FR3086235A1 - Method and system for controlling the deployment of an external inflatable pedestrian safety structure fitted to a vehicle, and pedestrian protection equipment incorporating this system. - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for controlling the deployment of an external inflatable safety structure (1) fitted to a vehicle, comprising a step of detecting the sudden appearance of an obstacle (39), from a processing of signals from one or more several sensors (32), and a step of identifying this obstacle as being a pedestrian, from a processing of signals from one or more sensors. This method further comprises a step of calculating a deployment strategy for the inflatable structure (1), leading to generating signals (41, 47) for selective control of filling of a plurality of inflatable bags and positioning of this inflatable structure (1). Fig 3

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Method and system for controlling the deployment of an external inflatable pedestrian safety structure fitted to a vehicle, and pedestrian protection equipment incorporating this system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for controlling the deployment of an external inflatable safety structure, in particular a pedestrian fitted to a vehicle.

It also relates to a system for controlling the deployment of an external inflatable pedestrian safety structure, implementing the control method according to the invention, as well as an external inflatable pedestrian safety structure incorporating such a system.

The field of the invention is that of pedestrian safety in a situation of being struck or overturned by autonomous, semi-autonomous vehicles or delegated driving, individual or collective, or by guided vehicles such as trams. By pedestrian safety, we mean the protection of people, but the field of the invention also covers the handling of all types of animal obstacles, inert object.

STATE OF THE ART The considerable development of vehicles with delegation of control tending towards autonomous or semi-autonomous cars and autonomous shuttles leads to raising the question of pedestrian safety more and more. This question also arises with the strong development of trams and guided mobility systems in the heart of urban areas.

Driving assistance and autonomous driving will drastically reduce the severity of motor vehicle accidents. However, in cities in particular, the coexistence of pedestrians and all kinds of mobility-specific instruments (bicycles, scooters, etc.) will maintain significant risks of interaction between these various circulating elements.

These shocks, generally at moderate speed <40Km / h, when they are not fatal, are very disabling for victims for many years.

Up to now, car manufacturers have mainly been concerned with designing vehicle fronts reducing the severity of the pedestrian impact, which has moreover led to a relative standardization of the calenders of vehicles which have become substantially vertical. In addition, certain manufacturers have proposed hood lifting mechanisms by implementing suitable pyrotechnic charges, external airbags for vehicles, but these systems in fact provide a function for absorbing the impact of the upper parts only. a pedestrian on the body of a vehicle without systematically retaining this pedestrian on the vehicle then causing a risk of over-accident.

US Patent 7,630,806 discloses a pedestrian detection and protection system, implementing an external inflatable structure fitted to a vehicle. This detection and protection system comprises an airbag deployable at the front of the vehicle, intended to absorb the impact of a pedestrian against the hood of the vehicle and a net provided to retain this pedestrian and thus preventing him from passing over of the vehicle. This system is controlled from a processing of signals from sensors and analyzed by a shape recognition system which can integrate artificial intelligence processes.

US Patent 5,377,108 discloses an impact prediction system fitted to a motor vehicle and implementing a neural network. In the event of impact prediction, this prediction system anticipates the deployment of an airbag or airbag.

These systems of the prior art, however, have the disadvantage of not allowing a personalized care of a pedestrian before its impact against the vehicle, and may present a limited protection efficiency.

The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a method for controlling the deployment of an external inflatable safety structure, which achieves impact prediction associated with personalized recognition of a pedestrian and command this inflatable structure so that the pedestrian is supported and retained within the inflatable structure until the vehicle stops. This method more generally makes it possible to deal with the case of obstacles such as pedestrians, people, animals or objects outside the vehicle and the interaction of which is inevitable.

It is thus a question of proposing a method and a system for controlling an external inflatable safety structure which, like the seat belt in the vehicle, can take care of pedestrians in the most common accidents, which, when not fatal, significantly disrupt the lives of victims.

Summary of the invention [0013] This objective is achieved with a method for controlling the orientation and deployment of an external inflatable safety structure fitted to a vehicle, comprising:

- A step of detecting the sudden appearance of a pedestrian in front of said vehicle, from a processing of signals from one or more sensors fitted to said vehicle, leading to the production of detection data, [0015] a step of identifying said pedestrian as being a human being an inert animal or object, from a processing of signals from one or more sensors among said plurality of sensors, leading to the production of identification data and of dynamic spatial location.

According to the invention, this method further comprises a step of calculating a module positioning strategy and the deployment of the external inflatable structure, from identification data and dynamic spatial location data, leading generating selective control signals (i) for dynamic positioning of the external inflatable structure, and (ii) for filling a plurality of air bags constituting the external inflatable safety structure.

Advantageously, the deployment method according to the invention further comprises a classification step comprising a processing of the detection and / or identification data, arranged so as to classify among a plurality of categories of obstacles and configurations said pedestrian thus identified in a pedestrian obstacle category with the corresponding deployment strategy.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, particularly suitable for use on road vehicles, the detection and identification steps are carried out within a driving assistance system fitted to the vehicle.

The deployment method according to the invention can then be implemented during an automatic emergency braking sequence initiated in response to a detection of a pedestrian obstacle in front of the vehicle.

The classification step may also advantageously include processing of experience data previously stored in a learning database on board the vehicle or accessible remotely from this vehicle.

The learning database can be advantageously supplied, via a communication network to which the vehicle is connected, by experience data collected in a community of vehicles equipped with pedestrian protection systems implementing the control method. deployment according to the invention. The connection can be periodic or requested by the deployment control system or by a remote management system designed to ensure the updating of a fleet of vehicles thus equipped. These data must be validated beforehand by the manufacturer or the appropriate authority.

