WO2000056577A1 - Impact protection device - Google Patents

Impact protection device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000056577A1
WO2000056577A1 PCT/DE2000/000884 DE0000884W WO0056577A1 WO 2000056577 A1 WO2000056577 A1 WO 2000056577A1 DE 0000884 W DE0000884 W DE 0000884W WO 0056577 A1 WO0056577 A1 WO 0056577A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
airbag
impact protection
protection device
light receiver
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DE2000/000884
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Ralf Oestreicher
Harald Lichtinger
Josef Dirmeyer
Werner Späth
Original Assignee
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
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Publication of WO2000056577A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000056577A1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
    • B60R21/015—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats, and the related safety parameters therefor, e.g. speed or timing of airbag inflation in relation to occupant position or seat belt use
    • B60R21/01504—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats, and the related safety parameters therefor, e.g. speed or timing of airbag inflation in relation to occupant position or seat belt use detecting bag displacement

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an impact protection device according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the deployment of the airbag is monitored by measuring the pressure prevailing in the airbag as a function of time and, if the measured pressure value deviates from a pressure setpoint, the further deployment of the airbag is prevented by influencing a multi-stage gas generator accordingly.
  • a peculiarity of the known device is that the pressure curve is an indirect measure of the geometric deployment of the airbag and depends on influencing parameters that are not directly related to the geometry of the airbag.
  • the invention is based on the object of developing a generic impact protection device in such a way that a geometric deployment of the airbag which does not correspond to a planned desired course can be reliably recognized.
  • the deployment of the airbag is monitored optically, and the spectral range used can also be outside the visible light.
  • the amount of light falling on a light receiver is changed in the event of an unscheduled deployment of the airbag, so that it is safe can be determined and the gas generating device can be influenced accordingly.
  • the airbag strikes an obstacle, for example a person who is too far forward, this is recognized immediately and the inflation of the airbag is accordingly reduced.
  • the air sensor inflates the airbag too slowly and the operation of the gas generating device can be increased accordingly so that the inflation process corresponds to a desired course.
  • the invention is suitable for use wherever airbags are used, in particular in motor vehicles.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an impact protection device
  • FIG. 2 shows a signal curve corresponding to the arrangement according to FIG. 1
  • Fig. 3 shows the arrangement of FIG. 1 with an unscheduled
  • FIG. 4 shows the signal curve when the airbag is deployed according to FIG. 3,
  • Fig. 5 is a view of a modified crash protection device
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view of the arrangement of light transmitters and light receivers of FIG. 5.
  • an airbag 2 is fastened to a holder-like carrier 4 which is fixed to the vehicle or the steering wheel and in which a gas generator 6 is accommodated.
  • An ignition pill 8 is provided to ignite the gas generator.
  • a blow-off opening 12, which can be changed in its effective cross section by a controllable valve 10, is also formed on the holder-like carrier 4.
  • a light transmitter 16 and a light receiver 18 are attached to a perforated end wall 14 of the holder-shaped carrier 4.
  • cover part 20 for example the outer skin of a control panel or a cushion part
  • Steering wheel hub visible, which has lines of weakness such that two covers 22 open when the airbag normally accommodated under the cover part 20 is inflated.
  • a control device 24 is provided to control the airbag device. The function of the control unit, the squib, the
  • the gas generator and the airbag are known per se. If that
  • control unit 24 ignites the squib 8, whereupon the
  • Gas generator 6 generates gas, which unfolds the airbag 2 by opening the cover 22.
  • This deployment of the airbag can be controlled in a variety of ways, for example by igniting a plurality of squibs with gas generators in succession and / or actuating the valve 10 to open the blow-off opening 12, so that a predetermined deployment of the airbag is carried out which is adapted to the sensed accident.
  • a bundle of light is generated which is reflected by the inner wall of the airbag and is received by the light receiver 18, the output signal of which is fed to the control device 24.
  • the airbag When the airbag is deployed as desired, there is an intensity profile of the light received by the light receiver 18 and in accordance with the output signal of the light receiver 18 according to FIG. 2. From a predetermined point in time t1 after the squib 8 is ignited, which corresponds approximately to the point in time at which the When the airbag folded under the cover part 20, the lid 22 bursts open and unfolds, the intensity of the light falling on the light receiver 18 decreases over time during the deployment of the airbag 2 in accordance with curve I of FIG. 2.
