sensor output determination unit 31A in step S12. The sensor output determination unit 31A determines the second output based on the detection result of the second sensor unit 21.

[0055] In step S13, the seat position determination ECU 3A determines whether the second output is a Hi output using the seat position determination unit 32A. If the second output is a Hi output (S13: YES), in step S14, the seat position determination ECU 3A determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "forward" using the seat position determination unit 32A. The seat position determination unit 32A determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "forward" in the combination of sensor outputs where both sensors are in the first state, as in the example in Figure 7(a). After that, the seat position determination ECU 3A terminates the process shown in Figure 8.

[0056] On the other hand, if the second output is not a Hi output in step S13 (S13: NO), the seat position determination ECU 3A identifies the seat rail slide position as "Center 1" in step S15 using the seat position determination unit 32A. The seat position determination unit 32A corresponds to 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, as shown in the example in Figure 7(b), and identifies the seat rail slide position as "Center 1". After that, the seat position determination ECU 3A terminates the process shown in Figure 8.

[0057] On the other hand, if the first output is not a Hi output in step S11 (S11: NO), in step S16, the seat position determination ECU 3A obtains a second output using 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.

[0058] In step S17, the seat position determination ECU 3A determines whether the second output is a Hi output using the seat position determination unit 32A. If the second output is a Hi output (S17: YES), in step S18, the seat position determination ECU 3A uses the seat position determination unit 32A to determine the sliding position of the seat rail as "center 2". The seat position determination unit 32A corresponds to 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, as shown in the example in Figure 7(c), and determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "center 2". After that, the seat position determination ECU 3A terminates the process shown in Figure 8.

[0059] If the second output is not a Hi output in step S17 (S17: NO), the seat position determination ECU 3A determines the seat rail slide position as "rear" in step S19 using the seat position determination unit 32A. The seat position determination unit 32A corresponds to the combination of sensor outputs where both sensors are in the second state, as in the example in Figure 7(d), and determines the seat rail slide position as "rear". After that, the seat position determination ECU 3A terminates the process shown in Figure 8.

[0060] As described above, in the seat position identification device 100A, the sensor placement rails are both the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2. The two sensors are the first sensor unit 11 and the second sensor unit 21, one of each provided on the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2. The components are shielding plates 13, 14 and 23, two of which are provided on the right seat rail 1 and one on the left seat rail 2. The seat position determination unit 32A determines the slide position according to four detection states: when both the sensors on the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are in the first state, when only the sensor on the right seat rail 1 is in the second state, when only the sensor on the left seat rail 2 is in the second state, and when both the sensors on the right seat rail 1 and the left seat rail 2 are in the second state. This makes it possible to determine the slide position of the vehicle's seat rails in four stages with a simple configuration that combines the Hi output or Lo output of the two sensors.

[0061] Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that there is only one sensor placement rail, one shielding plate 16 (member) is provided on the fixed portion 1b side of the right seat rail 1, and two sensors (first sensor unit 11 and third sensor unit 15) are provided on the movable portion 1a side of the right seat rail 1.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9, the seat position determination device 100B according to the third embodiment includes a seat position determination ECU 3B, which includes a sensor output determination unit 31B and a seat position determination unit 32B, instead of the seat position determination ECU 3. The seat position determination ECU 3B differs from the seat position determination ECUs 3 and 3A in that the content of the determination is changed in response to differences in the arrangement and configuration of sensors and components.

[0063] As shown in Figures 9 and 10(a) to 10(c), a first sensor unit 11 and a third sensor unit 15 (sensor) are attached to the movable part 1a of the right seat rail 1. The third sensor unit 15 is configured similarly to the first sensor unit 11. Both sensors generate a Hi output or Lo output by combining a magnet and a magnetic sensor, as in the first and second embodiments. The first sensor unit 11 is positioned in front of the third sensor unit 15 in the extending direction of the right seat rail 1. The left seat rail 2 does not have a sensor and is therefore not a sensor placement rail.

[0064] In the examples shown in Figures 10(a) to 10(c), a shielding plate 16 is positioned at the fixed 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 furthest forward position. The shielding plate 16 is configured to obstruct detection by both the first sensor unit 11 and the third sensor unit 15 in a portion of the sliding range of the movable portion 1a. In the extending direction of the right seat rail 1, the extending length of the shielding plate 16 may be longer than the distance from the front end of the first sensor unit 11 to the rear end of the third sensor unit 15.

[0065] In the seat position identification device 100B, the seat position determination unit 32B determines the slide position according to three detection states: when both the first sensor unit 11 and the third sensor unit 15 are in the first state, when only the other sensor is in the second state, and when both the first sensor and the other sensor are in the second state.

[0066] The seat position determination unit 32B determines that the seat is in a forward position when both the first output and the third output are Hi outputs, for example as shown in Figure 10(a). The third output is the sensor output of the third sensor unit 15. The seat position determination unit 32B determines that the seat is in a center position when the third output is Lo output and the first output is Hi output, for example as shown in Figure 10(b). The seat position determination unit 32B determines that the seat is in a rearward position when both the first output and the third output are Lo outputs, for example as shown in Figure 10(c). In this embodiment, the seat position determination unit 32B can determine the sliding position of the seat rail in three stages according to these three combinations of sensor outputs.

[0067] Next, the operation of the seat position identification device 100B will be explained with reference to Figure 11. The flowchart in Figure 11 may be executed, for example, at predetermined calculation cycles when power is supplied to the seat position determination ECU 3B.

