DE10345726B4 - A restraint system for restraining an occupant in a motor vehicle and method for dynamically controlling such a restraint system - Google Patents

Abstract

Restraint system for restraining an occupant in a motor vehicle, comprising: a safety belt, which can be acted upon by a belt tensioner (4) which can be connected to a control device (1) with a force; at least one vehicle situation detecting means (2) for dynamically detecting vehicle situation data, wherein the vehicle situation detecting means (2) for transmitting the detected data to the controller is connectable to the same; and at least one occupant parameter detecting means (3) for dynamically detecting occupant parameter data, wherein the occupant parameter detecting means (3) for sending the detected data to the controller (1) is connectable to the same Control unit (1) dynamically controls the force of the belt tensioner (4) according to the acquired data for optimal utilization of the survival space in the motor vehicle, characterized in that the control unit (1) in an accident phase from the detected data of the vehicle situation detection device ( 2) and / or the occupant parameter detection means (3) calculates the survival space between the occupant and any object which the occupant may hit, and correspondingly dynamically controls the force of the pretensioner (4).

Description

STATE OF THE ART

The present invention relates to a restraint system for restraining an occupant in a motor vehicle, comprising a safety belt which can be acted upon by a belt tensioner connectable to a control unit, and a method for dynamically controlling such a restraint system.

Restraint systems in the automotive sector are provided in almost all motor vehicles and consist for example of an airbag, side impact protection systems and seat belts, which are preferably attached to the seats of the occupants. The restraint systems should, in the event of an accident of the motor vehicle, keep injuries to the occupants as low as possible or, in the optimal case, completely prevent them altogether.

Seat belts have been used in automobiles for quite some time and there are different types of seat belts, all of which should prevent a sudden sharp deceleration or impact of the motor vehicle on an obstacle due to the inertial force advancing the body of the occupant in the vehicle. If there is an impact of the motor vehicle, especially at high speeds, on, for example, an obstacle, the occupants are thrown forward due to the inertial force and would possibly be thrown by the windshield without the presence of such a restraint system. In the absence of the seat belts, such accidents would thus end up with serious or even fatal injuries to the occupants.

In safety belts according to the prior art, a disadvantage is that when restraining the occupants in the event of an accident, the detained person may suffer injuries, especially in the chest and shoulder area, since the force acting on the seat belt of a belt tensioner not on the vehicle situation, not on the Sitting position of the detained occupant and certainly not individually tailored to the restrained occupants.

Currently, the following approach is used in the state of the art: the environment of the motor vehicle is monitored by means of an environmental sensor system, whereby an object in the environment of the motor vehicle is classified as accident-relevant and this information of the environmental sensor system is transmitted to the restraint system.

Further, restraint systems already exist in which, for example, a pretension of the seat belt is built up to reduce the slack before or during the crash when it is recognized that full braking is intended.

A disadvantage of the above-known approaches, however, has been found to be the fact that these restraint systems can only build up a low force of, for example, 250 N and this force only within a relatively long period of time (about 150 ms). In contrast, the pyrotechnic seat belts available today in a vehicle are tightened by the belt tensioners with a constant predetermined force, without taking into account the individual parameters of the occupant. Thus, the survival space in the motor vehicle can not be optimally utilized.

The publication DE 102 04 134 A1 discloses a device for controlling a reversible restraining means in response to signals of an interior sensor in a vehicle, an environment sensing of the vehicle and a belt force sensor.

The publication DE 103 10 069 A1 discloses a device for controlling a restraint system of a motor vehicle as a function of a tensile force acting on a safety belt.

The publication DE 100 05 010 A1 discloses a safety restraint device for restraining an occupant on a vehicle seat with predictive detection of a dangerous driving condition and occupant position detection.

The publication DE 199 61 799 A1 discloses a passive safety system of a motor vehicle with a safety device, which are controlled in response to precrash signals of a precrash sensor.

The publication DE 103 33 990 A1 discloses an occupant protection device for a vehicle for early detection of a critical driving situation with a reversible occupant protection device.

The publication DE 196 36 448 C2 discloses a vehicle occupant restraint system for protecting an occupant with a seat belt retractor and a belt tension control mechanism.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The restraint system according to the invention with the features of claim 1 and the inventive method for dynamically controlling a Such restraint system with the features of claim 8 have over the known approaches to the advantage that in the event of an accident of the motor vehicle, the survival space in the vehicle can be optimally utilized.

