Sensor device and occupant detection device

Abstract

Provided are a sensor device capable of detecting the movement and condition of people in a specific area, and an occupant detection device.　This sensor device comprises: an antenna that transmits radio waves as transmission waves and receives reflected waves; and a reflector having a first reflective section that reflects a first transmission wave of the transmission waves and a first reflected wave of the reflected waves. The sensor device has a first detection area where a direct transmission wave of the transmission waves that is directly transmitted without being reflected by the reflector reaches and a second detection area where the first transmission wave reflected by the first reflective section reaches.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sensor device and an occupant detection device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been an occupant state detection system provided in a vehicle having a plurality of seats including a front seat and a rear seat. A radio wave sensor that is attached above any one of the plurality of seats, transmits radio waves as transmission waves, receives the radio waves reflected by an object as reflected waves, and generates a sensor signal; a signal processing device that performs a determination process of determining whether or not the object in the detection area is a person based on the sensor signal and outputs a determination result; a departure detection unit that detects whether or not a departure state in which a person leaves the front seat has occurred; and a notification unit that outputs an alarm if the signal processing device determines that the object in the detection area is a person when the departure detection unit detects the occurrence of the departure state (see, 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] By the way, in the conventional occupant state detection system, the detection area is an area including the entire plurality of seats in the rear seat, and does not detect the movement or state of a person in a specific area such as an individual seat or a part of an individual seat.

[0005] Therefore, an object is to provide a sensor device and an occupant detection device capable of detecting the movement and state of a person in a specific area.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The sensor device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an antenna that transmits radio waves as transmission waves and receives reflected waves, and a reflector having a first reflecting portion that reflects a first transmission wave among the transmission waves and a first reflected wave among the reflected waves. The sensor device has a first detection area where a direct transmission wave that is directly transmitted without being reflected by the reflector among the transmission waves arrives, and a second detection area where the first transmission wave reflected by the first reflecting portion arrives.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] It is possible to provide a sensor device capable of detecting the movement and state of a person in a specific area, and an occupant detection device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments to which the sensor device and the occupant detection device of the present disclosure are applied will be described.

[0010] <Embodiment> <Configuration of Sensor Device 100> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the sensor device 100 of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the sensor device 100 in a disassembled state. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 1.

[0011] The sensor device 100 is mounted on a vehicle as an example, receives a signal as a reflected wave reflected by an occupant (person) or an object in the vehicle interior, and detects the distance to the occupant or the object based on the round-trip time from transmission to reception. The sensor device 100 has a plurality of detection regions and a plurality of non-detection regions for detecting an occupant. The plurality of detection regions are regions for detecting an occupant, and the plurality of non-detection regions are regions for not detecting an occupant.

[0012] Hereinafter, the description will be made by defining an XYZ coordinate system. For convenience of explanation, the -Z direction side is referred to as the lower side or below, and the +Z direction side is referred to as the upper side or above, but it does not represent a universal up-down relationship. Also, viewing the XY plane is referred to as a plan view. When the sensor device 100 is mounted on a vehicle, as an example, the Y direction is the traveling direction (front-rear direction) of the vehicle.

[0013] The sensor device 100 includes a bottom case 110, a substrate 120, a radar 130, a connector 140, a case 150, and a reflector 160. The case 150 is an example of a housing. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a panel 10 provided on the upper side of the sensor device 100. The panel 10 is a resin cover that covers the sensor device 100 when the sensor device 100 is attached to the vehicle interior. FIG. 3 shows the substrate 120, the radar 130, the case 150, and the reflector 160, and the case 150 is shown transparently.

[0014] The bottom case 110 is a resin case that covers the lower side of the sensor device 100. The sensor device 100 is attached to the vehicle body via a bracket or the like attached to the lower side of the bottom case 110.

[0015] The substrate 120 is a wiring board on which the radar 130 is disposed. On the upper surface of the substrate 120, the radar 130 and the connector 140 are mounted. The radar 130 and the connector 140 are connected by the wiring on the substrate 120.

