FR2669866A1 - Automatic safety device for collision - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for automatically triggering a safety device, in the event of a collision, for a motor vehicle. The invention relates to a device for triggering two safety devices automatically, in the event of the collision of a motor vehicle. If the vehicle suffers an impact, an impact detector fixed in this vehicle triggers its mechanism: the mass (8) tilts by reaction and frees a pusher (9) which sets up an electrical circuit (C1+C2) feeding a normally open-normally closed contact relay (3), which, being excited, cuts off the circuit feeding the ignition contactor of the vehicle (21) and establishes a circuit (20) feeding the hazard system of the vehicle. In order to reinforce the hazard warning lights, a normally-open contact relay (4) controlling a circuit (23) feeding a rotating, flashing lamp can be incorporated into the device. These safety devices can be triggered manually by pressing on a contactor (5) fixed to the dashboard of the vehicle. This device is intended to enhance road safety.

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic device for triggering two safeties, in the event of a motor vehicle collision (switching off the ignition and reporting the accident). This device can be triggered manually when stationary or while driving, if there is danger.

In an ordinary collision, the consequences can increase a few seconds later, for the following reasons:
If there is a fuel leak and if the driver does not have the reflex or is unable to switch off the ignition, there is a risk of fire.

If the acceleration system gets stuck for any reason, the damage may be greater.

If the accident is not immediately reported, there is a risk of chain collision, especially at night or in foggy weather.

In the case of a motorist feeling unwell while driving, his passengers or himself, could not intervene efficiently and quickly to reduce the risk of accident.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to considerably reduce the risks mentioned above.

This device consists of a shock detector, fixed by means of a support in the engine compartment of the vehicle, a relay fixed on this same support, a manual danger switch, fixed in the passenger compartment. of the vehicle in an easy place for emergency handling.

The relay is a breaker-contactor. The conductor wire which supplies the vehicle's ignition switch goes through the breaker circuit. A jumper, made on the switch controlling the vehicle's distress system, is controlled by the contactor circuit.

To reinforce the vehicle's distress system, it is possible to incorporate a second relay, contactor and commanding a beacon with orange light fixed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle at a location clearly visible from the outside (example: the rear shelf). or, attached to the outside of the vehicle (example: on the roof).

The shock detector consists of a cylindrical plastic case, comprising a lower part and an upper part with a much smaller diameter.

In the lower part of the case, on the bottom and in the center, a small cage of spherical interior shape, gives a multidirectional articulation to a piece of steel called "mass
This part is composed of a rod, having at its lower end a small sphere coming to be housed in the cage mentioned above, at its upper end a larger sphere, weighing about sixty grams, including a small recess of two millimeters deep was created on the top.

In the upper part of the case, slides a piece called "pusher", whose lower end is convex in shape. This lower end is housed in the recess of the mass and is held there by 1 spring action called "stop spring".

In this position of the mechanism, the mass is immobilized and the system is said to be "engaged".

The push-button also acts as a contactor. A copper washer is fixed on this one and, two copper strips are fixed in the upper part of the case. In the "device engaged" position, the three copper pieces are not in con -tact.

On one of the copper strips are soldered or fixed by lug, two conductive wires, one joins the input terminal of the manual danger contactor, the other joins the positive terminal of the battery. of copper, are soldered or fixed by lug, two conducting wires, one joins the supply terminals of the relay coils, the other joins the output terminal of the manual danger contactor.

When the vehicle suddenly loses its kinetic energy following a shock against an obstacle or, when it suddenly undergoes a supply of kinetic energy following a shock caused by another vehicle, the mass which has retained its kinetic energy has a higher force to that of the stop spring holding the pusher in the recess of the mass and, bascle.le pusher no longer retained by the mass descends and, abuts in the bottom of the upper part of the case, by the action of the stop spring.

The washer and the two copper strips - come into contact and, establish an electrical circuit between the positive terminal of the battery and the coils of the relays.

With the contactor-interrupter relay energized, the electrical circuit between the power supply and the vehicle ignition switch is cut off by the action of the interrupter. As the vehicle's ignition circuit is no longer supplied, the engine s The circuit, controlling the bypass supplying the vehicle's distress system, is established by the action of the switch. The vehicle's hazard lights work, immediately signaling the accident to other motorists.

If you have opted for reinforced signaling, the coil of the contactor relay being energized, the circuit, created between the battery via fuse and the beacon, is established. The beacon works, signaling the accident to motorists over a greater distance .

The device can be triggered by acting on the manual danger contactor. By pushing the control fully, a bridge is made on the terminals of the shock detector, the circuit is established between the battery and the coils of the relays which s excite and, act in the same way on the circuits intéssés.The vehicle whose engine is not any more electrically supplied, slowed down under the action of the engine brake, the system of distress and the beacon work, thus warning the other motorists of a possible danger.

After a collision, if the condition of the vehicle allows you to leave, the safety devices can be canceled and the system reset.

In the lower part of the shock detector unit, slides in two grooves, a reset guide, drilled in the center, through which the earth rod passes. By lifting the guide by the two parts protruding from the two grooves of the unit and, on the entire height of these grooves, the mass is gradually returned to the vertical position. The pusher sliding on the upper sphere of the mass, rises and is positioned in the recess thereof. After this operation, the guide returns to the low position by the action of a spring wrapped around the earth rod.

 If the system was triggered using the manual danger switch, to reset the system, simply pull the control of this switch fully to reset it to the initial position.

The appended drawings illustrate the invention.

Figure 1 shows the main parts of the device.

Figure 2 shows the cut shock detector, revealing the 'mechanism thereof.

Figure 3 shows the basic modifications to be made to the vehicle's electrical circuit.

Figures 4 and 5 show the operation of the device.

Figure 6 shows how the reset guide works
Figures 7-8-9-10 show the description of the shock detector unit.

Figures 11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20 show the description of the parts making up the shock detector mechanism.

Figures 21 and 22 show the operation of the manual danger switch.

Figures 23-24-25 show the description of the shock detector support.

With reference to FIG. 1, the device is composed of a shock detector (1), a support (2), a coil contactor breaker relay (3), a coil contactor relay ( 4), a manual danger switch (5).

Referring to Figure 11, we refer to Figure 12 which shows the cover of the upper part of the case in section, there is a hole in the center (29) and a flange (30).

Referring to Figure 13 which shows the pusher, there is a part of a larger diameter, called "stop" (31), unegorge (32), a convex part in the form of a half-sphere (33).

Referring to Figure 14, we notice the stop spring, this spring slides on top of the pusher (fig 13).

Referring to Figure 15 which shows the copper washer, we note that four cuts have been made (34), this washer is forced into place from below the pusher and is lodged in the groove (fig 13, n032) .

Referring to Figure 16 which represents the mass, we note the conical rod (19), the small sphere (6), the large sphere (8), a recess of two millimeters deep was created on the top (l7 ), this mass is made of steel.

Referring to Figure 17 which shows the two copper strips, we note that a hole is drilled on each of them (35) to allow possible soldering of the electrical conductors.

Referring to Figures 19 and 20 which represent the reset guide, there is a hole in the center (38), two slides (37), the two ends are toothed (36), to have a better grip during handling .

Referring to FIG. 18 which represents the spring for resting the reset guide, it is noted that this spring has a larger diameter in its lower part (39), this spring slides over the earth rod (fig 16 , n019) and, after mounting, abuts on the top of the reset guide (fig20).

Referring to FIG. 7 which represents the housing of the shock detector, reference is made to FIGS. 8-9-10 and, in the bottom of the housing (30), there is a spherical cage molded in the mass (7) and pierced on the top (42). The bottom of the case and the cage are cut in half (43). By pulling outwards the edges of the case (44), by elasticity the cage opens in two, to allow introduce the small sphere of the mass, for mounting.

Note in the upper part of the housing (47), two opposite openings (40) which allow the fixing of the copper strips.

There is a hole (41) which allows the pusher to slide and to enter the lower part of the case. There are two opposite grooves (18) which allow the reset guide to slide in the case. There is a protruding part ( 45) which allows the fixing of the shock detector on the support, by bolts which thread into two holes (46).

With reference to FIG. 2 representing the mechanism of the shock detector, we note the earth rod (19), the small sphere (6) of which is housed in the cage (7) and, the large sphere (8) immobilized in the so-called position "engaged", by the convex part of the pusher (9) housed in the recess-of the mass (17) and, maintained in this position by the action of the stop spring (10). We note the copper washer ( 11) threaded into the throat of the pusher. We notice the two copper strips (12 and 13) fixed and glued in the bottom of the upper part of the case. We note the neck neck (l6) glued on the case. re-engagement guide (l4), sliding in the two grooves (18) and, kept in the rest position by the action of the spring (15) .On the copper strip (13) are welded or fixed by lug: the wire conductor coming from the positive terminal of the battery (Cl) and, the conductive wire which feeds the manual danger switch (C3) .On the copper strip (l2) come to be welded or fixed by lug: the conducting wire which joins the coils of the relays (C2) and, the conducting wire which joins the output of the manual danger contactor as a nonlimiting example, the detector (l) will have a height total-of It cm (H) and a diameter of 7 cm (D).

