Load-detecting device

• US 6,997,060 B2
• Filed: 03/04/2005
• Issued: 02/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/04/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: DENSO Corporation
• Original Assignee: DENSO Corporation
• Inventors: Morikawa, Kenji
• Primary Examiner(s): NOORI, MASOUD H
• Application Number:
  US11/073,486
• Publication Number:
  US 20050193828A1
• Time in Patent Office: 347 Days
• Field of Search: 737/77, 737/60, 737/68, 737/74, 737/75
• US Class Current: 73/775
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/002 Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon detection means responsive to presence or absence of children B60N2/266
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 19/18 characterised by the cross-section; Means within the bumper to absorb impact
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 19/24 Arrangements for mounting bumpers on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 19/48 combined with, or convertible into, other devices or objects, e.g. bumpers combined with road brushes, bumpers convertible into beds
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2019/182 of light metal, e.g. extruded
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2019/1873 Cellular materials
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/4142 for controlling activation of safety devices, e.g. airbag systems electrical circuits for triggering safety arrangements in case of vehicle accidents B60R21/015
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 5/0052 measuring forces due to impact G01L5/0061, G01L5/14 take precedence; impact testing of structures G01M7/08; impact testing of material G01N3/00

Abstract

A load-detecting device includes a supporting member, a load transfer member, a load sensor, and a load sensor supporting member. The load transfer member is supported by the supporting member and includes an elastic displacement area in which an elastic displacement is generated upon receiving a force from a predetermined direction. The load sensor contacts the elastic displacement area of the load transfer member. The load sensor detects a load based on the elastic displacement. The load sensor supporting member supports the load sensor and is connected to the supporting member. The load transfer member, the load sensor, and the load sensor supporting member are provided in this order along the predetermined direction. The supporting member is provided so as not to be in contact with the load sensor. The load transfer member has a lower stiffness in the predetermined direction than the load sensor.

Claims

1. A load-detecting device comprising:

a supporting member;

a load transfer member supported by the supporting member so as to include an elastic displacement area in which an elastic displacement is generated upon application of a force from a predetermined direction;

a load sensor provided in contact with the elastic displacement area of the load transfer member, the load sensor detecting a load based on the elastic displacement; and

a load sensor supporting member for supporting the load sensor, the load sensor supporting member being in connection with the supporting member, wherein

the load transfer member, the load sensor, and the load sensor supporting member are provided in this order along the predetermined direction, wherein

the supporting member is provided so as not to be in contact with the load sensor, and

the load transfer member has a lower stiffness in the predetermined direction than the load sensor.

2. The load-detecting device according to claim 1, wherein

the supporting member has a lower stiffness in the predetermined direction than that in a different direction.

3. The load-detecting device according to claim 1, wherein

the load sensor contacts a center of gravity of the elastic displacement area.

4. The load-detecting device according to claim 1, wherein

the supporting member includes a plurality of supporting members provided symmetrically about an axial line extending in the predetermined direction from the center of gravity of the elastic displacement area.

5. The load-detecting device according to claim 1, wherein

the load sensor is formed primarily of zirconia and La₁₋

xSr_xMnO₃, wherein x is greater than or equal to zero and less than or equal to one, the load sensor having a pressure resistance effect.

6. The load-detecting device according to claim 1, wherein

the load-detecting device is interposed between a bumper reinforcement member extending in a horizontal direction of a vehicle and vehicle front sides of side members extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle so as to detect a load applied from a vehicle bumper side, the bumper reinforcement member being connected to an energy absorber provided under a bumper cover of the vehicle.

7. The load-detecting device according to claim 1, wherein

the load-detecting device is provided between a seating face of a vehicle seat and a floor of a vehicle body so as to detect a load applied to the seating face of the vehicle seat.