JP2543468Y2 - Automotive airbag equipment - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle airbag device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an automobile has been increasingly provided with an airbag device. An airbag device is one in which an airbag is arranged on a steering wheel of an automobile, and the airbag is usually deflated and its presence is not usually known. However, when an automobile collides, rapid acceleration (deceleration) occurs. It expands in response to changes in the vehicle and protects the driver or passenger.

[0003] A gas generant and an ignition device are used to inflate the airbag. When the ignition device is energized,
The gas generating agent raises the temperature to generate a gas such as nitrogen, and this gas instantaneously inflates the airbag. The start of ignition is controlled by the output of an acceleration sensor provided in the automobile.

[0004]

The airbag device of an automobile is intended to protect the person by inflating instantly when the automobile collides, but hinders driving when the automobile is inflated when the automobile is not colliding. This is inconvenient. For this reason, the conventional airbag device operates at a relatively high acceleration reference value, and does not malfunction due to shock or vibration received from a road surface or the like when the vehicle is running.
When the reference value of the acceleration is reduced, the operation at the time of the collision is ensured, but the possibility of the malfunction is increased. For this reason,
The reference value of the acceleration for operating the airbag device is set so as not to be excessively low. However, the likelihood of a collision depends on the driving conditions of the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is slipping, the possibility of a collision increases even if the speed of the vehicle is low. If the reference value of the acceleration for operating the airbag device is constant, it is not possible to sufficiently cope with various possible collisions.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle airbag device in which a reference value is changed in accordance with a driving state that may impair the safety of the vehicle.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An automobile airbag apparatus according to the present invention includes an ignition means for initiating the inflation of an airbag, an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration of the automobile, and an operation which may impair the safety of the automobile. Operating state detecting means for detecting a state; and ignition determining means for energizing the ignition means, and energizing the ignition means when a detection value of the acceleration sensor is larger than a reference value, further comprising: The reference value is changed according to the output of the detecting means.

[0007]

In the above mechanism, an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle is provided, and the ignition judging means for energizing the ignition means energizes the ignition means when the detected value of the acceleration sensor is larger than the reference value. I do. Further, operating state detecting means for detecting an operating state which may impair the safety of the vehicle is provided, and the reference value is changed by an output of the operating state detecting means. Thus, even though the likelihood of a collision may vary depending on the driving conditions of the vehicle, the airbag device can be activated in response to such various different possibilities of collision.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below based on embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an airbag 2 mounted on a steering wheel 1 of an automobile. The airbag 2 is inflated as shown by a broken line in the event of an automobile collision to protect the driver.

In FIG. 1, an airbag 2 is attached to a container 4 containing a gas generating agent 3 and communicates with the container 4 through a screen 5 and a hole 6 of the container 4. Furthermore, container 4
The igniter 7 is attached to the power supply. When the igniter 7 is energized, the temperature of the gas generating agent 3 rises to generate gas such as nitrogen, and the gas inflates the airbag 2.

In order to control the energization of the ignition device 7, ignition determination means 8 is provided. The ignition judging means 8 can be constituted by using a circuit component or a microprocessor, and comprises an acceleration sensor 9 and a driving state detecting means 1 of an automobile.
A detected value of 0 is input to the ignition determining means 8. As the acceleration sensor 9, a known mechanical acceleration sensor or a semiconductor acceleration sensor can be used. The vehicle driving state detecting means 10 detects a driving state that may impair the safety of the vehicle, and is used to change a reference value of acceleration.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an embodiment in which a wheel slip detecting means 10a is provided as the driving state detecting means 10 of the automobile. The wheel slip detecting means 10a is configured by utilizing a part of the function of the anti-skid brake device 11 of the automobile or receiving a signal in the anti-skid brake device 11. Anti-skid brake device 11
Is a device that intermittently releases the hydraulic pressure of the brake in order to prevent the wheels from locking when the brake is depressed, and includes a sensor that detects the speed of the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. Therefore, if at least the speed difference between the front wheels and the rear wheels of the vehicle is determined using the signal of the speed sensor of the anti-skid brake device 11, it can be determined whether the vehicle is slipping.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a main routine of the ignition judging means 8, and FIG. 5 is a flow chart of changing a reference value of acceleration. In FIG. 4, in step 41, a detection value G of the acceleration sensor 9 is input. The detection value G of the acceleration sensor 9 is a negative acceleration, that is, the acceleration sensor 9 is configured to detect a deceleration when a running vehicle collides. In step 42, it is determined whether or not the detected value G is larger than the reference value LVL. If the detected value G is larger than the reference value LVL, it is determined that the vehicle has collided, and the routine proceeds to step 43, where the ignition device 7 is energized.
Thereby, the temperature of the gas generating agent 3 rises, and the gas such as nitrogen inflates the airbag 2. If the answer is NO in step 43, the process ends without energizing the ignition device 7. Such a cycle is repeated every predetermined time.

In the present invention, the reference value LVL is changed as shown in FIG.
In step 51, the front, rear, left and right wheel speeds FR, FL, R
R and RL are input from the anti-skid brake device 11. Next, at step 52, the speed difference between the front wheel and the rear wheel is calculated. In this case, the speed difference between FR and RR or between FL and RL is calculated. Alternatively, a difference between the maximum speed and the minimum speed among the wheel speeds is calculated. Next, at step 53, it is determined whether the speed difference between the front wheels and the rear wheels is greater than the significant difference, thereby determining whether the vehicle is running while sliding. If it is determined that there is a slip, the routine proceeds to step 55, where the reference value LVL is changed to LVL × K.
In this case, K is a correction coefficient smaller than 1, so that when the vehicle is slipping, the reference value LVL is set to a value smaller than usual. On the other hand, if the result of step 53 is NO, the process is terminated with the reference value LVL kept at LVL. Such a cycle is repeated every predetermined time.

When the vehicle is slipping, it can be said that the vehicle is in a driving state that may impair the safety of the vehicle more than usual. In this case, the reference value LVL is changed to a small value, and this small reference value is changed. The determination in step 42 in FIG. 4 is performed using the value LVL. Therefore, when the vehicle is slipping, the collision is determined with higher sensitivity, and the airbag 2 is inflated without delay. Further, instead of detecting slip, a signal indicating another state from the anti-skid brake device 11, for example, a signal indicating a locked state of a brake, a sudden braking state, or the like can be used.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which a vehicle height detecting means 10b is provided as the driving state detecting means 10 of the vehicle.
The vehicle height detecting means 10b is configured by utilizing a part of the function of the suspension electronic control unit 12 of the automobile or receiving a signal in the suspension electronic control unit 12. The suspension electronic control unit 12 is capable of switching the spring constant and damping force of the suspension.
For example, the spring constant and the damping force are set to be high in order to alleviate the frontward turning of the vehicle at the time of sudden braking, or the spring constant and the damping force are set to be high during the rolling of the vehicle. The suspension electronic control unit 12 includes a vehicle height detection sensor that detects a change in height between the wheel and the vehicle body in order to perform such control.
Therefore, in the present invention, the vehicle height detecting sensor of the suspension electronic control unit 12 can be used as the vehicle height detecting means 10b.

The vehicle height detecting means 10b can detect an operating state that may impair the safety of the vehicle more than usual, such as a sudden braking state or a rolling state. In this case, similarly to the previous embodiment, for example, when the vehicle height becomes lower than a predetermined reference value, the acceleration reference value LVL is changed to a small value, and this small reference value LVL is changed.
The determination in step 42 of FIG. 4 is performed using the VL. Therefore, when the vehicle height becomes low, the collision is determined with higher sensitivity, and the airbag 2 is inflated without delay.