The deployment strategy classification and calculation steps can be performed within an artificial intelligence system embedded in the vehicle.

According to another aspect of the invention, a system is proposed for controlling the deployment of an external inflatable safety structure fitted to a vehicle, implementing the method according to the invention, this system comprising:

- Means for detecting a sudden appearance of a pedestrian obstacle in front of the vehicle, from a processing of signals from one or more sensors fitted to this vehicle, leading to the production of detection data, [0025] means for identifying the pedestrian as being a human being, an animal or an inert object, from a processing of signals from one or more sensors among the plurality of sensors, and for producing identification data and dynamic spatial location data.

According to the invention, this module positioning control system and deployment further comprises means for calculating a positioning and deployment strategy based on identification data and dynamic spatial location and for generating signals selective control of dynamic positioning of the external inflatable structure and filling of a plurality of inflatable bags constituting this inflatable structure.

The deployment control system can also advantageously include means for classifying the pedestrian in his environment in a pedestrian category among a plurality of predetermined pedestrian categories, and the means for calculating the deployment strategy are programmed for take into account the pedestrian category resulting from this classification.

The detection means and the identification means can advantageously be integrated into a driving assistance system fitted to the vehicle.

In a particular form of the invention, the deployment control system can also comprise a learning database on board the vehicle or accessible remotely from this vehicle, designed to store usable experience data by the means of classification.

We can also provide that the deployment control system according to the invention is connected to a remote experience sharing system within a community of vehicles provided with pedestrian protection equipment integrating control systems of deployment according to the invention.

The classification means and the deployment strategy calculation means can advantageously be integrated into an artificial intelligence system embedded in the vehicle.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, pedestrian protection equipment is provided which is intended to equip a vehicle, implementing the control method according to the invention, this equipment comprising:

- a device for dynamically positioning said external inflatable structure with respect to said vehicle, and - an external inflatable safety structure arranged to be deployed from the front of the vehicle in response to detection and identification of a pedestrian obstacle suddenly appearing in front of said vehicle, [0035] - a gas generating device provided for inflating said external inflatable safety structure.

The external inflatable structure advantageously comprises a plurality of inflatable bags, the respective refills with gas from the gas generator are selectively controlled according to a deployment strategy calculated from detection and / or identification data of the pedestrian in its environment, so as to receive and hold this pedestrian for a predetermined period within the external inflatable structure.

Several embodiments of selective bag filling control can be envisaged. Some bags can be directly connected to a gas generator. Other bags receive the inflation gas from an adjacent bag.

Selective commands can be activated:

- either by design,

- either in the form of a preprogrammed command before deployment,

- either by controlling the components during all the phases of implementation of the protection system,

- either by combining these three activation modes.

According to the invention, the implementation of the protection system can be controlled from a control module implementing a deployment strategy calculated by an artificial intelligence system embedded in the vehicle.

Thus, the deployment control method according to the invention is based on a deep learning thanks to the dynamic development tests, to the simulations carried out from these tests and to a pooling of the experiences of the same group or similar group. The control system is therefore enriched and increases its performance throughout the life of the vehicle. This approach also makes it possible to deal with other configurations: impacts at high speed, animals or objects, for example bicycles, already or not yet listed, obstacles themselves in motion.

This control method applies to any type of vehicle, in particular having a vertical grille, but also to any type of mobile machine such as shuttles, trams or buses. The control system according to the invention is open and it constitutes its database in a single set comprising the combined experience of the data and measurements carried out on the vehicle and those of the same category, communicating with each other during the development phase and during of its operational life.

This database can advantageously include all of the dynamic tests carried out in development on the different types of mannequins and the different types of vehicles, and all of the modeling carried out using multi-physical simulation tools. .

The deployment control system according to the invention can integrate data from its own experience and that of its communicating group. In particular, in the future, vehicles will be less and less individual but more generally collective, favoring a pooling of data.

Thus the quality of the identification of the human obstacle or not, is enriched by the experience of the whole group, but also by the adaptation of the protection system to each identified case. Thanks to artificial intelligence and deep learning, personal safety will be constantly improved.

Definitions The following are definitions of terms used in the following description to designate components of the protective equipment and the deployment control system according to the invention:

Pedestrian:

A person on foot, alone or in a group, standing or on the ground. The technical service rendered to pedestrians can here extend to users of a bicycle or any other individual mode of transport, to animals or inert objects.

Protection module:

A housing containing the inflatable structure and the gas generation system attached to a vehicle.

External inflatable structure:

A set of air bags that can communicate with each other and whose inflation can be selectively controlled.

Inflatable bag:

An inflatable envelope, of variable shape, for example of tubular shape, which can receive an inflation gas and which can communicate with one or more other bag (s) according to a deployment strategy.

Deployment strategy:

A set of control signals for valves, valves or filling vents and actuators.

Valve:

A system for opening / closing a controlled gas passage disposed between a supply line for an inflation gas and an airbag or between two bags. These valves can be fitted with a non-return device as required. All the valve controls are connected by wire or any other connection system, including fluidic, or else by non-wired way using standard radio communication techniques. In a particular embodiment, the activation energy for the control of a valve is supplied by a capacity, via a known bus system. The activation order is transmitted by an electronic chip, a wire ensuring the loading of the capacities, the quality control of the circuits and the transmission of the orders to the chip.

