JP2846960B2 - Operation decision system for passenger protection device for passenger seat - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an operation determination system for an occupant protection device for a passenger seat, and more particularly to a system for detecting a rearward facing child seat and determining whether or not to operate an occupant protection device in a wide case. The present invention relates to a possible operation determination system for a passenger protection device for a passenger seat.

2. Description of the Related Art There is a conventional operation determination system for a passenger seat occupant protection system of this type using, for example, a seating sensor (see Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 1-130857). As shown in FIG. 18, in the case of using the seating sensor, a pressure sensor 26 is provided on the seat 22a of the passenger seat 22 and connected to an occupant protection device 65 attached to a dashboard. twenty one
The presence or absence of seating of the passenger is detected, and when the occupant 21 is absent, the airbag of the occupant protection device 65 is not deployed, and when the occupant 21 is seated, the airbag of the occupant protection device 65 is deployed (allowing deployment). To).

By the way, in the operation determination system for the passenger seat occupant protection device using the above-described seat sensor, when the rearward facing child seat 28 as shown in FIG. 19 is placed in the passenger seat, the pressure sensor 26 detects the seat, and the occupant protection is detected. There is a disadvantage that the airbag of the device 65 is deployed. That is, the rearward-facing child seat 28 is provided with a cushion in a rearward direction with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle to protect the infant 29 from an impact at the time of a vehicle collision, so that the deployment of the airbag is unnecessary. Rather, when the airbag is deployed as shown by the dotted line 27, the strong impact may damage the infant 29.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the related art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an occupant protection device capable of detecting a rearward facing child seat and deploying an airbag in a wide range. It is an object of the present invention to provide an operation determination system for an occupant protection device for a front passenger seat, which can determine whether or not the operation of the vehicle is required.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an operation determination system for an occupant protection device for a front passenger seat according to the present invention uses one or a plurality of distance sensors to detect an operation in a space from the airbag housing portion to a front passenger seat. In this case, the distances to the moving objects are detected, and the necessity of the operation of the occupant protection device is determined based on signals from the distance sensors.

The use of a distance sensor makes it possible to measure the distance to an object in a specific direction. Therefore, the present invention determines the necessity of the operation of the occupant protection device by specifying the shape of an object in each zone using a plurality of distance sensors. Further, the present invention uses one or a plurality of distance sensors to form a prohibition zone in which the deployment of an airbag should be prohibited if there is an object to avoid danger, and an airbag if there is an object (human body) to protect. By detecting the presence or absence of an object in both or one of the deployment allowance zones to be deployed, it is determined whether or not the occupant protection device needs to be properly activated.

In addition, when the present invention is connected not only to the occupant protection device for deploying the airbag, but also to the actuation means of the pretensioner of the seatbelt for the passenger seat, the passenger seat is determined according to the necessity of operation of the occupant protection device for the passenger seat. The seat belt pretensioner can be activated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the vicinity of a passenger seat showing an arrangement of devices of a first embodiment of an operation determination system for an occupant protection system for a passenger seat according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an operation determination system of a passenger protection device for a passenger seat according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 determines whether or not an operation of the operation determination system of a passenger protection device for a passenger seat of the first embodiment is required. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the operation judging system of the passenger seat occupant protection system according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the vicinity of the front passenger seat. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the passenger seat occupant protection device according to the first embodiment, showing the operation of the passenger seat occupant protection device. FIG. FIG. 7 shows an operation determination system for a passenger-seat occupant protection system according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of a passenger seat showing an arrangement of devices according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an operation determination system of a passenger protection device for a passenger seat according to a second embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a judgment rule for judging whether or not the operation judgment system of the passenger seat occupant protection system of the second embodiment is required, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a passenger seat occupant of the second embodiment. It is a diagram showing the effect of the operation determination system of the protection device, FIG. 11,
FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the vicinity of the passenger seat showing the arrangement of the devices of the third embodiment of the operation determination system for the passenger seat occupant protection device of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a diagram of the passenger seat occupant protection device of the third embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation determination system,
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a determination rule for determining whether or not the operation of the operation determination system for a passenger seat occupant protection device of the third embodiment is required. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a passenger seat occupant protection device of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of a passenger seat showing an arrangement of devices according to a fourth embodiment of the operation determination system, and FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an operation determination system of the passenger seat occupant protection device of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the operation judging system of the passenger seat occupant protection system of the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the operation judging system of the passenger seat occupant protecting system of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a schematic view of the vicinity of the passenger seat showing the arrangement of the devices of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the passenger seat showing the arrangement of the devices of the operation determination system for the conventional passenger protection device for the passenger seat. Fig. 10 shows the operation judgment system of a conventional passenger protection system for passenger seats. It is a schematic view of a passenger seat near showing the operation.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the vicinity of a passenger seat showing the arrangement of devices in a first embodiment of an operation determination system for a passenger seat occupant protection system according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a determination rule for judging the necessity of operation, FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing the vicinity of a passenger seat showing operation, and FIG. It is a figure showing an effect of an operation judging system of a protection device.

