DE102005040788B4 - Method for accounting for symmetry deviations of impact sensors - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for taking into account symmetry deviations of at least two impact sensors (5, 5 ', 6, 6', 7, 7 ') for triggering restraint means in a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that signals of at least one impact sensor (5, 5', 6, 6 ', 7, 7') with a processing device (11, 11 ') for taking account of symmetry deviations of the impact sensors (5, 5', 6, 6 ', 7, 7') are processed, taking into account the symmetry deviations by Adapting these signals of the one impact sensor (5, 6, 7) to the properties of the signals of the other impact sensor (5 ', 6', 7 ') takes place.

Description

STATE OF THE ART

The present invention relates to a method for taking into account symmetry deviations of at least two impact sensors for triggering restraint means in a motor vehicle, and a corresponding device for using the method.

Restraining means, such as airbags, in motor vehicles are triggered in the event of a collision of the vehicle with an obstacle in the front or rear area or in the event of a lateral collision by known control devices. In this case, the respective impact of sensors is detected, which are designed for example as acceleration sensors and are arranged in the front and rear area and in the side areas of a motor vehicle. These impact sensors generate in a collision a specific for the impact and the sensor itself signal, which is evaluated by the control unit and triggers the associated restraint after a certain plausibility.

However, some vehicle types are asymmetrical, especially in their side area. For example, small delivery vehicles, minibuses and the like on one side have a sliding door which makes the vehicle body asymmetrical. In this case, a side impact sensor installed in such side areas supplies a signal different from an impact sensor installed on the opposite side. The algorithms used for tripping do not pay attention to asymmetries in the vehicle structure. As a result, different algorithms for calculating the release of restraint means are required, which incorporate the asymmetric vehicle structure.

DE 101 03 661 C1 describes a method for side impact sensing in a vehicle wherein the signals from acceleration sensors disposed in opposite sides of the vehicle are subtracted from one another and form a differential acceleration signal. The acceleration signals themselves are integrated or accumulated and form a triggering threshold as a function of the differential acceleration signal. If the differential acceleration signal is above this threshold, then a side impact is detected. An asymmetry of the vehicle body is not taken into account.

The DE 102 07 228 A1 describes a method for calibrating a sensor, wherein the sensor is arranged in a predetermined position, to which a compensation unit is connected to the sensor, the data required for the calibration are determined and the determined calbration data are permanently stored in a memory.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

In contrast, the inventive method for taking into account deviations in symmetry involves asymmetries of a vehicle structure in the calculation for triggering restraints by processing the signals of at least one impact sensor as a function of the asymmetries of the vehicle.

According to the invention, the system behavior of the triggering of the restraint means is improved, as it is still possible to use symmetrical algorithms which are more robust than unbalanced algorithms.

It is advantageous that the symmetric algorithms have a lower memory requirement and lower computation time consumption than the asymmetrical algorithms for triggering restraint means. It is also economically advantageous that shorten the application times.

A method for taking into account symmetry deviations of at least two impact sensors for triggering restraint means in a motor vehicle ( 1 ) is characterized in that signals of at least one impact sensor are processed with a processing device for taking into account symmetry deviations of the impact sensors, taking into account the symmetry deviations by adapting these signals of one impact sensor to the properties of the signals of the other impact sensor. The adaptation advantageously allows the algorithm used to be easily adapted to the asymmetrical conditions of the vehicle body by simple manipulation of the sensor signals, thereby additionally improving system performance, for example by faster response of the system to an impact.

In an embodiment it is provided that the consideration takes place by amplifying and / or attenuating these signals, whereby known and proven methods of signal processing can be used.

In an alternative embodiment, consideration is given by filtering the signals. Again, advantageous filter methods are advantageous, which process the signal in amplitude and frequency so that an adaptation is made possible on the respective vehicle-specific unbalanced structure in a simple manner.

It is advantageous that the consideration is carried out with predefinable data values and / or patterns. Thus, vehicle-specific data in the form of parameters can advantageously be used in an easy manner, which are stored in suitable memory devices or are entered when installed in a suitable manner.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the data values and / or patterns are each automatically predetermined and / or changed by the impact sensors. This makes it possible that different sensor types can be used independently of the manufacturer, with their specific characteristics and also the asymmetries of the installation location are automatically available for the processing of the signals.

• – mindestens eine Bearbeitungseinrichtung zur Bearbeitung von Signale mindestens eines Aufprallsensors;
• – eine Speichereinrichtung zur Speicherung von vorgebbaren Datenwerten und/oder Mustern; und
• – ein Steuergerät zur Auslösung von Rückhaltemitteln.