Valve or vent:

A static gas passage opening / closing system, disposed between an inflation gas supply pipe and an airbag or between two bags, which is normally in closed mode with a cover (not communicating ) and which switches to open (communicating) mode in response to pressure greater than a predetermined pressure level. The valve or the vent can also be made in the form of a calibrated leak to delay the pressurization of the downstream bag.

Gas generator. :

A pyrotechnic gas generation system or not. The structure is deployed by the gas generator. Some bags are pressurized by gases from the other bags beyond the operation of the generator. In some cases external generators can be used.

Detailed technical description [0065] The invention will be better understood in the light of the detailed description which follows, with reference to the figures below:

[Fig. 1] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a pedestrian protection system according to the invention in deployed mode, fitted to a motor vehicle, [fig.2] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a pedestrian protection system according to the invention in deployed mode , equipping a bus, [fig.3] figure 3 is a functional diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a deployment control system according to the invention, [fig.4] figure 4 is a block diagram of a pedestrian protection device according to the invention, in a collaborative configuration, [FIG. 5] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a first configuration - in two parts - of an external inflatable safety structure , implemented in pedestrian protection equipment according to the invention, [fig.6] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a second configuration - in three parts - of an external inflatable safety structure, implemented in pedestrian protection equipment according to the invention, [fig.7] [fig.7] [fig.8] Figures 7 and 8 schematically illustrate a kinematics of taking charge of a pedestrian by an external inflatable safety structure of a pedestrian protection device according to the invention, [FIG. 9A] FIG. 9A schematically represents the geometric structure of an exterior inflatable structure implemented in a pedestrian protection device according to the invention, [0075 ] [fig.9B] FIG. 9B is a timing diagram illustrating a selective control of specific parts of the inflatable structure of FIG. 9A, in the case of taking charge of a tall man, [0076] [fig .10A] FIG. 10A schematically illustrates the zones of the inflatable structure of FIG. 9A, which will be activated in the case of detection and management of a small woman or of small size, [0077 ] [fig.lOB] figure 10B is a c timeline illustrating a selective control of specific parts of the inflatable structure of FIG. 9A, in the case of a care of a woman of small size, [0078] [fig.l IA] FIG. 1 IA schematically illustrates the zones of the inflatable structure of FIG. 9A, which will be activated in the case of detection and taking charge of a child, [FIG. 1 IB] FIG. 1 IB is a timing diagram illustrating a selective control of specific parts of the inflatable structure of FIG. 9A, in the case of taking charge of a small child, [fig. 12] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates several basic geometries for producing an external inflatable safety structure implemented in pedestrian protection equipment according to the invention, [0081] [fig. 13 A] [fig.l3B] [0083] [fig. 13C] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C illustrate practical examples of the construction of an external inflatable safety structure, [FIG. 14] Figure 14 schematically illustrates a particular embodiment of a pedestrian protection module integrating a gas generator and an inflatable structure in folded mode, [fig. 15] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a particular embodiment of the housing containing the gas generator and to which the inflatable structure and the supply valves are fixed, [fig. 16] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a particular embodiment of an inflatable structure equipped with controlled valves, and [0087] [fig.l7A] [0088] [fig. 17B] FIGS. 17A and 17B respectively illustrate an example of integration of a pedestrian protection module in the front face of a vehicle and the deployment of the external inflatable structure initially contained in the pedestrian protection module.

The embodiments described below are in no way limiting, we can in particular consider variants of the invention comprising only a selection of described characteristics, isolated from the other described characteristics (even if this selection is isolated within d a sentence including these other characteristics), if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art. This selection includes at least one characteristic, preferably functional, without structural details, or with only part of the structural details if this part only is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art. .

Protective equipment according to the invention can equip a light motor vehicle (Ligure 1) or a public transport vehicle 30 (Ligure 2). In the first case, this protective equipment comprises a protection module 2 integrated in the front face of the vehicle and intended to carry out the deployment and the appropriate positioning of an inflatable structure 1. In the second case, the protective equipment comprises a protection module integrated in the front face of the transport vehicle 30 and provided with a mechanical part 20 for mobile deployment in translation and actuated to deploy and appropriately position an inflatable structure 10.

The protective equipment can be positioned dynamically by means of electromechanical, mechatronic or fluidic actuators. This protective equipment can be secured to a ball joint providing three degrees of freedom and can be actuated in translation from the front of the vehicle.

Referring to Figure 3, a deployment control system 3 according to the invention, integrated in a pedestrian protection equipment of a vehicle, comprises a detection unit 30 programmed to deliver detection data 31 of a pedestrian obstacle suddenly appearing in front of the vehicle, from the processing of signals from a set 32 of sensors fitted to the vehicle.

The control system 3 further comprises a unit 33 for identifying this obstacle 39 as being a pedestrian and for determining the kinematics with respect to the vehicle of this pedestrian thus identified. This identification unit 33 processes the detection data 31 and in return delivers identification data 34 and kinematics data 35.

It should be noted that the detection 30 and identification 33 units can be an integral part of a driving assistance system 36 fitted to the vehicle.

The control system 3 further comprises a classification unit 37 intended to process the detection data 31 and identification 34 in order to classify the obstacle 39 thus detected and identified in a given pedestrian category 38 among a predetermined set of pedestrian categories.

The classification unit 37 and the identification unit 33 supply a unit 4 for calculating a deployment strategy which is programmed to deliver selective positioning control signals 47 from an external inflatable structure 1 of safety equipping the vehicle, and filling 41 with a set of airbags 42 constituting the latter 1.

It should be noted that Γ classification unit 37 and Γ calculation unit 4 may be an integral part of the same computer within the control system 3. One could even envisage a total or partial integration of the detection units, d 'identification, classification and calculation, within a single integrated electronic component.