  • the curve I corresponds to the time dependence of the
  • the curve I becomes n shape a time series stored in a memory of the control unit 24.
  • the dashed line m Fig. 1 shows the airbag in the partially deployed state with the light reflected or scattered on its inner wall.
  • FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of FIG. 1 in a state in which the deploying airbag 2 hits an obstacle 26 in an unscheduled manner, for example a person who is too far forward.
  • the premature deformation of the airbag 2 in the region of the obstacle 26 leads to a clear weakening of the light falling from the inside of the airbag 2 onto the light receiver 18, as shown by curve II in FIG. 4.
  • Light receiver 18 determined from the target values (curve I), whereupon the control device 24 controls the valve 10 and the blow-off opening 12 is opened, so that the inflation of the airbag is weakened or even ended, whereby the obstacle 26 is not endangered by the inflating airbag .
  • the light emitted by the light transmitter 16 does not necessarily have to be bundled, but can outshine a larger solid angle, the sum of the total of the The inside of the deploying airbag 2 diffused or reflected light depends on its deployment geometry
  • a plurality of light transmitters 16 and light receivers 18 can be provided, which operate with different wavelengths or frequencies, so that different areas of the airbag can be monitored selectively.
  • a plurality of light transmitters which emit light in different directions can work together with a light receiver 18 in that the light transmitters are controlled sequentially and the light receiver is sometimes evaluated in a suitable time window.
  • the airbag 2 can be divided into several chambers, which are selectively inflated by means of gas generators assigned to them.
  • the one or more light transmitters and the one or more light receivers can be accommodated outside the airbag in the vehicle and generate a surface image of the airbag, so that an unscheduled deployment is immediately recognized geometrically. It is understood that this surface image can also be generated within the airbag. In either case, electromagnetic waves are used that propagate at the speed of light; Working with ultrasound transmitters and receivers is not recommended due to the rapid deployment of the airbag.
  • the airbag can be provided with suitable surface coatings in the areas in which it is specifically illuminated in order to intensify the reflection or scattering of the light.
  • the unfolding process can be interfered with in various ways by influencing the operation of a Gas generator, by selective ignition of several gas generators, by influencing one or more blow-off openings, by changing the inflow cross section m the airbag, etc.
  • FIG. 5 shows essential parts of an embodiment of an airbag device modified from FIG. 1, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 being used for functionally identical parts.
  • two valve-controlled blow-off openings 12 are formed.
  • To the inside of the airbag 2 hm 4 em light transmitter 16 is centrally attached to the end wall 14 of the carrier, around which light receivers 16 are arranged at a radial distance.
  • FIG. 6 shows a top view of the end wall 14 with the central light transmitter 16 and the radial distance from the light transmitter 16 evenly distributed light receivers 18 in the circumferential direction.
  • the interior of the airbag 2 is advantageously coated with a reflective coating.
  • a control curve according to FIG. 2 is advantageously stored in the control device 24 (FIG. 1) for each of the light receivers 18, so that an unscheduled deployment of the airbag 2 is detected extremely reliably.
  • a faulty forward displacement of a vehicle occupant due to a belt which has not been tightened can be recognized and the deployment of the airbag can be adapted to this faulty forward displacement.

Abstract

A light transmitter (16) irradiates the inner wall of an airbag (2) with light. The deployment of an airbag (2) is detected using the amount of light that is deflected by the inner wall of the airbag onto a light receiver (18). If said amount of light deviates from a set value which corresponds to a normal deployment of the airbag, the operation of a gas generator device is modified.

Description

Beschreibungdescription
AufprallschutzeinrichtungImpact protection device
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Aufprallschutzeinrichtung gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to an impact protection device according to the preamble of claim 1.
