JP3852718B2 - Vehicle occupant restraint system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an occupant restraint system for a vehicle, and more particularly to an occupant restraint system for a vehicle as a typical vehicle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an automobile, which is a typical vehicle, includes a so-called seat belt that restrains an occupant from a vehicle seat and protects the occupant from an impact applied from the outside of the vehicle. In recent years, so-called seat belt pretensioners that pull in the seat belt to detect the impact and restrain the occupant at the time of impact detection, and the seat belt in the event of a collision, in order to relieve the sense of restraint of the passenger during normal times and reliable restraint in an emergency. So-called seat belt load limiters are being developed that loosen and reduce the impact on passengers.
[0003]
On the other hand, in recent years, the installation of airbag systems for driver seats and passenger seats has been rapidly spreading. Needless to say, these airbag systems will be deployed in an emergency, but once deployed, some parts must be replaced and adjusted. There is a request not to let it. In the control of such an airbag system, the passenger seat airbag deployment control, in particular, unlike the driver's seat airbag, often has no occupant seated in the passenger seat, and it is determined whether the occupant is seated or not. is important. Another problem to be considered when the vehicle is provided with a passenger seat airbag is the problem of deployment control when a so-called child seat for seating an infant is mounted on the passenger seat. This means that if the child seat is attached to the front passenger seat, the passenger airbag should be allowed to expand. Since it is necessary to prevent an impact on an infant, the deployment of the passenger seat airbag must be prohibited.
[0004]
As a technique for solving this problem, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-165011 discloses a technique for detecting the presence or absence of a child seat by providing a transmission / reception mechanism in the seat and communicating with the child seat.
[0005]
In addition, as a detailed and specific method for solving the above problems, the applicants of the present application are directed to the development control and passenger of the passenger seat airbag in Japanese Patent Application No. 9-2130 to Japanese Patent Application No. 9-2134. A method related to the notification of
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The problem relating to airbag development control in the above-described conventional example is a problem common to the seat belt pretensioner and the seat belt load limiter. However, the above conventional example does not disclose such a problem.
[0007]
Accordingly, the present invention is a vehicle capable of appropriately controlling the operation of the seat belt pretensioner and / or the seat belt load limiter according to the child seat mounting state and ensuring the safety of the child seated on the child seat. The purpose is to provide a passenger restraint system.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle occupant restraint system of the present invention is characterized by the following configuration.
[0009]
The vehicle occupant restraint system includes a seat belt load limiter configured to be pulled out by a predetermined length and stopped when a load of a predetermined value or more is applied in a direction in which the seat belt is pulled out. And
A seat belt that restrains the child seat seat back placed on the vehicle seat in a position close to the dashboard;
A child seat detection means for detecting that a child seat is mounted rearwardly on the vehicle seat,
When it is detected that the child seat is mounted rearwardly by the child seat detection means, the seat belt does not allow the extraction of said predetermined length by the load limiter drawer prohibition control means for prohibiting the withdrawal of the seat belt When,
It is characterized by providing.
[0010]
When the child seat detection means indicates an output abnormality or fails, the withdrawal prohibiting control means prohibits the seat belt from being pulled out without allowing the seat belt load limiter to pull out the predetermined length. It is also suitable.
[0011]
Furthermore, a specifying means for specifying the orientation of the child seat is provided,
The pull-out prohibiting control unit allows the seat belt load limiter to pull out a predetermined length without prohibiting the pulling out of the seat belt when the output of the specifying unit indicates the front direction of the vehicle. It is also suitable.
Further, when the output of the specifying means does not indicate the front direction or the rear direction of the vehicle, the pull-out prohibiting control unit does not allow the pull-out of the predetermined length by the seat belt load limiter, and the seat belt It is also preferable to prohibit the withdrawal.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, each embodiment in which an airbag system according to the present invention is applied to an automobile which is a typical vehicle will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, in the case of a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, the reference numbers in the drawings and the step numbers in the flowchart are the same, and the description is omitted.
[0013]
[First Embodiment]
First, an outline of the airbag system in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0014]
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an automobile provided with an airbag system as a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0015]
In the figure, a driver's seat airbag 2 (shown in a deployed state) for an occupant in the driver's seat 10 is provided inside the steering wheel 6 and an passenger's seat airbag 3 (for an occupant in the passenger seat 13). (Showing the unfolded state) is provided in the passenger seat airbag storage 5. Further, side airbags 4A to 4D (shown in a deployed state) are provided on the vehicle body side of the driver seat 10 and the passenger seat 13 and on both sides of the rear seat 9, respectively, to alleviate the impact from the lateral direction.
[0016]
The automobile 1 also includes a plurality of impact detection sensors that output trigger signals for deploying these airbags as shown in the figure. That is, a front impact detection sensor 14 that detects an impact from the front, a right impact detection sensor 35 that detects an impact from the right side, and a left impact detection that detects an impact from the left side are provided on the body of the automobile 1. A sensor 36 is provided.
[0017]
Reference numeral 153 denotes a state display lamp indicating the current control state of the passenger airbag, and is turned on when, for example, the passenger airbag 3 is prohibited from being deployed, and is turned off when deployment is permitted. And
[0018]
In addition, 161 is a state confirmation switch used in other embodiments described later, and is operated when the occupant confirms whether or not the passenger's airbag 3 is currently deployed (whether deployment is permitted / prohibited). .
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of an airbag system as a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0020]
In the figure, the control unit 11 of the airbag system according to the present embodiment includes a seat sensor that communicates the mounting state of the front impact detection sensor 14, the right impact detection sensor 35, the left impact detection sensor 36, and the child seat 12. A unit 18 (details will be described later), a passenger seat inflator 16 for deploying the passenger seat airbag 3, a passenger seat side inflator 32 for deploying the passenger seat side airbag 4A, and a driver seat for deploying the driver seat airbag 2 A driver seat side inflator 31 for deploying the driver inflator 17 and the driver seat side airbag 4B is connected.
[0021]
Further, the control unit 11 includes a status display lamp 151 provided in the instrument panel 15 in front of the driver's seat 10 indicating the current control state of the passenger's seat airbag 3, and an operation indicating a failure state of the passenger's seat airbag 3. A failure warning display lamp 152 provided in the instrument panel 15 in front of the seat 10 and the aforementioned state display lamp 153 are connected.