First Embodiment As a first embodiment of an operation determination system for an occupant protection device for a passenger seat according to the present invention, a passenger occupant for determining the necessity of operation of an occupant protection device by specifying the shape of an object using a plurality of distance sensors. The operation determination system of the protection device will be described.

First, the configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. In FIG. 1, 21 is an occupant, 22 is a passenger seat, 23 is a dashboard, and 24 is a windshield. Airbag compartment 25
Is provided in a dashboard 23 located in front of the passenger seat 22. The occupant protection device 2 for deploying the airbag is mounted inside the airbag accommodating portion 25. The distance sensors S1 and S2 are mounted above and below the airbag housing 25, respectively. Warning lamp 13
Is provided at an appropriate position in front of the dashboard 23 of the driver's seat. These distance sensors S1, S2 and the warning lamp 13 are connected to the detection determination circuit 1. The detection determination circuit 1 is connected to the occupant protection device 2. An ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like is used as the distance sensors S1 and S2.

In FIG. 2, signals from the distance sensors S1 and S2 are input to a detection determination circuit 1 which is an arithmetic unit. Detection judgment circuit 1
Outputs an operation necessity signal to the occupant protection device 2 and outputs a display signal to the warning lamp 13.

In blocks 3 and 4 of the detection determination circuit 1, distances D1 and D2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the reference point shown in FIG. 1 are calculated based on distance signals from the distance sensors S1 and S2, respectively. In blocks 6 and 7, the distances D1 and D2 in the vehicle front-rear direction are
Each is ranked in three ranks: long distance L, medium distance M, and short distance S. In FIG. 2, the distance in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle
D1 and D2 are ranked in ranks R1 and R2. In block 8, by comparing the distances D1, D2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction and their ranks R1, R2 with the determination rule,
Judge expansion, expansion with warning, or non-expansion with warning. The determination rules are stored in the storage block 9 in advance, and the contents are as shown in FIG. Deployment, or
When deployment such as deployment with a warning is required, an operation permission signal is output to the AND circuit 90 of the occupant protection device 2. If the deployment is not necessary, such as a warning undeployment, the occupant protection device 2
And outputs an operation inhibition signal to the AND circuit 90. If you need a warning, such as a warning expansion or a warning non-expansion,
The display signal is output to the warning lamp 13.

In the occupant protection device 2, the acceleration sensor G2 detects a change in acceleration when the vehicle decelerates. Based on the acceleration signal, the collision determination circuit 10 determines whether a collision has occurred. When it is determined in the collision determination circuit 10 that a collision has occurred,
A start signal is input to the AND circuit 90. At this time, if the operation permission signal from the block 8 of the detection determination circuit 1 is input to the AND circuit 90, a start signal is output from the AND circuit 90 to the trigger circuit 11. Then, the airbag 12 is deployed.
On the other hand, the operation prohibition signal is output from the block 8 of the detection determination circuit 1.
If the start signal is input to the AND circuit 90, the start signal is set to AN even if the start signal from the collision determination circuit 10 is input to the AND circuit 90.
The output from the D circuit 90 to the trigger circuit 11 is not
Does not expand.

Next, the operation of the above-described detection determination circuit 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 1, when the occupant 21 is seated on the passenger seat 22, the distance sensors S1 and S2 detect the distance to the upper part 21a and the lower part 21b of the occupant 21, respectively. The difference d between the installation positions of the distance sensors S1 and S2 is corrected to the detected actual measurement distance, and a distance D1 (hereinafter referred to as an upper portion) in a vehicle longitudinal direction 26 from a reference point (an installation position of the distance sensor S2 in the illustrated example). Distance) and D2 (hereinafter referred to as lower distance). Then, the values D1 and D2 are ranked as any of L, M, and S, respectively. Since the actually measured distance detected by the distance sensor is corrected according to the mounting position of the distance sensor, the mounting position is appropriately selected without being limited to the illustrated example. Further, for example, when an ultrasonic sensor is used, the transmitter and the receiver may be installed at different positions.

