Impact protection and method for controlling an impact protection

Abstract

The invention relates to an impact protection device (40) for a motor vehicle (10), comprising a first body element (42) for receiving a protective element (46), a second body element (44) for receiving an anchoring element (48), a glass pane arranged between the first body element (42) and the second body element (44), and a triggering unit (54) for triggering the protective element (46). The protective element (46) is designed to minimize penetration of a glass pane (26, 28, 30, 32, 34), parts of a glass pane (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) or an other party involved in an accident into a vehicle interior (19) of the motor vehicle (10) when triggered by the triggering unit (54), in that the protective element (46) covers the glass pane (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) at least in sections and is received in the anchoring element (48). The invention further relates to a method for controlling such an impact protection device (40).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an impact protection device, in particular a side impact protection device, for a motor vehicle and to a method for controlling such an impact protection device according to the preamble of the independent patent claims.

[0002] Motor vehicles are increasingly being equipped with larger windows to improve the amount of light entering the vehicle interior and to enhance all-round visibility. A typical example of such large window areas is vehicle panoramic roofs. In particular, the windshield can be designed to merge into the vehicle roof, thus creating a particularly large window area. There is also a desire for larger window areas on the side windows to improve all-round visibility from the vehicle. In principle, larger window areas lead to improved all-round visibility for the driver, thereby reducing the likelihood of an accident. Furthermore, larger window panes open up innovative possibilities for vehicle design.

[0003] Another advantage of larger window areas is that they tend to reduce the incidence of motion sickness. The increasing automation of driving tasks in motor vehicles will make secondary activities such as reading or working while the vehicle is moving possible in the future. However, with the increase in such activities, the risk of motion sickness continues to rise. Motion sickness is already a major problem for a significant group of people. Larger windows can ensure that the vehicle's movement is perceived in the peripheral field of vision, even when the driver averts their gaze while reading or working. This perception of the vehicle's movement is an effective measure against the onset of motion sickness.

[0004] A side impact energy absorbing plate assembly is known from IN 201741014862. The side impact energy absorbing plate assembly includes a protective plate and a locking latch operatively connected to the protective plate to maintain the protective plate in a closed position under normal operating conditions. IN 201741014862 further discloses a pre-crash sensor for transmitting control signals to activate a gas generator so that the locking latch is moved from a closed position to an expanded position, thereby releasing a compressed spring to neutralize the side impact force upon detection of an impending side impact.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing the occupants of the motor vehicle with the best possible protection in the event of an impending impact, in particular in the event of a side impact, and of minimizing the risk of injuries caused by glass panes or glass splinters penetrating the vehicle compartment.

[0006] This object is achieved by an impact protection device for a motor vehicle. The impact protection device comprises a first body element for receiving a protective element, a second body element for receiving an anchoring element, and a glass pane arranged between the first body element and the second body element. Furthermore, the impact protection device comprises a triggering unit for triggering the protective element. The protective element is designed to minimize the penetration of a glass pane, parts of the glass pane, or an opposing vehicle into the vehicle interior of the motor vehicle when triggered by the triggering unit. This is achieved by the protective element covering the glass pane at least in part and being received in the anchoring element.This creates an additional barrier for the glass pane, preventing the glass pane or parts of it from penetrating the vehicle interior, and stiffens the surface in which the glass pane is arranged, which means that this surface deforms less than with known solutions and therefore penetrates the vehicle interior less in the event of an impact.

[0007] In this context, a protective element is understood to be an element which protects the vehicle interior and persons situated in the vehicle interior, particularly in the event of a side impact, from glass panes or glass fragments penetrating the interior. In particular, the protective element reduces the size of a glass surface in such a way that the glass surface is divided by one or more protective elements, thus minimizing the penetration of the glass pane into the vehicle interior. Triggering of the protective element is understood to mean activation of the protective element in which the protective element increases its length and / or its surface area in order to place itself at least in sections between the glass pane and the vehicle interior and thus minimize the penetration of the glass pane, parts of the glass pane or an other vehicle involved in the accident into the vehicle interior in the event of an impact, particularly a side impact.A triggering unit is a unit that causes an at least temporary increase in the length or surface area of the protective element. The protective element according to the invention can be used to shield large glass surfaces, such as those found on motor vehicle side windows or panoramic roofs, from deep penetration into the vehicle interior in the event of an accident. This can minimize the consequences of the accident for the vehicle occupants. In this context, an opposing party in an accident is understood to mean a motor vehicle or other road user, in particular a passenger car, a truck, a bus, a construction machine, a motorcycle, a cyclist, or a pedestrian.

