Passenger protection device and passenger protection method

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of accurately controlling a posture of an occupant and improving occupant protection performance.SOLUTION: An occupant crash protection device includes: a first sensor outputting vehicle information including information indicating a traveling state of a vehicle and information indicating a situation around the vehicle; a second sensor outputting occupant information indicating a seated state of the occupant; a stimulus application section fitted to the occupant and applying stimulus to the occupant when operated; and a control section controlling the stimulus application section. The control section predicts that the vehicle may receive an impact on the basis of the vehicle information acquired from the first sensor, determines stimulus application details by the stimulus application section required for correcting a posture of the occupant to a posture prepared for the impact on the vehicle on the basis of the occupant information acquired from the second sensor when predicting the impact on the vehicle, operates the stimulus application section in accordance with the determined stimulus application details, and corrects the posture of the occupant prior to timing when the vehicle receives the impact.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an occupant protection device and an occupant protection method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a device that, when a vehicle collision is predicted, corrects the occupant's posture and improves occupant protection performance by passing electricity through electrodes selected from a plurality of electrodes provided on the seat so that the occupant approaches a posture prepared for the predicted collision based on the predicted direction of the collision and the occupant's posture. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-156179 A [Patent Document 2] DE 102018205577 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As shown in Patent Document 1, when electrodes are provided on a vehicle seat, clothing is placed between the electrodes and the occupant's skin, and depending on the number of layers of clothing and the material of the clothing, electricity may not flow easily, resulting in a problem that sufficient stimulation cannot be provided.

[0005] In addition, there was a problem that the electrodes hit different places depending on the occupant's physique, making it difficult to deliver stimulation appropriately and making it difficult to properly control posture.

[0006] Furthermore, when electricity is applied to the electrodes and the occupant's body moves, the body separates from the electrodes, which poses the problem that the body ends up insufficiently displaced to avoid the impact.

[0007] The technology disclosed herein has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a technology that accurately controls the posture of an occupant and improves occupant protection performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the occupant protection device of the present disclosure is: A first sensor is attached to a vehicle and outputs vehicle information including information indicating a running state of the vehicle and information indicating a situation around the vehicle; a second sensor attached to the vehicle and outputting occupant information indicating a seating state of an occupant in the vehicle; At least one stimulating unit that is attached to the occupant and that applies a stimulus to the occupant when activated; A control unit that controls the stimulation unit; Equipped with The control unit is predicting that the vehicle will receive an impact based on the vehicle information acquired from the first sensor; determining, when an impact of the vehicle is predicted, a stimulus to be applied by the stimulus application unit that is necessary to correct the posture of the occupant to a posture that prepares for the impact of the vehicle, based on the occupant information acquired from the second sensor; The stimulus applying unit is operated in accordance with the determined stimulus application content, and the posture of the occupant is corrected prior to the timing when the vehicle receives an impact.

[0009] The control unit may determine an impact mode of the vehicle based on the vehicle information, and determine the stimulus content according to the determined impact mode.

[0010] The stimulus applying unit may apply at least one external stimulus of an electric current, heat, pressure, or vibration to the occupant.

[0011] The occupant protection device includes a plurality of the stimulating units, The control unit may activate the plurality of stimulus application units when an impact to the vehicle is predicted.

[0012] The control unit may operate the plurality of stimulating units at different timings.

[0013] In the passenger protection device, The plurality of stimulating units include a first stimulating unit and a second stimulating unit, The control unit may operate the first stimulus application unit in accordance with the stimulus content determined when predicting an impact to the vehicle, and then may further determine a second stimulus content necessary to correct the occupant's posture to a posture prepared for the vehicle impact based on the occupant information obtained from the second sensor, and operate the second stimulus application unit in accordance with the determined second stimulus content.

[0014] The occupant protection device includes: Further provided is an auxiliary stimulus providing unit that provides a sound or image as a stimulus to the occupant, When an impact to the vehicle is predicted, the control unit may auxiliary operate the auxiliary stimulus application unit prior to a timing when the vehicle receives the impact.

[0015] The stimulation unit may include an electrode attached near a left ear and an electrode attached near a right ear of the occupant, and may provide stimulation by passing electricity between the left and right electrodes. The stimulation unit may include a first electrode attached to a position near and forward of the occupant's ear, and a second electrode attached to a position near and rearward of the occupant's ear, and may stimulate the occupant by passing electricity between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0016] The stimulation unit includes: A mounting part that is mounted on the occupant; A stimulating pad provided on the mounting part so as to come into contact with the skin of the occupant wearing the mounting part; The present invention may also include:

[0017] The stimulation unit may include an actuator attached to the auricle of the occupant, and may stimulate the occupant by pulling the auricle with the actuator.

[0018] The stimulating unit may include a vibrator attached to each of the left and right shoulders of the occupant, and the stimulating unit may provide the occupant with a stimulus by vibrating the vibrator.

[0019] In order to solve the above problems, the occupant protection method of the present disclosure includes: A method executed by a control unit of an occupant protection device mounted in a vehicle, comprising: The occupant protection device includes at least one stimulus applying unit that is attached to the occupant and applies a stimulus to the occupant when activated, The method of protecting the occupants is A first sensor attached to the vehicle provides information indicating a running state of the vehicle and acquiring vehicle information including information indicating a surrounding situation of the vehicle, and predicting that the vehicle will be subjected to an impact based on the acquired vehicle information; acquiring occupant information indicating a seating state of an occupant in the vehicle from a second sensor attached to the vehicle, and determining a stimulation content to be provided by the stimulation providing unit, which is necessary to correct the posture of the occupant to a posture that is prepared for the impact of the vehicle, based on the occupant information acquired when an impact of the vehicle is predicted; and a step of activating the stimulus application unit in accordance with the determined stimulus application content, and correcting the posture of the occupant prior to the timing when the vehicle receives an impact. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique for improving occupant protection performance by accurately controlling the posture of the occupant. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an occupant protection system. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an occupant protection device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stimulating unit. [Figure 4] This is a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which an occupant wears the stimulating unit. [Figure 6] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the operation of a stimulating unit. [Figure 7] 5 is a diagram showing a flow of an occupant protection method executed by a control unit of the occupant protection device. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a stimulating unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an operation upon impact in a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a stimulating unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a pad. [Figure 12] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an operation upon impact in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a pad according to Modification 1. [Figure 14] 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an occupant protection device including a stimulating portion according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a mounting state of a stimulating unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an operation upon impact in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a stimulating unit according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a stimulating unit according to Modification 2. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a stimulating unit according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 20] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of the operation of attaching the stimulating unit to the shoulder of an occupant. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vibrator. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an occupant protection device according to a third modified example. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an occupant protection device according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a processing procedure of an occupant protection method executed by an occupant protection device according to a seventh embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 23 is a schematic plan view showing an auxiliary stimulus imparting unit according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an auxiliary stimulus providing unit disposed near the driver's seat. [Figure 27] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the operation of a stimulus providing unit and an auxiliary stimulus providing unit according to the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] First Embodiment Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Occupant protection devices The following will describe the configurations and their combinations in the embodiments. Each configuration and its combination are merely examples, and addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configurations are possible as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments, but is limited only by the claims.

