JP3885325B2 - Vehicle airbag control device and vehicle occupant state detection device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a vehicle airbag control device and a vehicle occupant state detection device that perform control so that an airbag is deployed to protect an occupant when a vehicle collides.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-277123, a heater for heating a gas generated by an inflator for deploying an airbag to increase the gas pressure is provided, and a vehicle without a seat belt is worn. By configuring the air heater to increase the deployment pressure of the airbag when a collision accident occurs, the airbag can be operated at different pressures depending on whether the occupant is wearing a seat belt. 2. Description of the Related Art A vehicle occupant restraint device that is adapted to be deployed is known.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  In the event of a collision accident when the occupant is not wearing a seat belt as described above, the airbag deployment control adapted to the occupant's condition is controlled when the airbag deployment pressure is uniformly increased. There was a problem that it could not be executed. That is, when the seat belt is not worn, the posture of the occupant changes greatly depending on the traveling state of the vehicle, and it is not always possible to properly protect the occupant by increasing the deployment pressure of the airbag. It was impossible to execute airbag deployment control adapted to the running conditions.
[0004]
  In view of such circumstances, the present invention provides a vehicle airbag control device and a vehicle occupant state detection device capable of appropriately protecting an occupant in a vehicle collision or the like.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle airbag control device configured to deploy an airbag at the time of a vehicle collision and to control a deployment pressure of the airbag.CarAcceleration / deceleration detecting means for detecting acceleration / deceleration acting on the body;,thisA preset reference according to the detection signal of the acceleration / deceleration detecting meansaccelerationMore thanaccelerationWhen it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state where the state has continued for a reference time or more, the deployment pressure of the airbag is set to be higher than normal.highIt controls to do.
[0006]
  According to the above configuration, at the time of a vehicle collision,When it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state where the acceleration state equal to or higher than the reference acceleration is continued for a reference time or longer according to the detection signal of the acceleration / deceleration detecting means, The airbag is deployed at a higher pressure than usual by the control means, and the airbag is deployed quickly.It will be.
[0007]
  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle airbag control device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the vehicle airbag control device further comprises a wearing state detecting means for detecting whether or not the occupant is wearing a seat belt. When it is detected that the vehicle is wearing a seat belt and it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred,DecreaseThe airbag is configured to have a high deployment pressure regardless of the detection state of the speed detection means.
[0008]
  According to the above configuration, it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state where it is confirmed that the occupant is not wearing a seat belt according to the detection signal of the wearing state detecting means at the time of a vehicle collision. In such a case, the airbag control means controls the airbag to be deployed at a higher pressure than usual, thereby suppressing the rapid deployment of the airbag.
[0009]
  The invention according to claim 3 is the above claim.2In the vehicle airbag control device described,wear The state detection means detects that the occupant is not wearing a seat belt, and a deceleration state equal to or higher than a preset reference deceleration is continued for a reference time or more according to a detection signal of the acceleration / deceleration detection means. When it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred and the upper vehicle collision accident has occurred, the airbag deployment pressure is made lower than normal.It is comprised as follows.
[0010]
  According to the above configuration, at the time of a vehicle collision, it is confirmed that the occupant is not wearing a seat belt according to the detection signals of the wearing state detecting unit and the acceleration / deceleration detecting unit, and the deceleration state is equal to or higher than the reference deceleration. If it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state where the vehicle has continued for more than the reference time, the airbag control means controls the airbag to be deployed at a lower pressure than normal. Thus, rapid deployment of the airbag is suppressed.
[0011]
  Claim4The invention according to claim 13In the vehicle airbag control device described above, the deceleration state equal to or greater than the second deceleration set to a value greater than the reference deceleration isIn a state continued for over the reference time,Configured to prohibit the deployment of airbags when it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurredIs.
[0012]
  According to the above configuration, at the time of a vehicle collision, it is confirmed that the occupant is not wearing a seat belt according to the detection signals of the wearing state detecting means and the acceleration / deceleration detecting means, and is equal to or higher than the second reference deceleration. If it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a sudden deceleration state in which the deceleration state has continued for a reference time or more, the airbag control means prohibits deployment of the airbag, It will be held in a non-deployed state.
[0013]
  Claim5The invention according to claim 13In the vehicle airbag control device described above, a vehicle collision accident occurs when the deceleration state equal to or higher than the reference deceleration is continued for a second reference time or longer set to a time longer than the reference time. When the occurrence is confirmed, the airbag is prohibited from being deployed.
