DE102009012735A1 - Passenger safety increasing device for passenger car, has distance sensors at front side and/or rear side of vehicle, where device activates vehicle airbag when object is moved to vehicle with relative speed above threshold speed - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has distance sensors (4-7) arranged at a front side (2) and/or a rear side (3) of a vehicle (1), where the sensors detect an object (24) coming into detection areas (10, 11, 12, 14) and determine information about the movement of the object towards the vehicle by distance measurements. The device determines a relative speed between the vehicle and the object from the actual speed of the vehicle and from the information about the movement of the object, and activates vehicle airbag (60) when the object is moved to the vehicle with the relative speed above a threshold speed. An independent claim is also included for a method for increasing passenger safety in a vehicle.

Description

The Invention is in the field of increasing passenger safety in a vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle, in Hazardous situations and / or actual accident situations, in particular in clashes.

The The invention relates to a device and a method for increasing Passenger safety in a vehicle that is on its front and / or his rear has at least one distance sensor, wherein the Distance sensor a reaching into its detection area object recorded and by distance measurements information about detects a movement of the object on the vehicle.

In addition to singular solutions to increase the ease of use of vehicles and safety in special situations, such as the German Offenlegungsschrift DE 102 35 925 A1 In the form of a system for monitoring the proximity of a vehicle in critical situations of vehicle door opening, increasingly complex vehicle control systems and driver assistance systems have become known.

From the German publication DE 10 2004 061 321 A1 an integrated vehicle control system is known, the situation depending on a risk assessment - for example, in parking situations - makes and supports with the help of distance sensors and a parking assistance system to the driver by directly affecting the drive system, the brake system and the steering system.

From the German publication DE 103 03 148 A1 are known a method and a device for determining an accident probability of a vehicle, wherein the probability of an accident is determined in dependence on a locating signal of a locating device and further sensor signals can be considered. Depending on the probability of an accident, a restraint system and / or a vehicle dynamics control can be controlled to prevent dangerous situations.

The International Patent Application WO99 / 06987 describes a central control and management system for automobiles, which uses synergies to realize a multitude of auxiliary and assistance functions in a modular structure.

The US patent application US 2005/0200105 A1 discloses a device and a method of the type mentioned above for increasing the passenger safety in a vehicle. This device, in conjunction with acceleration sensors arranged in a control unit and separately from the control unit inside the vehicle, is intended to ensure that the device does not erroneously (false alarm) detect a rear-end collision and trigger the associated safety systems. In addition to acceleration sensors, the device also includes rear-side distance sensors which serve to detect a rearward vehicle approaching the vehicle. From the output signals of these distance sensors can be concluded whether a rearward vehicle is approaching or whether it has actually come to a collision with the rearward vehicle. Compared to the hitherto pursued in the prior art principle, which has relied solely on the signals supplied by acceleration sensors for detecting a rear-end collision, uses in the US patent application US 2005/0200105 A1 described device signals of different sensors, whereby the risk of a false alarm is reduced.

Indeed the known device is comparatively due to the required acceleration sensors complex and complex.

In front This is the object of the present invention therein, an apparatus and a method for increasing the passenger safety in a vehicle, with comparatively few, preferably usually present in the vehicle anyway Means an effective increase in passenger safety guarantee.

These Task is solved according to the invention in terms of the device by a device having the features of patent claim 1.

Accordingly provided according to the invention in a device of the type mentioned that the device is subjected to a speed value, which represents the vehicle's own speed, that the device from the own speed of the vehicle and from the information about the movement of the object the Relativgeschwindig speed between vehicle and object determined and the device activates at least one safety device, when the object is at a relative speed to the vehicle to move, which is above a limit speed.

Thus, information available in the vehicle anyway-namely, the vehicle's own vehicle speed (hereinafter also referred to as absolute speed) -can be used to estimate how likely an actual danger or collision actually exists in the actual driving situation that requires activation of the safety device. In addition, the relative movement of another object - ins special of a preceding or following vehicle - parked to the equipped with the device according to the invention vehicle, so determines the relative speed between the vehicle and external objects.

For this the information used with the information is advantageously used obtained comparatively inexpensive near field sensors can be; on elaborate acceleration sensors can advantageously thus be waived. For the distinction of harmless Situations, such as a parking situation, an activation do not justify the safety device, the comparison serves the relative speed with the predetermined or predefinable Limit speed. The design of the limit speed can For example, the range of the sensors and the measuring times orientate; in other words, the speed limit is so high that one is at a certain distance and relative to marginal speed on the vehicle to moving object after all experience to one Collision would result. The limit speed For example, it can be at 20 km / h and thus more harmless situations reliably differentiate from dangerous situations in higher speed or flowing relatively moving traffic.

