Method for operating a person airbag device in a vehicle, computer program product and airbag device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an airbag device (7) for a person (2) of a vehicle (1), comprising the steps of: detecting an acceleration event (13) associated with an accident of the vehicle (1) by means of at least one acceleration sensor (5, 6) of the airbag device (7); detecting a loss of contact between the person (2) and at least a predetermined contact area on the vehicle (1) by means of a contact sensor (8, 9, 10) of the airbag device (7); generating a trigger signal for an airbag (11) of the airbag device (7) depending on the detected acceleration event (13) and the detected loss of contact by means of an electronic computing unit (12) of the airbag device (7). The invention further relates to a computer program product and an airbag device (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating an airbag device for a person of a vehicle according to the applicable patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product and an airbag device.

[0002] Airbags in passenger cars are usually deployed by a central airbag control unit. In modern vehicles, the airbag system consists of the airbag module, the airbag control unit (electronic processing unit), and corresponding crash sensors. The airbag module contains the actual airbag and a gas generator. Some crash sensors are built into the control unit, while others are distributed throughout the vehicle as satellite sensors. The most important sensors for deployment are the corresponding acceleration sensors. To prevent false deployment, at least two acceleration sensors are always installed. The airbag is only deployed if both independently detect a corresponding deceleration.

[0003] Pressure sensors are often used to detect side collisions. In a side collision, these sensors detect a rapid increase in pressure inside the door, even before significant acceleration is applied to the vehicle. This allows side collisions to be detected early. A variety of other sensors are also used, such as seat occupancy detection on the front passenger seat, seat position sensors in the driver's seat, and contact switches in the seat belt buckles. The control unit continuously compares the sensor data with stored values. Based on the sensor data, the control unit decides whether to deploy and which airbags and belt pretensioners need to be activated.The control unit has internal capacitors and is therefore fully operational for a short time even without external power sources, so that in the event of an accident the airbag can still be triggered automatically if the vehicle battery has already been disconnected during the accident.

[0004] In order to avoid false or incorrect activation in more complex traffic situations, it is also known that a so-called situation analysis of the current traffic situation is carried out in a preliminary stage.

[0005] DE 10 2019 208 357 B4 describes a system for energy and / or signal transmission, comprising at least one item of clothing and at least one vehicle structure of a vehicle, wherein the at least one item of clothing and the at least one vehicle structure each have at least one connection point, which can be connected in a compatible manner to the at least one other connection point, so that an energy and / or signal transmission can be carried out between the at least one item of clothing and the at least one vehicle structure, so that the energy and / or signal transmission is automatically started when the respective connection points of the at least one item of clothing and the at least one vehicle structure touch at at least two defined and separate areas of the respective connection points,wherein the respective connection points of the at least one article of clothing and the at least one vehicle structure at the at least two defined and separate regions comprise at least partially electrically conductive textile fibers.

[0006] WO 2016 / 012 359 A1 relates to a protective garment provided with an inflatable protective device. The inflatable protective device comprises: at least one inflatable bag that can move between a resting state in which it is in a deflated state and an operating state in which it is in an inflated state; an inflation device coupled to the at least one inflatable bag and serving to inflate the at least one inflatable bag once the inflation device is triggered; at least one acceleration sensor suitable for detecting the acceleration experienced by the garment, and a control unit configured to process the acceleration data detected by the at least one acceleration sensor and to send a trigger signal to the inflation device when the inflation situation is detected.The protective clothing is further characterized in that it comprises a transmitting unit configured to transmit an activation signal to the outside of the protective clothing when the triggering signal is generated by the control unit, and a receiving unit configured to receive a signal from the outside of the protective clothing and to generate the triggering signal of the inflation device when the received signal is recognized as an activation signal.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a method, a computer program product and an airbag device by means of which the airbag can be reliably triggered.