[0022]
Further, the control unit 11 includes a drive unit 33 of a so-called seat belt pretensioner (S • B • P • T) that pulls in the seat belt 41 to restrain the occupant when an impact is detected, and loosens the seat belt 41 in the event of a collision to occupant. A drive unit 34 of a so-called seat belt load limiter (S / B / L / L) for reducing the impact on the vehicle is connected.
[0023]
Further, although details will be described later, this figure shows a state in which the child seat 12 is mounted on the passenger seat 13. Connected to the seat sensor unit 18 are an occupant detection sensor 133 that is embedded in the passenger seat 13 and detects the presence or absence of the occupant by weight, and a reception antenna 131 and a transmission antenna 132 embedded in the passenger seat 13. In addition to performing wireless communication with the transponder 121 provided in the child seat 12, the signal received by the reception antenna 131 is converted based on a predetermined format and transmitted to the control unit 11.
[0024]
<Operation of seat belt pretensioner and seat belt load limiter>
Here, operations of the seat belt pretensioner and the seat belt load limiter will be described.
[0025]
Seat belt pretensioner: Upon receiving an operation signal from the control unit 11, the seat belt pretensioner drive unit 33 is driven. When the drive unit 33 receives the operation signal, the drive unit 33 operates a seat belt pretensioner inflator (not shown) and retracts the seat belt by a predetermined length before the airbag contacts the occupant. Alternatively, instead of the inflator for the seat belt pretensioner, a seat belt pretensioner spring (biased in the direction of retracting the seat belt) and a stopper for restricting the bias of the spring are provided. When the operation signal is received, the restriction by the stopper of the seat belt pretensioner spring is released, and the seat belt is retracted by a predetermined length before the airbag contacts the occupant.
[0026]
In the present embodiment, the seat belt pretensioner drive unit 33 is determined to be permitted or prohibited to operate based on a signal from the control unit 11.
[0027]
Seat belt load limiter: A seat belt is pulled out by a predetermined length in order to prevent a load from being concentrated on an occupant by a seat belt at the time of a vehicle collision. As a mechanism for pulling out the seat belt by a predetermined length, for example, when a load greater than a predetermined value is applied to the seat belt by the occupant, the seat belt itself, the seat belt retractor, or a mechanism for attaching the retractor to the vehicle body, A mechanism that reduces the load on the occupant by plastic deformation or frictional sliding may be used. An example is shown in FIGS.
[0028]
34 to 36 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the seat belt load limiter according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0029]
In the figure, a seat belt load limiter 301 includes a seat belt webbing 303, a deformable member for winding the webbing 303, clamps A to D for sandwiching the webbing 303, a lock lever 305, and the like. The clamps C and D control the operation of the seat belt load limiter in an allowable state (a state where the webbing 303 is not sandwiched) and a prohibited state (a state where the webbing 303 is sandwiched) by an operation signal from the control unit 11. FIG. 34 shows an operation allowable state of the seat belt load limiter and a normal state. FIG. 35 shows a time when an operation command is received from the control unit 11 in the operation allowable state. By this operation command, the lock lever 305 rotates by a predetermined amount in the counterclockwise direction (drawing of the webbing 303 wound around the deformable member 302 at this time is also prohibited). The clamps A and B hold the webbing 303 by the rotation of the lock lever 305. At that time, the webbing 303 is pulled upward by the load applied to the occupant, so that the clamps A and B move upward while holding the webbing 303 in the upward direction. As it moves, the force to grip the webbing 303 increases. FIG. 36 shows a state in which the clamps A and B continue to move while sandwiching the webbing 303 and abut against the stopper 304. In this state, the force with which the clamps A and B hold the webbing 303 does not increase any more. Therefore, the position of the stopper 304 is determined in advance so that the force with which the clamps A and B hold the webbing 303 is large enough to pull out the webbing 303 by the impact force on the occupant due to the collision of the vehicle. As a result, when an impact force to the occupant is generated due to the collision of the vehicle, the webbing 303 is pulled out. However, the pulling-out amount is deformed by the deformable member 302 and the winding radius of the webbing 303 is reduced. Only the predetermined length obtained by
[0030]
<Device configuration of control unit and sheet sensor unit>
Next, device configurations of the control unit 11 and the sheet sensor unit 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0031]
FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing an outline of the control unit 11 as the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0032]
In the figure, a communication interface (I / F) 102 is connected to the sheet sensor unit 18 and performs predetermined serial communication (details will be described later). An input signal from the impact detection sensor 14 is input to the sensor input interface (I / F) 103. The operation input interface (I / F) 104 receives state confirmation request signals from state confirmation switches 161 and 162 used in other embodiments described later. The output interface (I / F) 107 outputs a development signal to each inflator such as the passenger seat inflator 16. The status notification interface (I / F) 108 turns on / off the status display lamps 151 and 153 and the failure warning display lamp 152. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 105 stores in advance a passenger seat airbag and side airbag deployment control, communication programs with the seat sensor unit 18 and various fixed parameters, which will be described later in the present embodiment. A RAM (random access memory) 106 temporarily stores a working area, variable parameters, and the like when the control program is operated. These components are connected to each other by a bus 109 and controlled by a CPU 101 that operates according to a control program stored in a ROM 105.
[0033]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of the sheet sensor unit 18 as the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0034]
In the figure, a transmission circuit 202 transmits a predetermined frequency Fa from a transmission antenna 132. The receiving circuits 203F and 203R receive radio waves from the outside by the receiving antennas 131F and 131R. A communication interface (I / F) 206 is connected to the control unit 11 and performs predetermined serial communication (details will be described later). A ROM (Read Only Memory) 204 converts a signal received by the receiving circuits 203F and 203R and an input signal from the occupant detection sensor 133 into a predetermined format and transmits the communication program to the control unit 11, various fixed parameters, and the like. Are stored in advance. The ROM 204 also stores a program that can detect a hardware failure of the child seat 13 and / or the occupant detection sensor 133. A RAM (random access memory) 205 temporarily stores a working area, variable parameters, and the like when the communication program is operated. These components are connected to each other by a bus 209 and controlled by a CPU 201 that operates according to a communication program stored in a ROM 204.
