JP3473892B2 - Submersible safety system for automobiles - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a safety system when a vehicle is submerged in water.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system has been considered in which, when an automobile falls into water, a power window device is automatically operated to automatically open a window.

[0003]

When an automobile falls into the water, it is assumed that the person inside the automobile will be shaken and lose his composure. However, in the conventional system, since the window is automatically opened even in such a situation, a large amount of water may flow into the vehicle all at once, causing further agitation and loss of coolness. As a result, there is a possibility that the person may not know what to do and may not be able to take prompt and proper escape action.

Further, when an automobile falls into the water from a high place, it is assumed that the person inside the automobile is fainted due to the impact of the fall. However, in the conventional system, the window is automatically opened even in such a situation, so that there is a possibility that a large amount of water may flow in at once and hasten the submersion of the automobile. As a result, there is a possibility that the person in the car will be exposed to the water and lose water, resulting in death.

Even if the user can escape to the outside of the vehicle, it is difficult to swim because he is wearing clothes, and there is a possibility that he cannot reach the land safely. This is especially true when the vehicle is injured when it falls into the water, or when the winter is cold. However, since the conventional system does not have the function of notifying that the car has fallen into the water,
In a less popular situation or at night, the submergence accident may not be noticed, and even if you could get out of the car, you might not be safely rescued.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is installed in an automobile , and the automobile is submerged in water.
Detecting the fall and inducing escape to the inside of the car
It is a safety system when a vehicle making an announcement is submerged.
Determine the situation of the person in the car,
In addition to providing guidance announcements according to the situation,
If the situation of the person in the car changes to the next situation,
The next guidance announcement is made according to the changed situation . According to this configuration, when the vehicle falls into the water, it is detected that the vehicle falls into the water . Therefore
First, the situation of the person in the car is judged.
Escape guidance announcement suitable for the situation at
It

[0007]

Further, in the above configuration, when the automobile falls into the water, the operating condition of the device mounted on the automobile may be judged and the escape guidance announcement may be made according to the condition. According to this configuration, when the vehicle falls into the water, it is detected that the vehicle falls into the water. Therefore, first, the function of the device mounted on the vehicle is checked to determine the operating status of the device. Then, an escape announcement that is suitable for the situation is given.

Further, in the above structure, when the vehicle falls into the water, the situation of the person inside the vehicle is judged, and when it is judged that the person inside the vehicle cannot escape, the window is automatically opened. It may be configured to be closed. According to this configuration, when the vehicle falls into the water, it is detected that the vehicle falls into the water. Therefore, first, the situation of the person in the car is judged. Then, when it is determined that the person in the vehicle cannot escape, the window is automatically closed.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is configured to detect that an automobile has fallen into water and notify the surroundings. According to this configuration, when the vehicle falls into the water, it is detected that the vehicle has fallen into the water, and the surroundings are notified.

In the above structure, the notification to the surroundings is
You may use the headlight and horn of a motor vehicle.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

First, the structure of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

Reference numeral 1 denotes an ECU (electronic control unit) to which signals from a submersion sensor 2, a consciousness confirmation switch 3, and a seat belt sensor 4 are input. Also, E
Signals are output from the CU 1 to the speaker 5, the horn 6, the headlight 7, and the siren 8, respectively.

The submerged sensor 2 detects that the automobile has fallen into the water and is configured to emit a signal when the automobile is submerged. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the submersion sensor 2. The submerged sensor 2 includes an electrode 22 to which a battery is connected to a flexible bag-like member 21 whose upper side is opened, and an ECU.
The electrode 23 to which 1 is connected is attached so as to face each other. With such a configuration, the submersion sensor 2
When the submerged member is submerged in water, the bag-shaped member 21 is crushed and
2 and the electrode 23 come into contact with each other to emit a signal. Then, the signal is input to the ECU 1.

Since heavy objects are concentrated in the engine room at the front of the vehicle, there is a high possibility that the vehicle will sink into the water from the front. In consideration of this, the submerged sensor 2 is attached to, for example, an engine room in front of the automobile. When the car falls into the water and sinks, submersion sensor 2
Submerges in the water and the submerged sensor 2 emits a signal. ECU1
Determines that the car has fallen into the water when it receives this signal.