Here, the determination rule of FIG. 3 will be described. 1 and 3, first, when the upper distance D1 is larger than the lower distance D2, that is, when the object (occupant) is inclined backward with respect to the vehicle longitudinal direction 26, the occupant 21 is assumed to be seated. Assuming the deployment is determined (determined). Further, the value of the upper distance D1 is ranked as one of the long distance L, the medium distance M, and the short distance S. When the value of the upper distance D1 is the short distance S, that is,
When an object (occupant) is approaching the airbag storage section 25 and is in the deployment prohibition zone, the airbag is deployed together with a warning. This warning is issued when the airbag should be deployed, but the optimal effect cannot be obtained. When the upper distance D1 is smaller than the lower distance D2, that is, when the object is inclined forward with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction, the child seat described later is assumed to be undeployed with a warning.

In FIG. 1, the occupant 21 is seated in a normal position.
The upper distance D1 is larger than the lower distance D2, and the inclination a is inclined backward. Further, the upper distance D1 is L rank. Accordingly, the detection determination circuit 1 determines that the vehicle is deployed, and outputs an operation permission signal to the occupant protection device 2. As a result, if a collision occurs, the airbag deploys.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when the rearward facing child seat 28 is attached to the passenger seat 22, the upper distance D1 is smaller than the lower distance D2, and the inclination b thereof is inclined forward. Therefore, the detection determination circuit 1 determines that the vehicle is not deployed, and outputs an operation prohibition signal to the occupant protection device 2. As a result, even if a collision occurs, the airbag does not deploy, and the safety of the infant 29 is ensured. Here, even if the seat 22b of the passenger seat 22 moves, the inclination b does not change, so that the rearward facing child seat 28 can be reliably detected.

FIG. 5 shows a case where the front-facing child seat 30 is placed on the passenger seat 22. The upper distance D1 is larger than the lower distance D2, and its inclination c is inclined backward. In addition, the upper distance
D1 is the L rank. Accordingly, the detection determination circuit 1 determines that the vehicle is deployed, and outputs an operation permission signal to the occupant protection device 2. As a result, when a collision occurs, the airbag is deployed and the safety of the infant 21 is ensured.

Next, the effects of the system for judging the operation of the occupant protection system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6 for various assumed passenger seat states including the above case. In FIG. 6, when an adult is seated on the passenger seat, the upper distance D1 is larger than the lower distance D2 as long as the adult is in a normal posture,
Even if you have luggage or children, you can make a proper deployment decision. In particular, when the vehicle is too close to the dashboard due to a large baggage, that is, when the upper distance D1 is ranked S, the warning lamp 13 of the dashboard is turned on as shown in FIG. Done. The warning by the lamp 13 may be, for example, blinking first and then continuously lighting. The warning by the lamp 13 allows the driver to take measures such as urging the occupant to remove the luggage. However, as shown by reference numerals 42 to 44, when an abnormal posture is taken such as placing the legs on the dashboard, the upper distance D1 becomes smaller than the lower distance D2. Therefore, the detection determination circuit 1 determines that the deployment has not occurred, and does not make an appropriate determination. However, since a warning is issued, it is possible to make a proper deployment judgment by returning to the normal posture.

When there is a child in the passenger seat, the upper distance D1 is equal to or larger than the lower distance D2, whether the user is sitting or standing, and the deployment can be properly determined. In particular, in the case of a child (standing child) standing on the floor between the dashboard and the seat, a warning is issued, so that the driver can sit down and avoid the danger of being blown when the airbag is deployed. .

When the child seat is attached to the passenger seat, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the airbag needs to be deployed or not, as described above. However,
As indicated by reference numeral 45, in the case where the front-facing child seat is unmanned, the deployment judgment is made even though the deployment of the airbag is unnecessary. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to deploy the airbag by the system for determining the operation of the passenger seat protection device of the present invention,
Alternatively, it is not possible to properly judge the necessity.

In addition, as indicated by reference numerals 46 and 47, when the passenger seat is unoccupied, deployment is basically unnecessary. However, since the object including the passenger seat itself is tilted backward, it is determined to be deployed. Therefore, also in this case, in principle, it is not possible to properly judge whether the deployment of the airbag is necessary or unnecessary by the operation determination system for the passenger seat protection device of the present invention.
However, this disadvantage can be easily compensated for by a combination with another sensor described later.