[0014]
  According to the above configuration, at the time of a vehicle collision, it is confirmed that the occupant is not wearing a seat belt according to the detection signals of the wearing state detecting unit and the acceleration / deceleration detecting unit, and the deceleration state is equal to or higher than the reference deceleration. If it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in the sudden deceleration state that has continued for more than the second reference time, the airbag control means prohibits deployment of the airbag, It will be held in the unfolded state.
[0015]
  Claim6The invention according to claim 17In the vehicle airbag control device described above, the deceleration state equal to or higher than the second deceleration set to a value larger than the reference deceleration is over the second reference time set to a time longer than the reference time. In this state, when it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred, deployment of the airbag is prohibited.
[0016]
  According to the above configuration, at the time of a vehicle collision, it is confirmed that the occupant is not wearing a seat belt according to the detection signals of the wearing state detecting means and the acceleration / deceleration detecting means, and is equal to or higher than the second reference deceleration. When it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in the sudden deceleration state where the deceleration state has continued for the second reference time or more, the airbag control means prohibits deployment of the airbag, The bag is held in a non-deployed state.
[0017]
  The invention according to claim 7 is a vehicle occupant state detection device that detects whether or not an occupant is seated in a proper state on a seat at the time of a vehicle collision, and is an acceleration / deceleration detection that detects an acceleration / deceleration acting on a vehicle body. And a detection signal from the acceleration / deceleration detecting means, it was confirmed that a vehicle collision accident occurred in a state in which an acceleration state exceeding a preset reference acceleration was continued for a reference time or more. In this case, there is provided a seating state detecting means for judging that the occupant is seated in an appropriate state on the seat.
[0018]
  According to the above configuration, at the time of a vehicle collision, a vehicle collision accident occurred in a state where the acceleration state equal to or higher than the reference acceleration was continued for a reference time or longer according to the detection signal of the acceleration / deceleration detecting means. Is confirmed, the seating state detection means determines that the occupant is properly seated on the seat, and a control signal is output from the seating state detection means to the display means.
[0019]
  The invention according to claim 8 is the vehicle occupant state detection device according to claim 7, further comprising: a wearing state detection unit that detects whether or not the occupant is wearing a seat belt. Is confirmed to be wearing a seat belt,DecreaseThe occupant is determined to be seated in an appropriate state on the seat regardless of the detection state of the speed detection means.
[0020]
  According to the above configuration, when it is confirmed by the wearing state detection means that the occupant is wearing the seat belt at the time of a vehicle collision,DecreaseRegardless of the detection state of the speed detection means, the seating state detection means determines that the occupant is properly seated on the seat, and a control signal is output from the seating state detection means to the display means or the like. become.
[0021]
  In the invention according to claim 9, it is confirmed that the occupant is not wearing a seat belt according to the detection signal of the wearing state detection means, and a reference set in advance according to the detection signal of the acceleration / deceleration detection means Determining that the passenger is not seated properly in the seat when it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred while the deceleration state over deceleration has continued for more than the reference time It is configured.
[0022]
  According to the above configuration, at the time of a vehicle collision, it is confirmed that the occupant is not wearing a seat belt according to the detection signals of the wearing state detecting unit and the acceleration / deceleration detecting unit, and the deceleration state is equal to or higher than the reference deceleration. When it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state that has been continued for a reference time or more, it is determined that the occupant is not seated in the seat in the seating state detection means, A control signal is output from the seating state detection means to the display means.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a vehicle airbag control device according to the present invention mounted on a vehicle having a pretensioner 2 for driving a seat belt 1 in the direction of holding an occupant. The airbag control device includes an airbag 4 installed on a steering wheel 3, an inflator 5 that deploys the airbag 4, and a pair of G sensors 6 and 7 that detect acceleration / deceleration acting on the vehicle body. A detecting means, a wearing state detecting means comprising a belt sensor 8 for determining whether or not an occupant is wearing the seat belt 1, and a steering angle detecting means comprising a steering angle sensor 31 for detecting a steering angle of the steering wheel 3. And a control unit 9 for operating the pretensioner 2 at the time of a vehicle collision and controlling the airbag 4 to be deployed at a predetermined deployment pressure.