[0023] <System configuration> 1 includes a plurality of sensors 11 for detecting the state of a vehicle 10, a sensor 20 for detecting the state of an occupant, and an occupant protection device 30. The occupant protection device 30 includes a stimulus applying unit 3A worn by an occupant. The occupant protection device 30 predicts an impact that the vehicle 10 will receive based on vehicle information acquired from the sensor (first sensor) 11, and controls the stimulus applying unit 3A to apply a stimulus to the occupant just before the vehicle 10 receives the impact, thereby controlling the occupant to assume a posture to prepare for the impact, thereby protecting the occupant.

[0024] <Vehicles> The vehicle 10 is equipped with various sensors 11 and 20, an automatic brake control device 12, and an airbag device 13.

[0025] The multiple sensors 11 include a sensor (first sensor) that detects the state of the vehicle itself, such as vehicle speed, travel distance, brake operation state, turn signal operation state, steering state, yaw rate, gravity (G), etc. The sensors 11 also include a sensor (first sensor) that detects the state of other vehicles and obstacles present around the vehicle itself, such as a device that captures images of the surroundings of the vehicle 10 with a camera and detects obstacles by processing the captured images, and a radar device that detects obstacles, such as a laser radar and a millimeter wave radar.

[0026] The sensor 20 is a second sensor for detecting the seating state of an occupant, such as the posture or position of the occupant seated in the seat of the vehicle 10, and is, for example, a camera that captures images inside the vehicle or a seat sensor.

[0027] The automatic brake control device 12 detects an obstacle present in the traveling direction of the vehicle 10 by the sensor 11, and calculates the distance (stopping distance) required to stop the vehicle 10 without colliding with the obstacle from the relative speed and jerk of the vehicle 10 with respect to the obstacle. When the distance to the obstacle approaches the stopping distance, the automatic brake control device 12 automatically applies the brakes to suddenly brake the vehicle. Note that the specific conditions for applying the automatic brakes can be determined by using known technology, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted.

[0028] When the acceleration detected by the sensor 11 exceeds a threshold value, the airbag device 13 operates, for example, an inflator to deploy an airbag. The sensor 11 that detects the acceleration may be provided exclusively for the airbag device 13 or may be shared with the occupant protection device 30.

[0029] <Occupant protection device> 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the passenger protection device 30. The passenger protection device 30 includes a control unit 310, a storage unit 320, a power supply unit 330, and a stimulus applying unit 3A. In this embodiment, among these elements, the control unit 310, the storage unit 320, and the power supply unit 330 are housed in a single housing to form a control unit 300, which is separate from the stimulus applying unit 3A. The control unit 310 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), The device may also include a processor such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) and a main memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0030] The storage unit (auxiliary storage unit) 320 is configured with a storage medium such as a volatile memory such as a RAM, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD, Hard Disk Drive), or a removable medium. The removable medium is, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory or a CD (CD The storage medium is a disk recording medium such as a 320P (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc). The storage unit 320 may also be configured using a computer-readable recording medium such as an externally attachable memory card.

[0031] The storage unit 320 can store an operating system (OS), various programs, various data tables, various databases, setting data, user data, and the like, for executing the operations of the occupant protection device 30.

[0032] The power supply unit 330 is connected to the vehicle's battery and the stimulus providing unit 3A, converts the power supplied from the battery based on a control signal determined by the control unit 310 as described below, and supplies the converted power to the stimulus providing unit 3A.

[0033] The control unit 310 reads out a program stored in the storage unit 320 into a working area of ​​the main storage unit, executes the program, and controls each component unit, thereby functioning as predetermined functional units, for example, a vehicle information acquisition unit 311, an occupant information acquisition unit 312, an impact prediction unit 313, a posture identification unit 314, a control determination unit 315, and a stimulus control unit 316. Note that these functional units are not limited to those realized based on a program (software), and may be partially or entirely configured by hardware circuits such as a processor, an integrated circuit, and a logic circuit.

[0034] The vehicle information acquisition unit 311 acquires, from the sensor 11 attached to the vehicle 10, information indicating the traveling state of the vehicle 10 and information indicating the situation around the vehicle as vehicle information.

[0035] The occupant information acquisition unit 312 detects, from the sensor 20, occupant information indicating the state of the occupant riding in the vehicle 10, such as the posture, position, and the like.

[0036] The impact prediction unit 313 predicts an impact that the vehicle 10 will receive due to a collision or the like, based on the vehicle information. The impact prediction unit 313 acquires surrounding information from, for example, the radar device 112 or the camera 111. The radar device 112 includes a plurality of radar devices having different detection ranges, detects objects such as other vehicles and obstacles that exist around the host vehicle 10, including the front, right side, left side, and rear of the host vehicle 10, and acquires the relative position and relative speed between the detected objects and the host vehicle.

[0037] The camera 111 includes a plurality of cameras with different shooting ranges, captures images of the surroundings of the vehicle including the front, right and left sides, and rear of the vehicle 10, and outputs the captured images. The impact prediction unit 313 processes the captured images (vehicle information) acquired from the camera 111 to determine objects such as other vehicles and obstacles present in the surroundings. The impact prediction unit 313 may also extract images of objects detected by the radar device 112 from the captured images of the camera 111, and identify the type of object, such as a pedestrian, a passenger car, or a large truck, by image processing.

