DE102005046934A1 - Production method e.g. for impact sensor device of pedestrian protection system of vehicle, involves producing carrier coat which is spread on first side and second side which face each other - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves producing a carrier coat (10) which is spread on a first side (A) and a second side (B) which face each other. In the first side and or in the second side a groove (12) is provided in a longitudinal direction of the carrier coat. An optical fiber (11) is arranged and fastened in the groove so that in a first subrange of the fiber coat the optical fiber is exposed. The groove is U-shaped. The groove is an O-shaped clip.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for producing a tape, in particular a sensor band for an impact sensor device of a pedestrian protection system of a vehicle.

investigations have shown that a high proportion of road deaths Pedestrian concerns. For this reason, legislative initiatives are under way to The aim is that devices to protect pedestrians in the event of a collision provided with a vehicle mandatory in modern motor vehicles are.

One especially high risk of injury to a pedestrian in case of Collision with a vehicle a very small distance between one typically easily deformable bonnet and a rigid Engine block dar. The arrangement of more and more electronic components in the engine compartment and very compact vehicles As a result, the engine compartment is densely packed with very rigid Bodies. In case of a collision with a pedestrian there is thus the high Danger of severe head injuries, if this with his head bounces on the hood and thus comes in contact with the components located under the bonnet.

One big enough Distance between the bonnet and the engine components below from, for example, over 10 cm, however, can greatly reduce the risk of injury as the Engine hood take enough energy through the deformation can and the pedestrian so comparatively can slow down gently.

Around the security for Pedestrians in the road traffic to increase, For example, the Association of European Automobile Manufacturers (ACEA) across from the authorities The European Union committed by action in the vehicle sector the number of traffic fatalities in the area of pedestrians up halve to the year 2010. One measure for this is the Construction of vehicles with correspondingly spaced engine hoods. by virtue of However, this is often not the case for the required compactness of vehicles possible.

To the Ensure sufficient damping in the event of a collision with a pedestrian in the case of a detected impact of a person to raise the bonnet on the vehicle by more than 10 cm from its closed position, so as to create a sufficient deformation range. A big challenge for such Security systems is the need for them to be reliable, but also very inexpensive are.

When Actuator for lifting the hood is for example a Article of the journal "Automotive Engineer ", April 2004, page 48 et seq., Known to provide a spring-based actuator whose Spring is biased and released in case of a detected collision is, with the result that the hood raised accordingly becomes. About that However, also from the above article also pyrotechnic Actuators known.

In the CA 2 424 708 A1 there is disclosed a method and apparatus for detecting a collision between a vehicle and an object. Optical fibers are arranged along a front bumper of the vehicle. The optical fibers comprise in their fiber cladding light exit regions, which are arranged along the optical fibers. A collision leads to a bending of the optical fibers. The attenuation of the light transmitted in the optical fibers changes by the bending of the optical fiber when the optical fiber is bent in the light exit region. From the thus modulated light, a signal is obtained, which is processed in a signal processor. A safety device, eg for lifting a bonnet, can be activated in this way.

The The object of the invention is a method for producing a tape to create a precise one Editing optical fibers in the band allows.

The Task is solved by the characteristics of the independent Claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

The Invention is characterized by a method for producing a Bandes in which a carrier coat is generated, which has a long and wide first page and second page has, which are opposite to each other. The carrier coat has in the first side and / or in the second side in the longitudinal direction of the carrier coat at least one groove on. In at least one groove becomes an optical fiber so inserted and fixed, that in each case at least one on one Scope-related first portion of the fiber cladding of the respective Optical fiber is exposed along the optical fiber.

This has the advantage that the at least one optical fiber can be processed very easily without first having to remove a part of the carrier shell. Furthermore, the optical fiber can be very be processed precisely because the at least one optical fiber is easily accessible and, for example, thickness tolerances of the carrier shell need not be considered. A band-shaped forming has the advantage that the band has a preferred bending plane and that the at least one optical fiber can be processed reliably with respect to this bending plane. This is particularly advantageous for the manufacture of a sensor band which is to be used as a bending sensor.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method is the at least a groove in generating the carrier shell U-shaped educated. The advantage is that such a carrier coat is very easy to produce.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method is the at least one groove formed in the generation of the carrier shell as an O-shaped clip. This has the advantage that the respective optical fiber through the O-shaped Clip is held. This makes the positioning of the optical fiber easy.

