JPH10287191A - Safety device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly execute electric power supply isolation control while the direction and magnitude of impact is being taken into consideration at the time of vehicle collision. SOLUTION: Circuit isolation switches 31 through 36 are interposed between a battery 10 and each electrical component disposed in respective areas. The direction and magnitude of impact force due to collision are detected by a collision detector 40, and only specified isolation switches are thereby actuated to suspend electric power supply only to electrical components considered to have been damaged by collision.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for interrupting power supply to appropriate electrical components in order to ensure safety during a vehicle collision.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to ensure safety at the time of a vehicle collision,
A device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-316242 is known as a device for urgently shutting off power supply to on-vehicle electrical components. The device includes a detector that detects a vehicle collision, and a detector that detects a vehicle speed, and the vehicle collision is detected,
In addition, by shutting off the power supply when the vehicle speed becomes zero, a vehicle fire or the like is prevented beforehand, and high safety is ensured.

[0003]

Even if there is a collision as described above, it is rare that all of the electrical components are damaged, and depending on the collision portion, power can be safely supplied without being damaged. Electrical components may be present. Therefore, using this electrical component, appropriate security measures after a vehicle collision, such as moving the vehicle from the accident site to another place or leaving the vehicle around by turning on a lamp, etc. Should be able to do.

However, in the device disclosed in the above publication, the power supply to all the electrical components is cut off when the vehicle stops after a vehicle collision, so that even if there are remaining electrical components that can be used without being damaged. However, there is an absurdity that security measures after a collision cannot be performed at all using this electrical component.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an apparatus which can judge the details of a vehicle collision and automatically perform a suitable safety operation.

[0006]

As a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is provided at a plurality of positions in a power supply circuit for connecting a power supply mounted on a vehicle and a plurality of electric components, and the arrangement is provided. A plurality of interrupting means for forcibly interrupting the power supply from the power supply to the electrical components at the location, an impact detecting means for detecting the direction and magnitude of the impact force applied to the vehicle, and An electrical component to be interrupted based on the direction and the size is determined, and a shutoff control unit that activates only an interrupting unit corresponding to the electrical component is provided.

[0007] According to this device, the electrical components whose power is to be cut off (that is, the electrical components that are considered to have been damaged by a collision) are automatically determined based on the direction and magnitude of the impact force detected by the impact detection means. And only the power supply to this electrical component is cut off. Therefore, it is possible to perform an appropriate security measure using another electrical component, that is, an electrical component for which power supply is continued.

Here, in addition to the shut-off means, a power cut-off means for shutting off power from all electrical components is provided, and when the magnitude of the impact force is equal to or greater than a certain value, that is, when a large collision occurs, If the cutoff control means is configured to operate the power cutoff means regardless of the direction, higher safety can be ensured.

Further, the apparatus further comprises a return means for outputting a return command signal in response to an operation from the outside, wherein the shutoff means cancels the power supply cutoff by the shutoff means when the return command signal is output by the return means. If the control means is configured, after the collision, the driver or the like operates the return means after confirming the safety, so that the electrical components that have been once cut off from the power supply can be put into a usable state. Execution of security measures becomes possible.

In the present invention, not only the above-mentioned power supply cutoff but also safety means for positively performing a safe operation may be provided. In this case, by providing a plurality of safety means at different positions from each other, determining a safety means to be operated based on the direction and magnitude of the detected impact force, by providing a safety control means for operating the safety means, Only safety measures that do not hinder operation (that is, safety measures that are considered not to be damaged by the collision) can be automatically activated.

[0011] Further, with regard to a particularly important safety means (for example, an airbag device), the shutoff control means may be configured to always operate when the magnitude of the impact force is equal to or more than a certain value regardless of the direction of the impact force. Is more preferable.

The apparatus further includes safety command switching means for switching between an operation command state and a stop command state in response to an external operation. If the safety command switching means is in an operation command state after a collision is detected, the safety command switching means is provided. If the above-mentioned safety control means is configured to operate the means and stop the safety means in the stop command state, it is possible to operate only the truly necessary safety means at the discretion of the driver. . Therefore, the safety means that actually operates after the collision can be minimized.