[0038] For example, when an object such as another vehicle is detected around the vehicle 10, the impact prediction unit 313 estimates a distance (avoidable distance) required to avoid a collision, such as a stopping distance, from the relative speed and acceleration with respect to the object, and the jerk, and compares the distance between the object and the vehicle 10 with the avoidable distance to predict whether or not a collision will occur, i.e., whether or not an impact will be received. The impact prediction may be performed using the judgment result by the automatic brake control device 12. Furthermore, when the impact prediction unit 313 predicts that the vehicle 10 will collide with an object such as another vehicle, it determines the direction in which the object will collide, i.e., the direction in which the impact will be received, based on the running direction (movement trajectory) of the approaching object. Furthermore, the impact prediction unit 313 may determine the strength based on the relative speed with respect to the object, the size of the object, and the like. Note that the impact mode is determined in advance according to the direction and strength of the impact, such as whether the impact will occur from the front or side, or from the rear, the type of the colliding object, the vehicle speed at the time of the collision, and the like, and the impact prediction unit 313 determines the impact mode according to the predicted direction and strength of the impact.

[0039] The impact prediction unit 313 of this embodiment predicts an impact based on vehicle information acquired from the radar device 112 and the camera 111, but may predict an impact using information acquired from a sensor other than these, or using vehicle information acquired from either the radar device 112 or the camera 111. The impact prediction unit 313 may also predict the impact (G) received by the occupants due to an impact other than a collision, for example, a sudden turn, sudden braking (sudden braking, etc.), slipping on a slippery road surface, or vehicle rollover. It may be sensed (predicted).

[0040] The posture identification unit 314 obtains the current posture of the occupant based on the occupant information. For example, the posture identification unit 314 detects the distribution of pressure on the seat surface of the seat on which the occupant sits by using a seat sensor, and identifies the posture as a forward leaning posture if the pressure is concentrated on the front of the seat, a backward leaning posture if the pressure is concentrated on the rear of the seat, a posture shifted to the right if the pressure is concentrated on the right side of the seat, and a posture shifted to the left if the pressure is concentrated on the left side of the seat. The posture identification unit 314 may also obtain an image of the inside of the vehicle captured by an in-vehicle camera, extract an image of the occupant from the captured image, and identify the posture of each occupant.

[0041] When the control decision unit 315 predicts that the vehicle 10 will receive an impact, it determines the stimulus content to make the occupant take a posture to prepare for the impact based on the occupant's current posture and impact mode. For example, when an impact is received from the front, right side, or left side, the posture is changed so that the occupant leans toward the opposite side to the impact direction, that is, the body is turned in a direction away from the impact input direction. When an impact is received from the rear, the occupant leans forward, and if the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest is large, there is a possibility that the head will hit the headrest forcefully when the impact is received. Therefore, when an impact is received from the rear, the occupant leans backward and changes his / her posture so that the head is placed on the headrest. When an impact is received from the front, right side, or left side, and the occupant's posture is already away from the impact point, there is no need to change the posture, so the control signal may not be output. When an impact is received from the rear, and the occupant's posture is already in a posture where the head is placed on the headrest, there is no need to change the posture, so the control signal may not be output. Furthermore, if the strength of the impact is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control signal may not be output, that is, the attitude may not be changed.

[0042] Prior to an impact on the vehicle 10, the stimulus control unit 316 supplies the control signal to the stimulus application unit in accordance with the timing of the impact, and generates a stimulus in accordance with the control signal to apply to the occupant. For example, the stimulus control unit 316 supplies a control signal to the stimulus application unit a predetermined time before the timing of the predicted impact, and changes the posture of the occupant just before the impact. Note that if it is determined that the time until the impact is short and posture control is not possible in time, the control signal may not be supplied and posture control may not be performed.

[0043] Stimulation section Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the stimulating unit 3A, and Fig. 4 is a cross section taken along line AA in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the stimulating unit 3A is worn by an occupant. The stimulating unit 3A of this embodiment has a right stimulating unit 30R worn near the right ear of the occupant, and a left stimulating unit 30L worn near the left ear of the occupant. Since the right stimulating unit 30R and the left stimulating unit 30L are symmetrical, Fig. 5 shows only the right stimulating unit 30R, and the left stimulating unit 30L is not shown.

[0044] The right-side stimulation unit 30R includes an electrode (first electrode) 30FR that is attached near the ear of the passenger and in front of the ear, and an electrode (second electrode) 30BR that is attached behind the ear. The electrode 30FR and the electrode 30BR are connected by a connection unit 305. A cord 30R1 is electrically connected to the electrode 30FR, and a cord 30R2 is electrically connected to the electrode 30BR.

[0045] The left stimulation unit 30L includes an electrode 30FL that is attached near the ear of the passenger and in front of the ear, and an electrode 30BL that is attached behind the ear. The electrodes 30FL and 30BL are connected by a connecting portion 305. A cord 30L1 is electrically connected to the electrode 30FL, and a cord 30L2 is electrically connected to the electrode 30BL.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 4, the electrode 30FL is disposed so that one surface (electrode surface) 3011 comes into contact with the skin of the occupant, and a gel sheet 3013 having a larger diameter than the electrode 30FL is attached to the other surface (back surface) 3012, and the electrode 30FL is attached to the skin of the occupant by the adhesive force of the gel sheet 3013. Although only the electrode 30FL is shown in Fig. 4, the other electrodes 30BL, 30FR, and 30BR have the same configuration, and the electrodes 30BL, 30FR, and 30BR are attached to the back surface 3012 and are attached to the skin of the occupant by the adhesive force of the gel sheet 3013 that protrudes around them.

[0047] The cord 303 has left and right cords 30L1, 30L2, 30R1, and 30R2. The cord 303 is connected to a power supply unit 330 of the control unit 300 via a cord reel 304. The cord reel 304 is provided inside the seat back 15, and can wind up the cord 303.

[0048] It is preferable that the stimulating unit 3A is provided in each seat in the vehicle 10, but it may be provided in only some of the seats, such as the driver's seat and the passenger seat. Also, the control unit 300 may be provided for each seat, but a single control unit 300 may be connected to the stimulating unit 3A of each seat and control a plurality of stimulating units 3A.

[0049] The stimulating unit 3A of this embodiment applies a weak electric current to the vestibular organ of the occupant as a stimulus. When the stimulating unit 3A applies a weak electric current to the vestibular organ, the occupant perceives that acceleration has occurred. Normally, when acceleration occurs, the occupant maintains posture by reflexively moving the body to counteract this. When the occupant perceives that acceleration has occurred due to the electrical stimulation of the stimulating unit 3A, since no acceleration has actually occurred, the movement to counteract the acceleration moves the body (head) and changes posture.