[0016] The radar 130 includes a substrate 130A, a transmitting antenna 131, and a receiving antenna 132 (see FIG. 3). The transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132 are an example of antennas that transmit radio waves as transmission waves and receive reflected waves. The transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132 are provided at the center of the upper surface of the substrate 130A. The substrate 130A is square in plan view as an example. The transmitting antenna 131 transmits radio waves as transmission waves, and the receiving antenna 132 receives reflected waves reflected by an object or the like. Hereinafter, they may be referred to as the transmission wave and the reception wave of the radar 130, which is synonymous with the transmitting antenna 131 transmitting the transmission wave and the receiving antenna 132 receiving the reflected wave.

[0017] The transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132 are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The Y direction is the traveling direction (front-rear direction) of the vehicle. FIG. 3 shows the normal line n of the radar 130. The normal line n passes through the center between the transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132. The front direction of the transmitting antenna 131 and the receiving antenna 132 is the direction along the normal line n and toward the +Z direction.

[0018] The occupant detection device 200 is mounted on a vehicle as an example, and is a device that detects the distance to an occupant or an object based on the round-trip time from the transmission to the reception of radio waves. As the radar 130, a pulse radar capable of detecting such a round-trip time can be used as an example. The circuit configuration of the radar 130 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. Also, the arrangement of the sensor device 100 including such a radar 130 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0019] The connector 140 is provided to connect the radar 130 to an ECU outside the sensor device 100.

[0020] The case 150 is a resin housing that covers the upper surface side (the first surface side) of the substrate 120. A reflector 160 is attached to the upper surface of the case 150.

[0021] The reflector 160 is made of metal and has a first reflector plate 161, a second reflector plate 162, and a third reflector plate 163 as shown in FIG. 3. The first reflector plate 161, the second reflector plate 162, and the third reflector plate 163 are examples of a first reflecting portion, a second reflecting portion, and a third reflecting portion, respectively. The reflector 160 is attached to the upper surface of the case 150 so as to be located near the radar 130 in a plan view. The first reflector plate 161, the second reflector plate 162, and the third reflector plate 163 reflect the transmission wave of the radar 130 and reflect the reflected wave reflected by an object or the like back toward the radar 130.

[0022] The first reflector plate 161 is a plate-like member in which a metal plate substantially parallel to the YZ plane on the upper surface of the case 150 is inclined so that its upper end (+Z direction end) approaches the transmission antenna 131 and the reception antenna 132. The second reflector plate 162 is a plate-like member in which a metal plate substantially parallel to the ZX plane on the upper surface of the case 150 is inclined so as to approach the transmission antenna 131 and the reception antenna 132. The first reflector plate 161 and the second reflector plate 162 are plate-like members that are bent adjacent to each other. The third reflector plate 163 is a portion bent so as to bring a part of the -Y direction side of the upper end of the first reflector plate 161 closer to the transmission antenna 131 and the reception antenna 132. Such a reflector 160 can be easily manufactured by cutting and bending sheet metal or the like.

[0023] A part of the transmission wave of the radar 130 reaches the object directly without being reflected by the reflector 160 and is reflected by the object and returns to the radar 130 as a reflected wave. Such a radio wave is a direct wave. The direct wave among the transmission waves transmitted by the radar 130 is a direct transmission wave, and the direct wave among the reflected waves received by the radar 130 is a direct reception wave. The detection area where the direct transmission wave arrives and the detection of the occupant is performed is an example of a first detection area.

[0024] A part of the remaining transmitted wave of the radar 130 reaches the object after being reflected by the reflector 160 as described above, and the reflected wave reflected by the object is reflected by the reflector 160 again and returns to the radar 130. Among the transmitted wave and the received wave reflected by the reflector 160, the transmitted wave and the received wave reflected by the first reflector 161 are an example of the first transmitted wave and the first received wave. Among the transmitted wave and the received wave reflected by the reflector 160, the transmitted wave and the received wave reflected by the second reflector 162 are an example of the second transmitted wave and the second received wave. Among the transmitted wave and the received wave reflected by the reflector 160, the transmitted wave and the received wave reflected by the third reflector 163 are an example of the third transmitted wave and the third received wave.

[0025] The detection area where the first transmitted wave arrives and the occupant is detected is an example of the second detection area. The detection area where the second transmitted wave arrives and the occupant is detected is an example of the third detection area. The area where the third transmitted wave reflected by the third reflector 163 arrives and where the occupant is not detected is an example of the non-detection area. The non-detection area is a part of the area other than the first detection area, the second detection area, and the third detection area.