Further Advantages, embodiments and aspects of the invention will become apparent Also from the dependent claims, the following description and from the drawing.

To An advantageous embodiment of the invention is the distance sensor Part of - in most vehicles nowadays usually available as standard - parking aid. Thus, this sensor contributes to further cost savings and at a possible implementation with even less effort the device according to the invention at. Here is particularly advantageous if the distance sensor during Parking processes are automatically deactivated by the device is (and only active in the parking assistance system), so that a faulty indication of a dangerous situation reliable is excluded.

Regarding a preferably gradual activation of various, in their Impact an increasingly massive interventional safety devices is provided according to a preferred embodiment of the invention that the device only activates at least one safety device, when the vehicle is moving at an absolute speed itself, which is above a limit speed. Thus, z. B. In shunting or parking situations reliably an undesirable Activation of the safety devices are excluded.

Out the same considerations is an embodiment of the invention in which the device is the at least one safety device activated only if the object is a predetermined size or Has shape that the respective safety measure seems appropriate. On the size or shape of the object can, for. B. when using multiple distance sensors closed from the different respectively reflected sensor signals become.

When a first, reversible and without affecting the passengers possible measure may be the safety device when activated, bias the passenger seat belt (s).

To supported a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the safety device when activated a braking by pre-activation of the brake system. This can be done, for example, by an optional brake assist system automatically decelerates the Vehicle makes and / or the brakes in braking readiness be brought that the pressure in the brake system is increased and as a result the brake pads already brake disks or approach brake drums. In this case, the brake system already prepared for immediate emergency braking.

advantageous Training of the invention provide that any openings the passenger compartment will be closed to the passengers protect against flying parts in case of collision. For this purpose, it may be provided that the safety device when activated the vehicle windows and / or any open vehicle roof closes.

Around being able to easily recover the occupants after an accident is according to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provided that the safety device when activated the Vehicle doors unlocked.

Around fast for help and / or medical attention Being able to provide care is another beneficial Training the invention provided that the safety device when activated, an emergency signal and / or a warning for other road users sends out.

To An advantageous embodiment of the invention is provided that the safety device upon activation at least one vehicle airbag triggers.

An advantageous development of the invention provides that - especially the latter two - Measures requires activation of the safety device that a collision is confirmed by at least one second sensor unit. The second sensor unit may comprise an acceleration sensor or else other, for example acoustic sensors.

The The object of the invention is with regard to Method by a method having the features of the claim 13 solved.

Accordingly in the process of increasing passenger safety in a vehicle that at least at its front and / or rear a distance sensor, one of which is in its detection range object is detected and from the information about a movement of the object to be delivered to the vehicle provided that determines the intrinsic speed of the vehicle is that from the own speed of the vehicle and from the Information about the movement of the object's relative speed between vehicle and object is determined and that at least one Safety device is activated when the object with a relative speed to the vehicle moves above a limit speed is.

One Embodiment of the invention will be described below a drawing explained in more detail, in the sole Figure schematically in plan view of a vehicle with an inventive Device is shown.

The vehicle 1 shows both on its front 2 as well as at the rear 3 in each case several distance sensors 4 . 5 ; 6 . 7 on. The distance sensors may, for example, be designed as near field sensors and, as indicated schematically, cause a near field detection by means of ultrasound or a detection area 10 . 11 ; 12 . 14 exhibit. The distance sensors are also components of a known parking assistance system. In addition going function, they are also part of the device according to the invention for increasing the passenger safety in the vehicle 1 , Each distance sensor 4 . 5 ; 6 . 7 delivers as through interconnections 15 . 16 ; 17 . 18 Schematically represented output signals to a central control unit, which is also called ECU "Electronic Control Unit" 20 referred to as.

According to the invention, the airspeed V _{1 of} the vehicle 1 determined as vector with amount and direction. In a simplified form can only depend on the amount of vehicle's own speed 1 be parked, which can be tapped, for example, from an existing anyway in the vehicle Ge speed detection or display, as shown schematically by a connecting line 21 from the speed detection 22 of the vehicle to the control unit 20 shown.

In the figure, only for purposes of further explanation is a simultaneous risk of collision of the vehicle 1 both with a front object 23 as well as with a backside object 24 shown. In the following, only the possible collision situation with the object will be described in detail 24 described, wherein the operation of the device during a relative movement of the object 23 , the Z. B. could be a fixed obstacle or on the same lane ahead driving vehicle is accordingly.