The idea underlying the present invention is that both the vehicle situation by means of a situation detection device and the parameter data of the occupants are detectable by means of a parameter detection device, wherein a control device taking into account the vehicle situation and the occupant Parameter which dynamically controls the belt tensioning force of the belt tensioner according to the situation.

Thus, the restraint system according to the invention has the advantages that before or during an accident the force of the belt tensioner on the seat belt can be actively controlled and thus adapted to the current vehicle situation and occupant situation, such as the occupant position and weight. Thus, for example, when detecting a high hazard potential, the force of the belt tensioner can be increased and the subsequent detection of a relaxation or a reduction in the risk potential, the force of the belt tensioner can be reduced accordingly. Thus, the loads on the occupants by the seat belt are reduced to a minimum, which can be optimally utilized in the motor vehicle by a corresponding dynamically adjusted force of the belt tensioner, the survival space, as already mentioned above. Furthermore, the deployment of the airbags (eg, timing and / or strength) may be adjusted to the situation and the anticipated forward displacement of the occupant, the situation of the vehicle, and the belt force.

In the dependent claims are advantageous refinements and improvements of the claim 1 restraint system and specified in claim 8 method for dynamically controlling such a restraint system.

According to a preferred refinement, at least one situation detection device is designed as environmental sensor system for monitoring the surroundings of the motor vehicle, for example relevant accident objects. With the help of this environmental sensor technology, it is possible, for example, to determine the impact velocity, the impact time, angle, location and overlap.

According to a further preferred development, the at least one situation detection device can also be designed as an accident sensor system for detecting the accident acceleration, the accident severity, the accident type, or the like. Thus, these data can be taken into account in the dynamic control of the force of the belt tensioner.

The situation detection device is preferably designed as a vehicle state sensor system for monitoring at least one of the following parameters: steering angle, distance to an object, relative speed with respect to an object, negative acceleration, yaw angle, yaw rate, yaw acceleration, airspeed, strong change of direction , μ-jump, lateral acceleration, wheel speed and / or inclination angle.

The parameter detection device is preferably designed as an occupant sensor system for detecting the occupant position, the occupant weight, the size of the occupant, the seat adjustment, the seatbelt extension length or the like. For example, for improved protection of the unborn life, the detection of the information of a pregnant woman detection is possible and for the improved protection of older and younger (eg children) passengers also the age can be detected. Thus, these data can also be used by the controller for a corresponding dynamic control of the force of the belt tensioner or taken into account.

Preferably, the control unit from the recorded data, for example, in a pre-accident phase, determine the potential hazard and determine the survival space between the occupant and, for example, the airbag in an accident phase and thus control the force of the belt tensioner accordingly.

The control unit calculates according to the invention in an accident phase from the acquired data of the vehicle situation detection device and / or the occupant parameter detection device, the survival space between the occupant and any object on which the occupant may impinge, for. As the airbag or the steering wheel or the glove compartment, and may also actuate, for example, a triggering of pyrotechnic retaining means depending on the expected forward displacement and the force to be acted upon by the belt tensioner.

In the method according to the invention, preferably, the inertial force acting on the occupant is determined by measuring the weight of the occupant and measuring the negative acceleration of the motor vehicle. Thus, no additional sensors must be provided.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the position of any airbags, the environment of the motor vehicle and / or the accident type can be detected by means of appropriate sensors in addition to the data collected, the control unit also takes into account this additional data and the force of the belt tensioner accordingly can control.

DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description.

In the figures show:

1 a schematic block diagram of the restraint system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

2 a flowchart of a method for dynamically controlling a restraint system in 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

1 11 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a restraint system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system preferably comprises a control unit 1 with which a vehicle situation detection device 2 connected is.

The vehicle situation detection device 2 For example, it consists of an environmental sensor system 20 for monitoring the environment of the motor vehicle, for example a relevant accident object or the like. Further, the vehicle situation detection device includes 2 preferably an accident sensor 21 for detecting, for example, the accident acceleration, the accident severity, the accident type or the like. The one of the accident sensors 21 and environment sensors 20 By means of corresponding sensors, for example ultrasonic sensors, contact sensors, infrared sensors, radar sensors, image processing devices, PMD sensors (photonic mixer device) or the like, data acquired is transmitted via a conventional data line, for example via a CAN bus , to the control unit 1 Posted. The vehicle situation detection device 2 monitors, for example, the steering angle, the distance to a relevant accident object, the relative velocity, the impact angle, location (offset), time, overlap, negative vehicle acceleration, yaw angle, yaw rate, yaw acceleration , the intrinsic speed of the motor vehicle, a strong change of direction, the μ-jump, a lateral acceleration, the wheel speed and / or the angle of inclination or any combination of these preceding parameters.