A corresponding device according to the invention for the application of the method according to the invention for the consideration of symmetry deviations of at least two impact sensors for triggering restraint means in a motor vehicle, comprises the following:

• - At least one processing device for processing signals of at least one impact sensor;
• A memory device for storing predefinable data values and / or patterns; and
• - A control device for triggering restraints.

The processing device for the signals of the one impact sensor is in communication with the other impact sensor. As a result, it is advantageously possible to store the specifiable data values and / or patterns in the sensors and to use them automatically for processing the signals.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the processing device is a filter device, wherein this filter device is controllable by the predefinable data values which are stored in the memory device and / or are transmitted directly by the impact sensors.

In a preferred embodiment, the device is part of the control unit. In this case, no additional space is required, the storage space in the control unit for unbalanced algorithms instead of this can be advantageously exploited.

In another embodiment, the processing device is part of at least one impact sensor. As a result, the processing of the signals to adapt to the asymmetries of the vehicle is moved directly into the sensor, which on the one hand, the sensor-specific properties are included and on the other hand, the space requirement of the controller is reduced or is available, for example for additional security algorithms.

Further advantages, details and features of the invention can be found in the subsequent description part and the drawings.

DRAWINGS

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments specified in the figures of the drawing.

It shows:

1 a schematic representation of a vehicle with sensors and a control device for triggering retaining means;

2 a block diagram of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention; and

3 a block diagram of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts or parts having the same or similar function. Reference numerals with apostrophe indicate parts on the left side of the vehicle, which are identical or similar to the parts with reference numerals without apostrophe on the right side of the vehicle. The definition left and right side of the vehicle refers to the forward direction of travel of the vehicle.

1 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 1 seen from above with sensors and a control unit 2 for releasing restraints. A coordinate system with the direction of travel x, lateral direction y and height direction z is used for orientation.

The car 1 is as a minibus with right and left side door 3 . 3 ' and a sliding door 4 shown on the right side of the vehicle in the direction of travel x. In the right side door 3 is a right side impact sensor 5 arranged in the on the left side in the left side door 3 ' arranged left side impact sensor 3 ' opposite. Further right side sensors 6 and 7 are in a sliding door 4 and subsequent page layout of the motor vehicle 1 arranged. On the left side of the vehicle opposite left side impact sensors 6 ' and 7 ' are installed in the left side of the vehicle, which has no sliding door to the right opposite side of the vehicle and thus a different vehicle body. This vehicle body is thus asymmetrical.

The side impact sensors 5 . 5 ' . 6 . 6 ' . 7 . 7 ' are each with the control unit 2 connected.

Furthermore, there are front sensors 8th . 8th' and tail sensors 9 . 9 ' shown, respectively in the front and rear of the motor vehicle 1 arranged and via a bus system 17 to the control unit 2 are connected.

All sensors are designed in this example as acceleration sensors and generate an acceleration signal in each case.

In the in 1 Example shown provide in a side impact only the side impact sensors 5 and 5 ' due to the symmetrical construction of the side doors 3 . 3 ' Signals without so-called symmetry deviations. The asymmetric structure of the sides of the vehicle 1 in the sliding door area 4 and rear side panel produces signals from the right sensors in a side impact 6 and 7 with symmetry deviations to the signals of the left side sensors 6 ' and 7 ' ,

The symmetry deviations of these signals of the sensors 6 . 6 ' . 7 . 7 ' from the asymmetric vehicle area appear in amplitude and frequency of such signals.

In 2 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention 10 for carrying out the method according to the invention for taking into account the asymmetrical structure of a motor vehicle 1 shown.

The asymmetric vehicle body associated right side impact sensors 6 . 7 and left side impact sensors 6 ' . 7 ' (please refer 1 ) are formed for example in known training as acceleration sensors and each provide an acceleration signal in an impact.

These side impact sensors 6 . 6 ' . 7 . 7 ' are each about processing facilities 11 . 11 ' each to a signal processing device 13 . 13 ' connected. The processing equipment 11 . 11 ' are each with a storage device 12 . 12 ' connected. Outputs of the signal processing devices 13 . 13 ' are with a calculation device 14 connected, which with a triggering device 15 for the retention means is in communication.

The of the acceleration sensors 6 . 6 ' . 7 . 7 ' signals delivered in an impact are respectively in the processing device 11 . 11 ' depending on in the respective storage devices 12 . 12 ' stored data values edited so that the asymmetries caused by the asymmetric vehicle structure in the signals are canceled. This is done for example by attenuation and / or amplification of the signals, wherein the signal amplitude is influenced. Furthermore, a filtering of the signals is possible, which affects frequency components of the signals. Attenuation, amplification and filtering depend on the data values stored in the memory devices 12 . 12 ' are specifiable stored and take into account the characteristics of the asymmetry of the vehicle body.