[0026] Here, a form in which the third reflector 163 is a part where a part of the upper end of the first reflector 161 is bent will be described, but the third reflector 163 may be a part where a part of the upper end of the second reflector 162 is bent. Further, the third reflector 163 may not be a part where a part of the upper end of the first reflector 161 or the second reflector 162 is bent, but may be a reflection part provided on the upper surface of the case 150.

[0027] The reflection of radio waves by the first reflector 161, the second reflector 162, and the third reflector 163, and the first detection area, the second detection area, the third detection area, and the non-detection area will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7A to 8B.

[0028] <Configuration of Radar 130 and Occupant Detection Device 200> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the radar 130 and the occupant detection device 200. FIG. 4 shows an ECU (electronic control unit) 50 in addition to the occupant detection device 200. The occupant detection device 200 includes a sensor device 100 and a detection unit 170. In FIG. 4, components of the sensor device 100 other than the radar 130 are omitted.

[0029] The radar 130 includes a transmission antenna 131, a reception 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.

[0030] The occupant detection device 200 is provided inside the vehicle cabin, transmits a radar transmission wave (electromagnetic wave) from the transmission antenna 131, receives, with the reception antenna 132, a signal as a reflected wave reflected by an occupant or an object inside the vehicle cabin, and detects the presence or absence of an occupant inside the vehicle cabin based on the received signal. More specifically, the occupant detection device 200 detects the distance to an occupant or an object based on the round-trip time from when the wave is transmitted from the transmission antenna 131 until the reflected wave is received. An occupant or an object inside the vehicle cabin is an example of a detectable object. Since the signal intensity of the reflected wave varies depending on the material of the object and the shape (orientation) of the reflecting surface, etc., the intensity of the reflected wave changes if the object moves. Since it is the occupant who moves inside the vehicle cabin, the occupant can be detected.

[0031] The transmission antenna 131 is connected to the signal output unit 135 via the PA 133 and the switch 134, and transmits, into the vehicle cabin, a transmission wave output from the signal output unit 135 and amplified by the PA 133 via the switch 134.

[0032] The reception antenna 132 is connected to the LNA 136, receives a signal as a reflected wave reflected by an occupant or an object inside the vehicle cabin and output from the transmission antenna 131, and outputs it to the LNA 136.

[0033] PA133 is provided between switch 134 and transmission antenna 131, amplifies the transmission wave output from signal output unit 135 and input through switch 134, and outputs it to transmission antenna 131.

[0034] LNA136 is provided between reception antenna 132 and mixer 137, amplifies the signal received by reception antenna 132 in a low-noise state, and outputs it to mixer 137.

[0035] Switch 134 is provided between signal output unit 135 and PA133, is controlled by detection unit 170, turns on at a predetermined sampling period, and outputs the transmission wave to PA133. The predetermined sampling frequency is 20 Hz as an example.

[0036] Signal output unit 135 outputs a transmission wave used to detect an occupant or an object inside the vehicle. Signal output unit 135 has two output terminals, which are respectively connected to switch 134 and mixer 137.

[0037] Mixer 137 is connected to the output terminal of LNA136, the output terminal of signal output unit 135, and the input terminal of detection unit 170. Mixer 137 combines (down-converts) the signal input from LNA136 with a signal having the same frequency as the transmission wave input from signal output unit 135, and outputs it to the input terminal of detection unit 170 as a reception signal representing the reflection level of the reflected wave. In the case of no reflection, the reflection level becomes the noise floor.

[0038] Since one detection is performed by turning on switch 134 once, the detection is performed at the sampling period when switch 134 is turned on. As an example, a transmission wave is transmitted from transmission antenna 131 and reception antenna 132 toward the seat surface of the seat arranged inside the vehicle to determine the presence or absence of an occupant on the seat. One detection means determining the presence or absence of an occupant in the space between transmission antenna 131 and reception antenna 132 and the seat surface of the seat arranged inside the vehicle in the direction connecting transmission antenna 131 and reception antenna 132 and the seat surface.

[0039] The detection unit 170 is realized by a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an input / output interface, and an internal bus, etc.