The consciousness confirmation switch 3 is for judging the situation of the person in the vehicle. Whether the person in the vehicle is conscious and able to escape, or is not conscious and cannot escape. It is for judging. This consciousness confirmation switch 3 is attached to a predetermined place in the automobile so that a person in the automobile can operate it, and is designed to emit a signal by operating the operation portion. Further, the consciousness confirmation switch 3 is designed such that the operation portion thereof blinks in response to a signal from the ECU 1. The ECU 1 determines from the signal from the consciousness confirmation switch 3 whether the person in the vehicle is conscious and able to escape, or unconscious and unable to escape.

The seatbelt sensor 4 is for judging the condition of a person in the vehicle. Whether the seatbelt is detachable and the seatbelt can be escaped, or the seatbelt is worn and cannot be escaped. It is for judging whether or not. The seat belt sensor 4 emits a signal when the seat belt is worn. E
The CU 1 determines whether the seat belt is worn by the signal from the seat belt sensor 4.

The ECU 1 receives the signals from the submersion sensor 2, the consciousness confirmation switch 3, and the seat belt sensor 4, and outputs a voice signal for sending an escape announcement to the speaker 5.
Output to. Further, the ECU 1 receives the signal from the submersion sensor 2, and receives the horn 6, the headlight 7, the siren 8,
Outputs an operation signal for operating.

The speaker 5 is used to give an escape announcement to the inside of the vehicle. The speaker 5 converts the voice signal from the ECU 1 into a voice and outputs the voice, thereby flowing the escape guidance to the inside of the automobile. The horn 6 is for informing the surroundings of the vehicle that the vehicle has fallen into the water, and is activated by the operation signal from the ECU 1 to ring.
This informs the surroundings. The headlight 7 is also for informing the surroundings of the vehicle that the vehicle has fallen into the water, and is activated by an operation signal from the ECU 1 to be turned on, thereby informing the surroundings. Further, the siren 8 is also for notifying the surroundings of the vehicle that the vehicle has fallen into the water, and E
It operates in response to an operation signal from the CU1 and sounds, thereby notifying the surroundings.

Next, the structure of the ECU 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The ECU 1 includes a CPU 11 and a ROM 1
2 and a D / A conversion unit 13. CP
U11 is programmed to execute a predetermined process based on signals from the submersion sensor 2, the consciousness confirmation switch 3, and the seat belt sensor 4. The ROM 12 stores a plurality of types of messages regarding escape guidance announcements as shown in FIG. 4 as voice data. The D / A converter 13 converts the audio data into an analog voltage signal and outputs it as an audio signal to the speaker 5.

The CPU 11 outputs a signal for blinking the consciousness confirmation switch 3 according to the program. Further, the CPU 11 reads the audio data stored in the ROM 12 according to the program and outputs the audio data to the D / A conversion unit 13. Also, the CPU 11
Outputs an operation signal for operating the horn 6, the headlight 7, and the siren 8 according to the program.

Next, the processing executed by the CPU 11 and the operation of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In S1, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a signal from the submersion sensor 2. If there is no signal from the submersion sensor 2, it is determined that the vehicle has not fallen into the water, and the presence or absence of a signal from the submersion sensor 2 is continuously monitored in S1. If there is a signal from the submersion sensor 2,
It is determined that the vehicle has fallen into the water, and the processes from S2 are performed.

First, in S2, the CPU 11 causes the horn 6
Output an operation signal to. This operation signal causes the horn 6 to operate and ring, thereby notifying the surroundings of the vehicle that the vehicle has fallen into the water. After that, the CPU 11
Until the CPU 11 becomes inoperable.
Continue to output the operation signal to. Therefore, until the CPU 11 or the horn 6 becomes inoperable, the horn 6
Notification is continued.

Further, in S3, the CPU 11 outputs an operation signal to the headlight 7. The headlight 7 is activated and turned on by this operation signal, and this informs the surroundings of the vehicle that the vehicle has fallen into the water. After that, the CPU 11 continues to output the operation signal to the headlight 7 until the CPU 11 becomes inoperable. Therefore, the notification by the headlight 7 is continued until the CPU 11 or the headlight 7 becomes inoperable. Such notification by the headlight 7 is particularly
It is effective in the case of night accidents. Headlight 7
In addition to the above, all interior lights may be turned on.
Further, the lighting may be continuous lighting or blinking.

