DE102005011389A1 - Apparatus and method for detecting pedestrians - Google Patents

Abstract

A pedestrian detecting apparatus and method are disclosed as a pedestrian sensor 2 mounted on a bumper 1 of a vehicle V. The pedestrian sensor 2 includes an impact sensor consisting of an optical fiber 20 extending through the bumper 1 to generate a signal in response to a transmission light passing through the optical fiber, and a judging unit 3 based on the signal determines whether the vehicle V collides with a pedestrian or not.

Description

cross-reference on related applications

These Registration concerns March 18, 2004 filed Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-78960, the content thereof is hereby incorporated by reference.

Background of the invention

1st area the invention

The The present invention relates to pedestrian detection apparatuses, and in particular a device for detecting pedestrians, which a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian is detected, as well a related procedure.

In In recent years, various attempts have been made the safety in case of accidents to improve in vehicles, not only the safety of Pedestrians, with which a vehicle collides, must be ensured, but also improving the safety of the vehicle occupants while the occurrence of an accident is required.

In In the past, various procedures were considered measures to protect pedestrians considered a collision in order to reduce an impact force, which on the colliding with a hood of the vehicle Pedestrian interacts, thereby causing an injury value or an injury potential (i.e. H. one experienced by the pedestrian Impact) as much as possible to reduce.

The provisional Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 11-28994 (Patent Literature 1) discloses z. B. a device for the protection of pedestrians, which is configured, a hood of a vehicle during a Collision between the vehicle and a pedestrian to thereby raise a Impact, which is caused by a second collision, the through the pedestrian Collision with the vehicle is experienced to absorb and alleviate. In particular, when the vehicle collides with the pedestrian while driving the vehicle and lift the pedestrian, the raised pedestrian collides (in a second collision) with an upper surface of the hood. When this happens, the bonnet is activated and raised, whereupon the bonnet an impact during the second collision absorbs and relieves. This results in a reduction damage or injury to the pedestrian during the collision.

Further are an increasing number of electronic products in vehicles It is expected that this tendency will increase Dimensions continue. It is a requirement for Any product installed in a vehicle, measures to electromagnetic compatibility unterzuwerten. The pedestrian protection device as disclosed in document 1, must of course these measures to ensure electromagnetic compatibility.

It is easy to conceptualize or understand that in the device to protect pedestrians pedestrian sensor is arranged to a front portion of the bumper reinforcing member cover, if necessary, a collision between the Vehicle and a pedestrian too measure up. In cases, in which the pedestrian sensor having a sensor which is a variation of the electric current used to detect the collision, the pedestrian sensor acts per se as an antenna through which electromagnetic waves be emitted, and other electronic products disadvantageous affected become. The pedestrian sensor emp the electromagnetic waves coming from the other electronic Products are emitted, causing the occurrence of faulty Operation. The pedestrian sensor therefore results in a disadvantageous product construction, which less resistant to electromagnetic waves or has a lower electromagnetic compatibility.

at an arrangement in which the pedestrian sensor z. B. a wire-like Contains sensor, which is adapted to a collision of a pedestrian with the vehicle, it is common that if the sensor an increased Has length, the sensor has an electromagnetic shielding structure, to the electromagnetic compatibility and the detection skills to improve. The preliminary Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 6-302985 (Patent Literature 2) discloses an electromagnetically shielding wire mesh, which made of woven metal wires or metallic wires is formed, which consist of non-metallic wires, which in turn with Metal plated are formed, what shields electromagnetic waves.

The use of the harness-type sensor including the electromagnetic shielding structure, wherein the sensor with a material such. As an electromagnetic shield wire mesh is covered to shield electromagnetic waves, however, results in problems regarding a considerable increase in the device for detecting pedestrians. That is, not only the material per se of the electromagnetic shield wire grid increases the cost, but there is also an additional increase in the cost of mounting these components parts.

Summary the invention

The The present invention pursues the problems described above and has the object, a device for detecting pedestrians, which for the Installation in a vehicle to detect a collision between the vehicle Vehicle and a pedestrian adapted and a related procedure.

