Vehicle safety devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle safety device. A vehicle safety device is provided that can effectively mitigate the impact with a collision object over a wide range by using a relatively small inflator, and comprises: a plurality of individual frames (10a-10t); an inflator (20) for supplying gas; a collision position detection unit (30) for detecting or predicting the collision position of the collision object relative to the vehicle (1); a switching unit (40) for switching the output object of the gas supplied from the inflator (20) to a predetermined individual frame (10a-10t); and an ECU (50) for controlling the gas output object switched by the switching unit (40) based on the collision position detected or predicted by the collision position detection unit (30), thereby supplying the gas of the inflator (20) only to the individual frames (10a-10t) corresponding to the collision position, thereby effectively mitigating the impact with the collision object over a wide range by using a relatively small inflator (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a safety device for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, vehicle safety devices are proposed that mitigate the impact when a traveling vehicle collides with a collision object such as a pedestrian.

[0003] For example, an airbag is built into the inner side of the bumper, and when a collision with a pedestrian or the like is detected or predicted, the airbag is deployed from the bumper at the front of the vehicle body to effectively mitigate the impact with the collision object (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-168473 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, collisions with the vehicle are not limited to the front (front collision), and collisions from all directions such as from the side (side collision) are considered. Therefore, in order to cope with collisions from all directions, for example, it is considered to have a shock absorbing device that is prepared to be deployed in the entire range of the frame constituting the vehicle frame, and an inflator that deploys the shock absorbing device. Moreover, after detecting or predicting a collision with a collision object, the shock absorbing device is deployed by the inflator, thereby mitigating the impact with the collision object.

[0009] However, in such a device, since the entire frame must be expanded by the inflator, there is a problem that the capacity of the inflator is large or a large number of inflators need to be prepared.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve such conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle safety device that can effectively mitigate the impact with a collision object over a wide range using a relatively small inflator.

[0011] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0012] The vehicle safety device of the present invention comprises: a frame extending along the side wall of the vehicle; an inflator supplying gas into the frame; a collision position detection unit detecting or predicting the collision position of a collision object relative to the vehicle; and a deployment control unit controlling the supply of gas from the inflator to the frame based on the collision position detected or predicted by the collision position detection unit, wherein the frame has a plurality of individual frames, and the deployment control unit supplies gas from the inflator to the individual frames corresponding to the collision positions, at least causing the shape of the individual frames of the object to change toward the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0013] In addition, the individual frames may be deployed further outside the periphery of the vehicle by changing their shape.

[0014] Furthermore, the deployment control unit may supply the gas of the inflator to the individual frame corresponding to the collision position so that the individual frame has a maximum shape.

[0015] Furthermore, when the collision position corresponds to a plurality of the individual frames, the deployment control unit may supply gas from the inflator so as to deploy the corresponding individual frames as far as possible.

[0016] Furthermore, the collision position detection unit may detect or predict the magnitude of the collision at each position corresponding to the individual frame when the collision position corresponds to a plurality of the individual frames, and the deployment control unit may control the amount of gas supplied to each of the individual frames based on the detection or prediction of the collision position detection unit.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, a vehicle safety device is provided which can effectively mitigate the impact with a collision object over a wide range by using a relatively small inflator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a vehicle including a safety device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] 2( a ) and 2 ( b ) are perspective views of individual frames according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a situation when a vehicle collides with a pole.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing a part of the frame when the target individual frame is operated.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a situation when a vehicle collides with a fence.

[0024] 6(a) and 6(b) are plan views showing a plurality of individual frames of a target before and after the operation.

[0025] 7(a) and 7(b) are plan views showing other forms of individual frames.

[0026] 8( a ) and 8 ( b ) are plan views showing an example of an individual frame in which the individual frame deformation portion is recessed.

[0027] FIG. 9( a ) and FIG. 9( b ) are plan views showing an example of an individual frame in which the individual frame deformation portion is formed as a separate body.