[0050] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the stimulating unit 3A. As shown in Fig. 6(A), when a current is applied from the electrodes 30FL and 30BL to the electrodes 30FR and 30BR, the occupant perceives an acceleration from left to right and moves his head to the left to counteract this. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6(B), when a current is applied from the electrodes 30FR and 30BR to the electrodes 30FL and 30BL, the occupant moves his head to the right.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6(C), when a current is passed from electrodes 30FL and 30FR to electrodes 30BL and 30BR, the occupant perceives the occurrence of front-to-rear acceleration and moves his head forward to counteract this. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6(D), when a current is passed from electrodes 30BL and 30BR to electrodes 30FL and 30FR, the occupant moves his head backward.

[0052] Because the occupant changes position in response to the stimulus, when the occupant protection device 30 detects that an impact will occur, it applies a stimulus to the occupant to prepare for the impact.

[0053] <Occupant protection methods> Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a flow of an occupant protection method executed by the control unit 310 of the occupant protection device 30. The control unit 310 repeatedly executes the process of Fig. 7 while power is being supplied to the occupant protection device 30, for example, when the ignition switch of the vehicle 10 is on.

[0054] In step S10, the control unit 310 acquires, from the sensor 11, information indicating the traveling state of the vehicle 10 and information indicating the situation around the vehicle as vehicle information.

[0055] In step S20, control unit 310 predicts an impact to vehicle 10 based on the vehicle information acquired in step S10.

[0056] In step S30, control unit 310 determines whether or not an impact will occur as a result of the prediction in step S20, and if the determination is negative, ends the processing in Fig. 7. On the other hand, if the determination is positive in step S30, control unit 310 proceeds to step S40.

[0057] In step S40, the control unit 310 acquires from the sensor 20 occupant information indicating the state of the occupant currently riding in the vehicle 10.

[0058] In step S50, control unit 310 obtains the current posture of the occupant based on the occupant information acquired in step S40.

[0059] In step S60, the control unit 310 determines the stimulus content for changing the posture of the occupant to a posture prepared for an impact, based on the impact mode and the current posture of the occupant. For example, in the case of an impact mode such as a collision with an object present in the traveling direction of the vehicle 10 (head-on collision) or a collision with another vehicle or the like from the side (side collision), the posture is controlled to move the body of the occupant, particularly the head, away from the direction of the impact. Also, in the case of an impact mode (rear-end collision) in which an impact is received from behind, if the occupant is leaning forward and the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest is large, there is a possibility that the head will hit the headrest forcefully when the impact is received, so when an impact is received from behind, the posture is changed so that the occupant is leaned backward and the head is brought closer to the headrest.

[0060] In step S70, the control unit 310 sends a control signal to the power supply unit 330 to supply a current to the stimulating unit 3A in accordance with the timing of receiving the impact, thereby causing the occupant to receive an electrical stimulus.

[0061] Thus, according to this embodiment, when it is predicted that the vehicle 10 will collide with another vehicle or an obstacle and receive an impact, a stimulus is applied to the occupant before the impact is received, and the occupant is controlled to assume a posture to prepare for the impact, thereby improving the protection performance of the occupant. Particularly in this embodiment, since the stimulus application unit 3A is attached to the occupant, the stimulus can be applied regardless of the occupant's seated position or the state of clothing, so the occupant's posture can be accurately controlled and the protection performance of the occupant can be improved. form In the above, the calculations of S10 and S20 for S30 are performed before S40 and S50, but this is not limited to the above. For example, S10 and S20, and S40 and S50 may be constantly calculated, and if it is determined in step S30 that a collision is unavoidable, the process may proceed to S60 depending on the result of S50.

[0062] Second Embodiment 8 is a diagram showing a stimulating unit 3B according to the second embodiment. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the stimulating unit 3B, but the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the same elements as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0063] In this embodiment, electrodes 3B21-3B30 as the stimulating unit 3B and a control unit 300 are provided on a special suit 4, which is an example of a wearing part. The electrodes 3B21-3B30 have the same configuration as the electrodes in FIG. 4, and are attached to the inner surface of the suit 4 by a gel sheet 3013, and are also attached to the skin of the occupant wearing the suit 4. In the example of FIG. 8, the electrodes 3B21 and 3B22 are arranged so as to contact the left upper arm, the electrodes 3B23 and 3B24 are arranged so as to contact the right upper arm, and the electrodes 3B25 and 3B26 are arranged so as to contact the chest. In addition, the electrodes 3B27 and 3B28 are arranged so as to contact the right part of the back, and the electrodes 3B29 and 3B30 are arranged so as to contact the left part of the back. Each of the electrodes 3B21-3B30 is connected to the power supply unit 330 of the control unit 300 via a cord. Each of the electrodes 3B21-3B30 and the control unit 300 are detachable from the clothes 4, and the clothes 4 can be washed by removing the electrodes 3B21-3B30 and the control unit 300. The cords of each of the electrodes 3B21-3B30 are connected to a coupler 3B3, and by connecting the coupler 3B3 to a coupler 309 on the control unit 300 side, the electrodes 3B21-3B30 can be connected to the control unit 300 all at once. This makes it possible to prevent mistakes in connection between each of the electrodes 3B21-3B30 and the control unit 300, and ensures that a stimulus is given to a predetermined part of the occupant.

[0064] As in the first embodiment described above, when the control unit 300 predicts that an impact will occur, it activates at least one of the electrodes 3B21-3B30 to apply electrical stimulation to the occupant and control the occupant's posture. For example, when a current is applied to the electrodes 3B21-3B24 in contact with the upper arm, the arm is shortened and moves as if it is being pulled toward the body. This controls the occupant to assume a posture prepared for the impact.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation at the time of impact in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9(A), when an occupant is sitting on the right seat of the vehicle 10, and the control unit 310 of the control unit 300 predicts that the occupant will receive an impact from the right side, the electrodes 3B29 and 3B30 are used to apply electrical stimulation to the occupant, contracting the back muscles of the left upper body of the occupant and moving (tilting) the upper body to the left side. This makes it possible to move the occupant away from the direction of the impact, and also to secure a space for the airbag to deploy as shown in FIG. 9(B), thereby improving the protection performance of the occupant. In this embodiment, the attachment part may be formed into a belt shape and wrapped around a necessary part of the occupant, in addition to the suit 4. The attachment part may also be clothing other than the suit 4, such as a hat, gloves, a vest (waistcoat), pants, socks, or accessories such as a helmet, a choker, glasses, headphones, a wristwatch, or an anklet.