Around It is an object of the present invention to achieve the above object to provide a device for detecting pedestrians, which includes a pedestrian sensor including an impact sensor with a fiber optic cable, on a front side the vehicle is mounted, and a light emitting and receiving unit, which is connected to the optical fiber, so that when a Impact on the front area (of the vehicle) acts, a signal as a function of the amount of light passing through the optical fiber is produced. A calculation unit judges based on that of the pedestrian sensor generated signal, whether the vehicle is involved in a collision with a pedestrian or not, and generates a signal indicating this.

in the Frame of the pedestrian detection apparatus of the present invention contains the pedestrian sensor an impact sensor comprising an optical fiber, the is unable to transmit electromagnetic waves and to receive and thereby be free from them. It occurs therefore no faulty operation of the pedestrian sensor on while others electronic products are protected from adverse effects. Since the fiber optic cable is free of electromagnetic waves, are also no costly devices for electromagnetic Shielding such. B. an electromagnetic shield to the Fiber optic conductor inserted around. The device for detection of pedestrians is therefore reliable in operation and can be manufactured at low cost.

Corresponding Another object of the present invention, the vehicle a bumper on, which is arranged in a front region of the vehicle and the fiber-optic cable is adapted in the bumper of the vehicle along to extend.

There the glass fiber ladder of the pedestrian sensor has a small diameter and inside the bumper is arranged on a minimum space, is in such an arrangement for mounting the device for detecting pedestrians in the vehicle no greater Space required. The device for detecting pedestrians can therefore be installed in the vehicle in a minimal space, without an increase in the To cause vehicle arrangement.

Corresponding Another object of the present invention includes the impact sensor a bumper reinforcement member, which in the bumper of the vehicle is mounted and carries the glass ladder on it.

at Such an arrangement, the pedestrian sensor due to a rigid Support structure, which through the bumper reinforcement is provided from damage protected, what results in a long life of the pedestrian detection device.

Corresponding Another object of the present invention includes the impact sensor a load plate, which in front of the bumper reinforcement member from the bumper reinforcement, in which the optical fiber is arranged, spaced is.

at such an arrangement allows the provision of the load plate, that one Pressure resulting from an impact occurring during the Collision on the bumper exercised is transmitted without loss to the fiber optic cable. The load plate thus presses the fiber optic conductor during collision with the pedestrian, which in an increase of tracking accuracy results.

Corresponding Another object of the present invention is an absorber arranged in front of the load plate and a bumper cover is on a front surface arranged the absorber.

There the absorber is located in front of the load plate and the bumper cover on the front surface of the absorber is arranged, the load plate is protected from damage while allowing that the transferred by the collision pressure without loss on the optical fiber can be used to reliably detect the collision.

In accordance with another object of the present invention, an impact member is disposed in the bumper of the vehicle and has a plurality of pre-tests connected to the optical fiber to transmit an impact force on the optical fiber to cause deformation of the optical fiber in turn to vary a loss of light intensity of passing through the optical fiber transmission light.

at Press such an arrangement the multitude of projections the impact transmission member due to the provision of the impact transmission member which in the bumper is arranged and a variety of connected to the glass fiber conductor projections has, the optical fiber and it is caused that the Fiber optic conductor during the collision with a pedestrian bends, and so the light intensity the transmission light, which passes through the optical fiber varies, what in one increase the detection precision the pedestrian detection device results.

Corresponding Another object of the present invention includes the pedestrian detection apparatus a light emitter which emits light at one end of the optical fiber emitted and a light receiver, which is a transmission light at the other end of the optical fiber.

The Size of the light emitter and the light receiver is extremely small and does not cause any increase in the required mounting space in the vehicle. The pedestrian detection device can thus in the vehicle within a minimum mounting space to be assembled.

Corresponding Another object of the present invention is a method intended to detect a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. The method involves attaching a fiber optic conductor a front area of the vehicle and a light emission and receiving unit, which is connected to the optical fiber is, so if an impact on the front works, a singal as a function a quantity of light generated by the optical fiber arrives so that a Light is emitted at one end of the optical fiber and a transmission light is received at another end of the optical fiber to the Generate signal. The method is also based on the signal to assess whether the vehicle is a collision with a pedestrian or not, as well as generating a signal indicating this.