[0024]
  The pretensioner 2 is configured to wind up a shoulder belt that holds the shoulder portion of the occupant. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the winder winds up the webbing of the seat belt 1 with a predetermined spring force. A reel 10, a pinion gear 11 connected to the drive shaft of the take-up reel 10, a rack gear 12 that rotationally drives the pinion gear 11, and a gas generator 13 that drives the rack gear 12 are provided. In the event of a vehicle collision, the gas generator 13 is activated in accordance with a control signal output from the control unit 9, and the gas pressure for moving the rack gear 12 from the lower standby position to the upper drive position as indicated by the arrow. Is generated, the pinion gear 11 is rotated, and the webbing of the seat belt 1 is taken up by the take-up reel 10.
[0025]
  As shown in FIG. 3, the airbag 4 is stored in a folded state in a storage case 14 provided at the center of the steering wheel 3, and a protective pad 14a that covers the surface of the storage case 14 in the event of a vehicle collision. By breaking and expanding, the vehicle is configured to expand between the steering wheel 3 and an occupant seated in the driver's seat (see FIG. 1).
[0026]
  The inflator 5 includes a pair of gas generating agents 16 and 17 that are partitioned and accommodated by a partition wall 15 and a pair of squibs 18 and 19 that individually burn the gas generating agents 16 and 17, respectively. ing. Then, in the event of a vehicle collision, according to the control signal output from the control unit 9, only one of the squibs 18, 19 is operated at a predetermined operation timing T1, as shown by a solid line a in FIG. The airbag 4 is developed based on the low pressure characteristics, and both the squibs 18 and 19 are operated simultaneously at the operation timing T1, so that the airbag 4 is made to have the high pressure characteristics as shown by the broken line b in FIG. Based on the development. Further, after one of the squibs 18 and 19 is operated at the operation timing T1, the other of the squibs 18 and 19 is operated at an operation timing T2 after a predetermined time has elapsed, so that the airbag 4 is shown in FIG. It develops based on the medium pressure characteristic indicated by the virtual line c.
[0027]
  The G sensors 6 and 7 are installed, for example, on a bumper frame of a vehicle body, a cross member of a cowl portion, and the like so as to detect a longitudinal acceleration / deceleration acting on the vehicle body and output a detection signal to the control unit 9. It is configured. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 9 operates a collision state determination means 20 for determining a vehicle collision state and the pretensioner 2 in accordance with detection signals output from the G sensors 6 and 7. There are provided pretensioner control means 21 for outputting a control signal for causing the airbag 4 to be deployed and an airbag control means 22 for outputting the control signal for operating the inflator 5 to deploy the airbag 4.
[0028]
  The collision state determination means 20 determines whether or not the vehicle is in a collision state based on the average value of acceleration / deceleration detected by the G sensors 6 and 7, and at the time of the vehicle collision, the pretensioner 2 and the inflator. A collision state comprising a threshold value as a criterion for determining whether or not to operate the vehicle 5 and its operation timing, and consisting of the movement speed and distance of the occupant's head between the predetermined time before the collision and the time of the collision Is obtained by calculation.
[0029]
  The pretensioner control means 21 confirms that the vehicle is in a predetermined collision state and the occupant is wearing the seat belt 1 according to the output signals of the belt sensor 8 and the collision state determination means 20. In this case, a control signal for operating the pretensioner 2 is output at a predetermined timing.
[0030]
  The airbag control means 22 continues a predetermined deceleration state for a predetermined time when the seat belt 1 is not worn according to the output signals of the G sensors 6, 7, the belt sensor 8 and the collision state determination means 20. When it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred, the airbag 4 is deployed at a low pressure by operating only one of the squibs 18 and 19, and the vehicle is rapidly decelerated. When it is confirmed that a collision accident has occurred, the airbag 4 is prohibited from being deployed.
[0031]
  In addition, the airbag control means 22 is in a predetermined deceleration state or when a seat belt 1 is not worn according to detection signals from the G sensors 6 and 7, the belt sensor 8, the collision state determination means 20 and the rudder angle sensor 31. When it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in any of the acceleration states, or when the seat belt 1 is worn, it is confirmed that the steering angle of the steering wheel 3 is larger than a preset reference angle. In this case, the squibs 18 and 19 are operated with a predetermined time difference so as to execute control for deploying the airbag 4 at medium pressure.
[0032]
  Further, the airbag control means 22 determines whether the acceleration state of the vehicle when the seat belt 1 is not worn according to the output signals of the G sensors 6 and 7, the belt sensor 8, the collision state determination means 20 and the rudder angle sensor 31. When it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state of being continued for a predetermined time, or when the seat belt 1 is worn, the steering angle of the steering wheel 3 is equal to or less than the reference angle. When it is confirmed that a collision accident has occurred, control is performed to deploy the airbag 4 at a high pressure by simultaneously operating both squibs 18 and 19 of the inflator 5 at a predetermined timing. .