Bei einer bekannten Aufprallschutzeinrichtung der vorbeschriebenen Art (DE 195 26 334 AI) wird die Entfaltung des Airbags dadurch überwacht, daß der m dem Airbag herrschende Druck in Abhängigkeit von der Zeit gemessen wird und bei Abweichung des gemessenen Druckwertes von einem Drucksollwert die weitere Entfaltung des Airbags unterbunden wird, indem ein mehrstufiger Gasgenerator entsprechend beeinflußt wird.In a known impact protection device of the type described above (DE 195 26 334 AI), the deployment of the airbag is monitored by measuring the pressure prevailing in the airbag as a function of time and, if the measured pressure value deviates from a pressure setpoint, the further deployment of the airbag is prevented by influencing a multi-stage gas generator accordingly.
Eine Eigenart der bekannten Einrichtung liegt darin, daß der Druckverlauf ein indirektes Maß für die geometrische Entfaltung des Airbags ist und von Einflußparametern abhangt, die nicht unmittelbar mit der Geometrie des Airbags zu tun haben.A peculiarity of the known device is that the pressure curve is an indirect measure of the geometric deployment of the airbag and depends on influencing parameters that are not directly related to the geometry of the airbag.
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine gattungsgemaße Aufprallschutzeinrichtung derart weiterzubilden, daß eine nicht einem geplanten Sollverlauf entsprechende geometrische Entfaltung des Airbags sicher erkennbar ist.The invention is based on the object of developing a generic impact protection device in such a way that a geometric deployment of the airbag which does not correspond to a planned desired course can be reliably recognized.
Diese Aufgabe wird mit den Merkmalen des Hauptanspruchs gelost .This task is solved with the features of the main claim.
Erfmdungsgemaß wird die Entfaltung des Airbags lichtoptisch überwacht, wobei der genutzte Spektralbereich auch außerhalb des sichtbaren Lichtes liegen kann. Die Menge des auf einen Lichtempfanger fallenden Lichts wird bei einer unplanmaßigen Entfaltung des Airbags verändert, so daß diese sicher festgestellt werden kann und die Gaserzeugungseinrichtung entsprechend beeinflußt werden kann.According to the invention, the deployment of the airbag is monitored optically, and the spectral range used can also be outside the visible light. The amount of light falling on a light receiver is changed in the event of an unscheduled deployment of the airbag, so that it is safe can be determined and the gas generating device can be influenced accordingly.
Trifft der Airbag beispielsweise unplanmäßig auf ein Hinder- nis, beispielsweise eine zu weit vorn befindliche Person, so wird dies augenblicklich erkannt und das Aufblasen des Airbags entsprechend zurückgenommen.If, for example, the airbag strikes an obstacle, for example a person who is too far forward, this is recognized immediately and the inflation of the airbag is accordingly reduced.
Alternativ kann mit der erfindungsgemäßen optischen Sensorein- richtung auch ein zu langsames Aufblasen des Airbags festgestellt werden und der Betrieb der Gaserzeugungseinrichtung entsprechend verstärkt werden, so daß der Aufblasvorgang einem Sollverlauf entspricht.Alternatively, the air sensor inflates the airbag too slowly and the operation of the gas generating device can be increased accordingly so that the inflation process corresponds to a desired course.
Die Unteransprüche sind auf vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen und Weiterbildungen der erfindungsgemäßen Aufprallschutzeinrichtung gerichtet.The subclaims are directed to advantageous embodiments and developments of the impact protection device according to the invention.
Die Erfindung eignet sich zur Anwendung überall dort, wo Airbags eingesetzt werden, insbesondere in Kraftfahrzeugen.The invention is suitable for use wherever airbags are used, in particular in motor vehicles.
Die Erfindung wird im folgenden anhand schematischer Zeichnungen beispielsweise und mit weiteren Einzelheiten erläutert .The invention is explained below with reference to schematic drawings, for example and with further details.
Es stellen dar:They represent:
Fig. 1 eine schematische Ansicht einer AufprallSchutzeinrichtung,1 is a schematic view of an impact protection device,
Fig. 2 ein sich bei der Anordnung gemäß Fig. 1 entsprechender Signalverlauf, Fig. 3 die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 1 bei einer unplanmaßigen2 shows a signal curve corresponding to the arrangement according to FIG. 1, Fig. 3 shows the arrangement of FIG. 1 with an unscheduled
Entfaltung des Airbags,Deployment of the airbag,
Fig. 4 den Signalverlauf bei der Entfaltung des Airbags gemäß Fig. 3,4 shows the signal curve when the airbag is deployed according to FIG. 3,
Fig. 5 eine Ansicht einer abgeänderten Aufprallschutzeinrichtung undFig. 5 is a view of a modified crash protection device and
Fig. 6 eine Aufsicht auf die Anordnung von Lichtsendern und Lichtempfangern der Fig. 5.6 is a plan view of the arrangement of light transmitters and light receivers of FIG. 5.