[0008] This object is achieved by a method, a computer program product, and an airbag device according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating an airbag device for a person in a vehicle. An acceleration event associated with a vehicle accident is detected by at least one acceleration sensor of the airbag device. A loss of contact between the person and at least one predetermined contact area in the vehicle is detected by a contact sensor of the airbag device. A trigger signal for an airbag of the airbag device is generated as a function of a detected acceleration event and a detected loss of contact by means of an electronic computing device of the airbag device.

[0010] In particular, an accident can be reliably detected and the airbag, later also referred to as an inflated bag, can be triggered accordingly in order to protect the person in the event of a detected accident.

[0011] In particular, the invention aims to use the information from the acceleration sensors and the contact sensors to reliably identify a corresponding accident and thereby reliably inflate an airbag. In particular, the crash sensor signals from the sensors in the vehicle and / or sensors worn on the body, as well as the detected contact points between the vehicle user and complementary electrical contact points connected in the vehicle between clothing and vehicle structures, are used to better prevent false deployments of the airbag on a vehicle, for example, on a motorcycle, an e-bike, an e-scooter, or airbags worn on the body, and / or to better infer the seating position of the vehicle user.

[0012] In particular, it can be further proposed that, in addition to pure acceleration sensors, pressure sensors and other crash sensors could also be used to detect the accident event. In addition, a loss of contact between the person and the vehicle would now be used to trigger the airbag.

[0013] In particular, with improved seat position detection, for example, based on the detection of connected or unconnected complementary electrical contact points between clothing and a vehicle structure, improved control of airbag deployments, particularly on motorcycles and / or body-worn airbags, can be achieved to improve the protection of the person. The available information can be processed in a central control unit or electronic computing device in the vehicle or in a control unit worn on the body, for example, in a piece of clothing, backpack, or belt, in order to carry out advantageous airbag deployments to protect the person if necessary.For example, if it is detected while riding a motorcycle that a person loses the connection between their gloves and the handlebar grips, and simultaneously loses the connection between their trousers and their saddle, and at the same time, if the acceleration sensors on the motorcyclist detect acceleration above a certain threshold, it can be concluded that an accident situation has occurred in which the motorcyclist is in a nosedive. In this case, a body-worn airbag system can be deployed to protect the person. On the other hand, airbags on the vehicle can be deployed in a targeted manner in detected crash situations, depending on which body parts are in contact with the motorcycle.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the acceleration sensor is provided arranged at least in certain areas on the vehicle. For example, several acceleration sensors can be provided in the area of ​​the front of the vehicle, at the rear of the vehicle, or even in the side parts of the vehicle. These acceleration sensors can then reliably determine whether corresponding acceleration values ​​are recorded that can be attributed to an accident. In particular, these are acceleration values ​​that are above a predetermined threshold and thus no longer serve as a pure acceleration of the vehicle due to engine control, but are recorded due to acceleration caused by the accident. In this way, different acceleration sensors can be configured at different locations, whereby the accident can be reliably detected.

[0015] It has also proven advantageous if the acceleration sensor is arranged at least partially in a person's clothing. For example, the acceleration sensor can be placed in a jacket or a corresponding vest worn by the person. In the event of an accident, the accelerations on the person can then be directly recorded, thus reliably determining the cause of the accident.

[0016] It has also proven advantageous if the airbag is provided attached to a piece of clothing worn by the person. In particular, the airbag, especially the inflatable bag, can be attached to a jacket or vest. This makes it easy to provide a single airbag device that the person can use, for example, on different vehicles.

[0017] It is also advantageous if a loss of contact between a vehicle's seating device and the person is detected. For example, the seating device can be designed as a motorcycle saddle, and a corresponding loss of contact between a piece of clothing, such as trousers, and the seat can be detected. This makes it easy to determine the loss of contact between the person and the vehicle.

