Collision detector

Abstract

A collision detector for a vehicle that defines a width direction is disclosed. The collision detector includes a back plate for coupling to the vehicle. The collision detector also includes a plurality of chamber members coupled to the back plate. Each of the chamber members defines a chamber space therein. Also, the collision detector includes a pressure sensor for detecting pressure in at least one of the chamber spaces to thereby detect collision of the vehicle. The chamber members are provided across the width of the vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated by like reference numbers and in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial top view of a collision detector in a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the collision detector of FIG. 1 coupled to a vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a second embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a third embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 6 is a top section view of the collision detector of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a fifth embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a sixth embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a seventh embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 10 is top view of an eighth embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the collision detector of FIG. 10 taken along the line XI-XI;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a ninth embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 13 is a top view of a tenth embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 14 is a top view of an eleventh embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a twelfth embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 16 is a top view of a thirteenth embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 17 is a top view of a fourteenth embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 18 is a side sectional view of a fifteenth embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 19 is a side sectional view of a sixteenth embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of a seventeenth embodiment of the collision detector;

FIG. 21 is a top view of a collision detector of the prior art;

FIG. 22 is a top view of the collision detector of FIG. 21 in a collision; and

FIG. 23 is a top view of the collision detector of FIG. 21 in a collision.

Claims

1. A collision detector for a vehicle that defines a width direction, the collision detector comprising: a back plate for coupling to the vehicle;a plurality of chamber members coupled to the back plate, wherein each of the chamber members defines a chamber space therein; anda pressure sensor for detecting pressure in at least one of the chamber spaces to thereby detect collision of the vehicle;wherein the chamber members are provided across the width of the vehicle.

2. A collision detector according to claim 1, wherein the chamber members abut each other.

3. A collision detector according to claim 1, wherein the chamber members are provided adjacent each other such that deformation of one of the chamber members causes deformation of another one of the chamber members.

4. A collision detector according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the chamber members includes a plurality of face walls, and wherein at least one of the face walls facing a neighboring chamber member is more flexible than another of the face walls.

5. A collision detector according to claim 1, wherein the chamber members are coupled to a coupling surface of the back plate, wherein at least one of the chamber members includes a side face wall facing a neighboring chamber member that is at least partially inclined relative to the coupling surface.

6. A collision detector according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the chamber members includes a front surface that is opposite to and spaced from the back plate, wherein the front surface is non-planar.

7. The collision detector according to claim 6, wherein the at least one chamber members is provided at an outboard side of the vehicle.

8. The collision detector according to claim 6, further comprising a cover that covers the chamber members on an outer portion of the vehicle, and wherein the front surface is non-planar according to the shape of the cover.

9. A collision detector according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle defines a horizontal plane, and wherein at least one of the chamber members includes an end face wall with a slanting-wall part that intersects the horizontal plane.

10. A collision detector according to claim 9, wherein the end face wall entirely comprises the slanting-wall part.

11. A collision detector according to claim 9 wherein the slanting wall part is at least partially planar.

12. A collision detector according to claim 9, wherein the slanting wall part is at least one of a convexity and a concavity relative to the chamber space.

13. A collision detector according to claim 9, wherein the slanting-wall part is formed in a wave shape.

14. A collision detector according to claim 1, wherein the chamber spaces are each air tight.