The data of these parameters or any combination of these parameters, as explained above, the controller 1 fed, which by calculation and / or comparison with predetermined reference values and limits in the event of exceeding such limits, a signal via another line to the belt tensioner 4 sends to the force of the belt tensioner 4 to control the seat belt according to this data dynamically and situation adapted.

The belt tensioner 4 is preferably designed as a reversible belt tensioner, which can be advantageously continued normally after a critical condition, since there is no tightening of the seat belt and the driver has the usual freedom of movement available to him, and thereby advantageously repair the irreversible belt tensioner module (eg pyrotechnic Ignition device) is omitted.

The restraint system preferably further comprises occupant parameter detection means 3 on, which also via a line, for example, again via a CAN bus, with the control unit 1 connected is. The occupant parameter detection means 3 For example, monitors the weight and / or the size and / or position of the occupant and / or the seat adjustment and / or the seat belt extension length or the like. The weight of the occupant can be measured for example via a pressure-dependent film in the seat cushion or weight sensors in the seat. The size and / or position of the occupant can preferably be determined by means of image processing, such as, for example, by means of a CCD camera with image evaluation. Other weight and sizing methods are also conceivable.

This by the occupant parameter detection device 3 captured data is from the controller 1 evaluated and analogous to the case described above compared with reference values or limits, which in case of exceeding the limits, a signal via a line to the belt tensioner 4 can be sent to control the force of the belt tensioner on the seat belt according to the determined data dynamically and situation adapted.

The control unit 1 preferably calculates in a pre-accident phase from the detected data of the vehicle situation detecting means 2 and the occupant parameter detecting means 3 the risk potential for the occupant in the current state and controls according to this data, the force acting on the seat belt of the belt tensioner 4 dynamic. In an accident phase, the control unit 1 preferably from the detected data of the vehicle situation detection device 2 and the occupant parameter detecting means 3 calculate the survival space between the occupant and any airbag or other object, such as the steering wheel or the glove box, and in turn the force of the belt tensioner acting on the seatbelt 4 control accordingly dynamically.

This means that in a pre-accident phase, which by the vehicle situation detection device 2 was detected, the current sitting position of the occupant by means of the occupant parameter detecting means 3 as well as the immediate potential for the impact hazard by the control unit 1 is determined, wherein the control unit 1 according to this data, the force of the belt tensioner 4 set such that the respective occupant is moved with its example calculated weight through the seat belt in an optimal seating position by means of an optimally designed force. For example, it is possible at a very low risk potential to cause the occupants only by a slight force to pressure an optimal seating position.

For example, when determining a low risk potential of the occupant by a warning device 6 , For example, optical and / or acoustic type, be warned to assume an optimal seating position. With increasing risk potential can by means of the control unit 1 the force of the belt tensioner be successively increased to pull the occupant with a greater force in the seat or in an optimal seating position.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the survival space in the motor vehicle can be additionally increased by the control unit 1 for example, with a seat adjustment 5 is connected, as in 1 is shown schematically, wherein the control unit 1 for example, controls the seat so that it is further adjusted in the reverse direction. Furthermore, hard objects can be removed from the survival space in the same way.

The reversible belt tensioner is also a control of the force of the belt tensioner 4 through the control unit 1 so possible that after adjusting a larger force of the belt tensioner 4 in the case of a decrease in the risk potential, a lower force can be adjusted and the seat belt thus in turn ensures the occupant a more comfortable seating.

In an accident phase is by means of environment sensors 20 and the accident sensors 21 , For example by means of acceleration sensors, the negative acceleration of the motor vehicle, the accident severity and / or the accident type determined. In conjunction with the occupant parameter detector 3 For example, from the weight and the size of the occupant, the seat adjustment and the belt extension length, the seat position of the occupant is determined and by means of the control unit 1 the survival space between the occupant and, for example, the airbag is calculated. The controller then controls 1 the force of the belt tensioner 4 in turn, according to the calculated or determined data dynamically, for example, a lighter person must reduce in a minor accident less kinetic energy than heavier persons. Thus, in this case, by adjusting a lower force of the belt tensioner 4 the entire survival space can be exploited because the airbag and the belt system can be better coordinated.