As described above, according to the operation determination system of the passenger seat protection device according to the present embodiment, it is necessary to deploy the airbag even in a wide range of passenger seat conditions, except for inevitable and special cases in principle, Alternatively, it is possible to appropriately determine unnecessary. Further, since the distance sensor, the detection determination circuit, and the like are arranged near the dashboard, the cost can be reduced by integrating with the airbag module.

Next, a second embodiment of the operation judging system of the passenger seat occupant protection system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. The second embodiment is an example of an operation determination system for an occupant protection device for a front passenger seat that determines whether or not the occupant protection device needs to be activated by combining a distance sensor and a heat source sensor that detects the presence or absence of a heat source. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the vicinity of the passenger seat showing the arrangement of the devices of the second embodiment, FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the operation determination system of the passenger seat occupant protection device, and FIG. Diagram showing determination rule of no, 10th
The figure shows the effect of the operation determination system for the passenger seat occupant protection device.

First, the configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is substantially different from FIG. 1 in that a heat source sensor S3 installed near the airbag housing 25 is added. This heat source sensor S3 is connected to the detection determination circuit 41. The heat source sensor S3 has a detection area extending toward the passenger seat 22, as indicated by hatching in the drawing, and a heat source (object) existing in the space from the airbag housing 25 to the passenger seat 22. ) Is detected. As the heat source sensor S3, an infrared sensor with a chopper or the like is used.

In FIG. 8, the difference from FIG.
41 in that a block 33 for ranking the input signal from the heat source sensor S3 is provided. This block 33
Indicates that the input signal from the heat source sensor S3 has a heat source (P),
It is ranked in three ranks: indeterminable (U) and without heat source (A). Then, the output signal of this block 33 is inputted to the comparison judgment block 8. In block 8, the input signal from block 33 is added to the input signal in the case of FIG. 2, and these are compared with a determination rule to determine whether the deployment of the airbag is necessary and whether a warning is required. The judgment rules are stored in the block 9 and the contents are as shown in FIG.

Next, the determination rule will be described with reference to FIG. When there is no heat source, the operation determination system of the passenger seat occupant protection device according to the present invention determines that the vehicle is unmanned and does not deploy with a warning. Further, the operation determination system of the passenger seat occupant protection device according to the present invention follows the determination of the distance sensor when U cannot determine the presence or absence of the heat source. Then, the operation determination system of the passenger seat occupant protection system of the present invention determines deployment when there is a heat source. Further, when the upper distance D1 is larger than the lower distance D2, that is, when the object is tilted backward, priority is given to the determination by the distance sensor. When the upper distance D1 is smaller than the lower distance D2 in addition to the heat source P, that is, when the object is tilted forward, the determination by the heat source sensor is prioritized and the deployment with the warning is performed.

Next, the effects of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. If people have legs on the dashboard (42-44)
Earlier, an appropriate judgment could not be made in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6, but in this second embodiment, as long as the heat source sensor S3 can detect the heat generation, the airbag is warned with a warning. Determine that deployment is required. In the case where the passenger seat is unoccupied (45 to 47), an appropriate judgment could not be made in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6, but in the second embodiment, the heat source sensor S3 detects the heat source. Therefore, it is properly determined that the deployment of the airbag is unnecessary.

In the second embodiment, the case where two distance sensors and the heat source sensor are combined has been described. However, one distance sensor and the heat source sensor may be combined. For example, it is determined whether or not the object is a human body by determining whether or not the object is in the air bag prohibition zone by using a distance sensor and detecting whether or not the object generates heat by using a heat source sensor. As a result, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the airbag needs to be deployed. As described above, when the heat source sensor and the distance sensor are combined, it is possible to determine whether or not the object is in the danger zone based on the distance to the object. It can be determined whether or not the object is a human body based on the presence or absence of heat generation of the object. As a result, it is possible to determine whether the deployment of the airbag is more accurate.

Next, a third embodiment of the system for judging the operation of the occupant protection system for a passenger seat according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. The third embodiment is an example in which the necessity of deployment of an airbag is determined by detecting the presence or absence of an object at a specific location using two distance sensors. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the passenger seat showing the arrangement of the devices of the third embodiment, FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration thereof, and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a determination rule.
In FIGS. 11 and 12, parts having the same functions as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