[0008] The further features mentioned in the dependent claims enable advantageous further developments and improvements of the impact protection listed in the independent claim.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the impact protection, the protective element comprises one or more telescopic rods, several telescopic rods, or a fan. One or more telescopic rods spanning the glass pane can easily minimize the penetration of the glass pane into the vehicle interior. A similar effect can be achieved with a fan that covers the glass pane and can thus also minimize the penetration of the glass pane into the vehicle interior.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment of the impact protection system, the protective element is integrated into a floor structure of the motor vehicle or is attached to a floor structure of the motor vehicle. Arrangement in a floor structure of the motor vehicle offers the advantage that the floor structure, particularly through continuous side sills, is designed to be particularly rigid and exhibits only minimal deformation in the event of an accident, particularly in the event of a side impact. This allows the protective element(s) to be anchored particularly securely, so that the protective effect is not reduced by significant deformation of the support.

[0011] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the impact protection, the protective element is integrated into a door structure of the motor vehicle or fastened to a door structure of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, the protective element can also be integrated into a door structure of the motor vehicle or fastened to this door structure. Integration or fastening on or in the door structure makes it possible to make the protective elements comparatively short, thereby increasing the triggering speed and reducing the weight. This also achieves a high level of protection because the door structure is also designed to be comparatively rigid so as not to give way too much in the event of a side impact. Furthermore, the protective element stiffens the door, whereby the door structure and the door frame deform less than with known solutions and thus leads to better occupant protection.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment of the impact protection, the protective element is integrated into a roof beam or a pillar of the body or is attached to a roof beam or a pillar of the body. Arrangement in a roof beam or a pillar of the body of the motor vehicle offers the advantage that these elements, particularly in the case of a continuous roof beam, are designed to be particularly rigid and exhibit only minimal deformation in the event of an accident, particularly in the case of a side impact. This allows the protective element(s) to be anchored particularly securely, so that the protective effect is not reduced by significant deformation of the mount.

[0013] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides an impact protection device whose anchoring element is arranged in a door frame of a motor vehicle door or in a roof pillar of the motor vehicle body, or is attached to a door frame or roof pillar. To accommodate a free end of the protection element in a sufficiently stable and functionally reliable manner, anchoring to a door frame or roof pillar of the motor vehicle is particularly preferred. This allows the glass pane to be spanned in such a way that penetration into the vehicle interior can be particularly effectively minimized.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment of the impact protection, it is provided that the triggering unit causes a pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, electromechanical or pyrotechnic triggering of the protective element or elements.

[0015] A pneumatic or hydraulic trigger unit enables a correspondingly rapid extension or enlargement of the surface area of the protective element, particularly in the case of telescopic rods or compartments. Furthermore, such a control unit can be designed to be reversible, so that when the pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is released, the length or surface area of the protective element is reduced again. This is particularly advantageous for pre-crash systems, which trigger in the event of a likely but still avoidable crash, allowing the system to be deployed multiple times, especially if no impact occurs. Alternatively, the control can also be triggered mechanically, for example, by a preloaded spring.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the triggering element can be electromechanically controlled. The length or surface area of the protective elements is increased, for example, by an electrically controlled mechanism, such as a gear with a worm thread.

[0017] In the case of a triggering unit that only triggers in the event of an unavoidable crash, irreversible triggering is also possible, particularly by a pyrotechnic triggering unit.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the impact protection system, the triggering unit allows for reversible triggering and retraction of the protective element. This allows the impact protection system to be activated when a likely crash is imminent, providing optimal protection for the occupants. This allows for earlier triggering compared to a system that only triggers in the event of an unavoidable crash, thus ensuring better protection for the vehicle occupants.

[0019] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the triggering unit is operatively connected to a pre-crash detection system, which triggers the protective element upon detection of a probable or unavoidable impending impact. This ensures the best possible protection for the vehicle's passengers in the event of a probable or unavoidable accident.

[0020] A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with such impact protection. Such a vehicle enables a high level of safety for passengers despite larger glass surfaces. This allows for increased design freedom in the design of new vehicles. Furthermore, larger glass surfaces can be realized, for example, to minimize the risk of motion sickness.