In In this context, it is advantageous if the respective optical fiber in the associated groove by clamping by means of the O-shaped Clips is attached. The advantage is that the respective optical fiber is secured by the introduction into the associated groove and thus no additional fastening measures required are. This ensures that the at least an optical fiber does not slip and do not twist or can move. this makes possible Further processing of the strip with high precision and with high reproducibility.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method is the respective optical fiber fixed in the associated groove by gluing. This ensures that the at least one optical fiber is not slip and can not twist or move. This allows Further processing of the strip with high precision and with high reproducibility.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method the at least one optical fiber made of a plastic. An optical fiber made of plastic has opposite an optical fiber of glass has the advantage that the optical fiber made of plastic mechanically less sensitive to one Bending the optical fiber is. This is the optical fiber made of plastic especially suitable for bending sensors.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method is the at least a first portion of the fiber cladding in at least a second portion along the at least one optical fiber roughened. This has the advantage that by roughening the fiber cladding the at least one optical fiber is created a light exit area, as a sensing area for a bending sensor is suitable.

In In this context, it is advantageous if the fiber cladding means roughened by a laser beam. The advantage is that the roughening the fiber cladding by means of the laser beam is particularly precise possible and a high reproducibility of properties of the bending sensor allows.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method is a Covering on or around the carrier coat generates the fiber cladding in the at least one first portion covers. This has the advantage that so the at least one optical fiber is protected from external influences.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method is in the carrier coat, at least one in the cover and / or in at least one groove arranged mechanical reinforcing element. This has the advantage that by the at least one mechanical reinforcing element mechanical properties of the tape according to the respective Requirements can be specified. Furthermore, the at least an optical fiber from damage protected become.

In In this context, it is advantageous if the at least one mechanical reinforcement element as a mechanical reinforcing fiber is formed, which is parallel to the at least one optical fiber is arranged. The advantage is that the at least one optical fiber so easy with traction along the at least one optical fiber can be protected.

In In this context, it is also advantageous if the at least a mechanical reinforcing element a larger diameter has as the at least one optical fiber. The advantage is, that mechanical pressure forces transversely to the at least one optical fiber kept away from this can be. This makes the at least one optical fiber in the belt insensitive across from Compressive forces.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method all optical fibers and mechanical reinforcing fibers next to each other arranged. As a result, the band can be made very flat and the band has a preferred bending plane.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the at least one mecha nischer reinforcing element made of a glass fiber reinforced plastic. The advantage is that such a mechanical reinforcing element is particularly robust and so can absorb very high tensile forces or compressive forces.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method is the carrier jacket and / or the cover produced by extrusion from a plastic. This has the advantage that the band so very easy and inexpensive to produce is.

embodiments The invention are explained below with reference to the schematic drawings. It demonstrate:

1 a vehicle and an impact object,

2 an impact sensor device,

3 a cross section of a first embodiment of a carrier shell,

4 a cross section of a first embodiment of the band,

5 a cross section of the first embodiment of the band after processing an optical fiber,

6 a cross section of a first embodiment of a sensor tape,

7 a cross section of a second embodiment of the sensor tape,

8A a cross section of a second embodiment of the band,

8B a perspective view of the second embodiment of the band,

9A a cross section of a third embodiment of the band,

9B a perspective view of the third embodiment of the tape,

10 a top view of a processed band,

11 a cross section of a fourth embodiment of the belt and

12 a flowchart of a method for producing the tape.

elements same construction or function are cross-figurative with the same Provided with reference numerals.

A vehicle 1 has a crash sensor device 2 ( 1 ). The impact sensor device 2 has a sensing area 4 that's along a bumper 3 of the vehicle 1 is arranged. By means of the sensing area 4 can the impact sensor device 2 an impact of an impact object 5 detect. The impact object 5 may be a pedestrian, for example. Furthermore, the vehicle has an evaluation unit 6 in which of the impact sensor device 2 delivered measurement signals are evaluated and, depending on the course of the respective measurement signal to an impact of the impact object 5 and, if necessary, measures to protect the impact object 5 or the vehicle occupants are initiated. These measures may be, for example, a slight lifting of a hood of the vehicle or an ignition of one or more airbags.

The impact sensor device 2 includes the evaluation unit 6 and a sensor band 7 ( 2 ). The sensor band 7 has a supply area 8th , a reversal area 9 and the sensing area 4 on. The evaluation unit 6 includes light sources and light sensors connected to the sensor band 7 are coupled. By bending the sensor band 7 in the sensing area 4 the attenuation of the light in the sensor band changes 7 , The evaluation unit 6 is designed to detect this change in damping.

The sensor band 7 is made from a band that has a carrier coat 10 includes ( 3 ). The carrier coat 10 has a long and wide first side A and second side B. In the carrier coat 10 are in the first page A twenty grooves 12 formed parallel to each other along the band. However, fewer or more than twenty slots may be used 12 in the carrier coat 10 be formed, for example, only one groove 12 ,

In the grooves 12 each becomes an optical fiber 11 brought in ( 4 ). The optical fibers 11 are preferably arranged flat next to each other. The optical fibers 11 are so in the carrier coat 10 arranged that at least a first portion of the fiber cladding of the respective optical fiber 11 based on the circumference of the respective optical fiber 11 exposed. As a result, the at least one first subregion of the fiber cladding is easily accessible for processing, eg for roughening the fiber cladding. Roughening the fiber cladding creates a roughened area 14 on the optical fiber 11 which has the function of a light exit area ( 5 ). By bending the optical fibers 11 in the respective light exit region, the attenuation of the optical fibers 11 to be changed.

To protect the optical fibers 11 against external influences is the band with a cover 13 Mistake ( 6 ). The cover 13 becomes after editing the optical fibers 11 on or around the carrier coat 10 arranged. The cover 13 can be designed so that this the carrier coat 10 and the optical fibers 11 completely encloses. The cover 13 However, it can also be designed such that it essentially covers only the at least one first subregion of the fiber cladding.

The cover 13 is preferably made of a material that is light-absorbing or optically denser than the core material of the optical fibers 11 , Alternatively, between the optical fibers 11 and the cover 13 In addition, a material may be arranged which is optically denser than the core material of the optical fibers 11 , It can thereby be achieved that the light at the light exit areas of the respective optical fiber 11 can escape.

The sensor band 7 includes the carrier coat 10 , the processed optical fibers 11 and the cover 13 , Instead of the cover 13 or in addition to this may also be an adhesive tape 15 for covering the optical fibers 11 in the carrier coat 10 be used ( 7 ). The adhesive tape is preferred 15 adhesive on both sides. The sensor band 7 can then especially in the supply area 8th or the sensing area 4 glued together. The sensor band 7 But then it can be very easy eg on the bumper 3 be attached.

8A and 8B show the carrier coat 10 with four grooves 12 , which are each U-shaped. In the U-shaped grooves 12 becomes the respective optical fiber 11 introduced by inserting or pressing. The respective optical fiber is preferred 11 with glue 16 in the respective associated groove 12 attached.

9A and 9B show the carrier coat 10 with four grooves 12 , which are each formed in the form of an O-shaped clip. The respective optical fiber 11 is by pushing or pressing in the respective associated groove 12 brought in. The respective optical fiber is preferred 11 by clamping in the respective associated groove 12 attached. However, the respective optical fiber 11 also with the glue 16 in the respective associated groove 12 be attached.

In 10 the processed band is shown in a plan view. Each of the optical fibers 11 indicates within the sensing area 4 the roughened area 14 on, which forms the respective light exit area. The roughened area 14 is in every optical fiber 11 formed in the longitudinal direction of the band at a different position. This may cause the band to bend within the sensing area 4 roughly localized by only the optical fiber 11 in their attenuation is changed, in their roughened area 14 is bent. The optical fibers 11 Each can also have more than one roughened area 14 exhibit.

11 shows the carrier coat 10 with four U-shaped grooves 12 , In the middle two grooves 12 is each an optical fiber 11 brought in. In the outer two grooves 12 is in each case a mechanical reinforcing element 17 arranged. The mechanical reinforcing elements 17 are as mechanical reinforcing fibers parallel to the optical fibers 11 arranged. There may also be more or less mechanical reinforcing elements 17 be provided. Furthermore, mechanical reinforcing elements 17 also in the carrier coat 10 or in the guise 13 be arranged, for example by embedding during the production of the carrier shell 10 or the cover coat 13 ,

The mechanical reinforcing elements are preferred 17 arranged so that the optical fibers 11 between the mechanical reinforcing elements 17 are arranged. The diameter of the mechanical reinforcing elements is preferred 17 greater than the diameter of the optical fibers 11 , As a result, the optical fibers 11 particularly well protected against forces transverse to its longitudinal direction. In particular, it is possible to prevent pressure forces transversely to the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers 11 on the optical fibers 11 act. This is advantageous because such compressive forces cause a change in the attenuation of the optical fibers 11 can lead, the impact sensor device 2 but only a bending of the sensor tape 7 in the sensing area 4 should capture. Furthermore, the optical fibers 11 and the mechanical reinforcing elements 17 preferably arranged flat next to each other.

12 shows a flowchart of the method for producing the tape and the sensor tape 7 , The method starts in a step S1. In a step S2, the carrier coat 10 with at least one groove 12 produced or a corresponding prefabricated carrier coat 10 used as a basis for further steps. In a step S3, the adhesive is if desired or required 16 in the at least one groove 12 brought in. In a step S4 is in at least one groove 12 the optical fiber 11 brought in. In a step S5, in at least a second subregion of the at least one first subregion of the fiber cladding of the respective optical fiber 11 the roughened area 14 generated. In a step S6, the cover is 13 applied. The method ends in a step S7.