[0013]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 shows a wiring configuration of a vehicle according to the present invention. A battery 10 is mounted on this vehicle, and a vehicle wire harness W
Are connected. From the trunk line 20, a branch line 21 is located at the front left of the vehicle, a branch line 22 is located at the front right, a branch line 23 is located at the left side, a branch line 24 is located at the right side, and a branch line 25 is located at the rear left.
However, the branch lines 26 are branched to the right rear, and the in-vehicle electrical components are connected to the terminals of the respective branch lines 21 to 26.

A power cut-off switch 30 is provided at an intermediate portion of the trunk line 20 and immediately downstream of the battery 10.
When the power cutoff switch 30 is opened, power supply from the battery 10 to all electrical components is cut off. In addition, each branch line 21, 22,
Shut-off switches 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 are provided in the middle of 23, 24, 25, and 26, respectively. When the shut-off switches 31 to 36 are opened, the electrical components downstream of the opened shut-off switches are provided. The power supply to the power supply is cut off.

Furthermore, the right place of the vehicle (the center of the vehicle in the figure)
Is provided with a collision detector 40. The collision detector 40 only needs to be able to detect the magnitude and direction of the impact force that the vehicle receives at the time of a collision. In this embodiment, two acceleration sensors 41 and 42 as shown in FIG.
It is composed of a combination of

The acceleration sensor 41 detects the magnitude and direction of the acceleration in the front-rear direction, and has a positive value when the vehicle is accelerated rearward due to a collision from the front (ie, when decelerated in the traveling direction). When the vehicle is accelerated forward by a collision from behind, a negative detection signal is output. On the other hand, the acceleration sensor 42 detects the magnitude and direction of the acceleration in the left-right direction, and outputs a positive detection signal when the vehicle is accelerated rightward due to a collision from the left. When the vehicle is accelerated leftward due to a collision from the vehicle, a negative detection signal is output.

For example, when the right front of the vehicle collides as shown by an arrow A in FIG. 1, and this causes an acceleration vector A 'to the left rear as shown in FIG. The detection signal of the positive value A1 corresponding to the component is output from the acceleration sensor 41, and the detection signal of the negative value A2 corresponding to the component in the left-right direction is output from the acceleration sensor 42 at the same time. Therefore, by the combination of these detection signals, the magnitude and direction of the impact force generated at the time of the collision can be grasped.

The present invention is not limited to the case of detecting the direction of collision in all directions of front, rear, left and right. For example, only the acceleration sensor 41 or 42 is provided, and only the front and rear direction or only the left and right direction is detected. It may be. Further, a speed sensor may be provided instead of the acceleration sensor, and the presence or absence of a collision may be determined based on the amount of change in the detection value of the speed sensor.

Further, this vehicle is equipped with a control device 50 as shown in FIG. This control device 50
A collision determination unit 51 and an operation unit 52 are provided. The collision determination unit 51 is configured to detect the acceleration sensor 4 in the collision detector 40.
Based on the detection signals 1, 42, the absolute value (detected value) F of the collision force and the direction of the collision force are determined. The operation unit 52 determines whether or not to shut off the power supply, and if so, which shutoff switch to open based on the magnitude and direction of the collision force determined by the collision determination unit 51. Is to operate.

A power return switch 44 and a return switch 46 are located at positions in the vehicle cabin where a driver or the like can operate.
Is provided. These switches 44 and 46 are for returning the power supply by the driver or the like after the power supply is cut off, and input a return command signal to the operation unit 52 in response to the operation of the driver or the like. It is configured to be.

Next, a specific control operation performed by the control device 50 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

First, the magnitude (detected value) F of the impact force detected by the collision detector 40 is changed to a predetermined lower limit f
₁ and the upper limit value f ₂ (> f ₁ ). If the detected value F is less than the lower limit f ₁ is the collision has not occurred, also lightly also be generated is determined that the collision without safety trouble, safe operation is not performed. In contrast, when the detected value F is the lower limit value f ₁ or more, it carries out the following safe operation in accordance with its size.

A) When the detected value F is equal to or more than the upper limit value f _{2 In} this case, it is determined that a very large collision has occurred,
The power cutoff switch 30 is opened to cut off power supply to all electrical components (step S2). Thereafter, when the driver or the like confirms the safety state and switches the power return switch 44 from OFF to ON (YES in step S3), the power cutoff switch 30 is closed again (step S4), and the power supply is enabled. Let it return.