[0033]
  The control operation executed in the control unit 9 will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. When the control operation starts, first, the detection values of the sensors are input (step S1), and then the deceleration G detected by the G sensors 6 and 7 is about 3 g (g is gravitational acceleration) set in advance. It is determined whether or not a collision accident has occurred (step S2). If NO, the operation control of the pretensioner 2 and the deployment control of the airbag 4 are executed. It judges that it is not necessary and returns.
[0034]
  If it is determined YES in step S2 and it has been confirmed that a deceleration G of 3 g or more has acted on the vehicle body, that is, that a vehicle collision accident has occurred, it is based on the detection values of the respective sensors. Then, threshold values V1 and L1, which are criteria for determining whether or not to deploy the airbag 4, and the operation timing T1 of the pretensioner 2 and the inflator 5 are set (step S3). For example, a threshold value V1 corresponding to the moving speed of the head of the occupant and a threshold value L1 corresponding to the moving distance based on the map data stored in the storage means and the detection values of the sensors. The operation timing T1 is read and set.
[0035]
  Next, based on the detected value of the deceleration G, the movement speed V and the movement distance L of the occupant's head are calculated (step S4). That is, the movement of the head is integrated by integrating the value of the deceleration G within a time period from a current time (for example, 1 second before) to a current time before the current time when it is confirmed that the vehicle is in a collision state. The velocity V {= ∫Gdt, (t = −1 to 0)} is obtained, and the value of the moving velocity V is integrated within the same time, whereby the moving distance L {= ∫Vdt, (t = −1 to 0)}.
[0036]
  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the calculated values of the moving speed V and the moving distance L of the head are equal to or greater than the threshold values V1 and L1 set in step S4 (steps S5 and S6). If NO is determined in any of steps S5 and S6, it is determined that it is not necessary to execute the operation control of the pretensioner 2 and the deployment control of the airbag 4 because the inertial force acting on the occupant is small. And return.
[0037]
  If it is determined YES in each of steps S5 and S6, it is determined whether or not the occupant is wearing the seat belt 1 according to the detection signal of the belt sensor 8 (step S7). If determined, the pretensioner 2 is operated based on the operation timing T1 set in step S3 (step S8).
[0038]
  If it is determined NO in step S7 and it is confirmed that the occupant is not wearing the seat belt 1, the deceleration detected by the G sensors 6 and 7 is set to a first value of about 1 g. It is determined whether or not the vehicle has entered a collision state in a state where the deceleration state that is equal to or greater than the reference deceleration has continued from the time point before the first reference time t1 set in advance to about 1 second to the present time (step) S9).
[0039]
  In step S9, it is determined as YES, and it has been confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state where the deceleration state of 1 g or more of the first reference deceleration is continued over the first reference time t1 or more. In this case, after determining that the occupant is in an out-of-position state in which the occupant is not properly seated on the seat (step S10), a value larger than the first reference deceleration 1g (for example, 2g) is set. It is determined whether or not the deceleration state equal to or higher than the second reference deceleration is continued for the first reference time t1 or more (step S11).
[0040]
  When it is determined NO in step S11 and it is confirmed that the deceleration state of the second reference deceleration 2g or more is not continued for the first reference time t1 or more when the vehicle collides, It is determined whether or not the deceleration state of the first reference deceleration 1g or more has continued for a time longer than the first reference time t1, for example, the second reference deceleration time t2 or more set to about 2 seconds ( Step S12).
[0041]
  If it is determined NO in step S12 and it is confirmed that the deceleration state of the first reference deceleration 1g or more is not continued for the second reference time t2 or more when the vehicle collides, By outputting a control signal for operating only one of the squibs 18 and 19 constituting the inflator 5 at the operation timing T1 set in step S3, and maintaining the other in an inoperative state (step S13), The airbag 4 is deployed at a low pressure.
[0042]
  In addition, it is determined as YES in step S11, and it is confirmed that the vehicle is in a collision state in a rapid deceleration state in which the deceleration state of the second reference deceleration 2g or more continues for the first reference time t1 or more. If it is determined or YES is determined in step S12, the vehicle is in a collision state in a sudden deceleration state in which the deceleration state of 1 g or more of the first reference deceleration is continued over the second reference time t2 or more. If this is confirmed, the deployment of the airbag 4 is prohibited by terminating the control operation without operating the inflator 5.