[0066] <Third embodiment> 10 is a diagram showing a stimulating unit 3C according to a third embodiment. This embodiment is different from the second embodiment in the configuration of the stimulating unit 3C, but the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the same elements as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0067] In this embodiment, pads 3C21 to 3C30 as the stimulating unit 3C and a control unit 300 are provided on a dedicated clothing (suit) 4. In the example of FIG. 10, the pads 3C21 and 3C22 are arranged so as to contact the left upper arm, the pads 3C23 and 3C24 are arranged so as to contact the right upper arm, and the pads 3C25 and 3C26 are arranged so as to contact the chest. The pads 3C27 and 3C28 are arranged so as to contact the right flank, and the pads 3C29 and 3C30 are arranged so as to contact the left flank. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the pads 3C21 to 3C30. The pads 3C21 to 3C30 are provided with a driving unit 3C4 and needles 3C5 in a housing 3C1 having a circular planar shape as shown in FIG. 11(A). The outer surface of the back plate portion 3C11 of the housing 3C1 of each pad 3C21 to 3C30 is attached to the clothing 4. An adhesive tape 3C13 is provided on the outer surface of a contact plate portion 3C12 located on the opposite side of the back plate portion 3C11 of the housing 3C1, and is attached to the skin of the occupant.

[0068] The driving unit 3C4 is connected to the power supply unit 330 of the control unit 300 via a cord 3C7, and is supplied with power during operation. The driving unit 3C4 is a bimetal formed into a flat plate by combining two types of metal with different thermal expansion coefficients, and when an operating current is passed through it by the power supply unit 330, it generates heat and deforms due to the difference in the thermal expansion coefficients. One end of the driving unit 3C4 is fixed to the peripheral portion of the back plate portion 3C11 of the housing 3C1, and the other end (operating end) 3C41 is located near the center of the housing 3C1. The driving unit 3C4 is in the state before operation. is a flat plate along the back plate 3C11, and when it generates heat by an operating current, the working end 3C41 curves so as to approach the abutment plate 3C12. Needles 3C5 are arranged on the abutment plate 3C12 side of the working end 3C41, and while the entirety of the needles 3C5 is housed within the housing before the drive unit 3C4 is operated, when the drive unit 3C4 is operated and the working end 3C41 moves to the abutment plate 3C12 side, the tips of the needles 3C5 protrude from the housing 3C1. As a result, when each of the pads 3C21 to 3C30 is operated, the needles 3C5 pierce the skin of the occupant to provide a stimulus.

[0069] The occupant who receives a stimulus (pain) from the pads 3C21 to 3C30 moves his / her body in a direction to escape the pain due to a nociceptive reflex. Using this reaction, the control unit 310 controls the occupant to assume a posture to prepare for the impact when it predicts that an impact will be received. When the control unit 310 activates the pads 3C21 to 3C30, the control unit 310 may stop the activation current a predetermined time after the activation. As a result, the driving unit 3C4 cools down and returns to the flat plate shape before activation, and the needle 3C5 is accommodated in the housing 3C1.

[0070] Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining the operation at the time of impact in the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12(A), when an occupant is sitting on the right seat of the vehicle 10 and the control unit 310 of the control unit 300 predicts that the occupant will receive an impact from the right side, the pads 3C21, 3C22, 3C29, and 3C30 apply electrical stimulation to move (tilt) the upper body to the left. This makes it possible to move the occupant away from the part that will receive the impact as shown in Fig. 12(B), thereby improving the protection performance of the occupant.

[0071] <Variation 1> 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the pads according to the first modified example. This embodiment is different from the third embodiment described above in the configuration of the pad 3C6 of the stimulating unit 3C, but the other configurations are the same. In the third embodiment described above, each of the pads 3C21 to 3C30 is configured to apply a pain caused by the pricking of the needle 3C5 as a stimulus, but instead, this modified example uses the pad 3C6 that applies heat from a heating sheet as a stimulus.

[0072] The pad 3C6 is provided with a heating sheet 3C62 on the contact surface side of the substrate 3C61. The heating sheet 3C62 is connected to the power supply section 330 of the control unit 300 via a cord 3C63, and receives an operating current from the power supply section 330 when it is operated.

[0073] The pad 3C6 is disposed so that the outer surface of the substrate 3C61 is attached to the clothes 4 and the surface of the heating sheet 3C62 opposite to the substrate 3C61 is in contact with the skin of the occupant.

[0074] When the control unit 310 predicts that an impact will occur, it supplies an operating current to the pad 3C6, heats the heating sheet 3C62, and provides the heat as a stimulus to the occupant. Other processes, such as the determination of the control signal, are the same as those in the third embodiment. According to this modification, the posture of the occupant can be controlled by the heat stimulus in the same way as in the previous embodiment, and the occupant can be protected.

[0075] <Fourth embodiment> Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of an occupant protection device 30 including a stimulating unit 3D according to a fourth embodiment, and Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the mounting state of the stimulating unit 3D according to the fourth embodiment. This embodiment is different from the first to third embodiments described above in the configuration of the stimulating unit 3D, but the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the same elements as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the repeated description will be omitted.

[0076] In this embodiment, balloons 3D1 to 3D4 are provided as the stimulating portion 3D on the belt-shaped stimulating portion main body 5. In the example of Fig. 14, balloon 3D1 contacts the left abdominal portion, balloon 3D2 contacts the right abdominal portion, balloon 3D3 contacts the right side of the waist, and balloon 3D4 contacts the left side of the waist. The passenger protection device 30 of this embodiment is provided with a pressurized cylinder 3D5 and a compressor 3D6 instead of the power supply unit 330 described above.

[0077] Each of the balloons 3D1-3D4 is connected to a pressurized cylinder 3D5 via an air tube 3D7. The pressurized cylinder 3D5 supplies air to the balloons 3D1-3D4 based on a control signal received from the control unit 300, and can inflate each of the balloons 3D1-3D4. The pressurized cylinder 3D5 can individually supply air to each of the balloons 3D1-3D4 by controlling the opening and closing of valves 3D51 provided on the air tubes 3D7 connected to each of the balloons 3D1-3D4 based on the control signal.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 15, the stimulating unit 3D is attached by wrapping the stimulating unit main body 5 around the waist of the occupant. The pressurized cylinder 3D5 and the compressor 3D6 of this embodiment are provided in the seat, and an air tube 3D7 connected to the balloon parts 3D1 to 3D4 of the stimulating unit 3D and an air tube 3D8 connected to the pressurized cylinder 3D5 are connected via a coupler 3D9. The compressor 3D6 replenishes air to the pressurized cylinder 3D5 so that the air pressure in the pressurized cylinder 3D5 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value so that air can be quickly supplied from the pressurized cylinder 3D5 to the stimulating unit 3D.

