WO2001071365A1

WO2001071365A1 - Acceleration sensor and occupant protector

Info

Publication number: WO2001071365A1
Application number: PCT/JP2000/001682
Authority: WO
Inventors: Toshiyuki Yamashita
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2000-03-17
Filing date: 2000-03-17
Publication date: 2001-09-27

Abstract

An acceleration sensor (51) comprising mass members for measuring shock accelerations in different directions is used for measuring them singly, thereby reducing the area where the acceleration sensor (51) is installed in an interior sensor unit (6) and suppressing increase of the cost and increase of the weight.

Description

Description Acceleration detection device and occupant protection device

The present invention relates to an acceleration detection device capable of detecting accelerations in different directions with a compact structure, and an occupant protection device that protects an occupant with an airbag by using the acceleration detection device. The present invention relates to an acceleration detection device and an occupant protection device suitable for use in a vehicle. Background art

FIG. 1 is a schematic layout diagram showing the location of an air bag in a vehicle occupant protection device and a sensor for detecting an acceleration applied to the vehicle.

In FIG. 1, 100 is the vehicle body, 101 is the airbag on the right side of the vehicle located on the right side inside the vehicle in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and 102 is the airbag located on the left side in the traveling direction of the vehicle. The left side airbag of the vehicle. 104 is for detecting a side collision on the right side in the traveling direction of the vehicle, for example, a vehicle right side sensor disposed inside the right side of the vehicle, and 104 is for detecting a side collision on the left side in the traveling direction of the vehicle. For example, a vehicle left side sensor disposed inside the left side surface of the vehicle. Reference numeral 105 denotes a vehicle interior sensor unit disposed in a front panel in the vehicle interior.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of a vehicle occupant protection device including the sensor shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the same or corresponding parts as in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle right side sensor 103 includes a micro computer 112 and a vehicle right side acceleration sensor 122. In addition, the sensor on the left side of the vehicle The vehicle has a micro computer computer 123 and an acceleration sensor 124 on the left side of the vehicle.

The acceleration sensor 122 on the right side of the vehicle and the acceleration sensor 124 on the left side of the vehicle include either an electronic acceleration sensor that detects acceleration electronically or a mechanical acceleration sensor that detects acceleration mechanically. This type is used.

The vehicle interior sensor unit 105 is an acceleration sensor having a semiconductor switch 112, 114 and an electrical contact 111 for detecting a side collision on the right side in the traveling direction of the vehicle in the vehicle interior. An acceleration detecting device 1 16 having the same structure as the acceleration detecting device 1 15, which has a device 115 and an electric contact 113 for detecting a side collision on the left side in the traveling direction of the vehicle in the vehicle interior. Are provided.

The acceleration detectors 115 and 116 are mounted so as to detect impact accelerations in directions opposite to each other.

Reference numeral 125 denotes a squib for activating the right airbag 101 of the vehicle, and reference numeral 126 denotes a squib for activating the left airbag 102 of the vehicle.

The squib 1 2 5, the semiconductor switch 1 1 2, and the electrical contact 1 1 1 are connected in series between the power supply and the ground, and the on / off of the semiconductor switch 1 1 2 is set to the right side sensor 10 3 of the vehicle. This is a configuration controlled by the microcomputing computer 121 of this application.

Further, the squib 126, the semiconductor switch 114, and the electrical contact 113 are also connected in series between the power supply and the ground, and the on / off of the semiconductor switch 114 is set to the left side of the vehicle. The configuration is controlled by a micro computer 123 of the direction sensor 104.

FIG. 3 shows an electrical connection disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-211023. FIG. 4 is a structural diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a conventional acceleration detecting device having points. Note that

FIG. 3 shows, as an example, an acceleration detecting device 115 that detects an impact acceleration in the direction of arrow Y when another vehicle side-collides with a door on the right side in the traveling direction of the vehicle.

In the figure, reference numeral 13 1 denotes a mass member having a hollow portion penetrating in the center, 13 2 passes through the hollow portion of the mass member 13 1, and passes the mass member 13 1 in the arrow X direction or the arrow Y direction. A shaft body slidably supported on the shaft member 133 is a coil spring for urging the mass member 131 in the arrow Y direction. 1 3 4 is for reducing the impact when the mass member 13 1 slides on the shaft 13 2 in the direction of arrow X on the shaft 13 2 so that one end of the mass member 13 1 contacts the housing surface. It is a cushioning member made of an elastic body formed at the one end of the mass member 13 1. 13a and 13b are contacts formed of, for example, a stainless steel plate (phosphor bronze plate may be used), which is a spring material. 5b is configured to be electrically conductive. 1 36 a is the terminal that makes electrical contact with the contact 1 35 a when the mass member 13 1 slides a predetermined distance on the shaft 1 32 in the direction of the arrow X. 1 36 b Is a terminal that makes electrical contact with the contact 135b when the mass member 131 slides a predetermined distance along the shaft body 132 in the direction of arrow X. These evening miner 1336a and evening miner 1336b are electrically separated.

According to these contacts 13 5a, 13 5b and terminals 13 36a, 13 36, the electrical contacts 1 11 of the acceleration detector 1 15 or the electrical contacts 1 1 of the acceleration detector 1 16 The contacts 1 35 a and 13 5 b are movable pieces of the electrical contact 1 11 or the electrical contact 1 13 shown in FIG. b corresponds to the fixed contact of electrical contact 1 1 1 or electrical contact 1 1 3. In addition, these acceleration detecting devices 1 15 and 1 16 are connected to the impact accelerations which are opposite to each other (an arrow when another vehicle side-collides with the door on the right side in the traveling direction of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1) To detect the impact acceleration in the Y direction and the impact acceleration in the direction of the arrow X when another vehicle collides sideways with the door on the left side in the direction of travel of the vehicle), the inside of the cabin sensor unit 105 is opposite to each other. Attached to.

Next, the operation will be described.