Gemäß Fig. 1 ist ein Airbag 2 an einem fahrzeug- oder lenkradfesten behalterartigen Trager 4 befestigt, in dem ein Gas- generator 6 untergebracht ist. Zur Zündung des Gasgenerators ist eine Zundpille 8 vorgesehen. An dem behalterartigen Trager 4 ist weiter eine durch ein steuerbares Ventil 10 in ihrem wirksamen Querschnitt veränderbare Abblasoffnung 12 ausgebildet.According to FIG. 1, an airbag 2 is fastened to a holder-like carrier 4 which is fixed to the vehicle or the steering wheel and in which a gas generator 6 is accommodated. An ignition pill 8 is provided to ignite the gas generator. A blow-off opening 12, which can be changed in its effective cross section by a controllable valve 10, is also formed on the holder-like carrier 4.
An einer gelochten Endwand 14 des behalterformigen Tragers 4 sind ein Lichtsender 16 und ein Lichtempfanger 18 angebracht.A light transmitter 16 and a light receiver 18 are attached to a perforated end wall 14 of the holder-shaped carrier 4.
Weiter ist in Fig. 1 ein Abdeckteil 20, beispielsweise die Außenhaut einer Schalttafel oder ein Polsterteil einer1 is a cover part 20, for example the outer skin of a control panel or a cushion part
Lenkradnabe sichtbar, das Schwachungslinien derart aufweist, daß sich beim Aufblasen des normalerweise unter dem Abdeckteil 20 untergebrachten Airbags zwei Deckel 22 offnen.Steering wheel hub visible, which has lines of weakness such that two covers 22 open when the airbag normally accommodated under the cover part 20 is inflated.
Zur Ansteuerung der Airbagemrichtung ist ein Steuergerat 24 vorgesehen. Die Funktion des Steuergerätes, der Zundpille, desA control device 24 is provided to control the airbag device. The function of the control unit, the squib, the
Gasgenerators und des Airbags sind an sich bekannt. Wenn dasThe gas generator and the airbag are known per se. If that
Steuergerat 24 von einem oder mehreren AufprallsensorenControl device 24 of one or more impact sensors
Signale empfangt, die einen Unfall signalisieren, wird vom Steuergerat 24 die Zundpille 8 gezündet, woraufhin derReceives signals that signal an accident, the control unit 24 ignites the squib 8, whereupon the
Gasgenerator 6 Gas erzeugt, das den Airbag 2 unter Aufsprengen der Deckel 22 entfaltet.Gas generator 6 generates gas, which unfolds the airbag 2 by opening the cover 22.
Dieses Entfalten des Airbags kann in unterschiedlichster Weise gesteuert werden, indem beispielsweise mehrere Zundpillen mit Gasgeneratoren nacheinander gezündet werden und/oder das Ventil 10 zum Offnen der Abblasoffnung 12 betätigt wird, so daß eine vorbestimmte, an den sensierten Unfall angepaßte Entfaltung des Airbags erfolgt.This deployment of the airbag can be controlled in a variety of ways, for example by igniting a plurality of squibs with gas generators in succession and / or actuating the valve 10 to open the blow-off opening 12, so that a predetermined deployment of the airbag is carried out which is adapted to the sensed accident.
