JP2017024477A - Vehicular collision detection device and method for inspecting the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular collision detection device that enables detection of an abnormality of a tube member and a method for inspecting the device.SOLUTION: A vehicular collision detection device 1 includes: a bumper absorber 2 disposed in a bumper 7 of a vehicle; a detection tube member 3 that is mounted to a groove portion 2a formed in the bumper absorber 2; and a pressure sensor for detecting pressure in a hollow portion 3a of the detection tube member 3. Based on a pressure detection result obtained by the pressure sensor, collision of an article (i.e. pedestrian) with the bumper 7 is detected. The vehicular collision detection device further includes: a pressing member 11 that is disposed in the groove 2a portion and can be switched between a non-pressing state where the detection tube member 3 is not pressed and a pressing state where the detection tube member is pressed by predetermined amount in accordance with an external signal; and an abnormality detection section for detecting an abnormality of the detection tube member 3 on the basis of the pressure detection result obtained by the pressure sensor when the pressing member 11 is in the pressing state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle collision detection device for detecting a collision with a pedestrian or the like of a vehicle and an inspection method thereof.

  Conventionally, there is a vehicle including a pedestrian protection device for reducing an impact on a pedestrian when the pedestrian collides with the vehicle. In this vehicle, a bumper unit is provided with a collision detection device, and when this sensor detects that a pedestrian or the like has collided with the vehicle, the pedestrian protection device is activated to reduce the impact on the pedestrian. It has a configuration. This pedestrian protection device includes what is called a pop-up hood, for example. This pop-up hood raises the rear end of the engine hood when a vehicle collision is detected, increases the clearance between the pedestrian and hard parts such as the engine, and uses that space to reduce the collision energy to the pedestrian's head. It absorbs and reduces the impact on the head.

  In the above-described vehicle collision detection device, a chamber member having a chamber space formed therein is disposed on the front side of the bumper reinforcement in the bumper of the vehicle, and the pressure in the chamber space is measured by a pressure sensor. There is something to be detected. With this configuration, when an object such as a pedestrian collides with the bumper cover, the chamber member is deformed along with the deformation of the bumper cover, and a pressure change is generated in the chamber space. The pressure sensor detects this pressure change to detect a pedestrian collision.

  In recent years, a tube-type vehicle collision detection device that detects a collision using a tube member that is smaller and more easily mounted than the chamber-type vehicle collision detection device has been proposed. This vehicle collision detection apparatus includes a bumper absorber disposed in a vehicle front side of a bumper reinforcement in a vehicle bumper, and a hollow tube mounted in a groove formed in the bumper absorber along the vehicle width direction. It comprises a member and a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the tube member. When a pedestrian or the like collides in front of the vehicle, the bumper absorber is deformed while absorbing the impact, and at the same time, the tube member is also deformed. At this time, the pressure in the tube member rises, and the collision with the pedestrian of the vehicle is detected based on detecting this pressure change by the pressure sensor.

Special table 2014-505629 gazette

  In the above-described vehicle collision detection device, the tube member is attached to the groove formed on the rear surface of the bumper absorber, and then the bumper absorber and the bumper reinforcement are assembled. After this assembly, there is a problem that it is difficult to confirm an abnormality in the tube member for detection due to the presence of the bumper reinforcement disposed on the vehicle rear side of the tube member. That is, for example, even if the tube member falls out of the groove portion of the bumper absorber or the tube member is damaged, there is a problem that it is difficult to check the abnormality of the tube member hidden behind the bumper reinforcement.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle collision detection device and an inspection method thereof capable of detecting an abnormality of a tube member.

  A vehicle collision detection device (1) according to claim 1, which is made to solve the above object, includes a bumper disposed on a front side of a bumper reinforcement (9) in a bumper (7) of the vehicle. Absorber (2), detection tube member (3) having a hollow portion (3a) formed in a groove (2a) formed in the bumper absorber along the vehicle width direction, and a detection tube A pressure sensor (4) for detecting the pressure in the hollow part of the member and the collision of the object with the bumper are detected based on the pressure detection result by the pressure sensor. And the pressing member (11, 16, 17) which is arrange | positioned in a groove part and can be switched by the signal from the outside to the non-pressing state which does not press the tube member for a detection, and the press state which presses the tube member for a detection by a predetermined amount. And an abnormality detection unit (62) for detecting an abnormality of the tube member for detection based on the pressure detection result detected by the pressure sensor when the pressing member is in the pressed state.

  According to this configuration, the pressing member in the non-pressing state is disposed in the groove, and the pressing member presses the detection tube member by a predetermined amount by a signal from the outside, and the pressure is applied when the pressing member is in the pressing state. Based on the pressure detection result detected by the sensor, an abnormality of the tube member for detection can be detected by the abnormality detection unit. That is, in a state where the detection tube member is dropped to the outside of the groove portion or in a damaged state, the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor is small. Thereby, abnormality of the tube member for detection, such as a case where the tube member for detection has dropped out to the outside of a slot, or a case where it is damaged, can be recognized quickly.

  The vehicle collision detection device (1) according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is directed to a bumper absorber (2) disposed on the front side of a bumper reinforcement (9) in a bumper (7) of a vehicle. A detection tube member (3) having a hollow portion (3a) formed in a groove (2a) formed in the bumper absorber along the vehicle width direction, and the hollow of the detection tube member In the inspection method of the vehicle collision detection device (1) having a pressure sensor (4) for detecting the pressure in the section, the pressing members (11, 16, 17) are grooved in a non-pressing state in which the detection tube member is not pressed. A placing step (S1) to be placed inside, a pressing step (S3) in which a signal is applied to the pressing member from the outside and the pressing member presses the tube member for detection by a predetermined amount, and the pressing member is brought into the pressing state. Sometimes A pressure detection step (S4) for detecting pressure by a pressure sensor, and a determination step (S5) for determining whether or not the detection tube member is abnormal based on the pressure detection result are provided. .

  According to this inspection method, after placing the non-pressed pressing member in the groove portion in the placement step, a signal is applied from the outside to the pressing member, and the pressing member presses the detection tube member by a predetermined amount in the pressing step. Put it in a state. Then, the pressure is detected by the pressure sensor when the pressing member is in the pressed state in the pressure detecting step, and it is determined whether or not the detection tube member is abnormal based on the pressure detection result in the determining step. Abnormality of the tube member can be detected. That is, in a state where the detection tube member is dropped to the outside of the groove portion or in a damaged state, the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor is small. Thereby, abnormality of the tube member for detection, such as a case where the tube member for detection has dropped out to the outside of a slot, or a case where it is damaged, can be recognized quickly. In addition, the code | symbol in the bracket | parenthesis of each means described in this column and the claim shows the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a vehicle collision detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is an enlarged view of the bumper part of FIG. FIG. 3 is a III-III cross-sectional view of the bumper portion of FIG. 2. It is a perspective view of a pressing member and a signal application terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the collision detection apparatus for vehicles. FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 and showing a pressing state by a pressing member. FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 illustrating a pressing state by a pressing member. It is a figure which shows the state which the tube member for detection fell out from the groove part. It is a graph which shows a pressure detection value in case the tube member for a detection is a normal state. It is a graph which shows a pressure detection value in case a tube member for detection is in an abnormal state. It is a flowchart which shows the inspection process of the tube member for a detection in the collision detection apparatus for vehicles. FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of a vehicle collision detection device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 of a vehicle collision detection device according to a second embodiment. It is the FIG. 3 equivalent view of the collision detection device for vehicles in 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 of a vehicle collision detection device according to a third embodiment. It is a FIG. 3 equivalent view of the collision detection apparatus for vehicles in 4th Embodiment. It is a FIG. 6 equivalent view of the collision detection apparatus for vehicles in 4th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a vehicle collision detection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle collision detection device 1 of the present embodiment includes a bumper absorber 2, a hollow detection tube member 3, a pressure sensor 4, a speed sensor 5, a collision detection ECU 6, a pressing member 11, A signal application terminal 12, a power supply unit 13, an abnormality notification lamp 14 (corresponding to an abnormality notification unit), and the like are provided. The vehicle collision detection apparatus 1 detects a collision of an object (that is, a pedestrian or the like) with a bumper 7 provided in front of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 3, the bumper 7 is mainly composed of a bumper cover 8, a bumper absorber 2, and a bumper reinforcement 9.