[0035]
<Communication configuration between control unit and seat sensor unit>
Next, serial communication between the control unit 11 and the sheet sensor unit 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0036]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a communication format as the first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, as an example, a protocol including 13 data bits and 2 parity bits shown in FIG. 5 is used for serial communication between the control unit 11 and the sheet sensor unit 18. The assignment of these bits will be described. Bit 0 and bit 1 are occupant detection fields representing the detection results of the passenger on the passenger seat by the occupant detection sensor 133. Bits 2 to 7 are child seat state fields representing the wearing state of the child seat 12. Bits 8 to 12 are reserved bits. Bit 13 is an odd-numbered parity bit, and bit 14 is an even-numbered parity bit. Using these parity bits, the communication interface 102 of the control unit 11 detects a communication error by a general method. In this embodiment, the expression “0” and “1” of each bit is represented by a difference in bit length. It is assumed that serial data having such a configuration is sent from the seat sensor unit 18 to the control unit 11 at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, a hardware abnormality caused by the self-diagnosis function of the occupant detection sensor 133, the child seat 13). The sheet sensor unit 18 can detect a hardware abnormality caused by the self-diagnosis function, and the result is sent as communication data to the control unit). An example is shown in FIG.
[0037]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of communication data according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a state of the transmitted data “001000001001111”. The description of the specific contents represented by the combination of “0” or “1” of each bit is omitted, but the description of the data sent from the sheet sensor unit 18 to the control unit 11 is given with reference to FIG. It will be described later.
[0038]
<Communication between passenger seat and child seat>
Next, communication between the passenger seat 13 and the child seat 12 will be described. In the present embodiment, wireless communication between the passenger seat 13 and the child seat 12 is performed in order to detect whether or not the child seat 12 is attached to the passenger seat 13 and in what state the child seat 12 is attached. Use communication. In brief, a predetermined frequency Fa is constantly transmitted from the transmission antenna 132 on the passenger seat 13 side. When the child seat 12 is attached to the passenger seat 13, the transponder 121 provided in the child seat 12 receives the frequency Fa from the transmitting antenna 132 and transmits a predetermined frequency Fb different from the frequency Fa. Based on the state in which the frequency Fb is received by the reception antenna 131F and / or the reception antenna 131R on the passenger seat 13 side, the direction of the child seat 12 is detected as well as whether or not the child seat 12 is mounted. In the present embodiment, the transponder 121 has a structure that is passively driven by the frequency Fa from the transmission antenna 132. Therefore, it is assumed that the frequency Fa has an output necessary and sufficient to drive the transponder 121. As a reason for such a configuration, when a general battery-driven transmission / reception circuit is used for the child seat 12, it is expected that the stop of the transmission / reception operation due to the battery capacity or the severe handling will be a big safety problem. Because. Therefore, more preferably, the transponder 121 has a sealed structure in order to prevent a short circuit due to liquid. Needless to say, if such a problem can be solved, for example, the child seat may be provided with a transmission circuit, and the passenger seat may be provided with a reception circuit.
[0039]
Further, the transponder 121 is provided with a buzzer (and / or a lamp) (not shown). When the operation is started by the radio wave from the transmission antenna 132, self-diagnosis is performed. It is configured so as to issue an alarm (and / or the lamp is always lit during operation of the transponder 121). Thereby, the user can determine whether or not the child seat is failing.
[0040]
Next, the configuration of the passenger seat 13 and the child seat 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0041]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an antenna provided in the passenger seat 13 as the first embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows a state in which the passenger seat 13 is viewed from above, and a transmission antenna 132 for transmitting a signal of the frequency Fa output from the transmission circuit 202 of the seat sensor unit 18 to the inside of the seat seat surface, Receiving antennas 131F and 131R for inputting signals received from the outside to the receiving circuits 203F and 203R of the sheet sensor unit 18 are provided. In the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, the transmitting antenna 132 has a square shape substantially the same size as the seat surface, the receiving antenna 131F is the front half of the seat surface, and the receiving antenna 131R is the seat surface. The shape of the square is approximately the same size as the rear half of the surface. The receiving circuits 203F and 203R of the sheet sensor unit 18 receive the frequency Fb from the transponder 121, respectively. The CPU 201 compares the difference in signal intensity received by these two receiving circuits with each other. It is determined in which receiving antenna range the transponder 121 is located. Also, regardless of the range of the receiving antenna, if the signal strength in each receiving circuit is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the child seat 12 is not correctly mounted (deviation). to decide.
[0042]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the transponder provided in the child seat 12 as the first embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows a state in which the child seat 12 is viewed from above, and a transponder 121 is provided in the seat seating surface or in front of the bottom. The child seat 12 is also provided with a seat belt 122.
[0043]
<Child seat wearing condition>
Next, the mounting state of the child seat 12 on the passenger seat 13 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0044]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing variations of the child seat mounting state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the same figure, (A) to (D) show a state in which the child seat 12 is mounted on the passenger seat 13 or a state in which the child seat 12 is placed on the passenger seat 13, respectively. It is represented by 131R and the transponder 121 of the child seat 12 (both are indicated by solid lines). An arrow indicates the front of the passenger seat 13. Hereinafter, the states (A) to (D) will be described in order.
[0045]
(A) has shown the state by which the child seat 12 was normally mounted | worn forward, and the transponder 121 is located in the range of the receiving antenna 131F. In this case, the seat sensor unit 18 detects that the child seat 12 is normally attached forward by receiving the frequency Fb from the transponder 121 by the receiving circuit 203F.
[0046]
(B) shows a state in which the child seat 12 is normally mounted rearward, and the transponder 121 is located in the range of the receiving antenna 131R. In this case, the seat sensor unit 18 detects that the child seat 12 is normally attached backward by receiving the frequency Fb from the transponder 121 by the receiving circuit 203R.
[0047]
(C) shows a state in which the child seat 12 is mounted obliquely forward, and the transponder 121 is located in the range of the receiving antenna 131F. In this case, the seat sensor unit 18 is moved by the displacement of the child seat 12. Since the receiving circuit 203F cannot receive a predetermined signal strength, it is determined as abnormal. The same determination is made when the child seat 12 is displaced backward.