Mit dem Lichtsender 16 wird ein Lichtbundel erzeugt, das von der Innenwand des Airbags reflektiert wird und vom Licht- empfanger 18 aufgenommen wird, dessen Ausgangssignal dem Steuergerat 24 zugeführt wird. Bei einer Sollentfaltung des Airbags ergibt sich ein Intensitätsverlauf des vom Licht- empfanger 18 aufgenommenen Lichts und entsprechend des Ausgangssignals des Lichtempfangers 18 gemäß Fig. 2. Ab einem vorbestimmten Zeitpunkt tl nach dem Zünden der Zundpille 8, der etwa dem Zeitpunkt entspricht, zu dem der unter dem Abdeckteil 20 zusammengefaltete Airbag die Deckel 22 aufsprengt und sich entfaltet, nimmt die Intensität des auf den Lichtempfanger 18 fallenden Lichts wahrend der Entfaltung des Airbags 2 entsprechend der Kurve I der Fig. 2 zeitlich ab.With the light transmitter 16, a bundle of light is generated which is reflected by the inner wall of the airbag and is received by the light receiver 18, the output signal of which is fed to the control device 24. When the airbag is deployed as desired, there is an intensity profile of the light received by the light receiver 18 and in accordance with the output signal of the light receiver 18 according to FIG. 2. From a predetermined point in time t1 after the squib 8 is ignited, which corresponds approximately to the point in time at which the When the airbag folded under the cover part 20, the lid 22 bursts open and unfolds, the intensity of the light falling on the light receiver 18 decreases over time during the deployment of the airbag 2 in accordance with curve I of FIG. 2.
Die Kurve I entspricht der zeitlichen Abhängigkeit derThe curve I corresponds to the time dependence of the
Sollwerte der Ausgangssignale des Lichtempf ngers 18 bei einer planmäßigen Entfaltung des Airbags. Die Kurve I wird n Form einer Zeitreihe in einem Speicher des Steuergerätes 24 gespeichert.Setpoints of the output signals of the light receiver 18 when the airbag is deployed as planned. The curve I becomes n shape a time series stored in a memory of the control unit 24.
Die gestrichelte Linie m Fig. 1 zeigt den Airbag im teilentfalteten Zustand mit dem an seiner Innenwand reflektierten oder gestreuten Licht.The dashed line m Fig. 1 shows the airbag in the partially deployed state with the light reflected or scattered on its inner wall.
Fig. 3 zeigt die Anordnung der Fig. 1 in einem Zustand, m dem der sich entfaltende Airbag 2 unplanmaßig auf ein Hindernis 26 auftrifft, beispielsweise eine zu weit vorn befindliche Person.FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of FIG. 1 in a state in which the deploying airbag 2 hits an obstacle 26 in an unscheduled manner, for example a person who is too far forward.
Die vorzeitige Verformung des Airbags 2 im Bereich des Hindernisses 26 fuhrt im dargestellten Beispiel zu einer deutlichen Abschwachung des von der Innenseite des Airbags 2 auf den Lichtempfanger 18 fallenden Lichts, wie durch die Kurve II m Fig. 4 dargestellt.In the example shown, the premature deformation of the airbag 2 in the region of the obstacle 26 leads to a clear weakening of the light falling from the inside of the airbag 2 onto the light receiver 18, as shown by curve II in FIG. 4.
Zum Zeitpunkt t2 wird im Steuergerat 24 eine uberschwellige Abweichung der Istwerte (Kurve II) der Ausgangssignale desAt time t2, an excess threshold deviation of the actual values (curve II) of the output signals of the
Lichtempfangers 18 von den Sollwerten (Kurve I) festgestellt, woraufhin das Steuergerat 24 das Ventil 10 ansteuert und die Abblasoffnung 12 geöffnet wird, so daß das Aufblasen des Airbags abgeschwächt oder gar beendet wird, wodurch das Hindernis 26 durch den sich aufblasenden Airbag nicht gefährdet wird.Light receiver 18 determined from the target values (curve I), whereupon the control device 24 controls the valve 10 and the blow-off opening 12 is opened, so that the inflation of the airbag is weakened or even ended, whereby the obstacle 26 is not endangered by the inflating airbag .
Es versteht sich, daß die Erfindung in vielfaltiger Weise abgeändert werden kann.It is understood that the invention can be modified in many ways.