Referring to Figure 4, the calculation unit 4 implements a database 40 and a communication module 44, via one or more wireless communication networks 42, with a server 43 operating in " cloud ”45.

The database 40 is designed to store collected learning data (i) during the development and evaluation phases of the pedestrian protection systems or (ii) from detection events of pedestrian obstacle and deployment of inflatable structures in connected vehicles 46 equipped with pedestrian protection systems, or (iii) from data collected via one or more wireless communication networks 42, with a server 43 operating in “cloud” mode 45.

The calculation unit 4 implements artificial intelligence techniques using (i) training data stored in the database 40, (ii) data delivered by the classification unit 37, and (iü) kinematics data delivered by the identification unit 33. The calculation unit 4 generates in return a sequence of signals 41, 47 for selective control of the entire protection system.

The deployment control system according to the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is connected to a vision system 32 fitted to the vehicle and which can include:

[0102] - short and long range front cameras [0103] - infrared cameras (0-30m) [0104] - Lidars (0-100m) [0105] - ultrasonic sensors (proximity) [0106] - Radars (30,100m) [0107] - ultrasound sensors (proximity) [0108] In certain cases and for greater reliability and speed, the control system according to the invention may also have its own means for daytime and night vision . For example, a camera placed at the top of the windshield can follow the movement of the pedestrian during the implementation phase of the protection system.

The deployment control system 3 as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3 continuously receives and analyzes data from the vehicle and from its environment. When he identifies a dangerous situation, he can then initiate an avoidance maneuver, emergency braking and, if necessary, initiate the successive phases of the deployment of the protection systems.

These phases are activated by electrical signals delivered by the automated system depending on the situation analyzed by it. Thanks to the analysis of all the data received before and during a critical event by the various sensors of the piloting system of an autonomous vehicle or the driving assistance system of a mobile system, the automated system provides a specific response to each accident configuration.

This positioning and deployment control system, thanks to its Artificial Intelligence, controls the activation in space and in time (space-time) of a single protection system or a combination of several protection systems with which the vehicle is fitted.

Unlike the systems of the prior art which trigger once and for all the activation of the air bags from predefined algorithms during the detection of the shock, the deployment control system adjusts the response of the system. protection from information received before and during the shock.

Information from the sensors fitted to the vehicle driving assistance system can intervene on the pedestrian protection equipment itself after its deployment. For example, a camera placed at the top of the windshield can intervene in the implementation and deployment of the inflatable structure.

All of this data is merged and pooled in the deployment control system according to the invention.

Thus the deployment control system according to the invention is constantly enriched and improved with the experience of all. The deployment control system will first determine the speed of impact with the vehicle. If it is not zero, it activates the pedestrian protection system.

[0116] The multi-sensor data are merged for the identification of the pedestrian obstacle. They must be homogeneous according to the different sources. Only the data necessary or contributing to the identification of the pedestrian obstacle are processed.

The identification unit 33 as shown in FIG. 3 is for example configured to carry out the following operations:

[0118] - location of the pedestrian obstacle: X / Y / Z coordinates (or ρ / 0 / φ),

- identification of the nature of the pedestrian obstacle: child, woman, man, other: animal object ..,

- identification of body size: large, large, small: size and weight estimation,

- detection of the position of the pedestrian obstacle: standing, lying, leaning, squatting, in profile, in the air,

- motion detection: on foot, by bicycle, Segway, roller skates, skateboard or skateboard, motorcycle, or any other means of travel,

- Estimate of trajectory: face, perpendicular, parallel, or angle compared to the trajectory of the car,

- determination of relative speed with respect to the vehicle and position at t = 0, 5 s for example,

- identification of elements of the near landscape, nature and trajectory: car, truck, motorcycle / bicycle, sidewalk, wall etc,

- determination of the attitude of the vehicle relative to the ground,

- possibly, monitoring of the pedestrian's kinematics.

Referring to Figure 5, the inflatable structure 1 comprises a first part IA consisting of a set of airbags 5 adjacent parallel to each other so as to create an inflatable mattress and a second part IB consisting an airbag 50 disposed transversely against an end edge of this mattress. To obtain a wrapping effect, the bag is arched under the effect of pressure with reference to FIG. 5b, this effect being obtained by an anisotropic structure of the bag with a different thickness between the front and rear faces.

As will be described below with reference to Figure 12, the airbags 5 are arranged so that they can communicate with each other from inlet ports provided with a valve / vent or a valve.

It should be noted that the valves and valves / vents can be replaced by independent gas generators.

In another configuration of an inflatable structure implemented in a pedestrian protection equipment according to the invention, illustrated by Figures 6.1 and 6.2, the inflatable structure 6 comprises a first central part or bag 6A, a second part upper or upper bag 6B (identical to part IB of FIG. 5 (a)) and a third lower part or lower bag 6C.

The first and third parts or bags 6A, 6C have an inflatable mattress structure. The part or bag 6A is analogous to part 1A in FIG. 5 (a) while the second part or bag 6B is identical to the part IB in FIG. 5 (a). The two parts or bags 6A, 6C are pressurized independently via separate valves.

An additional bag 60 can also be provided to enclose the bag 6C to give it additional rigidity, it can be anisotropic like the bag 6B.

The rigidity provided by the U-shaped bag of C keeps a person in the inflatable structure whose center of gravity after taking charge is below the kneecap. This can be designed to raise the lower part of the bag. This device is also capable of taking care of people on the ground.