[0043]
  When it is determined NO in step S9, the state in which the deceleration detected by the G sensors 6 and 7 is equal to or lower than a preset reference deceleration of about -1 g is the first reference time. It is determined whether or not a vehicle collision accident has occurred in the acceleration state continued over t1 (step S14). That is, it is determined whether or not an acceleration state having a preset reference acceleration of 1 g or more has been continued for the first reference time t1 or more during a vehicle collision.
[0044]
  If NO is determined in step S14, whether or not the vehicle is in an out-of-position state where the occupant is not properly seated on the seat because the vehicle is not in a predetermined deceleration state or acceleration state. Is determined to be impossible (step S15), and one of the squibs 18 and 19 constituting the inflator 5 is operated at the operation timing T1 set in step S3 (step S16). By operating the other of the squibs 18 and 19 at an operation timing T2 that has passed a predetermined time from the operation timing T1 (step S17), the airbag 4 is deployed at an intermediate pressure.
[0045]
  Further, when it is determined YES in step S14 and it is confirmed that the acceleration state of the reference acceleration 1g or more is continued for the first reference time t1 or more at the time of a vehicle collision, or in step S8. When the pretensioner 2 is activated, it is determined that the occupant is not out-of-position and is seated in an appropriate state on the seat (step S18), and then the occupant is detected according to the detection signal of the belt sensor 8. It is determined whether or not the user is wearing the seat belt 1 (step S19).
[0046]
  If YES is determined in step S19, it is determined whether or not the steering angle θ of the steering wheel 3 detected by the steering angle sensor 31 is larger than a reference steering angle set to about 90 ° in advance. However, if YES is determined, the process proceeds to steps S16 and S17 to operate the squibs 18 and 19 with a predetermined time difference, thereby dividing the airbag 4 twice. Deploy and set the deployment pressure to medium pressure.
[0047]
  When it is determined NO in Step S20 and it is confirmed that the steering angle θ of the steering wheel 3 is equal to or less than the reference steering angle 90 °, the operation timing T1 set in Step S3 is used. By simultaneously operating both the squibs 18 and 19 constituting the inflator 5 (step S21), the airbag 4 is deployed at a high pressure. If it is determined NO in step S19 and it is confirmed that the occupant is not wearing the seat belt 1, the process proceeds directly to step S21 without performing the determination of the steering angle θ. The bag 4 is deployed at high pressure.
[0048]
  As described above, the wearing state detecting means comprising the belt sensor 8 for detecting whether or not the occupant is wearing the seat belt 1, and the acceleration / deceleration detecting means comprising the G sensors 6 and 7 for detecting the acceleration / deceleration acting on the vehicle body. And the belt sensor 8 confirms that the occupant is not wearing the seat belt 1, and the deceleration state of the first reference deceleration 1g or more set in advance according to the detection signals of the G sensors 6 and 7 When it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state that continues for a preset first reference time t1 or more, the deployment pressure of the airbag 4 is deployed at an intermediate pressure. Since air bag control means 22 is provided to control the air bag 4 so that the air bag 4 is deployed at a low pressure, the air bag 4 is deployed at an appropriate pressure so that the occupant is effective. It can be protected.
[0049]
  That is, when the occupant is not wearing the seat belt 1 and the collision accident occurs in the deceleration state, the occupant's body moves to the front side of the vehicle body according to the inertial force acting on the occupant. Therefore, by operating only one of the squibs 18 and 19 constituting the inflator 5 to set the deployment pressure of the airbag 4 to a low pressure, the rapid deployment of the airbag 4 is suppressed. The occupant can be properly protected by the airbag 4 in a state where an excessive pressing force is prevented from being applied to the occupant.
[0050]
  Further, as shown in the above-described embodiment, in accordance with the detection signal of the acceleration / deceleration detecting means composed of the G sensors 6 and 7, the deceleration of the second deceleration 2g or more set to a value larger than the first reference deceleration 1g. According to the configuration in which the deployment of the airbag 4 is prohibited when it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state in which the state continues for the first reference time t1 or more, Since it is possible to prevent the airbag 4 from being deployed in a sudden deceleration state where it is considered that the occupant's body is moving to a position close to the front end of the passenger compartment in response to a large inertial force acting at the time of a vehicle collision, It is possible to reliably prevent the pressing force of the airbag 4 from acting on the occupant. In this case, the vehicle is considerably decelerated until it enters the collision state, and it is considered that there is little influence on the occupant even if the airbag 4 is not deployed.