[0048]
(D) shows a state where the child seat 12 is placed sideways, and the transponder 121 is located across both the receiving antennas 131F and 131R. In such a case, the seat sensor unit 18 compares the signal intensities obtained by the receiving circuits 203F and 203R, and determines that the child seat 12 is placed sideways.
[0049]
<Control operation of air bag, indicator lamp, seat belt>
Next, the control operation of the airbag, the indicator lamp, and the seat belt of the airbag system in the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
[0050]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a control operation as the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0051]
The vertical column in the figure is a determination element for controlling the airbag, the display lamp, and the seat belt in the control unit 11. The following explains each element.
“Child seat (C / S in the figure) position shift” represents the position shift of the child seat 13 detected by the seat sensor unit 18.
The “input signal abnormality” represents a case where a signal input from the child seat 13 and / or the occupant detection sensor 133 to the seat sensor unit 18 is not a predetermined one.
“Hard failure” represents a hardware abnormality of the child seat 13 and / or the occupant detection sensor 133 detected by the seat sensor unit 18.
“C / S forward detection” represents a case where the seat sensor unit 18 detects that the child seat 13 is mounted forward.
“C / S backward detection” represents a case where the seat sensor unit 18 detects that the child seat 13 is mounted backward.
“No C / S” represents the case where the child seat 13 cannot be detected by the seat sensor unit 18 and the case where the seat sensor unit 18 detects that the hardware of the child seat 13 has completely failed.
The determination element is the contents of the communication data in FIG.
[0052]
In addition, the horizontal column in the figure is a determination element for controlling the airbag, the display lamp, and the seat belt in the control unit 11. The following explains each element.
“Occupant detection” represents a case where the presence of an occupant is detected by the occupant detection sensor 133.
“Occupant undetected” represents a case where no occupant is detected by the occupant detection sensor 133.
“Occupant detection sensor failure” represents a case where the hardware of the occupant detection sensor 133 fails completely, that is, a signal from the occupant detection sensor 133 cannot be obtained at all. The determination element is the contents of the communication data in FIG.
[0053]
Further, “A / B control” in the figure is represented by “◯” when the passenger seat airbag 3 and the side airbag 4A are allowed to be deployed, and “X” when the deployment is prohibited.
[0054]
In addition, among the “display lamps” in the figure, “state” is the display state of the state display lamps 151 and 153, “ON” is lit (in the present embodiment, the passenger seat airbag 3 is not allowed to be deployed), “OFF” represents light extinction (in the present embodiment, the passenger seat airbag 3 is allowed to be deployed). “Warning” in the “display lamp” is the display state of the failure warning display lamp 152, and “ON” is lit (in this embodiment, a complete failure of the occupant detection sensor 133 or a hardware abnormality due to a self-diagnosis function, a child seat) 13 is a hardware abnormality due to the self-diagnosis function), and “OFF” indicates extinguishing (in this embodiment, normal operation of the occupant detection sensor 133 and the seat sensor unit 18).
[0055]
In the figure, “SB control” is indicated by “◯” when the operation of the seat belt pretensioner and the seat belt load limiter is allowed, and by “X” when the operation is prohibited.
[0056]
Here, the behavior of the child seat 12 when the seat belt pretensioner and the seat belt load limiter are operated when the child seat 12 is mounted on the passenger seat 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.
[0057]
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the behavior of the child seat when the seat belt pretensioner is operated as the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0058]
In the figure, (A) is a child seat mounted forward, and (B) is mounted rearward. Consider the case where the seat belt pretensioner operates in these states and the seat belt 41 is pulled in the direction of the arrow. In the case of (A), since the child seat 12 is more strongly restrained in the backrest direction of the passenger seat 13, there is no particular safety problem (the child seat 12 itself has a seat belt 122). On the other hand, in the case of (B), the position of the child seat 12 changes suddenly so as to rotate clockwise around the front end of the seat surface of the child seat 12 as shown in the figure by operation, which is a big safety problem. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the case of (A), the operation of the seat belt pretensioner is allowed, and in the case of (B), the operation is prohibited.
[0059]
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the behavior of the child seat when the seat belt load limiter is operated as the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0060]
In the figure, (A) is a child seat mounted forward, and (B) is mounted rearward. Consider the case where the seat belt load limiter operates in these states and the restrained state by the seat belt 41 is relaxed in the direction of the arrow. In the case of (A), the impact on the child seat 12 at the time of the collision is reduced (the child seat 12 itself has a seat belt 122). On the other hand, in the case of (B), since the position of the child seat 12 changes as shown in the figure due to the operation, it is expected to hit the dashboard 42. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the case of (A), the operation of the seat belt load limiter is permitted, and in the case of (B), the operation is prohibited. In the case of (B), when there is no collision due to the positional relationship with the dashboard 42, the operation of the seat belt load limiter may be permitted.
[0061]
Next, the contents of each column in FIG. 10 will be described.
[0062]
(Regarding airbag control in the case of “C / S position deviation”):
Regardless of the detection state of the occupant detection sensor 133, the development of the passenger seat airbag 3 and the side airbag 4A is prohibited. This is because it was detected that the child seat 12 was actually attached in a forward or backward direction, although it was a position shift. In addition, since the seat belt 122 is also provided on the child seat 12 itself to prevent the passenger seat airbag 3 from being unfolded due to misalignment, when the child seat 12 that faces the most safety is facing backwards, This is because priority is given to prohibiting deployment.
In addition, the deployment of the passenger side airbag 4A is prohibited in the case of misalignment. Actually, when the child seat 12 is facing backward, even if the side airbag 4A is deployed, the effect of reducing the impact may not be obtained. This is because the child seat 12 itself has a seat belt 122 and the side surface of the child seat 12 has a structure that covers an infant as shown in FIG. Accordingly, although the probability of repair frequency due to unnecessary deployment increases, the deployment of the passenger side airbag 4A may be allowed.
[0063]
(Airbag control in the case of “input signal abnormality” and “hard hardware failure”): For the same reason as in “C / S position shift”, regardless of the detection state of the passenger detection sensor 133, the passenger seat Deployment of the airbag 3 and the side airbag 4B is prohibited.
