Dummy with drive of a limb in the limb itself

Abstract

Dummy object (1) for functional testing of driver assistance systems or emergency braking systems in motor vehicles or rail vehicles, wherein the dummy object (1) is suitable to be brought into collision with a test object in a test of an emergency braking system, with a body (2) and at least one limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19), wherein the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) is coupled to the body (2) and is movably connected to the body (2) via a first joint unit (10), wherein the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) comprises a first motion element (25) which is adapted to transmit the motion of the first drive unit (7) and to move the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) relative to the body (2), and that the first joint unit (10) between the body (2) and the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) comprises a body-side coupling element (23) and a limb-side coupling element (24), wherein the coupling elements (23, 24) are suitable for the body (2) and the limb (3, 4, 5,6, 19) and at least one first electric drive unit (7), wherein the first electric drive unit (7) is designed to move the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) relative to the torso (2), characterized in that the first electric drive unit (7) forms a structural unit with the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19), wherein the structural unit forms an arrangement of at least two components according to an assembly, which as a whole can be connected to another part or a second assembly and separated again without the assembly or disassembly of individual components of the assembly described as a structural unit being necessary, and in that the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) comprises a power supply unit (12b) and a communication unit (12c), wherein the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) is designed such that it can be operated independently and no electrical connection to the fuselage (2) is necessary.,

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dummy object for functional testing of driver assistance systems in motor vehicles according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0002] Generic dummy objects are used primarily in the development and testing of driver assistance systems in motor vehicles for pedestrian detection. During the development process, motor vehicles are tested in conjunction with the sensors and algorithms used on test tracks, simulating standardized critical traffic situations. The dummy objects serve as test objects and represent a real pedestrian or other road user for the vehicle's sensors. An important factor for the realistic simulation of the dummy objects to be detected is the ability to exhibit lifelike movement within the test scenario. Dummy objects are also used, for example, on a scooter or other vehicle that requires movement of the arms and / or legs.The representation of animals by means of dummy objects that stand on the road or move across it, thereby imitating a realistic movement of their locomotion, is also used.

[0003] A dummy object according to the preamble of claim 1 is known, for example, from EP2709739B1. This describes a dummy object with a head, a torso, a skeleton, and movable arms and legs. The arms and legs can be set in motion by means of a drive unit in such a way that the resulting movement pattern resembles that of a walking, running, or running person.

[0004] Another dummy object according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE102012207567B4.

[0005] It is known from the prior art that the drive unit required for moving the legs and arms is arranged in the torso of the dummy object, as described, for example, in EP2709739B1 and DE102012207567B4. Another possibility is to provide the drive unit outside the dummy object, as is known, for example, from DE102008025539A1.

[0006] If the drive unit for moving the dummy's arms and legs is located outside the dummy, a mechanical connection between the drive unit and the dummy's arms and legs is required. This means that the device required to generate the relative movement of the dummy must be more complex. A further disadvantage is that the dummy cannot move its arms and legs independently of the device, which severely limits the flexibility of its use.

[0007] It is known that a movable platform can be used to generate the relative speed of the dummy object, on which the dummy object is mounted in an upright position. To test the functional quality of driver assistance systems, in particular emergency braking systems as a subsystem of the driver assistance system, collision scenarios between two road users, for example, between the vehicle under test and a pedestrian, are induced on a test track. The dummy object simulates a real person for the vehicle's sensors. The collision scenario is generated by the vehicle under test moving at a specified speed along a specified route.The relative movement of the dummy object to the vehicle under test is carried out in such a way that the dummy object and the vehicle collide at a defined point if the emergency braking system fails to correctly assess this critical situation. These standardized test procedures are designed so that, if the driver assistance system is functioning properly, the collision between the vehicle and the dummy object can be averted. Naturally, driver assistance systems currently under development do not function flawlessly, so that in such test situations a collision between the vehicle and the dummy object frequently occurs, and the dummy object is consequently exposed to high mechanical stress. In such collisions, the dummy object is usually hit in the legs and its upper body and head strike the hood or windshield of the vehicle.Collisions therefore cause damage to both the vehicle and the dummy object. To be able to continue such tests even after a collision, it is advantageous for the dummy objects to be designed in such a way that, in the event of a collision, they cause as little damage to the vehicle as possible while remaining as undamaged and fully functional as possible. In the event of damage to the dummy object, there should be a way to repair the damage without having to replace the entire dummy object.