[0068] First, in step S20, the seat position determination ECU 3B obtains a first output using 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 step S21, the seat position determination ECU 3B determines whether the first output is a Hi output using the seat position determination unit 32B. If the first output is a Hi output (S21: YES), the seat position determination ECU 3B obtains a third output using the sensor output determination unit 31B in step S22. The sensor output determination unit 31B determines the third output based on the detection result of the third sensor unit 15.

[0069] In step S23, the seat position determination ECU 3B determines whether the third output is a Hi output using the seat position determination unit 32B. If the third output is a Hi output (S23: YES), in step S24, the seat position determination ECU 3B determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "forward" using the seat position determination unit 32B. The seat position determination unit 32B determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "forward" in a combination of sensor outputs where both sensors are in the first state, as in the example in Figure 10(a). After that, the seat position determination ECU 3B terminates the process shown in Figure 11.

[0070] On the other hand, if the third output is not a Hi output in step S23 (S23: NO), the seat position determination ECU 3B determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "center" in step S25 using the seat position determination unit 32B. The seat position determination unit 32B corresponds to 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, as in the example in Figure 10(b), and determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "center". After that, the seat position determination ECU 3B terminates the process shown in Figure 11.

[0071] On the other hand, if the first output is not a Hi output in step S21 (S21: NO), in step S26, the seat position determination ECU 3B determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "rear" using the seat position determination unit 32B. The seat position determination unit 32B corresponds to the combination of sensor outputs where both sensors are in the second state, as in the example in Figure 10(c), and determines the sliding position of the seat rail as "rear". After that, the seat position determination ECU 3B terminates the process shown in Figure 11.

[0072] As described above, in the seat position identification device 100B, the sensor placement rail is only the right seat rail 1. The two sensors are the first sensor unit 11 and the third sensor unit 15, both provided on the right seat rail 1. The component is a shielding plate 16, one of which is provided on the right seat rail 1. The seat position determination unit 32B determines the slide position according to three detection states: when both the first sensor unit 11 (one sensor) and the third sensor unit 15 (the other sensor) are in the first state, when only the third sensor unit 15 is in the second state, and when both the first sensor unit 11 and the third sensor unit 15 are in the second state. This makes it possible to determine the slide position of the vehicle's seat rail in three stages with a simple configuration that combines the Hi output or Lo output of the two sensors.

[0073] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. This disclosure can be implemented in various forms, including the embodiments described above, with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0074] In each of the above embodiments, the first sensor unit 11 was located on the movable part 1a of the right seat rail 1, but it may also be located on the fixed part 1b. In this case, the shielding plate 12 may also be located on the movable part 1a of the right seat rail 1. The same applies to the other sensors and components.

[0075] In the embodiments described above, a configuration was shown in which two sensors are used to specify the sliding position of the vehicle's seat rail in three or four stages, but the system is not limited to these examples. For example, a configuration may be used in which three or more sensors are used to specify the sliding position in five or more stages.

[0076] In the embodiments described above, a configuration in which the first and second states are determined using a first sensor unit 11 that uses a magnet as a sensor was illustrated, but the physical quantities detected by the sensor are not limited to this example. For example, a configuration in which the first and second states are determined by combining an optical sensor and a light shielding plate may also be used.

[0077] In the embodiments described above, the sliding position of the vehicle's seat rails, identified by the seat position identification devices 100, 100A, and 100B, was used to adjust the operation of the occupant restraint device 4. However, the invention is not limited to these examples. For example, the sliding position of the vehicle's seat rails, identified by the seat position identification device, may be used for purposes other than the operation of the occupant restraint device 4, or the seat position identification device may be used as a standalone device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1...Right seat rail (first rail), 2...Left seat rail (second rail), 11...First sensor unit (sensor), 12,13,14,16,22,23...Shielding plate (component), 15...Third sensor unit (sensor), 21...Second sensor unit (sensor), 32,32A,32B...Seat position determination unit, 100,100A,100B...Seat position identification device.

Claims

1. A seat position identification device for identifying the sliding position of a vehicle's seat rail, The seat rail has a pair of left and right first rails and second rails in the vehicle. A plurality of sensors arranged on a sensor placement rail which is at least one of the first rail and the second rail, A member is placed on the sensor placement rail and obstructs the detection of the sensor in a part of the sliding range of the sensor placement rail, The system includes a seat position determination unit that determines the slide position based on the detection status of multiple sensors, The seat position determination unit is a seat position determination device that determines the slide position according to a combination of a first state in which the detection of the sensor is not obstructed by the member and a second state in which the detection of the sensor is obstructed by the member.

2. The sensor placement rail is both the first rail and the second rail, Multiple sensors are provided, one on each of the first rail and the second rail. The aforementioned member is provided one on each of the first rail and the second rail. The seat position determination device according to claim 1, wherein the seat position determination unit determines the slide position according to three detection states: when both the sensors on the first rail and the second rail are in the first state, when only the sensor on the first rail is in the second state, and when both the sensors on the first rail and the second rail are in the second state.

3. The sensor placement rail is both the first rail and the second rail, Multiple sensors are provided, one on each of the first rail and the second rail. Two of the aforementioned members are provided on the first rail and one on the second rail. The seat position determination device according to claim 1, wherein the seat position determination unit determines the slide position according to four detection states: when both the sensors on the first rail and the second rail are in the first state; when only the sensor on the first rail is in the second state; when only the sensor on the second rail is in the second state; and when both the sensors on the first rail and the second rail are in the second state.

4. The sensor placement rail is only the first rail, Multiple sensors are provided in pairs on the first rail. The aforementioned member is provided on the first rail, The seat position determination device according to claim 1, wherein the seat position determination unit determines the slide position according to three detection states: when both one sensor and the other sensor are in the first state, when only the other sensor is in the second state, and when both one sensor and the other sensor are in the second state.

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