[0079] When the stimulating unit main body 5 is worn by the occupant, the control unit 310 sends a control signal to the pressurized cylinder 3D5 (valve 3D51) to operate the stimulating unit 3D, and the pressurized cylinder 3D5 supplies air to the balloons 3D1 to 3D4. The balloons 3D1 to 3D4 inflate between the stimulating unit main body 5 and the body surface of the occupant, thereby applying pressure (stimulation) to the body surface of the occupant. Note that the balloons 3D1 to 3D4 are provided with exhaust ports (vent holes) (not shown) and the supplied air is exhausted at a predetermined speed. Therefore, when the supply of air from the pressurized cylinder 3D5 stops, the air is exhausted and the state where no pressure is applied may be restored. Also, an exhaust valve may be attached to the valve 3D51, and the exhaust valve may be opened by a signal from the control unit to exhaust the air from the balloons 3D1 to 3D4.

[0080] Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining the operation at the time of impact in the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 16(A), in this embodiment, balloons 3D1 to 3D4 are arranged on all four sides of the occupant on a horizontal plane, and when balloons 3D2 and 3D4 at diagonal positions of a rectangle with vertices at the positions of balloons 3D1 to 3D4 are activated, the occupant moves by the hanger reflex so as to contract the muscles receiving pressure from balloons 3D2 and 3D4, and changes his / her posture by twisting the upper body to the left.

[0081] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 16(B), when the balloon parts 3D1 and 3D3 are activated, the occupant changes his / her posture by twisting the upper body to the right due to the hanger reflex. By utilizing this hanger reflex, when the control unit 310 predicts that an impact will be received from the right side, it controls the posture by activating the balloon parts 3D2 and 3D4 to twist the upper body to the left, and when it predicts that an impact will be received from the left side, it activates the balloon parts 3D1 and 3D3 to control the posture by twisting the upper body to the right. This makes it possible to move the occupant away from the part receiving the impact, thereby improving the protection performance of the occupant.

[0082] In this embodiment, air is supplied from the pressurized cylinder 3D5 to each of the balloons 3D1 to 3D4, but the pressurized cylinder 3D5 may be omitted and air may be supplied from the compressor 3D6 to each of the balloons 3D1 to 3D4. Also, an igniter may be used instead of the pressurized cylinder 3D5 and the compressor 3D6, and the air expanded when the explosive is ignited by the igniter may be supplied to the balloons 3D1 to 3D4. Furthermore, the balloons 3D1 to 3D4 may be inflated by supplying gas generated by a gas generator to the balloons 3D1 to 3D4.

[0083] <Fifth embodiment> 17 is a diagram showing a stimulating unit 3E according to a fifth embodiment. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the stimulating unit 3E, but the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the same elements as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0084] The stimulus applying unit 3E of this embodiment includes a helmet 3E1, a frame unit 3E2, a pulling unit 3E3, a wire 3E4, and winding units (actuators) 3E5L and 3E5R.

[0085] Frame parts 3E2 are attached to the left and right sides of the helmet 3E1, and are configured so that when the occupant wears the helmet 3E1, the frame parts 3E2 are positioned outside the left and right ears. The pulling parts 3E3 are members that are attached to the occupant's auricles and pull the auricles. One end of the wire 3E4 is connected to the pulling parts 3E3, and the other end is connected to the winding parts 3E5L, 3E5R via pulleys (not shown) provided on the frame parts 3E2.

[0086] The winding units 3E5L and 3E5R are actuators that wind up or unwind the wire 3E4 in response to a control signal. When the winding units 3E5L and 3E5R wind up the wire 3E4 while the stimulating unit 3E is worn by the occupant, the wire 3E4 pulls the pulling unit 3E3 toward the pulley provided on the frame unit 3E2, and pulls the occupant's auricle in this direction, that is, outward in the left-right direction of the occupant. When the auricle is pulled in this way, the occupant will tilt his / her upper body in the direction in which the auricle is pulled. For example, when the winding unit 3E5R winds up the wire 3E4 on the right ear side and pulls the occupant's right ear, the occupant changes his / her posture by tilting his / her upper body to the right, as shown in FIG. 17(B). Using this reaction, when the control unit 310 predicts that an impact will be received from the right side, it operates the left winding unit 3E5L to pull the left ear and control the posture so that the upper body is tilted to the left, and when it predicts that an impact will be received from the left side, it operates the right winding unit 3E5R to pull the right ear and control the posture so that the upper body is tilted to the right. This makes it possible to move the occupant away from the part that will receive the impact, improving the protection performance of the occupant.

[0087] <Variation 2> 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of a stimulating section 3F according to Modification 2. This modification is different from the above-described fifth embodiment in the configuration of the stimulating section 3F, but the other configurations are the same.

[0088] The stimulating unit 3F has a pair of left and right arm portions 3FL, 3FR. One end of the arm portions 3FL, 3FR is fixed to the headrest 16 of the seat, and the other end portions 3FL1, 3FR1 are connected to the auricles of the occupant. The arm portions 3FL, 3FR can move the ends 3FL1, 3FR1 back and forth and left and right in response to a control signal, thereby providing the occupant with a stimulating action of pulling the auricles.

[0089] When the control unit 310 predicts that an impact will be received from behind, it controls the posture so that the occupant's head approaches the head rest by moving the ends 3FL1, 3FR1 backward and pulling the ear backward, as shown in Fig. 18(B). This narrows the gap between the head rest and the head when an impact is received from behind, thereby improving the protection performance of the occupant.

[0090] Sixth Embodiment 19 is a diagram showing a stimulating unit 3G according to the sixth embodiment. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the stimulating unit 3G, but the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the same elements as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0091] The stimulating unit 3G is configured to provide a vibration stimulus to the occupant. Before the occupant sits down (when not in use), the stimulating unit 3G is held on the seat back 15, and when the occupant sits down, the stimulating unit 3G is automatically attached to the user.

[0092] The support part 151 is an arm-shaped member that supports the stimulating part 3G above the backrest 15 when not in use. A base end part 1511 of the support part 151 is pivotally supported by a rotation drive part 152 embedded in the upper end part of the backrest 15 on both sides of the headrest 16, and is driven to rotate about the base end part 1511. A magnet 1512 is provided at the tip of the support part 151.