[0051]
  Further, in the above embodiment, the deceleration state of the first reference deceleration 1g or more is set to a time longer than the first reference time t1 in accordance with the detection signal of the acceleration / deceleration detecting means comprising the G sensors 6 and 7. Since the airbag 4 is not allowed to be deployed when it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state of being continued for the second reference time t2 or more, the operation is performed when the vehicle collides. The airbag 4 is prevented from deploying in a sudden deceleration state in which the occupant's body moves to a position close to the front end of the passenger compartment according to the inertial force and the vehicle speed is considered to be sufficiently decelerated. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent the pressing force of the airbag 4 from acting on the occupant.
[0052]
  In the above embodiment, YES is determined in any one of steps S11 and S12 of the control operation shown in FIG. 7, and the deceleration state of 2g or more of the second reference deceleration is over the first reference time t1 or more. When it is confirmed that the vehicle is in a collision state in a continued state, or in a state where the deceleration state of 1 g or more of the first reference deceleration is continued for the second reference time t2 or more. The example in which the airbag 4 is prohibited from being deployed when it is confirmed that the vehicle has entered the collision state has been described, but instead of this configuration, the deceleration state of the second deceleration 2g or more is The airbag 4 may be configured not to be deployed when it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state that has continued for two or more reference times t2.
[0053]
  That is, as shown in FIG. 8, when the vehicle is in a collision state in a state in which the determination of YES is made in step S10 and the deceleration state of the first reference deceleration 1g or more continues for the first reference time t1 or more. When it has been confirmed that the deceleration state of the second deceleration 2g or more set to a value larger than the first reference deceleration 1g is set to a time longer than the first reference time t1. You may make it determine whether it continued over 2nd reference time t2 or more (step S31). If YES is determined in step S31, the process directly returns to prohibit the deployment of the airbag 4, and if NO is determined in step S31, the process proceeds to step S13 and the airbag 4 is moved. May be configured to be deployed at a lower pressure than normal.
[0054]
  as mentioned aboveIn accordance with the detection signal of the acceleration / deceleration detecting means composed of the G sensors 6 and 7, the vehicle collision occurs in the state where the acceleration state of the reference acceleration 1g or more preset in step S14 is continued for the reference time t1 or more. When it is confirmed that an accident has occurred, the deployment pressure of the airbag 4 is set to be higher than that during normal deployment, and the airbag 4 is deployed at a high pressure. Sometimes, the airbag 4 can be quickly deployed to effectively protect the occupant.
[0055]
  That is, when a collision accident occurs in the acceleration state, regardless of whether or not the occupant is wearing the seat belt 1, the occupant's body moves to the rear side of the vehicle body according to the inertial force acting at the time of the vehicle collision, Since it is considered that the occupant is seated on the seat in an appropriate state and is not easily subjected to the pressing force by the airbag 4, both the squibs 18 and 19 constituting the inflator 5 are simultaneously operated to deploy the airbag 4. By setting the pressure to a high pressure, the airbag 4 can be quickly deployed to properly protect the occupant.
[0056]
  Then, in each of the steps S7, S9, and S14, it is determined as NO, and in a state where the occupant is not wearing a seat belt, the deceleration state of the first reference deceleration 1G or more or the acceleration state of the reference acceleration 1g or more is established. If it is determined that it is unclear whether or not a vehicle collision accident has occurred and the occupant is seated in an appropriate state on the seat in a state that has not been continued for the reference time t1 or more, By moving to step S16 and operating both squibs 18 and 19 with a predetermined time difference, the airbag 4 is configured to be deployed at an intermediate pressure, so that an excessive pressing force is applied to the occupant during a vehicle collision. While preventing the vehicle from being given, the airbag 4 can be deployed at an appropriate speed to protect the occupant.
[0057]
  Further, in the above embodiment, the steering angle of the steering wheel 3 detected by the steering angle detection means comprising the steering angle sensor 31 in a state where it is considered that the occupant is properly seated on the seat in the event of a vehicle collision. When it is confirmed that θ is larger than a reference rudder angle that is set to about 90 ° in advance, both the squibs 18 and 19 are operated with a predetermined time difference so that the airbag 4 is operated twice. Since the airbag 4 is configured to be deployed separately, when the airbag 4 is deployed in the first stage, the arm of the occupant who covers the steering wheel 3 is detached from the steering wheel 3 or the steering wheel 3 is positioned appropriately. After urging the passenger to move the passenger's hand, the second stage of deployment can be performed. Accordingly, the airbag 4 can be deployed at a predetermined speed to effectively protect the occupant while effectively preventing the pressing force of the airbag 4 from acting on the occupant's arm.