Beispielsweise muß das vom Lichtsender 16 abgestrahlte Licht nicht zwangsläufig gebündelt sein, sondern kann einen größeren Raumwinkel überstrahlen, wobei die Summe des insgesamt an der Innenseite des sich entfaltenden Airbags 2 gestreuten oder reflektierten Lichts von dessen Entfaltungsgeometrie abhangtFor example, the light emitted by the light transmitter 16 does not necessarily have to be bundled, but can outshine a larger solid angle, the sum of the total of the The inside of the deploying airbag 2 diffused or reflected light depends on its deployment geometry
Es können mehrere Lichtsender 16 und Lichtempfanger 18 vorgesehen sein, die mit unterschiedlichen Wellenlangen bzw. Frequenzen arbeiten, so daß selektiv unterschiedliche Bereiche des Airbags überwacht werden können. Alternativ können mehrere Lichtsender, die Licht m unterschiedliche Richtung ausstrahlen, mit einem Lichtempfanger 18 zusammenarbeiten, indem die Lichtsender sequentiell angesteuert werden und der Lichtempfanger eweils in einem geeigneten Zeitfenster ausgewertet wird. Der Airbag 2 kann m mehrere Kammern unterteilt sein, die selektiv mittels ihnen zugeordneten Gasgeneratoren aufgeblasen werden.A plurality of light transmitters 16 and light receivers 18 can be provided, which operate with different wavelengths or frequencies, so that different areas of the airbag can be monitored selectively. Alternatively, a plurality of light transmitters which emit light in different directions can work together with a light receiver 18 in that the light transmitters are controlled sequentially and the light receiver is sometimes evaluated in a suitable time window. The airbag 2 can be divided into several chambers, which are selectively inflated by means of gas generators assigned to them.
Der oder die Lichtsender und der oder die Lichtempfanger können außerhalb des Airbags im Fahrzeug untergebracht sein und ein Oberflachenbild des Airbags erzeugen, so daß eine unplanmaßige Entfaltung unmittelbar geometrisch erkannt wird. Es versteht sich, daß dieses Oberflachenbild auch innerhalb des Airbags erzeugt werden kann. In edem Fall wird mit elektromagnetischen Wellen gearbeitet, die sich mit Lichtgeschwindigkeit ausbreiten; das Arbeiten mit Ultraschallgebern und -empfangern empfiehlt sich wegen der raschen Entfaltung des Airbags nicht.The one or more light transmitters and the one or more light receivers can be accommodated outside the airbag in the vehicle and generate a surface image of the airbag, so that an unscheduled deployment is immediately recognized geometrically. It is understood that this surface image can also be generated within the airbag. In either case, electromagnetic waves are used that propagate at the speed of light; Working with ultrasound transmitters and receivers is not recommended due to the rapid deployment of the airbag.
Der Airbag kann in den Bereichen, in denen er gezielt beleuchtet wird, mit geeigneten Oberflachenbeschichtungen versehen sein, um die Reflektion bzw. Streuung des Lichts zu verstarken.The airbag can be provided with suitable surface coatings in the areas in which it is specifically illuminated in order to intensify the reflection or scattering of the light.
In den Entfaltungsvorgang kann auf unterschiedlichste Weise eingegriffen werden, mittels Beeinflussung des Betriebs eines Gasgenerators, durch selektive Zündung mehrere Gasgeneratoren, durch die Beeinflussung einer oder mehrerer Abblasoffnungen, durch Verandern des Einstromquerschnitts m den Airbag usw..The unfolding process can be interfered with in various ways by influencing the operation of a Gas generator, by selective ignition of several gas generators, by influencing one or more blow-off openings, by changing the inflow cross section m the airbag, etc.
Fig. 5 zeigt wesentliche Teile einer gegenüber Fig. 1 abgeänderten Ausfuhrungsform einer Airbagemrichtung, wobei für funktionsgleiche Teile die gleichen Bezugszeichen wie in Fig. 1 verwendet sind.FIG. 5 shows essential parts of an embodiment of an airbag device modified from FIG. 1, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 being used for functionally identical parts.
An dem behalterartigen Trager 4 der Fig. 5 sind zwei ventilgesteuerte Abblasoffnungen 12 ausgebildet. Zur Innenseite des Airbags 2 hm ist zentral an der Endwand 14 des Tragers 4 em Lichtsender 16 angebracht, um den herum in radialem Abstand Lichtempfanger 16 angeordnet sind.5, two valve-controlled blow-off openings 12 are formed. To the inside of the airbag 2 hm 4 em light transmitter 16 is centrally attached to the end wall 14 of the carrier, around which light receivers 16 are arranged at a radial distance.