As illustrated above, the inflatable structures 6A or 6A + 6C can be anisotropic to obtain a curved shape of the structures, this configuration is favorable in the event of risk of projection. The upper surface is reinforced relative to the inner surface. This reinforcement can be modulated to favor certain zones. Similarly, the structure can be trapezoidal with reference to FIG. 13.

More generally, the geometry of the bags of the inflatable structure can receive adaptations depending on the vehicle or on a particular strategy. Different adaptations can be envisaged in the context of the present invention. For example, the presence in the inflatable structure of transverse bags in the middle of the inflation zone can be favorable.

We can also provide, with reference to Figure 6.2, that the bags 6A and 6C are partially overlapped to ensure better protection of the pedestrian by the inflatable structure 6 at its center.

The IB or 6B bags can be extended laterally and they can be anisotropic to "lift" the bag.

The inflatable structures used in pedestrian protection equipment consist of bags of generally cylindrical shape assembled and communicating by regulated vents.

For example, the inflatable structure of FIG. 5a consists of a main structure IA of dimension 140X 220 cm which comprises 14 bags of tubular shape with a length of 220cm and a diameter of 6cm. A 4 cm strip joins the bags together.

The inflatable structure of Figure 6 consists of two bags 6A; 6C with nominal dimensions 110x140cm. The bags 6A and 6C can overlap at their intersection, to create a reinforced protection zone at this critical point, with reference to Figures 6.2 and 15.

One of the preferred solutions for the construction of these bags is to preform the bags from two strips of fabric (FIG. 12). The intermediate parts between the bags 120 are welded tight but these welds are not continuous, and passages are arranged to position the valves or vents ensuring communication between the bags 120 '(Figure 12B). The folds can be symmetrical 121, 122 (figure 12 (A)) or asymmetrical 123, 124 (figures 12 (C) and 12 (D)). In the latter case, the distance between bags can be reduced to ensure bending of the inflatable structure, with reference to Figure 12 (L).

The shape of the IB bag shown in Figure 5 is anisotropic in a configuration illustrated in Figure 12 (E). The IB bag is rigid on the front, flexible on the rear. It folds up in the upper part of the central bags to close the inflatable structure (Figure 5 (b)), thus allowing the pedestrian to remain on the inflatable structure (not shown). Other technologies for bending the inflatable structure are possible, in particular that shown in fig 12 (f).

The IB bag is pressurized in correlation with the kinematics of the pedestrian.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of the distribution of the valves: four or five valves VI transmit the gases coming from the gas generator (not shown) to the four or five central bags of the inflatable structure. These bags communicate with each other by free passages between the bags. Four valves V2 supply the first two side bags 16B, the others communicate with each other by free passages. The V4 valves feed the bag 16A. The same is true for the 16C bag with the V3 valves.

Figures 13A, 13B and 13C illustrate different possibilities of conformation of the inflatable structures. It is thus possible to provide a trapezoidal shape by progressive widening of the inter-bag bands (13B). With two fabrics of different thickness, it is possible to curl / bend the inflatable structure 137, with reference to FIG. 13C.

The bags can be made of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or any other material of the type of those used for making inflatable boats of the Zodiac® type. Other materials are possible, for example Nylon 6x6 coated with Neoprene or Silicone. In some cases polyurethane can also be used.

In another configuration, the bags alone are placed inside a fabric matrix ensuring the shape of the inflatable structure. The fabric matrix adjusts to the mechanical protection needs of the bags and the shapes sought. In this case, Nylon 6x6 coated with Neoprene or silicone binder is preferred, but polyurethane is also possible. This technique separates the pressurization function from that of the mechanical strength and the shape of the inflatable structure. This configuration allows the use of materials with different roughness.

Referring to Figures 14 and 15, the protection module 14 contains an inflatable structure 141, 142 and a gas generator 15 packaged in a sealed housing 143 secured to the module 14 and on which the inflatable structure 141, 142 is fixed .

The protection module is fixed to a ball joint integral with the vehicle possibly via a jack (Figures 1 and 2) and which allows its spatial orientation controlled in x, y, z.

The housing 143 containing the gas generator has a shape of a prism of triangular section (FIG. 15 (a)). A first face 150 (FIG. 15 (b)) of this box 143 constitutes a first plate supporting the various valves which communicate with the bags of the lower part 141 and 151 of the inflatable structure.

The bags, of the type described in Figures 5 or 6, are folded in three longitudinally. A first group of four or five central bags receive the gases directly through the valves VI, while groups of four or five bags respectively, folded over this first group, will be supplied by four valves or vents V2. The inflatable structure shown in Figure 14 is folded into two windings ("mother-in-law language"), one deploying forward guided by a platform created at the opening of the module, the other is deploying in height towards the hood of the vehicle.

Thus the inflatable structure is designed to deploy first axially then laterally. The other bags 16A, 16C of the structure are supplied by the vents or valves V3 and V4.

The protection module has the dimensions 40 cmX20 cm, depth from 20 to 30cm. This shape can be adjusted to the configuration of the vehicle front face, as shown in Figures 17A and 17B.

[0147] The gas generators [0148] To ensure the deployment of the structure, several technologies are possible:

- The gas generator has as a single propellant composition whose ballistic characteristics are adjusted to ensure complete combustion in more than 50 milliseconds;

- The gas generator comprises a single composition consisting of a mixture of at least one oxidizing charge and at least one reducing charge, the decomposition of which is controlled by an energizing device configured to ensure complete generation of the gases in more than 50 milliseconds;

- The gas generator comprises a first chamber containing solid propellant, and a second chamber containing a second composition consisting of a mixture of at least one oxidizing charge and at least one reducing charge, said solid propellant forming a block whose thickness and chemical characteristics are adjusted to ensure complete combustion of the gases in more than 50 milliseconds.