[0008] It is known from the prior art to cover dummy objects with a soft material to reduce damage to the test vehicle in the event of a collision, and to use the covering to simulate the necessary human contours. To prevent damage to the dummy object in the event of a collision and, in particular, to ensure its functionality in the form of leg or arm movement, it is also known to attach the legs to the torso in such a way that the connection is released upon external force, for example in the form of a collision with a vehicle. The disadvantage of existing solutions is that the dummy objects have an unfavorable weight distribution, as the torso is usually very heavy. In the event of a collision with a motor vehicle, the torso of the dummy object will hit the hood or windshield of the vehicle, depending on the speed.Since the windshield is a safety-critical component, if it is damaged the test vehicle can no longer be used.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a dummy object for testing driver assistance systems in motor vehicles, which can be used flexibly with low complexity, has an optimized weight distribution and can absorb the highest possible loads without damage.

[0010] The problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Accordingly, the problem is solved according to the invention if the drive unit, which is provided for the movement of a limb relative to the torso, forms a structural unit with the limb itself, wherein the structural unit forms an arrangement of at least two components according to an assembly which, as a whole, can be connected to and separated from another part or a second assembly without the assembly or disassembly of individual components of the assembly described as a structural unit being necessary, and the limb comprises a power supply unit and a communication unit, wherein the limb is designed in such a way that it can be operated independently and no electrical connection to the torso is necessary.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0012] Within the present invention, the term "limb" defines an extremity that is movable relative to the torso. A lower limb can, for example, refer to the leg of a human or an animal, and an upper limb could refer to the arm of a human or an animal.

[0013] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the limb has an end remote from the torso and an end near the torso. The length of the limb is defined by the maximum distance between the end of the limb near the torso and the end of the limb far from the torso. The limb comprises a proximal limb part and a distal limb part. The first electric drive unit is installed within the proximal limb part at a distance from the end near the torso of at most 50% of the length of the limb. Preferably, the distance is at most 25%, more preferably at most 15% of the length of the limb. The arrangement of the first electric drive unit as a structural unit with the proximal limb part ensures optimized weight distribution within the limb.The closer the first electric drive unit is installed to the end of the limb closest to the torso, the lower the limb's mass inertia during movement relative to the torso. It is also conceivable to integrate at least part of the drive unit into the joint unit between the torso and the limb to further optimize weight distribution. A further resulting advantage is that the drive unit has to perform less work due to the optimized mass inertia and can therefore be designed smaller, lighter, and more cost-effectively.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the distal limb part and the proximal limb part are articulated to one another. A second drive unit is installed, which is designed to move the distal limb part relative to the proximal limb part. Preferably, the second drive unit is arranged within the proximal limb part in order to achieve an advantageous weight distribution. It is also conceivable to install the second drive unit within the distal limb part, wherein the second drive unit is advantageously arranged as close as possible to the second joint unit in relation to the proximal limb part. Preferably, the second drive unit is the part of the structural unit that comprises the limb and the first drive unit.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the limb comprises a first movement element configured to transmit the movement of the first drive unit and to move the limb relative to the torso. The first movement element can be part of a mechanism for mechanical force and movement transmission and can be designed such that the type and speed of movement are varied. Preferably, the first movement element is part of the structural unit comprising the limb and the associated drive.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the joint unit between the torso and limb comprises a torso-side and a limb-side coupling element, wherein the torso-side and the limb-side coupling elements are configured to couple the torso and limb to one another. Preferably, the two coupling elements are designed such that they form a positive connection, the connection being secured against twisting, and that they establish a magnetic connection between the torso and limb, thus allowing the limb to be easily connected and disconnected from the torso. This advantage is not only effective during assembly and disassembly of the dummy object, but also in the event of a crash between the dummy object and a test vehicle, whereby the torso and limb are non-destructively separated from one another thanks to the magnetic connection, thus reducing or completely preventing damage to the dummy object.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the limb comprises a second movement element configured to transmit the movement of the second drive unit to the distal limb part. The second movement element can be part of a mechanism for mechanical force and movement transmission and can be designed such that it changes the type and speed of movement. It is conceivable for the second movement element to be part of the structural unit comprising the limb and the associated drive. Preferably, the second movement element is designed as a belt, and more preferably, the belt is configured to reduce the movement of the second drive unit. The belt can, for example, be tensioned on a first and a second pulley, wherein the first pulley is driven by the second drive unit and the second pulley transmits the movement to the distal limb part.