[0018] It has also proven advantageous to detect a loss of contact between a vehicle's steering device and the person. For example, the steering device can be provided in the form of a steering wheel or handlebar, as on a motorcycle, e-scooter, or bicycle. In particular, it can then be provided that only if contact is lost between both ends of the steering wheel or handlebar is a corresponding loss of contact attributable to a potential accident is detected. This allows reliable detection of a loss of contact.

[0019] It is further advantageous if the airbag device is provided for a two-wheeled vehicle. In particular, the two-wheeled vehicle can be provided as a motorcycle, e-scooter, e-bike, or bicycle. Furthermore, trikes or quads, for example, can also be used accordingly, especially those vehicles in which the person can potentially be ejected from the vehicle. Thus, the method is highly flexible and can be used for different vehicles.

[0020] It is also advantageous if the trigger signal is only generated when a specified speed signal is exceeded. For example, the corresponding trigger signal can only be generated at a speed above 30 km / h. This way, the vehicle's speed is still determined, and the trigger signal is only generated when the speed threshold is exceeded, when the acceleration event is detected, and when the contact loss is detected. This prevents a false trigger signal from being triggered.

[0021] The method presented is, in particular, a computer-implemented method. Therefore, a further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product with program code means that, when the program code means are processed by the electronic computing device, cause an electronic computing device to perform a method according to the preceding aspect.

[0022] Furthermore, the invention therefore also relates to a computer-readable storage medium with the computer program product according to the preceding aspect.

[0023] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to an airbag device for a vehicle, comprising at least one acceleration sensor, a contact sensor, an electronic computing device, and an airbag, wherein the airbag device is configured to perform a method according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the method is performed using the airbag device.

[0024] The airbag device can be designed as part of the vehicle or can be designed separately, for example in a piece of clothing, for example worn as a vest or jacket.

[0025] Advantageous embodiments of the method are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the computer program product, the computer-readable storage medium, the airbag device, and the vehicle. The airbag device and the vehicle, in particular, have specific features for this purpose in order to be able to carry out corresponding method steps.

[0026] For this purpose, the electronic computing device comprises, in particular, processors, circuits, in particular integrated circuits, as well as other electronic components in order to be able to carry out a corresponding computer-implemented method.

[0027] For applications or application situations that may arise in a method according to the invention and which are not explicitly described herein, it may be provided that, according to the method, an error message and / or a request to enter user feedback is output and / or a standard setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0028] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures can be encompassed by the invention not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations. In particular, the invention can also encompass embodiments and combinations of features that do not have all the features of an originally formulated claim. Furthermore, the invention can encompass embodiments and combinations of features that go beyond the combinations of features set out in the backreferences to the claims or deviate from them.

[0029] Showing: Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a vehicle with an embodiment of an airbag device; Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an airbag device; Fig. 3 a further schematic perspective view of the airbag device according to Fig. 2; and Fig. 4 is a further schematic perspective view of another embodiment of an airbag device.

[0030] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a vehicle 1. In the present exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 1 is designed, in particular, as a motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle 1 can also be designed as an e-scooter, electric bicycle, trike, or quad. A person 2 sits on a seat 3 of the vehicle 1 and has a steering device 4 in their hand(s).

[0032] In the present exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that the vehicle 1 has at least one acceleration sensor 5, 6. In particular, the vehicle 1 has at least two acceleration sensors 5, 6, in the present exemplary embodiment a first acceleration sensor 5 and the second acceleration sensor 6. Furthermore, an airbag device 7 is shown purely schematically. In the present exemplary embodiment, the airbag device 7 has, in particular, the acceleration sensors 5, 6, at least one contact sensor 8, 9, 10, in the present case in particular a first contact sensor 8 and the second contact sensor 9 as well as a third contact sensor 10. The first contact sensor 8 and the second contact sensor 9 are formed on the steering device 4. The third contact sensor 10 is formed on the seat device 3.

[0033] Furthermore, the airbag device 7 has at least one airbag 11 and an electronic computing device 12.