In this occupant protection system, for example, when another vehicle side-collides with the door on the right side in the traveling direction of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 and an impact is applied in the direction of arrow Y, the acceleration sensor on the right side of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 22 detects the shock acceleration and outputs the detected acceleration signal to the microcomputer 1 2 1. The microcomputer 121 converts the acceleration signal into a digital data through an A / D converter (not shown) and performs predetermined data processing. When the acceleration signal has a certain magnitude or more, the semiconductor switch is turned on. Switch 1 1 2 is turned on.

At this time, the mass member 13 1 shown in FIG. 3 of the acceleration detector 115 arranged inside the cabin sensor unit 105 has a coil spring 13 3 attached thereto due to its inertia. In order to move in the direction of the arrow X against the force, the electrical contact 1 11 shown in FIG. 2 of the acceleration detecting device 1 15 is closed, so that a current flows from the power supply side to the ground side. This current causes the squib 125 to detonate, and activates the air bag 101 on the right side of the vehicle shown in Fig. 1 to protect the occupant in the right seat in the vehicle's direction of travel. .

In this case, the electric power of the semiconductor switch 112 controlled by the sensor 103 on the right side of the vehicle and the acceleration detection device 115 arranged inside the sensor unit 105 of the vehicle interior The airbag 101 on the right side of the vehicle is activated when both contacts 1 and 1 become conductive, and the airbag is activated. The right airbag 101 on the right side of the vehicle is prevented from being activated by an impact that does not need to be moved, and the reliability of the right airbag 101 on the right side of the vehicle is improved.

If another vehicle side-collides with the door on the left side in the direction of travel of the vehicle and an impact is applied from the direction of arrow X, the acceleration sensor on the left side of the vehicle shown in Fig. (The acceleration detecting device 116 in this case is disposed inside the vehicle interior sensor 105 opposite to the acceleration detecting device 115). Detecting the impact acceleration, the airbag 102 on the left side of the vehicle shown in Fig. 1 is activated to protect the occupant in the left seat in the vehicle traveling direction.

Since the conventional acceleration detecting device in the occupant protection device is configured as described above, detection of the impact acceleration due to the side collision on the right side of the traveling direction of the vehicle and the side impact collision on the left side of the traveling direction, i.e. Multiple acceleration detectors are required separately to detect the impact acceleration applied to the vehicle, which requires a large space for installation, increases the cost, and increases the weight. There were challenges.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an acceleration detection device and an occupant protection device that can reduce an installation space, and can suppress an increase in cost and weight. I do. Disclosure of the invention

The acceleration detecting device according to the present invention is disposed so as to be displaceable in directions corresponding to the respective directions of the respective impact accelerations applied in two directions, and is displaced from a predetermined position by an amount corresponding to the magnitude of the respective impact accelerations. And a detecting means for detecting and outputting a state in which the mass member is displaced by a predetermined amount or more as an open / close signal. As a result, the impact acceleration applied in two directions can be detected by one acceleration detecting device, the space for arranging the acceleration detecting device can be reduced, and the cost and the weight can be suppressed.

An acceleration detection device according to the present invention is arranged so that it can be displaced in a direction corresponding to a first direction to which an impact acceleration is applied, and linearly displaces from a predetermined position in accordance with the magnitude of the impact acceleration. A mass member, to which a shock acceleration is applied, displaceably disposed in a direction corresponding to a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a straight line from a predetermined position according to the magnitude of the shock acceleration A second mass member that is displaced in a predetermined manner; a first detection unit that detects and outputs a state in which the first mass member is displaced by a predetermined amount or more as an open / close signal; and a second mass member that is displaced by a predetermined amount or more. And a second detecting means for detecting and outputting the opened state as an open / close signal.

With this, the impact acceleration applied in the first direction and the second direction can be detected as the opening / closing signal by the first detecting means and the second detecting means, respectively, and the first direction and the Since the impact acceleration applied in the second direction can be detected by one acceleration detection device, the arrangement space for the acceleration detection device can be reduced, and the cost and weight can be suppressed.

The acceleration detecting device according to the present invention detects a state in which the first mass member is displaced by a predetermined amount or more and is mechanically closed, and the first mass member is displaced by a predetermined amount or more as an open / close signal. A switch mechanism including a movable piece integrally formed on the first mass member and a pair of fixed contacts formed on a housing side and capable of contacting the movable piece. The second mass member is mechanically closed by being displaced by a predetermined amount or more, and a state in which the second mass member is displaced by a predetermined amount is detected as an open / close signal. A movable piece integrated with the second mass member for output. And a switch mechanism provided on the housing side and including a pair of fixed contacts capable of contacting the movable piece, as a second detection means.

By this, the impact acceleration applied in the first direction and the second direction can be detected as a switching signal by the switch mechanism, respectively, and the impact acceleration applied in the first direction and the second direction can be detected. Can be detected by one acceleration detection device, so that the space for arranging the acceleration detection device can be narrowed, and the cost and weight can be suppressed.

An acceleration detection device according to the present invention includes a return unit that returns a first mass member and a second mass member to predetermined positions.

Thus, the impact acceleration applied in the first direction and the second direction can be detected as the amount of displacement of the mass member from a predetermined position, and the impact acceleration applied in the first direction and the second direction can be detected. Can be detected by a single acceleration detection device, so that the space for arranging the acceleration detection device can be narrowed, and the cost and weight can be prevented from increasing.

An acceleration detection device according to the present invention includes: a first mass member disposed linearly displaceable along a shaft in a direction corresponding to a first direction to which an impact acceleration is applied; A second mass member disposed linearly displaceable along the shaft in a direction corresponding to a second direction in which an impact acceleration in a direction opposite to the direction is applied. As a return means, a panel member having a spring constant for converting an impact acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude into a displacement amount of the first mass member or the second mass member that enables detection of an opening / closing signal is provided. It was made.