[0018] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the dummy object comprises a control unit configured to move the limb according to a predetermined and variable movement pattern, wherein the movement pattern is suitable for simulating the movement of a human limb or the movement of an animal limb. The movement pattern essentially represents a back-and-forth movement of the limb relative to the torso. The movement patterns can differ in terms of the movement speed and the maximum deflection of the limb relative to the torso. The control unit can, for example, be arranged in the torso of the dummy object. However, it is also conceivable for the control unit to be installed within the limb.If the present invention is designed with an articulated connection between the proximal limb part and the distal limb part and with a second drive unit, the control unit can be configured such that the relative movement between the proximal and distal limb parts in combination with the relative movement between the proximal limb part and the torso forms the movement pattern.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the dummy object has at least two limbs. The control unit can be arranged in the torso and is configured to move the limbs relative to the torso and to synchronize their movements. The movement of the limbs can occur independently of one another. It is also conceivable for one of the limbs not to move at all. In an advantageous embodiment, the two limbs form two lower limbs of a human, with the distal limb part being articulated to the proximal limb part. The movement patterns of the individual limbs together form a gait pattern of a human, for example the gait pattern of a walking human or a running human. However, it is also conceivable for one of the limbs to form an upper limb of a human and the other a lower limb of a human.For example, the synchronized movement of the lower and upper limbs can be used to simulate a simplified two-dimensional human gait pattern.

[0020] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the dummy object comprises four limbs, two of which represent the arms and two of which represent the legs of a human, wherein the control unit is configured to synchronize the movement of the limbs in such a way that a human gait pattern is simulated. However, it is not necessary for each of the limbs to have a drive unit. For example, to simulate the movement of a person on a scooter, only the movement of one leg is required, since the arms are statically connected to the handlebars of the scooter and the leg that is not needed to drive the scooter remains motionless on the scooter. It is also conceivable for the scooter rider to be simulated with only one limb and for the contours of the arms and the standing leg to be designed as part of the torso.The powered limb then replicates the scooter rider's push-off motion. The four limbs of a dummy object can also represent the four legs of an animal, such as a deer. If the test scenario involves depicting an animal standing on the road, the limb movement can be omitted entirely. However, if the animal moves across the road, the four limbs move in synchronization with the animal's movement.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the limb has a sheath, wherein the sheath is designed such that it protects the structural unit of the limb from external mechanical influences. Within the test scenarios, it is provided that the test vehicle, with the aid of the driver assistance systems, detects the dummy object on the road and prevents a collision with the dummy object by intervening in the vehicle's braking and / or steering system. However, particularly during the development phase of the assistance system, it frequently occurs that the test vehicle and the dummy object collide. The sheath is designed such that, in the event of a collision with the test vehicle or another test object, it prevents or at least mitigates damage to the limb, thus ensuring its continued functionality.The casing is preferably made of a soft material so that the test vehicle is also protected from major damage in the event of a collision.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the sheathing can be designed in a modular manner. It is conceivable that the outer contour of one sheathing corresponds to the leg of a human and the outer contour of another sheathing corresponds to the leg of an animal, whereby both sheaths can be used on one and the same limb. This ensures that the limb can be used flexibly and that the redesign of a limb is easy to handle without having to replace the entire limb. To ensure an even more realistic reproduction of human limbs, it is also conceivable to design the end of a limb remote from the torso as a foot or a hand, for example.

[0023] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the dummy object has at least one acceleration sensor, wherein the acceleration sensor is suitable for determining the acceleration of the dummy object. In conjunction with the acceleration sensor of the dummy object, the control unit is configured to start the movement of the limb at the beginning of a test scenario and to end it at the end of the test scenario, as well as to stop the movement in the event of a collision with the test object. The acceleration sensor can be installed in the torso of the dummy object, but it is also conceivable that the acceleration sensor is integrated into the limb. It is also conceivable that the acceleration sensor is additionally configured to detect the current orientation of the dummy object, so that it is possible to only have the dummy object perform a limb movement when the orientation is appropriate for the application.When conducting a test scenario, it is advantageous to begin the movement of the dummy object's limb precisely when the dummy object has been set in relative motion to the road. This relative motion can be generated using a mobile platform. When the relative motion stops, the movement of the dummy object's limb also stops. This has the advantage that no communication is required between the dummy object and an external device to trigger the limb movement. In the event of a collision between the dummy object and the test object, it is advantageous to stop the movement of the limb to prevent damage to the dummy object and ensure the functionality of the limb.

[0024] According to the invention, the limb comprises a power supply unit and a communication unit. These are preferably installed within the proximal limb part and more preferably as close as possible to the first joint unit between the limb and the torso. The power supply unit can be designed, for example, as a battery. The integration of the electrical components into the limb of the dummy object allows the limb to operate independently of the torso of the dummy object. As a result, the limb is not tied to a specific torso design, but can be operated with a wide variety of torso designs. It is also conceivable that the limb could be used both as a human arm and as a leg, whereby the appropriate sheathing can be used for the corresponding external design.A further advantage of the self-contained limb is that if the dummy object is defective or the battery is empty, the entire limb can be replaced quickly and easily, thus avoiding an unnecessarily long interruption of the test operation.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit can be suitable for receiving external information and transmitting it to the control unit. It is conceivable that the dummy object comprises more than one limb, and that each individual limb, in addition to at least one drive unit, also has a control unit, a power supply unit, and a communication unit, which are combined, for example, as a movement module within a limb. The synchronization of the movement modules and thus the synchronization of the movement of the individual limbs can be achieved wirelessly and in the manner of a master-slave system.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the control unit, power supply unit, and communication unit are arranged as central units in the torso of the dummy object. This allows the number of electrical components to be reduced, but in this embodiment, the advantage of autonomous operation of the limb cannot be realized.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the connection between the limb and the torso is secured against loss by means of a loss-prevention element, wherein the loss-prevention element is preferably designed as an elastic band. If the dummy object is brought into collision with the test object within a test scenario, it is advantageous if the limb and torso are no longer connected to each other via the first joint unit in order to minimize damage to the dummy object and the test object. Preferably, however, the connection between the limb and the dummy object is not completely severed, but remains intact by means of the loss-prevention element.

[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the dummy object has a connection element suitable for establishing a connection to the device generating a relative movement of the dummy object to the environment. The connection element can, for example, be arranged on the torso and establish a connection to a holding and movement system arranged above the dummy object. However, it is also conceivable that the dummy object is connected to a mobile platform via a holding rod. It is also conceivable that the connection element is part of a limb that is not moved in the corresponding test scenario.

[0029] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the limb is a head. The limb is suitable, in conjunction with a corresponding covering, to function as the head of a human or the head of an animal.

[0030] An embodiment of the present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the following drawings.

[0031] They show: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2: a detailed view of the limb and the connection from limb to torso of the dummy object according to the invention

[0032] In the following embodiments, identical parts are designated by identical reference numerals. If a figure contains reference numerals that are not further explained in the corresponding figure description, reference is made to the preceding or subsequent figure descriptions.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows the schematic structure of the dummy object 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a torso 2 and five limbs 3, 4, 5, 6, and 19, wherein two limbs 3 and 4 are designed as arms, two limbs 5 and 6 represent a leg, and one limb 19 represents a head. The limbs 3, 4, 5, 6, and 19 have an end 8a near the torso and an end 8b far from the torso, which are shown as an example on the left leg 5, and are connected to the torso via a coupling element 23 on the torso and a Fig. 2 as part of the first joint unit 10 is connected to the torso 2. In the described embodiment of the invention, the first joint unit 10 is implemented as a component of the limb 6.

[0034] The limbs 3, 4, 5, 6 and 19 comprise a first drive unit 7, which forms a structural unit with the respective limb 3, 4, 5, 6 and 19 and wherein the first drive unit 7 is configured to move the respective limb 3, 4, 5, 6 and 19 relative to the torso 2. The first drive unit 7 is installed within the proximal limb part 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a at a distance from the torso-proximal end 8a of the limb of at most 50%, preferably at most 25% of the length of the limb 3, 4, 5, 6, 19. The movement of the first drive unit 7 is transmitted by means of a first movement element 25, which is part of a movement mechanism, wherein the movement of the limbs 3, 4, 5, 6 and 19 relative to the torso 2 takes place via the first joint unit 10.

[0035] The limbs 3, 4, 5, and 6, which represent arms or legs, are divided into a proximal limb part 3a, 4a, 5a, and 6a and a distal limb part 3b, 4b, 5b, and 6b, and are connected to one another via a second joint unit 11. A second drive unit 9 is installed in the proximal limb part 3a, 4a, 5a, and 6a, which second drive unit 9 is configured to move the distal limb part 3b, 4b, 5b, and 6b relative to the proximal limb part 3a, 4a, 5a, and 6a by means of a second movement element 26. The second drive unit 9 forms a structural unit with the first drive unit 7 and the proximal limb part 3a, 4a, 5a, and 6a.

[0036] The dummy object 1 further comprises a separate control unit 12a for each limb 3, 4, 5, 6, and 19, which is illustrated here as a subcomponent of a movement module 12 and is configured to move the respective limb 3, 4, 5, 6, and 19 according to a predetermined and variable movement pattern, wherein the movement pattern is suitable for simulating the movement of an arm 3 and 4, the movement of a leg 5 and 6, and the movement of a head 19 of a human. The control unit 12a is also configured to synchronize the movement of the limbs 3, 4, 5, and 6 and the head 19. The proximal limb parts 3a, 4a, 5a and 6a are moved relative to the torso 2 and the distal limb parts 3b, 4b, 5b and 6b are moved relative to the proximal limb parts 3a, 4a, 5a and 6a in such a way that a human gait pattern is simulated and the head 19 executes a movement which can, for example, simulate looking around.

[0037] The limbs 3, 4, 5, 6, and 19 of the dummy object 1 have a casing 13, 14, and 15 designed to protect the structural unit of the limbs 3, 4, 5, 6, and 19 from external mechanical influences. Furthermore, the outer shape of the casing can be designed to embody the external shape of an arm 14 or a leg 13 of a human or a limb of an animal. To achieve an even more realistic reproduction of the human limbs, the end (8b) of the corresponding limb remote from the torso is designed as a foot 21 or a hand 20, respectively. The casing 15, which is intended to replicate a limb designed as a head 19, thus corresponds to the external shape of an animal's head or, as in the illustration, the head of a human.

[0038] The dummy object 1 further comprises an acceleration sensor 16 configured to determine the acceleration of the dummy object 1. The control unit 12a is configured to detect the beginning and end of a test scenario based on the data provided by the acceleration sensor 16 and to start the movement of the limbs 3, 4, 5, 6, and 19 accordingly at the beginning of the test and to stop it at the end of the test.

[0039] Further components of the movement module 12 include the Fig. 1, the dummy object 1 comprises a power supply unit 12b and a communication unit 12c. As parts of the movement module 12, the power supply unit 12b and the communication unit 12c also form a structural unit with the proximal limb parts 3a, 4a, 5a and 6a of the respective limbs 3, 4, 5 and 6. Accordingly, the limb 19 designed as a head also has a movement module 12, although in this embodiment of a limb, a division into proximal and distal limb parts is not expedient. The limbs 3, 4, 5, 6 and 19 of the Fig. The dummy object 1 shown in Figure 1 is designed to operate autonomously and does not require an electrical connection to the torso 2. The power supply unit 12b is designed as an electric battery and supplies the electrical components within a limb 3, 4, 5, 6, and 19 with electrical energy. If the battery is empty, the entire limb 3, 4, 5, 6, and 19 can be replaced and the battery recharged for the next use. Using the communication unit 12c, external information can be received and transmitted between the communication units 12c of the respective limbs 3, 4, 5, 6, and 19.

[0040] In order to be able to move the dummy object 1 relative to a road within the framework of a test scenario, a movable platform can be used, to which the dummy object 1 is attached via a connecting element 17 by means of a rod 18. The connecting element 17 is designed in such a way that it allows the connection of the dummy object 1 to a wide variety of devices for generating the relative speed of the dummy object 1. The rod 18 is also configured such that, in the event of a collision between the dummy object 1 and a test object, the connection to the device generating the relative speed is released in order to minimize the damage resulting from the collision.

[0041] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a detailed structure of a limb 6 and its connection to the torso 2. The distal limb part 6b and the proximal limb part 6a are connected via a second joint unit 11. The proximal limb part 6a forms a structural unit together with the control unit 12a, the energy supply unit 12b, and the communication unit 12c, which are part of the movement module 12, as well as with the first drive unit 7 and the second drive unit 9. The second drive unit 9 drives the first pulley 27, wherein the movement is transmitted by means of the belt 26 to the second pulley 28, which is rigidly connected to the distal limb part 6b, thus setting the distal limb part 6b in motion relative to the proximal limb part 6a.

[0042] The limb 6 and the torso 2 are connected to each other via the limb-side coupling element 24 and the torso-side coupling element 23. The limb-side coupling element 24 in Fig. 2 has a square base shape and a centering element, but can also be designed differently, with the torso-side coupling element 23 replicating the negative shape of the base surface of the limb-side coupling element 24, whereby the coupling elements 23, 24 form a torsion-proof connection through positive engagement. Both coupling elements 23, 24 can comprise a magnet. To establish a magnetic connection between the limb 6 and the torso 2, however, it is sufficient if only one of the two coupling elements 23, 24 has a magnet and the other comprises a magnetic material. The design of the two coupling elements 23, 24 ensures that the connection cannot twist and cannot become axially loose without a certain amount of force.

[0043] If the limb 6 and the torso 2 are connected to each other, the first drive unit 7 in interaction with the first movement element 25, which is in Fig. 2 is designed as part of a belt drive, ensures that the limb 6 moves relative to the torso 2. According to the described embodiment, the movable connection is designed as an axial bearing 22 within the first joint unit; a ball sleeve bearing or other forms of a movable connection are also conceivable.

[0044] The anti-loss element 29, which is designed as an elastic band, also ensures that the limb 6 is secured against loss relative to the torso 2. List of reference symbols: 1 dummy object 2 Hull 3 left upper limb 3a proximal limb part of the left upper limb 3b distal part of the left upper limb 4 right upper limb 4a proximal limb part of the right upper limb 4b distal part of the right upper limb 5 left lower limb 5a proximal limb part of the left lower limb 5b distal part of the left lower limb 6 right lower limb 6a proximal limb part of the right lower limb 6b distal part of the right lower limb 7 first electric drive unit 8a near-trunk end of limb 8b distal limb end 9 second drive unit 10 first joint unit 11 second joint unit 12 movement units 12a Control unit 12b Power supply unit 12c Communication unit 13 Sheath of lower limbs 14 Sheathing upper limbs 15 Sheath head 16 Accelerometer 17 Connection element 18 Connection to the device generating the relative speed of the dummy object 19 heads 20 hands 21 feet 22 thrust bearings 23 fuselage-side coupling element 24 limb-side coupling element 25 first movement element 26 second movement element 27 first pulley 28 second pulley 29 Anti-loss element

Claims

[1] Dummy object (1) for functional testing of driver assistance systems or emergency braking systems in motor vehicles or rail vehicles, wherein the dummy object (1) is suitable for being brought into collision with a test object in a test of an emergency braking system, having a torso (2) and at least one limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19), wherein the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) is coupled to the torso (2) and is movably connected relative to the torso (2) via a first joint unit (10), wherein the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) comprises a first movement element (25) which is designed to transmit the movement of the first drive unit (7) and to move the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) relative to the torso (2), and that the first joint unit (10) is arranged between the torso (2) and limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) comprises a torso-side coupling element (23) and a limb-side coupling element (24), wherein the coupling elements (23, 24) are suitable for connecting the torso (2) and limb (3, 4,5, 6, 19) and at least one first electric drive unit (7), wherein the first electric drive unit (7) is designed to move the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) relative to the torso (2), , characterized by that the first electric drive unit (7) forms a structural unit with the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19), wherein the structural unit forms an arrangement of at least two components according to an assembly which, as a whole, can be connected to and separated from another part or a second assembly without the assembly or disassembly of individual components of the assembly described as a structural unit being necessary, and that the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) comprises a power supply unit (12b) and a communication unit (12c), wherein the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) is designed in such a way that it can be operated independently and no electrical connection to the torso (2) is necessary. [2] Dummy object (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) has an end (8b) remote from the torso and an end (8a) near the torso, wherein the maximum distance between the end (8b) remote from the torso and the end near the torso of the (8a) limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) defines the length of the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19), wherein the limb (3, 4, 5, 6) comprises a proximal limb part (3a, 4a, 5a, 6a) and a distal limb part (3b, 4b, 5b, 6b), and wherein the first electric drive unit (7) is arranged within the proximal limb part (3a, 4a, 5a, 6a) at a distance from the end near the torso (8a) of the limb of a maximum of 50%, preferably a maximum of 25% of the length of the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19). [3] Dummy object (1) according to claim 2, characterized bythat the distal limb part (3b, 4b, 5b, 6b) is connected to the proximal limb part (3a, 4a, 5a, 6a) via a second joint unit (11) and that the limb (3, 4, 5, 6) comprises a second drive unit (9), wherein the second drive unit (9) forms a structural unit with the proximal limb part (3a, 4a, 5a, 6a) and wherein the second drive unit (9) is designed to move the distal limb part (3b, 4b, 5b, 6b) relative to the proximal limb part (3a, 4a, 5a, 6a). [4] Dummy object (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by in that the limb (3, 4, 5, 6) comprises a second movement element (26) which is designed such that the movement of the second drive unit (9) is transmitted to the distal limb part (3b, 4b, 5b, 6b), wherein the second movement element (26) is a belt. [5] Dummy object (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the dummy object (1) comprises a control unit (12a), wherein the control unit (12a) is designed to move the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) according to a predetermined and changeable movement pattern, wherein the movement pattern is suitable for simulating the movement of an extremity of a human or the movement of the extremity of an animal. [6] Dummy object (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the dummy object (1) comprises at least two limbs (3, 4, 5, 6) and the control unit (12a) is arranged such that the movement of the limbs (3, 4, 5, 6) can be synchronized. [7] Dummy object (1) according to claim 6, characterized bythat the dummy object (1) comprises four limbs (3, 4, 5, 6), two limbs (3, 4) representing the arms and two limbs (5, 6) representing the legs of a human, wherein the control unit (12a) is designed to synchronize the movement of the limbs (3, 4, 5, 6) in such a way that a gait pattern of the human is simulated. [8] Dummy object (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the at least one limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) has a sheath (13, 14, 15), wherein the sheath (13, 14, 15) is designed such that it protects the structural unit of the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) from external mechanical influences and wherein the sheath (13, 14, 15) can be designed in such a way that it embodies the external shape of a limb of a human or the external shape of a limb of an animal. [9] Dummy object (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat the dummy object (1) has at least one acceleration sensor (16), wherein the acceleration sensor (16) is suitable for determining the acceleration of the dummy object (1), wherein the control unit (12a) is configured to start the movement at the beginning of the test scenario and to end it at the end of the test scenario and to stop the movement in the event of a collision with the test object during the test scenario. [10] Dummy object (1) according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized by that the energy supply unit (12b) and the communication unit (12c) form a structural unit with the proximal limb part (3a, 4a, 5a, 6a). [11] Dummy object (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the limb (3, 4, 5, 6, 19) is secured against separation from the torso (2) by means of a loss-prevention element (29), wherein the loss-prevention element (29) is preferably designed as an elastic band. [12] Dummy object (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the dummy object (1) has a connection element (17), wherein the connection element (17) is designed to establish a connection to the device (18) generating the relative movement of the dummy object (1) to the environment. [13] Dummy object (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the limb (19) is a head.

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