[0064]
(Airbag control in the case of “CS forward detection”):
Regardless of the detection state of the occupant detection sensor 133, the passenger airbag 3 and the side airbag 4B are allowed to be deployed. This is because it is detected that the child seat 12 is normally attached forward.
[0065]
(Regarding airbag control in the case of “CS back detection”):
Regardless of the detection state of the occupant detection sensor 133, the development of the passenger seat airbag 3 and the side airbag 4B is prohibited. This is because it is detected that the child seat 12 is normally attached backward.
[0066]
(Airbag control for “No C / S”):
The passenger seat airbag 3 and the side airbag 4B are allowed to be deployed except when an occupant is not detected. It goes without saying that deployment is allowed when an occupant is detected, but this corresponds to the fact that the occupant may be seated even when the occupant detection sensor 133 is completely failed.
In the case where the occupant detection sensor 133 is completely failed, if the control unit 11 determines that “C / S is absent”, the transponder 121 of the child seat 12 is broken, that is, the child seat is actually placed on the passenger seat 13. The case where 12 exists is included. In such a case, the operator can recognize the state by not turning on the warning display lamp 152 and notifying the buzzer from the transponder 121 when the child seat is attached.
[0067]
(Regarding seat belt control in the case of “CS displacement”):
Regardless of the detection state of the occupant detection sensor 133, the operation of the seat belt pretensioner and the seat belt load limiter is prohibited. Although this is a misalignment, since it is detected that the child seat 12 is actually mounted forward or backward, when the child seat 12 that is most problematic from the safety is facing backward, the above-described FIG. 16B and FIG. This is to prevent the state 17 (B) from occurring.
[0068]
(Regarding seat belt control in case of "input signal error" and "hard hardware failure"):
For the same reason as in the case of “C / S position deviation”, the operation of the seat belt pretensioner and the seat belt load limiter is prohibited regardless of the detection state of the occupant detection sensor 133.
[0069]
(Regarding seat belt control in the case of “CS forward detection”):
Regardless of the detection state of the occupant detection sensor 133, the operation of the seat belt pretensioner and the seat belt load limiter is permitted. This is because it is detected that the child seat 12 is normally attached forward.
[0070]
(Regarding seat belt control in the case of “CS backward detection”):
Regardless of the detection state of the occupant detection sensor 133, the operation of the seat belt pretensioner and the seat belt load limiter is prohibited. This is to prevent the situation shown in FIGS. 16B and 17B described above from occurring because the child seat 12 is detected to be normally attached backward.
[0071]
(Regarding seat belt control in the case of “No C / S”):
The operation of the seat belt pretensioner and the seat belt load limiter is permitted except when no occupant is detected. It goes without saying that deployment is allowed when an occupant is detected, but this corresponds to the fact that the occupant may be seated even when the occupant detection sensor 133 is completely failed.
[0072]
(On / off control of status display lamps 151 and 153):
In the present embodiment, the “C / S forward detection” and “No C / S” cases are detected when an occupant is detected, and only off (lights off). Otherwise, on (lights up). Let In other words, the status display lamps 151 and 153 are turned on only when the development of the passenger seat airbag 3 and the side airbag 4A is prohibited.
[0073]
(On / off control of warning display lamp 152):
In this embodiment, it is turned on (lit) when any of “C / S position deviation”, “input signal abnormality”, “hard hardware failure”, and occupant detection sensor complete failure occurs.
[0074]
<Description of flowchart>
Next, specific operations in FIG. 10, that is, air bag control, display lamp on / off control, and seat belt control will be described with reference to FIGS. 18, 21, 25, and 26, respectively. These processes are performed in parallel with time division by the CPU 101 of the control unit 11.
[0075]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing air bag control processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This control process is executed by the control unit 11 based on the communication data received from the sheet sensor unit 18.
[0076]
In the figure, when the ignition key is turned on and processing is started, the control unit 11 reads the state of each sensor (step S11). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether any of “C / S misalignment”, “input signal abnormality”, or “hard hardware failure” has occurred (steps S12 to S14). If yes, the process proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, when the state is not any of “C / S position deviation”, “input signal abnormality”, and “hard hardware failure”, it is determined whether the occupant detection sensor 133 has failed (step S15). If NO in step S20, the process proceeds to step S16.
[0077]
In step S20, it is determined whether or not “C / S forward detection” is set. If YES, the deployment of the passenger airbag 3 and side airbag 4A is allowed in step S21. On the other hand, if NO in step S20, the process proceeds to step S18.
[0078]
Next, the control unit 11 detects the occupant by the occupant detection sensor 133 in step S16, or in the case of “C / S forward detection” in step S17, the passenger seat airbag 3 and the passenger seat airbag 3 in step S21 The deployment of the side airbag 4A is allowed, and the process returns. On the other hand, if NO in step S17, it is determined whether "C / S backward detection" is detected (step S18), and if YES, deployment of the passenger airbag 3 and side airbag 4A is prohibited (step S19). To return. On the other hand, if NO in step S18, this corresponds to the case of “No C / S”, deployment of the passenger airbag 3 and side airbag 4A is permitted (step S21), and the process returns.
[0079]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the control processing of the status display lamp as the first embodiment of the present invention. This control process is executed by the control unit 11 based on the communication data received from the sheet sensor unit 18.
[0080]
In the figure, when the ignition key is turned on and processing is started, the control unit 11 reads the state of each sensor (step S31). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether any of “C / S misalignment”, “input signal abnormality”, or “hard hardware failure” has occurred (steps S32 to S34). If yes, the status display lamps 151 and 153 are turned on (step S39), and the process returns.
[0081]
On the other hand, if it is not in any state of “C / S position deviation”, “input signal abnormality”, or “hard hardware failure”, it is determined whether “C / S forward detection” (step S35). The status display lamps 151 and 153 are turned off (step S40), and the process returns. On the other hand, if NO in step S35, it is determined whether "C / S backward detection" is detected (step S36). If YES, the process proceeds to step S39 described above. If NO in step S36, it is determined whether the occupant detection sensor 133 has failed (step S37). If YES, the process proceeds to step S39 described above. On the other hand, if NO in step S37, it is determined whether an occupant is detected by the occupant detection sensor 133 (step S38). If YES, the process proceeds to step S40 described above, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S39 described above.