B) When the detected value F is equal to or more than the lower limit value f ₁ but lower than the upper limit value f _{2 In} this case, the collision is relatively light, and electrical components may be damaged at the site where the collision occurs. It is determined that there is no problem in other parts, and only the power supply to some electrical components is cut off. That is, the collision detector 40
The collision direction is determined based on the detection signal (step S).
5) Open the cutoff switch corresponding to the collision direction (step S6).

The following Table 1 shows the impact direction determined based on the detection signals of the acceleration sensors 41 and 42, and the parts where the power supply must be cut off in accordance with the impact direction.
It shows the numbers of the shut-off switches that must be activated in order to shut off the relevant part, and Table 2 exemplifies the electrical components arranged in each part.

[0027]

[Table 1]

[0028]

[Table 2]

For example, when the acceleration sensor 41 outputs a positive detection signal and the acceleration sensor 42 outputs a negative detection signal, it is determined that a collision from the right front has occurred,
The cutoff switch 32 is opened (see the fourth row in Table 1).
As a result, power supply to the electric components provided on the front right, that is, the head lamp right, the clearance lamp right, the turn signal lamp right, the horn (high), the drive control system electric components, and the like is cut off. However, power supply is maintained for other electrical components (that is, electrical components that are not considered to have been damaged by the collision). Notification, etc.).

Thereafter, when the driver or the like confirms the safety state and switches the return switch 46 from off to on (YES in step S7), one of the shut-off switches 31 to 36 which was opened at the time of the collision detection is reset. Close (Step S
4) Return to the state where power can be supplied.

In this embodiment, the power supply and each of the electrical components are cut off by the power return switch 30 which can return from the open state to the closed state. Alternatively, for example, a circuit breaker that breaks a conductor interposed between a power supply and each electrical component by an explosive force or the like may be introduced. In the latter case, power cannot be resupplied immediately after the breakage, so that the power return switch 44 may be omitted.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, a safety system (safety means) 60 that not only shuts off power supply at the time of a collision but also actively performs a safety operation is provided. In this embodiment, a relatively important safety system 60 such as an airbag device or a door unlocking device is provided. When the detection value F of the lower limit value f ₁ or more, the operation unit 52 to actuate the safety system 60 is configured (step S9 in FIG. 6).

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In this embodiment, the safety system 6
In addition to 0, other safety systems 61, 62, 6
3, 64, 65 and 66 are arranged at each part. The arrangement parts and contents of these safety systems 61 to 66 are as follows.

[0035]

[Table 3]

Then, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 8, the operation unit 52 performs the same operation as in the second embodiment.
If the detected value F of the lower limit value f ₁ or more, especially important safety system 60 (an air bag, etc.) in addition to operate regardless of the collision direction, the upper limit value f at the detected value F is the lower limit value f ₁ or more If less than ₂ , it is configured to activate only the safety system that does not correspond to the collision direction among the safety systems 61 to 66, that is, the safety system that is distant from the collision point and is not expected to be damaged. (Step S10).

Specifically, the correspondence between the direction of impact and the safety system activated at that time is as follows.

[0038]

[Table 4]

As shown in this table, for example, when it is determined that an impact has been received from the front, the safety systems 63 except for the safety systems 61 and 62 provided on the left and right of the front are provided.
To 66 are driven (see the first row of Table 4).
Therefore, according to the device of this embodiment, an operable safety system is automatically selected based on the direction of impact, and its function is fully utilized.

When the safety system is operated, the operation of the safety system may be stopped when the return switch 46 is subsequently turned on by the driver or the like (steps S7 and S8). .

A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

Of the safety systems shown in the third embodiment, the safety systems 61 to 66 may not be necessary depending on the state after the collision. For example, if a collision occurs in the daytime, it is not necessary to turn on the room lamp of the safety system 64 or the like.

In this embodiment, in addition to the return switch 46, the safety command switch 4 shown in FIG.
The operation unit 52 is configured to operate the safety system corresponding to the collision direction only when the safety command switch 48 is turned on by a driver or the like. According to this device, the safety system driven after the collision can be minimized.

[0044]

As described above, according to the present invention, an electric component whose power supply should be interrupted is determined based on the direction and magnitude of the impact force applied to the vehicle, and only the interrupting means corresponding to the electric component is determined. Because it is operated, only the electrical components that really need to be cut off from the power supply can be cut off from the power supply for safety reasons, and there is an effect that appropriate security measures can be executed using other electrical components. .

Further, in addition to the shut-off means, a power cut-off means for shutting off power from all electrical components is provided, and when the magnitude of the impact force is equal to or greater than a certain value, that is, when a large collision occurs, the direction of the impact is determined. Regardless of the above, by operating the power cutoff means, higher safety can be ensured.

Further, a return means for outputting a return command signal in response to an external operation is provided, and when the return command signal is output by the return means, the power supply cutoff by the cutoff means is released. After a collision, the driver can return the electrical components to a usable state at his / her discretion, and secure more appropriate security measures.

In addition to the blocking means, safety means for positively performing a safety operation are provided at different positions, and the safety means to be activated is determined based on the direction and magnitude of the detected impact force. By operating the safety means, it is possible to obtain an effect that higher safety can be realized by automatically operating only the safety means that does not hinder the operation.

And regarding particularly important safety measures,
When the magnitude of the impact force is equal to or greater than a certain value, the above-described shut-off control means is configured to always operate regardless of the direction, thereby ensuring higher safety.

Also provided is a safety command switching means for switching between an operation command state and a stop command state in response to an external operation, and when the safety command switching means is in the operation command state after a collision is detected, the safety command switching means is provided. If the safety control means is configured to activate the means and stop the safety means in the stop command state, it is possible to activate only the truly necessary safety means at the discretion of the driver, The effect is obtained that the safety means that actually operates later can be minimized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a wiring state of a vehicle incorporating a safety device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a plan view of a collision detector installed on the vehicle, and FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between an output signal of the collision detector and an impact force.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing input / output signals of a control device mounted on the vehicle.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation performed by the control device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing input / output signals of a control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control operation performed by the control device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing input / output signals of a control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control operation performed by the control device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing input / output signals of a control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Battery (power supply) 30 Power cutoff switch 31-36 Cutoff switch 40 Collision detector (collision detection means) 44 Power return switch 46 Reset switch 48 Safety command switch 50 Control device (cutoff control means and safety control means) 60-66 Safety system

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] July 24, 1997

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] FIG.

[Correction method] Deleted

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Motonori Kido 1-7-10 Kikuzumi, Minami-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture Inside Harness Research Institute, Inc. (72) Inventor Miya ▲ Saki ▼ Junnoyuki Aichi Prefecture 1-7-10 Kikuzumi, Minami-ku Harness Research Institute, Inc. (72) Inventor Hideaki Toyama 1-7-10 Kikuzumi, Minami-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Pref.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A power supply circuit for connecting a power supply mounted on a vehicle and a plurality of electrical components is provided at a plurality of locations in a power supply circuit, and the power supply from the power source to the electrical components is forcibly cut off at the location where the power supply circuit is provided. A plurality of interrupting means, an impact detecting means for detecting the direction and magnitude of the impact force applied to the vehicle, and an electrical component to be interrupted based on the direction and magnitude of the detected impact force. And a shut-off control means for operating only the shut-off means corresponding to the electrical component. 2. The vehicle safety device according to claim 1, further comprising a power cutoff means for shutting off power from all electrical components, in addition to the cutoff means, wherein the magnitude of the impact force is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. A safety device for a vehicle, wherein the cutoff control means is configured to operate the power cutoff means regardless of the direction. 3. The vehicle safety device according to claim 1, further comprising a return unit that outputs a return command signal in response to an external operation, wherein the return unit outputs a return command signal when the return command signal is output. A safety device for a vehicle, wherein the cutoff control means is configured to cancel the power supply cutoff by the cutoff means. 4. The safety device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the safety device is provided at different positions from each other, and performs a safety operation at the time of a vehicle collision. A safety device for a vehicle, comprising: a safety control means for determining a safety means to be operated based on the size, and operating the safety means. 5. The vehicle safety device according to claim 4, wherein when the magnitude of the impact force is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the shutoff control means is configured to activate a specific safety means regardless of the direction of the impact force. A safety device for a vehicle, comprising: 6. The vehicle safety device according to claim 4, further comprising safety command switching means for switching between an operation command state and a stop command state in response to an operation from outside, wherein the safety command is provided after a collision is detected. A safety device for a vehicle, wherein the safety control means is configured to operate the safety means when the switching means is in the operation command state, and to stop the safety means when the switching means is in the stop instruction state.