By way of example, the gas generator has the following characteristics:

[0153] [Tables 1]

Primary loading Propellol 1133 mass 8g Secondary loading Mix 18g NH4NO3 and 4g Guanidine Nitrate Operating time 300 ms

The latter solution has the advantage of delivering chemically neutral dust-free gases.

Compressed gases or a compressor can also be used alone or in addition to a gas generator described above.

For example, the pressures in the protective equipment described are for the 1MPA module, (10 bars), and for the bags 0.02 to 0.05 MPA relative in terms of the ratio of the external pressure. on the internal pressure.

We will now describe, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a process for deploying pedestrian protection equipment integrated into a vehicle 10, after detection of a pedestrian in the person of an adult 7.

The detection systems fitted to the vehicle 10, such as the cameras, lidars and radars have previously detected a pedestrian. Algorithms installed in a computing unit within the vehicle driving assistance system 10 identified this pedestrian as being an adult human 7. The kinematics of this human was determined relative to that of the vehicle 10. The data detection, identification made it possible to classify the pedestrian in a category for which experience data were previously stored in a database on board the vehicle 10. The calculation unit then generates, according to the classification category, selective control signals to a safety module arranged in the front face of the vehicle 10.

This security module is fixed to a ball joint, which itself can be positioned on a jack which moves it forwards, with reference to FIG. 2.

The time required for the initial deployment of the inflatable structure 1 must be such that the inflatable structure is deployed before reaching the pedestrian. When the lower part 71 comes into contact with the lower body of the pedestrian, the latter rocks on the central part 72 of the inflatable structure 1 and is pressed against it due to the speed of the vehicle 10.

In a second step, with reference to Figure 8, the IB bag of the inflatable structure is deployed so as to protect the head of pedestrian 7 and keep it on the vehicle until it stops.

Many other deployment strategies can be envisaged in the context of the present invention.

Thus, in a practical case, after identification of a risk of collision, and the implementation of an avoidance maneuver with in addition the activation of emergency braking, the system identifies the collision with a pedestrian as inevitable .

The orders of magnitude of the kinematics of a shock are:

- At a speed of 35Km / h, i.e. approximately 10m / s, under emergency braking under ordinary conditions, the stopping time is estimated at 1 to 1.5 s, and the stopping distance is estimated at 4.5 to 6 m, the deployment time of the inflatable structure is 300 ms its internal pressure,

0.12-0.15 MPA, [0167] - the ball joint of the inflatable structure is located 0.5 m from the ground, the angle is 30 ° relative to the axis of the vehicle, which brings the point of pedestrian contact inflatable structure 1 m from the vehicle, [0168] - the order to activate the inflatable structure is given 4 m from the vehicle, 400 ms before impact if there was no protection system.

The kinematic vision data provided by the system makes it possible to calculate the stopping distance. If this is not sufficient to avoid a collision, the protection system must be activated.

As will be shown below, it is possible to reduce the activation time of the system to 150 ms. In this case the order to activate the inflatable structure is given 2.5m from the vehicle, 250ms before the impact if there was no protection system.

The combined experience of the effective use of pedestrian protection equipment and the exchange of experiences will lead to an improvement of the deployment control system according to the invention. By way of nonlimiting example, the inflatable structure implemented in the following three examples illustrated by FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 1 IA, 1 IB, is made up of a central part made up of two independent bags 9A 9C supplied by valves VI, from four side parts 9DS, 9DI, 9ES, 9EI supplied by valves V2. The space between two bags is reduced to obtain a wrapping effect according to FIG. 12 (F), and of two axial structures or axial bags 9B 9F on either side of the central part, supplied by the valves V3 and V4.

We will thus describe, with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a process of selective deployment of an exterior inflatable structure within a pedestrian protection device according to the invention, in a situation of identification of a adult man. The configuration studied can be that of an adult 7 of 1.75m, 80 kg, stationary, substantially centered on the vehicle, at a distance of 4 m from the car. Emergency braking is activated and the vehicle's initial speed is 35 km / h.

Referring to Figure 9B, we consider at an initial time To a selective control of the valves V1 to inflate from the gas generator only the upper and lower central parts 9A, 9C. At the same time or beforehand, a selective command oriented the module axially and laterally to optimize the handling of the pedestrian. The inflatable structure 9 comes into contact at an instant Tl with a pedestrian obstacle, typically a man 7. At an instant T2 separated from the instant Tl by a few tens of milliseconds, the man 7 is held against the two central parts inflated 9A, 9C which have an initial angle a with respect to the road. At an instant following T3, the inflatable structure 9 rocks towards the hood of the vehicle at a second angle β. At a time following T4 determined by the calculation unit, the valves V4 are selectively controlled to cause the inflation of the upper end portion 9B and thus retain the man 7 and prevent him from going forward. At a time T5 also determined by the calculation unit, the valves V2 are then selectively controlled to inflate the lateral parts 9D and 9E which are arranged to fold back towards the central parts 9A, 9C until at least partially enveloping l '' man 7 (instant T6). Finally, the calculation unit emits at a moment T7 a selective command of the valves V3 to inject gas into the lower end part 9F until it inflates and thus prevent the man in charge 7 from sliding down.

The selective command can modify the sequence of operations in order and duration. For example, the control of valve V3 can be activated with that of valveV1 if the inflatable structure must be reinforced to support the pedestrian.