[0082]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the control processing of the warning display lamp as the first embodiment of the present invention. This control process is executed by the control unit 11 based on the communication data received from the sheet sensor unit 18.
[0083]
In the figure, when the ignition key is turned on and processing is started, the control unit 11 reads the state of each sensor (step S51). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether any one of “C / S position deviation”, “input signal abnormality”, “hard hardware failure”, or failure of the occupant detection sensor 133 has occurred (step S52). Step S55), if it has occurred, the failure warning display lamp 152 is turned on (Step S57), and the process returns.
[0084]
On the other hand, if the state is not any of “C / S position deviation”, “input signal abnormality”, “hard hardware failure”, and occupant detection sensor 133 failure, the failure warning display lamp 152 is turned off (step S57). Return.
[0085]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a seat belt control process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This control process is executed by the control unit 11 based on the communication data received from the sheet sensor unit 18.
[0086]
In the figure, when the ignition key is turned on and processing is started, the control unit 11 reads the state of each sensor (step S71). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether any of “C / S misalignment”, “input signal abnormality”, or “hard hardware failure” has occurred (steps S72 to S74). If so, the operation of the seat belt pretensioner and the seat belt load limiter is prohibited (step S80), and the process returns.
[0087]
On the other hand, if it is not in any state of “C / S position deviation”, “input signal abnormality”, or “hard defect”, it is determined whether “C / S forward detection” (step S75). The operation of the seat belt pretensioner and the seat belt load limiter is allowed (step S79), and the process returns. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S75, it is determined whether or not “C / S backward detection” is detected (step S76). If YES, the process proceeds to the above-described step S80. If NO in step S76, it is determined whether the occupant detection sensor 133 has failed (step S77). If YES, the process proceeds to step S79 described above. On the other hand, if NO in step S77, it is determined whether an occupant is detected by the occupant detection sensor 133 (step S78). If YES, the process proceeds to step S79 described above, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S80 described above.
[0088]
In the present embodiment, the system including both the seat belt pretensioner and the seat belt load limiter has been described. Needless to say, the system may include either one.
[0089]
In the present embodiment, the operating state of the airbag system is notified to the occupant by the lamp. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that voice output may be used in combination.
[0090]
[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0091]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a control operation as the second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the deployment of the airbag 4A is prohibited when the child seat 12 is attached to the front passenger seat 13 regardless of the detection state of the occupant detection sensor 133. . In such a case, even if the side airbag 4A is deployed, the effect cannot be expected so much. Therefore, the side seat shape of the child seat 12, that is, the structure that covers the infant as shown in FIG. It is intended to reduce the probability of repair frequency due to unnecessary deployment.
[0092]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an airbag control process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. If this flowchart is different from FIG. 18 described above, in the case of “C / S forward detection” in step S17 and step S20, deployment of the passenger airbag 3 is allowed in step S22, and the side The airbag 4A is different only in the portion that prohibits deployment.
[0093]
Since the configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0094]
[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0095]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a control operation as the second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 detects that any of the “CS position deviation”, “input signal abnormality”, “hard hardware failure”, or occupant detection sensor failure has occurred in the child seat 12. In this case, the airbag, the display lamp, and the seat belt are controlled based on the state of each sensor one cycle before the state where the occurrence is detected. Even if one of the above abnormal states occurs when the child seat 12 is mounted on the passenger seat 13, the actual state and the state of each sensor one cycle before the occurrence of the abnormal state are Since it is rare to be different, the purpose is to achieve fail-safe by adopting the state of each sensor before one cycle and controlling the airbag, the indicator lamp, and the seat belt. In the figure, the columns of “C / S position deviation”, “input signal abnormality”, and “hard hardware failure” are shown in an indefinite state.
[0096]
Next, processing in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 20, 24, and 28. FIG.
[0097]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an airbag control process according to the third embodiment of the present invention. If this flowchart is different from FIG. 18 described above, the control state of the passenger airbag 3 and the side airbag 4A is determined in step S19 or step S21, and then the RAM 106 of the control unit 11 is determined each time in step S23. The state of each sensor is stored / updated at a predetermined address. If any of “C / S misalignment”, “input signal abnormality”, “hard hardware failure”, or occupant detection sensor failure occurs, a predetermined address in the RAM 106 is referred to in step S22. The control of the passenger airbag 3 and the side airbag 4A is performed on the basis of the detection states of the sensors stored in the previous time.
[0098]
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing control processing of the status display lamp as the third embodiment of the present invention. If this flowchart is different from FIG. 21 described above, if any of the states "C / S position deviation", "input signal abnormality", "hard hardware failure", or occupant detection sensor failure occurs. In step S41, on / off control of the status display lamps 151 and 153 is performed by referring to a predetermined address in the RAM 106 and based on the stored detection state of each sensor in the previous time.
[0099]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a seat belt control process according to the third embodiment of the present invention. If this flowchart is different from the above-described FIG. 26, when any of the states of “C / S misalignment”, “input signal abnormality”, “hard hardware failure”, or occupant detection sensor failure occurs. In step S81, the predetermined address of the RAM 106 is referred to, and the seat belt pretensioner and the seat belt load limiter are controlled based on the previous detection state of each sensor stored.
[0100]
Since the configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0101]
<Modification of Third Embodiment>
Next, a modification of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this modified example, as an interrupt process to the air bag control in FIG. 20 described above, after the ignition key is turned on and the process is started, each fault provided in the automobile 1 is completed until the failure diagnosis of each sensor is completed. Deployment of the airbag (only the passenger airbag 3 and the side airbag 4A may be prohibited) is prohibited. This is to cope with the fact that the previous detection value of each sensor cannot be obtained in the initial state in which the ignition key is turned on.
[0102]
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an air bag control interrupt process as a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0103]
In the figure, when the ignition key is turned on and the processing is started, the control unit 11 prohibits the deployment of each airbag provided in the automobile 1 (step S111), and the first failure diagnosis of each sensor is performed. It is determined whether or not the processing has been completed (step S112). If YES in step S112, it is determined whether a sensor failure has occurred (step S113). If YES, the warning display lamp 152 is turned on (step S114) and the process returns. On the other hand, in the case of NO in step S113, the deployment prohibition state of each airbag is canceled (step S115), and the process is terminated.