The processing device 11 performs a processing of the signals of the right sensors 6 . 7 with data of the properties of the left sensors 6 ' . 7 ' and the processing device 11 ' in the same way with the signals of the left sensors 6 ' . 7 ' , In a simple embodiment, only one processing device 11 for the signals of the right sensors 6 . 7 with a storage device 12 present, with the signals of the left sensors 6 ' . 7 ' forwarded unprocessed.

The processing of the signals in the processing device 11 . 11 ' For example, it is possible for the incoming signals to be linked in digitized form with a so-called filter function H (w) in a known manner, wherein the filter function H (w) is designed such that all properties of the asymmetries are mathematically included.

In the signal processing device 13 . 13 ' For example, the acceleration signals thus processed and now symmetrical are subjected to integration in this example and as velocity signals in the calculating means 14 compared with a threshold, wherein when this threshold is exceeded, the triggering device 15 triggers the corresponding retention means. The signal processing device 13 . 13 ' may also include other signal processing steps that serve to condition the signals or to prepare plausibility signals.

It is in a second embodiment according to 3 possible that the sensors 6 . 7 and 6 ' . 7 ' with the respective opposite storage device 12 ' and 12 and thus automatically influence the specifiable data values by their respective sensor properties or properties with regard to the installation location. These compounds are shown in dashed lines. It is also possible that the sensor properties are automatically transferred from the storage device 12 . 12 ' be queried during an initialization program.

The respective processed signals then become a combination device in this example 16 fed, for example, a combination of the signals for calculating a triggering decision as follows: Calculate_release decision {H (w1) [Signal_right_sensor] + H (w2) [Signal_link_sensor]}

Here, the signal of the left sensor with the filter function H (w1) and the signal of the right sensor with the filter function H (w2) are linked and then added. Other links are conceivable. The resulting signal takes into account the asymmetries of the vehicle body through the filter functions H (w1) and H (w2), and a well-known and proven symmetric calculation algorithm can be used for the triggering decision.

The adaptability of the processing device 12 . 12 ' With regard to the sensor properties, it is advantageously possible that sensor types from different manufacturers with different properties can also be used.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but modifiable in a variety of ways.

For example, the connection of the right and left sensors 5 . 5 ' . 6 . 6 ' . 7 . 7 ' also via the bus system 17 take place, with the in 2 shown individual connections of the sensors with the processing equipment 11 . 11 ' are set by software. This means that each signal has, for example, in digital form an identification of its origin sensor, whereby an assignment to the corresponding processing device 11 . 11 ' he follows.

The processing device 11 . 11 ' can be part of the software of the control unit 2 be. But it is also possible that they are together with the storage device 12 . 12 ' each arranged in a sensor.

It is also conceivable that asymmetries of the vehicle body in the area of the front and rear sensors can be processed with the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention.

Claims (9)

Method for taking into account symmetry deviations of at least two impact sensors ( 5 . 5 ' . 6 . 6 ' . 7 . 7 ' ) for triggering restraint means in a motor vehicle ( 1 ), characterized in that signals of at least one impact sensor ( 5 . 5 ' . 6 . 6 ' . 7 . 7 ' ) with a processing device ( 11 . 11 ' ) for taking into account symmetry deviations of the impact sensors ( 5 . 5 ' . 6 . 6 ' . 7 . 7 ' ), wherein the consideration of the symmetry deviations by adapting these signals of the one impact sensor ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) to the characteristics of the signals of the other impact sensor ( 5 ' . 6 ' . 7 ' ) he follows. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the consideration takes place by amplifying and / or attenuating these signals. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the consideration is carried out by filtering the signals. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the consideration is carried out with predefinable data values and / or patterns. Method according to Claim 4, characterized in that the predefinable data values and / or patterns are each automatically determined by the impact sensors ( 5 . 5 ' . 6 . 6 ' . 7 . 7 ' ) and / or changed. Contraption ( 10 ) for the consideration of symmetry deviations of at least two impact sensors ( 5 . 5 ' . 6 . 6 ' . 7 . 7 ' ) for triggering restraint means in a motor vehicle, ( 1 ), comprising: - at least one processing device ( 11 . 11 ' ) for processing signals of at least one impact sensor ( 5 . 5 ' . 6 . 6 ' . 7 . 7 ' ); A memory device ( 12 . 12 ' ) for storing predefinable data values and / or patterns; and a control unit ( 2 ) for triggering restraint means, wherein the processing device ( 11 . 11 ' ) for the signals of the one impact sensor ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) with the other impact sensor ( 5 ' . 6 ' . 7 ' ). Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the processing device ( 11 . 11 ' ) is a filter device. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the device ( 10 ) Part of the control unit ( 2 ). Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the processing device ( 11 . 11 ' ) Component of at least one impact sensor ( 5 . 5 ' . 6 . 6 ' . 7 . 7 ' ).

Images