Fig. 6 zeigt eine Aufsicht auf die Endwand 14 mit dem zentralen Lichtsender 16 und den radialem Abstand vom Lichtsender 16 in Umfangsrichtung gleichmaßig verteilten Lichtempfangern 18. Das Innere des Airbags 2 ist vorteil- hafterweise reflektierend beschichtet.6 shows a top view of the end wall 14 with the central light transmitter 16 and the radial distance from the light transmitter 16 evenly distributed light receivers 18 in the circumferential direction. The interior of the airbag 2 is advantageously coated with a reflective coating.
Vorteilhafterweise ist im Steuergerat 24 (Fig. 1) f r jeden der Lichtempfanger 18 eine Sollkurve gemäß Fig. 2 gespeichert, so daß eine unplanmaßige Entfaltung des Airbags 2 außerordentlich sicher erkannt wird.A control curve according to FIG. 2 is advantageously stored in the control device 24 (FIG. 1) for each of the light receivers 18, so that an unscheduled deployment of the airbag 2 is detected extremely reliably.
Wenn die Ausbildung des Airbags 2 und die Anordnung des Lichtsenders 16 und der Lichtempfanger 18 bezüglich der Fig. 5 gestrichelt eingezeichneten Mittellinie rotations- symmetrisch ist, kann eine Speicherung von Sollwerten entsprechend der Kurve der Fig. 2 entfallen. Eine unplanmaßige Entfaltung des Airbags ist dann durch einfache Differenzbildung zwischen den Ausgangssignalen der Lichtempfanger 18 möglich, da eine unplanmäßige Entfaltung zu einer Unsymmetrie des Airbags 2 führt, die sich in einer unsymmetrischen Lichtverteilung bemerkbar macht.If the design of the airbag 2 and the arrangement of the light transmitter 16 and the light receiver 18 are rotationally symmetrical with respect to the center line drawn in dashed lines in FIG. 5, storage of setpoints corresponding to the curve in FIG. 2 can be omitted. Unscheduled deployment of the airbag is then simply a matter of difference between the output signals of the light receiver 18 possible because an unscheduled deployment leads to an asymmetry of the airbag 2, which is noticeable in an asymmetrical light distribution.
Mit der Erfindung kann beispielsweise eine fehlerhafte Vorverlagerung eines Fahrzeuginsassen infolge eines nicht gestrafften Gurtes erkannt werden und das Entfalten des Airbags an diese fehlerhafte Vorverlagerung angepaßt werden. With the invention, for example, a faulty forward displacement of a vehicle occupant due to a belt which has not been tightened can be recognized and the deployment of the airbag can be adapted to this faulty forward displacement.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Aufprallschutzeinrichtung, enthaltend eine Gaserzeugungseinrichtung (6, 8, 10, 12) zum Aufblasen eines Airbags (2), eine Sensoreinrichtung (16, 18) zum Erfassen eines Parameters des Airbags wahrend dessen Aufblasens und eine Steuereinrichtung (24), die die Istgroße des erfaßten Parameters mit einer Sollgroße vergleicht und bei einer Abweichung die Menge des dem Airbag von der1. Impact protection device, comprising a gas generating device (6, 8, 10, 12) for inflating an airbag (2), a sensor device (16, 18) for detecting a parameter of the airbag during its inflation and a control device (24), which is the actual size compares the detected parameter with a target size and, in the event of a deviation, the amount of airbag from the
Gaserzeugungseinrichtung zugefuhrten Gases verändert, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, daß die Sensoreinrichtung einen Lichtsender (16) und einen Lichtempfanger (18) enthalt, die derart angeordnet sind, daß der sich entfaltende Airbag (2) vom Lichtsender ausgesendetes Licht auf den Lichtempfanger lenkt, daß in der Steuereinrichtung (24) ein bei einer Sollentfaltung des Airbags ermittelter Sollwert des Ausgangssignals des Lichtempfangers gespeichert ist und die Steuereinrichtung den Betrieb der Gaserzeugungseinrichtung (6, 8, 10, 12) bei einer Abweichung des Istwertes des Ausgangssignals des Lichtempfangers vom Sollwert verändert.Gas generating device supplied gas changed, characterized in that the sensor device contains a light transmitter (16) and a light receiver (18) which are arranged such that the deploying airbag (2) directs light emitted by the light transmitter onto the light receiver that in the control device ( 24) a setpoint of the output signal of the light receiver determined when the airbag is deployed is stored and the control device changes the operation of the gas generating device (6, 8, 10, 12) if the actual value of the output signal of the light receiver deviates from the setpoint.
2. Aufprallschutzeinrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet daß der Lichtsender (16) und der Lichtempfanger2. Impact protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light transmitter (16) and the light receiver
(18) derart angeordnet sind, daß von der Innenseite des Airbags (2) abgelenktes Licht auf den Lichtempfanger (18) auftrifft .(18) are arranged such that light deflected from the inside of the airbag (2) strikes the light receiver (18).
3. Aufprallschutzeinrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mehrere Lichtsender (16) vorgesehen sind, deren Licht selektiv von dem Lichtempfanger (18) empfangen wird. 3. Impact protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of light transmitters (16) are provided, the light of which is selectively received by the light receiver (18).
4. Aufprallschutzeinrichtung nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß jedem Lichtsender (16) e Lichtempfanger (18) zugeordnet ist.4. Impact protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that each light transmitter (16) e light receiver (18) is assigned.
5. Aufprallschutzeinrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mehrere Sollwerte als Funktion der Zeit gespeichert sind und der Betrieb der Gaserzeugungseinrichtung bei einer Abweichung des zeitlichen Sollverlaufes des Ausgangssignals des Lichtempfangers (18) vom Istverlauf beeinflußt wird.5. Impact protection device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a plurality of setpoints are stored as a function of time and the operation of the gas generating device is influenced in the event of a deviation in the time course of the output signal of the light receiver (18) from the actual course.
6. Aufprallschutzeinrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sollentfaltung des Airbags (2) symmetrisch zu einer Langsmittellmie des Airbags ist, daß ein Lichtsender (16) Licht symmetrisch zu der Langsmittellmie in den Airbag abstrahlt und daß mehrere Lichtempfanger (18) in radial gleichem Abstand von dem Lichtsender (16) um diesen herum angeordnet sind.6. Impact protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the target deployment of the airbag (2) is symmetrical to a Langsmittellmie of the airbag, that a light transmitter (16) emits light symmetrically to the Langsmittellmie in the airbag and that several light receivers (18) in radial the same distance from the light transmitter (16) are arranged around it.
7. Aufprallschutzeinrichtung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der in der Steuereinrichtung (24) gespeicherte Sollwert einer gleichmaßigen Beaufschlagung der Lichtempfanger (18) mit Licht entspricht und die Steuereinrichtung den Betrieb der Gaserzeugungseinrichtung (6,7. Impact protection device according to claim 6, characterized in that the setpoint stored in the control device (24) corresponds to a uniform application of light to the light receiver (18) and the control device the operation of the gas generating device (6,
8, 10, 12) verändert, wenn die Differenz der Ausgangssignale zweier Lichtempfanger (18) einen vorbestimmten Wert übersteigt.8, 10, 12) changes when the difference in the output signals of two light receivers (18) exceeds a predetermined value.
8. Aufprallschutzeinrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche8. Impact protection device according to one of the claims
1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die1 to 7, characterized in that the
Gaserzeugungseinrichtung (6, 8, 10, 12) mehrere Gasgeneratoren (8) aufweist und daß bei einer Abweichung des Istwertes vom Sollwert der Betrieb wenigstens eines Gasgenerators verzögert wird.Gas generating device (6, 8, 10, 12) has a plurality of gas generators (8) and that if the actual value deviates from Desired value, the operation of at least one gas generator is delayed.
9. Aufprallschutzeinrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Gaserzeugungseinrichtung (6, 8, 10, 12) eine Abblasöffnung (12) aufweist, die bei einer Abweichung des Istwertes vom Sollwert geöffnet wird. 9. Impact protection device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the gas generating device (6, 8, 10, 12) has a blow-off opening (12) which is opened when the actual value deviates from the desired value.
PCT/DE2000/000884 1999-03-23 2000-03-22 Impact protection device WO2000056577A1 (en)

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DE1999113095 DE19913095A1 (en) 1999-03-23 1999-03-23 Impact protection device

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