[0058]
  Further, as shown in the above-described embodiment, a deceleration of 3 g or more acts on the vehicle, and the moving speed V and moving distance L of the occupant's head are larger than predetermined threshold values V1 and L1, respectively. According to the configuration in which the pretensioner 2 is operated and the seat belt 1 is wound up when it is confirmed that a collision has occurred, the body of the occupant who has moved to the front side of the vehicle body according to the inertial force at the time of the collision, etc. Can be pulled back backward by the seat belt 1 and properly seated on the seat, so that the passenger's protective effect by operating the pretensioner 2 and the passenger's protective effect by deploying the airbag 4 The passenger can be properly protected by the synergistic effect.
[0059]
  The present invention is not limited to the airbag 4 for the driver's seat but can be applied to an airbag disposed in front of the passenger seat or the like. In this case, an occupant detection means comprising an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a CCD sensor or the like for detecting whether or not an occupant is seated in the passenger seat is provided, and the occupant is in accordance with a detection signal of the occupant detection means. It is desirable to prevent the airbag from being unnecessarily deployed by configuring so as to execute the control only when it is confirmed that the user is seated. Further, since the steering wheel 3 is not provided in front of the occupant, the determination operation in steps S19 and S20 in the control operation shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 can be omitted. In the driver's seat airbag 4 as well, the determination operation in steps S19 and S20 is omitted, and it is determined in step S18 that the occupant is not out-of-position and seated on the seat in an appropriate state. You may make it transfer to step S21 directly and make the airbag 4 expand | deploy at high pressure.
[0060]
  Further, in the above embodiment, the inflator 5 is provided with a pair of gas generating agents 16 and 17 and squibs 18 and 19 so that one or both of the squibs 18 and 19 are simultaneously operated or both squibs 18 are applied at the time of a vehicle collision. , 19 are operated with a predetermined time difference to control the deployment pressure of the airbag 4. However, the deployment pressure control method is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made. Is possible. For example, there are three types of inflators: an inflator that deploys air bags at low pressure, an inflator that deploys medium pressure, and an inflator that deploys high pressure, and selectively operates one of these inflators or adjusts the opening area. A possible exhaust valve may be provided in the airbag and the deployment pressure of the airbag may be controlled by adjusting the opening of the exhaust valve.
[0061]
  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, from a wearing state detection means comprising a belt sensor 8 for detecting whether or not an occupant is wearing the seat belt 1, and G sensors 6 and 7 for detecting acceleration / deceleration acting on the vehicle body. In the vehicle having the acceleration / deceleration detecting means, it is confirmed that the occupant is not wearing the seat belt 1 according to the detection signal of the belt sensor 8 and according to the detection signals of the G sensors 6 and 7 in advance. When it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state where the deceleration state exceeding the set reference deceleration of about 1 g is continued for the reference time t1 of about 1 second or more, the occupant is seated The seating state detecting means 23 for determining that the user is not seated in an appropriate state may be provided.
[0062]
  When configured as described above, it is easily and accurately detected whether or not an occupant is seated in an appropriate state according to detection signals from the G sensors 6 and 7 and the belt sensor 8 when the vehicle collides. Therefore, the data corresponding to the detection result can be output to the display means or the storage means to perform a predetermined display or data storage, and the occupant detected by the seating state detection means 23 can be used. By outputting an operation command signal suitable for the state to the occupant protection means comprising the airbag control device or the like, the occupant can be properly protected by the occupant protection means.
[0063]
  Further, in the seating state detection means 23, an acceleration state equal to or higher than a preset reference acceleration of about 1 g is continued for a reference time t1 of about 1 second or more according to the detection signals of the G sensors 6 and 7. When it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred, it is possible to easily and accurately detect the occupant's sitting state by determining that the occupant is seated in the seat in the proper state. You may be able to do that.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained above, the present inventionThe carIn a vehicle airbag control device configured to deploy an airbag at the time of a collision between the two and control the deployment pressure of the airbag, an acceleration / deceleration detecting means for detecting an acceleration / deceleration acting on the vehicle body, and the acceleration / deceleration When it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state in which an acceleration state equal to or higher than a preset reference acceleration is continued for a reference time or longer according to a detection signal of the detection means, the airbag Air bag control means for controlling the deployment pressure of the vehicle to be higher than normal, so that the airbag can be quickly deployed in the event of a collision accident where the occupant is considered to be seated in a proper state. The advantage is that the passengers can be effectively protected.