We will now describe, with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, an example of the implementation of pedestrian protection equipment incorporating the inflatable structure of FIG. 9A, in the case of a detection and an outlet in charge of a woman of small size or small size 1.6m 60kg by an inflatable structure of the type described above.

The prior identification of this pedestrian obstacle will have led to classify it in a specific category which will correspond to a specific selective order of the valves equipping the structure.

This pedestrian obstacle will be distinguished from the “tall man” pedestrian obstacle mainly by the fact that its pelvis is located lower and that its weight is lower. To ensure effective protection of this pedestrian obstacle, it is important that it can be well supported by the inflatable structure and does not rebound against it.

For this purpose, after impact, when the relative pedestrian vehicle speed is zero, the valves V2 of the bags 9D, 9E will open to reduce the overpressure in the bag 9A and thus avoid rebound. In this configuration, the camera located at the rear view mirror is particularly useful.

To keep the pedestrian of small size on the vehicle, the swelling of the lower end portion 9F will be preferred.

Thus, it is considered that at an instant T10, in response to an identification of the pedestrian obstacle 8 and its classification in the category “woman of small size”, the calculation unit issued a selective positioning command of the module and of the valves V1 controlling the inflation of the lower central part 9C. At an instant T1, this lower central part 9C, inflated to a pressure level sufficient to ensure a predetermined rigidity, comes into contact with the lower limbs of the pedestrian obstacle 8. A few milliseconds later, at an instant T12, valves VI controlling the inflation of the upper central part 9A are controlled to accommodate the body of the pedestrian 8. The inflatable structure 9 switches (instant T13) by dynamic effect, while valves V3 for inflation of the lower end part 9F are activated to keep the pedestrian 8 on the inflatable structure 9. At an instant T14, the lateral parts 9D, 9E are then inflated by selective control of the valves V2 so as to favor greater inflation of an impact zone 80 adapted to the morphology of the human obstacle 8 supported.

We will now describe, with reference to FIGS. 1 IA and 1 IB, a particular example of the care of a pedestrian identified and classified as a small child 0.70 m,

I l-12Kg by an inflatable structure of the type described above.

In this configuration, it is vital that the child does not go under the vehicle. For this, at an instant T20, the lower central 9C and lower end 9F parts respectively are inflated by activation of valves VI so as to constitute a barrier (instant T21) and a selectively inflated zone 110 against which the child 11 goes place yourself at the time of contact (instant T22). and be noticeably lifted Either by the kneecap, or / or by an anisotropic U-shaped side bag 60 fig6 At the same time, the lower side parts 9DI, 9EI are inflated so as to completely surround the child

II and thus best protect it against external risks.

In a configuration corresponding to a child pedestrian, for example a 10 year old child (1.30m, 30 kg), the bag deploys, but the center of gravity of the person is close to the kneecap. So that the child's center of gravity is above the kneecap, and therefore secure the child's tilting on the hood, at the time of contact (instant T22), the latter must be lifted appreciably. This can be achieved either by the patella, or / or by an anisotropic U 60 side bag, with reference to FIG. 6.

At the same time, the lower lateral parts 9DI, 9EI are inflated so as to completely surround the child 11 and thus protect it as best as possible against external risks.

Use case 1 [0186] Consider an inflatable structure of the type shown in FIG. 16 or in FIG. 5, of dimension 140 × 220 cm. This structure includes 14 bags of tubular shape with a diameter of 6 cm and a length of 220 cm; The controlled valves are indicated by V1 and V3 with reference to Figure 16, while the others are unregulated valves. The V4 valves are holes calibrated to delay the pressurization of the bag 16A.

The pedestrian considered in this use case is an adult 1.75 m tall, with a body size of 75 kg, he is standing facing the vehicle.

The deployment order is given when the pedestrian is 4m from the vehicle at an initial time T = 0 and the vehicle is at 35Km / h. The stopping distance of the vehicle is greater than this distance.

The orders are as follows:

- adjust the position of the module and activate the gas generator,

- activate valves VI, decide for valves V3 according to the configuration.

The inflatable structure which is operational and comes into contact with the pedestrian T = 300 ms. The bag 16A is gradually pressurized from the other bags of the main structure or by an independent generator.

The pedestrian switches to the inflatable structure and his head is in contact at T = 450-500ms with the inflatable structure.

The vehicle stops at T = 1000 ms [0194] In this case the selective control performs the following steps:

[0195] - selection of the initiation time of the gas generator coupled with the valves VI, [0196] - order for correcting the position of the module, [0197] - opening or not of the valve V3 according to the configuration of the weight of the pedestrian, the roughness of the ground analyzed by the detection means.

Use case 2 [0199] The same configuration is considered as in use case 1, but the pedestrian is in motion and the deployment control system provides for it offset from the center of the vehicle.

The ball joint will ensure the position of the module according to the direction of the vehicle and laterally to center the inflatable structure on the pedestrian. The system can also have the V2 valves controlled and favor a first side.

Use case 3 [0202] The same configuration is considered as in use case 1 with an inflatable structure of the type described in FIG. 6 or in FIGS. 17A, 17B.

The deployment order T = 0 is given when the pedestrian is 2.5m from the vehicle. The orders are as follows:

[0205] - adjust the position of the module and activate the gas generator, [0206] - activate the valves V1C and the valves V3. The inflatable structure C is operational and comes into contact with the pedestrian at an instant T = 150 ms.

- Activate the valves V1B, so that the bag 16A is gradually pressurized.

The pedestrian then switches to the inflatable structure and his head is in contact at an instant T = 300-350ms [0209] The vehicle stops at an instant T + 1000ms.

The selective command then has no more orders to give.