[0021] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling such an impact protection, which comprises the following steps: - Detection of a probable or unavoidable impact, - Triggering the triggering unit, wherein the protective element is received in the anchoring element, wherein - the protective element covers the glass pane at least in sections in order to minimise the penetration of a glass pane, parts of a glass pane or an other party involved in an accident into the interior of the motor vehicle.

[0022] Such a method enables improved protection of passengers in a motor vehicle, particularly in a motor vehicle with large glass panes. Alternatively or additionally, the protection of an opposing party involved in an accident with the motor vehicle, particularly a pedestrian or cyclist, can also be improved, as the opposing party is caught or at least slowed down by the protective elements, thus preventing further penetration into the vehicle interior. Furthermore, in the case of a motorized opposing party involved in an accident, particularly in a motor vehicle or motorcycle, penetration into the interior can be minimized, as the protective element provides appropriate stiffening and thus minimizes deformation in the area of the window frame.

[0023] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless otherwise stated in the individual case.

[0024] The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a motor vehicle with an impact protection device according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of an impact protection device according to the invention in a non-activated position; Fig. 3 that in Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of an impact protection device according to the invention in an activated position; Fig. 4 shows a further preferred embodiment of an impact protection device according to the invention in a schematic representation; Fig. 5 that in Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of an impact protection device according to the invention in an activated position; Fig. 6 shows a further preferred embodiment of an impact protection device according to the invention in an activated position; and Fig. 7 a flow chart for carrying out a method according to the invention for controlling such an impact protection.

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 10 in side profile with a body 12, a hood 14, a side surface 16, a roof 18, and a floor structure 22. Inside the motor vehicle is a vehicle interior 19. Between the roof 18, the hood 14, and the A-pillar 21, a first window 26 in the form of a windshield 28 is formed. Between the roof 18, a C-pillar 25 of the motor vehicle, and a rear of the motor vehicle 10, a further window 26 in the form of a rear window 30 is arranged. The roof 18 can have a further window 26, which is designed in the form of a skylight 34. A roof pillar 20 connects an A-pillar 21, a B-pillar 23, and a C-pillar 25 of the motor vehicle 10. The three pillars 21, 23, 25, together with two doors 24, each of which comprises a door structure 36 with a door frame 38 and a window 26 in the form of a side window 32, form a side surface 16 of the motor vehicle 10.A pre-crash detection system 60 is attached to this side surface 16. Two sensor units 62 are arranged, for example, in the area of the B-pillar 23. A first sensor unit 62 comprises a camera 64 for detecting the lateral surroundings of the motor vehicle 10. A further sensor unit 62 can, in particular, comprise an ultrasound unit 66 and / or a laser unit 68 to also detect the lateral surroundings of the motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 further comprises a signal processing unit 70, which can, for example, also be arranged in the B-pillar. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 10 comprises a control unit 80 with a memory unit 82 and a computing unit 84. These are programmed by a computer program code 86, wherein a method according to the invention for controlling an impact protection system 40 for such a motor vehicle 10 is executed when the computer program code 86 is executed by the computing unit 84 of the control unit 80.The signal processing unit 70 can also be integrated into the control unit 80.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of an impact protection device 40 according to the invention in a schematic representation. The impact protection device 40 comprises a first body element 42, which in this embodiment is designed as a floor structure 22 of a motor vehicle 10. The impact protection device 40 further comprises a second body element 44, which in this embodiment is formed by a door frame 38 of a door 24. Between the first body element 42 and the second body element 44, a glass pane 26 is arranged, which in this embodiment is designed as a side window 32. Several protective elements 46 are arranged in the first body element 42 and can be controlled via a triggering unit 54.Several, preferably at least three anchoring elements 48 are attached to the door frame 38, which are opposite the protective elements 46 and on which the protective elements 46 are received in an activated state, in particular in a form-fitting manner.

[0027] In this embodiment, the protective elements 46 are designed as telescopic rods 50. In Fig. 2, the protective elements 46 are shown in the non-activated position.

[0028] As an alternative to arranging the protective elements 46 in a floor structure 22 of the motor vehicle 10, it is possible to arrange the protective elements 46 in a door structure 36 below the glass pane 26, 32.