With this, it is possible to detect an impact acceleration of a predetermined magnitude or more based on the displacement amount of the first mass member and the second mass member, and to detect the impact acceleration applied in the first direction and the second direction. The amount that can be detected by one acceleration detector In addition, the arrangement space for the acceleration detection device can be reduced, and the cost and weight can be suppressed.

In the acceleration detection device according to the present invention, the first mass member or the second mass member is displaced along the shaft toward the other second mass member or the first mass member. The first mass member and the second mass member may be provided with a cushioning member for reducing an impact when the first mass member and the second mass member come into contact with each other at end faces of the first mass member and the second mass member facing each other. As a result, it is possible to reduce the space required for disposing the acceleration detector, not only to suppress the increase in cost and weight, but also to reduce the amount of displacement of the mass member when an excessive impact acceleration is applied. Even when the first mass member and the second mass member come into contact with each other, the impact at the time of the contact can be reduced, and the mass member and other components can be prevented from being damaged. Has the effect of maintaining reliability .

In the acceleration detecting device according to the present invention, the first mass member or the second mass member is displaced along the shaft toward the other second mass member or the first mass member. A panel member interposed between the first mass member and the second mass member in such a manner that the panel member does not become fully compressed when the first mass member and the second mass member abut against each other. It is.

As a result, it is possible to reduce the space required for disposing the acceleration detecting device, and not only to suppress an increase in cost and weight, but also to suppress a change in the characteristics of the panel member due to a full compression of the panel member, thereby reducing the acceleration. This has the effect of maintaining the detection accuracy.

An acceleration detection device according to the present invention is arranged so as to be displaceable in a direction corresponding to a first direction to which an impact acceleration is applied, and is displaced from a predetermined position in accordance with the magnitude of the impact acceleration. The first that can be given to A mass member, and an impact acceleration is applied, the displacement member is disposed so as to be displaceable in a direction corresponding to a second direction opposite to the first direction, and is predetermined according to the magnitude of the impact acceleration degree. A second mass member that is displaced from a position and can exert an influence of a magnetic field to the outside, and a state in which the first mass member or the second mass member is displaced by a predetermined amount or more. A magnetic switch detecting means for detecting as an open / close signal under the influence of the magnetic field by the member or the second mass member.

Thereby, the impact acceleration applied in the first direction and the second direction can be detected as an open / close signal by the magnetic switch detecting means, and applied in the first direction and the second direction. Since the impact acceleration can be detected by one acceleration detection device, the space for disposing the acceleration detection device can be narrowed, and the effect of suppressing an increase in cost and weight can be obtained.

An acceleration detection device according to the present invention includes a return unit that returns a mass member to a predetermined position.

Thus, the impact acceleration applied in the first direction and the second direction can be detected as the displacement amount of the mass member from a predetermined position, and the impact acceleration applied in the first direction and the second direction can be detected by 1 Since the acceleration can be detected by one acceleration detecting device, the arrangement space for the acceleration detecting device can be narrowed, and there is an effect that a rise in cost and an increase in weight can be suppressed.

In the acceleration detecting device according to the present invention, the first mass member is disposed so as to be linearly displaceable on the shaft in a direction corresponding to the first direction to which the impact acceleration is applied. A second mass member is disposed so as to be linearly displaceable on the shaft in a direction corresponding to a second direction in which an impact acceleration in a direction opposite to the direction is applied. The second mass member interposed between the first mass member and the second mass member linearly displaceable and capable of detecting an impact acceleration equal to or larger than a predetermined magnitude as an opening / closing signal; 1 A spring member having a panel constant for converting the mass member or the second mass member into a displacement amount is provided as return means.

With this, it is possible to detect an impact acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude based on the displacement amount of the first mass member and the second mass member, and to determine the impact acceleration applied in the first direction and the second direction in one. Since the acceleration detection device can detect the acceleration detection device, the arrangement space for the acceleration detection device can be reduced, and the cost and the weight can be suppressed.

In the acceleration detecting device according to the present invention, the first mass member or the second mass member is displaced along the shaft toward the other second mass member or the first mass member. The first mass member and the second mass member may be provided with a cushioning member for reducing an impact when the first mass member and the second mass member come into contact with each other at end faces of the first mass member and the second mass member facing each other. As a result, it is possible to reduce the space required for disposing the acceleration detecting device, not only to suppress the increase in cost and weight, but also to reduce the displacement of the mass member when a strong impact acceleration is applied. Even when the first mass member and the second mass member come into contact with each other, the impact when the first mass member and the second mass member come into contact is reduced. Mass member 、 damage other components This has the effect of avoiding and maintaining reliability.

In the acceleration detecting device according to the present invention, one of the first mass member or the second mass member is displaced along the shaft toward the other second mass member or the first mass member, and A panel member interposed between the first mass member and the second mass member such that the panel does not become fully compressed when the first mass member and the second mass member contact each other. It is.

As a result, the space for arranging the acceleration detection device can be narrowed, and not only can the cost and weight increase be suppressed, but also the space can be reduced. There is an effect that a change in the characteristics of the panel member due to the full compression state of the panel member is suppressed, and acceleration detection accuracy can be maintained.

An acceleration detection device according to the present invention is rotatably supported in a direction corresponding to a first direction or a second direction to which an impact acceleration is applied, and is provided in the first direction or the second direction. A pendulum-type mass member that rotates clockwise or counterclockwise from a predetermined position according to the magnitude of the impact acceleration that is applied, and the mass member rotates a predetermined amount in the clockwise direction. First detection means for detecting and outputting a signal as an open / close signal, and second detection means for detecting and outputting, as an open / close signal, a state in which the mass member has rotated a predetermined amount in the counterclockwise rotation direction. It was made.

As a result, the impact acceleration applied in the first direction or the second direction can be detected by one pendulum-type mass member that is rotated a predetermined amount in the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction. In addition, the acceleration detecting device can be compactly configured, the space for arranging the acceleration detecting device can be reduced, and the cost and the weight can be suppressed.