  The bumper absorber 2 is disposed at a position facing the front surface 9a of the bumper reinforcement 9 (that is, the vehicle front side). The bumper absorber 2 is a member having an impact absorbing function in the bumper 7 when it collides with a pedestrian or the like of the vehicle, and is made of, for example, foamed polypropylene.

  On the rear surface 2b of the bumper absorber 2, a groove 2a for mounting the detection tube member 3 is formed along the vehicle width direction. The groove 2a has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and extends in the vehicle width direction. The length of the groove portion 2a in the vehicle front-rear direction is a length obtained by combining the front-rear length of the tube member for detection 3 (that is, the length of the outer diameter) and the front-rear length in a non-pressed state of the pressing member 11 described later. Is set to the same level. In this case, the longitudinal length of the groove 2a is about 10 mm. The length of the groove 2a in the vehicle vertical direction is set to be longer than the vertical length of the detection tube member 3 (that is, the length of the outer diameter). In this case, the vertical length of the groove 2a is about 10 mm. It is assumed that the cross-sectional shape of the groove 2a can be changed as appropriate.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the detection tube member 3 is a tube-shaped member having a hollow portion 3a formed therein and extending in the vehicle width direction, that is, the vehicle left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the detection tube member 3 is mounted in the groove 2 a of the bumper absorber 2, and is disposed at a position facing the front surface 9 a of the bumper reinforcement 9 (that is, on the vehicle front side). Both ends of the detection tube member 3 are curved and connected to the pressure sensor 4 on the outer sides of the bumper reinforcement 9 in the vehicle width direction.

  The detection tube member 3 has a circular cross-sectional shape and is made of synthetic rubber, for example, silicone rubber. The outer diameter of the detection tube member 3 is, for example, about 8 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the detection tube member 3 is not limited to a circle, but may be a polygon such as a quadrangle. In addition, the material of the tube member 3 for detection may be ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM) or the like.

  In the present embodiment, a pressing member 11 for pressing the detection tube member 3 in the vehicle front-rear direction is disposed on the vehicle rear side of the detection tube member 3 in the groove 2a of the bumper absorber 2. A plurality of, in this case seven, pressing members 11 are arranged in the groove 2a along the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the pressing member 11 has one vehicle width direction center portion in the groove portion 2a and one in the vehicle width direction left and right end portions in the groove portion 2a. Are provided at a total of 7 locations, 2 each. The pressing member 11 is preferably provided at a position where the detection tube member 3 is likely to drop off. Moreover, the arrangement position and the number of the pressing members 11 can be changed as appropriate.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pressing member 11 includes a thin plate-like heat generating portion 11 a and a bimetal structure portion 11 b that is elastically deformed by application of an electric signal. The heat generating portion 11a is a member that generates heat when a voltage or the like is applied. The upper end portion of the heat generating portion 11 a is connected to the signal application terminal 12.

  The bimetal structure 11b is a member in which two metal plates having different thermal expansion coefficients are bonded together, and is a member whose shape changes with a temperature change. In the bimetal structure 11b of the present embodiment, a metal plate having a high coefficient of thermal expansion is disposed on the vehicle front side, and a metal plate having a low coefficient of thermal expansion is disposed on the vehicle rear side. As a result, when the temperature of the bimetal structure 11b rises, the metal plate on the vehicle front side with a high coefficient of thermal expansion is deformed more greatly than the metal plate on the vehicle rear side with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, so that the vehicle front side It is configured to be elastically deformed into a curved shape.

  The pressing member 11 uses a change in the shape of the bimetal structure portion 11b according to the temperature change described above to a non-pressing state in which the detection tube member 3 is not pressed and a pressing state in which the detection tube member 3 is pressed by a predetermined amount. It can be switched by an external signal.

  Specifically, when a voltage is applied as an electrical signal from the external power supply unit 13 to the heat generating unit 11a of the pressing member 11 via the signal application terminal 12, the heat generating unit 11a generates heat. Along with the heat generation of the heat generating portion 11a, the temperature of the bimetal structure portion 11b rises and the bimetal structure portion 11b is deformed into a curved shape. As a result, the bimetal structure portion 11b and the heat generating portion 11a are integrally deformed so as to bend toward the vehicle front side, and the pressing member 11 presses the detection tube member 3 toward the vehicle front side by a predetermined amount (for example, about 2 mm). To do.

  On the other hand, when the application of the voltage from the power supply unit 13 to the heat generating part 11a is stopped, the temperature of the heat generating part 11a decreases and the temperature of the bimetal structure part 11b also decreases. The bimetallic structure 11b returns from the curved shape to the original flat shape as the temperature decreases, and the pressing member 11 switches to a non-pressing state in which the detecting tube member 3 is not pressed.

  The length W of the pressing member 11 in the vehicle width direction is set to about 30 mm, for example (see FIG. 4). The length H of the pressing member 11 in the vehicle vertical direction is set to be equal to or less than the vertical length of the groove 2a. In this case, the vertical length of the pressing member 11 is set to 10 mm or less, for example. Moreover, the length (namely, thickness) of the vehicle front-back direction at the time of the non-pressing state of the press member 11 is about several mm. On the other hand, the length in the vehicle front-rear direction when the pressing member 11 is pressed is about 2 mm larger than that when the pressing member 11 is not pressed (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Thereby, in the pressed state, the pressing member 11 is in a state of pressing the detection tube member 3 toward the vehicle front side by a predetermined amount (for example, about 2 mm).

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the signal application terminal 12 is a rectangular plate-like conductive member for applying an electric signal (for example, voltage) to the pressing member 11. . The signal application terminal 12 has one end (that is, the lower end) connected to the pressing member 11 and the other end (that is, the upper end) connected to the power supply unit 13 via a signal line (not shown). 3 and 6 show a state in which the upper portion of the signal application terminal 12 is bent toward the front side of the vehicle in order to facilitate wiring.

  The power supply unit 13 supplies a voltage or the like as an electrical signal to the pressing member 11. Specifically, the power supply unit 13 applies a voltage to the heat generating unit 11 a of the pressing member 11 through the signal application terminal 12 for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is set to be approximately the same as the time required for the inspection of the detection tube member 3.