Further, in S4, the CPU 11 outputs an operation signal to the siren 8. The siren 8 is activated by the operation signal and sounds, thereby notifying the surroundings of the vehicle that the vehicle has fallen into the water. After that, CP
U11 continues to output the operation signal to the siren 8 until the CPU 11 becomes inoperable. Therefore, CP
The notification by the siren 8 is continued until U11 or the siren 8 becomes inoperable.

Next, in S5, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a signal from the seat belt sensor 4. If there is a signal from the seat belt sensor 4, it is determined that the seat belt is worn, and the process proceeds to S6. CP in S6
U11 reads out the voice data of the message 1 of FIG. 4 from the ROM 12 and outputs it. This voice data is converted into a voice signal by the D / A converter 13 and output to the speaker 5, and the speaker 5 "Please remove your seat belt."
An escape announcement is called. And S5
Returning to, the CPU 11 determines again whether or not there is a signal from the seat belt sensor 4.

If there is no signal from the seat belt sensor 4 in S5, it is determined that the seat belt is not worn, and the process proceeds to S7. In S7, the CPU 1 outputs a blinking signal to the consciousness confirmation switch 3. The blinking signal causes the operating portion of the consciousness confirmation switch 3 to blink, which makes it easier for a person in the vehicle to see the consciousness confirmation switch 3. Then, in S8, the CPU 11 reads the voice data of the message 2 from the ROM 12 and outputs it. This voice data is converted into a voice signal by the D / A converter 13 and output to the speaker 5, and an escape guidance announcement "Please press the blinking switch" is sent from the speaker 5.

Then, in S9, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a signal from the consciousness confirmation switch 3. If there is no signal from the consciousness confirmation switch 3, it is determined that the person in the vehicle is unconscious, and the process proceeds to S10. S10
Then, the CPU 11 outputs a buzzer signal. This buzzer signal is output to the speaker 5, and a buzzer sound is emitted from the speaker 5. Then, the process returns to S9, and the presence / absence of a signal from the consciousness confirmation switch 3 is determined again.

If there is a signal from the consciousness confirmation switch 3 in the above S9, it is determined that the person in the vehicle is conscious, and the processes from S11 are performed.

The processing of S5 to S10 is performed for the following reason. In other words, when escaping from the inside of a car, it may be possible to take an evacuating action that ignores the escape announcement. However, whether you take action ignoring the escape announcement or follow the guidance announcement that follows, you must always take the action of removing your seat belt. You can't get out of the car without removing your seat belt. However, when the vehicle falls into the water and sinks, the person in the vehicle is agitated, and it may be impossible to even take the action of removing the seat belt.

Therefore, first, it is determined in step S5 whether or not the seat belt is worn. If the seat belt is worn, the process in step S6 says "Please remove your seat belt."I'm trying to play an escape announcement.

Further, when the seat belt is not worn, it is assumed that the vehicle is originally driven without wearing the seat belt and the driver is unconscious. If you are unconscious, it is more important to wake up than to give an escape announcement. Also, if the consciousness returns during the flow of the escape guidance, the escape guidance will be heard from the middle.

Therefore, when the seat belt is not worn, the message "Please press the blinking switch" in message 2 is sent out by the process of S8, and the person in the car is processed by the process of S9. The presence or absence of awareness is judged. If there is no consciousness, a buzzer sound is emitted in the vehicle by the process of S10 to wake up the consciousness, and if there is consciousness, S11.
The escape announcement is made to flow by the following processing.

In S11, the CPU 11 reads the voice data of the message 3 from the ROM 12 and outputs it. This voice data is converted into a voice signal by the D / A conversion unit 13 and output to the speaker 5, and an escape guidance announcement “Please calm down and act” is played from the speaker 5. In the action of escape, it is important to act calmly first. Therefore, the message 3 "Please act calmly" is sent out as an escape announcement.

Next, in S12, the CPU 11 causes the ROM
The voice data of message 4 is read from 12 and output. This voice data is converted into a voice signal by the D / A converter 13 and output to the speaker 5, and an escape guidance announcement "Please remove your shoes" is sent from the speaker 5. It is very difficult to swim when wearing shoes, and even if you can get out of the car, you may not be able to reach the land. Therefore, the message 4 "Please take off your shoes" is sent out as an escape announcement.

Further, in S13, the CPU 11 causes the ROM
The voice data of the message 5 is read from 12 and output. This voice data is converted into a voice signal by the D / A converter 13 and output to the speaker 5, and an escape guidance announcement “Please remove your suit / jacket” is sent from the speaker 5. Even if you are wearing a suit or jacket, it is very difficult to swim, and even if you can get out of the car, you may not be able to reach the land. Therefore, the message 5 “Please take off your suit / jacket” is sent out.