First, the configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. No.
In FIG. 11, the occupant protection device 2 for deploying the airbag on the upper surface is attached to the upper surface 55a of the dashboard 52. Near the occupant protection device 2, first and second distance sensors
S4 and S5 are installed. Further, a warning lamp 13 is provided in front of the dashboard of the driver's seat. The first and second distance sensors S4 and S5 are ultrasonic sensors each including a pair of a traveling wave device and a receiving device, and are connected to the detection determination circuit 51. The detection determination circuit 51 is connected to the warning lamp 13 and the occupant protection device 2 for deploying the airbag. The distance sensors S4 and S5 use the reflection of the windshield 24 to transmit ultrasonic waves 5 toward the first detection area 73 and the second detection area 74, respectively.
6, 57 are transmitted and received. Here, the first detection area 73 is a detection area assuming the rearward-facing child seat 28, and is set above the rearward-facing child seat 28. This means a zone in which deployment is prohibited if an object is present in order to avoid danger caused by deployment of the occupant protection device 2. The second detection area 74 is an area in which the occupant 21 seated normally is assumed, and is set in the upper part of the occupant 21. This is an object (human body) to protect the occupants
Indicates a zone in which the occupant protection device 2 should be deployed. Incidentally, the reflection of the ultrasonic waves 56 and 57 may use a side glass. As described above, by using the reflection, it is possible to detect the back of the obstacle, and it is possible to use the ultrasonic sensor while avoiding the dead distance (close distance) of the ultrasonic sensor.

In FIG. 12, a signal D4 from the distance sensor S4 (hereinafter, referred to as a first distance) and a signal D5 from the distance sensor S5 (hereinafter, referred to as a second distance) are input to the block 8. In block 8, by comparing the signals D4 and D5 with a determination rule, it is determined whether the airbag needs to be deployed and whether a warning is required. The determination rule is block 9 of the detection determination circuit 51.
Is stored in The determination rule will be described with reference to FIG. T1 and T2 are a lower threshold and an upper threshold of the first distance D4, and T3 and T4 are a lower threshold and an upper threshold of the second distance D5. If the distance to the object is within the range of the upper and lower thresholds, the object is determined to be within the detection area. When there is no object such as an occupant in the second detection area, the airbag is not deployed regardless of the presence or absence of an object such as a child seat in the first detection area. When there is an object such as an occupant in the second detection area, if there is no object such as a child seat in the first detection area, it is determined to be deployed. Also,
When there is an object such as an occupant in the second detection area, if there is an object such as a child seat in the first detection area, the development is performed with a warning.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG. When the occupant 21 is seated at the normal position, the first distance sensor S4 does not detect an object in the first detection area 73, and
In step S5, an object is detected in the second detection area 74. Therefore, the occupant protection device 2 can be deployed. When the rearward facing child seat 28 is attached, the first distance sensor S4
An object is detected in the first detection area 73 and the second distance sensor S5
Does not detect an object in the second detection area 74. Therefore, the occupant protection device 2 does not deploy. Although not shown, for example, an occupant
In the case where the large object 21 is placed on the lap, the first distance sensor S4 and the second distance sensor S5 are both the first and second distance sensors.
Objects are detected in 73 and 74 within the detection area. Therefore, the occupant protection device 2 can be deployed, and a warning is issued by the warning lamp 13. Then, appropriate measures are taken for the occupant 21. As described above, according to the third embodiment, the rearward facing child seat 28 can be detected, and the unattended passenger seat can be detected. As a result, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the airbag needs to be deployed.
In addition, since the distance sensor is installed on the upper surface of the dashboard, the appearance is not impaired.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the system for judging the operation of the occupant protection system for a front passenger seat according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. The fourth embodiment is an example in which the necessity of operation of the occupant protection device is determined by combining a distance sensor and a seat position sensor. FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the vicinity of the passenger seat showing the arrangement of the devices of the fourth embodiment, FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration thereof, and FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation. In FIGS. 14 and 15, parts having the same functions as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

First, the configuration will be described with reference to FIG. Dashboard
An occupant protection device 2 and a distance sensor S6 are installed on the front of 23. Further, a position sensor S7 is provided below the passenger seat 22. The position sensor S7 is a sensor that detects the position of the sheet 22a. These are connected to the detection determination circuit 61. The distance sensor S6 is set so that the upper part of the rearward facing child seat 28 is set as the detection area 58. This detection area 58 means an expansion prohibited zone as in the case of FIG. T5 and T6 are a lower threshold and an upper threshold of the distance from the distance sensor S6. T5 and T6 can be regarded as distances from the airbag housing 25. In FIG. 15, the signal D6 from the distance sensor S6 and the seat position sensor S7
Is input to the detection determination circuit 61. And
The detection / judgment circuit 61 outputs to the occupant protection device 2 a signal indicating whether or not the deployment is necessary.