[0034] In particular, the airbag device 7 is shown here, in which an acceleration event 13, in particular in the form of an accident or crash, is detected by means of at least one acceleration sensor 5, 6, wherein the acceleration event 13 is associated with an accident of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, a loss of contact between the person 2 and at least one predetermined contact area on the vehicle 1 is detected by means of a contact sensor 8, 9, 10 of the airbag device 7. A trigger signal for the airbag 11 is generated by means of the electronic computing device 12 as a function of the detected acceleration event 13 and the detected loss of contact.

[0035] In particular, it is provided that, for example, the acceleration sensor 5, 6 is arranged at least partially on the vehicle 1. Furthermore, it is shown that a loss of contact between the seating device 3 of the vehicle 1 and the person 2 is detected. Alternatively or additionally, a loss of contact between the steering device 4 of the vehicle 1 and the person 2 can be detected.

[0036] Furthermore, it can be provided that the trigger signal is only generated when a predetermined speed signal is exceeded.

[0037] In particular, the proposed invention is based on the joint use of information, in particular from the acceleration sensors 5, 6 and from the contact sensors 8, 9, 10, in order to better prevent false deployments of the airbag 11 on the vehicle 1 or of airbags 11 worn on the body of the person 2 and / or to better infer the seating position of the person 2. With improved detection of the seating position, based on the detection of connected or unconnected complementary electrical contact points between the clothing of the person 2 and vehicle structures, improved control of airbag deployments of airbags 11 on the motorcycle and / or airbags 11 worn on the body can be achieved for improved protection of the vehicle user or the person 2.The available information can be processed in the central electronic computing device 12 of airbag deployments on the vehicle 1, or as shown in the later figures, in electronic computing devices 12 worn on the body, in order to carry out advantageous airbag deployments to protect the person 2 if necessary. If, for example, while driving, i.e. when a predetermined driving speed of, for example, 30 km / h is exceeded, it is detected that a motorcyclist loses the connection between the gloves and the handlebar grips and at the same time the connection from the trousers to a saddle and at the same time the acceleration above a limit value is detected by the acceleration sensors 5, 6, it can be concluded that an accident situation in which the motorcyclist is in a dive. In this case, it is provided that an airbag system worn on the body can be deployed to protect the rider.On the other hand, airbags 11, as in the following exemplary embodiment, can also be specifically triggered on the vehicle 1 when crash situations are detected, depending on which body parts are in contact with the vehicle 1.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the airbag device 7. In the present embodiment, a garment 14, for example in the form of a jacket, is shown for the person 2. The garment 14 has, for example, electrically conductive textile areas 15 for a backpack / vest with an airbag function, as in Fig. 4. In particular, the electrically conductive textile areas 15 are shown here on a shoulder area. Furthermore, electrically conductive snap fasteners 16 are shown, which are formed, for example, on the sleeve of the jacket 14 and can thus establish a contact area with the steering device 4. Furthermore, snap fasteners 17 are shown, which can, for example, establish contact with trousers in order to detect contact with the seat device 3.

[0039] The Fig. Figure 3 shows in particular the garment 14 according to Fig. 2 from the back. Additional textile areas 15 are provided for this purpose, which can then be electrically conductively connected to a correspondingly worn vest.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a corresponding vest 18 for wear by person 2, wherein the vest 18 again comprises the airbag 11. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the vest also includes the electronic computing device 12. Furthermore, electrically conductive textile areas 15 are also shown here, which correspond, for example, to the electrically conductive textile areas 15 of the garment 14.