[0104]
Further, in this modified example, a new effect can be obtained by determining whether the predetermined time set in advance in step S112 in FIG. 33 is determined. This is because it is generally expected that the state of the passenger in the vehicle (including the operation of attaching the child seat 12) will not be determined until a certain amount of time has passed since the ignition key was turned on. In this case, it is a safety problem to allow the airbag to be deployed.
[0105]
Since the configuration other than the above is the same as that of the third embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
[0106]
In addition, when determining progress of predetermined time in the process of step S112 of FIG. 33, about not only the airbag control process (FIG. 20) in 3rd Embodiment but the airbag control process in other embodiment. It may be adopted. Further, safety can be improved even if the seat belt control is adopted.
[0107]
[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0108]
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a control operation as the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, when the passenger seat 13 does not have the child seat 12 and the occupant detection sensor 133 detects no occupant, the passenger seat airbag 3 and the side airbag 4A are deployed. The prohibition is preferable from the viewpoint of reducing the frequency of repairs due to careless deployment. In such a case, the status display lamps 151 and 153 are not turned on in order to concentrate the occupant's (especially, driver) consciousness on the driving operation. Further, when there is no child seat 12 and the occupant detection sensor 133 fails, a case where an occupant is actually seated in the passenger seat is handled by the warning display lamp 152.
[0109]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a control process of the status display lamp as the fourth embodiment of the present invention. If this flowchart is different from FIG. 21 described above, the “C / S backward detection” in step S36 corresponds to the case of “No C / S” in the case of NO. Regardless of the detection state of the detection sensor 133, the state display lamps 151 and 153 are turned off in step S40.
[0110]
Since the configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0111]
[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0112]
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a control operation as the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the idea of the fourth embodiment is further advanced, and the chances of lighting the status display lamps 151 and 153 are further reduced in order to concentrate the occupant's (especially driver) consciousness on the driving operation. Intended to be Therefore, the state display lamps 151 and 153 are turned on only when the child seat 12 is mounted rearward on the passenger seat 13 and the occupant detection sensor 133 has not failed (the child seat is mounted on the passenger seat 13). The state display lamps 151 and 153 may be turned on even when the occupant detection sensor 133 is failing when the rear panel 12 is mounted rearward.
[0113]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the control processing of the status display lamp as the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0114]
In the figure, when the ignition key is turned on and processing is started, the control unit 11 reads the state of each sensor (step S31). Next, the control unit 11 is in a case where any of “CS misalignment”, “abnormal input signal”, “hard hardware”, and “CS forward detection” occurs from step S32 to step S35. Turns off the status display lamps 151 and 153 (step S40) and returns. If NO in step S35, it is determined whether “C / S backward detection” is detected (step S36). If NO, the process proceeds to step S40. If YES in step S36, it is determined whether the occupant detection sensor has failed (step S37). If YES, the process proceeds to step S40. If NO, the status display lamps 151 and 153 are turned on in step S39. To return.
[0115]
Since the configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0116]
[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0117]
FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a control operation according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, regardless of the state of the occupant detection sensor 133, the operation of the seat belt pretensioner is prohibited in the case of FIG. 17A described above, that is, when the child seat 12 is mounted forward. This is because the child seat 12 itself has a seat belt 122, and if the passenger seat airbag 3 and the seat belt load limiter are operated, there is no safety problem.
[0118]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a seat belt control process according to the third embodiment of the present invention. If this flowchart is different from FIG. 26 described above, if “CS forward detection” is detected in step S75, the operation of the seat belt pretensioner is prohibited in step S81, and the operation of the seat belt load limiter is as follows. It is to be allowed.
[0119]
Since the configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0120]
[Seventh embodiment]
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the idea of the fourth and fifth embodiments is further advanced, and the status display lamps 151 and 153 are further turned on in order to concentrate the occupant's (especially the driver) consciousness on the driving operation. The purpose is to reduce it. Therefore, when the state of the on / off control of the status display lamps 151 and 153 changes, the lamp is actually turned on for a predetermined time (in the case of changing from the lighting state to the off state, the lamp is blinked for a predetermined time and then turned off) )
[0121]
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the on-control of the state display lamp as the seventh embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to step S39 in FIGS. 21 to 24 described above.
[0122]
In the figure, in step S391, it is determined whether the status display lamp is currently lit. When it is not lit (in this case, the control value by the CPU 101 is 1 meaning lighting), the timer A that measures the lighting time of the status display lamp is reset and the timer B that times the blinking time is stopped. Thereafter, the status display lamp is turned on (step S392, step S393).
[0123]
On the other hand, if the status display lamp is currently lit in step S391, the timer A determines whether the predetermined time A has elapsed, and if it has elapsed, the timer A is stopped and then the status display lamp is turned off. (Steps S394 to S396).
[0124]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the off-control of the state display lamp as the seventh embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to step S40 in FIGS. 21 to 24 described above.
[0125]
In the figure, in step S401, it is determined whether the status display lamp is currently extinguished (including a blinking state). If it is lit (in this case, the control value by the CPU 101 is 0, which means lighting), the timer B that measures the blinking time of the status display lamp is reset and the timer A that measures the lighting time is stopped. Thereafter, the status display lamp starts blinking (steps S402 and S403).
[0126]
On the other hand, if the status display lamp is currently extinguished in step S401, it is determined whether the predetermined time B has elapsed by the timer B. If it has elapsed, the timer B is stopped and then the status display lamp is extinguished. (Steps S404 to S406).
[0127]
Since the configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. Needless to say, this embodiment does not have to be applied to the status indicator lamp 153 on the passenger seat side. In addition, after the processing of FIG. 29 or FIG. 30 is finished and the status display lamp is turned off, it may be turned on or blinking periodically. In this embodiment, the status display lamps 151 and 153 are turned on / off by a status display signal. However, each lamp may be of a two-lamp type, and either of them may be turned on depending on the status of the status display signal. Needless to say.
[0128]
[Eighth embodiment]
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above-described seventh embodiment, after the state of each sensor changes and the state display lamp is turned on or blinked by the processing of FIG. 29 or FIG. 30, the state display lamp is off unless the state of the sensor changes. It becomes the state as it is. Therefore, the passenger can check the current state of the state display lamp at his own will.
