Automobile collision impact attenuation device

Abstract

The present invention provides an impact damping device that is mounted as a module on the frame of an automobile, the impact damping device including: a speed sensor that detects the traveling speed of the vehicle; a distance detection sensor that measures the distance between the vehicle and an object in front of or behind the vehicle; a collision detection and determination unit that determines the possibility of a collision between the vehicle and the object based on information about the traveling speed of the vehicle and the distance between the vehicle and the object; a shock absorber cylinder; a piston that is movably installed inside the shock absorber cylinder and has an impact absorbing bumper connected to its front; and a gas generator that is installed inside the shock absorber cylinder at the rear of the shock absorber cylinder and adjacent to the head of the piston.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle crash impact attenuation device. [Background technology]

[0002] The number of automobiles operating worldwide is enormous, and numerous people are killed or injured in collisions and rear-end collisions while driving, and the economic losses caused by automobile damage due to these collisions are truly unpredictable.

[0003] Airbags are the only direct device to prevent personal and property damage caused by automobile collisions, but they have limitations in preventing personal and property damage, and are particularly ineffective in preventing property loss (car damage).

[0004] In recent years, many vehicles have been equipped with software safety systems that automatically maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead or stop the vehicle to prevent a collision in order to prevent damage caused by a car collision. Such collision safety systems are essential in the coming era of autonomous driving. However, despite the installation of such systems, collisions have occurred due to malfunctions and errors in the systems. Furthermore, when drivers and passengers become careless and trust the autonomous driving of a car, a malfunction or error in the software safety system can occur, resulting in a collision without deceleration, which can be fatal. Therefore, the installation of the car collision attenuation device proposed in the present invention can solve these problems and dramatically reduce the damage caused to people and property by car collisions.

[0005] There are many patent applications relating to front bumpers and airbags to prevent accidents caused by automobile collisions or rear-end collisions.

[0006] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1491309 (Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company / Registration Date: February 2, 2015) relates to an exterior airbag for a vehicle, and discloses an exterior airbag for a vehicle including an energy absorber that is arranged in the direction of deployment of the airbag located in front of the bumper back beam, formed to cover the airbag, and separated into upper and lower parts by the airbag's deployment force, opening the front. However, the airbag is made of a fabric material, and despite its inflation, it is insufficient to absorb the large impact caused by a collision in a large accident or a collision of a large vehicle.

[0007] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2295215 (Applicant: L-Xhausis Co., Ltd. / Registration Date: August 24, 2021) discloses a vehicle bumper with a collision guide structure that includes a front bumper with a bracket connection portion formed so that it extends from the inside toward the vehicle body, and a front-end bracket positioned opposite the inside of the front bumper and formed with a bumper connection portion corresponding to the bracket connection portion. This structure allows the front bumper to move in the event of a frontal collision with a certain collision force or more, and provides damping through friction. However, this patent has limitations in protecting the vehicle and driver by restricting the movement of the front bumper to protect pedestrians' feet in the event of a collision.

[0008] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1326925 (applicant: Hyundai Motor Company / registration date: November 1, 2013) discloses a vehicle impact absorbing device consisting of a side frame 11', a back beam 12', a bumper 13, and a movable shaft 14, as shown in Figure 8, in which the movable bumper 13b protruding forward comes into contact with an obstacle before the vehicle body directly hits the obstacle during a low-speed collision. Low-speed collisions are primarily assumed to occur with large commercial vehicles or structures with a heavy load, but the movable portion of the bumper 13' moves forward after a collision occurs, making it difficult to ensure complete protection for the vehicle. In addition, the movable shaft 14' is rotated by a link mechanism, which results in a weak moving force of the bumper 13'.