[0028] 10( a ) and 10 ( b ) are plan views showing examples of individual frames in which the individual frame deformation portions have different shapes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] (Structure of Vehicle 1)

[0031] First, the structure of a vehicle 1 equipped with a safety device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle 1 including a safety device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 1 includes: a frame 10, an inflator 20, a collision position detection unit 30, a switching unit 40, and a vehicle control device (hereinafter referred to as ECU) 50. In addition, the collision position detection unit 30 may also be included in the ECU 50. In addition, the safety device of this embodiment includes: the frame 10, the inflator 20, the collision position detection unit 30, the switching unit 40, and the ECU 50.

[0033] The frame 10 is a frame body that forms the framework of the vehicle 1. In addition, the frame 10 extends, for example, along the side wall of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the frame 10 has a plurality of individual frames 10a to 10t.

[0034] The inflator 20 is an inflator that supplies gas into the structure 10. More specifically, the inflator 20 is an inflator that supplies gas to the individual structures 10a to 10t to deploy them.

[0035] The collision position detection unit 30 detects and predicts the collision position between the collision object and the vehicle 1. The collision position detection unit 30 detects and predicts which individual frame 10a to 10t the collision position corresponds to, and when the collision position corresponds to a plurality of individual frames 10a to 10t, detects and predicts the magnitude of the collision at each position corresponding to the individual frames 10a to 10t.

[0036] The switching unit 40 is controlled by the ECU 50 to switch the output destination of the gas supplied from the inflator 20 to the predetermined individual frames 10 a to 10 t.

[0037] In addition, Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , gas lines supplied from the switching unit 40 to the individual racks 10 a to 10 t are described only for the individual racks 10 a to 10 h , and description of the gas lines for the individual racks 10 i to 10 t is omitted.

[0038] The ECU 50 is used to control the entire vehicle 1. In addition, the ECU 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a central processing unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing control programs, data tables, various instructions and data executed by the CPU, a RAM (Random Access Memory) storing data temporarily, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) composed of a rewritable non-volatile memory, and an input / output interface circuit, and controls the vehicle 1 in an integrated manner.

[0039] Furthermore, the ECU 50 controls the output destination of the gas switched by the switching unit 40 based on the collision position detected or predicted by the collision position detection unit 30 .

[0040] In this way, the switching unit 40 and the ECU 50 function as a deployment control unit to control the gas supply of the inflator 20 to the individual frames 10 a to 10 t based on the collision position detected or predicted by the collision position detection unit 30 .

[0041] (Structure of individual frames 10a to 10t)

[0042] Next, the structures of the individual frames 10a to 10t will be described. The individual frames 10a to 10t are all of the same structure, and therefore the description will be centered around the individual frames 10a and 10b, and the description of the other individual frames 10c to 10t will be omitted unless particularly necessary.

[0043] FIG. 2( a ) and FIG. 2( b ) are perspective views of individual frames 10 a and 10 b according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2( a ) and FIG. 2( b ), the individual frame 10 a has an individual frame chamber 111 a , and an individual frame deformation portion 111 b is installed in the individual frame chamber 111 a to form a gas supply hole 111 c .

[0045] The individual frame chamber 111a is provided as a space obtained by making a part of the frame 10 independent. In the individual frame chamber 111a, an opening is provided in a part of the wall surface contacting the outside of the vehicle 1, and a gas supply hole 111c is formed on the side opposite to the side surface provided with the opening.

[0046] The individual frame deformation part 111b is provided to block the opening of the individual frame chamber 111a. In addition, the upper, lower, left and right side surfaces of the individual frame deformation part 111b are in a corrugated shape and can be extended and retracted. The individual frame deformation part 111b is in a state of closed corrugations under normal circumstances, but when gas is supplied to the individual frame chamber 111a and the pressure is increased, the corrugations are extended and protrude greatly from the individual frame chamber 111a toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. In addition, when the individual frame deformation part 111b is deformed, it can protrude to the outside of the vehicle 1.

[0047] As described above, the gas supply hole 111c is formed on the side surface of the individual frame chamber 111a opposite to the side surface where the individual frame deformation portion 111b is provided. In addition, the gas supply hole 111c is connected to the switching portion 40 through a gas supply line. Therefore, the gas supplied from the inflator 20 and switched output by the switching portion 40 can be supplied to the individual frame chamber 111a via the gas supply hole 111c.

[0048] The individual frame 10b has an individual frame chamber 121a similarly to the individual frame 10a. An individual frame deformation portion 121b is installed in the individual frame chamber 121a, and a gas supply hole 121c is formed.

[0049] The individual frame chamber 121a, the individual frame deformation portion 121b, and the gas supply hole 121c are the same as the individual frame chamber 111a, the individual frame deformation portion 111b, and the gas supply hole 111c of the individual frame 10a, and therefore, description thereof is omitted.

[0050] (Changes in the shapes of the individual frames 10a and 10b)

[0051] A description will be given of changes in the shapes of the individual frames 10a and 10b configured as described above.

[0052] When gas is supplied from the inflator 20 and the switching unit 40 controlled by the ECU 50 selects gas supply to the individual frames 10a and 10b, the gas output from the switching unit 40 is supplied to the individual frame chambers 111a and 121a through the gas supply holes 111c and 121c.

[0053] When the gas is supplied to the individual frame chambers 111 a and 121 a , the pressure inside the individual frame chambers 111 a and 121 a increases, and the individual frame deformation portions 111 b and 121 b are pressed.

[0054] When the pressure in the individual frame chambers 111a and 121a increases to a predetermined level or higher, the corrugations of the individual frame deformation portions 111b and 121b extend and deform outward in the vehicle width direction, thereby expanding and protruding out of the vehicle 1 .

[0055] In addition, the deformation mode of the individual frame deformation part 111b and the individual frame deformation part 121b can also be a curved shape with a bulge in the approximately central part as shown in Figure 2(b). In addition, the wall surface of the individual frame deformation part 111b and the individual frame deformation part 121b can also be a mode of parallel movement in this state.

[0056] (Safety device operation when colliding with a pillar)

[0057] Next, the operation of the safety device when the vehicle 1 collides with a collision object will be described.

[0058] First, a case where the vehicle 1 collides with a street lamp, a utility pole, or the like (hereinafter referred to as a pole) will be described.

[0059] also, Figure 3 2 is a perspective view showing a situation when a vehicle 1 collides with a pillar 2. Figure 4 It is a plan view showing a part of the frame 10 when the target individual frame 10a is in operation.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, when the vehicle 1 collides with the pillar 2, it collides with a specific part of the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, a case where a point on the left side of the vehicle 1 collides with the pillar 2 is described, and the collision part is set as the side of the vehicle 1 where the individual frame 10a exists.

[0061] First, when the vehicle 1 collides with the pillar 2, the collision position detection unit 30 predicts at which part (in which range) of the vehicle 1 the collision position with the pillar 2 is located. In addition, when the collision position detection unit 30 cannot predict or cannot predict in time, the collision position with the pillar 2 is detected.

[0062] Then, the collision position detection unit 30 identifies which individual frame 10a to 10t the predicted collision position (or the detected collision position) corresponds to. Thus, the collision position detection unit 30 identifies the individual frame 10a as the operation target.

[0063] Next, the collision position detection unit 30 outputs the information of the individual frame 10 a to the ECU 50 as the individual frames 10 a to 10 t corresponding to the collision position.

[0064] When the information of the individual frame 10a corresponding to the collision position is input from the collision position detection unit 30, the ECU 50 operates the inflator 20 and switches the output destination of the gas supplied from the inflator 20 to the individual frame 10a.

[0065] When there is only one individual frame 10a to 10t, for example, when only the individual frame 10a is the target as shown in the present embodiment, the ECU 50 controls the inflator 20 and the switching unit 40 to expand the individual frame deformation portion 111b of the target individual frame 10a to the maximum.

[0066] As a result, the inflator 20 is actuated, gas is output from the inflator 20 to the switching unit 40 , and the switching unit 40 outputs the gas output from the inflator 20 to the individual frame 10 a .

[0067] In the individual frame 10 a , the gas output from the inflator 20 via the switching unit 40 is supplied to the individual frame chamber 111 a from the gas supply hole 111 c .

[0068] When the gas is supplied to the individual frame chamber 111 a , the pressure in the individual frame chamber 111 a increases, pressing the individual frame deformation portion 111 b .

[0069] Then, if Figure 4 As shown, when the pressure in the individual frame chamber 111 a increases to a predetermined level or higher, the corrugations of the individual frame deformation portion 111 b extend, expand outward in the vehicle width direction, and protrude to the outside of the vehicle 1 .

[0070] Thus, when the vehicle 1 collides with the pillar 2, the protruding individual frame 10a's individual frame deforming portion 111b contacts the pillar 2, and the individual frame deforming portion 111b absorbs the impact. Thus, the impact of the pillar 2 on the vehicle 1 can be mitigated by the individual frame 10a.

[0071] Furthermore, when the vehicle 1 collides with the pillar 2 at another location, only the target individual frames 10 a to 10 t may be operated.

[0072] Therefore, the impact with the pillar 2 can be effectively mitigated over a wide range with the capacity of the inflator 20 that operates only one individual frame 10a among the plurality of individual frames 10a to 10t.

[0073] (Safety device operation when colliding with a fence)

[0074] Next, the operation of the safety device when the vehicle 1 collides with a collision object within a predetermined range will be described.

[0075] In the present embodiment, a case where the vehicle 1 collides with a guardrail, a wall, or the like (hereinafter referred to as a fence) will be described.

[0076] also, Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing a situation when the vehicle 1 collides with the fence 3. Moreover, FIG6 (a) and FIG6 (b) are plan views (partial plan views of the frame 10) showing a plurality of individual target frames 10a to 10c before and after operation.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, when the vehicle 1 collides with the fence 3, it collides with a predetermined range of the vehicle 1, that is, not a specific point but an area having a certain range. In this embodiment, the case where the predetermined range of the left side surface of the vehicle 1 collides with the fence 3 is described, and the collision range is set to the side surface of the vehicle 1 where the individual frames 10a to 10c exist.

[0078] The individual frame 10c has an individual frame chamber 131a similar to the individual frames 10a and 10b, and an individual frame deformation portion 131b is installed in the individual frame chamber 131a to form a gas supply hole 131c. The details of each part are similar to those of the individual frames 10a and 10b, and therefore, description thereof is omitted.

[0079] First, when the vehicle 1 collides with the fence 3, the collision position detection unit 30 predicts at which part (in which range) of the vehicle 1 the collision position with the fence 3 is located. If the collision position detection unit 30 cannot predict or cannot predict in time, the collision position with the pillar 2 is detected.

[0080] Then, the collision position detection unit 30 specifies which individual frames 10a to 10t (a plurality of frames are targets) the predicted collision position (or detected collision position) corresponds to. Thus, the collision position detection unit 30 specifies the individual frames 10a to 10c as the operation targets.

[0081] Furthermore, as in the present embodiment, when the collision position corresponds to a plurality of individual frames 10a to 10t, the magnitude of the collision at each position corresponding to the individual frames 10a to 10t is also predicted (or detected).

[0082] Next, the collision position detection unit 30 outputs the information of the individual frames 10a to 10c to the ECU 50 as the individual frames 10a to 10t corresponding to the collision positions.

[0083] When the ECU 50 receives information of the individual frames 10a to 10c corresponding to the collision position from the collision position detection unit 30, the inflator 20 is operated and the switching unit 40 switches the output destination of the gas supplied from the inflator 20 to the target individual frames 10a to 10c.

[0084] In addition, when the ECU 50 predicts (or detects) the magnitude of the collision at each position corresponding to the individual frames 10a to 10c, the inflator 20 and the switching unit 40 are controlled according to the magnitude of the collision to adjust the amount of gas supplied to the individual frames 10a to 10c. For example, when the magnitude of the collision at the position corresponding to the individual frame 10b is predicted to be large and the magnitude of the collision at the positions corresponding to the individual frames 10a and 10c is predicted to be small, the inflator 20 and the switching unit 40 are controlled so that the individual frame deformation portion 121b of the individual frame 10b is expanded to the maximum, and the remaining gas is supplied to the individual frames 10a and 10c.

[0085] As a result, the inflator 20 is actuated, and gas is output from the inflator 20 to the switching unit 40 . The switching unit 40 outputs a predetermined amount of gas output from the inflator 20 to the individual frames 10 a to 10 c .

[0086] The individual frames 10 a to 10 c supply the gas output from the inflator 20 via the switching unit 40 to the individual frame chambers 111 a to 131 a from the gas supply holes 111 c to 131 c .

[0087] When the gas is supplied to the individual frame chambers 111 a to 131 a , the pressure in the individual frame chambers 111 a to 131 a increases, pressing the individual frame deformation portions 111 b to 131 b .

[0088] Then, as shown in Fig. 6(a) and Fig. 6(b), when the pressure in the individual frame chambers 111a to 131a increases to a predetermined level or higher, the corrugations of the individual frame deformation portions 111b to 131b extend and expand. In addition, in the individual frame 10b, the individual frame deformation portion 121b expands to the maximum extent and protrudes to the outside of the vehicle 1.

[0089] Thus, when the vehicle 1 collides with the fence 3, the individual frame deformation parts 111b to 131b of the protruding individual frames 10a to 10c abut against the fence 3, and the individual frame deformation parts 111b to 131b absorb the impact. In addition, in particular, near the individual frame 10b where the impact becomes large, the individual frame deformation part 121b of the individual frame 10b expands to the maximum limit, so that the impact can be fully absorbed. In this way, the impact of the fence 3 on the vehicle 1 can be mitigated by the individual frames 10a to 10c.

[0090] Furthermore, when the vehicle 1 collides with another portion of the fence 3 , the individual frames 10 a to 10 t that are targeted can be selected and activated.

[0091] Therefore, the impact with the fence 3 can be effectively mitigated over a wide range by the capacity of the inflator 20 that operates only the target individual frames 10a to 10c among the plurality of individual frames 10a to 10t.

[0092] (Other methods for individual frameworks)

[0093] Next, other methods of individual architectures are described.

[0094] 7( a ) and 7 ( b ) are plan views showing other forms of the individual frames (partial plan views showing the frame 10 as one embodiment of the individual frames).

[0095] First, as another aspect of the individual frame, consider a case where the corrugated shape of the side surface of the individual frame deformation portion 111b of the individual frame 10a in the above-described embodiment is another aspect.

[0096] For example, the side of the individual frame deformation part 111b in the above embodiment is a corrugated shape folded multiple times, but the side may be a shape folded only once. Specifically, when viewed from above or from the side, the side of the individual frame deformation part 111b is a shape like a trapezoid overlapped in two opposite directions.

[0097] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7 (a) and Fig. 7 (b), the lower base of a trapezoid with a long upper base and a short lower base is connected to the upper base of a trapezoid with a short upper base and a long lower base, and the upper base side of the trapezoid with a long upper base is provided at the opening of the individual frame room 112a on the side of the vehicle 1. In this manner, the individual frame deformation portion 112b is deformed to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction, and the impact with the collision object can be mitigated.

[0098] (The manner in which the individual frame deformation portion is recessed relative to the individual frame chamber)

[0099] Next, a description will be given of a case where the individual frame deformation portion is provided so as to be recessed relative to the individual frame chamber.

[0100] FIG. 8( a ) and FIG. 8( b ) are plan views showing an example of an individual frame in which an individual frame deformation portion is recessed (partial plan views showing a frame 10 of one embodiment of the individual frame).

[0101] As shown in FIG. 8( a ) and FIG. 8( b ), the individual frame of the present embodiment has an individual frame chamber 113 a , and an individual frame deformation portion 113 b is installed in the individual frame chamber 113 a to form a gas supply hole 113 c .

[0102] The individual frame chamber 113a has a portion of a wall surface that contacts the outside of the vehicle 1 and is recessed inward from the side surface of the frame 10. In addition, a gas supply hole 113c is formed on the side surface that contacts the inside of the vehicle 1.

[0103] The individual frame deformation part 113b is provided on the wall surface of the individual frame chamber 113a on the outer side of the vehicle 1 in a manner that a part of the wall surface is folded inward. When the internal pressure of the individual frame chamber 113a increases, the individual frame deformation part 113b is pushed out and protrudes from the individual frame chamber 113a to the outside of the vehicle 1. In addition, the side surface of the individual frame deformation part 113b may be corrugated.

[0104] The gas supply hole 113c is connected to the switching unit 40 via a gas supply line. Thus, the gas switched and output by the switching unit 40 can be supplied to the individual frame chambers 113a via the gas supply hole 113c.

[0105] Therefore, the gas supplied from the inflator 20 under the control of the ECU 50 and switched and output by the switching unit 40 is supplied to the individual frame chamber 113a through the gas supply hole 113c, whereby the individual frame deformation portion 113b is pushed out by the internal pressure in the individual frame chamber 113a, protrudes from the individual frame chamber 113a, and protrudes to the outside of the vehicle 1, thereby effectively mitigating the impact with the collision object.

[0106] (Individual frame deformation part is split)

[0107] Next, a description will be given of a case where the individual frame deformation portion is deformed as a single separate body.

[0108] FIG. 9( a ) and FIG. 9( b ) are plan views showing an example of an individual frame in which the individual frame deformation portion is formed as a separate body (partial plan views showing a frame 10 of one embodiment of the individual frame).

[0109] As shown in FIG. 9( a ) and FIG. 9( b ), the individual frame of the present embodiment has an individual frame chamber 114 a , in which the individual frame deformation portion 114 b is accommodated, and a gas supply hole 114 c is formed for the individual frame deformation portion 114 b .

[0110] The individual frame chamber 114a is open to the wall surface in contact with the outside of the vehicle 1, and forms a desired space in the frame 10. In addition, a hole connected to the gas supply hole 114c is formed on the side surface in contact with the inside of the vehicle 1 of the individual frame chamber 114a.

[0111] The individual frame deforming part 114b is accommodated in the individual frame chamber 114a. The wall surface of the individual frame deforming part 114b in contact with the outside of the vehicle 1 is slightly exposed to the outside from the opening of the individual frame chamber 114a, and a hole connected to the gas supply hole 114c is formed on the opposing wall surface.

[0112] In addition, a part of the side surface of the individual frame deformation part 114b is folded inward. Furthermore, when gas is supplied to the individual frame deformation part 114b and the internal pressure increases, the side surface of the individual frame deformation part 114b is extended, protruding from the individual frame chamber 114a toward the outside in the vehicle width direction, and protruding to the outside of the vehicle 1. In addition, the side surface of the individual frame deformation part 114b may also be corrugated.

[0113] The gas supply hole 114c is provided in a part of the frame 10 so that the holes provided in the individual frame chamber 114a and the individual frame deformation part 114b are connected to the outside of the frame 10. In addition, the gas supply hole 114c is connected to the switching part 40 through a gas supply pipeline. Thus, the gas switched and output by the switching part 40 can be supplied to the individual frame deformation part 114b through the gas supply hole 114c.

[0114] Therefore, the gas supplied from the inflator 20 by the control of the ECU 50 and switched output by the switching unit 40 is supplied to the individual frame deformation portion 114b via the gas supply hole 114c, whereby the individual frame deformation portion 114b expands, and a portion of the individual frame deformation portion 114b is extended from the side folded inwardly, protruding from the individual frame chamber 114a toward the outside in the vehicle width direction, and protruding to the outside of the vehicle 1, thereby being able to effectively mitigate the impact with the collision object.

[0115] (Other shapes of individual frame deformation parts)

[0116] Next, a case where the shape of the individual frame deformation portion is different from the shape of the individual frame deformation portion 114 b described above will be described.

[0117] 10( a ) and 10 ( b ) are plan views showing an example of an individual frame having an individual frame deformation portion in a different shape (partial plan views showing a frame 10 according to an embodiment of the individual frame).

[0118] As shown in FIG. 10( a ) and FIG. 10( b ), the individual frame of the present embodiment has an individual frame chamber 115 a , in which the individual frame deformation portion 115 b is accommodated, and a gas supply hole 115 c is formed for the individual frame deformation portion 115 b .

[0119] The individual frame chamber 115a is similar to the individual frame chamber 114a and is open to the wall surface in contact with the outside of the vehicle 1 to form a desired space in the frame 10. In addition, a hole connected to the gas supply hole 115c is formed on the side surface in contact with the inside of the vehicle 1 of the individual frame chamber 115a.

[0120] The individual frame deforming part 115b is accommodated in the individual frame chamber 115a. The wall surface of the individual frame deforming part 115b in contact with the outside of the vehicle 1 is folded inward. In addition, a hole connected to the gas supply hole 115c is formed on the opposite wall surface of the individual frame deforming part 115b.

[0121] In addition, the side surface of the individual frame deformation part 115b is provided along the wall surface of the individual frame chamber 115a. Furthermore, when gas is supplied to the individual frame deformation part 115b and the internal pressure increases, the wall surface of the individual frame deformation part 115b folded inward protrudes from the individual frame chamber 115a toward the outside in the vehicle width direction and protrudes to the outside of the vehicle 1. In addition, the folded wall surface of the individual frame deformation part 115b may also be corrugated.

[0122] The gas supply hole 115c is similar to the gas supply hole 114c and is provided in a part of the frame 10, so that the holes provided in the individual frame chamber 115a and the individual frame deformation part 115b are connected to the outside of the frame 10. In addition, the gas supply hole 115c is connected to the switching part 40 through a gas supply pipeline. Thus, the gas switched and output by the switching part 40 can be supplied to the individual frame deformation part 115b through the gas supply hole 115c.

[0123] Therefore, the gas supplied from the inflator 20 by the control of the ECU 50 and switched output by the switching unit 40 is supplied to the individual frame deformation unit 115b via the gas supply hole 115c, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the individual frame deformation unit 115b, causing the individual frame deformation unit 115b to expand, and the inwardly folded wall of the individual frame deformation unit 115b protrudes from the individual frame chamber 115a toward the outside in the vehicle width direction and to the outside of the vehicle 1, thereby effectively mitigating the impact with the collision object.

[0124] As described above, the safety device of the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment can supply the gas of the inflator 20 only to the individual frames 10a~10t corresponding to the collision position, so that the impact with the collision object can be effectively mitigated over a wide range using a smaller inflator 20 by having the following components: a plurality of individual frames 10a~10t; an inflator 20 that supplies gas; a collision position detection unit 30 that detects or predicts the collision position of the collision object relative to the vehicle 1; a switching unit 40 that switches the output object of the gas supplied from the inflator 20 to a specified individual frame 10a~10t; and an ECU 50 that controls the gas output object switched by the switching unit 40 based on the collision position detected or predicted by the collision position detection unit 30.

[0125] In addition, the safety device for the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment can more effectively mitigate the impact with a collision object because the individual frames 10a to 10t are deployed to the outer side of the outer periphery of the vehicle 1 by changing their shapes.

[0126] Furthermore, the safety device of the vehicle 1 of this embodiment supplies gas from the inflator 20 to the individual frames 10a to 10t corresponding to the collision position so that the individual frame deformation portions 111b to 115b assume the largest shapes, thereby effectively alleviating the impact with the collision object.

[0127] Furthermore, the safety device of the vehicle 1 of this embodiment supplies gas to the inflator 20 when the collision position corresponds to a plurality of individual frames 10a to 10t so as to expand the corresponding individual frames 10a to 10t to the maximum extent, thereby being able to effectively mitigate the impact with the collision object over a wide range using a smaller inflator 20.

[0128] Furthermore, the safety device of the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, when the collision position detection unit 30 predicts or detects the collision positions corresponding to the plurality of individual frames 10a to 10t, also predicts or detects the magnitude of the collision at each position corresponding to the individual frames 10a to 10t, and controls the amount of gas supplied to each individual frame 10a to 10t based on the prediction or detection of the collision position detection unit 30, thereby effectively mitigating the impact with the collision object by using a smaller inflator 20.

[0129] In addition, in the present embodiment, the switching unit 40 and the ECU 50 constitute a deployment control unit of the present application.

[0130] In addition, in the present embodiment, the individual frames 10a to 10t are provided in all directions of the vehicle 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto and the individual frames 10a to 10t may be provided only in specific positions. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the individual frames 10a to 10h are provided, but the individual frames 10i to 10t may not be provided.

[0131] In addition, in the present embodiment, the collision position detection unit 30 performs both prediction and detection of the collision position with the collision object, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and only one of the prediction and the detection may be performed.

[0132] Explanation of symbols

[0133] 1 vehicle, 2 pillars, 3 fences, 10 frames, 10a to 10t individual frames, 20 inflators, 30 collision position detection units, 40 switching units, 50 ECUs, 111a to 115a, 121a, 131a individual frame chambers, 111b to 115b, 121b, 131b individual frame deformation units, 111c to 115c, 121c, 131c gas supply holes.

Claims

1. A vehicle safety device, comprising: a frame extending along the side walls of the vehicle and serving as a frame forming the skeleton of the vehicle; an inflator that supplies gas into the frame; a collision position detection unit that detects or predicts a collision position of a collision object relative to the vehicle; as well as a deployment control unit that controls the supply of gas from the inflator to the frame based on the collision position detected or predicted by the collision position detection unit, The frame has a plurality of individual frame chambers, each of which is provided as an independent space. The plurality of individual frame chambers each have a wall surface with an opening on the outer side relative to the vehicle, and an individual frame deformation portion is installed in a manner to close the opening. The deployment control unit supplies gas of the inflator to at least one individual frame chamber corresponding to the collision position among the plurality of individual frame chambers to change the shape of the individual frame deformation portion corresponding to the at least one individual frame chamber toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

2. The vehicle safety device according to claim 1, wherein: The individual frame deformation portion is expanded to an outer side of the vehicle periphery by the change in shape.

3. The vehicle safety device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The deployment control unit supplies gas from the inflator so that the individual frame deformation portion assumes a maximum shape.

4. The vehicle safety device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The deployment control unit supplies gas from the inflator to deploy the plurality of individual frame deformation units when the number of the corresponding individual frame deformation units is plural.

5. The vehicle safety device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The collision position detection unit also detects or predicts the magnitude of the collision. The deployment control unit controls the amount of gas supplied by the inflator based on the detection or prediction of the collision position detection unit.

6. The vehicle safety device according to claim 4, wherein: The collision position detection unit also detects or predicts the magnitude of the collision. The deployment control unit controls the amount of gas supplied by the inflator based on the detection or prediction of the collision position detection unit.

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