Then, in S14, the CPU 11 causes the RO
The voice data of the message 6 is read from M12 and output. This voice data is converted into a voice signal by the D / A converter 13 and output to the speaker 5, and an escape guidance announcement “Please escape” is played from the speaker 5.

Thereafter, the CPU 11 repeats the processing from S11 to S14 until the CPU 11 becomes inoperable. Therefore, from the message 3 to the message 6 until the CPU 11 or the speaker 5 becomes inoperable.
Escape guidance announcements continue to be played repeatedly.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is detected that an automobile has fallen into water, and the surroundings are informed that the automobile has fallen into water. As a result, it is possible to quickly find out that the vehicle has fallen into the water, and to carry out a quick rescue operation.

Further, according to the present invention, it is detected that the automobile has fallen into the water, and the guidance announcement of the escape is flowed into the interior of the automobile. Even if the vehicle falls into the water, the vehicle normally floats for about 5 minutes, and during that time, the person in the vehicle can take quick and appropriate escape behavior according to the guidance announcement. In addition, the consciousness confirmation switch 3 and the seat belt sensor 4 determine the situation of the person in the vehicle, and an escape announcement is sent according to the situation. As a result, a more appropriate guidance announcement is given, and the person in the car can take a more appropriate escape action.

The submersion sensor 2 may be provided not only in the engine room but also in other places. Further, it may be provided at a plurality of locations such as in front of and behind the automobile. By providing the submersion sensor 2 at a plurality of places, it is possible to quickly detect that the vehicle has fallen into the water regardless of how the vehicle sinks, thereby promptly notifying the surroundings and promptly giving an escape announcement to the inside of the vehicle. .

As another embodiment, when the automobile is equipped with a power window device or a sunroof device having a failure diagnosis function, the functions of these devices are checked to determine the operating conditions. An escape announcement may be played.

In this case, the CPU 11 causes the submerged sensor 2,
In addition to the signals from the consciousness confirmation switch 3 and the seat belt sensor 4, a program is set up to execute a predetermined process based on the failure signal from the power window device and the failure signal from the sunroof device. Also, the ROM 12
In addition to the message shown in FIG. 4, the message shown in FIG.

Then, the CPU 11 performs the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 instead of the processing of S14 of the flowchart of FIG.

That is, S13 in the flowchart of FIG.
After the processing of step S15, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a failure signal from the sunroof device in step S15. If there is no failure signal from the sunroof device, it is determined that the sunroof device is not in failure, and the process proceeds to S16.

In S16, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a failure signal from the power window device. If there is no failure signal from the power window device, it is determined that the power window device has not failed, and the process proceeds to S17. Then, in S17, the CPU 11 reads the voice data of the message 7 of FIG. 6 from the ROM 12 and outputs it. This voice data is converted into a voice signal by the D / A converter 13 and output to the speaker 5, and an escape guidance announcement "Open the sunroof or window to escape" is played from the speaker 5.

If there is a failure signal from the power window device in S16, it is determined that the power window device is in failure, and the process proceeds to S18. Then, in S18, the CPU 11 reads the voice data of the message 8 from the ROM 12 and outputs it. This voice data is D / A
The conversion unit 13 converts the audio signal and outputs the audio signal to the speaker 5, and the speaker 5 gives an escape guidance announcement "The window is broken. Please open the sunroof and escape."

If there is a failure signal from the sunroof device in S15, it is determined that the sunroof device is out of order, and the process proceeds to S19.

In S19, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a failure signal from the power window device. If there is no failure signal from the power window device, it is determined that the power window device has not failed, and the process proceeds to S20. Then, in S20, the CPU 11 reads the voice data of the message 9 from the ROM 12 and outputs it. This voice data is converted into a voice signal by the D / A converter 13 and is output to the speaker 5, and an escape guidance announcement “The sunroof is broken. Please open the window and escape” is emitted from the speaker 5. Be done.

When there is a failure signal from the power window device in S19, it is determined that the power window device is in failure, and the process proceeds to S21. Then, in S21, the CPU 11 reads the voice data of the message 10 from the ROM 12 and outputs it. This voice data is D /
It is converted into a voice signal by the A conversion unit 13 and output to the speaker 5, and the speaker 5 emits an escape announcement saying "The sunroof and the window are broken. Open the door or break the glass to escape." Be done.