[0093] The stimulating unit 3G includes an electromagnet 3G2 using an iron core on the side of the housing 3G1, and a gripping unit 3G3 on the lower side of the housing 3G1 for gripping the shoulders of the occupant to attach the stimulating unit 3G to the occupant. The gripping unit 3G3 has a pair of arc-shaped members 3G31 and an opening / closing drive unit 3G32 that rotatably holds the upper ends of the arc-shaped members 3G31 and drives the lower ends of the arc-shaped members 3G31 to open and close. The gripping unit 3G3 is electrically connected to the control unit 300 via a cord 3G4.

[0094] The electromagnet 3G2 generates a magnetic force by receiving power from the power supply unit 330 of the control unit 300. When not in use, the stimulation imparting unit 3G is attached to the tip of the support unit 151 by attracting the iron core of the electromagnet 3G2 to the magnet 1512 of the support unit 151.

[0095] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of attaching the stimulating unit 3G to the shoulders of an occupant. Before the occupant sits down, as shown in FIG. 20(A), the stimulating unit 3G is supported by the support unit 151 with the arc-shaped member 3G31 open. When the seat pressure sensor (seat sensor) detects that the occupant has sat down, the control unit 310 rotates the support unit 151 toward the occupant as shown in FIG. 20(B). Then, as shown in FIG. 20(C), when the stimulating unit 3G hits the occupant's shoulders and stops rotating, the control unit 310 controls the opening / closing drive unit 3G32 to close the arc-shaped member 3G31, grips the occupant's shoulders, and attaches the stimulating unit 3G to both shoulders of the occupant. After that, the control unit 310 supplies power to the electromagnet 3G2 to generate a magnetic force so that it has the same polarity as the magnet 1512, and repels the magnet 1512, thereby separating the support unit 151 as shown in FIG. 20(D). After separation, the support portion 151 is rotated to its original position.

[0096] The stimulating unit 3G has a vibrator 3G5 in a housing 3G1, which vibrates by receiving power from the power supply unit 330 of the control unit 300. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the configuration of the vibrator 3G5. The vibrator 3G5 has a rotating wheel 3G51, a link 3G52, and a weight 3G53. The rotating wheel 3G51 is rotated by a motor (not shown). One end 521 of the link 3G52 is axially attached to the periphery of the rotating wheel 3G51, and the other end 522 is axially attached to the weight 3G53. The weight 3G53 is fitted into a linear groove 3G54 and is slidable along the groove 3G54.

[0097] When the stimulating unit 3G receives a control signal from the control unit 310, it rotates the rotating wheel 3G51 based on the control signal, and the end 521 of the link 3G52 rotates with the rotation, and the weight 3G53 connected to the other end 522 reciprocates along the groove 3G54 in the first direction and the second direction to generate vibration. The stimulating unit 3G drives the weight 3G53 so that the acceleration when the weight 3G53 moves in a specific direction according to the control signal is higher than the acceleration when the weight 3G53 moves in other directions. For example, the stimulating unit 3G drives the weight 3G53 so that the acceleration when the weight 3G53 moves in the first direction is higher than the acceleration when the weight 3G53 moves in the second direction. Conversely, the stimulating unit 3G may drive the weight 3G53 so that the acceleration when the weight 3G53 moves in the second direction is higher than the acceleration when the weight 3G53 moves in the first direction.

[0098] When the stimulating unit 3G is attached to the shoulder of the occupant and the stimulating unit 3G applies to the occupant a vibration with the acceleration biased depending on the direction as a stimulus, the occupant perceives that the actual acceleration occurs in the direction of the increased acceleration, and changes his / her posture as if he / she is pulled in this direction. For this reason, in this embodiment, the first direction and the second direction of the vibrator 3G5 are the front-rear direction of the vehicle. A vibrator 3G5 arranged so that the first direction and the second direction are the width direction (left and right direction) of the vehicle is provided on each of the stimulation units 3G attached to the left and right shoulders, respectively, so that the posture of the occupant can be controlled forward, backward, left and right. Note that this is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which one of the stimulation units 3G attached to the left and right shoulders is provided with a vibrator 3G5 arranged so that the first direction and the second direction are the forward and backward directions of the vehicle, and the other stimulation unit 3G is provided with a vibrator 3G5 arranged so that the first direction and the second direction are the width direction (left and right direction) of the vehicle.

[0099] <Variation 3> Fig. 22 is a diagram showing the configuration of an occupant protection device 30 according to Modification 3. This modification is different from the first to sixth embodiments in that it has a configuration in which a plurality of stimulating units are provided, but the other configurations are the same. As shown in Fig. 22, this modification includes a stimulating unit 3D that is the same as in the fourth embodiment, and a stimulating unit 3G that is the same as in the sixth embodiment.

[0100] The control of each of the stimulating units 3D and 3G is the same as in the above-described embodiment, and these multiple stimulating units may be operated in combination or simultaneously.

[0101] Seventh Embodiment Fig. 23 is a diagram showing the configuration of an occupant protection device 30 according to the seventh embodiment, and Fig. 24 is a diagram showing the processing procedure of an occupant protection method executed by the occupant protection device 30 according to the seventh embodiment. This embodiment is different from the first to sixth embodiments described above in that it has a plurality of stimulating units and performs a process to correct a posture that has gone too far due to the first stimulation. Note that since the other configurations are the same, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0102] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23(A), the multiple stimulating sections include a stimulating section (first stimulating section) 3D that is the same as in the fourth embodiment, and a stimulating section (second stimulating section) 3G that is the same as in the sixth embodiment.

[0103] In the passenger protection method executed by the passenger protection device 30 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 24, steps S10 to S70 are similar to those of the fourth embodiment, in which the passenger is stimulated by the stimulus applying unit 3D to control his / her posture. In Fig. 23, it is predicted that an impact will be applied from the right side of the passenger, and the passenger is tilted to the left.

[0104] In step S80, control unit 310 acquires occupant information from sensor 20. Then, in step S90, control unit 310 determines the posture of the occupant based on the acquired occupant information.

[0105] In step S100, the control unit 310 determines whether or not the posture obtained in step S90 is a posture that properly prepares for an impact. If the determination is affirmative, the control unit 310 ends the process in Fig. 24, and if the determination is negative, that is, the inclination of the occupant is too large as shown in Fig. 23(B), the control unit 310 proceeds to step S110.

[0106] In step S110, control unit 310 determines the second stimulus content required to correct the posture to prepare for a vehicle impact.

[0107] In step S120, the control unit 310 operates the stimulating unit 3G in accordance with the second stimulating content determined in step S110.

[0108] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the first stimulus causes the occupant to move too far, the second stimulus can be used to correct the occupant to an appropriate posture to prepare for the impact.