The acceleration detecting device according to the present invention is characterized in that the pendulum-type mass member is mechanically closed by being rotated clockwise by a predetermined amount, and an opening / closing signal indicates that the mass member has been rotated by the predetermined amount. A switch mechanism comprising: a first movable piece abutting on the mass member and rotating by its rotation, and a first fixed contact capable of contacting the first movable piece, which is detected and output as A first detecting means, comprising: a state in which the mass member is mechanically closed by rotating the mass member in the counterclockwise direction by a predetermined amount and the mass member is rotated by the predetermined amount as an open / close signal; A second movable piece that abuts on the mass member and sandwiches the mass member together with the first movable piece, and contacts with the second movable piece, A second detection means comprising a switch mechanism with a possible second fixed contact It is obtained as comprising a. Thus, the impact acceleration applied in the first direction and the second direction can be detected as separate opening / closing signals by a switch mechanism using rotation of one pendulum type mass member. Since the impact acceleration applied in the first direction and the second direction can be detected by one mass member, the acceleration detecting device can be compactly configured, and the space for disposing the acceleration detecting device can be reduced. This has the effect of suppressing an increase in weight at the cost. -The acceleration detecting device according to the present invention is disposed so as to be displaceable in directions corresponding to the respective directions of the respective impact accelerations applied in two directions, and is displaced from a predetermined position in accordance with the magnitude of the respective impact accelerations. A vehicle interior sensor for detecting the impact acceleration in the vehicle interior using an acceleration detection device having a mass member and a detection means for detecting and outputting a state in which the mass member has been displaced by a predetermined amount as an open / close signal; A vehicle side sensor for detecting an impact acceleration applied to a side portion of the vehicle, an impact acceleration detected by the vehicle interior sensor, and a side portion of the vehicle detected by the vehicle side sensor. It is provided with a control unit that performs determination control on the deployment of the airbag based on the added impact acceleration.

As a result, the sensor in the passenger compartment of the occupant protection device that protects the occupant by deploying the airbag can be reduced in size, and the cost and weight of the occupant protection device can be suppressed from increasing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic arrangement diagram showing the arrangement positions of an airbag of a conventional occupant protection device in a vehicle and a sensor for detecting acceleration applied to the vehicle. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of a conventional occupant protection device in a vehicle. FIG. 3 is a structural diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a conventional acceleration detecting device. FIG. 4 is a schematic arrangement configuration diagram showing an arrangement position of an airbag of a vehicle occupant protection device and a sensor for detecting acceleration applied to the vehicle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional structure diagram showing a configuration of the acceleration detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of a vehicle occupant protection device using the acceleration detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional structure diagram showing a configuration of an acceleration detection device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an acceleration detecting device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, in order to explain this invention in greater detail, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 4 is a schematic layout configuration diagram showing an air bag and a sensor for detecting acceleration applied to the vehicle in a vehicle occupant protection system to which the acceleration detection device of the first embodiment is applied.

In Fig. 4, 1 is the vehicle body, 2 is the right side airbag of the vehicle located on the right side of the vehicle in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and 3 is the left side portion of the vehicle located on the left side of the vehicle in the traveling direction of the vehicle. It is an air bag. 4 is a right side sensor (vehicle side sensor) disposed inside the right side of the vehicle, for example, for detecting a side collision on the right side of the vehicle in the traveling direction, and 5 is a side collision on the left side in the traveling direction of the vehicle. For example, located inside the left side of the vehicle Left side sensor (vehicle side sensor). Reference numeral 6 denotes a vehicle interior sensor unit (vehicle interior sensor, control unit) arranged in a front panel in the vehicle interior, in which the acceleration detecting device according to the first embodiment is arranged.

FIG. 5 is a sectional structural view showing a configuration of the acceleration detecting device according to the first embodiment which is arranged in the vehicle interior sensor unit 6.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 51 denotes the acceleration detection device, and reference numeral 11 denotes a first mass member for detecting an impact acceleration caused by a side collision of another vehicle with the left side in the traveling direction of the vehicle. Is a recess formed on one end surface of the first mass member 11, one end of the coil spring 18 abuts, and 12 is a side collision of another vehicle with the right side surface in the traveling direction of the vehicle. A second mass member for detecting impact acceleration, 12a is a second mass member 12 on the side facing the first mass member 11 with which the other end of the coil spring 18 abuts. It is a recess formed on one end face. Each of the first mass member 11 and the second mass member 12 has a hollow portion penetrating at the center. 13 is passed through the hollow portions of the first mass member 11 and the second mass member 12, and the first mass member 11 and the second mass member 12 It is a shaft that is slidably supported in the direction or arrow Y direction. Reference numeral 13a denotes a stopper formed at one end of the shaft body 13, which defines a movement limit of the first mass member 11 in the direction of the arrow X. Reference numeral 13b denotes a stopper formed at the other end of the shaft body 13, which defines a movement limit of the second mass member 12 in the arrow Y direction.

Reference numeral 14 denotes a cushioning member made of an elastic body formed on the end face of the first mass member 11, and 15 denotes a second mass member 1 facing the first mass member 11 along the shaft 13. 2 is a cushioning member made of an elastic body formed on the end face. These cushioning members 14 and 15 can be used even when either the first mass member 11 or the second mass member 12 moves significantly and abuts each other. The cushioning members 14 and 15 have a ring shape, and are arranged along the shaft 13 in a direction facing the other mass member. (Return means, panel member) 18 It is arranged to cover the outer peripheral surface of the end of 18.

In addition, when the first mass member 11 moves largely in the direction of arrow Y due to impact acceleration, for example, the ring-shaped cushioning members 14 and 15 become the second cushioning members 14 and 15. The coil spring 18 comes into contact with the cushioning member 15 of the mass member 12. However, the coil spring 18 is formed in a space surrounding the coil spring 18 formed when the cushioning member 14 and the cushioning member 15 are in contact with each other. The widths of the cushioning members 14 and 15 are determined so that they are not fully compressed, and such a structural form maintains the impact acceleration detection accuracy. Alternatively, the coil spring 18 is formed at a pitch and length such that the coil spring 18 is not completely compressed in the space.