[0065]
  Also,The present invention is a vehicle occupant state detection device that detects whether or not an occupant is seated in a proper state on a seat at the time of a vehicle collision, and includes an acceleration / deceleration detection unit that detects acceleration / deceleration acting on a vehicle body, In response to a detection signal from the acceleration / deceleration detecting means, if it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state where an acceleration state equal to or higher than a preset reference acceleration is continued for a reference time or longer, an occupant Therefore, it is possible to easily and accurately detect whether an occupant is seated in an appropriate state at the time of a vehicle collision.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an embodiment of a vehicle airbag control device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific configuration of a pretensioner.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific configuration of the airbag.
FIG. 4 is a time chart showing airbag deployment characteristics.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the airbag control device.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first step of an airbag deployment control operation.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second step of the airbag deployment control operation.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the second step of the airbag deployment control operation.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle occupant state detection device according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
  1 seat belt
  4 Airbag
  6,7 G sensor (acceleration / deceleration detection means)
  8 Belt sensor (wearing state detection means)
  22 Airbag control means
  23 Seating state detection means
  31 Rudder angle sensor (steering angle detection means)

Claims (9)

Together to deploy the airbag upon collision of the vehicle, the deployment pressure of the airbag Te controllably configured airbag control unit odors vehicle, and acceleration detecting means for detecting the acceleration acting on the vehicle body, the depending on the detection signal of the acceleration detection means, the preset reference acceleration or acceleration state, in a state of being continued for a reference time or longer, when a collision accident of the vehicle it was confirmed that occurred, An airbag control device for a vehicle, comprising: airbag control means for controlling the airbag deployment pressure to be higher than normal. The vehicle is equipped with a wearing state detection means for detecting whether or not the occupant is wearing a seat belt, and a collision accident of the vehicle occurs in a state in which it is detected by the wearing state detection means that the occupant is wearing the seat belt. when it was has been confirmed, the airbag for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the configuring the deployment pressure of the air bag irrespective of the detection state of the pressure-deceleration detecting means to the high pressure Control device. The wearing state detection means detects that the occupant is not wearing a seat belt, and a deceleration state equal to or higher than a preset reference deceleration is continued for a reference time or longer according to a detection signal from the acceleration / deceleration detection means. When it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred and the upper vehicle collision accident has occurred, the airbag deployment pressure should be lower than normal. The vehicle airbag control device according to claim 1, which is configured. When it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state where the deceleration state equal to or higher than the second deceleration set to a value larger than the reference deceleration is continued for the reference time or more , 4. The vehicle airbag control device according to claim 3, wherein the airbag deployment is prohibited. When it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state where the deceleration state equal to or higher than the reference deceleration is continued for a second reference time or longer set to a time longer than the reference time, 4. The vehicle airbag control device according to claim 3, wherein the airbag deployment is prohibited . In a state where the deceleration state equal to or greater than the second deceleration set to a value larger than the reference deceleration is continued for the second reference time or longer set to a time longer than the reference time, 4. The vehicle airbag control device according to claim 3, wherein when the occurrence of an accident is confirmed, deployment of the airbag is prohibited .   A vehicle occupant state detection device for detecting whether or not an occupant is seated in a proper state on a seat at the time of a vehicle collision, an acceleration / deceleration detection means for detecting an acceleration / deceleration acting on a vehicle body, and the acceleration / deceleration detection means In response to the detection signal, the occupant is appropriate for the seat when it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred with the acceleration state exceeding the preset reference acceleration continuing for a reference time or longer. An occupant state detection device for a vehicle, comprising: a seating state detection unit that determines that the user is seated in a state. Comprising a wearing state detecting means occupant to detect whether or not wearing the seat belt, when that occupant is wearing a seat belt was confirmed by the wearing state detecting means, the pressure-decrease speed detecting means 8. The vehicle occupant state detection device according to claim 7, wherein the vehicle occupant state detection device is configured to determine that the occupant is seated in a proper state on the seat regardless of the detected state. According to the detection signal of the wearing state detection means, it is confirmed that the occupant is not wearing a seat belt, and the deceleration state equal to or higher than a preset reference deceleration is determined according to the detection signal of the acceleration / deceleration detection means. When it is confirmed that a vehicle collision accident has occurred in a state that has continued for a reference time or longer, the occupant is determined not to be seated in an appropriate state on the seat. The vehicle occupant state detection device according to claim 7.

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