After that, the CPU 11 repeats the processing from S11 to S21 until the CPU 11 becomes inoperable. Therefore, from the message 3 to the message 1 until the CPU 11 or the speaker 5 becomes inoperable.
Zero escape guidance announcements continue to be streamed.

According to this embodiment, the functions of the power window device and the sunroof device mounted on the automobile are checked, and the operating conditions of these devices are determined.
Then, an escape announcement will be given according to those situations. As a result, a more appropriate guidance announcement is given, and the person in the car can take a more appropriate escape action.

As another embodiment, when the signal from the seat belt sensor 4 continues to exist (that is, the seat belt is worn), the power window device and the sunroof device are automatically operated, The window and sunroof may be automatically closed. For cars without a sunroof, only the windows should be closed automatically. This is because it is preferable that water does not enter until the seat belt is removed, because it is impossible to escape to the outside of the vehicle until the seat belt is removed. Similarly, even if there is no signal from the consciousness confirmation switch 3, the power window device and the sunroof device may be automatically operated to automatically close the window and the sunroof. This is because if there is no signal from the consciousness confirmation switch 3, there is a possibility that the consciousness is lost, and if the consciousness is lost, it is impossible to escape to the outside of the vehicle. Is considered to be preferable. However, even if there is a signal from the seat belt sensor 4 or there is no signal from the consciousness confirmation switch 3, when the power window operation switch or the sunroof operation switch is operated, the power window device or the sunroof is operated by the operation. Give priority to device operation.

According to this embodiment, the window and the sunroof are automatically closed when it is determined that the situation of a person in the vehicle is impossible and it is impossible to escape. As a result, a large amount of water in the car does not like once when it is impossible to escape.

As another embodiment, it may be possible to detect that a car has fallen into the water and automatically notify the nearest fire station or police station by radio or car telephone. As a result, a quick rescue operation can be performed. In the case of a car equipped with a car navigation system, it is possible to automatically transmit the position information and notify the fire department or police station.

[0058]

According to the present invention, when the vehicle falls into the water, an escape announcement is sent in the vehicle. Therefore, the person in the vehicle can take a quick and appropriate escape action according to the guidance announcement.

Further, according to the present invention, it is detected that the automobile has fallen into the water, and the surroundings are notified. Therefore, it is possible to quickly detect that the vehicle has fallen into the water, and to perform a quick rescue operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a submerged sensor according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ECU in the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a message of an escape guidance announcement according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the CPU in the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a message of an escape guidance announcement in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of the CPU in the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ECU (electronic control unit) 2 Submerged sensor 3 Consciousness confirmation switch 4 seat belt sensor 5 speakers 6 horn 7 headlights 8 sirens 11 CPU 12 ROM 13 D / A converter 21 Bag-shaped member 22 electrodes 23 electrodes

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI G08B 5/00 G08B 5/00 S

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A submerged safety system for a vehicle, which is mounted on a vehicle and detects that the vehicle has fallen into the water to make an announcement announcement to escape into the vehicle. Judgment of the situation of a person and giving a guidance announcement according to the situation, and when the situation of the person inside the car changes to the next situation, the next guidance announcement according to the changed next situation. The safety system when submerged in a vehicle characterized by: 2. A safety system when submerged in a vehicle, the system being installed in a vehicle and detecting that the vehicle has fallen into water to make an announcement announcement to escape into the vehicle. Safety system for submerged automobiles, characterized by determining the operating status of the existing device and making a guided announcement of escape according to the operating status. 3. The window is automatically closed when the situation of a person in the vehicle is judged and it is judged that the person cannot escape. Safety system for submerged vehicles as described. 4. When it is detected that the car has fallen into the water
It can, according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding vehicle to remind that fell into the water, continues ringing until inoperable horn mounted on the motor vehicle, characterized in that
The safety system for submerged automobiles according to any one of 1 to 3 . 5. When it is detected that the car has fallen into the water
Can be to remind that the relative peripheral automobile fell into the water, the remains lit until inoperable mounted headlights in automobiles, characterized in that 請
The safety system for submerged automobiles according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . 6. have a siren mounted to a motor vehicle, when the motor vehicle is detected that fell into the water, to remind that the relative peripheral automobile fell into the water
, Keep ringing the siren until it becomes inoperable,
The submersible safety system for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein :