JPH11301388A - Air bag disposal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable an easy and sure disposal of air bag by supply a current to a triggering means according to a disposal execution signal outputted. SOLUTION: When a connector 13 for a controller 10 is removed and a connector 70 used exclusively for a disposal tool 60, a voltage VT of an operation power supply 64 for the tool 60 is sent via a second voltage supply path 22 to a regulator 18 and a stepup circuit 20 as operation power at the time of disposal. Disposal ignition is added to the operation of a CPU 12 and between the circuit 20 and swuibs 24, 26 a branch path 52 bypassing a safing sensor 34 is formed, into which path 52 a third driving transistor (semiconductor switch) 54 is interposed. The transistor 54 is energized when a low voltage (low level) operation signal is supplied to a gate terminal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an airbag disposal apparatus for igniting a squib in a demolition plant or the like to dispose and deploy (inflate) an airbag, and more particularly, to protect an occupant in a vehicle. The present invention relates to an airbag provided with an airbag, and particularly, when the airbag is discarded, the airbag is discarded and deployed (inflated).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, vehicles equipped with airbags that inflate in the event of a collision to protect occupants have been steadily increasing, and airbags are installed not only in a driver's seat but also in a passenger seat and a rear seat. Is being done. When a vehicle equipped with such an airbag is to be scrapped, unintended violence may occur during the scrapping work. Therefore, the airbag is forcibly deployed (activated or inflated) in advance and then discarded together with an inflator or the like. It is desirable to do.

In a control unit of an airbag, a safing sensor (switch) and a drive transistor (semiconductor switch) for energizing a squib (explosion means) are generally connected in series between a vehicle battery power supply and ground. And
When the safing sensor is turned on and the drive transistor is turned on, the squib is energized and ignited.

[0004] With respect to such an airbag disposal technique, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-76855 discloses a technique in which a lead wire for connecting an electronic control unit and a squib (explosion means) is externally short-circuited with a jumper cable to an external power supply. A technique has been proposed in which the airbag is disposed and deployed by energizing the squib by connecting it and detonating the squib.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-240416, a waste drive circuit is incorporated in an electronic control unit so as to bypass a safing sensor, and two transistors are alternately turned on to charge and discharge a capacitor. A technique has been proposed in which alternating current by charging and discharging is supplied to a squib to detonate the squib.

[0006]

However, in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-76855, the cover of the inflator is opened at the time of disposal, and the lead wire connected to the squib is taken out and connected to the jumper cable. However, there is a disadvantage that the operation is complicated and the number of work steps is increased.

In addition, since the cover of the inflator and the shape or position of the cover are not necessarily the same depending on the type of vehicle, it is necessary to check the type of the inflator for each type of vehicle. In addition, there was a problem of human error due to manual work.

In the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-240416, since two transistors are turned on alternately to charge and discharge a capacitor to use as a drive power source,
There was a problem that the operation reliability was not sufficiently satisfactory.

Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and can easily and reliably dispose of the airbag, and also reduces the possibility of human error. To provide.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the present invention, there is provided a fuel cell system, comprising: an explosion means housed in an inflator of an airbag mounted on a vehicle; and connecting the explosion means to a voltage source. A voltage supply path, first acceleration detection means that is turned on in response to acceleration acting on the vehicle, second acceleration detection means that detects acceleration acting on the vehicle, and the detonation means on the voltage supply path. A semiconductor switch inserted in series, a microcomputer for outputting an operation signal to the semiconductor switch in accordance with an output of the second acceleration detecting means, and control of an airbag for energizing the detonating means and inflating the airbag. An external tool connected to a port of the microcomputer for transmitting and receiving signals between the control devices; and an external tool connected to the external tool. A discard command input means for inputting a discard command of the operator, a connection with the external tool is confirmed based on the transmitted / received signal, and when a discard command of the operator is input, a discard execution signal And an energizing means for energizing the initiating means in response to the output destruction execution signal. As a result, the airbag can be easily and reliably disposed, and the possibility of human error can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the energizing means includes:
A second voltage supply path that connects the detonation means to the voltage supply path, bypassing the first acceleration detection means, and a second semiconductor switch inserted into the second voltage supply path; In response to the discard execution signal, the second
The semiconductor switch is turned on to energize the initiating means. Thereby, the same operation and effect as described above can be obtained.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the discard signal output means is configured to confirm connection with the external tool when the pattern of the transmitted / received signal continues for a predetermined time or more. With this, the same operation and effect as described above can be obtained, and it can be performed more reliably.
The possibility of human error can be reduced.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an entire airbag disposal apparatus according to the present invention.

For convenience of understanding, a control device for an airbag not scheduled to be disposed will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the entire control device 10 for the airbag. The control device 10 is housed in a case 11 and is mounted on a dashboard of a driver's seat (not shown) of a vehicle (not shown). It is placed near.

The control device 10 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “CPU”) 12. As shown, the CPU 12 performs boost control, collision determination, and failure detection (self-diagnosis).

The CPU 12 is connected to a battery power supply 14 mounted on the vehicle via a connector 13. When an ignition switch 16 is turned on, the battery power supply 14
Supplies a battery voltage VB (about 12 V). The battery voltage is input to the regulator 18 in the control device 10, where it is adjusted to the operating voltage (5V) and
12 is supplied.

On the other hand, the battery voltage is input to a booster circuit 20 having a backup capacitor, and the booster circuit 20 controls the booster circuit 20 so that the airbag can be operated even when the battery power supply 14 (battery device) is disconnected during a vehicle collision.
In accordance with the command from U12, the voltage is raised to about 35V to charge the backup capacitor.

The booster circuit 20 is connected to a voltage supply path 22. The voltage supply path 22 branches on the way, and squibs 24 and 26 are connected to the respective branches. Squibs 24, 26
Is the steering wheel (not shown) and the airbag (not shown) stored in the dashboard in front of the passenger seat
Is stored in an inflator (not shown), and a small amount of explosive is arranged around the inflator.

The voltage supply path 22 between the booster circuit 20 and the squibs 24 and 26 is formed of a lead wire. After exiting the controller 10 and the connector 28 connected thereto, the squib 24 is connected to the squib 24 by a steering connection. Cable 22a, and the squib 26 is also connected by a cable 22b having a similar structure.

A G sensor (second acceleration detecting means) 32 is provided near the center of the vehicle (not shown), and outputs a signal proportional to the acceleration (deceleration) generated in the traveling direction of the vehicle. Send to

Further, a safing sensor (first acceleration detecting means) 34 is provided in the control device 10, and the safing sensor is connected to the squib 24,
26 is inserted on the upstream side of the position where it is arranged. The safing sensor 34 is composed of two sets of reed switches, and two sets of ferromagnetic leads are sealed in the glass tube with one end facing each other with a gap, and a coil is arranged around the glass tube.

The safety sensor 34 is turned off during the normal running of the vehicle to open the voltage supply path 22 and turned on when an acceleration (deceleration) exceeding a predetermined value acts in the traveling direction of the vehicle. 22 is closed.

In the voltage supply path 22, the squibs 24, 2
First and second drive transistors (semiconductor switches) 36 and 38 are interposed between 6 and the ground. The first and second drive transistors 36 and 38 are both n-channel type M transistors.
An OSFET has a gate terminal connected to the CPU 12, a drain terminal connected to the booster circuit 20 via the squibs 24 and 26, and a source terminal grounded. The first and second drive transistors 36 and 38 are turned on when a high voltage (high level) operation signal is supplied to the gate terminals.

The CPU 12 controls the clock 42 and the EEP
A ROM (E ² PROM) 44 is provided. CPU1
2 is provided with a warning lamp 46, which is turned on as required. Further, the CPU 12 has many terminals at input / output ports (not shown).

As will be described later, the terminal group is a terminal dedicated to a vehicle dealer that is not used for control, for example, a MES terminal (Mem terminal).
ory Erase terminal), SCS terminal (Service
eCheck terminal) and SCI terminal (Serial
Communication Interface terminal).

Next, the operation will be described. When the acceleration (deceleration) acting on the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value from the output of the G sensor 32, the CPU 12 determines that a collision has occurred, and outputs a high voltage (high level) operation signal to the first. , The second driving transistor 3
It is supplied to the gate terminals 6 and 38 for conduction. at the same time,
The safing sensor 34 is also turned on to close the circuit.

As a result, a current (about several A) flows from the backup capacitor of the booster circuit 20 to the squibs 24 and 26, which is energized and heated, igniting an enhancer (transfer agent) and burning the gas generating agent. The generated nitrogen gas enters the airbag from the inflator and inflates (deploys) the airbag to receive and protect the occupant's chest and head.

The air bag disposal apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 on the premise of the above. FIG.
The same members as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a dedicated tool (external tool) 60 for discarding, as shown in the lower part of FIG.

The disposal-only tool 60 includes the CPU 1
2 (hereinafter referred to as “Tool CP”).
U ”) 62. The disposal-only tool 60 includes an operation power supply 64 such as an AA battery and a switch 66. Further, a second switch (discard command input means) 6 for the operator (disposer) to command discard.
8 is provided.

Also, the disposal-only tool 60 has a connector 70
Is provided. That is, the case 11 of the airbag control device 10
Is detachably configured.
Therefore, after the connector 13 of the airbag control device 10 is detached, the disposal-only tool 60 is fitted thereto via the connector 70 so that the airbag control device 10 can be connected to the control device 10.

When the connector 70 of the disposal-only tool 60 is fitted to the connector 13 of the airbag control device 10,
The input / output port of the connector 70 is connected to the aforementioned MES terminal, SCS terminal, and SCI terminal of the input / output port of the CPU 12.

Further, the output SW of the second switch is also
It is connected to an appropriate terminal of the input / output port of the CPU 12.
In the input / output port of the connector 70, Tx (for transmission)
And an Rx (receiving) terminal are connected to the SCI terminal of the CPU 12.

When the connector 13 of the control device 10 is detached and the connector 70 of the disposal tool 60 is attached, the operation of the disposal tool 60 is performed via the second voltage supply path 69 indicated by the imaginary line in FIG. The voltage VT of the power supply 64 is sent to the regulator 18 and the booster circuit 20 and becomes an operation power supply at the time of disposal. This means that the battery power 14
Is expected to be discharged, so that a stable operating voltage is supplied at the time of disposal.

Further, in the airbag control device 10 shown in the upper part of the figure, waste ignition is added to the operation of the CPU 12, and a branch path bypassing the safing sensor 34 is provided between the booster circuit 20 and the squibs 24 and 26. 52
Is formed, and a third drive transistor (semiconductor switch) 54 is inserted therein.

The third drive transistor 54 is composed of a p-channel MOSFET, and its gate terminal is connected to the CPU.
12, the source terminal is connected to the booster circuit 20, and the drain terminal is connected to the first voltage supply path 22 via the connection point 56. Third drive transistor 5
4 is turned on when a low voltage (low level) operation signal is supplied to the gate terminal.

Next, the operation of the airbag disposal device shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the operation, and FIG. 4 is a time chart. Since the operation is performed by both the CPU 12 of the airbag control device 10 and the tool CPU 62 of the disposal-only tool 60, they are shown in parallel in FIG. 3 for convenience of understanding.

The process of the CPU 12 is started when the ignition switch 16 is turned on.

The tool CPU 62 starts the process when the switch 66 is turned on, and proceeds to S10 to change the MES terminal output from a low voltage (low level) to a high voltage (high level) as shown in the time chart of FIG. The process proceeds to S12, where the SCS terminal output is lowered from a high voltage (high level) to a low voltage (low level) and output.
Proceeding to 14, a pulse train as shown is output for a predetermined period (for example, 1 sec).

On the other hand, after starting the processing, the CPU 12 executes S1
00, the output voltage VB from the battery power supply is turned off,
That is, it is determined whether or not the operating voltage VT of the discard-dedicated tool 60 is turned on, that is, whether an operating voltage equal to or more than a predetermined value is input from the operating power supply 64, at or near zero.

More specifically, the CPU 12 measures time via a counter (not shown), and receives an operation voltage VT of a predetermined value or more from the operation power supply 64 for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 sec). Is determined, and if the result is negative, the subsequent processing is stopped. This is to confirm whether a stable operating voltage is secured at the time of disposal as described above.

When the determination in S100 is affirmative, the CPU 12 proceeds to S101, waits for the input of a high voltage (high level) signal from the MES terminal, and when confirming that the MES high signal has been input, proceeds to S102 to output the SCS terminal output. (Low voltage (low level)) is determined.

More specifically, the CPU 12 measures the time and determines whether or not the SCS low signal has been input within a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 sec), and cannot confirm that the SCS low signal has been input within the predetermined time. At this time, the subsequent processing is skipped and the illustrated program (discard processing) is stopped.

When the CPU 12 confirms that the SCS low signal has been input within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to S104, and similarly determines whether or not the SCS pulse train signal has been input for an appropriate time (for example, 0.5 sec) for a predetermined time (for example, 1 sec).
If the determination is negative, the subsequent processing is skipped and the illustrated program (discard processing) is stopped, and if it is confirmed that the SCS pulse train signal has been continuously input for an appropriate time within a predetermined time, S106 is executed. Go to Tool CPU
The connection confirmation data “SRS” is transmitted (output) to 62.

On the other hand, the tool CPU 62 proceeds to S16 to judge whether or not the connection confirmation data signal has been correctly input for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 sec). When the program (discarding process) is stopped and when it is confirmed that the SRS signal has been input within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to S18, and the connection confirmed data "GO" is output (transmitted) to the CPU 12.

The CPU 12 proceeds to S108 to determine whether or not the connection-confirmed data signal has been correctly input for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 sec). Abandonment). The reason why the CPU 12 and the tool CPU 62 carefully perform the shake hand as described above is, of course, to carefully perform the disposal.

When the CPU 12 confirms that the connection-confirmed data signal has been input within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to S110,
The disposal preparation completion data "OK" is output (transmitted) to the tool CPU 62.

On the other hand, the tool CPU 62 advances to S20,
After confirming that the disposal preparation completion data signal has been input within a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 sec), the process proceeds to S21, and whether the second switch 68 is turned on, in other words, the operator (disposer) Judge whether or not has input a discard command. As a result, the disposal operation can be performed more reliably.

When the result in S21 is negative, the subsequent processing is skipped. When the result is affirmative, the process proceeds to S22, where the discard execution data "FIRE" is output (transmitted) to the CPU 12.
I do.

On the other hand, when the CPU 12 proceeds to S112 and confirms that the discard execution data signal has been inputted for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 sec), the CPU 12 proceeds to S114 to perform a discard ignition process. Specifically, in the configuration of FIG. 1, a low-voltage (low-level) operation signal is supplied to the third drive transistor 5.
4 and the gate terminal of the first and second drive transistors 36 and 38 to conduct the operation signal of a high voltage (high level).

Here, since the safing sensor 34 is bypassed, the boosting circuit 2 is turned on regardless of its off state.
The squibs 24 and 26 are ignited by being energized from zero. As a result, both the driver and passenger airbags are deployed (inflated).

The CPU 12 then proceeds to S116, and sends discard end data FINISH to the tool CPU 62.

On the other hand, the tool CPU 62 proceeds to S24 and waits for the input of the discard end data signal for a certain period of time. When confirming the input, the tool CPU 62 proceeds to S26 and discard end recognition data "ROGE".
R "to the CPU 12 to end the program.

The CPU 12 proceeds to S118 and waits for the input of a discard end recognition data signal.
Then, the warning lamp 46 is turned on to end the program. The warning lamp lighting may be omitted.

Since this embodiment is configured as described above, the airbag can be easily and reliably discarded, and the possibility of human error can be reduced. In other words, a disposal tool (external tool) is connected to the control device of the airbag, and the disposal contractor presses the switch, and the handshake with the control device is repeatedly performed while carefully checking. Can be easily and reliably performed, and the possibility of human error can be reduced.

Further, at the time of disposal, the operating power is supplied from the disposal-dedicated tool, so that the disposal can be performed more reliably. Further, since the discard is executed after confirming the discard command of the operator, the discard can be executed more reliably.

In this embodiment, as described above, the detonating means (squibs 24 and 26) housed in the inflator of the airbag mounted on the vehicle and the detonating means are connected to the voltage source (battery power supply 14). A voltage supply path 22, first acceleration detecting means (a safing sensor 34) which is turned on in accordance with the acceleration acting on the vehicle, and second acceleration detecting means (a G sensor 32) which detects the acceleration acting on the vehicle ), A semiconductor switch (first and second drive transistors 36 and 38) inserted in series with the detonation means in the voltage supply path, and the semiconductor switch according to the output of the second acceleration detection means. A microcomputer (CPU 12) for outputting an operation signal, and an airbag control device 10 for energizing the detonation means and inflating the airbag.
And a signal (ME) between the control device connected to a port of the microcomputer.
An external tool (disposal dedicated tool 60) for transmitting and receiving S, SCS, and SCI signals, a discard command input means (second switch 68) provided in the external tool for inputting an operator's discard command, A discard execution signal output unit (tool CPU62, S10 to S2) that outputs a discard signal FIRE when the connection with the external tool is confirmed based on the signal and a discard command of the operator is input.
6) and energizing means (CPU 12, S114) for energizing the detonating means in response to the output discard execution signal
It was configured to have:

In addition, the energizing means includes a second voltage supply path (branch path 52) for connecting the detonation means to the voltage supply path, bypassing the first acceleration detection means, and the second voltage supply means. An energizing means (CPU 12) which includes a second semiconductor switch (third drive transistor 54) interposed in the supply path and turns on the second semiconductor switch in accordance with the discard execution signal to energize the detonating means. , S
114).

The discard signal output means checks the connection with the external tool when the pattern of the transmitted / received signal has continued for a predetermined time or longer (tool CPU 62,
S18).

In the above, a failure detection (self-diagnosis) operation of the CPU 12 is added, and the squibs 24, 2
6 to determine whether or not a current (for example, 500 mA) greater than or equal to a predetermined value is applied.
When power is not supplied to A), the warning lamp 46 may be turned on as a failure, or a warning lamp may be provided on the disposal-only tool 60 to turn it on.

In the above description, as an example of the predetermined time, 1
sec, 0.5 sec, etc., but this is merely an example, and may be longer or shorter.

In the above description, the MOSFET is n
Although a channel type or a p-channel type is used, any type may be used, or another type of semiconductor switch may be used.

In the above description, the control device for the airbag for collision from the vehicle traveling direction is taken as an example, but the present invention is equally applicable to the control device for the airbag for collision from the side of the vehicle. Needless to say.

[0067]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the airbag can be easily and reliably discarded, and the possibility of human error can be reduced.

According to the second aspect, the same operation and effect as described above can be obtained.

According to the third aspect, the same operation and effect as described above can be obtained, the operation can be performed more reliably, and the possibility of human error can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire configuration of an airbag disposal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an airbag control device which is assumed in the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the apparatus in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 airbag control device 12 microcomputer (CPU) 13 connector 14 battery power supply 22 voltage supply path 24, 26 squib 28 connector 32 G sensor (second acceleration detecting means) 34 safing sensor (first acceleration detecting means) 36 First drive transistor (semiconductor switch) 38 Second drive transistor (semiconductor switch) 44 EEPROM 46 Warning lamp 54 Third drive transistor (second semiconductor switch) 60 Discard-only tool 62 Microcomputer (tool CPU) 64 Operation Power supply 66 Switch 68 Second switch (Discard command input means) 70 Connector

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An explosion device housed in an inflator of an airbag mounted on a vehicle, a voltage supply path connecting the explosion device to a voltage source, and a first device which is turned on in response to an acceleration acting on the vehicle. Acceleration detection means, second acceleration detection means for detecting acceleration acting on the vehicle, a semiconductor switch inserted in series with the detonation means in the voltage supply path, and an output of the second acceleration detection means A microcomputer for outputting an operation signal to the semiconductor switch in accordance with the above, and an airbag control device for energizing the initiating means to inflate the airbag, comprising: a. An external tool connected to a port of the microcomputer for transmitting and receiving signals between the control devices; b. A discard command input means provided on the external tool for inputting a discard command of an operator; c. Discard execution signal output means for outputting a discard execution signal when a connection with the external tool is confirmed based on the transmitted / received signal and a discard command of the operator is input; d. An airbag disposal device, comprising: an energizing unit that energizes the initiating unit in response to the output disposal execution signal. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the energizing means includes: e. A second voltage supply path connecting the detonation means to the voltage supply path, bypassing the first acceleration detection means; and f. A second semiconductor switch interposed in the second voltage supply path, wherein the second semiconductor switch is turned on in response to the discard execution signal to energize the detonation means. Item 2. The airbag disposal device according to Item 1. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the discard signal output unit confirms connection with the external tool when the pattern of the transmitted / received signal continues for a predetermined time or more.
Item 3. The airbag disposal device according to item 2 or 3.