[0029] In Fig. 3 is the Fig. 2 is shown in an activated position. The protective elements 46 are extended such that the protective elements 46 extend at least partially over the glass pane 26, 32 and thus prevent the glass pane 26, parts of the glass pane 26 or an accident opponent from penetrating a vehicle interior 19 of the motor vehicle 10. In contrast to the illustration in Fig. 2, the protective elements 46 can be seen in the activated position as extended telescopic rods 50 and are anchored in the anchoring elements 48. As a result, the protective elements 46 span the glass pane 26, preventing the glass pane 26 from penetrating the vehicle interior 19 over a large area. The triggering unit 54 is preferably designed as a pneumatic triggering unit 56 with a pressure accumulator, wherein the protective elements 46 are extended by the pressure. Alternatively, the triggering unit 54 can also be designed as a hydraulic triggering unit 57, wherein a hydraulic control of the protective elements 46 takes place. In a further embodiment, the triggering unit 54 can be designed as a mechanical triggering unit, wherein the triggering elements are triggered, for example, by preloaded springs.In further embodiments, the trigger unit 54 can be designed as an electromechanical trigger unit 58 or as a pyrotechnic trigger unit 59. The trigger unit 54 is preferably arranged in the floor structure 22 of the motor vehicle 10.

[0030] In Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of an impact protection device 40 according to the invention. The impact protection device 40 comprises a first body element 42, which in this embodiment is designed as a floor structure 22 of a motor vehicle 10. The impact protection device 40 further comprises a second body element 44, which in this embodiment is arranged in a roof pillar 20 of the motor vehicle 10. Between the first body element 42 and the second body element 44, a glass pane 26 is arranged, which in this embodiment is designed as a side window 32. Several protective elements 46 are arranged in the first body element 42 and can be controlled via a triggering unit 54.On the roof beam 20, a plurality of anchoring elements 48 are arranged or formed corresponding to the number of protective elements 46, which anchoring elements are opposite the protective elements 46 and on which the protective elements 46 are received in an activated state, in particular in a form-fitting manner.

[0031] In this embodiment, the protective elements 46 are designed as telescopic rods 50. In Fig. 4, the protective elements 46 are shown in a non-activated position. An arrangement of the anchoring elements 48 in the roof pillar 20 enables the use of an impact protection device 40 according to the invention even with so-called frameless vehicle doors, in which the side window 32 is not enclosed by a door frame 38 and rests directly against a seal arranged in the roof pillar 20.

[0032] In Fig. 5 is the impact protection 40 according to Fig. 4 in an activated position. The protective elements 46 are extended such that the protective elements 46 extend at least partially over the glass pane 26, 32 and thus prevent the glass pane 26, parts of the glass pane 26 or an accident opponent from penetrating a vehicle interior 19 of the motor vehicle 10. In contrast to the illustration in Fig. 4, the protective elements 46 can be seen in the activated position as extended telescopic rods 50 and are anchored in the anchoring elements 48 on the roof pillar 20. As a result, the protective elements 46 span the glass pane 26, preventing the glass pane 26 from penetrating the vehicle interior 19 over a large area. The triggering unit 54 is preferably designed as a pneumatic triggering unit 56 with a pressure accumulator, wherein the protective elements 46 are extended by the pressure. Alternatively, the triggering unit 54 can also be designed as a hydraulic triggering unit 57, wherein a hydraulic control of the protective elements 46 takes place. In a further embodiment, the triggering unit 54 can be designed as a mechanical triggering unit, wherein the triggering elements are triggered, for example, by preloaded springs.In further embodiments, the triggering unit 54 can be designed as an electromechanical triggering unit 58 or as a pyrotechnic triggering unit 59. The triggering unit 54 is preferably arranged in the floor structure 22 of the motor vehicle 10. Alternatively, the triggering unit 54 can also be arranged in the door structure 36, particularly when the protective elements 46 are attached or integrated in a door structure 36 of the door 24.

[0033] Fig. 6 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an impact protection device 40 according to the invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the impact protection device 40 is fully integrated into a door 24 of the motor vehicle 10. The door 24 has a door structure 36, a door frame 38, and a window 26 in the form of a side window 32 enclosed by the door frame 38. The protective elements 46 are arranged in a fan-shaped manner in this exemplary embodiment, starting from a central receiving point. An anchoring element 48 is arranged in a lateral section of the door frame 38 and in the ceiling of the door frame 38 in order to accommodate the protective elements 46 accordingly upon activation. Fig. The impact protection 40 shown in Figure 6 enables a particularly compact design of such an impact protection 40 in order to prevent the side window 32 from penetrating the vehicle interior 19.

[0034] In Fig.7 shows a flowchart for carrying out a method according to the invention for controlling such an impact protection device 40 in a motor vehicle 10. In a first method step <100> A pre-crash detection system 60 determines whether a probable or unavoidable impact on a surface of the motor vehicle 10, in particular on a side surface 16 of the motor vehicle 10, is imminent. If a probable or unavoidable impact on the motor vehicle 10 is detected, in a subsequent method step <110> triggering of the triggering unit 54 is initiated, wherein the protective element 46 is received in the anchoring element 48 and thus lies over the glass pane 26.The protective element 46 covers the glass pane 26 at least in sections in order to be able to protect the glass pane 26 from damage in the event of an actual impact in one process step <120> to minimize penetration of the glass pane 26, parts of the glass pane 26, or an opposing vehicle into a vehicle interior 19 of the motor vehicle 10. In the case of a non-reversibly operating triggering unit 54, in particular a pyrotechnic triggering unit 59, the triggering unit 54 is only triggered when an unavoidable impact on the motor vehicle 10, in particular on a side surface 16 of the motor vehicle 10, is detected. List of reference symbols 10 motor vehicle 12 Body 14 Bonnet 16 side surface 18 Roof 19 Vehicle interior 20 roof beam 21 A-pillar 22 Soil structure 23 B-pillar 24 Door 25 C-pillar 26 windows / glass panes 28 Windscreen 30 Rear window 32 side window 34 roof windows 36 Door structure 38 door frames 40 impact protection 42 first body element 44 second body element 46 protective element 48 Anchoring element 50 telescopic rod 52 compartments 54 trip unit 56 Pneumatics 57 Hydraulics 58 electromechanical trip unit 59 pyrotechnic trigger unit 60 Pre-Crash Detection System 62 Sensor unit 64 Camera 66 Ultrasound unit 68 Laser unit 70 Signal processing unit 80 Control unit 82 storage unit 84 computing unit 86 Computer program code 100 Procedure Step - Determination of probable or inevitable impact 110 Process step - Triggering the trigger unit 120 Process step - Minimizing intrusion into vehicle interior 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] IN 201741014862

[0004]

Claims

[1] Impact protection (40) for a motor vehicle (10), comprising: - a first body element (42) for receiving a protective element (46), - a second body element (44) for receiving an anchoring element (48), - a glass pane (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) arranged between the first body element (42) and the second body element (44), - a trigger unit (54) for triggering the protective element (46), wherein - the protective element (46) is designed to minimize penetration of a glass pane (26, 28, 30, 32, 34), parts of the glass pane (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) or an other party involved in an accident into a vehicle interior (19) of the motor vehicle (10) when triggered by the triggering unit (54), in that the protective element (46) covers the glass pane (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) at least in sections and is received in the anchoring element (48). [2] Impact protection (40) according to claim 1, wherein the protective element (46) comprises a telescopic rod (50), a plurality of telescopic rods (50) or a fan (52). [3] Impact protection (40) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the protective element (46) is integrated into a floor structure (22) of the motor vehicle (10) or is fastened to a floor structure (22) of the motor vehicle (10). [4] Impact protection (40) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the protective element (46) is integrated into a door structure (36) of the motor vehicle (10) or is fastened to a door structure (36) of the motor vehicle (10). [5] Impact protection (40) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the protective element (46) is integrated in a roof pillar (20) or a pillar (21, 23, 25) of the body (12) or is fastened to a roof pillar (20) or a pillar (21, 23, 25) of the body (12). [6] Impact protection (40) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the anchoring element (48) is arranged in a door frame (38) of a door (24) of the motor vehicle (10) or in a roof pillar (20) of the body (12) of the motor vehicle (10) or is fastened to a door frame (38) or a roof pillar (20). [7] Impact protection (40) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the triggering unit (54) causes a pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, electromechanical or pyrotechnic triggering of the protective element (46) or the protective elements (46). [8] Impact protection (40) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the triggering unit (54) enables reversible triggering and retraction of the protective element (46). [9] Impact protection (40) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the triggering unit (54) is operatively connected to a pre-crash detection system (60) which triggers the protective element (46) upon detection of a probable or unavoidable impending impact. [10] Method for controlling an impact protection device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: - Detection (100) of a probable or unavoidable impact, - triggering (110) the triggering unit (54), wherein the protective element (46) is received in the anchoring element (48), wherein - the protective element (46) covers the glass pane (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) at least in sections in order to minimize (120) penetration of a glass pane (26, 28, 30, 32, 34), parts of a glass pane (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) or an other party involved in an accident into a vehicle interior (19) of the motor vehicle (10).

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