  The pressure sensor 4 is disposed on the vehicle rear side with respect to the front surface 9 a of the bumper reinforcement 9. Specifically, two pressure sensors 4 are installed on the left and right ends of the bumper cover 8, and are fixedly attached to the rear surface 9 b of the bumper reinforcement 9 by fastening with bolts or the like (not shown). In this embodiment, redundancy and detection accuracy are ensured by installing two pressure sensors 4 in this way.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure sensor 4 is connected to both left and right ends of the detection tube member 3 and is configured to detect the pressure in the hollow portion 3 a of the detection tube member 3. Specifically, the pressure sensor 4 is a sensor device that detects a change in the pressure of the gas, and detects a change in the pressure of the air in the hollow portion 3 a of the detection tube member 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the pressure sensor 4 is electrically connected to a collision detection ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 6 via a signal line, and outputs a signal proportional to the pressure to the collision detection ECU 6. The collision detection ECU 6 detects a pedestrian collision with the bumper 7 based on the pressure detection result by the pressure sensor 4. Further, the collision detection ECU 6 is electrically connected to the pedestrian protection device 10.

  The speed sensor 5 is a sensor device that detects the speed of the vehicle, and is electrically connected to the collision detection ECU 6 via a signal line. The speed sensor 5 transmits a signal proportional to the vehicle speed to the collision detection ECU 6.

  The collision detection ECU 6 is composed mainly of a CPU and controls the overall operation of the vehicle collision detection apparatus 1. Electricity is supplied to each of the pressure sensor 4, the speed sensor 5, the pedestrian protection device 10, and the abnormality notification lamp 14. Are connected (see FIGS. 1 and 5). The collision detection ECU 6 receives a pressure signal from the pressure sensor 4, a speed signal from the speed sensor 5, and the like. The collision detection ECU 6 executes a predetermined collision determination process by the collision detection unit 61 based on the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 4 and the speed signal from the speed sensor 5, and detects the collision of an object such as a pedestrian with the bumper 7. If detected, the pedestrian protection device 10 is activated.

  Further, as will be described later, the collision detection ECU 6 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the detection tube member is abnormal based on the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 4. When it is determined that the detection tube member 3 is abnormal, the abnormality detection unit 62 outputs a control signal to operate the abnormality notification lamp 14.

  The bumper 7 is for reducing an impact at the time of a vehicle collision, and includes a bumper cover 8, a bumper absorber 2, a bumper reinforcement 9, and the like. The bumper cover 8 is provided so as to cover the components of the bumper 7 and is a resin member such as polypropylene. The bumper cover 8 constitutes the appearance of the bumper 7 and at the same time constitutes a part of the appearance of the entire vehicle.

  The bumper reinforcement 9 is a rigid member made of metal such as aluminum which is disposed in the bumper cover 8 and extends in the vehicle width direction. As shown in FIG. It is. The bumper reinforcement 9 has a front surface 9a that is a surface on the front side of the vehicle and a rear surface 9b that is a surface on the rear side of the vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bumper reinforcement 9 is attached to the front end of a side member 15 that is a pair of metal members extending in the vehicle front-rear direction.

  Usually, in a vehicle collision accident, there are many cases where the vehicle collides with a pedestrian or a vehicle existing in the traveling direction of the vehicle, that is, in front of the vehicle. For this reason, in this embodiment, the pressure sensor 4 is disposed on the rear surface 9b of the bumper reinforcement 9, and a bumper cover 8 provided in front of the vehicle is subjected to an impact caused by a collision with a pedestrian or vehicle in front of the vehicle. The presence of the bumper reinforcement 9 protects the direct transmission to the pressure sensor 4.

  Although not shown, the fitting convex portion provided on the rear surface 2b of the bumper absorber 2 is fitted into the fitting concave portion provided on the front surface 9a of the bumper reinforcement 9, whereby the bumper rain of the bumper absorber 2 is provided. Assembly to the force 9 is performed.

  For example, a pop-up hood is used as the pedestrian protection device 10. This pop-up hood raises the rear end of the engine hood instantly after detecting a vehicle collision, increases the clearance between the pedestrian and hard parts such as the engine, and uses that space to collide with the pedestrian's head. It absorbs energy and reduces the impact on the pedestrian's head. Instead of the pop-up hood, a cowl airbag or the like that cushions a pedestrian's impact by deploying an airbag from above the engine hood outside the vehicle body to the lower part of the front window may be used.

  Next, an inspection method of the vehicle collision detection apparatus 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, it is inspected whether or not the detection tube member 3 is normally mounted in the groove 2a of the bumper absorber 2. This inspection is performed by the abnormality detection unit 62 of the collision detection ECU 6 when the bumper absorber 2 having the detection tube member 3 mounted in the groove 2a is assembled to the bumper reinforcement 9. Further, this inspection is performed by the abnormality detection unit 62 of the collision detection ECU 6 when an ignition switch (hereinafter referred to as an IG switch) is turned on in the completed vehicle. The inspection at the time of assembling the bumper absorber 2 may be performed using an inspection device having a function equivalent to that of the abnormality detection unit 62 instead of the collision detection ECU 6.

  First, the pressing member 11 is arranged in the groove 2a in a non-pressing state where the detection tube member 3 is not pressed (arrangement step S1). That is, after mounting the detection tube member 3 in the groove 2a of the bumper absorber 2, the pressing member 11 is disposed in the space on the vehicle rear side of the detection tube member 3 in the groove 2a. Thereafter, the rear surface 2b of the bumper absorber 2 and the front surface 9a of the bumper reinforcement 9 are fitted together, and the bumper absorber 2 is assembled to the bumper reinforcement 9. The placement step S1 is performed by an operator or a robot. In addition, arrangement | positioning process S1 is performed only at the time of the assembly | attachment of the bumper absorber 2, and is not performed at the time of IG switch-on of a completed vehicle.

  Subsequently, a signal is applied from the external power supply unit 13 to the pressing member 11 via a signal line (not shown) and the signal application terminal 12 (S2). Specifically, a voltage is applied to the heat generating part 11 a of the pressing member 11. When a voltage is applied to the heat generating part 11a, the heat generating part 11a generates heat. The temperature of the bimetal structure portion 11b rises with the heat generation of the heat generation portion 11a, and the bimetal structure portion 11b is deformed so as to be bent together with the heat generation portion 11a toward the vehicle front side (see FIG. 7). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, the pressing member 11 is in a pressing state in which the detection tube member 3 is pressed to the vehicle front side by a predetermined amount (for example, about 2 mm) (pressing step S3).

  Next, when the pressing member 11 is in the pressed state, the pressure sensor 4 detects the pressure in the hollow portion 3a of the detection tube member 3 (pressure detection step S4). Subsequently, the abnormality detection unit 62 of the collision detection ECU 6 determines whether or not the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 4 is within a predetermined range shown in FIG. 9 (determination step S5). Note that this “predetermined range” is set by previously obtaining a range of pressure values detected by the pressure sensor 4 when the detection tube member 3 is pressed by the pressing member 11 in a normal state.

  Specifically, when the maximum value of the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 4 is less than the first threshold value Pth1 (see the solid line graph in FIG. 10), the maximum value of the pressure detection value is larger than the second threshold value Pth2. In the case (see the dotted line graph in FIG. 10), the abnormality detection unit 62 determines that the detected pressure member is not within the predetermined range (S5: No) and the detection tube member 3 is abnormal (S6). And the abnormality detection part 62 outputs a control signal, makes the abnormality notification lamp 14 light, and notifies the abnormality of the tube member 3 for a detection to an assembly operator, a passenger | crew, etc. (abnormality notification process S7). Thereby, an operator, a passenger | crew, etc. can visually recognize that the tube member 3 for detection is abnormal.

  Here, when the maximum pressure detection value is less than the first threshold value Pth1, the detection tube member 3 is dropped from the groove 2a, the detection tube member 3 is damaged, or the like. The abnormality of the tube member 3 for detection is assumed. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, in a state where a part of the detection tube member 3 is dropped from the groove 2a and protrudes to the lower side of the vehicle, the pressing member 11 is curved to the front side of the vehicle at the dropped portion. Even if it is deformed, the detection tube member 3 does not exist at the normal position of the groove 2a, so that the detection tube member 3 is not sufficiently pressed. For this reason, the pressure rise in the hollow part 3a becomes smaller than normal, and the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 4 becomes smaller than the predetermined range. In addition, in FIG. 8, the figure which looked at the groove part 2a of the bumper absorber 2 from the vehicle rear side is shown.

  Although not shown in the drawings, in a state where a part of the detection tube member 3 is broken or cracked, even if the detection tube member 3 is pressed by the pressing member 11, Therefore, the pressure rise in the hollow portion 3a is smaller than that in the normal state, and the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 4 is smaller than the predetermined range.

  In addition, when the maximum pressure detection value is larger than the second threshold value Pth2, it is assumed that foreign matter such as pebbles is mixed in the groove 2a. In this case, when the detection member 3 is pressed by the pressing member 11 at a location where the foreign matter or the like is mixed, the pressure in the hollow portion 3a is pressed by both the foreign matter and the pressing member 11. The increase is greater than normal, and the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 4 is greater than the predetermined range. The second threshold Pth2 is set to a value smaller than a collision determination threshold used for collision detection described later.

  On the other hand, when the maximum value of the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 4 is not less than the first threshold value Pth1 and not more than the second threshold value Pth2 (see FIG. 9), the abnormality detection unit 62 determines that the pressure detection value is within a predetermined range. Yes (S5: Yes), it is determined that the tube member for detection 3 is normal (S8).

  After S7 or S8, application of the signal (ie, voltage) to the pressing member 11 is stopped (S9). When the application of the signal to the pressing member 11 is stopped, the pressing member 11 returns to the non-pressing state (S10). That is, when the application of voltage to the pressing member 11 is stopped, the temperature of the heat generating portion 11a is lowered and the temperature of the bimetal structure portion 11b is also lowered. Along with this temperature decrease, the bimetal structure 11b returns to the original flat state from the state bent together with the heat generating portion 11a toward the front side of the vehicle (see FIG. 3). As a result, the pressing member 11 returns to the non-pressing state in which the detecting tube member 3 is not pressed. In this way, the inspection of the detection tube member 3 of the vehicle collision detection device 1 when the bumper absorber 2 is assembled to the bumper reinforcement 9 is completed.

  Furthermore, in the inspection method for the vehicle collision detection apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, the above-described steps S2 to S10 are executed when the IG switch of the vehicle is turned on. That is, when the IG switch is turned on, a voltage is applied as a signal from the power supply unit 13 to the pressing member 11 via the signal line and the signal application terminal 12 (S2), and the following steps up to S10 are executed.

  Next, the operation | movement at the time of the collision of the collision detection apparatus 1 for vehicles in this embodiment is demonstrated. When an object such as a pedestrian collides with the front of the vehicle, the bumper cover 8 of the bumper 7 is deformed by an impact caused by the collision with the pedestrian. Subsequently, the bumper absorber 2 is deformed while absorbing the impact, and at the same time, the detection tube member 3 is also deformed. At this time, the pressure in the hollow portion 3 a of the detection tube member 3 rises rapidly, and this pressure change is transmitted to the pressure sensor 4.

  Subsequently, the collision detection unit 61 of the collision detection ECU 6 of the vehicle collision detection device 1 executes a predetermined collision determination process based on the detection result of the pressure sensor 4. In this collision determination processing, for example, the effective mass of the collision object is calculated based on the detection results of the pressure sensor 4 and the speed sensor 5, and when this effective mass is larger than a predetermined collision determination threshold, a collision with a pedestrian occurs. When the vehicle speed is within a predetermined range (for example, a range of 25 km to 55 km / h), it is determined that a collision with a pedestrian that requires the operation of the pedestrian protection device 10 has occurred. .

Here, the “effective mass” refers to a mass that is calculated from the detected value of the pressure sensor 4 at the time of collision using the relationship between momentum and impulse. When a collision between a vehicle and an object occurs, the value of the detected pressure sensor 4 is different for a collision object having a mass different from that of a pedestrian. For this reason, by setting a collision determination threshold value between the effective mass of the human body and the mass of another assumed collision object, it is possible to classify the types of the collision object. This effective mass is calculated by dividing the interval integral value of the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 4 at a predetermined time by the vehicle speed detected by the speed sensor 5 as shown in the following equation.
M = (∫P (t) dt) / V (Expression 1)

M is an effective mass, P is a value detected by the pressure sensor 4 at a predetermined time, t is a predetermined time (for example, several ms to several tens of ms), and V is a vehicle speed at the time of a collision detected by the speed sensor 5. ing. As another method for calculating the effective mass, it is possible to calculate using an equation E = 1/2 · MV ² representing the kinetic energy E of the collided object. In this case, the effective mass is calculated by M = 2 · E / V ² .

  When the collision detection ECU 6 determines that a collision has occurred with a pedestrian that requires the pedestrian protection device 10 to operate, the collision detection ECU 6 outputs a control signal for operating the pedestrian protection device 10 to operate the pedestrian protection device 10. Let the impact on the pedestrian be reduced as described above.

  As described above, the vehicle collision detection apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes the bumper absorber 2 disposed on the front side of the bumper reinforcement 9 in the bumper 7 of the vehicle, and the bumper absorber 2 on the bumper absorber 2. A tube member for detection 3 having a hollow portion 3a formed in a groove 2a formed along the width direction, and a pressure sensor 4 for detecting the pressure in the hollow portion 3a of the tube member for detection 3; Based on the pressure detection result by the pressure sensor 4, the collision of an object (that is, a pedestrian or the like) with the bumper 7 is detected. A pressing member 11 that is arranged in the groove 2a and can be switched by a signal from the outside between a non-pressing state in which the detection tube member 3 is not pressed and a pressing state in which the detection tube member 3 is pressed by a predetermined amount, And an abnormality detection unit 61 that detects an abnormality of the groove portion 2a of the tube member for detection 3 based on a pressure detection result detected by the pressure sensor 4 when the member 11 is in a pressed state.

  According to this configuration, the pressing member 11 in the non-pressing state is disposed in the groove portion 2a, and the pressing member 11 presses the detection tube member 3 by a predetermined amount by a signal from the outside, and the pressing member 11 presses. Based on the pressure detection result detected by the pressure sensor 4 when in the state, the abnormality detection unit 62 can detect an abnormality of the detection tube member 3. Thereby, abnormality, such as a case where the tube member 3 for detection has dropped out of the groove part 2a, can be recognized rapidly.

  The abnormality detection unit (62, S6) determines that the detection tube member 3 is abnormal when the pressure detection value detected by the pressure sensor 4 is not within a predetermined range. According to this configuration, the detection tube member 3 is determined by determining whether or not the pressure detection value detected by the pressure sensor 4 when the pressing member 11 is in the pressed state is within a predetermined range set in advance. It is possible to accurately detect whether or not is abnormal.

  In addition, the abnormality detection unit 62 is in a state where the detection tube member 3 has dropped from the groove 2a when the pressure detection value detected by the pressure sensor 4 is less than a predetermined threshold (that is, the first threshold Pth1), or for detection. It is determined that the tube member 3 is in a damaged state.

  According to this configuration, by detecting that the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 4 is less than the first threshold value Pth1, the detection tube member 3 is dropped from the groove 2a, or the detection tube member 3 is damaged. Can be detected. That is, when at least a part of the detection tube member 3 is in the state of being dropped from the groove 2a, the detection tube member 3 is located at a normal position on the vehicle front side of the pressing member 11 at the location where the drop has occurred. Therefore, the pressure is not normally pressed, and the pressure detection value detected by the pressure sensor 4 is smaller than the predetermined range. In addition, in a state where a part of the detection tube member 3 is damaged or cracked, even if the detection tube member 3 is pressed by the pressing member 11, the air in the hollow portion 3a flows out from the damage or crack. Therefore, the pressure increase in the hollow portion 3a is smaller than that in the normal state, and the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 4 is smaller than the predetermined range. Thereby, based on the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 4, the drop-out or damage of the detection tube member 3 can be reliably detected.

  A plurality of pressing members 11 are provided in the groove 2a at predetermined intervals along the vehicle width direction and have a shape extending a predetermined length in the vehicle width direction. According to this configuration, since the plurality of pressing members 11 are provided in the groove portion 2a at predetermined intervals along the vehicle width direction, the detection tube member 3 is inspected at a plurality of locations in the vehicle width direction. It is possible to improve the abnormality detection accuracy of the detection tube member 3. Further, since the pressing member 11 has a shape extending a predetermined length in the vehicle width direction, the detection tube member 3 is reliably deformed by the pressing member 11, and the output of the pressure sensor 4 is sufficiently generated, thereby detecting the tube. The abnormality detection of the member 3 can be reliably performed.

  In addition, the pressing member 11 is arranged on the vehicle rear side of the detection tube member 3 in the groove portion 2a so as to be in contact with the detection tube member 3. According to this configuration, since the pressing member 11 is disposed on the vehicle rear side of the detection tube member 3 in the groove portion 2a, the pressing member 11 is detected at the time of a collision with a pedestrian or the like in front of the vehicle. It is possible not to hinder the deformation. Even if the pressing member 11 presses the tube member 3 for detection, the shape of the bumper absorber 2 does not change. Accordingly, the inspection of the detection tube member 3 can be executed without reducing the collision detection accuracy of the vehicle collision detection apparatus 1.

  Moreover, when abnormality of the tube member 3 for a detection is detected by the abnormality detection part 62, the abnormality notification lamp 14 which notifies abnormality is provided. According to this configuration, when the abnormality detection unit 62 detects an abnormality in the detection tube member 3, the abnormality notification lamp 14 is turned on to notify the abnormality, so that the abnormality in the detection tube member 3 is quickly recognized. can do.

  Further, a signal applying terminal 12 is provided which is connected to the pressing member 11 and applies an electric signal to the pressing member 11. At least a part of the signal application terminal is disposed between the rear surface 2b of the bumper absorber 2 and the front surface 9a of the bumper reinforcement 9.

  According to this configuration, since the signal applying terminal 12 for applying an electric signal to the pressing member 11 is provided, the electric signal can be applied to the pressing member 11 with a simple configuration. Further, since at least a part of the signal applying terminal 12 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the rear surface 2b of the bumper absorber 2 and the front surface 9a of the bumper reinforcement 9, the signal applying terminal 12 is stabilized. Can be provided.

  Further, the pressing member 11 has a bimetal structure 11b that is elastically deformed by application of an electrical signal. According to this configuration, by using the pressing member 11 having the bimetal structure portion 11b that is elastically deformed by application of an electric signal, the detection tube member 3 is not pressed with a simple configuration. The state and the pressed state in which the detection tube member 3 is pressed by a predetermined amount can be switched.

  Further, the inspection method of the vehicle collision detection apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a bumper absorber 2 disposed on the front side of the bumper reinforcement 9 in the bumper 7 of the vehicle, and a vehicle width on the bumper absorber 2. A detection tube member 3 in which a hollow portion 3a is formed in a groove portion 2a formed along the direction, and a pressure sensor 4 for detecting the pressure in the hollow portion 3a of the detection tube member 3. In the inspection method for the vehicle collision detection device 1, an arrangement step S <b> 1 in which the pressing member 11 is disposed in the groove 2 a in a non-pressing state in which the detection tube member 3 is not pressed, and a signal is applied to the pressing member 11 from the outside. A pressing step S3 in which the pressing member 11 presses the detection tube member 3 by a predetermined amount, and a pressure at which the pressure sensor 4 detects the pressure when the pressing member 11 is in the pressing state. The output step S4, a determination step of determining S5 whether the detection tube member 3 is abnormal on the basis of the pressure detection result, characterized by comprising a.

  According to this inspection method, after placing the non-pressed pressing member 11 in the groove portion 2a in the placement step S1, a signal is applied from the outside to the pressing member 11, and in the pressing step S3, the pressing member 11 is the tube member for detection. 3 is brought into a pressed state in which a predetermined amount is pressed. In the pressure detection step S4, the pressure sensor 4 detects the pressure when the pressing member 11 is in the pressed state, and in the determination step S5, it is determined whether or not the detection tube member 3 is abnormal based on the pressure detection result. Thus, the abnormality of the tube member for detection 3 can be detected. That is, the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 4 becomes small in an abnormal state such as a state in which the detection tube member 3 is dropped to the outside of the groove 2a or a damaged state. Thereby, abnormality of the tube member 3 for detection, such as the case where the tube member 3 for detection has dropped out to the outer side of the groove part 2a, or is damaged, can be recognized rapidly.

  In the determination step S5, the detection tube member 3 is determined to be abnormal when the pressure detection value detected by the pressure sensor 4 is not within a predetermined range. According to this inspection method, the tube member for detection is determined by determining whether or not the pressure detection value detected by the pressure sensor 4 when the pressing member 11 is in the pressed state is within a predetermined range set in advance. Whether or not 3 is abnormal can be accurately detected.

  Further, in the pressing step S3, an electrical signal is applied to the pressing member 11 configured to have a bimetal structure portion 11b that is elastically deformed by the application of the electrical signal, and the pressing member 11 presses the detection tube member by a predetermined amount. It is characterized by being in a pressed state.

  According to this inspection method, the detection tube member 3 is not pressed by a simple method by using the pressing member 11 having the bimetal structure portion 11b that is elastically deformed by application of an electrical signal. It is possible to switch between the pressed state and the pressed state in which the detection tube member 3 is pressed by a predetermined amount.

  The pressing step S3, the pressure detecting step S4, and the determining step S5 are performed when the assembly of the bumper absorber 2 in which the detection tube member 3 is mounted in the groove 2a to the bumper reinforcement 9 is completed and the ignition of the vehicle. It is executed when the switch is turned on.

  According to this inspection method, when the assembly of the bumper absorber 2 to the bumper reinforcement 9 can be completed, the abnormality of the detection tube member 3 can be detected. Therefore, when the abnormality of the detection tube member 3 is detected. The detection tube member 3 can be disposed on the bumper absorber 2 in a normal state after reassembling. In addition, since the abnormality detection of the detection tube member 3 is performed every time the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on, when the vehicle is used on a daily basis, before the vehicle starts running, Appropriate measures such as recognizing dropout from the groove 2a or damage of the detection tube member 3 and requesting repair can be taken.

  In addition, by disposing two pressure sensors 4 on the left and right ends of the rear surface 9b of the bumper reinforcement 9, it is possible to detect a pressure change in the detection tube member 3 with high accuracy and to ensure redundancy. That is, by performing the collision determination using the outputs of the two pressure sensors 4, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection and perform accurate collision detection.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different parts are described.

  In 2nd Embodiment, as shown in FIG.12 and FIG.13, the press member 16 is comprised including an electroresponsive gel, and has a thin plate-shaped shape. The pressing member 16 is disposed on the vehicle upper side of the detection tube member 3 in the groove portion 2a in a state of being in contact with the detection tube member 3. In the electroresponsive gel, the shape of the polymer gel is reversibly changed by applying a voltage to the polymer gel. The change in the shape of the gel is caused by contraction of the gel surface due to the binding of molecules on the gel surface with the application of voltage.

  The length of the pressing member 16 in the vehicle width direction is set to about 30 mm, for example. The length of the pressing member 16 in the vehicle front-rear direction is set to be equal to or shorter than the length of the groove 2a. In this case, the longitudinal length of the pressing member 16 is set to 8 mm or less, for example. Moreover, the length (namely, thickness) of the vehicle up-down direction at the time of the non-pressing state of the press member 16 is about several mm. On the other hand, the length of the vehicle in the vertical direction when the pressing member 16 is pressed is about 2 mm larger than that when the pressing member 16 is not pressed. Thereby, in the pressed state, the pressing member 16 is in a state of pressing the detection tube member 3 to the vehicle lower side by a predetermined amount (for example, about 2 mm).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the pressing member 16 is deformed so as to bend toward the vehicle lower side when a voltage is applied from the power supply unit 13, and the detection tube member 3 is deformed by a predetermined amount ( For example, about 2 mm), the vehicle is pressed toward the vehicle lower side. On the other hand, when the application of the voltage from the power supply unit 13 is stopped, the pressing member 16 returns to the original flat state while being deformed to the upper side of the vehicle, and is in a non-pressing state in which the detecting tube member 3 is not pressed. 12 and 13 show a state in which the upper portion of the signal applying terminal 12 is bent toward the front side of the vehicle in order to facilitate wiring.

  Next, an inspection method for the vehicle collision detection apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. Also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the detection tube member 3 is inspected with respect to the groove 2a of the bumper absorber 2. That is, the abnormality detection unit 62 of the collision detection ECU 6 inspects the detection tube member 3 when the bumper absorber 2 is assembled to the bumper reinforcement 9 and when the IG switch is turned on in the completed vehicle. Specifically, S1 to S10 shown in FIG. 11 are executed when the bumper absorber 2 is assembled to the bumper reinforcement 9, and steps S2 to S10 are executed when the IG switch is turned on.

  First, the detection tube member 3 is mounted in the groove 2a of the bumper absorber 2, and the non-pressed pressing member 16 is disposed in the space above the vehicle of the detection tube member 3 in the groove 2a (arrangement step S1). . Thereafter, the bumper absorber 2 is assembled to the bumper reinforcement 9.

  Next, a signal is applied from the external power supply unit 13 to the pressing member 16 (S2), and the pressing member 16 presses the detection tube member 3 by a predetermined amount (pressing step S3). Specifically, a voltage is applied to the pressing member 16 as an electrical signal from the power supply unit 13 via the signal application terminal 12. When a voltage is applied to the pressing member 16, as shown in FIG. 13, the shape of the electrically responsive gel is deformed so as to curve toward the vehicle lower side. Thereby, the pressing member 16 is in a pressing state in which the detection tube member 3 is pressed to the vehicle lower side by a predetermined amount (for example, about 2 mm).

  Next, when the pressing member 16 is in the pressed state, the pressure in the hollow portion 3a of the tube member for detection 3 is detected by the pressure sensor 4 (pressure detection step S4). Subsequently, the abnormality detection unit 62 of the collision detection ECU 6 determines whether or not the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 4 is within a predetermined range (determination step S5).

  When the maximum pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 4 is less than the first threshold Pth1, and when the maximum pressure detection value is greater than the second threshold Pth2 (see FIG. 10), the abnormality detection unit 62 The pressure detection value is not within the predetermined range (S5: No), and it is determined that the detection tube member 3 is abnormal (S6). And the abnormality detection part 62 outputs a control signal, makes the abnormality notification lamp 14 light, and notifies the abnormality of the tube member 3 for a detection to an assembly operator, a passenger | crew, etc. (abnormality notification process S7).

  On the other hand, when the maximum value of the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 4 is not less than the first threshold value Pth1 and not more than the second threshold value Pth2 (see FIG. 9), the abnormality detection unit 62 determines that the pressure detection value is within a predetermined range. Yes (S5: Yes), it is determined that the tube member for detection 3 is normal (S8).

  After S7 or S8, application of voltage as a signal to the pressing member 16 is stopped (S9). When the application of voltage to the pressing member 16 stops, the pressing member 16 returns to the non-pressing state (S10). That is, when the application of the voltage to the pressing member 16 is stopped, the electrically responsive gel returns to the original flat state from the curved state on the vehicle lower side. Thereby, the pressing member 16 returns to the non-pressing state in which the detecting tube member 3 is not pressed. In this way, the inspection of the detection tube member 3 of the vehicle collision detection device 1 when the bumper absorber 2 is assembled to the bumper reinforcement 9 is completed.

  Also in the second embodiment, as in the inspection method of the vehicle collision detection device 1 of the first embodiment, when the vehicle IG switch is turned on, the detection for the groove 2a of the bumper absorber 2 is further performed. The tube member 3 is inspected. That is, when the IG switch is turned on, steps S2 to S10 are executed.

  In the vehicle collision detection apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment described above, the pressing member 16 is configured to include an electrically responsive gel whose shape reversibly changes when an electrical signal is applied, and is detected in the groove 2a. It arrange | positions in the state contact | abutted with the tube member 3 for a detection at the vehicle upper side of the tube member 3 for a characteristic. In the vehicle collision detection device 1 of the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Moreover, the inspection method of the vehicle collision detection device 1 according to the second embodiment includes an arrangement step S1 in which the pressing member 16 is disposed in the groove portion 2a in a non-pressing state in which the detection tube member 3 is not pressed, and the pressing member 16. A pressing step S3 in which a signal is applied from the outside so that the pressing member 16 presses the detection tube member 3 by a predetermined amount, and a pressure detecting step in which the pressure sensor 4 detects the pressure when the pressing member 16 is in the pressing state. S4 and determination process S5 which determines whether the tube member 3 for detection is abnormal based on a pressure detection result are provided.

  In the pressing step S3, an electric signal is applied to the pressing member 16 configured to have an electrically responsive gel whose shape reversibly changes by application of the electric signal, and the pressing member 16 serves as a tube member for detection. It is characterized by a pressing state in which a predetermined amount is pressed. The same effect as the inspection method of the vehicle collision detection device 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained also by the inspection method of the vehicle collision detection device 1 of the second embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIGS. 14 and 15, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the pressing member 17 is configured to include a piezoelectric element whose shape reversibly changes when an electric signal is applied, and has a thin plate shape. have. Moreover, the pressing member 17 is arrange | positioned in the state which contact | abutted the detection tube member 3 in the vehicle downward side of the detection tube member 3 in the groove part 2a.

  In the pressing member 17 according to the third embodiment, when a voltage is applied as an electrical signal to the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element is reversibly deformed by the piezoelectric effect. Specifically, when a voltage is applied via the signal application terminal 12, the pressing member 17 is deformed so that the center portion in the vehicle front-rear direction is bent upward in the vehicle, and the detection tube member 3 is moved to the vehicle. It will be in the press state pressed from the lower side (refer FIG. 15). On the other hand, when the application of the voltage to the piezoelectric element is stopped, the bent pressing member 17 returns to the original flat state and returns to the non-pressing state in which the detecting tube member 17 is not pressed (see FIG. 14). 14 and 15 show a state in which the upper portion of the signal applying terminal 12 is bent toward the front side of the vehicle in order to facilitate wiring.

  The length of the pressing member 17 in the vehicle width direction is set to about 30 mm, for example. Further, the length of the pressing member 17 in the vehicle front-rear direction is set to be equal to or shorter than the length of the groove 2a. In this case, the front-rear length of the pressing member 17 is set to 8 mm or less, for example. Moreover, the length (namely, thickness) of the vehicle up-down direction at the time of the non-pressing state of the press member 17 is about several mm. On the other hand, the length of the vehicle in the vertical direction when the pressing member 17 is pressed is about 2 mm larger than that when the pressing member 17 is not pressed. Thereby, in the pressed state, the pressing member 17 is in a state of pressing the detection tube member 3 to the vehicle upper side by a predetermined amount (for example, about 2 mm).

  Next, an inspection method for the vehicle collision detection apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. Also in the third embodiment, the detection tube member 3 is inspected for the groove 2a of the bumper absorber 2 as in the first embodiment. That is, when assembling the bumper absorber 2 to the bumper reinforcement 9, S1 to S10 shown in FIG. 11 are executed, and when the IG switch is turned on in the completed vehicle, the steps S2 to S10 are executed. The

  First, the detection tube member 3 is mounted in the groove 2a of the bumper absorber 2, and the non-pressed pressing member 17 is placed on the vehicle front side (that is, the groove 2a) on the vehicle lower side of the detection tube member 3 in the groove 2a. Is arranged so as to be pushed into the back) (arrangement step S1). Thereafter, the bumper absorber 2 is assembled to the bumper reinforcement 9.

  Next, in the pressing step S2, a signal is applied to the pressing member 17 from the external power supply unit 13 (S2), and the pressing member 17 presses the detection tube member 3 by a predetermined amount (pressing step S3). . Specifically, a voltage is applied as an electrical signal from the power supply unit 13 to the piezoelectric element of the pressing member 17 via the signal application terminal 12. When a voltage is applied to the pressing member 17, the center portion of the pressing member 17 in the vehicle front-rear direction is deformed so as to bend toward the vehicle upper side, and the detection tube member 3 is pressed to the vehicle upper side by a predetermined amount (for example, about 2 mm). (See FIG. 15).

  Next, when the pressing member 17 is in the pressed state, the pressure in the hollow portion 3a of the tube member for detection 3 is detected by the pressure sensor 4 (pressure detection step S4). Subsequently, the abnormality detection unit 62 of the collision detection ECU 6 determines whether or not the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 4 is within a predetermined range (determination step S5).

  When the maximum pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 4 is less than the first threshold Pth1, and when the maximum pressure detection value is greater than the second threshold Pth2 (see FIG. 10), the abnormality detection unit 62 The pressure detection value is not within the predetermined range (S5: No), and it is determined that the detection tube member 3 is abnormal (S6). And the abnormality detection part 62 outputs a control signal, makes the abnormality notification lamp 14 light, and notifies the abnormality of the tube member 3 for a detection to an assembly operator, a passenger | crew, etc. (abnormality notification process S7).

  On the other hand, when the maximum value of the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 4 is not less than the first threshold value Pth1 and not more than the second threshold value Pth2 (see FIG. 9), the abnormality detection unit 62 determines that the pressure detection value is within a predetermined range. Yes (S5: Yes), it is determined that the tube member for detection 3 is normal (S8). After S7 or S8, application of voltage to the pressing member 17 is stopped (S9). When the application of voltage to the pressing member 17 is stopped, the pressing member 17 returns to the non-pressing state (S10).

  Furthermore, also in the third embodiment, the steps S2 to S10 are executed when the IG switch of the vehicle is turned on, as in the inspection method of the vehicle collision detection apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. . That is, when the IG switch is turned on, a voltage is applied as a signal from the power supply unit 13 to the pressing member 11 via the signal line and the signal application terminal 12 (S2), and the following steps up to S10 are executed.

  In the vehicle collision detection apparatus 1 of the third embodiment described above, the pressing member 17 is configured to have a piezoelectric element whose shape reversibly changes when an electric signal is applied. In the vehicle collision detection apparatus 1 of the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, the pressing member 17 is arranged on the vehicle lower side of the detection tube member 3 in the groove portion 2a in a state in contact with the detection tube member 3. According to this configuration, the pressing member 17 is disposed on the vehicle lower side of the detection tube member 3 in the groove portion 2a in a state in contact with the detection tube member 3, so that it collides with a pedestrian or the like in front of the vehicle. When the detection tube member 3 is sometimes deformed so as to be crushed in the vehicle front-rear direction, the presence of the pressing member 17 can be prevented from adversely affecting the deformation of the detection tube member 3.

  Moreover, the inspection method of the vehicle collision detection device 1 according to the third embodiment includes an arrangement step S1 in which the pressing member 17 is disposed in the groove portion 2a in a non-pressing state in which the detection tube member 3 is not pressed, and the pressing member 17. A pressing step S3 in which a signal is applied from the outside and the pressing member 17 presses the detection tube member 3 by a predetermined amount, and a pressure detecting step in which the pressure sensor 4 detects the pressure when the pressing member 17 is in the pressing state. S4 and determination process S5 which determines whether the tube member 3 for detection is abnormal based on a pressure detection result are provided.

  In the pressing step S3, an electric signal is applied to the pressing member 17 having a piezoelectric element whose shape reversibly changes by the application of the electric signal, and the pressing member 17 places the detection tube member 3 in place. It is characterized by making it the press state which carried out fixed press. In the inspection method of the vehicle collision detection apparatus 1 of the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different parts will be described. In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a rear absorber 21 is arranged between the bumper absorber 2 and the bumper reinforcement 9 along the vehicle width direction.

  The rear absorber 21 is made of a foamed resin (for example, foamed polypropylene or the like) having higher hardness than the bumper absorber 2. The rear absorber 21 is fitted and fixed to the bumper absorber 2 and the bumper reinforcement 9. In addition, as a material of the rear part absorber 21, resin, such as polyethylene (PE) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), may be used.

  Further, similarly to the first embodiment, a pressing member 11 for pressing the detection tube member 3 in the vehicle front-rear direction on the vehicle rear side of the detection tube member 3 in the groove 2a of the bumper absorber 2 is provided. Seven are arranged along the vehicle width direction (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The pressing member 11 includes a thin plate-like heat generating portion 11a and a bimetal structure portion 11b that is elastically deformed by application of an electric signal. The pressing member 11 is brought into a non-pressing state in which the detection tube member 3 is not pressed and a pressing state in which the detection tube member 3 is pressed by a predetermined amount due to a change in the shape of the bimetal structure portion 11b accompanying a temperature change. It can be switched by a signal.

  An upper end portion of the heat generating portion 11 a of the pressing member 11 is connected to the signal applying terminal 12. Part of the signal applying terminal 12 is disposed between the rear surface 2 b of the bumper absorber 2 and the front surface of the rear absorber 21. The signal applying terminal 12 has a lower end connected to the heat generating part 11a and an upper end connected to the power supply part 13 via a signal line. 16 and 17 show a state in which the upper portion of the signal applying terminal 12 is bent toward the front side of the vehicle in order to facilitate wiring.

  Also in the vehicle collision detection device 1 of the fourth embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. That is, when the pressing member 11 in a non-pressing state is disposed in the groove 2a, the pressing member 11 is pressed by a predetermined amount by the signal from the outside, and the pressing member 11 is in the pressing state. Based on the pressure detection result detected by the pressure sensor 4, the abnormality detection unit 62 can detect an abnormality in the detection tube member 3.

  The inspection method for the vehicle collision detection apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment is performed in the same process as the inspection method for the vehicle collision detection apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, and is the same as in the first embodiment. The effect of can be obtained.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications or expansions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the pressing member is configured to include any one of the bimetal structure portion 11b, the electrically responsive gel, and the piezoelectric element, but is not limited thereto. The pressing member may be a member that can be switched between a non-pressing state in which the detection tube member 3 is not pressed and a pressing state in which the detection tube member 3 is pressed by a predetermined amount by a signal from the outside. Etc. can be set as appropriate.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the signal application terminal 12 for applying an electric signal to the pressing members 11, 16, and 17 was provided, a lead wire may be used instead of the signal application terminal 12, Any configuration may be employed as long as an electrical signal such as a voltage is applied from the power supply unit 13 to the pressing members 11, 16, and 17.

  In the above embodiment, the effective mass is calculated based on the pressure detection result, and the collision with the pedestrian that requires the operation of the pedestrian protection device 10 is performed when the effective mass exceeds the collision determination threshold in the collision determination process. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the pressure detection result may be used as it is. For example, a configuration may be used in which the collision determination is performed by comparing the pressure detection result with the respective collision determination thresholds using a pressure value, a pressure change rate, or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle collision detection apparatus 2 Bumper absorber 2a Groove part 3 Detection tube member 3a Hollow part 4 Pressure sensor 6 Collision detection ECU
62 Abnormality detection unit 7 Bumper 9 Bumper reinforcement 11, 16, 17 Press member 12 Signal application terminal 13 Power supply unit 14 Abnormality notification lamp (abnormality notification unit)

Claims (17)

A bumper absorber (2) disposed on the vehicle front side of the bumper reinforcement (9) in the bumper (7) of the vehicle, and a groove (2a) formed in the bumper absorber along the vehicle width direction. A detection tube member (3) having a hollow portion (3a) formed therein, a pressure sensor (4) for detecting the pressure in the hollow portion of the detection tube member, and pressure detection by the pressure sensor In the vehicle collision detection device (1) for detecting the collision of the object with the bumper based on the result,
A pressing member (11, 16, 17) disposed in the groove and switchable between a non-pressing state in which the detection tube member is not pressed and a pressing state in which the detection tube member is pressed by a predetermined amount by an external signal. )When,
An abnormality detector (62) for detecting an abnormality of the tube member for detection based on a pressure detection result detected by the pressure sensor when the pressing member is in the pressed state;
A collision detection apparatus for a vehicle, comprising:   The abnormality detection unit (62, S6) determines that the detection tube member is abnormal when a pressure detection value detected by the pressure sensor is not within a predetermined range. The vehicle collision detection device as described.   When the detected pressure value detected by the pressure sensor is less than a predetermined threshold value (Pth1), the abnormality detection unit is in a state where the detection tube member is dropped from the groove portion or the detection tube member is damaged. The vehicle collision detection device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle collision detection device is determined to be present.   4. The pressing member is provided in the groove portion with a predetermined interval along the vehicle width direction and has a shape extending a predetermined length in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle collision detection device according to any one of the above.   The pressing member is disposed in contact with the detection tube member on at least one of a vehicle upper side, a lower side, and a rear side of the detection tube member in the groove portion. The vehicle collision detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vehicle collision detection device is characterized.   6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an abnormality notification unit (14, S <b> 7) that performs abnormality notification when the abnormality of the detection tube member is detected by the abnormality detection unit. Vehicle collision detection device.   The vehicle collision detection according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a signal applying terminal (12) connected to the pressing member for applying an electric signal to the pressing member. apparatus.   8. The vehicle collision detection device according to claim 7, wherein the pressing member (11) includes a bimetal structure portion (11b) that is elastically deformed by application of an electric signal.   8. The vehicle collision detection device according to claim 7, wherein the pressing member (16) includes an electrically responsive gel whose shape reversibly changes when an electrical signal is applied.   8. The vehicle collision detection device according to claim 7, wherein the pressing member (17) includes a piezoelectric element whose shape reversibly changes when an electric signal is applied.   11. The signal applying terminal according to claim 7, wherein at least a part of the signal applying terminal is disposed between a rear surface (2b) of the bumper absorber and a front surface (9a) of the bumper reinforcement. The vehicle collision detection device according to claim 1. A bumper absorber (2) disposed on the vehicle front side of the bumper reinforcement (9) in the bumper (7) of the vehicle, and a groove (2a) formed in the bumper absorber along the vehicle width direction. Vehicle collision detection having a detection tube member (3) having a hollow portion (3a) formed therein and a pressure sensor (4) for detecting a pressure in the hollow portion of the detection tube member In the inspection method of the device (1),
An arrangement step (S1) of disposing the pressing member (11, 16, 17) in the groove portion in a non-pressing state in which the tube member for detection is not pressed;
A pressing step (S3) in which a signal is applied to the pressing member from the outside so that the pressing member presses the tube member for detection by a predetermined amount;
A pressure detecting step (S4) for detecting pressure by the pressure sensor when the pressing member is in the pressed state;
A determination step (S5) for determining whether or not the detection tube member is abnormal based on the pressure detection result;
An inspection method for a collision detection apparatus for a vehicle, comprising:   13. The vehicle collision detection according to claim 12, wherein in the determination step, it is determined that the detection tube member is abnormal when a pressure detection value detected by the pressure sensor is not within a predetermined range. Device inspection method.   In the pressing step, the bimetallic structure (11b) that is elastically deformed by application of an electric signal, an electrically responsive gel whose shape is reversibly changed by application of an electric signal, and a piezoelectric that is reversibly changed by application of an electric signal An electric signal is applied to the pressing member (11, 16, 17) configured to include any one of the elements, and the pressing member presses the detection tube member by a predetermined amount. The inspection method of the collision detection apparatus for vehicles according to claim 12 or 13. Performing the placement step when assembling the bumper absorber with the tube member for detection mounted in the groove on the bumper reinforcement;
15. The inspection method for a vehicle collision detection device according to claim 12, wherein the pressing step, the pressure detection step, and the determination step are executed after the placement step.   The inspection method for a vehicle collision detection device according to claim 15, further comprising executing the pressing step, the pressure detection step, and the determination step when an ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on.   17. The abnormality notification step (S <b> 7) for performing abnormality notification when it is determined that the detection tube member is abnormal in the determination step. 17. Inspection method for a vehicle collision detection apparatus.

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