Once the object 24 in the coverage area 12 . 14 the sensors 6 . 7 reaches it, it is there at a first measurement time t ₁ also identified in terms of its size and shape. It is assumed that the rear object 24 moves at an airspeed V ₂₄ . The airspeed V ₂₄ is in terms of magnitude and direction of the distance sensors 6 . 7 recognized. By way of example, it is assumed that the detection range of the distance sensors 6 . 7 - from the rear of the vehicle 3 seen from - each a distance 26 covered by about 2 m from the rear of the vehicle. The object 24 For example, the vehicle may be overspeeding 1 approaching rear vehicle, which is identified as a hazard due to its size and shape.

Assuming that this vehicle 24 taking into account its own velocity V ₂₄ and the vehicle's own velocity V ₁ 1 with a relative speed V _24rel of 50 km / h (corresponding to 13.9 m / s) relative to the vehicle 1 This situation may be moved by the sensors 6 . 7 at a distance of 2 m for the first time 0.144 seconds (ie 144 ms) before it - at a constant relative speed of 13.9 m / s - to a collision with the vehicle 1 could be detected. This information from the sensors will be sent through the wires 17 . 18 the control unit 20 fed. The same would apply if the vehicle 1 z. B. with an airspeed V ₁ of 50 km / h relative to the (stationary) object 23 to move. For further explanation of the invention, however, below is again a potential rear-end collision of the rear vehicle 24 on the vehicle 1 went out.

After the first measurement time t ₁ , at which the object is still about 2 m away, takes place - for example, 2.7 ms later - at a second measurement time t _2, a second measurement. At this time of measurement t ₂ would be the object 24 at constant relative speed V _24rel of 50 km / h (13.9 m / s) now only 1.9 m from the stern 3 away. Out from the re-measurement of the sensors 6 . 7 to the control unit 20 supplied information is inferred that the object 24 from the distance of 1.9 m at the time of measurement t ₂ the vehicle 1 at a constant relative speed of 50 km / h (13.9 m / s) it will now hit 137 ms.

If the control unit 20 a relative movement of object 24 and vehicle 1 (Risk of a rear-end collision) or in the same way a relative movement of the object 23 on the vehicle 1 (Risk of front-end collision) detects, checks the control unit 20 the amount of relative velocity V _24rel . If it detects above a limit value, which, for example, also represents a boundary speed V _G24 of 20 km / h or 10 km / h which is also given different conditions depending on the situation, then it is possible to conclude that the traffic situation is actually risky. In addition, the vehicle's own speed V ₁ can also be used 1 be taken into account. If the absolute velocity V ₁ lies below a (predetermined or predefinable) limit velocity V _G1 of, for example, 20 km / h or less than 10 km / h, it can be assumed with high probability that it relates to relative movements of the vehicle to other objects, for example in connection with a parking or Ausparkvorgang, acts. Here it can be trusted that the driver himself avoids a collision in time.

Advantageously, therefore, from the of the sensors 4 . 5 respectively. 6 . 7 supplied information the relative velocity V _{24rel of} the object 24 to the vehicle 1 determined, namely by the determined at the various measurement times object distances from the vehicle front 2 or the rear of the vehicle 3 used and assuming a constant speed this is determined. An activation of the safety device (s) is made dependent on the fact that this relative speed V _{24rel is} above the limit value V _G24 . To increase the accuracy of the speed determination of the object can of course also be provided according to other measurement points.

Detects the control unit in the manner described above, that the vehicle 1 and an object 23 . 24 to move towards each other, and may also be closed (preferably) from the vehicle's own speed to a traffic situation requiring activation of a safety device, the control unit issues a corresponding activation signal 32 out. It can be provided that this activation signal 32 is only issued when a second, independent sensor unit 33 - For example, in the form of an acceleration sensor or an acoustic sensor - also a collision case or a significant emergency by outputting a signal 34 signaled. This is particularly useful when the safety device causes an irreversible, massive process, such as the triggering of a vehicle airbag or the sending of an emergency call.

As indicated schematically in detail in the figure, the activation signal 32 via a control line 35 on a belt tensioner 36 act. As a result, the passenger seat belt is already biased in anticipation of the feared collision, which contributes to increasing the passenger safety.

The device also initiates by issuing the activation signal 32 to a brake control 40 (which is shown schematically only for a brake) a pre-activation of the brake system by the brake pressure in the system is increased, so that the brake pads 41 in braking readiness on the brake discs 42 are located. In addition, the activation signal causes 32 the device that has about opened side windows 45 . 46 of the vehicle 1 be closed automatically. An approximately open vehicle sunroof 48 is due to the activation signal 32 closed. In addition, the activation signal unlocks 32 the vehicle doors 50 . 51 so that in an emergency, the recovery of the vehicle occupants is facilitated. The device also has an antenna 53 an emergency call signal 54 which can, for example, alert an ambulance service and / or inform other road users about the accident situation or warn them against it.

Finally, the signal triggers 32 - As described above - advantageously for the presence of another signal 34 a second sensor unit 33 at least one vehicle airbag 60 out.

With the device according to the invention or the method for increasing the passenger safety in a vehicle advantageously at the front of the vehicle 2 or rear of the vehicle 3 provided sensors 4 . 5 ; 6 . 7 a parking aid or a parking assistant in dual function also used to detect an imminent accident or collision hazard. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one safety device is only then - for example, a belt tightening 36 - activated when a movement of the object 24 on the vehicle 1 to be recognized and the airspeed V _{1 of} the vehicle 1 itself above a predetermined limit speed. Thus, the sensors of a parking system contribute significantly to increasing passenger safety in accidents at higher speeds. To implement the device usually only one already exists Vehicle control unit (ECU) modified or operated with modified software. By thus automatically introduced precautionary measures accidents can be prevented or at least but the consequences of accidents for the passengers can be significantly reduced.

1

vehicle

2

front

3

Rear

4, 5

distance sensors

6 7

distance sensors

10 11

detection range

12 14

detection range

15 16

interconnectors

17 18

interconnectors

20

Electronic Control Unit

21

connecting line

22

speed detection

23

front side object

24

rear-end object

26

distance

32

activation signal

33

sensor unit

34

signal

35

control line

36

pretensioners

40

brake control

41

Brake pads

42

brake discs

45, 46

side windows

48

vehicle sliding roof

50, 51

vehicle doors

53

antenna

54

distress signal

60

vehicle airbag

t ₁

first Measuring time

t ₂

second Measuring time

V ₁

airspeed

V _G1

limit speed

V ₂₄

airspeed

V _24rel

relative speed

V _G24

limit speed

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 10235925 A1 [0003]
• DE 102004061321 A1 [0004]
• - DE 10303148 A1 [0005]
• WO 99/06987 [0006]
• US 2005/0200105 A1 [0007]
• US 2005/0200105 A1 [0007]

Claims (13)

Device for increasing passenger safety in a vehicle ( 1 ), - that at its front ( 2 ) and / or its stern ( 3 ) at least one distance sensor ( 4 . 5 ; 6 . 7 ), wherein the distance sensor ( 4 . 5 ; 6 . 7 ) into its scope ( 10 . 11 ; 12 . 14 ) and by distance measurements information about a movement of the object ( 24 ) on the vehicle ( 1 ), characterized in that - the device is subjected to a speed value which determines the intrinsic speed (V ₁ ) of the vehicle ( 1 ), - the device from the own speed (V ₁ ) of the vehicle ( 1 ) and from the information about the movement of the object ( 24 ) the relative speed (V _24rel ) between vehicle ( 1 ) and object ( 24 ) and - the device has at least one safety device ( 36 . 60 ) is activated when the object ( 24 ) with a relative speed (V _24rel ) on the vehicle ( 1 ), which is above a limit speed (V _G24 ). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that - the distance sensor ( 4 . 5 ; 6 . 7 ) Is part of a parking aid. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the device, the at least one safety device ( 36 . 60 ) is activated only when the vehicle ( 1 ) is itself moved at an absolute speed (V ₁ ) which is above a limit speed (V _G1 ). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the device comprises the at least one safety device ( 36 . 60 ) is activated only when the object ( 24 ) has a predetermined size or shape. Device according to at least one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that - the Safety device when activated the passenger seat belt (s) biases. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the safety device when activated a braking by pre-activation of the brake system ( 40 ) supported. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the safety device activates the vehicle windows ( 45 . 46 ) closes. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the safety device when activated, the vehicle roof ( 48 ) closes. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the safety device when activated the vehicle doors ( 50 . 51 ) unlocked. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the safety device when activated an emergency call signal ( 54 ) and / or sends a warning to other road users. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the safety device when activated at least one vehicle airbag ( 60 ) triggers. Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that - an activation of the safety device requires that a collision by at least one second sensor unit ( 33 ) is confirmed. Method for increasing passenger safety in a vehicle ( 1 ), - that at its front ( 2 ) and / or its stern ( 3 ) at least one distance sensor ( 4 . 5 ; 6 . 7 ), one of which is included in its scope ( 10 . 11 ; 12 . 14 ) is detected and the information on a movement of the object ( 24 ) on the vehicle ( 1 ), characterized in that - the vehicle's own speed (V ₁ ) ( 1 ) is determined from the vehicle's own velocity (V ₁ ) ( 1 ) and from the information about the movement of the object ( 24 ) the relative speed (V _24rel ) between vehicle ( 1 ) and object ( 24 ) and - at least one safety device ( 36 . 60 ) is activated when the object ( 24 ) with a relative speed (V _24rel ) on the vehicle ( 1 ), which is above a limit speed (V _G24 ).