FIG. 7 is a view showing an embodiment in which a voice recognition device 10c is provided as the driving state detecting means 10 of the automobile, and the microphone 13 is connected to the voice recognition device 10c. The microphone is attached to the car to pick up the sound of the occupants. The voice recognition device 10c selectively recognizes a frequency of a voice generated in an emergency such as, for example, a call or a word. Accordingly, the voice recognition device 10c can detect a driving state that may impair the safety of the vehicle more than usual. Also in this case, when the speech recognition device 10c detects an abnormal state, the acceleration reference value LVL is used.
Is changed to a small value, the determination in step 42 of FIG. 4 is performed using the small reference value LVL, the sensitivity is increased to determine the collision, and the airbag 2 is inflated without delay.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which a steering detecting means 10d is provided as the driving state detecting means 10 of the automobile. The steering detection means 10d generates a pulse signal at each minute angle of the steering wheel, and can detect a steering angle, a sharp steering wheel, and the like. Therefore, the steering detecting unit 10d detects a driving state such as a sharp steering wheel which may impair the safety of the vehicle more than usual (for example,
The change amount of the steering angle per predetermined time is equal to or more than a reference value, or the steering angle is detected to be equal to or more than a certain reference value. In this case as well, when an abnormal state is detected by the steering detecting means 10d, the acceleration reference value LVL is changed to a small value, and the determination in step 42 in FIG. 4 is performed using this small reference value LVL. The collision is judged by increasing the sensitivity, and the airbag 2
Inflate without delay.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which a 4WS control device 10e is provided as the vehicle operating state detecting means 10. The 4WS control device 10e is capable of steering the rear wheels together with the steering of the front wheels, and receives signals from detecting means such as a steering sensor and a vehicle speed sensor for steering the rear wheels. . Therefore, also in this case, the driving state such as the sharp steering wheel or the steering angle of the rear wheel, which may impair the safety of the vehicle, is detected, and the reference value LVL of the acceleration is changed to a small value. The determination in step 42 in FIG. 4 is performed using the value LVL, the collision is determined by increasing the sensitivity, and the airbag 2 is inflated without delay.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which a 4WD control device 10f is provided as the vehicle operating condition detecting means 10. The 4WD control device 10f is designed to drive both the front and rear wheels, and is provided with speed sensors for the front and rear wheels. If there is a speed difference between the front and rear wheels, the vehicle may slip. By making a judgment, the torque ratio between the front wheels and the rear wheels can be changed. Therefore, also in this case, by detecting the slip of the vehicle, the reference value LVL of the acceleration is changed to a small value, and this small reference value LVL is changed.
The determination in step 42 in FIG. 4 is performed using the VL, the collision is determined by increasing the sensitivity, and the airbag 2 is inflated without delay.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an embodiment in which a spring constant / damping force switching detecting means 10g is provided as means for detecting the operating state of the vehicle. The spring constant / damping force switching detecting means 10g is used to control the suspension electronic control unit 12 of the automobile.
Is received. In a vehicle that performs suspension control, when the suspension is switched in accordance with the driving state of the vehicle, the measurement sensitivity of acceleration changes with the change, so that the reference value needs to be changed. The suspension control device 12 changes the damping force by opening and closing an orifice provided in an oil flow passage, and a spring constant by opening and closing an air valve provided in an air passage between a main air chamber and a sub-chamber. The air suspension to be switched is, for example, low (soft) during normal driving, intermediate (medium) during high-speed driving, and high (hard) during sudden starting and high-speed braking.
Control to automatically switch to the stage is performed. In order to control the shock absorber and air suspension, the suspension electronic control unit operates the above soft medium, hard selection signal or the orifice valve.
It includes a spring constant / damping force detection sensor that detects a signal for driving an actuator such as a C motor as a change in spring constant / damping force. Therefore, in the present invention, the spring constant / damping force detection sensor of the suspension electronic control unit 12 can be used as the spring constant / damping force switching detecting means 10g.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for changing the reference value of the acceleration when the spring constant and the damping force of the suspension are switched. In step 61 of FIG. 12, a suspension signal indicating switching of the spring constant and the damping force is read from the spring constant and damping force switching means 10g of the suspension control device 12 to the ignition determining means 8. When the signal is read, the ignition determining means 8 proceeds to step 6
In step 2, if the suspension signal is hard, the reference value LVL of the acceleration is changed to LVL1 in step 63, if it is medium in step 64, the reference value LVL is changed to LVL2 in step 65, and if soft in step 64. In step 66, the reference value LVL is changed to LVL3. Here, for example, when the damping force is set hard, the sprung acceleration of the wheel increases, and the amplitude of the vehicle vibration decreases.

Spring constant / damping force switching detecting means 10g
Accordingly, the reference value corresponding to the operating state is changed, and the determination in step 42 in FIG. 4 is performed using the changed reference value. When the suspension is switched, collision is determined with higher sensitivity, and the airbag 2 is inflated without delay. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a view showing an embodiment in which a forward monitoring device 10h is provided as the driving state detecting means 10 of the vehicle. The front monitoring device 10h monitors the inter-vehicle distance with the vehicle running ahead and detects that the inter-vehicle distance has sharply decreased.

The forward monitoring device 10h is a back sonar sensor,
It consists of a clearance sensor, a laser auto-drive sensor, a radar antenna, and the like. The back sonar sensor is the width of the vehicle within about 2 m behind the vehicle, and the clearance sonar sensor uses an ultrasonic wave to detect the distance and position of obstacles within about 50 cm from the corner of the vehicle at the time of parking using an indicator or an alarm. Output. The laser auto-drive sensor and the radar antenna output an inter-vehicle distance to a display or an alarm device during traveling.

Therefore, as a state in which there is a possibility of collision of the vehicle, for example, when the vehicle speed is 20 km / h or more,
By detecting a state at 2 m and a relative speed of 20 km / h, the reference value level of the acceleration is set to a small value, and the determination in step 42 in FIG. 4 is performed using this small reference value LVL to increase the sensitivity. The collision is determined, and the airbag 2 is inflated without delay.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which a tire lock detecting means 10i is provided as the driving state detecting means 10 of the automobile. The tire lock detecting means 10i detects that the tire lock state continues for a predetermined time or more. The tire lock detecting means 10i is composed of a wheel speed sensor and a ground speed sensor. The wheel speed sensor is a normal in-vehicle speedometer. The ground speed sensor emits ultrasonic waves to the ground, for example, and shifts the frequency of reflected ultrasonic waves. The shift is measured to obtain the speed. When the speed difference between the ground speed sensor and the wheel speed sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the tire is locked and slipping. Therefore, in this case as well, by detecting the slip of the vehicle, the reference value LVL of the acceleration is changed to a small value, and the determination in step 42 in FIG. Is determined, and the airbag 2 is inflated without delay.

[0027]

As described above, the vehicle airbag device according to the present invention has an ignition means for starting the inflation of the airbag, an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle, and a possibility of impairing the safety of the vehicle. Operating state detecting means for detecting a certain operating state, and ignition determining means for transmitting to the ignition means, and energizing the ignition means when a detection value of the acceleration sensor is larger than a reference value; Since the reference value is changed in accordance with the output of the driving state detecting means, the airbag in a state where there is a possibility of collision of the vehicle is provided.
Since it is possible to prevent the operation of the gear from being delayed, it is possible to operate according to the possibility of various collisions, thereby improving safety.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an airbag of an automobile.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a flowchart of an ignition determination means.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart for changing a reference value of acceleration.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart for changing a reference value of acceleration when switching between a spring constant and a damping force of a suspension.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2. Airbag 3. Gas generating agent 7. Ignition device

Claims (7)

(57) [Scope of request for utility model registration] An igniter for initiating airbag inflation.
Steps, an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle, and wheels
Wheel slip detecting means for detecting slip of the vehicle;
Ignition determination means for energizing the stage, wherein the acceleration
The ignition means when the detection value of the sensor is larger than a reference value;
And the output of the wheel slip detecting means.
When wheel slip is detected, decrease the reference value.
An airbag device for an automobile that can be changed . 2. An igniter for starting inflation of an airbag.
Step, an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle, and the vehicle
Vehicle height detecting means for detecting the height of the vehicle and the ignition means
Ignition determination means for performing the
Energize the ignition means when the detected value is greater than the reference value
The reference value according to the output of the vehicle height detecting means.
An airbag device for an automobile which is adapted to be changed. 3. An igniter for initiating inflation of an airbag.
Steps, an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle, and an occupant
A voice recognition device that recognizes the voice generated in an emergency
An ignition determining means for energizing the ignition means.
When the detected value of the acceleration sensor is larger than the reference value,
The ignition means is energized, and the output of the voice
Airbag for a vehicle, wherein the reference value is changed
apparatus. 4. An igniter for starting inflation of an airbag.
Step, an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle, and a step.
Steering detection to detect the steering angle of the ringing wheel
Means, ignition determination means for energizing the ignition means,
When the detection value of the acceleration sensor is larger than the reference value
The ignition means is energized at the
Automatic means for changing the reference value according to the output of the means
Car airbag device. 5. An igniter for starting inflation of an airbag.
A step, an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle, and
A four-wheel steering control device for controlling the steering of wheels and rear wheels;
Ignition means for energizing the fire means;
The ignition means when the detection value of the sensor is larger than a reference value;
And the output of the four-wheel steering control unit
The airbag system of a car with the reference value changed
Place. 6. An igniter for initiating airbag inflation.
An acceleration sensor for detecting the stage, the acceleration of the vehicle, sucrose
Damping force detecting means for detecting the damping force of the shock absorber;
Spring constant detecting means for detecting the spring constant of the suspension
And ignition determination means for supplying power to the ignition means.
When the detection value of the acceleration sensor is larger than the reference value
Then, the ignition means is energized, and the damping force detection means is further provided.
Alternatively, the criterion is changed according to the output of the spring constant detecting means.
An airbag device for a motor vehicle to be modified. 7. An igniter for starting inflation of an airbag.
Steps, an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the car,
A forward monitoring device for monitoring the front of the vehicle and the ignition means;
And ignition determination means for charging the battery.
When the output value is larger than the reference value, the ignition means is energized,
Further, the reference value is changed according to the output of the forward monitoring device.
An airbag device for a motor vehicle to be modified.