16 a and 16 b are made of, for example, a stainless steel plate (phosphor bronze plate may be used) as a spring material, and a contact having one end fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the first mass member 11. (Movable piece, detecting means), and the contact 16a and the contact 16b are configured to be electrically conductive.

17a and 17b are connectors (movable pieces, detecting means) formed of, for example, a stainless steel plate (phosphor bronze plate may be used), which is a spring material. One end is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the member 12, and the contact 17 a and the contact 1 Ί b are configured to be electrically conductive.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a coil panel that urges the first mass member 11 in the arrow X direction and urges the second mass member 12 in the arrow Y direction. The coil spring 18 has a shaft body 13 penetrating therethrough. One end of the coil spring 18 contacts the concave portion 11 a of the first mass member 11, and the other end has a second end. It is in contact with the concave portion 12 a of the mass member 12.

19a is in electrical contact with the contact 16a of the first mass member 11 when the first mass member 11 slides a predetermined distance on the shaft 13 in the arrow Y direction. Also, when the second mass member 12 slides on the shaft 13 in the arrow X direction by a predetermined distance, the housing side that makes electrical contact with the contact 17 a of the second mass member 12. The terminal (fixed contact, detecting means), 19b is connected to the first mass member 11 when the first mass member 11 slides on the shaft 13 in the arrow Y direction for a predetermined distance. When the second mass member 12 makes electrical contact with the contact 16b of the first member and slides a predetermined distance on the shaft 13 in the direction of the arrow X, the second mass member 12 It is an evening terminal (fixed contact, detection means) configured on the housing side that makes electrical contact with the contact 17b.

The terminal 19a and the evening terminal 19b are electrically separated. In addition, although the terminal 1 9 a in the FIG. 5 is shown as a single, first mass member 1 1 of contactor bets 1 6 a electrically ^contact: touch to that terminal, and a second The structure may be divided into one minute, which is in electrical contact with the contact 17a of the mass member 12 of FIG.

When an impact acceleration exceeding a predetermined magnitude acts in the direction of the arrow X, the first mass member 11 moves a predetermined distance or more in the direction of the arrow Y, and the contact 16 a of the coil panel 18 is connected to the terminal 1. 9a and the contact 16b come into contact with the terminal 19b and detect the impact acceleration as an opening / closing signal. When the impact acceleration acts in the direction of arrow Y, the second mass member 1 2 moves a predetermined distance or more in the direction of arrow X, and its contact 17a contacts terminal 19a and contact 17b contacts terminal 19b, and the above-mentioned impact acceleration is detected as a switching signal. It has a panel constant that can be used. FIG. 6 shows an occupant protection device including the acceleration detection device 51 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration, and the same or corresponding parts as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In the figure, the vehicle right side sensor 4 includes a micro computer 31 and a vehicle right side acceleration sensor 32. The vehicle left side sensor 5 includes a micro computer 33 and a vehicle left side acceleration sensor 34.

Note that the vehicle right side acceleration sensor 32 and the vehicle left side acceleration sensor 34 may be either an electronic acceleration sensor that detects acceleration physically or a mechanical acceleration sensor that detects acceleration mechanically. Method is used.

The vehicle interior sensor unit 6 also includes semiconductor switches 22 and 23, an electrical contact for detecting a side collision with the right side of the vehicle in the traveling direction, and a side collision with the left side of the vehicle in the traveling direction. It has the acceleration detection device 51 shown in FIG. 5 having electrical contacts for detection in the passenger compartment.

5a is the electrical contact for detecting a side collision with the right and left sides in the traveling direction of the vehicle in the vehicle interior, and is a connector 1 formed on the first mass member 11 shown in FIG. 6a, 16b and the second mass member 12, the contacts 17a, 17b, and the electrical contacts that make up the a-contacts consisting of the evening contacts 19a, 19b is there.

Next, the operation will be described.

With this occupant protection device, for example, when another vehicle side-collides with the door on the right side in the traveling direction of the vehicle shown in FIG. 3 2 detects the impact acceleration and outputs the detected acceleration signal to the microcomputer 31. Microcomputer 31 converts this acceleration signal into digitized data at an AZD converter (not shown) and performs predetermined data processing. If the size is larger than a predetermined value, the semiconductor switch 22 is controlled to be in the ON state.

At this time, the second mass member 12 of the acceleration detecting device 51 shown in FIG. 5 disposed inside the vehicle interior sensor unit 6 resists the urging force of the coil panel 18 due to its inertial force. To move in the direction of arrow X, contact 17a and evening terminal 19a of second mass member 12 and contact 17b and evening terminal 19b of second mass member 12, The electrical contact 51a of the acceleration detecting device 51 shown in FIG. 6 is closed.

As a result, a current flows from the power supply side to the ground side, and the squib 35 is detonated by this current, and the air bag 2 on the right side of the vehicle shown in FIGS. Protect the occupants in the seats.

In this case, the semiconductor switch 22 controlled by the sensor 4 on the right side of the vehicle is turned on, and the electric current of the acceleration detection device 51 disposed inside the sensor 6 in the vehicle compartment is turned on. When the contact 5 1a becomes conductive, the air bag 2 on the right side of the vehicle is activated, and the air bag 2 on the right side of the vehicle is activated by an impact that does not need to activate the air bag. The reliability of the airbag 2 on the right side of the vehicle when it is activated is improved.