Use case 4 [0212] In this latter configuration, the system uses a camera placed at the rear view mirror of a vehicle fitted with protective equipment according to the invention, to optimize the deployments of the bags with the kinematics pedestrian. Depending on the morphology and weight of the pedestrian, it is possible to stiffen or soften the bag 16B and to optimize the inflation of the bag 16A.

The protective equipment according to the invention can thus process the following configurations;

[0214] - the pedestrian is moving relative to the vehicle (jogging), [0215] - the pedestrian is moving relative to the vehicle bicycle, rollerblades, scooter, mono-wheels, [0216] Other obstacle configurations pedestrian can be considered: group of several pedestrians, person with stroller or pram ...

We will now describe schematically, with reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B, an example of installation of pedestrian protection equipment 146 according to the invention in the front face of a vehicle 17. This protective equipment 146 is disposed at a height of approximately 50 cm from the ground, immediately behind the upper part 170 of the grille of the vehicle 17.

The pedestrian protection equipment 146 comprises, within a sealed enclosure, 171 the two parts 141, 142 wound from the inflatable structure and a gas generator module 143 housed in a prismatic housing and containing a generator. gas and an inflation plate to which the various bags of the two parts 141, 142 are fixed.

When the deployment control system (not shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B) equipping the vehicle 17 transmits to the protective equipment 146 control signals in response to an identification of a pedestrian obstacle, the gas generator module is moved by one or more actuators (not shown) so as to ensure appropriate positioning of the inflatable structure, the two main parts 141, 142 of which are selectively and gradually inflated from the gas generator via the valves arranged on the two plates of the generator module 143.

The lower part 141 is inflated rigidly so that it extends from the upper part of the grille to the ground in order to provide a safe reception for the pedestrian while the upper part 142 is rigidly inflated by such that it extends from the upper part of the grille substantially to the top of the windshield in order to prevent the pedestrian from coming into contact with this windshield.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and many other configurations can be envisaged in the context of the present invention. In particular, the external inflatable structure may have a different number of bags than the one just described. The dimensions of these bags can also be adapted to specific uses. Furthermore, the number of valves or valves may be different from what has just been described and adapted to the number and configuration of the bags constituting the external inflatable structure. The speeds, distances are given only as an example, the protection system can adapt to any moving object and in a wide range of speeds.

The obstacles which can be taken care of by pedestrian protection equipment according to the invention are not limited to standing or lying human pedestrians, but may also include animals or objects of any kind suddenly standing in front of a vehicle.

Finally, the deployment control system according to the invention can also be implemented to selectively control the inflation of airbag bags inside the vehicle cabin which will thus be able to benefit from the artificial intelligence capacities mobilized for the control selection of external inflatable structures.

Claims (1)

Claims [Claim 1] Pedestrian protection module (14) integrated in the front face of a vehicle (17), containing: - an external inflatable safety structure (1, 6, 9, 141-142) arranged to be deployed from the front of said vehicle (3, 10, 30, 17) in response to detection and identification of a pedestrian (39, 7, 8, 11) suddenly appearing in front of said vehicle ((3, 10, 30, 17), a gas generator device (15) designed to inflate said external inflatable safety structure (1, 6, 9, 141-142), and a system for controlling the deployment of said external inflatable safety structure, this pedestrian protection module being arranged (i) to be moved, in response to a deployment command, beyond the front face of said vehicle (17) and (ü) to be positioned dynamically so that the inflated structure (141 -142) collects said pedestrian. [Claim 2] Pedestrian protection module according to claim 1, characterized in that the external inflatable structure (1, 6, 9, 141-142) comprises a plurality of airbags (1A-1B, 6A-6B-6C) whose respective inflations by gas from said gas generator (15) are selectively controlled according to a deployment strategy calculated by the deployment control system (3) from detection and / or identification data of said pedestrian (39, 7, 8, 11), so as to receive and hold for a predetermined period said pedestrian (39, 7, 8, 11) within said external inflatable structure (1, 6, 9, 141-142). [Claim 3] Pedestrian protection module according to claim 2, characterized in that the airbags are provided with filling valves connected to the gas generating device and selectively controlled from the deployment control system. [Claim 4] Pedestrian protection module according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises an actuator device for dynamically positioning said protection module and orienting it axially and laterally so as to optimize the handling of the pedestrian [Claim 5] Pedestrian protection module according to claim 4, characterized in that the dynamic positioning actuator device comprises a mechanical deployment part movable in translation and actuated to deploy and position the inflatable structure in response to a deployment command. [Claim 6] Pedestrian protection module according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the dynamic positioning actuator device comprises an electromechanical actuator. [Claim 7] Pedestrian protection module according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the dynamic positioning actuator device comprises a mechatronic actuator. [Claim 8] Pedestrian protection module according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the dynamic positioning actuator device comprises a fluidic actuator. [Claim 9] Pedestrian protection module according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the actuator device comprises a ball joint actuated integral with the vehicle and providing three degrees of freedom, said ball joint being itself actuable in translation from the front of said vehicle. [Claim 10] Pedestrian protection module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a housing (143) containing the gas generator, said housing having a first face constituting a first plate supporting several filling valves associated with bags in a lower part of the inflatable structure. [Claim 11] Pedestrian protection module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it incorporates the inflatable structure in a form folded in two windings, one being designed to deploy forward guided by a platform created at the opening of the module, the other being designed to deploy in height towards the hood of the vehicle. [Claim 12] Pedestrian protection module according to claim 11, characterized in that the initially folded inflatable structure is designed to deploy first axially then laterally. 1/9