SHORT DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS

For a better one understanding of the present invention and to show how they are carried out In the following, various embodiments according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings described, which is done only by way of example.

It shows:

1 a schematic view of a vehicle, which includes a pedestrian detecting apparatus of an embodiment according to the present invention;

2 a perspective cross-sectional view of a bumper of the in 1 shown vehicle containing the pedestrian detecting device of the present submitted embodiment;

3 an exploded view of the bumper and the pedestrian detection apparatus of the present submitted embodiment;

4 an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fiber optic conductor and associated component parts forming part of the pedestrian sensing device of the presently filed embodiment;

5 a view for illustrating a principle of detecting a pressure using the in 4 shown fiber optic conductor; and

6 a view for illustrating a principle of detecting a pressure using the in 4 shown fiber optic conductor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

in the The following is a device for detecting pedestrians one embodiment according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings Drawings described.

1 FIG. 10 is a plan view of a vehicle equipped with a pedestrian detection apparatus of the presently filed embodiment. FIG. The pedestrian detection apparatus of the presently filed embodiment is installed in a vehicle V having a front portion in which a vehicle bumper 1 is arranged, and wherein the device is a pedestrian sensor 2 which is in the vehicle bumper 1 is mounted, a judgment unit, such. B. a calculation unit 3 installed in the vehicle V and a plurality of devices 30 for the protection of pedestrians, which are operated in response to a collision signal (command signal) from the calculation or assessment unit 3 is issued.

The vehicle V is a vehicle in which the pedestrian detection apparatus of the presently filed embodiment is applied. The vehicle V includes an engine compartment E. The vehicle V in which the pedestrian detection apparatus of the presently filed embodiment is applied may be any type of vehicle provided that the vehicle is a bumper 1 having. Ie. The vehicle V in which the pedestrian detection apparatus of the present embodiment is installed has an engine compartment E in front of a passenger compartment, but may be configured to have a trunk instead of the engine compartment.

As in the 1 to 3 shown is the vehicle bumper 1 attached to the vehicle V in front of the engine compartment E. The pedestrian sensor 2 is at the vehicle bumper 1 appropriate. In the presently filed embodiment, the pedestrian sensor includes 2 an impact sensor 2 which is a bumper reinforcement member 10 which is fixed to the front-side members Vm of a vehicle body VB at the front of the vehicle V. An optical fiber 20 , which is part of the pedestrian sensor 2 forms, extends longitudinally along a front surface of the bumper reinforcing member 10 in a U-shaped configuration. On a front surface of the optical fiber 20 is a substantially plate-like load plate 11 arranged, which forms part of the impact sensor, on whose front surface an absorber 12 , which consists of an elastic material such. B. foam material is made, is arranged to one on the load plate 11 to relieve acting impact. The absorber 12 is with a bumper cover 13 covered.

2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the bumper 1 and 3 is an exploded view of the vehicle bumper 1 to build up the component parts of the vehicle bumper 1 to show. In 3 is the bumper cover 13 also removed.

The pedestrian sensor 2 is located in a front area of the vehicle V and detects a collision of a pedestrian with the vehicle V. The pedestrian sensor 2 has an optical fiber 20 located on the front surface of the bumper reinforcement 10 extends, and a light emitting and Empfangsein unit 21 including a light emitter 21a (please refer 5 ), which light to one end of the optical fiber 20 emitted, and a light receiver 21b (please refer 5 ) which transmits the transmitted light at the other end of the optical fiber 20 receives. The light emission and reception unit 21 is located in the vicinity of one end (on a side closer to the front passenger seat) of the bumper reinforcement member 10 but may be at the opposite end near the driver's seat.

The fiber optic conductor 20 is made of a striped material, which has one end with the light emitter 21a the light emission and reception unit 21 is connected and attached to this, and the other end is connected to the light receiver 21b the light emission and reception unit 21 connected and attached to this.