Similarly, when another vehicle side-collides with the left door in the direction of travel of the vehicle and an impact is applied in the direction of arrow X, the acceleration sensor 34 on the left side of the vehicle shown in FIG. Upon detection, the semiconductor switch 23 is turned on. In the acceleration detector 51 shown in Fig. 5, the contact 16a of the first mass member 11 and the terminal 19a, and the contact 16b and the terminal 19 b makes contact, and as a result, the electrical contact 5 la shown in FIG. 6 is closed. As a result, a current flows from the power supply side to the ground side, and the squib 36 is detonated by this current, and the vehicle shown in FIGS. The airbags 3 on both right sides are activated to protect the occupant in the left seat in the vehicle traveling direction.

In the above description, the case where another vehicle side-collides with the left and right doors in the traveling direction of the vehicle has been described. It can also be applied to an occupant protection device with an air bag that is activated by a collision, a rear-end collision by another vehicle, or an impact when the rear part collides with an obstacle during backing.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the impact acceleration acting on the vehicle using the compact acceleration detection device 51 by combining the two acceleration detection devices conventionally required into one is described. Can reduce the space required for arranging the acceleration detection device in the vehicle interior sensor unit 6, and can also obtain an acceleration detection device and an occupant protection device that can suppress an increase in cost and weight. There is. Embodiment 2

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing an acceleration detecting device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the same or corresponding parts as in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Also in the second embodiment, the configurations shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 described in the first embodiment are applied.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 61 denotes an acceleration detection device according to the second embodiment, which is disposed in the vehicle interior sensor unit 6. Reference numeral 37 denotes a lead switch (magnetic switch detection means, detection means). 38 and 39 are output terminals of the lead switch 37. This lead switch 37 corresponds to the electric contact 51a in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a first mass member for detecting an impact acceleration due to a side collision with a left side surface of the vehicle in the traveling direction, and a hollow portion is formed through the center. The magnet is built near the inner surface of the hollow part. 41 a is a concave portion formed on one end surface of the first mass member 41, one end of the coil spring 18 abuts, and 42 detects an impact acceleration due to a side collision with the right side surface in the traveling direction of the vehicle. A hollow part is formed through the center, and a magnet is incorporated near the inner surface of the hollow part. Reference numeral 42a denotes a concave portion formed on one end surface of the second mass member 42 on the side facing the first mass member 41, with the other end of the coil panel 18 abutting.

In addition, the first mass member 41 and the second mass member 42 may be formed of permanent magnets entirely magnetized with a predetermined strength.

43 is a pipe member formed of a non-magnetic material penetrated through the hollow portions of the first mass member 41 and the second mass member 42, and the lead switch 3 Numeral 7 is arranged and fixed at an intermediate position inside the pipe member 43.

Next, the operation will be described.

In this occupant protection device, for example, when another vehicle side collides with the right door in the traveling direction of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 4 and an impact is applied in the arrow Y direction, the right side of the vehicle shown in FIG. The acceleration sensor 32 detects the impact acceleration, and outputs a detected acceleration signal to the microcomputer 31. The microcomputer 31 converts this acceleration signal into an A / D converter (not shown) and converts it into digital data in the evening, performs predetermined data processing, and if the acceleration signal is larger than a certain level, The semiconductor switch 22 is turned on.

At this time, the second mass member 42 of the acceleration detecting device 61 shown in FIG. 7 arranged inside the vehicle interior sensor unit 6 resists the urging force of the coil panel 18 due to its inertial force. To move in the direction of arrow X due to the impact acceleration. You. For this reason, the contact of the lead switch 37 becomes conductive due to the magnetic field of the magnet incorporated in the second mass member 42, and the current flows from the power supply side to the ground side as in the first embodiment. The electric current causes the squib 35 to detonate and activates the airbag 2 on the right side of the vehicle shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, thereby protecting the occupant in the right seat in the vehicle traveling direction. . In addition, when another vehicle side-collides with the left door in the traveling direction of the vehicle and an impact is applied in the direction of arrow X, the impact acceleration detected by the vehicle left side acceleration sensor 34 shown in FIG. As a result, the semiconductor switch 23 becomes conductive and the first mass member 41 of the acceleration detecting device 61 shown in FIG. 7 moves in the direction of the arrow Y, so that the contact of the lead switch 37 becomes conductive. The squib 36 is detonated, and the airbag 3 on the right side of the vehicle shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 is activated to protect the occupant in the left seat in the vehicle traveling direction.

In the above description, the case where another vehicle side-collides with the left and right doors in the traveling direction of the vehicle has been described. It can also be applied to an occupant protection system with an air bag that is activated by a collision, a rear-end collision with another vehicle, or an impact when the rear part collides with an obstacle during backing.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the impact acceleration acting on the vehicle using the compact acceleration detection device 61 by combining the two acceleration detection devices conventionally required into one is described. Can reduce the space required for arranging the acceleration detection device in the vehicle interior sensor unit 6, and can also obtain an acceleration detection device and an occupant protection device that can suppress an increase in cost and weight. There is.

In addition, since the closed electrical contact of the lead switch 37 is used as the electrical contact 51 a shown in FIG. 6 described in the first embodiment, rust or dirt on the electrically conductive contact portion is used. Affected by the environment such as This has the effect of providing a highly reliable acceleration detection device and occupant protection device. Embodiment 3.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an acceleration detecting device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Also in the third embodiment, the configurations shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 described in the first embodiment are applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 91 denotes an acceleration detection device, and 71 denotes a weight that is swingably supported by a shaft 76 in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction and has an elliptical cross section (a pendulum type). , 7 2 abuts against the abdomen of the weight 71, and deflects in the direction of the arrow X with a counterclockwise swing about the axis 76 of the weight 71, for example, a spring material. A plate-like first flexible contact member (movable piece, detecting means) formed of a stainless steel plate (which may be a phosphor bronze plate), and 73 is the outer surface of the tip of the first radial contact member 72 These are the contacts (detection means) configured as described above. Numeral 7 4 contacts the abdomen of the weight 71 together with the first radial contact member 72 so as to sandwich the weight 71, and moves in the clockwise direction about the axis 76 of the weight 71 as an arrow. A plate-shaped second radius contact member that is bent in the Y direction, for example, formed of a stainless steel plate (phosphor bronze plate may be used) as a spring material.