Preferably, each optical fiber 11 two roughened areas 14 on, each about 18 inches long. The roughened areas 14 the optical fibers 11 are each offset in the longitudinal direction to each other. This is the length of the Sensierungsbereichs 4 with four optical fibers 11 for example, about 144 centimeters.

The optical fibers 11 for example, have a diameter of about 0.5 millimeters. The mechanical reinforcing elements 17 For example, they have a diameter of about one millimeter. The sensor band 7 for example, has a thickness of about two to three millimeters. The width of the sensor band 7 depends on the number of optical fibers 11 , their distance from each other and the number and the distance of the mechanical reinforcing elements 17 ,

The number of optical fibers 11 or the mechanical reinforcing elements 17 in the sensor band 7 can be selected according to the requirements. The carrier coat 10 or the covercoat 13 are preferably made of an extrudable plastic, such as polyethylene, polyamide, polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride. The carrier coat 10 or the covercoat 13 However, they can also be produced, for example, from a two-component polyurethane adhesive or from other, preferably fast-curing, plastics.

The mechanical reinforcing elements 17 are preferably made of glass fiber reinforced plastic. The mechanical reinforcing elements 17 however, they can also be prepared, for example, from polyalkylene terephthalates, for example mylar films. Furthermore, for transmitting tensile forces, for example, Kevlar or glass yarns can be used, and to protect against lateral forces and plastic rods can be used. Furthermore, rip threads in the carrier coat 10 or the covercoat 13 to be ordered. As a result, for example, the complete removal of the cover 13 and the carrier coat 10 from the optical fibers 11 be simplified to the optical fibers 11 eg to the light sources or to the light sensors in the evaluation unit 6 to be able to connect.

Preferably, the fiber cladding is roughened by means of a laser beam. The fiber cladding is in the at least one second portion along the optical fiber 11 roughened by punktuel les heating and deformation of the fiber cladding by means of the laser beam.

As an alternative to the roughening of the fiber cladding by means of the laser beam, the cladding can also be roughened, for example, by mechanical embossing, hot embossing, sandblasting, milling, engraving or grinding. However, the fiber cladding can be roughened very precisely by means of the laser beam, so that the properties of the optical fibers treated in this way 11 are particularly well reproducible. As a result, particularly precise and reliable bending sensors can be produced.

The carrier coat 10 and the band, the carrier coat 10 and at least one optical fiber 11 includes, and the sensor band 7 can be made by the meter in a continuous process and cut to a desired length as needed.

Claims (15)

Method for producing a tape, in which - a carrier coat ( 10 ) having a long and wide first side (A) and second side (B) facing each other and that in the first side (A) and / or in the second side (B) in the longitudinal direction of the carrier shell ( 10 ) at least one groove ( 12 ), - in at least one groove ( 12 ) an optical fiber ( 11 ) is arranged and fastened such that in each case at least one circumference-related first portion of the fiber cladding of the respective optical fiber ( 11 ) along the optical fiber ( 11 ) is exposed. Method according to Claim 1, in which the at least one groove ( 12 ) in the production of the carrier shell ( 10 ) Is U-shaped. Method according to Claim 1, in which the at least one groove ( 12 ) in the production of the carrier shell ( 10 ) is formed as an O-shaped clip. Method according to Claim 3, in which the respective optical fiber ( 11 ) in the associated groove ( 12 ) is secured by clamping by means of the O-shaped clip. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the respective optical fiber ( 11 ) in the associated groove ( 12 ) is attached by gluing. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one optical fiber ( 11 ) consists of a plastic. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first portion of the fiber cladding in at least a second portion along the optical fiber ( 11 ) is roughened. The method of claim 7, wherein the fiber cladding roughened by means of a laser beam. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which a cover ( 13 ) on or around the carrier coat ( 10 ) is produced, which covers the fiber cladding in the at least one first portion. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which in the carrier coat ( 10 ), in the guise of 13 ) and / or in at least one groove ( 12 ) at least one mechanical reinforcing element ( 17 ) is arranged. Method according to Claim 10, in which the at least one mechanical reinforcing element ( 17 ) is formed as a mechanical reinforcing fiber, which is parallel to the at least one optical fiber ( 11 ) is arranged. Method according to Claim 11, in which the at least one mechanical reinforcing element ( 17 ) has a larger diameter than the at least one optical fiber ( 11 ). Method according to one of claims 11 or 12, in which all optical fibers ( 11 ) and mechanical reinforcing fibers are arranged side by side. Method according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the at least one mechanical reinforcing element ( 17 ) consists of a glass fiber reinforced plastic. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier coat ( 10 ) and / or the cover ( 13 ) is produced by extrusion from a plastic.