[0041] Thus, the Fig. 2 to Fig.4 shows a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the clothing items complementing the vehicle and making electrical contact, in particular clothing items 14, can be electrically connected to other items of clothing or belts or backpacks via additional connection points. Electrical contact between the gloves making electrical contact with the handles and a jacket can be easily achieved, for example, via the metallic snap fasteners 16. Likewise, electrical contact between a jacket and trousers can be easily implemented via the snap fasteners 17. However, electrically conductive textiles can also be used to establish an electrical connection, which can transmit electrical energy or signals only via contact points.For example, in an intelligent jacket, electrically conductive textile areas 15 can be provided on the back and / or chest area, which contact the complementary textile electrically conductive textile areas 15, for example the vest 18 or a backpack, when the backpack or the vest 18 is worn on the intelligent jacket by the person 2.

[0042] The use of electrically conductive textiles for electrical contact offers the advantage that the complementary surfaces can nestle against one another, thus enabling better electrical contact than with rigid surfaces. Furthermore, the electrically conductive textile areas 15 follow the movements of the person 2, like the other areas of the clothing, and are thus comfortable to wear and non-disruptive. In this way, other items of clothing, such as vests 18, jackets, belts, or backpacks with integrated airbags 11, can be supplied with energy via the saddle and / or the handle and / or via the foot areas via intermediate clothing items, such as gloves or trousers. Thus, items of clothing such as jackets, vests 18, belts, or backpacks with integrated airbags 11 may not require integrated energy storage devices, or integrated energy storage devices can be energetically charged in this way.Furthermore, the electrical contact paths can be used to transmit signals in order to control airbag deployments, for example via the electronic computing device 12 on the vehicle 1 or on the worn object, such as the vest 18.

[0043] Based on the corresponding contacts between the connecting points on the garment 14 and on the vehicle 1, a seating position of the person 2 can be determined and, accordingly, the control, if necessary also the direction of expansion, of existing airbags 11 can be carried out to improve the protection of the person 2.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the invention, in addition to the airbag 11, light elements on the outer skin of the garment 14 can also be controlled.

[0045] Furthermore, in a further embodiment, the electrical contact between the garment 14 can be provided via at least partially complementary hook and loop surfaces, for example on the surface areas of the shoulder strap of the backpack, and the complementary shoulder or surface areas on the jacket. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS: 1 vehicle 2 people 3 Seating 4 Steering device 5 Accelerometer 6 Accelerometer 7 Airbag device 8 first contact sensor 9 second contact sensor 10 third contact sensor 11 airbags 12 electronic computing device 13 Acceleration event 14 Item of clothing 15 Textile sector 16 push button 17 push button 18 Vest QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2019 208 357 B4

[0005] WO 2016 / 012 359 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Method for operating an airbag device (7) for a person (2) of a vehicle (1), comprising the steps: - detecting an acceleration event (13) associated with an accident of the vehicle (1) by means of at least one acceleration sensor (5, 6) of the airbag device (7); - detecting a loss of contact between the person (2) and at least one predetermined contact area on the vehicle (1) by means of a contact sensor (8, 9, 10) of the airbag device (7); - generating a triggering signal for an airbag (11) of the airbag device (7) as a function of the detected acceleration event (13) and the detected loss of contact by means of an electronic computing device (12) of the airbag device (7). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the acceleration sensor (5, 6) is provided arranged at least in part on the vehicle (1). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the acceleration sensor (5, 6) is provided arranged at least in part on a piece of clothing (14) of the person (2). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the airbag (11) is provided arranged on a piece of clothing (14) of the person (2). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a loss of contact between a seating device (3) of the vehicle (1) and the person (2) is detected. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a loss of contact between a steering device (4) of the vehicle (1) and the person (2) is detected. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , the airbag device (7) is provided for a vehicle (1) designed as a two-wheeler. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in addition the trigger signal is only generated when a specified speed signal is exceeded. [9] Computer program product with program code means which cause an electronic computing device (12) to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8 when the program code means are processed by the electronic computing device (12). [10] Airbag device (7) for a vehicle (1), with at least one acceleration sensor (5, 6), one contact sensor (8, 9, 10), an electronic computing device (12) and an airbag (11), wherein the airbag device (7) is designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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