[0040] The detection unit 170 sets a threshold value for determining the presence or absence of an occupant, compares the intensity of the received signal with the threshold value, and detects the occupant according to the comparison result. Since the round-trip time to an occupant or an object is different, the presence or absence of an occupant can be determined.

[0041] The ECU 50 is one of the vehicle control devices and is connected to the detection unit 170. The detection unit 170 notifies the ECU 50 of the determination result.

[0042] <Arrangement of the radar 130> FIG. 5 is a view showing the interior of the vehicle 1. FIG. 5 shows the right front seat 5FR, the left front seat 5FL, the right rear seat 5RR, the center rear seat 5RC, and the left rear seat 5RL.

[0043] The sensor device 100 can be arranged, for example, near the roof lamp 2RL on the upper side of the left rear side window in the interior of the vehicle 1. In this case, the sensor device 100 may also be attached to the upper side of the right rear side window on the roof. The right rear seat 5RR, the center rear seat 5RC, the left rear seat 5RL, and the occupants and objects in the surrounding areas thereof can be detected. Also, the sensor device 100 can be arranged inside or near the overhead console 3 on the upper side of the center of the front seats in the interior to detect the right front seat 5FR, the left front seat 5FL, and the occupants and objects in the surrounding areas thereof.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a view showing the interior of the vehicle 1. In FIG. 6, the right rear seat 5RR, the center rear seat 5RC, and the left rear seat 5RL are shown. The sensor device 100 shown in FIG. 6 incorporates three radars 130, and as shown in FIG. 6, it may be provided at the center of the ceiling inside the vehicle 1. It can detect the right rear seat 5RR, the center rear seat 5RC, the left rear seat 5RL, and the passengers and objects in the vicinity thereof. As described above, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sensor device 100 is provided on the ceiling inside the vehicle 1.

[0045] <Detection Area When the Vehicle 1 is Parked> FIG. 7A is a view for explaining the detection area when the vehicle 1 is parked. In FIG. 7A, as the detection areas of the sensor device 100 (left) arranged near the dome lamp 2RL on the ceiling above the upper side of the left rear window inside the vehicle 1, the CPD (Child Presence Detection) area 1, the CPD area 2, and the IMS (Intruder Monitoring System) area are shown. The CPD area 1 is an example of the first detection area. The CPD area 2 and the IMS area are examples of the second detection area.

[0046] The CPD area 1, the CPD area 2, and the IMS area are areas where the distance from the sensor device 100 is within a predetermined range. Since the sensor device 100 detects the distance to a passenger or an object based on the round-trip time of the transmitted wave and the reflected wave, the passenger detection device 200 detects the presence or absence of passengers and objects in the CPD area 1, the CPD area 2, and the IMS area.

[0047] CPD area 1 and CPD area 2 are areas for detecting child presence detection (CPD). When vehicle 1 is parked, it detects young children left on the central rear seat 5RC and the left rear seat 5RL, or infants riding in a child seat. CPD area 1 and CPD area 2 are located in the area where the seat surfaces of the central rear seat 5RC and the left rear seat 5RL exist in a plan view, and in the height direction, they are located in the range from the seat surfaces of the central rear seat 5RC and the left rear seat 5RL to a height of several tens of centimeters (about 20 cm to about 50 cm). In order to detect young children or infants riding in a child seat, the height range of CPD area 1 and CPD area 2 is set to the range from the seat surfaces of the central rear seat 5RC and the left rear seat 5RL to several tens of centimeters. For the right rear seat 5RR, it may be detected by the right sensor device 100 (right).

[0048] The IMS area is an area for detecting intrusion detection for crime prevention (IMS). It is an area for detecting intruders who break the left rear side window and reach into the interior of the vehicle to commit theft, such as when the vehicle 1 is parked and vandalized. The IMS area is located inside the left rear side window in a plan view, and in the height direction, it is located in the range from 10 cm to 50 cm from the ceiling corresponding to the height of the side window. For the right side, it may be detected by the right sensor device 100. The sensor device 100 detects intruders in the same way as passengers.

[0049] Figure 7B is a diagram for explaining the transmission waves reaching the CPD area 1, CPD area 2, and IMS area. The direct wave among the transmission waves propagates toward the CPD area 1. Also, the first reflected wave reflected by the first reflector 161 among the transmission waves propagates toward the CPD area 2 and the IMS area. That is, the CPD area 1 is the area where the direct wave reaches. Also, the CPD area 2 and the IMS area are the areas where the first reflected wave reaches.

[0050] <Detection area when vehicle 1 is running> FIG. 8A is a diagram for explaining the detection area and non-detection area during the running of vehicle 1. In FIG. 8A, there are shown an SBR (seat belt reminder) area which is the area detected by sensor device 100 disposed near room lamp 2RL above the left rear side window inside vehicle 1, and non-detection areas 1 and 2 which are areas where sensor device 100 does not perform detection. The SBR area is an example of a second detection area. The SBR area is an example of a third detection area.

[0051] The SBR area is an area where a seat belt reminder is given to the occupant during the running of vehicle 1, and the SBR area shown in FIG. 8A is an area for the occupant of left rear seat 5RL. To give a seat belt reminder for left rear seat 5RL, during running, the occupant of left rear seat 5RL should be detected and other occupants should not be detected. The SBR area of left rear seat 5RL is set at a height for detecting the presence or absence of the head of the occupant of left rear seat 5RL in order to detect the presence or absence of an occupant. The SBR area is located in the area where the backrest of left rear seat 5RL exists in plan view, and in the height direction, it is an area located in the range from 10 cm to 40 cm from the ceiling.

[0052] The SBR area is an area where the distance from sensor device 100 falls within a predetermined range. Since sensor device 100 detects the distance to an occupant or an object based on the round-trip time of the transmitted wave and the reflected wave, occupant detection device 200 detects the presence or absence of an occupant or an object in the SBR area.

[0053] Non-detection areas 1 and 2 are areas where there are occupants who should not be detected when sensor device 100 on the left side detects the presence or absence of the occupant of left rear seat 5RL during the running of vehicle 1. It is necessary to distinguish from the occupant of left rear seat 5RL the occupants of center rear seat 5RC and left front seat 5FL. For this reason, non-detection areas 1 and 2 are respectively located in the areas where the backrests of center rear seat 5RC and left front seat 5FL exist in plan view, and in the height direction, they are areas located in the range from 10 cm to 40 cm from the ceiling.

[0054] FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining a transmitted wave that reaches the SBR region and a transmitted wave that is reflected to generate the non-detection region 1 and the non-detection region 2. The second reflected wave reflected by the second reflector 162 among the transmitted waves propagates toward the SBR region. That is, the SBR region is a region where the second reflected wave reaches. Also, a part of the second reflected wave reflected by the second reflector 162 among the transmitted waves reaches a region other than the SBR region, the CPD region 1, the CPD region 2, and the IMS region.

[0055] The non-detection region 2 is located within a region surrounding the SBR region and is included in a region other than the SBR region, the CPD region 1, the CPD region 2, and the IMS region. That the non-detection region 2 is located within a region surrounding the SBR region means that in the detection of an occupant or an object in the vehicle 1 interior, it is a region where there may be a person sitting around the SBR region. Here, within the region surrounding the SBR region, it is a region located at the center rear seat 5RC to the immediate right of the SBR region and the left front seat 5FL in front of the SBR region. The non-detection region 2 is located at the left front seat 5FL in front of the SBR region. This is because if the region in front of the SBR region is included in the detection region, it is impossible to tell whether a person is in the left rear seat 5RL or the left front seat 5FL.

[0056] The second reflector 162 has a shape that generates the non-detection region 2 on the back side of the second reflector 162 as viewed from the radar 130 and is arranged to generate the non-detection region 2.

[0057] Also, the third transmitted wave reflected by the third reflector 163 among the transmitted waves propagates toward a region other than the non-detection region 1 located in the central rear seat 5RC. In this way, the non-detection region 1 where the transmitted wave does not reach is realized. The non-detection region 1 is located within the region surrounding the SBR region and is included in the region other than the SBR region, the CPD region 1, the CPD region 2, and the IMS region. That the non-detection region 1 is located within the region surrounding the SBR region means that in the detection of passengers and objects in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1, it is a region where there may be a person sitting around a person who may be in the SBR region. Here, within the region surrounding the SBR region, there are regions located in the central rear seat 5RC immediately to the right of the SBR region and the left front seat 5FL in front of the SBR region. The non-detection region 1 is located in the central rear seat 5RC immediately to the right of the SBR region. This is because if the region immediately to the right of the SBR region is included in the detection region, it is impossible to tell whether a person is in the left rear seat 5RL or the central rear seat 5RC.

[0058] The third reflector 163 has a shape that generates the non-detection region 1 on the back side of the third reflector 163 as viewed from the radar 130, and is arranged to generate the non-detection region 1. Note that the same applies to the first reflector 161, and the first reflector 161 has a shape that generates a predetermined non-detection region on the back side of the first reflector 161 as viewed from the radar 130. Here, the predetermined non-detection region generated on the back side of the first reflector 161 is not particularly utilized.

[0059] Here, the output of the sensor device 100 does not distinguish between the CPD region 1, the CPD region 2, and the IMS region shown in FIG. 7A and the SBR region shown in FIG. 8B. For this reason, when a passenger or the like is detected in any of the CPD region 1, the CPD region 2, the IMS region, and the SBR region, the output of the sensor device 100 becomes a signal indicating that the passenger or the like has been detected, and when no passenger or the like is detected in all of the CPD region 1, the CPD region 2, the IMS region, and the SBR region, the output becomes a signal indicating that no passenger or the like has been detected.

[0060] Therefore, the non-detection areas 1 and 2 shall not be included in the four detection areas, namely the CPD area 1, the CPD area 2, the IMS area, and the SBR area, and are areas included in areas other than the first detection area, the second detection area, and the third detection area.

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

[0062] Therefore, it is possible to provide the sensor device 100 capable of detecting the movement and state of a person in a specific area.

[0063] In addition, the reflector 160 has a second reflector 162 that reflects the second transmission wave among the transmission waves and the second reflected wave among the reflected waves, and further has an SBR area where the second transmission wave reflected by the second reflector 162 arrives. Therefore, it is possible to provide the sensor device 100 capable of detecting the movement and state of a person in even more specific areas, and the occupant detection device 200.

[0064] In addition, the reflector 160 further has a third reflector 163 that reflects the third transmission wave among the transmission waves and propagates it to an area other than the CPD area 1, the CPD area 2, the IMS area, and the SBR area. By reflecting the third transmission wave to an area other than the CPD area 1, the CPD area 2, the IMS area, and the SBR area, the reflected wave does not arrive at the CPD area 1, the CPD area 2, the IMS area, and the SBR area, and detection in the CPD area 1, the CPD area 2, the IMS area, and the SBR area can be surely performed.

[0065] The first reflector 161 and the second reflector 162 are plate-shaped members that are bent adjacent to each other and are inclined so as to approach the radar 130 with respect to the front direction of the radar 130. The third reflector 163 is a bent portion obtained by bending the tip of the first reflector 161 or the second reflector 162 in a direction approaching the radar 130. Therefore, the reflector 160 can be easily manufactured using sheet metal or the like. Note that the first reflector 161 and the second reflector 162 may be manufactured using separate sheet metal or the like, and the third reflector 163 may also be manufactured using separate sheet metal or the like. That is, the first reflector 161, the second reflector 162, and the third reflector 163 may be formed separately, and the third reflector 163 may be a portion attached to the tip of the first reflector 161 or the second reflector 162 in a direction approaching the radar 130.

[0066] In addition, since the third reflector 163 has a shape that generates a predetermined non-detection region on the back side of the third reflector 163 as viewed from the radar 130, a predetermined non-detection region can be surely generated on the back side of the third reflector 163.

[0067] In addition, since the third reflector 163 generates a non-detection region within a region surrounding at least one of the CPD region 1, the CPD region 2, the IMS region, and the SBR region, it is possible to surely detect passengers and objects in the CPD region 1, the CPD region 2, the IMS region, and the SBR region.

[0068] The second reflector 162 generates an SBR region and has a shape that generates a predetermined non-detection region on the back side of the second reflector 162 as viewed from the radar 130. Therefore, a predetermined non-detection region can be surely generated on the back side of the second reflector 162.

[0069] The second reflector 162 generates a non-detection region within a region surrounding at least one of the CPD region 1, the CPD region 2, the IMS region, and the SBR region. Therefore, it is possible to surely detect passengers and objects in the CPD region 1, the CPD region 2, the IMS region, and the SBR region.