[0009] To prevent automobile collisions, it is preferable for safety devices to be activated before a collision actually occurs. Key factors in predicting automobile accidents are the vehicle's speed and the distance to the vehicle's surroundings, particularly the object or vehicle in front of it. In this regard, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2198466 (applicant: Pusan National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation / registration date: December 29, 2020) discloses a technology that determines the possibility of a collision based on the vehicle's speed and the distance to an external object, and extends the collision time or delays the collision point in the third stage, when the collision possibility is highest. This patent discloses a structure for extending the collision time, as shown in Figure 9, in which a front bumper 510' at the front of a vehicle body 500' protrudes forward through the operation of a hydraulic spring 520'. However, this patent does not disclose any details about the operation of the hydraulic spring 520' or the structure of the bumper 510', and merely presents an abstract idea. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent No. 10-1491309 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2295215 [Patent Document 3] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1326925 [Patent Document 4] Korean Patent No. 10-2198466 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] Therefore, the present invention aims to contribute to the prevention of losses and safety of human beings in automobile accidents by detecting an automobile collision and causing a collision-damping compression bumper or guard to fly out in advance to sufficiently mitigate the strong impact, thereby drastically reducing material losses such as vehicle damage, as well as significantly reducing deaths and injuries. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an impact damping device that is mounted as a module on the frame of an automobile, the impact damping device including: a speed sensor that detects the vehicle's traveling speed; a distance detection sensor that measures the distance between the vehicle and an object in front of or behind the vehicle; a collision detection and determination unit that determines the possibility of a collision between the vehicle and the object based on information about the vehicle's traveling speed and the distance between the vehicle and the object; a buffer cylinder; a piston that is movably installed inside the buffer cylinder and has an impact absorbing bumper connected to its front; and a gas generator that is installed inside the buffer cylinder at the rear of the buffer cylinder adjacent to the head of the piston.

[0013] The gas generator includes gunpowder, and the explosion of the gunpowder can generate a moving force to push the piston.

[0014] The bumper may be either a front bumper or a hybrid bumper that forms part of the front bumper and in which only the portion connected to the piston moves, or a separate guard that covers the front or rear of the front bumper.

[0015] The buffer cylinder has an appearance of a long circular casing that is closed at one end and open at the other end, and a piston pivot is provided surrounding the open entrance of the buffer cylinder to guide the movement of the piston.Multiple pinholes are drilled from the center of the casing to the entrance, and a leak valve may be provided in the closed part.

[0016] The pinholes help the piston move by discharging the air inside the buffer cylinder when the piston starts to move, and gradually reduce the pressure of the explosive gas just before the piston reaches the top dead center, which is the maximum forward distance. When the piston receives the impact of a car collision and is pushed into the inside of the car body, the explosive gas pressure inside the buffer cylinder gradually decreases, damping the impact and mitigating the impact.

[0017] The piston consists of a large-diameter head and a long rod extending from the head. The head is fitted with a compression ring, a guide and a buffer spring, in that order, starting from the position closest to the closed end of the buffer cylinder. The buffer spring protects the buffer cylinder from damage when the piston moves suddenly due to the pressure of the explosive gas, and the piston compression ring increases the airtightness to prevent the leakage of explosive gas generated inside the buffer cylinder.

[0018] The collision detection and determination unit stores braking distance information in a memory in order to accurately determine the possibility of a collision with an object in front or behind the vehicle, and if the object is a moving object, determines the possibility of a collision by taking into account the relative speed or rate of change of the relative speed between the vehicle and the object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The present invention provides an automobile collision impact attenuation device that can dramatically reduce the impact of automobile collisions, thereby significantly reducing loss of life and property, and is applicable to all automobiles, with a mechanism that ensures reliable operation and performance. It is an effective means of providing an automobile collision impact attenuation device that is economically valuable by achieving breakthroughs in automobile safety and preventing and mitigating accidents involving people and property. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an automobile collision impact damping device according to the present invention; [Figure 2]10 is a view showing a state in which the collision detection and determination unit of the present invention determines that there is a possibility of a collision, and the piston moves forward of the vehicle due to the operation of the gas generator, causing the bumper to protrude from its original position. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the buffer cylinder of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a piston of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bumper of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the operation of the impact damping device of the present invention, and are diagrams showing the state before operation. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the impact damping device of the present invention, showing a state in which the piston reaches the top dead center due to the operation. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle impact absorbing device of a prior patent. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a vehicle impact absorbing device of another prior patent. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an automobile collision impact attenuation device (hereinafter referred to as "impact attenuation device") 1 of the present invention. For ease of understanding, the illustration shows an impact absorbing module mounted on a basic frame 250 of an automobile. The frame 250 is designed to mount the impact attenuation device 1. The impact attenuation device 1 is mounted with different sizes and strengths depending on the type and weight of the vehicle. The impact attenuation device 1 of the present invention can be applied regardless of the type of vehicle, such as a passenger car, truck, or bus.

[0023] The impact damping device 1 of the present invention includes a speed sensor 260 , a collision detection and determination unit 270 , a gas generator 220 , a buffer cylinder 200 , a piston 210 , a bumper 230 , and a distance detection sensor 240 .

[0024] The speed sensor 260 is a sensor that detects the speed of a moving vehicle, and may be a speed sensor already installed in the vehicle. The speed sensor 260 may be installed not on the windshield glass as shown in the figure, but on the shaft that rotates the vehicle's wheels.

[0025] In the present invention, the distance detection sensor 240 is preferably attached to the front of the bumper 230, i.e., at the very front of the vehicle, as shown in the figure. This is to accurately detect the distance to an obstacle ahead, for example, in centimeters. The distance detection sensor 240 may be an ultrasonic sensor or a vision sensor that recognizes images.

[0026] The bumper 230 to which the distance detection sensor 240 is attached may be an existing front bumper, but it is preferable that it is not permanently fixed to the side frame or back beam so that it can move forward, because otherwise, the bumper 230 may be deformed or damaged while resisting the moving force despite the movement of the piston 210.

[0027] Since the bumper 230 of the present invention is intended to absorb vehicle impacts, it does not necessarily have to be the same shape or material as an existing front bumper. For example, it may be a hybrid bumper in which only the portion connected to the piston 210 that forms part of the front bumper moves, or a separate plate that covers the front of the existing front bumper may be manufactured and used as the "bumper" of the present invention. In this regard, the "bumper" of the present invention is a member that has the meaning of a guard and should be interpreted in the broadest sense possible.

[0028] The bumper 230 must be manufactured with sufficient strength and structure to withstand the impact in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0029] The buffer cylinder 200 extends linearly from the rear surface of the bumper 230 to a point surrounding the gas generator 220 .

[0030] The gas generator 220 is installed inside the front body of the automobile, but is not installed independently, but is installed inside a casing formed behind the buffer cylinder 200. The gas generator 220 may contain, for example, gunpowder.

[0031] The piston 210 is provided so as to be movable inside the buffer cylinder 200 .

[0032] The collision detection and determination unit 270 includes an ECU (electronic control unit) and a memory, and determines the possibility of a collision with an obstacle ahead based on the speed information from the speed sensor 260 and the distance information from the distance detection sensor 240. If the determination is positive, the collision detection and determination unit 270 drives the gas generator 220 and ignites it, for example, to explode like gunpowder.

[0033] The collision detection and determination unit 270 can store braking distance information in a memory to accurately determine the possibility of a collision with a forward obstacle. This is because even when driving at high speed, collision with a forward object may not occur depending on whether or not the brake is applied and the degree of application. Braking distance information is the distance the vehicle travels when the driver fully applies the brake pedal at the current speed, and varies depending on the vehicle model. When the forward object is a stationary object, the possibility of a collision can be accurately determined by considering three variables: speed information, distance information, and braking distance information.

[0034] In addition, the collision detection and determination unit 270 of the present invention can further consider the relative speed between the vehicle and the other vehicle as a factor for determining the possibility of a collision when the forward object is a moving object such as another vehicle. This is because even if the two vehicles are traveling close to each other at high speed, the possibility of an accident is low if this state is maintained for a long time. When the distance shortens as the relative speed suddenly decreases or the rate of change of the relative speed suddenly increases, the possibility of a collision can be accurately determined by combining this with the braking distance information.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows a state in which the collision detection and determination unit 270 of the present invention determines that there is a possibility of a collision, and the gas generator 220 is activated, causing the piston 210 to move forward of the vehicle and the bumper 230 to protrude from its original position.

[0036] The forward movement distance of the bumper 230 may vary depending on the vehicle type. For example, it is preferably 500 to 700 mm for passenger cars and small trucks, and 700 to 1,200 mm for large trucks and buses. As mentioned above, the bumper 230 can be manufactured as a guard rather than a conventional "front bumper." In this case, the front bumper does not move at all, but the guard moves to absorb the impact.

[0037] The gas generators 220 and pistons 210 of the buffer cylinder 200 are arranged in pairs, one on each side of the front of the bumper 230, so that they simultaneously push both sides of the bumper 230 with the same force, moving the bumper 230 evenly. However, the number of these components arranged is not limited, and various modifications are possible, such as arranging four on each side, or one in the center of the bumper 230 if the explosive power of the gunpowder is strong.

[0038] Next, each physical component of the impact damping device 1 of the present invention will be described.

[0039] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the buffer cylinder 200. The buffer cylinder 200 has an appearance of a long circular casing with one end (inside the vehicle) closed and the other end open. A gas generator 220 is attached to the closed casing side. If an explosive is used, an ignition device that is ignited by the activation of the collision detection and determination unit 270 may be further included.

[0040] A piston pivot 200-2 is provided to guide the movement of the piston 210 surrounding the open inlet of the shock absorber cylinder 200. A number of pinholes 200-1 are drilled near the center of the casing adjacent to the inlet, and a leak valve 200-3 is provided in the closed portion. The shock absorber cylinder 200 must be firmly fixed to the vehicle frame 250 in order to maintain its original position regardless of a vehicle collision.

[0041] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the piston 210. The piston 210 is mounted so as to be able to slide along the inside of the buffer cylinder 200.

[0042] The piston 210 includes a large-diameter head and a long rod extending from the head. A compression ring 210-1, a guide 210-2, and a buffer spring 210-3 are attached to the head, in that order from the position closest to the closed end of the buffer cylinder 200. The front end of the rod of the piston 210 is connected and fixed to the bumper 230.

[0043] In the above structure, the size and number of pinholes 200-1 can be changed depending on the type of vehicle or vehicle weight. When the piston 210 and the bumper 230 fixed thereto are propelled forward at a very high speed due to the pressure generated by the explosion of the gunpowder in the gas generator 220, the pinholes 200-1 serve to expel air from inside the buffer cylinder 200 as the piston 210 moves, thereby helping to push the piston 210 out more quickly. Here, the air inside is air that was originally remaining inside the buffer cylinder 200 and may interfere with the movement of the piston 210, so it is expelled initially through the pinholes 200-1.

[0044] In addition, just before the piston 210 reaches the top dead center, which is the maximum forward distance, the pressure of the explosive gas gradually decreases through the pinhole 200-1, and when the piston 210 receives the impact of a car collision and is pushed backward (into the vehicle body), the pinhole 200-1 gradually decreases the pressure of the explosive gas inside the buffer cylinder 200, thereby damping and smoothly mitigating the impact. In order to perform this function, it is preferable that the pinhole 200-1 is biased toward the open end of the buffer cylinder 200, as described above.

[0045] The buffer spring 210-3 of the piston 210 prevents the buffer cylinder 200 from being damaged by the shock caused by the sudden movement of the piston 210 due to the pressure of the explosive gas.

[0046] The guide 210-2 acts as a stopper that stops the piston 210 at the top dead center position when the piston 210 moves due to the pressure of the explosion gas, and also acts as a guide when the piston 210 reciprocates inside the cylinder, reducing the friction area of the piston 210 against the entire inner surface of the buffer cylinder 200 to maintain smooth operation.

[0047] The piston compression ring 210-1 serves to push the piston 210 quickly and strongly by increasing the airtightness to prevent the explosion gas generated inside the buffer cylinder 200 from leaking, and also serves to maintain airtightness by compressing the residual gas inside the buffer cylinder 200 when the piston is pushed backward due to a car collision.

[0048] The leak valve 200-3 is used to discharge residual explosion gas inside the buffer cylinder 200 when the piston 210 and the bumper 230 are returned to their original positions after the impact attenuation device 1 has been activated.

[0049] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, it is reasonable to install the compression ring 210-1, the guide 210-2, and the buffer spring 210-3, which first contacts the piston pivot 200-2 of the buffer cylinder when the piston 210 moves, in that order from the position closest to the closed end of the buffer cylinder 200.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a plan view of bumper 230.

[0051] A piston connector 230-1 is formed on the rear surface of the bumper 230 at a location that contacts the front end of the piston 210, thereby accommodating the front surface of the piston 210. The piston connector 230-1 may be manufactured as a shock absorbing pad or a socket with a recess. A distance detection sensor 240 is attached to the front surface of the bumper 230. By attaching multiple distance detection sensors 240, the distance to an object located on the front side rather than the center can also be accurately measured.

[0052] 6 and 7 are diagrams showing the operation of the impact damping device 1 of the present invention described above.

[0053] 6, before the shock absorber 1 is activated, the piston compression ring 210-1 at the rear end of the piston 210 is adjacent to or in contact with the gas generator 220, and the front end is connected to the bumper 230 to maintain a fixed state. The piston guide 210-2 supports the outer surface of the piston 210, and the guide 210-2 and the buffer spring 210-3 are fixed to the head of the piston 210 and are positioned to contact the inner surface of the buffer cylinder 200.

[0054] 7, when the impact attenuation device 1 is activated and the piston 210 reaches its maximum forward position at the top dead center, the rear end of the piston 210 advances to the open entrance of the buffer cylinder 200. The piston 210 moves forward at a high speed while being stably supported by the buffer spring 210-3, the guide 210-2, and the piston pivot 200-2, and pushes the bumper 230. When the bumper 230 collides with an object in front of it to absorb the impact force, as described above, when the piston 210 receives a force pushing backward, the explosion gas pressure inside the buffer cylinder 200 is gradually reduced and damped by the pinhole 200-1, thereby smoothly absorbing the impact.

[0055] Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a mechanism that dramatically reduces the impact caused by a car collision and ensures reliable operation and performance.

[0056] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention.

[0057] For example, although the above description has focused on the front of the vehicle, the same impact attenuation device 1 can also be installed at the rear of the vehicle. In this case, a partially modified rear bumper or a separate guard takes the place of the bumper 230.

[0058] It is apparent that the scope of the present invention encompasses the same or equivalent areas as the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. 1. An impact damping device mounted as a module on a frame of a motor vehicle, the impact damping device comprising: a speed sensor that detects the traveling speed of the vehicle; a distance detection sensor that measures the distance between the vehicle and an object in front of or behind the vehicle; a collision detection and determination unit that determines the possibility of a collision between the vehicle and an object based on information about the vehicle's traveling speed and the distance between the vehicle and the object; A buffer cylinder; a piston movably provided inside the buffer cylinder and having an impact absorbing bumper connected to its front; a gas generator disposed inside the buffer cylinder adjacent to the head of the piston and rearward of the buffer cylinder.

2. 2. The impact damping device according to claim 1, wherein the gas generator includes a gunpowder, and the explosion of the gunpowder generates a moving force that pushes the piston.

3. 2. The impact damping device according to claim 1, wherein the bumper is one of a front bumper, a hybrid bumper that forms part of the front bumper and in which only a portion connected to a piston moves, or a separate guard that covers the front or rear of the front bumper.

4. 4. The shock absorber according to claim 3, wherein the shock absorber cylinder has an appearance of a long circular casing with one end closed and the other end open, a piston pivot surrounding the open entrance of the shock absorber cylinder to guide the movement of the piston, a plurality of pinholes drilled from the center of the casing to the entrance, and a leak valve provided in the closed portion.

5. 5. The impact damping device according to claim 4, wherein the pinholes assist the movement of the piston by discharging air from inside the buffer cylinder when the piston starts to move, and gradually reduce the pressure of the explosive gas just before the piston reaches top dead center, which is the maximum forward distance, and damp the impact by gradually reducing the pressure of the explosive gas inside the buffer cylinder when the piston receives an impact during a vehicle collision and is pushed toward the inside of the vehicle body.

6. 6. The shock absorber according to claim 5, wherein the piston comprises a large-diameter head and a long rod extending from the head, and the head is fitted with a compression ring, a guide and a buffer spring in this order from the position closest to the closed end of the buffer cylinder, the buffer spring protecting the buffer cylinder from damage when the piston moves suddenly due to the pressure of the explosive gas, and the piston compression ring increasing the airtightness to prevent the explosion gas generated inside the buffer cylinder from leaking.

7. 4. The impact damping device of claim 3, wherein the collision detection and determination unit stores braking distance information in a memory in order to accurately determine the possibility of a collision with an object in front or behind the vehicle, and when the object is a moving object, determines the possibility of a collision by taking into account the relative speed or rate of change of the relative speed between the vehicle and the object.

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