[0109] Eighth Embodiment Fig. 25 is a schematic plan view showing an auxiliary stimulus providing unit according to the eighth embodiment, and Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an auxiliary stimulus providing unit arranged near the driver's seat. This embodiment is different from the first to seventh embodiments in that it is provided with an auxiliary stimulus providing unit. Since the other configurations are the same, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and the repeated description is omitted.

[0110] As shown in Fig. 25, the occupant protection device 30 of this embodiment includes a plurality of auxiliary stimulus providing units (speakers) 3H that provide sound as a stimulus to the occupant. The occupant protection device 30 of this embodiment also includes an auxiliary stimulus providing unit (projector) 3J that provides an image as a stimulus to the occupant. As shown in Fig. 26, the auxiliary stimulus providing unit 3J is a head-up display that is disposed in the dashboard 19 of the vehicle 10 and projects a three-dimensional image onto the windshield (windshield) 18. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured to display the image on a display device provided inside the vehicle.

[0111] 27 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the stimulus applying unit and the auxiliary stimulus applying unit according to the eighth embodiment. In this embodiment, the process of applying a stimulus by the auxiliary stimulus applying units 3H and 3J is the same as the process of applying a stimulus by the second stimulus applying unit in the seventh embodiment. In addition, the same stimulus applying unit 3G as in the sixth embodiment is provided as the first stimulus applying unit.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 27(A), when it is predicted that the occupant will receive an impact from the right side, the control unit 310 operates the stimulating unit 3G to move the occupant to the left so as to move away from the impact.

[0113] At this time, if the occupant moves too far as shown in Fig. 27(B), a second stimulus content for correcting this posture is determined, and the auxiliary stimulus providing units 3H, 3J are operated in accordance with this stimulus content. For example, the auxiliary stimulus providing unit 3J projects an image on the windshield, so that an image of a flying object 17 flying toward the occupant is displayed to the occupant as shown in Fig. 27(C). In addition, in conjunction with this display, the sound of the flying object 17 approaching is output from the auxiliary stimulus providing unit (speaker) 3H, and this sound image is moved in the same manner as the flying object 17. This causes the occupant to move his body back slightly to avoid the flying object 17, and control is performed so that he takes an appropriate posture.

[0114] In this manner, according to this embodiment, even if the first stimulus causes the occupant's posture to change too much, the auxiliary stimulus using sound or video can correct the occupant's posture to an appropriate posture in preparation for an impact.

[0115] The above relates to the present disclosure. Occupant protection devices Although embodiments have been described, each aspect disclosed herein can be combined with any other feature disclosed herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 Occupant protection system 3A~3F Stimulation section B29,3B30 electrode 4. Special clothing (suit) 5. Stimulation unit body 10 Vehicles 11,20 Sensors 12 Automatic brake control device 30 Occupant protection devices 111 Camera 112 Radar Equipment 300 Control Unit

Claims

1. A first sensor is attached to a vehicle and outputs vehicle information including information indicating a running state of the vehicle and information indicating a situation around the vehicle; a second sensor attached to the vehicle and outputting occupant information indicating a seating state of an occupant in the vehicle; A plurality of stimulating units are attached to the occupant and provide a stimulus to the occupant when activated; A control unit that controls the stimulation unit; Equipped with The control unit is predicting that the vehicle will receive an impact based on the vehicle information acquired from the first sensor; determining, when an impact of the vehicle is predicted, a stimulus to be applied by the stimulus application unit that is necessary to correct the posture of the occupant to a posture that prepares for the impact of the vehicle, based on the occupant information acquired from the second sensor; activating the plurality of stimulating units at different timings in accordance with the determined stimulating contents, and correcting the posture of the occupant prior to the timing when the vehicle receives an impact. Occupant protection device.

2. The control unit determines an impact mode of the vehicle based on the vehicle information, and determines the stimulus content according to the determined impact mode. An occupant protection device according to claim 1.

3. The passenger protection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stimulus applying unit applies at least one external stimulus of an electric current, heat, pressure, or vibration to the passenger.

4. The plurality of stimulating units include a first stimulating unit and a second stimulating unit, The control unit activates the first stimulus application unit in accordance with the stimulus application content determined when predicting an impact on the vehicle, and then determines a second stimulus application content necessary to correct the posture of the occupant to a posture prepared for the impact on the vehicle based on the occupant information acquired from the second sensor, and activates the second stimulus application unit in accordance with the determined second stimulus application content. The occupant protection device according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle is moved.

5. Further provided is an auxiliary stimulus providing unit that provides a sound or image as a stimulus to the occupant, The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit, when predicting an impact of the vehicle, auxiliary activates the auxiliary stimulus providing unit prior to the timing at which the vehicle receives the impact.

6. The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stimulation unit includes an electrode attached near the left ear of the occupant and an electrode attached near the right ear, and the stimulation is applied by passing electricity between the left and right electrodes.

7. The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the stimulation unit includes a first electrode attached to a front position near the ear of the occupant, and a second electrode attached to a rear position near the ear of the occupant, and stimulates the occupant by passing electricity between the first electrode and the second electrode.

8. The stimulation unit is A mounting part that is mounted on the occupant; A stimulating pad provided on the mounting part so as to come into contact with the skin of the occupant wearing the mounting part; The passenger protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising:

9. The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the stimulation applying unit includes an actuator attached to the auricle of the occupant, and applies a stimulation to the occupant by pulling the auricle with the actuator.

10. The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the stimulating portion includes a vibrator attached to each of the left and right shoulders of the occupant, and the vibrator vibrates to stimulate the occupant.

11. An occupant protection method executed by a control unit of an occupant protection device mounted on a vehicle, comprising: the occupant protection device includes a plurality of stimulating units that are attached to an occupant of the vehicle and that apply a stimulus to the occupant when activated, The occupant protection method comprises: acquiring vehicle information including information indicating a running state of the vehicle and information indicating a surrounding situation of the vehicle from a first sensor attached to the vehicle, and predicting that the vehicle will receive an impact based on the acquired vehicle information; acquiring occupant information indicating a seating state of an occupant in the vehicle from a second sensor attached to the vehicle, and determining a stimulation content to be provided by the stimulation providing unit, which is necessary to correct the posture of the occupant to a posture that is prepared for the impact of the vehicle, based on the occupant information acquired when an impact of the vehicle is predicted; and a step of activating the plurality of stimulating units at different timings in accordance with the determined stimulating content, and correcting the posture of the occupant prior to the timing when the vehicle receives an impact. Occupant protection methods.

Images