The fiber optic conductor 20 is especially on the bumper reinforcement 10 arranged, with the fiber optic conductor 20 from one end (the side closer to the passenger seat) of the bumper reinforcement member 10 to its other end (on a driver's seat closer side) extends, on the outside of the optical fiber 20 is folded back to an end of the optical fiber in a substantially U-shaped pattern, as can be seen from the front of the vehicle.

As in 4 shown points the fiber optic conductor 20 a fibrous body 22 on, which is made of a plastic fiberglass, a bending plate 23 , which serves as an impact transmission member, in front of the fiber body 22 is arranged and laterally spaced projections 230 having, with the fiber body 22 are connected at a plurality of contact points, as well as a shaped body 24 made of resin through which the fiber body 22 and the bending plate 23 are fastened, wherein the projections 230 in fitting engagement with the fiber body 22 which extends straight to be held.

Of the Plastic fiber optic cable is made of a large diameter fiber optic cable trained and contains a core portion having a cross-sectional area through which Mostly Transmit light becomes. The plastic fiber optic cable, consisting of an optical fiber per se which not only cost-effective, but also to reduce the cost of optical connections, Connectors and processing outputs is effective, and has a strong Resistance to vibration and bending, with the resulting advantageous skills or properties can be applied to a vehicle.

The bending plate 23 has a substantially belt-shaped configuration, which is a front surface of the fiber body 22 covered, and has an opposite surface, wherein the projections 230 extend perpendicular to a direction in which the fiber body 22 extends. Each of the tabs 230 is formed in a gently curved distal end to a curved or curved surface 230a vorzuse hen, and extends in the direction of the fiber body 22 , The fiber optic conductor 20 has no member to shield electromagnetic waves.

The light emission and reception unit 21 emits and receives the light passing through the fiber body 22 arrives. The light emitter 21a the light emission and reception unit 21 emits the light that passes through the fiber body 22 arrives, from. The light emitted by the light emitter is not particularly limited, provided that the light passes through the fiber body 22 arrives.

An example of the light emitter 21a can a light source such. Example, be a commercially available LED, which emits light having a wavelength of 650 nm. The light emitter 21a may include a device which is used as a light-emitting device in an arrangement employing a fiber-optic cable of the prior art. The light emitter 21a may also be configured to have the ability to emit light into the fiber body 22 incident light, adjust.

The light receiver 21b The purpose of this is to use the light emitted by the light emitter 21a in the fiber body 22 is incident and through the fiber body 22 is transmitted to receive. The light receiver 21b measures that through the fiber body 22 transmitted light intensity. The light receiver 21b is not particularly limited, provided that the light receiver 21b capable of passing through the fiber body 22 light intensity to be measured, and may include an apparatus used as a light receiving device in a device employing a prior art optical fiber.

The assessment unit 3 receives an output signal from the pedestrian sensor 2 to judge a collision of a pedestrian in response thereto, whereupon a pedestrian collision signal is generated. The pedestrian sensor and the judging unit are also connected by a reference device which controls the transmission of the output signal from the pedestrian sensor 2 allows. The assessment unit 3 In particular, it receives the intensity of light from the light emitter 21a the pedestrian detection device 2 , which are attached to the fibrous body 22 is emitted, as well as the light intensity of the light receiver 21b the pedestrian detection device 2 measured light. After receiving these light levels, the assessment unit calculates 3 a loss of light intensity in the fiber body 22 is caused to determine whether a pedestrian collides with the vehicle or not. The assessment unit 3 can a computing device, such. Example, an ECU, which is known in the prior art.

The assessment unit 3 generates after a judgment that a pedestrian collided with the vehicle is a command signal through which the pedestrian protection devices 30 be activated to relieve an impact on the pedestrian, and to provide increased safety to the pedestrian in a second collision.

Referring to 5 and 6 A detection principle of the pedestrian detection apparatus of the presently filed embodiment is described.

optical fiber are generally made of cores and composites or clad Materials formed which have a different refractive index exhibit. The light is due to a difference in refractive index reflected at interfaces between the cores and composites, and transmitted through the optical fiber. The loss of light intensity, which is caused by a reflection of the light at the interface is, is constant. That if the light intensity of the incident light, the in the optical fiber, is constant, is the light intensity of the transferred Light that passes through the optical fiber, also constant, provided that the optical fiber remains stationary.

The light intensity of the optical fiber hangs, as in 6 particularly, loss of connection including reflection, surface roughness on an end face to which light is radiated, and element alignments or the like, loss caused by deformation of the optical fiber, and other loss due to noise. Among them, the losses caused by deformation of the optical fiber are large factors related to the luminous intensity.

If the optical fiber is deformed under pressure, a variation in an incident angle of the light passing through the optical fiber occurs with respect to the interface. If the angle of incidence varies, the loss of light intensity in reflection also varies. That is, measurement of the variation of the transmitted light before the deformation of the optical fiber, between the light intensity of the transmitted light before deformation of the optical fiber and the transmitted light intensity after deformation of the optical fiber allows the deflection caused in the optical fiber to be based on the measured variation of the light intensity to calculate. The assessment unit 3 is then able to calculate the pressure applied to the fiber optic cable. This enables the apparatus for detecting pedestrians of the presently filed embodiment using the optical fiber conductor through to capture the pressure exerted on the pedestrian.

Of the Operation of the pedestrian detection apparatus of the present invention is described below below.

In the pedestrian detection apparatus of the present invention, a light is applied to one end of the fiber body 22 the fiber optic conductor 20 of the pedestrian sensor 2 from the light emitter 21a the light emission and reception unit 21 transmitted, and the light receiver 21b the light emission and reception unit 21 measures a light intensity of one through the fiber body 22 the fiber optic conductor 20 transmission.

First, it is assumed that the vehicle bumper 1 , which is attached to the vehicle V at the front, collides with a pedestrian. After collision of the vehicle bumper 1 with the pedestrian, the vehicle bumper is pressed in and subjected to a load, which acts such that the vehicle bumper 1 is deformed in the direction of travel of the vehicle V. This load acts on the bumper cover 13 , the absorber 12 , the load plate 11 , the optical fiber 20 and the bumper reinforcement 10 in this order, when viewed from the vehicle V, and then acts on the front links Vm of the vehicle V. Since the bumper reinforcement 10 and the front links Vm are made of rigid materials, on the optical fiber 20 , which in front of the bumper reinforcement member 10 is arranged, a pressure exerted, which on the bumper reinforcement member 10 is applied.

When this happens, a load acts on the fiber 20 through the load plate 11 one. The presence of the load plate 11 allows the load on the vehicle bumper 1 acts on the optical fiber 20 to be transmitted without causing losses.

The on the optical fiber 20 acting load pushes the fiber body 22 the fiber optic conductor 20 over the bending plate 23 in front of the fiber body 22 is arranged, a. If the fiber body 22 against the bending plate 23 is pressed, the fiber body 22 at sections, which with the projections 230 the bending plate 23 are in fitting engagement, deformed. The deformation of the fiber body 22 gives a variation (reduction) of the light intensity of a transmitted light passing through the fiber body 22 arrives. Ie. There is a variation of the intensity of the transmitted light, which by the light receiver 21b the light emission and reception unit 21 is measured.

The assessment unit 3 calculates the pressure on the fibrous body 22 acting based on the output signal, which is indicative of the amount of reduction of the transmitted light intensity, that of the light receiver 21b the light emission and reception unit 21 is transmitted. After calculating the pressure, the assessment unit judges 3 thus based on the on the vehicle bumper 1 acting pressure, whether a pedestrian collides with the vehicle V or not.

When the evaluation is performed, the assessment unit integrates 3 a load (pressure) generated by the pedestrian sensor 2 is measured on the vehicle bumper 1 by an object when the object collides with the vehicle V in a formula expressed as [Δ (f · t) = m · Δ]. The integrated value is then divided by a speed (ΔV) of the vehicle V immediately before the collision occurs. This allows a mass of the object colliding with the vehicle bumper to be calculated. When this occurs, the judgment is made such that the vehicle V collides with a pedestrian when the mass falls within a range of a pedestrian's body weight (eg, from the weight of a child's body (6 years old) to the weight of a pedestrian adult body).

In the pedestrian detection apparatus of the presently filed embodiment, the collision of the pedestrian is detected in the sequence described above. The pedestrian detection apparatus of the presently filed embodiment is preferably configured to generate a pedestrian collision signal as a command signal when the judging unit 3 judges that a collision of a pedestrian has occurred, do the pedestrian protection units 30 to be put into operation. It is sufficient if the command signal contains a signal through which the respective pedestrian protection units 30 be selectively activated. The activation of a selected pedestrian protection unit 30 results in a reduction of damage or injury to the pedestrian colliding with the vehicle. The pedestrian protection units 30 to which the command signal is sent from the judging unit are not particularly limited and may include pedestrian protection devices as known in the art.

In the pedestrian detection apparatus of the present embodiment, the occurrence of a collision of a pedestrian with the vehicle is detected by the optical fiber, thereby preventing erroneous detection by the pedestrian sensor with no adverse effect on electronic products. There is no need for the device for detection Pedestrians of the present submitted embodiment, a device such. B. has an electromagnetic shield for shielding electromagnetic waves, resulting in a reduction in manufacturing costs. That is, the pedestrian detection apparatus of the presently filed embodiment has an advantageous effect of reducing the manufacturing cost without causing erroneous operation of the electronic products due to transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves.

Even though the specific embodiments of Detailed Description of the Invention It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various Modifications and alternatives to the given designs can be developed within the overall teachings of the Revelation. The revealed Special arrangements are accordingly only illustrative and not to limit the scope of the present invention, which in its full scope the following claims and all equivalents thereof are given. Although the pedestrian detection apparatus of the present filed embodiment z. Example, with respect to an application to the front bumper of a vehicle is no limit intended and intended for such an application and the device for the registration of pedestrians the present submitted embodiment can also if desired on a rear bumper of a vehicle.

Claims (8)

Pedestrian detection device comprising: a pedestrian sensor 2 that has a crash sensor with a fiber optic cable 20 , which extends along a front portion of a vehicle V, and includes a light emitting and receiving unit connected to the optical fiber, so that when an impact acts on the front portion, a signal as a function of a quantity of light passes through the optical fiber, is generated; and a judgment unit 3 which is based on that of the pedestrian sensor 2 The signal generated judges whether or not the vehicle V has collided with a pedestrian, and generates a signal indicating this. Pedestrian detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle V is a bumper 1 which is arranged in the front region of the vehicle; and wherein the optical fiber 20 is adapted to extend longitudinally in the bumper of the vehicle. The pedestrian detection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the impact sensor includes: a bumper reinforcement member 10 which is in the bumper 1 the vehicle is mounted and to carry the fiber optic cable 20 customized. The pedestrian detection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the aupall sensor includes: one in front of the bumper reinforcement member 10 arranged load plate 11 which is spaced from the bumper reinforcement member in which the optical fiber is disposed. The pedestrian detection apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: an absorber 12 which is arranged in front of the load plate; and a bumper cover 13 , which is arranged on a front surface of the absorber. The pedestrian detection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the impact sensor includes: an impact transmission member 23 which is disposed in the bumper of the vehicle and a plurality of projections connected to the optical fiber 230 to impart an impact force to the optical fiber so that deformation of the optical fiber is caused to again vary a loss of light intensity of transmission light propagating through the optical fiber. A pedestrian detecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting and receiving unit includes: a light emitter 21a which is a light at one end of the optical fiber 20 emitted; and a light receiver 21b which transmits a transmission light at the other end of the optical fiber 20 receives. A method of detecting a collision between a vehicle V and a pedestrian, the method comprising: disposing a fiber optic conductor 20 along a front portion of the vehicle V and a light emitting and receiving unit connected to the optical fiber such that when an impact acts on the front portion, a signal is generated as a function of an amount of light passing through the optical fiber ; Emitting a light at one end of the optical fiber 20 ; Receiving a transmission light at another end of the optical fiber 20 to generate the signal; and judging whether or not the vehicle has a collision with a pedestrian based on the signal, and generating a signal indicative thereof shows.