With reference to FIG. 3 representing the basic modifications to be made to the electrical circuit of the vehicle, it is noted that the conducting wire (21), supplying the ignition switch (22) of the vehicle, passes through the contactor-breaker relay ( 3), on the circuit breaker (R). Note that the conductive wire (20) passes through the same relay (3), on the contactor circuit (C), to supply the bridging relay (26), which when it is excited bridles the switch for controlling the hazard warning lights (24), by created circuits (25). We note that a conducting wire drawn from the battery (23) passes through the contactor relay (4) and supplies a beacon (27) via the cigarette lighter style socket (28). With reference to FIG. 21 representing the manual danger switch, reference is made to FIG. 22 and, it is noted that the plastic housing (48) is provided two flexible tabs on the sides (49), these two tabs are used to wedge the switch on the dashboard of the vehicle. rque two opposite copper strips (50). We note the plastic pusher (52), secured to a flexible copper strip (53). We note the plastic cover (51) of the case. push-button, the strip (53) comes into contact with the two strips (50). The shapes and dimensions of this contactor are not limited to those of the drawing, as soon as the operating principle is respected. , the pusher will be red in color, with the following indication engraved or self-adhesive "DANGER-PUSSER". With reference to Figures 23-24-25, we note that the support has four holes (54) six millimeters in diameter, allowing the attachment to the vehicle. Note that this support includes a parallel plate, slightly advanced (55) and, pierced with two holes (56), tapped at 4.5 allowing the fixing of the two relays. We note another plate (57) positioned at ninety degrees from the support and equipped with two ra inures (58), allowing the shock sensor to be fixed in a good position for correct operation. This support is made of steel and has a thickness of two millimeters. Referring to FIG. 4, it can be noted that if the vehicle is subjected to an impact , the mass (8) switches thanks to the force of kinetic energy (EC). Referring to Figure 5, we note that the pusher (9) descends and comes into abutment. The copper washer and the two lamellae coming into contact, an electric circuit is established between Cl coming from the battery and C2 supplying the coils of the relays (3 and 4). These relays being excited, the circuit is cut between the supply and the ignition switch (21) , the circuit is ensured towards the relay ensuring the bridging of the control switch of the vehicle distress system (20). The circuit is ensured between the power supply and the beacon (23). Referring to FIG. 6, to cancel the safety devices and reset the device, simply lift the mistletoe of reclosing over the entire height of the grooves, the mass gradually returns to the vertical position, the push button sliding on the mass rises and reposition itself in the recess of this mass. The arrows on the drawing suffice to understand the principle.

 The voltage and amperage of the relays will be determined depending on the vehicle.

The bridging relay and its circuits will be determined according to the vehicle.

The beacon with orange light, of an existing model in the trade, will be to the French standards and, approved by the road safety. The invention is intended to improve the road safety and, can be assembled on all motor vehicles.

Claims (4)

claims 1) Automatic safety triggering device in the event of a collision for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a shock detector (1) fixed in the vehicle by means of a support (2) and, triggering its mechanism when the same vehicle is shocked. When triggered, this mechanism establishes an electrical circuit between the positive terminal of the vehicle battery and a contactor-breaker relay (3), via two conductive wires (C1 and C2). This relay being excited, the breaker (R) cuts the circuit (21) supplying the vehicle ignition switch (22) and, the contactor (C) establishes a circuit (20) supplying a bridging relay (26) which , by being excited bridged by created circuits (25), the circuits of the hazard warning light control switch (24), which being bridged, the hazard warning lights operate. 2) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the shock detector comprises a plastic housing in which there is a mass of steel composed of a rod (19) having at its upper end a large sphere (8) and , at its lower end a small sphere (6). This mass is articulated multidirectionally with respect to the bottom of the case using a cage (7) of spherical interior shape molded in the mass of this case and, in which the small sphere of the mass (6) is positioned. On the top of the large sphere of the mass (8), there is a small recess (17) in which is housed the lower end, of convex and semi-spherical shape, of a pusher (9) which is held in this position using a spring (l0) .On this pusher is a copper washer integral with it (ll) .In the top of the case are fixed two opposite copper strips (12 and 13). When the vehicle is impacted, the mass has a kinetic force greater than the force of the spring (10) and tilts. The pusher (9) is released and, by the action of the spring, the washer (11) secured to the potssir stop on the two strips (12 and 13). An electrical circuit is established between the wire C1 fixed on the strip (13) and the wire C2 fixed on the strip (12). the mechanism is then in a position called "triggered" .The detector includes a resetting system composed of a guide (14) sliding in two grooves (18) .When the guide is lifted by its ends protruding from the grooves, a hole in the center of this guide (38) gradually puts back the earth rod (19) in the vertical position, the large sphere (8) lifts the pusher (9) by sliding which is repositioned in the recess (17). The washer (11) integral with the pusher is no longer in contact with the two strips (l2 and 13), the electrical circuit between wire C1 and wire C2 is interrupted. latching is maintained in the rest position using a spring (l5). 3) Device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the shock detector mechanism supplies by triggering an additional relay (4) which is contactor and, by being excited feeds a beacon with orange light (27), by the thread (23). The beacon will be fixed inside or outside the vehicle.  4) Device according to claims 1 and 2 or claims i-2-3, characterized in that the relays (3 and 4) can be energized by means of a jumper on the conductive wires (Cl and C2). This bridging is materialized by a conductive wire (C3) connected to the lamella (13) of the detector and a conductive wire (C4) connected to the lamella (12) of the detector. C3 and C4 are connected to the terminals of a contactor (5) fixed on the dashboard of the vehicle. When the control of this contactor is pressed, it establishes an electrical circuit between the positive terminal of the battery and the coils relays (3 and 4), via the conductor wires (C1-C3-C4-C2). To cancel this command, simply pull the contactor control fully to return it to the initial position.