Since in the event of an accident, the seat position of the occupant can be measured dynamically, the belt tensioner can transmit a dynamic situation adapted force on the seat belt, which brings the occupants in an optimal seating position, if such in the pre-accident phase is not or only partially could be achieved. Thus, it is possible to use the force of the belt tensioner 4 optimally depending on the sitting position, the negative acceleration of the motor vehicle and / or the predicted type of accident adapted to the situation to dynamically control and make optimum use of the survival space in the motor vehicle.

2 11 illustrates a schematic flowchart of a method for dynamically controlling a restraint system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In a first process step 8th is the belt force acting on a current belt force by the belt tensioner 4 measured and sent to the control unit 1 sent (see also 1 ). For example, for this step, a bidirectional line between the controller 1 and the belt tensioner 4 consist.

Furthermore, in one step 9 the inertial force produced by the negative acceleration of the motor vehicle from the mass of the upper body of the occupant is calculated as follows: F _{upper body} = m _{upper body} × a _central , wherein F _{upper body is} the inertial force of the upper body of the occupant, m _{upper body is} the mass of the upper body of the occupant and a _centrally denote the negative acceleration of the motor vehicle.

In a further step 10 For example, the force F _{forward movement} which causes relative forward movement of the occupant's torso with respect to the seat of the vehicle is calculated as follows: F _{forward movement} = F _{upper body} - F _belt , being F _strap in step 8th measured force of the belt tensioner 4 or of the safety belt.

From the relative forward movement of the upper body of the occupant with respect to the seat (F _{forward movement} ) becomes in one step 11 the relative acceleration (a _{forward movement} ) between the seat of the motor vehicle and the upper body of the occupant by means of the control unit 1 calculated as follows: a _{forward movement} = F _{forward movement} / m _{upper body}

In one step 12 Subsequently, the relative acceleration a _{forward movement} between the seat of the motor vehicle and the upper body of the occupant is integrated twice, resulting in the relative forward displacement of the upper body of the occupant with respect to the seat of the motor vehicle. From the knowledge of the starting position and the time course of the forward movement, the current position can be calculated.

In a further step 13 becomes the installation position and / or the inflation state of the airbags and / or in one step 14 the predicted accident type and / or in one step 15 detects the position of other hard objects.

In this case, from the knowledge of the seating position and / or the knowledge of the installation position and the inflated condition of the airbags and / or the knowledge of the predicted accident type and / or the position of hard objects, the belt force F _belt for optimal utilization of the survival space in one step 16 by means of the control unit 1 be determined.

This determined force of the belt tensioner or this determined belt force is determined by the control unit 1 in the final step 17 dynamically adjusted and adjusted according to the determined data of the currently prevailing situation.

Thus, the present invention provides a restraint system or method for dynamically controlling such a restraint system that allows the occupant to be placed in such a sitting position prior to an accident in a potentially critical situation that allows for the greatest possible survival space. Furthermore, in the accident phase, the available survival space can be optimally utilized, which makes it possible, in particular for small and light persons, to achieve a lower level of injury in the event of an accident. Also, in less serious accidents, the severity of injury can be reduced, as here, the whole available space can be used to reduce the kinetic energy and thus the forces occurring on the occupants can be minimized.

Furthermore, an adaptation of the deployment of the airbag due to the information of this system is possible. Thus, for example, the triggering time or the triggering stage of the pyrotechnic retaining means, in particular the airbags, on the situation and the anticipated forward displacement of the occupant, the situation of the vehicle and the applied belt force can be adjusted.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but modifiable in a variety of ways. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 1 control unit 2 Vehicle situation detection device 20 environment sensors 21 Accident sensor 3 Occupant parameter detecting means 4 pretensioners 5 seat adjustment 6 warning signal output 8th Measuring the current belt force 9 Determine the inertial force on occupants 10 Determining the force of relative forward movement of the upper body relative to the seat 11 Determining the relative acceleration between seat and upper body 12 Determining the relative forward displacement of the upper body to the seat 13 Detecting the position of the airbag 14 Capture the predicted accident type 15 Capture the location of hard objects in the survival space 16 Determine the belt force for optimal utilization of the survival space 17 Adjustment of the determined belt force by the control unit

Claims (13)

A restraint system for restraining an occupant in a motor vehicle, comprising: a seatbelt secured by a with a control device ( 1 ) connectable belt tensioners ( 4 ) can be acted upon with a force; at least one vehicle situation detection device ( 2 ) for dynamically detecting vehicle situation data, wherein the vehicle situation detection device ( 2 ) is connectable to the controller for sending the acquired data; and with at least one occupant parameter detection device ( 3 ) for dynamically detecting occupant parameter data, wherein the occupant parameter detection means ( 3 ) for sending the collected data to the control unit ( 1 ) is connectable to the same, wherein the control device ( 1 ) the force of the belt tensioner ( 4 ) dynamically controls in accordance with the collected data for optimum utilization of the survival space in the motor vehicle, characterized in that the control unit ( 1 ) in an accident phase from the detected data of the vehicle situation detection device ( 2 ) and / or the occupant parameter detection device ( 3 ) calculates the survival space between the occupant and any object that the occupant can hit and the force of the belt tensioner ( 4 ) controls accordingly dynamically. Restraint system according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle situation detection device ( 2 ) as environment sensors ( 20 ) for monitoring the environment of the motor vehicle, for example, data from relevant accident objects in terms of distance, relative speed, impact angle, impact location (offset), coverage, impact time and / or the like, is formed. Restraint system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vehicle situation detection device ( 2 ) as vehicle condition sensor system ( 21 ) for monitoring at least one of the following parameters is formed: steering angle, distance to a relevant accident object, relative speed, negative acceleration of the motor vehicle, yaw angle, yaw rate, yaw acceleration, airspeed, strong change of direction, μ-jump, lateral acceleration , Wheel speed, inclination angle and / or the like. Restraint system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle situation detection device ( 2 ) as accident sensors ( 21 ) for detecting the accident acceleration, the accident severity, the accident type, and / or the like is formed. Restraint system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the occupant parameter detection device ( 3 ) is configured as occupant sensor system for detecting the occupant position, the occupant weight, the size of the occupant, the seat adjustment, the seat belt extension length, and / or the like. Restraint system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit ( 1 ) in a pre-accident phase from the acquired data of the vehicle situation detection device ( 2 ) and / or the occupant parameter detection device ( 3 ) calculated the potential hazard to the occupant and the force of the belt tensioner ( 4 ) controls accordingly dynamically. Restraint system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit ( 1 ) in an accident phase triggering of pyrotechnic restraint means of the expected forward displacement and the force of the belt tensioner ( 4 ) dependent actuated. Restraint system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the belt tensioner ( 4 ) is designed as a reversible belt tensioner. Method for dynamically controlling a restraint system according to at least one of Claims 1 to 8 for restraining an occupant in a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: detecting the force currently acting on a safety belt by a belt tensioner ( 4 ); Detecting the inertial force acting on the occupant; Determining the current sitting position of the occupant from the initial seating position, the detected force acting on the seatbelt and the inertial force acting on the occupant by means of the control unit ( 1 ); and dynamically controlling the force of the belt tensioner ( 4 ) according to the ascertained sitting position of the occupant by the control unit ( 1 ) for optimum utilization of the survival space in the motor vehicle, characterized in that the dynamic control of the force of the belt tensioner ( 4 ) in an accident phase comprises calculating the survival space between the occupant and any object that the occupant may encounter. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the inertial force acting on the occupant is determined by measuring the weight of the occupant and measuring the negative acceleration of the motor vehicle. A method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that in addition the position of a possible airbag, the environment of the motor vehicle, for example relevant accident objects, by means of an environmental sensor ( 20 ) and / or the accident type of a possible accident by means of an accident sensor system ( 21 ) and detected by the control unit ( 1 ) while dynamically controlling the force of the belt tensioner ( 4 ) are taken into account. Method according to at least one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that when detecting a low hazard potential a warning signal by a warning signal output ( 6 ), which by the control unit ( 1 ) is output. Method according to at least one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that in addition to controlling the force of the belt tensioner ( 4 ) the survival space in the motor vehicle is made sufficiently large, for example by controlling the occupant seat in the backward direction and / or by removing hard objects from the region of the survival space by the control device ( 1 ).

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