[0129]
FIG. 31 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of an airbag system as an eighth embodiment of the present invention. 1 differs from FIG. 1 in that a driver status check switch 161 and a passenger status check switch 162 are provided, and the signals to the status display lamps 151 and 153 are different. It is.
[0130]
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a status display confirmation process according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, which is executed by the control unit 11.
[0131]
In the figure, when the process is started with the ignition key turned on, the control unit 11 determines whether the state confirmation switch 161 or 162 has been pressed (step S91). In the case of YES, the current control value in the CPU 101 of the status display lamp is read (step S92), the timer C for measuring the predetermined lighting or blinking time of the status display lamp is reset and started (step S93), and the current control is performed. The status display lamp is turned on or blinked according to the value (step S94). When the predetermined time C has elapsed, the timer C is stopped, the status display lamp is turned off, and the process returns (steps S95 to S97).
[0132]
In the preferred embodiment, the confirmation processing of FIG. 32 may be made independent as the state display lamp 151 depending on the operation of the state confirmation switch 162 and as the state display lamp 153 depending on the state confirmation switch 161. This is because the driver's concentration on driving operation is expected to decrease when the driver's side state display lamp 151 starts to be turned on (flashing) by pressing the passenger side state confirmation switch 161. Because. In the case of such a configuration, it goes without saying that the state display lamps 151 and 153 are interlocked when the state display lamps are turned on (flashing) due to the state change of each sensor.
[0133]
Further, for example, the display according to each embodiment described above may be performed by the status display lamp 151, and the status display lamp 153 may be configured to display the deployment permission / prohibition status of the passenger seat airbag.
[0134]
Each of the above embodiments has been described based on the first embodiment for the sake of convenience of explanation. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention may be applied to a configuration appropriately combined with other embodiments. It goes without saying that it is included in the disclosure scope of.
[0135]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the safety of a child seated on a child seat is controlled by appropriately controlling the operation of the seat belt pretensioner and / or the seat belt load limiter according to the state of wearing the child seat. It is possible to provide an occupant restraint system for a vehicle that can ensure safety. That is, it is possible to appropriately control whether or not the seat belt pretensioner and / or the seat belt load limiter on the passenger seat side is operated according to the presence or absence of the passenger in the passenger seat and the child seat mounting state. Thereby, in addition to ensuring the safety of the child seated on the child seat, it is possible to reduce the opportunity for replacement and adjustment after the operation of the seat belt pretensioner and / or the seat belt load limiter.
[0136]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of an airbag system as a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an automobile equipped with an airbag system as a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a control unit 11 as a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram showing an outline of a sheet sensor unit 18 as a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a communication format as the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication data as the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an antenna provided in the passenger seat 13 as the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a transponder provided in the child seat 12 as the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a view showing variations of the child seat mounting state according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a control operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a control operation as a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a control operation as a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a control operation according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a control operation according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a control operation according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the behavior of the child seat when the seat belt pretensioner is operated as the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the behavior of the child seat when the seat belt load limiter is operated as the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing air bag control processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an airbag control process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an airbag control process according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a control process of the status display lamp as the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing control processing of a status display lamp as a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing control processing of a status display lamp as a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing control processing of a status display lamp as a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a control process of the warning display lamp as the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing seat belt control processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a seat belt control process according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a seat belt control process according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing ON control of a status display lamp as a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing off control of a state display lamp as a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 31 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of an airbag system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing status display confirmation processing according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an interrupt process for airbag control as a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the seat belt load limiter as the first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the seat belt load limiter as the first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the seat belt load limiter as the first embodiment of the invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Car 2 Driver's seat airbag 3 Passenger's seat airbag 4A-4D Side airbag 5 Passenger seat airbag storage part 6 Steering wheel 9 Rear seat 10 Driver's seat 11 Control unit 12 Child seat 14 Front impact detection sensor 15 Instrument panel 16 Passenger seat Inflator 17 Driver's seat inflator 18 Seat sensor unit 31 Driver's seat side inflator 32 Passenger seat side inflator 33 Seat belt pretensioner drive unit 34 Seat belt load limiter drive unit 35 Right side impact detection sensor 36 Left side impact detection sensor 41 Seat belt 42 Dashboard 121 Transponders 131F and 131R Reception antenna 132 Transmission antenna 133 Occupant detection sensors 151 and 153 Status display lamp 152 Fault warning display lamp 61,162 status confirmation switch 102,206 communication interface 103 sensor input interface 104 operation input interface 107 output interface 108 state notification interface 105,204 ROM
106,205 RAM
109,209 Bus 101, 201 CPU
202 Transmission circuit 203F, 203R Reception circuit 301 Seat belt load limiter 302 Deformation member 303 Webbing 304 Stopper 305 Lock lever

Claims (4)

The vehicle occupant restraint system includes a seat belt load limiter configured to be pulled out by a predetermined length and stopped when a load of a predetermined value or more is applied in a direction in which the seat belt is pulled out. And
A seat belt that restrains the child seat seat back placed on the vehicle seat in a position close to the dashboard;
A child seat detection means for detecting that a child seat is mounted rearwardly on the vehicle seat,
When it is detected that the child seat is mounted rearwardly by the child seat detection means, the seat belt does not allow the extraction of said predetermined length by the load limiter drawer prohibition control means for prohibiting the withdrawal of the seat belt When,
A vehicle occupant restraint system comprising: The extraction prohibiting control means, when said child seat detection means is if or fail indicating an output abnormality without permitting withdrawal of said predetermined length by said seat belt load limiting, prohibiting the withdrawal of the seat belt The vehicle occupant restraint system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. Furthermore, a specifying means for specifying the orientation of the child seat is provided,
The pull-out prohibiting control unit allows the seat belt load limiter to pull out a predetermined length without prohibiting the pulling out of the seat belt when the output of the specifying unit indicates the front direction of the vehicle. The vehicle occupant restraint system according to claim 1. The pull-out prohibition control means does not allow the seat belt load limiter to pull out the predetermined length when the output of the specifying means does not indicate the front direction or the rear direction of the vehicle. occupant restraint system for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the prohibiting.

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