(Movable piece, detecting means) and 75 are contacts (detecting means) formed on the outer surface of the tip of the second radius contact member 74.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a fixed contact member having a contact (detection means) 78 arranged at a position where the first radial contact member 72 can contact the contact 73 when the first radial contact member 72 is radiused in the arrow X direction. Detecting means), 79 are contacts arranged at a position where the second radius contact member 74 can contact the contact 75 when the second radius contact member 74 is radiused in the arrow Y direction.

(Detection means) A fixed contact member (detection means) having 80.

8 1 is a terminal drawn from the fixed contact member 7 7, 8 2 is a fixed terminal The terminal pulled out from the contact member 79, 83 is a joint near the base of the first radial contact member Ί2 and the second flexible contact member 74, and 84 is pulled out from the joint 83. Terminal.

Note that, in the acceleration detection device 91 of the third embodiment, the first radial contact member 72 and the second radial contact member 74 correspond to the movable piece 21 d shown in FIG. The fixed contact member 77 corresponds to the fixed contact 21a shown in FIG. 6, the fixed contact member 79 corresponds to the fixed contact 21b, and the first radial contact member 72 and the second The joint 83 near the base of the flexible contact member 74 corresponds to the fixed contact 21c shown in FIG.

Next, the operation will be described.

In this occupant protection system, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, if another vehicle side-collides with the right door in the direction of travel of the vehicle and an impact is applied in the direction of arrow Y, the right side of the vehicle shown in Fig. 6 The external acceleration sensor 32 detects the impact acceleration, and outputs the detected acceleration signal to the micro computer 31. The micro computer 31 converts the acceleration signal into digit data by an A / D converter (not shown) and performs predetermined data processing, and the acceleration signal has a certain magnitude or more. If so, the semiconductor switch 22 is turned on.

At this time, the weight 71 of the acceleration detecting device 91 shown in FIG. 8, which is arranged inside the vehicle interior sensor unit 6, is rotated counterclockwise with its shaft 76 as a center due to its natural force. Rotate in the direction. Therefore, the first radius contact member 72 bends in the direction of arrow X, and the contact 73 comes into contact with the contact # 8 of the fixed contact member 77. As a result, a current flows from the power supply side to the ground side in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the squib 35 is detonated by the current, and the airbag 2 shown in FIGS. Activates to protect the occupant in the seat on the right side in the vehicle traveling direction. If another vehicle side-collides with the left door in the traveling direction of the vehicle and an impact is applied in the direction of the arrow X, the impact acceleration detected by the vehicle left-side acceleration sensor 34 shown in FIG. As a result, the semiconductor switch 23 becomes conductive, and the weight 71 of the acceleration detecting device 91 shown in FIG. 8 rotates clockwise, so that the second radius contact member Ί 4 moves in the direction of the arrow Y. The contact 75 comes into contact with the contact 80 of the fixed contact member 79, the squib 36 is detonated, and the airbag 3 on the right side of the vehicle shown in Figs. 4 and 6 is activated. Protects the occupant in the front seat on the left side in the vehicle traveling direction.

In the above description, the case where another vehicle side-collides with the left and right doors in the traveling direction of the vehicle has been described.

The first is an occupant protection system that uses an airbag that is activated by a head-on collision that causes impact weighting in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, a rear-end collision with another vehicle, or an impact when the rear part collides with an obstacle during backing. It can also be applied to As described above, according to Embodiment 3 ', the impact acting on the vehicle using the compact acceleration detection device 91 by combining the two acceleration detection devices conventionally required into one is described. Since the acceleration can be detected, the arrangement space in the vehicle interior sensor unit 6 can be reduced, and an acceleration detection device and an occupant protection system capable of suppressing an increase in cost and weight can be obtained. Industrial applicability

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the acceleration detection device and the occupant protection device according to the present invention are suitable for reducing the size and weight of the vehicle interior sensor unit mounted in the vehicle interior for protecting the occupant with the airbag. I have.

Claims

Range of request

1. An acceleration detector that detects the impact acceleration from the displacement of a mass member that is configured to be displaceable according to the applied impact acceleration,

A mass member that is displaceable with respect to the direction according to each direction of each impact acceleration applied in two directions, that is, a displacement amount corresponding to the magnitude of each impact 11 speed, a displacement member from a predetermined position,

An acceleration detecting device comprising: a detecting means for detecting and outputting, as an open / close signal, a state in which the mass member is displaced by a predetermined amount or more.

2. The mass member is

A first mass member disposed so as to be displaceable in a direction corresponding to a first direction to which an impact acceleration is applied, and linearly displaced from a predetermined position in accordance with the magnitude of the impact acceleration;

An impact acceleration is applied, the displacement is arranged so as to be displaceable in a direction corresponding to a second direction opposite to the first direction, and is linearly displaced from a predetermined position according to the magnitude of the impact acceleration. And the detecting means is

First detection means for detecting and outputting a state in which the first mass member is displaced by a predetermined amount or more as an open / close signal,

2. The acceleration detection device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second detection unit configured to detect and output a state in which the second mass member has been displaced by a predetermined amount or more as an open / close signal.

3. The first detection means is

When the first mass member is displaced by a predetermined amount or more, it is mechanically closed. A movable piece integrally formed with the first mass member, which detects and outputs a state in which the first mass member is displaced by a predetermined amount or more as an open / close signal; A switch mechanism including a pair of fixed contacts capable of contacting a piece,

The second detection means is:

The second mass member is mechanically closed by being displaced by a predetermined amount or more, and detects and outputs a state in which the second mass member is displaced by a predetermined amount or more as an open / close signal. 3. A switch mechanism comprising: a movable piece integrally formed with a member; and a pair of fixed contacts that are provided on a housing side and are capable of contacting the movable piece. Acceleration detection described ¾¾: ι £.