Next, the operation of the detection and judgment circuit will be described with reference to FIG. The position P of the sheet is read (step # 1). Based on the sheet position P, the lower threshold T5 and the upper threshold T6
Is calculated (step # 2). These threshold values T5, T
6 changes according to the movement of the seat position P in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. That is, the threshold values T5 and T6 increase when the seat position P is at the rear, and decrease when the seat position P is at the front. Then, the distance D6 from the airbag storage section is read (step # 3). It is determined whether or not the distance D6 is within the range of each of the threshold values T5 and T6 (step # 4). When there is no object outside the range, that is, when there is no object in the prohibited zone, an operation permission signal is output to the occupant protection device. Then, the airbag can be deployed (step # 7). If there is an object in the range, that is, in the prohibited zone, it is determined whether or not this is continued for the determined number of times (step # 5). If not, for example, if the occupant approaches the dashboard temporarily, step #
Proceed to 7. Then, an operation permission signal is output to the occupant protection device. If the determined number of times is continued, that is, if the child seat 28 is facing backward, an operation prohibition signal is output to the occupant protection device. Therefore, deployment of the airbag is prohibited. It should be noted that the determination of whether or not the number of determinations is continued,
The present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and all other embodiments are performed, and the temporary operation is excluded from the determination of whether the airbag needs to be deployed.

In this manner, in FIG. 14, since the detection area of the distance sensor S6 is moved in accordance with the movement of the passenger seat 22, it is possible to determine with higher accuracy whether or not the airbag needs to be deployed. In the above description, the case where the prohibited zone is the detection area of the distance sensor S6 has been described. However, as described with reference to FIG.
Can be used to determine whether the deployment of the airbag is permitted or not. In this case as well, the accuracy of determining whether or not the airbag needs to be deployed can be similarly increased.
For example, it is possible to more reliably determine whether or not the passenger seat is unmanned. Therefore, as can be seen from this description,
By combining the fourth embodiment with the third embodiment shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of the necessity determination of the airbag deployment. In this embodiment, a warning can also be issued.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the system for judging the operation of the passenger seat occupant protection system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The fifth embodiment is an example of a case where it is determined whether or not the occupant protection device needs to be operated by combining a distance sensor and a seat angle sensor.
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the passenger seat showing the arrangement of the devices of the fifth embodiment.

17 is substantially different from FIG. 11 in that a seat angle detection sensor S8 is added to the base of the backrest of the passenger seat 22. This angle detection sensor S8 is connected to the detection determination circuit 51. The angle detection sensor 8 detects an angle θ of the backrest of the passenger seat with respect to the vehicle longitudinal direction 26.

The functional block diagram and flow chart diagram relating to the signal processing from the added angle detection sensor S8 are the same as those in FIGS. 15 and 16, and a description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 17, the lower threshold value T3 and the upper threshold value T4 of the second detection area (deployment allowable zone) 74 for the second distance D4 are set to the passenger seat.
22 according to the angle θ of the backrest. That is, the lower threshold T3 and the upper threshold T4 are increased when the angle θ is small, and are decreased when the angle θ is large. Therefore, since the first detection area 74 moves with the angle of the backrest of the passenger seat, the accuracy of the determination rule of FIG. 13 can be improved particularly in the determination of necessity of airbag deployment in the second detection area. . For example, it is possible to more reliably determine whether or not the passenger seat 22 is unmanned.

In addition, as can be seen from the above description, according to the combination of the present embodiment and the fourth embodiment, that is, according to the combination of the distance sensor, the seat position sensor, and the seat angle sensor, the airbag can be deployed with higher accuracy. It is possible to determine whether or not it is necessary.

In each of the embodiments described above, a case has been described in which a plurality of distance sensors or a combination of a distance sensor and another sensor is used. This is to enable or not to deploy the occupant protection device in a wider case. However, the invention is not limited to the case described above. For example, the configuration may be such that the airbag is not deployed if the distance from the airbag storage unit is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value using one distance sensor. In this case, it is possible to avoid the danger caused by the deployment of the airbag in the case of a rearward-facing child seat or a standing child, thereby achieving the required minimum objective.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the case where each is connected to only the occupant protection device for deploying the airbag is described, but not only the occupant protection device for deploying the airbag,
When connected to the actuating means for actuating the pre-tensioner of the passenger seat belt, the pre-tensioner of the passenger seat belt can be actuated in accordance with the necessity determination of the operation of the passenger seat occupant protection device. That is, when it is determined that the deployment of the airbag is necessary, it is possible to output an operation signal to the operation means of the pretensioner of the seatbelt for the front passenger seat to operate the airbag.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the operation determination system of the passenger seat occupant protection device of the present invention uses one or a plurality of distance sensors to detect an object existing in the space from the airbag housing to the passenger seat. Are determined, and the necessity of the operation of the occupant protection device is determined based on the detected distances. Therefore,
It is possible to specify the presence or absence and the shape of the object in the prohibited zone or the development allowable zone. As a result, it is possible to detect a rearward facing child seat, and it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the occupant protection device needs to be activated in a wide range.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Etsujiro Imanishi 1-5-5 Takatsukadai, Nishi-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture Kobe Steel No. 5 Building Kobe Technical Center Sensor Technology Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasushi Tsuji Hyogo Prefecture 1-5-5 Takatsukadai, Nishi-ku, Kobe Kobe Steel Building No.5 Inside Sensor Technology Co., Ltd. Kobe Technical Center (56) References JP-A-2-60858 (JP, A) JP-A-6-206514 (JP, A) JP-A-4-342639 (JP, A) JP-A-5-270351 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B60R 21/32 B60R 22/46

Claims (12)

(57) [Claims] An operation determination system for an occupant protection device for a front passenger seat, in which an airbag is housed in an airbag housing portion provided in front of a passenger seat in a vehicle, and the airbag is deployed when the vehicle is rapidly decelerated, An object (28, 21) existing at a specific location in the space from the storage section in which the occupant protection device (2) is stored to the passenger seat (22)
At least two distance sensors (S4, S
5) determining whether each of the distances detected by the distance sensor is within a range of a predetermined threshold value (T1, T2, T3, T4); Determination means (52) for determining whether or not the passenger's seat occupant protection device (2) needs to be actuated depending on whether or not the at least one of the distance sensors (S5, S4) includes a windshield (24). Alternatively, the operation judging system of the occupant protection device for a front passenger seat is characterized in that the detection direction is changed by being reflected on a side glass to detect the distance to the object (21, 28). 2. The operation of an occupant protection device (2) for accommodating an airbag in an airbag accommodating portion (25) provided in front of a passenger seat in a vehicle and deploying the airbag when the vehicle is rapidly decelerated. A distance sensor for detecting a distance to a lower portion of an object (28) such as a rearward-facing child seat existing in a space between the airbag storage portion (25) and the passenger seat (22). S
6) determining whether the distance is within a predetermined threshold value (T5, T6), and operating the passenger seat occupant protection device (2) based on whether the distance is within the threshold value. The distance sensor reflects the windshield or the side glass to change the detection direction, and the operation determination system of the passenger seat occupant protection device is provided. 3. An operation judging system for an occupant protection device for a front passenger seat, in which an airbag is accommodated in an airbag accommodating portion (25) provided in front of the passenger seat in the vehicle, and the airbag is deployed when the vehicle is rapidly decelerated. A plurality of portions (21a, 21b) having different heights in the vertical direction of an object (21) existing in a space between the airbag housing portion (25) and the passenger seat (22) from a predetermined reference point. ) To (D1, D
2) At least two distance sensors (S1, S2) for detecting
And the distance (D) detected by each of the distance sensors (S1, S2).
1, D2) based on the determination of the operation of the passenger seat occupant protection device, wherein one of the distance sensors (S1) is attached to the upper body of an occupant seated in the passenger seat (22). A first distance sensor (S1) for determining a first distance (D1) to a corresponding upper part (21a), and another one (S2) of the distance sensors from the upper part (21a); A lower part (21b), a distance detected when an occupant sits on the passenger seat, a distance detected when a child seat (28, 30) is attached to the passenger seat, and a distance detected on the passenger seat. A second distance sensor (S2) for measuring a second distance (D2) to a lower portion (21b) at which a difference from a distance detected when there is nothing is present, wherein the determination means comprises: Based on the distance (D1) and the second distance (D2), the inclination (ac) of the object (21) in the vehicle longitudinal direction is calculated. The first distance (D1) is ranked into a plurality of ranks (S, M, L) according to the length of the distance, and the rank (S, M, L) and the directions of the inclinations (a to c) are determined. An operation determination system for determining the operation of the passenger seat occupant protection device. 4. A warning which issues a warning in accordance with a determination made by the determination means (1) based on the rank (S, M, L) of the first distance (D1) and the inclination direction regarding the operation of the passenger seat occupant protection device. The system for judging the operation of the occupant protection device for a front passenger seat according to claim 3, further comprising means. 5. The first distance (D1) is ranked into three ranks: a long distance (L), a medium distance (M), and a short distance (S).
This rank and the first distance (D1) and the second distance (D
5. The operation determination system for a passenger seat occupant protection device according to claim 4, wherein the determination regarding the operation of the passenger seat occupant protection device is performed in accordance with 2) according to the determination rules in the following table. 6. A heat source sensor (S3) for detecting the presence or absence of heat generation of an object (21) existing in a space between the airbag accommodating portion (25) and the passenger seat (22), wherein the heat source sensor is provided. The first distance (D1) and the second distance (D2)
4. The operation determination system for a passenger seat occupant protection device according to claim 3, wherein the determination regarding the operation of the passenger seat occupant protection device is performed by: 7. The first distance is defined as (D1), the long distance (L),
It is classified into three ranks of medium distance (M) and short distance (S), and the judgment of the presence or absence of a heat source is divided into three of heat source existence (P), no heat source (A), and judgment impossible (U). Based on the classification of the presence or absence of a heat source, the rank of the first distance (D1), and the first distance (D1) and the second distance (D2), a determination on the operation of the passenger seat occupant protection device according to the determination rules in the following table. An operation determination system for an occupant protection device for a front passenger seat according to claim 6. 8. An operation judging system for an occupant protection device for a front passenger seat, in which an airbag is accommodated in an airbag accommodating portion (25) provided in front of the passenger seat in the vehicle, and the airbag is deployed when the vehicle is rapidly decelerated. A plurality of portions (21a, 21b) having different heights in the vertical direction of an object (21) existing in a space between the airbag housing portion (25) and the passenger seat (22) from a predetermined reference point. ) To (D1, D
2) At least two distance sensors (S1, S2) for detecting
And the distance (D) detected by each of the distance sensors (S1, S2).
1, D2) based on the determination of the operation of the passenger seat occupant protection device, and a position sensor for detecting the position of the passenger seat, one of the distance sensor (S1), the passenger seat A first distance sensor (S1) for measuring a first distance (D1) to an upper part (21a) corresponding to the upper body of an occupant seated at (22); ) Is a portion (21b) below the upper portion (21a), a distance detected when an occupant sits on the passenger seat, and a child seat (28, 30) attached to the passenger seat. The second distance (D) to the lower part (21b) where a difference between the distance detected in the case and the distance detected when there is nothing in the passenger seat occurs.
2) a second distance sensor (S2) that measures the inclination (a) of the object (21) in the vehicle longitudinal direction based on the first distance (D1) and the second distance (D2). C), the first distance (D1) is ranked into a plurality of ranks (S, M, L) according to the length of the distance, and the rank (S, M, L) and the slope (a to c) determining the operation of the passenger seat occupant protection device according to the direction and
Further, based on the position detected by the position sensor, a plurality of ranks (S, M,
L) An operation judging system for an occupant protection device for a passenger seat, comprising: judging means (1) for changing a standard of attachment. 9. At least one of the distance sensors (S1, S1)
9. The system for judging operation of a passenger seat occupant protection system according to claim 8, wherein 2) detects a distance from the object using reflection. 10. The distance sensor is a windshield (24).
10. The operation judging system for an occupant protection system for a front passenger seat according to claim 9, wherein the detection direction is changed by reflecting the light on a side glass. 11. A system for judging the operation of an occupant protection device for a front passenger seat, in which an airbag is housed in an airbag housing portion provided in front of a front passenger seat in a vehicle, and the airbag is deployed when the vehicle is rapidly decelerated, A distance sensor (S4) for detecting a distance (D4) to a lower object (28) such as a rearward-facing child seat existing in a space from a storage section in which the occupant protection device (2) is stored to a passenger seat (22); A distance sensor (5) for detecting a distance (D5) to an object (21) above the occupant's head or the like existing in the space from the accommodation section in which the occupant protection device (2) is accommodated to the passenger seat (22). S5) and each distance between the two objects (28, 21) is a predetermined threshold (T1,
T2, T3, T4), determining whether or not the passenger seat occupant protection device (2) needs to be activated based on whether or not the threshold value is within the range. 51), and warning means for giving a warning in accordance with the necessity determination of the operation of the passenger seat occupant protection device, wherein the determination means (51) determines the necessity of the operation according to the determination rule in the following table. For occupant protection device operation. 12. A position sensor for detecting a position of a front passenger seat is provided in a front passenger seat, and said judging means (51) varies a range of said threshold value based on a position detected by said position sensor. Item 12. An operation determination system for a passenger occupant protection device according to item 11.