[0070] Furthermore, it further includes a substrate 120 having a first surface on which the radar 130 is disposed, and a case 150 that covers the first surface side of the substrate 120. Since the reflector 160 is provided in the case 150, the positioning of the reflector 160 with respect to the radar 130 can be surely performed, and direct waves and reflected waves can be generated as designed.

[0071] Furthermore, since the radar 130 is provided on the ceiling inside the vehicle 1, a configuration that enables easy detection in the detection area from above the occupant or object can be realized.

[0072] Furthermore, since the occupant detection device 200 includes a detection unit 170 that 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 on the vehicle 1, an occupant detection device 200 that can detect the movement and state of a person in a specific area can be provided.

[0073] As described above, the sensor device and the occupant detection device according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0074] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-021547 filed on February 15, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0075] 1 Vehicle 100 Sensor device 110 Bottom case 120 Substrate 130 Radar 130A Substrate 131 Transmission antenna (an example of an antenna) 132 Reception antenna (an example of an antenna) 140 Connector 150 Case (an example of a housing) 160 Reflector 161 First reflector (an example of the first reflecting portion) 162 Second reflector (an example of the second reflecting portion) 163 Third reflector (an example of the third reflecting portion) 170 Detection unit 200 Occupant detection device

Claims

1. An antenna that transmits radio waves as transmission waves and receives reflected waves, A reflector having a first reflecting portion that reflects a first transmission wave among the transmission waves and a first reflected wave among the reflected waves, a second reflecting portion that reflects a second transmission wave among the transmission waves and a second reflected wave among the reflected waves, Including, A first detection area where a direct transmission wave that is directly transmitted without being reflected by the reflector among the transmission waves arrives, A second detection area where the first transmission wave reflected by the first reflecting portion arrives, A third detection area where the second transmission wave reflected by the second reflecting portion arrives Having, The first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion are plate-like members that are bent adjacent to each other, The reflector further has a third reflecting portion that reflects a third transmission wave among the transmission waves and propagates it to an area other than the first detection area, the second detection area, and the third detection area, The third reflecting portion is a bent portion obtained by bending the tip of the first reflecting portion or the second reflecting portion in a direction approaching the antenna, a sensor device.

2. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion are inclined so as to approach the antenna with respect to the front direction of the antenna.

3. An antenna that transmits radio waves as transmission waves and receives reflected waves, A reflector having a first reflecting portion that reflects a first transmission wave among the transmission waves and a first reflected wave among the reflected waves, a second reflecting portion that reflects a second transmission wave among the transmission waves and a second reflected wave among the reflected waves, Including, A first detection area where a direct transmission wave that is directly transmitted without being reflected by the reflector among the transmission waves arrives, A second detection area where the first transmission wave reflected by the first reflecting portion arrives, A third detection area where the second transmission wave reflected by the second reflecting portion arrives Having, The reflector further has a third reflecting portion that reflects a third transmission wave among the transmission waves and propagates it to an area other than the first detection area, the second detection area, and the third detection area, The first reflecting portion, the second reflecting portion, and the third reflecting portion are formed separately, and the third reflecting portion is a portion attached to the tip of the first reflecting portion or the second reflecting portion in a direction approaching the antenna, a sensor device.

4. The sensor device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the third reflecting portion has a shape that generates a predetermined non-detection region on the back side of the third reflecting portion when viewed from the antenna.

5. The sensor device according to claim 4, wherein the third reflecting portion generates the predetermined non-detection region within a region surrounding at least any one of the first detection region, the second detection region, and the third detection region.

6. The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second reflecting portion has a shape that generates the third detection region and generates a predetermined non-detection region on the back side of the second reflecting portion when viewed from the antenna.

7. The sensor device according to claim 6, wherein the second reflecting portion generates the predetermined non-detection region within a region surrounding at least any one of the first detection region, the second detection region, and the third detection region.

8. A substrate having a first surface on which the antenna is disposed, a housing that covers the first surface side of the substrate, and further includes The reflector is provided on the housing. The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the antenna is provided on the ceiling of the interior of the vehicle.

10. A sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a sensor device mounted on a vehicle, and a detection unit that detects an occupant of the vehicle according to a detection result of the sensor device mounted on the vehicle. An occupant detection device.

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