4. The acceleration detecting device according to claim 3, further comprising a return means for returning the first mass member and the second mass member to predetermined positions.

5. The first mass member is disposed so as to be linearly displaceable along the shaft body in a direction corresponding to the first direction in which the impact acceleration is applied, and the second mass member is provided in the first mass member. The first mass member is disposed so as to be linearly displaceable along the shaft body in a direction corresponding to a second direction in which an impact acceleration that is the opposite direction to the direction is applied. ,

The return means

A shock acceleration of a predetermined magnitude or more, which is interposed between the first mass member and the second mass member that are linearly displaceable along the shaft, can be detected as an opening / closing signal. It is a panel member having a panel constant for converting the displacement amount of the first mass member or the second mass member. 5. The acceleration detecting device according to claim 4, wherein the acceleration detecting device comprises:

6. The first mass member or the second mass member is displaced along the shaft toward the other second mass member or the first mass member, and the first mass member and the second mass member The first mass member and the second mass member are provided on end faces of the first mass member and the second mass member facing each other, the cushioning member being configured to reduce an impact when the second mass member comes into contact with the second mass member. Acceleration detector according to paragraph 5.

7. One of the first mass member or the second mass member is displaced along the shaft toward the other second mass member or the first mass member, and the buffer member of the first mass member is displaced. A panel member is interposed between the first mass member and the second mass member so that the panel member does not become fully compressed when the cushion member of the second mass member abuts on the panel member. 7. The acceleration detection device according to claim 6, wherein:

8. The mass member is

A first position which is displaceably disposed in a direction corresponding to a first direction to which an impact acceleration is applied, and which is displaced from a predetermined position in accordance with the magnitude of the impact acceleration, and which is capable of externally applying an influence of a magnetic field; A mass member of

An impact acceleration is applied, the displacement is arranged so as to be displaceable in a direction corresponding to a second direction opposite to the first direction, and displaced from a predetermined position in accordance with the magnitude of the impact acceleration; And a second mass member that can influence

The detecting means is:

The first mass member or the second mass member has been displaced by a predetermined amount or more. Claims: Magnetic switch detecting means for detecting a state as an open / close signal under the influence of the magnetic field given by the first mass member or the second mass member. Item 2. The acceleration detection device according to item 1.

9. The acceleration detecting device according to claim 8, further comprising a return unit configured to return the first mass member and the second mass member to predetermined positions.

10. The first mass member is disposed so as to be linearly displaceable along the shaft body in a direction corresponding to the first direction to which the impact acceleration is applied, and the second mass member is the first mass member. It is disposed so as to be linearly displaceable along the shaft body in a direction corresponding to a second direction in which an impact acceleration that is a direction opposite to the direction of 1 is applied,

The return means

An impact acceleration of a predetermined magnitude or more, which is interposed between the first mass member and the second mass member that are linearly displaceable along the shaft, is converted into the displacement amount. 10. The acceleration detection device according to claim 9, wherein the acceleration detection device is a panel member having a panel constant that makes it more detectable.

1 1. One of the first mass member or the second mass member is displaced along the shaft toward the other second mass member or the first mass member, and the first mass member or the second mass member is displaced. A shock absorber for reducing an impact when the second mass member comes into contact with the second mass member is provided at an end face of the first mass member and the second mass member facing each other. Item 10. The acceleration detector according to Item 10.

1 2. One of the first mass member or the second mass member is displaced along the shaft toward the other second mass member or the first mass member, and The panel member is interposed between the first mass member and the second mass member in a form in which the cushion member is not fully compressed when the cushion member of the second mass member abuts. The acceleration detecting device according to claim 11, wherein:

1 3. The mass member is

According to the magnitude of the impact acceleration applied in the first direction or the second direction, the shaft is rotatably supported in a direction corresponding to the first direction or the second direction to which the impact acceleration is applied. A pendulum-type mass member that rotates clockwise or counterclockwise from a predetermined position,

Detecting means for detecting and outputting, as an open / close signal, a state in which the pendulum-type mass member has rotated a predetermined amount in the clockwise direction; and

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second detection unit configured to detect and output, as an open / close signal, a state in which the pendulum-type mass member is rotated by a predetermined amount in the counterclockwise rotation direction. Acceleration detection device.

1 4. The first detection means is

The pendulum-type mass member is mechanically closed by being rotated clockwise by a predetermined amount, and the state in which the mass member is rotated by the predetermined amount is detected and output as an open / close signal. A switch mechanism including a first movable piece that abuts and bends due to its rotation, and a first fixed contact that can contact the first movable piece;

The second detection means is: A state in which the pendulum-type mass member is mechanically closed by being rotated in the counterclockwise direction by a predetermined amount, and is mechanically closed, and the state in which the mass member is rotated by the predetermined amount is detected and output as an open / close signal. A second movable piece that comes into contact with the mass member, sandwiches the mass member together with the first movable piece, and bends with the rotation of the mass member; and a second movable piece that can contact the second movable piece. 14. The acceleration detecting device according to claim 13, wherein the device is a switch mechanism having two fixed contacts.

15 5. In an occupant protection device that detects impact acceleration applied to the vehicle by an acceleration detection device and protects the occupant by an air bag,

A mass member arranged to be displaceable with respect to the direction of each impact acceleration applied in two directions according to each direction, and displaced from a predetermined position in accordance with the magnitude of each impact acceleration; A vehicle interior sensor that detects the impact acceleration in the vehicle interior using an acceleration detection device that has a detection unit that detects and outputs a state of being displaced by a predetermined amount or more as an open / close signal, and

A vehicle side sensor for detecting an impact acceleration applied to a side portion of the vehicle, an impact acceleration detected by the vehicle interior sensor, and an impact acceleration applied to a side portion of the vehicle detected by the vehicle side sensor A control unit that performs determination control on the deployment of the air bag based on

An occupant protection device comprising: