Vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle. An object can be more appropriately protected by an impact absorbing assembly. The vehicle according to the present invention includes a monitoring assembly that monitors an environment around a vehicle body, a detection assembly that detects an impact on the vehicle body, a plurality of impact absorbing assemblies, and an operation control assembly that causes the plurality of impact absorbing assemblies to selectively operate based on a monitoring result of the monitoring assembly and a detection result of the detection assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention mainly relates to the operation mode of an impact absorption component mounted on a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle equipped with a pedestrian airbag as an impact-absorbing component to protect against objects that may come into contact with the vehicle body. According to Patent Document 1, the impact-absorbing component operates based on TTC (Time to Collision).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-206287 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The general expectation is to further improve the technology that enables shock-absorbing components to operate, so as to more properly protect objects.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to enable objects to be more properly protected by shock-absorbing components.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] One aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises:

[0011] Monitoring components that monitor the vehicle's surrounding environment;

[0012] A detection component that detects impacts on the vehicle body;

[0013] Multiple shock absorption components; and

[0014] An action control component that selectively causes the plurality of impact absorption components to operate based on the monitoring results of the monitoring component and the detection results of the detection component.

[0015] The effects of the invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the object can be protected more appropriately. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the construction of a vehicle involved in an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an electrical system assembly in a vehicle.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of how an impact absorption component operates.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating other examples of how an impact-absorbing component operates.

[0021] Figure 5 These are schematic diagrams illustrating other examples of the structure of an electrical system assembly in a vehicle.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 1: Vehicle; 22: Impact absorption component; 23: Monitoring component; 24: Judgment component; 25: Calculation component; 26: Detection component; 27: Motion control component. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention as described in the claims, and the present invention does not require a combination of all the features described in the embodiments. It is also possible to arbitrarily combine two or more features from the plurality of features described in the embodiments. Additionally, the same or identical structures will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the vehicle 1 according to the embodiment. In the diagram, for ease of understanding of the structure, the mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown. The X-direction corresponds to the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, the Y-direction corresponds to the left-right direction or the width direction of the vehicle body, and the Z-direction corresponds to the vertical direction or the height direction of the vehicle body.

[0026] Vehicle 1 includes wheels 11, engine hood 12, front bumper 13, side doors 14, front windshield 15, door windows 16, and pillars 17. In this embodiment, vehicle 1 is a four-wheeled vehicle with two front wheels and two rear wheels as wheels 11, but the number of wheels 11 is not limited to this example.

[0027] The engine hood (front engine hood) 12 is closable and positioned above the front of the vehicle body 10, for example, to enclose vehicle components such as the power source. The front bumper 13 is positioned below the front of the vehicle body 10. The side door 14 is closable and positioned on the side of the vehicle body 10, allowing the driver and other occupants to enter or exit the vehicle. The windshield 15 is positioned at the front of the upper part of the vehicle body 10 so that occupants inside the vehicle can observe the outside. The door glass 16 is positioned above the side door 14 so that occupants inside the vehicle can observe the outside. A pillar 17 is located between the windshield 15 and the door glass 16 to delineate the windshield 15; it is conventionally represented as pillar A 17, thus distinguishing it from other pillars (such as pillar B).

[0028] Furthermore, the door glass 16 can generally be opened and closed by moving up and down relative to the side door 14, but in the following description, it will be described in the closed state. Additionally, the frame portion surrounding the door glass 16 may also be provided on the side door 14.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, vehicle 1 also includes an electrical unit assembly 2. The electrical unit assembly 2 includes a vehicle speed sensor 21, multiple shock absorption components 22, a monitoring component 23, a judgment component 24, a calculation component 25, a detection component 26, and a motion control component 27. These components can be distributed in locations corresponding to the vehicle body 10, or they can be centrally located in a defined location.

[0030] Vehicle speed sensor 21 detects vehicle speed (the speed at which vehicle 1 travels). Vehicle speed sensor 21 can use any known sensor that can directly or indirectly acquire vehicle speed, such as a sensor that can detect the rotational speed of wheel 11. Alternatively, a sensor that can determine the position of vehicle 1, such as GPS (Global Positioning System), can be used to calculate the vehicle speed based on continuously acquired position data.

[0031] Multiple shock-absorbing components 22 are provided corresponding to multiple parts of the vehicle body 10. The shock-absorbing components 22 can be made of known components capable of absorbing impacts that may be applied to the object described later. When the shock-absorbing components 22 are in motion or driven, for example, a gas-filled bag is deployed in front of the vehicle body 10, thereby functioning as a buffer component.

[0032] At least some of the impact-absorbing components 22 are positioned differently in the vehicle width direction and / or in the height direction. For example, at least some of the impact-absorbing components 22 are correspondingly positioned with respect to the hood 12, the front bumper 13, and the A-pillar 17. The impact-absorbing component 22 corresponding to the hood 12 is positioned between the hood 12 and the windshield 15 and can deploy above the hood 12 when activated. The impact-absorbing component 22 corresponding to the front bumper 13 is positioned below the front of the vehicle body 10 and can deploy in front of the front bumper 13 when activated. Additionally, the impact-absorbing component 22 corresponding to the A-pillar 17 is positioned between the hood 12 and the windshield 15 and can deploy in front of the A-pillar 17 when activated.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, when the front portion 10f of the vehicle body 10 is divided into a front front portion 10fC, a front left side portion 10fLL, and a front right side portion 10fRR, at least a portion of the plurality of impact-absorbing components 22 are respectively provided corresponding to these portions 10fC, 10fLL, and 10fRR. In this embodiment, when the dimension in the vehicle width direction is set to W, the front left side portion 10fLL corresponds to the area of ​​W×0.14 or less starting from the left end of the vehicle body 10, and the front right side portion 10fRR corresponds to the area of ​​W×0.14 or less starting from the right end of the vehicle body 10. The front front portion 10fC corresponds to the area between portion 10fLL and portion 10fRR.

[0034] The front front portion 10fC can also be further subdivided. In this embodiment, the front front portion 10fC includes a central front portion 10fCC, a left front portion 10fCL, and a right front portion 10fCR. The left front portion 10fCL corresponds to the area within a range of W×0.14 to W×0.25 from the left end of the vehicle body 10, and the right front portion 10fCR corresponds to the area within a range of W×0.14 to W×0.25 from the right end of the vehicle body 10. The central front portion 10fCC corresponds to the area between portion 10fCL and portion 10fCR.

[0035] For ease of explanation:

[0036] The shock absorption component 22 corresponding to the left side 10fLL is designated as component 22. LL ;

[0037] The shock absorption component 22 corresponding to the front left side 10fCL is designated as component 22. CL ;

[0038] The shock absorption component 22 corresponding to the 10fCC of the front center portion is designated as component 22.CC ;

[0039] The shock absorption component 22 corresponding to the 10fCR on the right side of the front is designated as component 22. CR ;as well as

[0040] The shock absorption component 22 corresponding to the 10fRR on the right side is designated as component 22. RR .

[0041] As will be described in detail later, the aforementioned multiple shock-absorbing components 22 selectively operate according to the fulfillment of predetermined conditions.

[0042] Furthermore, the method of dividing parts 10fLL, 10fCL, 10fCC, 10fCR, and 10fRR can be changed according to the vehicle body structure. Additionally, the front portion 10f of the vehicle body 10 can be further divided in detail according to the vehicle body structure, and the number of divisions is not limited to this example. Furthermore, parts such as 10fLL can also be represented as regions such as 10fLL.

[0043] The monitoring component 23 monitors the surrounding environment of the vehicle body 10. The surrounding environment includes information necessary for the proper driving of the vehicle 1, such as the driving environment around the vehicle body 10 (e.g., roads) and objects around the vehicle body 10 (e.g., installations, other vehicles, pedestrians, etc., elements that should be avoided). The monitoring component 23 can use known devices, such as cameras, radar, or LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).

[0044] The determination component 24 can determine the attributes of objects that may come into contact with the vehicle body 10 based on the monitoring results of the monitoring component 23. For example, the determination component 24 determines whether the object that may come into contact with the vehicle body 10 is a person. This determination process can be simply represented as a determination.

[0045] If the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 21 meets the benchmark, the determination component 24 makes a determination, specifically targeting objects located within the range corresponding to the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 21. For example, when the vehicle speed V = Vp, the determination component 24 determines objects within a distance Dp from the vehicle body 10; when the vehicle speed V = Vq (> Vp), it determines objects within a distance Dq (> Dp) from the vehicle body 10. This prevents unnecessary determinations from being made.

[0046] Alternatively, the above determination may be made for the object regardless of the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 21, or other processing may be performed based on the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 21.

[0047] Based on the monitoring results of the monitoring component 23, the calculation component 25 determines the feature parts of the object that may come into contact with the vehicle body 10, and determines the contact position of the determined feature parts relative to the vehicle body 10. Two or more feature parts can be determined based on the attributes of the object; for example, if the object is a person, three feature parts—the person's head and left and right shoulders—can be determined. Additionally, the person's left and right feet can also be determined as feature parts, for a total of five feature parts. The determined feet can be a part of the foot itself; examples typically include the heel, ankle, etc., but are not limited to these.

[0048] The detection component 26 detects the impact on the vehicle body 10. The detection component 26 can use a known sensor, such as an accelerometer. The detection components 26 are respectively disposed at multiple locations on the vehicle body 10, and a portion of the multiple impact absorption components 22 are correspondingly disposed with respect to the multiple detection components 26.

[0049] The motion control component 27 can selectively activate the plurality of shock absorption components 22, either by activating some of them or by activating all of them. For example, if any one of the plurality of detection components 26 detects an impact, the motion control component 27 activates the shock absorption component 22 corresponding to the detection component 26 that detected the impact.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, if the determination component 24 determines, based on the monitoring results of the monitoring component 23, that the object that may come into contact with the vehicle body 10 is a person, the motion control component 27 activates the impact absorption component 22, which corresponds to the contact position of the person's feature portion relative to the vehicle body 10. As described above, when the object is a person, three feature portions—the person's head and the left and right shoulders—can be identified. In this case, based on which of the following parts of the front portion 10f of the vehicle body 10f—10fLL, 10fCL, 10fCC, 10fCR, and 10fRR—the contact position of these three feature portions corresponds to, the motion control component 27 activates the impact absorption component 22. LL ,twenty two CL ,twenty two CC ,twenty two CR and 22 RR Some or all of the components in the process can perform actions.

[0051] In this way, the motion control component 27 causes the multiple shock absorption components 22 to selectively operate based on the monitoring results of the monitoring component 23 and the detection results of the detection component 26.

[0052] Some of the multiple shock absorption components 22 may operate based on both the monitoring results of the monitoring component 23 and the detection results of the detection component 26, or they may operate based on only one of them. For example, some of the multiple shock absorption components 22 may operate based solely on the monitoring results of the monitoring component 23, and some of the multiple shock absorption components 22 may operate solely on the detection results of the detection component 26.

[0053] Based on the above structure, the electrical device assembly 2 can more appropriately protect objects that may come into contact with the vehicle body 10 using multiple shock-absorbing components 22. From this perspective, the electrical device assembly 2 can also be represented as a shock-absorbing device, a safety device, etc.

[0054] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of operating multiple impact-absorbing components 22. This flowchart is primarily executed by the motion control component 27, which, in summary, causes the multiple impact-absorbing components 22 to selectively operate based on the contact position of a feature portion of an object relative to the vehicle body 10, as detected by the monitoring component 26.

[0055] In step S3000 (hereinafter referred to as "S3000"), it is determined whether the vehicle speed V is greater than the reference value V1. The predetermined speed required for the shock absorption component 22 to operate is set to the reference value V1, such as 15 km / hr, 30 km / hr, 45 km / hr, 60 km / hr, etc. If the vehicle speed V is greater than the reference value V1, proceed to S3010; otherwise, return to S3000 (or the process can be terminated).

[0056] In S3010, it is determined whether the object detected by the monitoring component 23 is a person. If the object is a person, proceed to S3020; otherwise, return to S3000.

[0057] In S3020, the TTC (Time to Collision) of the object when it is determined to be a person is calculated. The TTC is calculated as the time it takes for vehicle 1 to reach the object assuming the relative speed between vehicle 1 and the object remains constant. Furthermore, referring to patents 6375034, 6204865, and 6138655, TTC is generally used as a parameter to evaluate safety during driving.

[0058] In S3030, it is determined whether the TTC is less than the reference value T1. The predetermined period required for the shock absorption component 22 to operate is set as the reference value T1, which can be set to 1 second, 3 seconds, 5 seconds, etc. As another example, the reference value T1 can be a fixed value, but it can also be a variable value that varies based on the posture of the person being acted upon (i.e., which direction they are facing relative to the front of the vehicle body 10, for example, facing forward, backward, left, or right) and / or the direction of movement relative to the vehicle body 10. As an example, when the person is facing to the side or moving in the lateral direction, the reference value T1 can be set to a value smaller than when the person is facing forward. If the TTC is less than the reference value T1, proceed to S3040; otherwise, return to S3000.

[0059] In step S3040, the characteristic features of the object that is determined to be a person are determined. As described above, when the object is a person, three characteristic features—the person's head and the left and right shoulders—can be determined. This process can be achieved by performing image analysis using a known human body analysis model. Therefore, the posture can be appropriately determined. Furthermore, as described above, a total of five characteristic features, including the person's left and right feet, can also be determined, thereby enabling a more appropriate determination.

[0060] In S3050, it is determined which of the following parts of the front part 10f of the vehicle body 10—10fLL, 10fCL, 10fCC, 10fCR, and 10fRR—corresponds to the contact position of the feature. A predetermined calculation process is performed, using the forward direction or travel path of the vehicle 1 and the relative position of the feature with respect to the vehicle body 10 as input information. Alternatively, the direction and speed of movement of the object can also be used as input information.

[0061] In S3060, the component of the plurality of shock-absorbing components 22 corresponding to the determination result in S3050 is activated. This process is performed based on the aforementioned portion 10fLL, etc., corresponding to all or some of the three feature portions. Here, based on the three feature portions determined in S3040, the posture of the person as the object can be determined. Therefore, in S3060, the component of the plurality of shock-absorbing components 22 corresponding to that feature portion can be appropriately driven.

[0062] According to the above implementation, when the vehicle speed V is greater than the reference value V1, and the object detected by the monitoring component 23 is a person and the TTC is less than the reference value T1, the multiple impact absorption components 22 will selectively operate based on the monitoring result of the monitoring component 23, regardless of the detection result of the detection component 26. The components of the multiple impact absorption components 22 that correspond to the contact position between the feature portion of the object detected by the monitoring component 23 and the vehicle body 10 selectively operate, thereby appropriately protecting the object. Furthermore, the operation of only a suitable portion of the multiple impact absorption components 22 allows for rapid operation, facilitating more appropriate protection of the object.

[0063] Furthermore, as described above, at least some of the impact-absorbing components 22 can be positioned at different locations in the height direction. Therefore, the head, wrists, feet, etc., of the person being protected can be more appropriately protected by the impact-absorbing components 22 corresponding to their contact positions.

[0064] All or some of the elements constituting the electrical device group 2 may also be composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory, and their functions may be implemented by the CPU expanding and executing a predetermined program on the memory. Alternatively, their functions may be implemented by at least one processor circuit accompanying the memory storing the predetermined program, for example, by a semiconductor device such as an integrated circuit (ASIC) for a specific purpose. That is, the functions of the electrical device group 2 may be implemented by either hardware or software.

[0065] Some elements constituting the electrical device group 2 may be modified without departing from its main purpose. For example, all or some elements constituting the electrical device group 2 may be composed of a single component. As an example, the determination component 24 and the calculation component 25 may be integrated, and the determination component 24 may have a part of the function of the calculation component 25, or the calculation component 25 may have a part of the function of the determination component 24.

[0066] -First Embodiment

[0067] The following is an example of a form showing the correspondence of the impact-absorbing components 22 that operate in S3060. For example, in the three feature sections:

[0068] When the three feature parts correspond to the part 10fLL, the impact absorption component 22 corresponding to the left A support 17 will operate.

[0069] When two (or one) feature parts correspond to part 10fLL and one (or two) feature parts correspond to part 10fC (any one of part 10fCL, 10fCC and 10fCR), the impact absorption assembly 22 corresponding to the engine hood 12 and the left A pillar 17 operates.

[0070] When the three feature parts correspond to the part 10fC, the impact absorption component 22 corresponding to the engine hood 12 will operate.

[0071] When two (or one) feature parts correspond to part 10fC and one (or two) feature parts correspond to part 10fRR, the impact absorption assembly 22 corresponding to the engine hood 12 and the right side A pillar 17 operates; and

[0072] When the three feature parts correspond to the position 10fRR, the impact absorption component 22 corresponding to the right A support 17 will operate.

[0073] In this way, the component of the multiple impact absorption components 22 that corresponds to the contact position of the feature relative to the vehicle body 10 can be activated, thereby properly protecting the object and enabling its operation to be realized quickly.

[0074] -Second Embodiment

[0075] Multiple impact-absorbing components 22 are disposed at multiple locations corresponding to the vehicle body 10. LL ,twenty two CL ,twenty two CC ,twenty two CR and 22 RR Set accordingly to parts 10fLL, 10fCL, 10fCC, 10fCR, and 10fRR.

[0076] The following are other examples of forms showing the correspondence of the impact-absorbing components 22 operating in S3060. For example, in the three feature sections:

[0077] When the three feature parts correspond to the location 10fLL, the impact absorption component 22 corresponds to the left A support 17. LL Perform the action;

[0078] When two feature parts correspond to part 10fLL and one feature part corresponds to part 10fCL, the impact absorption assembly 22 corresponding to the left A support 17 is also present. LL and 22 CL Perform the action;

[0079] In the case where one feature corresponds to part 10fLL and two feature parts correspond to part 10fCL, the impact absorption assembly 22 corresponding to the left A support 17, the impact absorption assembly 22 LL ,twenty two CL and 22 CC Perform the action;

[0080] When one to three feature parts correspond to any one of the parts 10fCL, 10fCC, and 10fCR, the impact absorption component 22 LL ,twenty two CL ,twenty two CC ,twenty two CR and 22 RR Perform the action;

[0081] When two feature parts correspond to part 10fCR and one feature part corresponds to part 10fRR, the impact absorption assembly 22 corresponding to the right A support 17 is... CC ,twenty two CR and 22 RR Perform the action;

[0082] In the case where one feature corresponds to part 10fCR and two feature parts correspond to part 10fRR, the impact absorption assembly 22 corresponding to the right A support 17, the impact absorption assembly 22 CR and 22 RR Performing an action; and

[0083] With the three feature parts corresponding to the location 10fRR, the impact absorption component 22 corresponding to the right-side A support 17, the impact absorption component 22 RR To perform an action.

[0084] Thus, when there are a large number of impact absorption components 22, it is also possible for one of these multiple impact absorption components 22 to operate with the component corresponding to the contact position of the feature relative to the vehicle body 10 and its surrounding area.

[0085] -Third Embodiment

[0086] exist Figure 3 In the example, it is shown that when the vehicle speed V is greater than the reference value V1 (refer to S3000) and the given conditions are met, the multiple shock absorption components 22 are selectively operated, but their operation methods can also be partially modified based on other reference values.

[0087] Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation method of multiple shock-absorbing components 22. In summary, the operation conditions of the multiple shock-absorbing components 22 are varied based on which range of multiple vehicle speeds the vehicle speed V falls within.

[0088] In S3000, it is determined whether the vehicle speed V is greater than the reference value V1. If the vehicle speed V is greater than the reference value V1, proceed to S3010; otherwise, return to S3000 (or this flowchart can be terminated).

[0089] In S3010, it is determined whether the object detected by the monitoring component 23 is a person. If the object is a person, proceed to S4010; otherwise, return to S3000.

[0090] In S4010, it is determined whether the vehicle speed V is greater than the reference value V2. The reference value V2 can be set to a value greater than the reference value V1. For example, the reference value V1 can be set to 15 km / hr and the reference value V2 can be set to 30 km / hr. If the vehicle speed V is greater than the reference value V2, proceed to S4110; otherwise, proceed to S4020.

[0091] In S4020, it is determined whether the detection component 26 has detected an impact on the vehicle body 10. If the detection component 26 has detected an impact, proceed to S4030; otherwise, return to S3000.

[0092] In S4030, the component of the plurality of impact absorption components 22 that corresponds to the detection result of S4020 is activated. That is, if any one of the plurality of detection components 26 provided at multiple locations on the vehicle body 10 detects an impact, the impact absorption component 22 corresponding to the detection component 26 that detected the impact is activated.

[0093] In S4110, it is determined whether the vehicle speed V is greater than the reference value V3. The reference value V3 can be set to a value greater than the reference value V2. For example, the reference value V1 can be set to 15 km / hr, the reference value V2 to 30 km / hr, and the reference value V3 to 60 km / hr. If the vehicle speed V is greater than the reference value V3, the process returns to S3000; otherwise, it proceeds to S3020.

[0094] In S3020, the TTC of the object is calculated when it is determined to be a person.

[0095] In S3030, it is determined whether TTC is less than the reference value T1. If TTC is less than the reference value T1, proceed to S3040; otherwise, return to S3000.

[0096] In S3040, the characteristic features of the object that is determined to be a person are determined.

[0097] In S3050, it is determined which part of the front part 10f of the vehicle body 10, namely 10fLL, 10fCL, 10fCC, 10fCR and 10fRR, corresponds to the contact position of the feature part.

[0098] In S4210, it is determined whether the contact position of the feature determined in S3050 meets a predetermined condition. As an example, it is determined whether the contact position is the front face portion 10fC (any one of the portions 10fCL, 10fCC, and 10fCR). If the contact position meets the predetermined condition (in this case, the contact position is the front face portion 10fC), proceed to S3060; otherwise (in this case, the contact position is portion 10fLL or 10fRR), proceed to S4020.

[0099] In S3060, the component of the plurality of shock absorption components 22 that corresponds to the determination result of S3050 is activated.

[0100] In summary, when the object is detected to be a person:

[0101] - When V≤V1, suppress the operation of the shock absorption component 22;

[0102] -When V1<V≤V2, the shock absorption component 22 operates based on the detection result of the detection component 26;

[0103] -In the case where V2<V≤V3

[0104] When the contact position of the feature portion meets the reference, the impact absorption component 22 operates based on the monitoring results of the monitoring component 23.

[0105] When the contact position of the feature does not meet the reference, the impact absorption component 22 operates based on the detection result of the detection component 26; and

[0106] - When V > V3, the operation of the shock absorption component 22 is suppressed.

[0107] Thus, the operating conditions of multiple impact-absorbing components 22 can be partially modified based on the vehicle speed V, or some of the impact-absorbing components 22 can operate under different conditions in several situations. This allows for more appropriate protection of the object.

[0108] Furthermore, if the shock absorption component 22 operates when V > V3, a person detected as the target object may be moved to a distance due to the operation of the shock absorption component 22. Therefore, in this example, the operation of the shock absorption component 22 is suppressed when V > V3, but as another example, the shock absorption component 22 may also operate (S4110 may be omitted).

[0109] -Fourth Embodiment

[0110] Figure 5 Other examples of the arrangement of multiple shock-absorbing components 22 are shown. In this example, a total of four shock-absorbing components 22 are arranged corresponding to the engine hood 12, front bumper 13, left A-pillar 17, and right A-pillar 17, respectively. In the figures, for ease of understanding, the component corresponding to the engine hood 12 among these shock-absorbing components 22 is referred to as shock-absorbing component 22. 12 The component corresponding to the front bumper 13 is designated as shock absorption component 22. 13 The component corresponding to the left-side support A 17 is designated as impact absorption component 22. 17L Additionally, the component corresponding to the right-side support A 17 is designated as impact-absorbing component 22. 17R .

[0111] Thus, multiple shock-absorbing components 22 can be set in the required quantity, and are not limited to this. Figure 2 Examples.

[0112] The following note indicates that in S3060 (refer to...) Figures 3-4 Other examples of the table showing the correspondence between the impact-absorbing components 22 in the action of the movement. For example, in three feature sections:

[0113] With the three feature parts corresponding to the 10fLL location, the impact absorption component 22 17L Perform the action;

[0114] When two feature parts correspond to part 10fLL and one feature part corresponds to part 10fCL, the impact absorption component 22 12 ,twenty two 13 and 22 17L Perform the action;

[0115] In the case where one feature corresponds to part 10fLL and two feature parts correspond to part 10fCL, the impact absorption assembly 22 12 ,twenty two 13 and 22 17L Perform the action;

[0116] When one to three feature parts correspond to any one of the parts 10fCL, 10fCC, and 10fCR, the impact absorption component 22 12 and 22 13 Perform the action;

[0117] When two feature parts correspond to part 10fCR and one feature part corresponds to part 10fRR, the impact absorption component 22 12 ,twenty two 13 and 22 17R Perform the action;

[0118] In the case where one feature corresponds to part 10fCR and two feature parts correspond to part 10fRR, the impact absorption assembly 22 12 ,twenty two 13 and 22 17R Performing an action; and

[0119] With the three feature sections corresponding to the 10fRR location, the impact absorption component 22 17R To perform an action.

[0120] Thus, multiple impact-absorbing components 22 can be installed in a number corresponding to the vehicle body structure, or they can be installed corresponding to the engine hood 12, front bumper 13, left A-pillar 17, and right A-pillar 17 respectively. Even in this example, these impact-absorbing components 22 are based on the contact position of the feature (see reference). Figures 3-4 (S3050) selectively performs actions, thereby appropriately protecting the object.

[0121] - Fifth Embodiment

[0122] In the aforementioned S4210 (refer to) Figure 4 In this example, the determination of whether the contact position of the feature portion meets a predetermined condition is used as the criterion. However, this example is not limited to this one. For example, the operating conditions of the multiple impact absorption components 22 can be changed based on which part of part 10fLL the contact position of all or some of the three feature portions.

[0123] For example, in the three characteristic parts:

[0124] With the three feature parts corresponding to the 10fLL location, the impact absorption component 22 17L Perform the action;

[0125] In the case where only two feature parts correspond to the location 10fLL, the impact absorption component 22 is activated when detected by the detection component 26. 17L Perform the action;

[0126] In the case where only one feature corresponds to the part 10fLL, the shock absorption component 22 is suppressed. 17L The action;

[0127] With the three feature sections corresponding to the 10fRR location, the impact absorption component 22 17R Perform the action;

[0128] In the case where only two feature parts correspond to the location 10fRR, the impact absorption component 22 is detected by the detection component 26. 17R Perform the action;

[0129] In the case where only one feature corresponds to the location 10fRR, the shock absorption component 22 is suppressed. 17R The action;

[0130] When the three feature parts correspond to any one of the three parts 10fC (10fCL, 10fCC, and 10fCR), the impact absorption component 22 12 and 22 13 Perform the action;

[0131] When two feature parts correspond to part 10fC and one feature part corresponds to part 10fLL, the impact absorption component 22 12 ,twenty two 13 and 22 17L Perform the action;

[0132] When one feature corresponds to part 10fC and two feature portions correspond to part 10fLL, the impact absorption component 22 is activated when the detection component 26 detects the impact. 12 ,twenty two 13 and 22 17L Perform the action;

[0133] When two feature parts correspond to part 10fC and one feature part corresponds to part 10fRR, the impact absorption component 22 12 ,twenty two 13 and 22 17R Performing an action; and

[0134] When one feature corresponds to location 10fC and two feature parts correspond to location 10fRR, the impact absorption component 22 is activated when the detection component 26 detects the impact. 12 ,twenty two 13 and 22 17R To perform an action.

[0135] Here, "only" in the above means that there is no other feature that corresponds to any of the parts 10fLL, etc.

[0136] In this way, the operating conditions of multiple shock absorption components 22 can be changed according to any combination of the detection results of the detection component 26 and the monitoring results of the monitoring component 23, and the corresponding shock absorption component 22 can operate based on the detection results of the detection component 26 and / or the monitoring results of the monitoring component 23.

[0137] Alternatively, as described above, a total of five feature sections can be determined. In this case, the operating conditions of the multiple shock absorption components 22 can be varied in detail.

[0138] Furthermore, it is preferable to determine all features, but even if only a portion of the features are determined, the shock-absorbing component 22 can still operate appropriately. This is advantageous in situations where it is difficult to determine all features based on the posture of the person being targeted. For example, if the total number of features to be determined is set to N (>3), and only M (1≤M<N) features are determined, the corresponding shock-absorbing component 22 can operate based on the determination results described above.

[0139] In all or some of the cases illustrated in the first to fifth embodiments described above, a portion of the impact-absorbing parts 22 to be operated may be deleted, or other portions may be added. That is, without departing from the spirit of the embodiment, the object to which the impact-absorbing components 22 are operated may be partially changed according to the installation position of the impact-absorbing components 22, thereby allowing for appropriate adjustment of the number of components. For example, multiple impact-absorbing components 22 corresponding to the front bumper 13 may be provided corresponding to the parts 10fLL, 10fCL, 10fCC, 10fCR, and 10fRR.

[0140] In the above description, for ease of understanding, each element is referred to by a name related to its function. However, each element is not limited to possessing the content described in the implementation as a primary function, but may also possess the content as an auxiliary function. Therefore, each element is not strictly limited to the described manifestation, and the manifestation can be replaced with the same manifestation. Based on the same principle, the manifestation of "apparatus" can also be replaced with "unit," "component," "member," "structure," "assembly," etc., or omitted.

[0141] Similarly, the processes such as determination, calculation, and identification illustrated in the flowchart of the implementation method can also be included in the concept of operation. In addition, some of them can be replaced with other representations. For example, identification can also be represented as estimation, prediction, extraction, etc.

[0142] The features of the above implementation methods are summarized as follows: [1]

[0144] The first aspect relates to a vehicle (e.g., 1), characterized in that it possesses:

[0145] A monitoring component (e.g., 23) monitors the surrounding environment of the vehicle body (e.g., 10);

[0146] A detection component (e.g., 26) that detects impacts on the vehicle body;

[0147] Multiple shock-absorbing components (e.g., 22); and

[0148] An action control component (e.g., 27) causes the plurality of shock absorption components to selectively operate based on at least one of the monitoring results of the monitoring component and the detection results of the detection component.

[0149] This enables the shock-absorbing components to operate with high precision and high speed, thus providing more appropriate protection for the target object.

[0150] In the second method, the characteristic is that,

[0151] It also has a vehicle speed sensor (e.g., 21) to detect vehicle speed.

[0152] If the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor meets the benchmark, the motion control component causes the plurality of shock absorption components to selectively operate.

[0153] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0154] In the third approach, the characteristic is that,

[0155] It also includes a determination component (e.g., 24) that determines whether an object that may come into contact with the vehicle body is a person.

[0156] If the determination component determines that the object is a person, the motion control component will selectively cause the multiple impact absorption components to operate based on the monitoring result of the monitoring component, regardless of the detection result of the detection component.

[0157] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0158] In other methods, the characteristic is that,

[0159] The determination component makes the determination for objects located within the range corresponding to the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor.

[0160] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0161] In other methods, the characteristic is that,

[0162] The plurality of impact-absorbing components are disposed corresponding to the plurality of parts of the vehicle body.

[0163] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0164] In other methods, the characteristic is that,

[0165] At least some of the plurality of impact-absorbing components are positioned at different locations in the height direction.

[0166] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0167] In other methods, the characteristic is that,

[0168] At least some of the plurality of impact-absorbing components are positioned at different locations in the vehicle width direction.

[0169] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0170] In the fourth method, the characteristic is that,

[0171] The plurality of impact absorption components include:

[0172] First component (e.g., 22) CL ,twenty two CC ,twenty two CR ), which operates in accordance with the front front part of the vehicle body;

[0173] Second component (e.g., 22, 22) LL ), which operates corresponding to the front left side of the vehicle body; and

[0174] Third component (e.g., 22, 22) RR It operates in accordance with the front right side of the vehicle body.

[0175] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0176] In the fifth method, the characteristic is that,

[0177] The determination component can also determine which part of the front of the vehicle body the object may come into contact with.

[0178] The motion control component causes the first component to the third component to selectively perform actions based on the results of the above determination.

[0179] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0180] In the sixth method, the characteristic is that,

[0181] Set the vehicle speed as V, and the predetermined threshold as V1.

[0182] When the determination component determines that the object is a person

[0183] When V≤V1, the operation of the first component to the third component is suppressed.

[0184] Therefore, the fifth method can be implemented more appropriately.

[0185] In the seventh method, the characteristic is that,

[0186] Set the other thresholds to V2 (V1 < V2).

[0187] When V1 < V ≤ V2, the first component to the third component perform actions based on the detection results of the detection component.

[0188] Therefore, the sixth method can be implemented more appropriately.

[0189] In the eighth method, the characteristic is that,

[0190] Set another threshold to V3 (V2 < V3).

[0191] When V2 < V ≤ V3, if the position where the object may contact the front of the vehicle body meets the reference, the first component to the third component selectively operate based on the monitoring result of the monitoring component; if the position does not meet the reference, the first component to the third component selectively operate based on the detection result of the detection component.

[0192] Therefore, the seventh method can be implemented more appropriately.

[0193] In the ninth method, the characteristic is that,

[0194] When V > V3, the operation of the first component to the third component is suppressed.

[0195] Therefore, the seventh method can be implemented more appropriately.

[0196] The tenth method is characterized by further comprising:

[0197] Engine hood (e.g., 12);

[0198] Front bumper (e.g., 13); and

[0199] The A-pillar (e.g., 17) located between the windshield (e.g., 15) and the door glass (e.g., 16),

[0200] At least a portion of the plurality of impact-absorbing components are disposed corresponding to the engine hood, the front bumper, and the A-pillar.

[0201] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0202] In the eleventh method, the characteristic is that,

[0203] The front portion of the vehicle, serving as an area for determining the contact position between the vehicle and an object that may come into contact with the vehicle body, includes the following in the vehicle width direction:

[0204] The first region (e.g., 10fCC) is defined within a predetermined range starting from the center of the vehicle in the width direction.

[0205] A pair of second regions (e.g., 10fCL, 10fCR), wherein the pair of second regions are respectively defined within a predetermined range extending outward from the left and right ends of the first region; and

[0206] A pair of third regions (e.g., 10fLL, 10fRR) are respectively set outward from the pair of second regions.

[0207] Therefore, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the fifth method more appropriately.

[0208] In the twelfth method, the characteristic is that...

[0209] When the contact position is the first region, the motion control component causes the impact absorption component corresponding to the engine hood and the front bumper to activate.

[0210] Therefore, the eleventh method can be implemented more appropriately.

[0211] In the thirteenth method, the characteristic is that,

[0212] When the contact position is the second region, the motion control component causes the impact absorption components corresponding to the A-pillar, engine hood, and front bumper to actuate.

[0213] Therefore, the eleventh method can be implemented more appropriately.

[0214] In the fourteenth method, the characteristic is that,

[0215] In the case where the contact location is the third region and the object that may come into contact with the vehicle body is a person, the motion control component causes the impact absorption component corresponding to the A pillar to activate.

[0216] Therefore, the eleventh method can be implemented more appropriately. [2]

[0218] The first approach in the second aspect relates to a vehicle (e.g., 1), characterized in that it possesses:

[0219] A monitoring component (e.g., 23) monitors the vehicle's surrounding environment;

[0220] Multiple shock-absorbing components (e.g., 22);

[0221] A computing component (e.g., 25), based on the monitoring results of the monitoring component, determines two or more feature parts of an object that may come into contact with the vehicle body, and determines the contact position of each of the two or more determined feature parts with the vehicle body; and

[0222] A motion control component (e.g., 27) selectively actuates the plurality of impact absorption components based on the determined contact position.

[0223] This enables the shock-absorbing components to operate with high precision and high speed, thereby achieving more appropriate protection of the object.

[0224] In the second method, the characteristic is that,

[0225] It also includes a determination component (e.g., 24), which determines whether the object is a person.

[0226] If the determination component determines that the object is a person, the motion control component causes the plurality of impact absorption components (e.g., 22) to operate.

[0227] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0228] In the third approach, the characteristic is that,

[0229] If the determination component determines that the object is a person, the calculation component identifies the head and shoulders as the two or more feature parts.

[0230] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0231] In the fourth method, the characteristic is that,

[0232] The computing component also identifies the foot as one of the two or more feature parts.

[0233] Therefore, the third approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0234] In the fifth method, the characteristic is that,

[0235] The calculation component determines which of the two or more feature parts may come into contact with which part of the front front, front left side, and front right side of the vehicle body, and the motion control component causes the plurality of impact absorption components to operate based on the determination results.

[0236] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0237] In other methods, the characteristic is that,

[0238] The plurality of impact-absorbing components are disposed corresponding to the plurality of parts of the vehicle body.

[0239] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0240] In other methods, the characteristic is that,

[0241] At least some of the plurality of impact-absorbing components are positioned at different locations in the height direction.

[0242] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0243] In other methods, the characteristic is that,

[0244] At least some of the plurality of impact-absorbing components are positioned at different locations in the vehicle width direction.

[0245] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0246] In the sixth method, the characteristic is that,

[0247] The plurality of impact absorption components include:

[0248] First component (e.g., 22) CL ,twenty two CC ,twenty two CR ), which operates in accordance with the front front part of the vehicle body;

[0249] Second component (e.g., 22, 22) LL ), which operates corresponding to the front left side of the vehicle body; and

[0250] Third component (e.g., 22, 22) RR It operates in accordance with the front right side of the vehicle body.

[0251] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0252] In the seventh method, the characteristic is that,

[0253] The computing component can also determine which part of the front of the vehicle body the object may come into contact with.

[0254] The motion control component causes the first component to the third component to selectively perform actions based on the results determined above.

[0255] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0256] In the eighth method, the characteristic is that it further comprises:

[0257] Engine hood (e.g., 12);

[0258] Front bumper (e.g., 13); and

[0259] The A-pillar (e.g., 17) located between the windshield (e.g., 15) and the door glass (e.g., 16),

[0260] At least a portion of the plurality of impact-absorbing components are disposed corresponding to the engine hood, the front bumper, and the A-pillar.

[0261] Therefore, the first approach can be implemented more appropriately.

[0262] In the ninth method, the characteristic is that,

[0263] When all the features of the two or more features are in contact with the front face of the vehicle body, the contact position of all the features is the front face of the vehicle body.

[0264] The motion control component causes the shock absorption components corresponding to the front bumper and the hood to actuate.

[0265] Therefore, the eighth method can be implemented more appropriately.

[0266] In the tenth method, the characteristic is that,

[0267] When one of the two or more feature portions has a contact position with the front face of the vehicle body relative to the vehicle body, and

[0268] When the contact position of other feature parts relative to the vehicle body is the front left side or the front right side of the vehicle body.

[0269] The motion control component causes the shock absorption components corresponding to the front bumper, the hood, and the A-pillar to actuate.

[0270] Therefore, the eighth method can be implemented more appropriately.

[0271] In the eleventh method, the characteristic is that,

[0272] It also includes a detection component that detects impacts on the vehicle body.

[0273] When one of the two or more feature portions contacts the vehicle body at a position that is either the front left side or the front right side of the vehicle body, and

[0274] When the impact is detected by the detection component

[0275] The motion control component causes the shock absorption components corresponding to the front bumper, the hood, and the A-pillar to actuate.

[0276] Therefore, the eighth method can be implemented more appropriately.

[0277] In the twelfth method, the characteristic is that...

[0278] When the contact position of all the feature parts of the two or more feature parts with respect to the vehicle body is the front left side or the front right side,

[0279] The motion control component causes the impact absorption component corresponding to the A-pillar to activate.

[0280] Therefore, the eighth method can be implemented more appropriately.

[0281] In the thirteenth method, the characteristic is that,

[0282] If the contact position of any one of the two or more feature parts relative to the vehicle body is not the front face, and

[0283] When one of the two or more feature parts contacts the front left side or the front right side of the vehicle body,

[0284] The motion control component suppresses the action of the plurality of impact absorption components.

[0285] Therefore, the eighth method can be implemented more appropriately.

[0286] In the fourteenth method, the characteristic is that,

[0287] It also includes a detection component that detects impacts on the vehicle body.

[0288] If the contact position of any one of the two or more feature parts relative to the vehicle body is not the front face, then...

[0289] When one of the two or more feature portions has a contact position with the vehicle body at the front left side or the front right side, and

[0290] When the impact is detected by the detection component

[0291] The motion control component causes the impact absorption component corresponding to the A-pillar to activate.

[0292] Therefore, the eighth method can be implemented more appropriately.

[0293] In the fifteenth method, the characteristic is that...

[0294] It also includes a detection component that detects impacts on the vehicle body.

[0295] If the contact position of any one of the two or more feature parts relative to the vehicle body is not the front face, then...

[0296] When one of the two or more feature portions has a contact position with the vehicle body at the front left side or the front right side, and

[0297] If the impact is not detected by the detection component

[0298] The motion control component suppresses the action of the plurality of impact absorption components.

[0299] Therefore, the eighth method can be implemented more appropriately.

[0300] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of the invention's intent.

Claims

1. A vehicle, characterized in that, have: Multiple impact-absorbing components are disposed corresponding to multiple parts of the vehicle body; A monitoring component that monitors the vehicle's surrounding environment, including the presence / absence of objects around the vehicle. Multiple detection components, corresponding to the multiple impact absorption components, each of the detection components being configured to detect an impact on the vehicle body when the object comes into contact with the vehicle body; as well as An action control component that selectively activates the plurality of impact absorption components based on at least one of the monitoring results of the monitoring component and the detection results of the detection component. Here, the vehicle speed is set as V, and the predetermined threshold is set as V1 < V2 < V3. When V≤V1 or V>V3, the action control component suppresses the action of the plurality of impact absorption components; When V1 < V ≤ V2, if at least one of the plurality of detection components detects an impact, the action control component causes at least one of the plurality of impact absorption components corresponding to the at least one detection component that detected the impact to operate. When V2 < V ≤ V3, the motion control component determines the contact position between the object and the vehicle body based on the monitoring results of the monitoring component. (i) When the contact position is a predetermined position of the vehicle body, the motion control component causes at least one of the plurality of impact absorption components corresponding to the contact position to actuate before at least one of the plurality of detection components detects an impact. (ii) If the contact position is not a predetermined position of the vehicle body, after at least one of the plurality of detection components detects an impact, the motion control component causes at least one of the plurality of impact absorption components corresponding to the at least one detection component that detected the impact to actuate.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a vehicle speed sensor, which detects the vehicle speed.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a determination component that determines whether the object that may come into contact with the vehicle body is a person. If the determination component determines that the object is a person, the motion control component causes the plurality of impact absorption components to selectively operate based on at least one of the monitoring results of the monitoring component and the detection results of the detection component.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plurality of impact absorption components include: The first component operates in correspondence with the front face of the vehicle body; The second component, which operates corresponding to the front left side of the vehicle body; and The third component operates in accordance with the front right side of the vehicle body.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The determination component can also determine which part of the front of the vehicle body the object may come into contact with. The motion control component causes the first component to the third component to selectively perform actions based on the results of the above determination.

6. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It also has: Engine hood; Front bumper; and The A-pillar is located between the front and side windows. At least a portion of the plurality of impact-absorbing components are disposed corresponding to the engine hood, the front bumper, and the A-pillar.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The front portion of the vehicle, serving as an area for determining the contact position between the vehicle and an object that may come into contact with the vehicle body, includes the following in the vehicle width direction: The first region is defined within a predetermined range extending from the center of the vehicle in the width direction. A pair of second regions, one on the left and one on the right, are respectively defined within a predetermined range extending outward from the left and right ends of the first region; and A pair of third regions, one on the left and one on the right, are respectively set outward from the pair of second regions.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the contact position is the first region, the motion control component causes the impact absorption component corresponding to the engine hood and the front bumper to activate.

9. The vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the contact position is the second region, the motion control component causes the impact absorption components corresponding to the A-pillar, the engine hood, and the front bumper to actuate.

10. The vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the contact location is the third region and the object that may come into contact with the vehicle body is a person, the motion control component causes the impact absorption component corresponding to the A pillar to actuate.

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