JP2008087714A - Vehicle power supply cutoff device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular power supply cut-off device capable of appropriately cutting off the power supply to an in-vehicle electric device in the event of a vehicle collision.
A collision prediction unit that predicts a collision from a predetermined direction of a vehicle, and a power to a predetermined electric device that is associated in advance with the collision prediction unit that has predicted a collision when the collision is predicted by the collision prediction unit. A vehicle power supply cutoff device (1), comprising: a power supply cutoff means for cutting off at least part of the supply. If no collision is actually detected after the power supply is cut off, the power supply is resumed.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular power supply cut-off device that cuts off power supply to an in-vehicle electric device in order to reduce damage caused by a vehicle collision.

Conventionally, the invention about the device which stops the electric power supply to in-vehicle electric equipment at the time of vehicles collision is indicated (for example, refer to patent documents 1). This device cuts off the power supply to in-vehicle electrical components based on the collision detection signal from the collision detection sensor or the airbag operation command signal, and prevents a short circuit caused by the collapse of the in-vehicle electric device at the time of collision. One of the purposes is to do.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-105648

  However, in the above conventional apparatus, since the power supply to the vehicle-mounted electrical component is cut off after actually detecting a collision, the cut-off timing may not be in time. This is because the phenomenon of in-vehicle electrical components being crushed at the time of a collision occurs in a very short time. Therefore, the possibility that a short circuit or the like has already occurred when the power supply is cut off cannot be excluded. In addition, no consideration is given to appropriately selecting an on-vehicle electrical component that cuts off the power supply, and the power supply to the on-vehicle electrical component that does not require (or inappropriate) the power supply is cut off. Cases can arise.

  The present invention is for solving such problems, and it is a main object of the present invention to provide a vehicular power supply cutoff device that can appropriately cut off power supply to an in-vehicle electric device in the event of a vehicle collision. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention includes a collision prediction unit that predicts a collision from a predetermined direction of a vehicle, and a collision prediction unit that predicts a collision when a collision is predicted by the collision prediction unit. And a power supply shut-off means for shutting off at least a part of the power supply to a predetermined electric device previously associated with the vehicle.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the power supply is cut off based on the collision prediction, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the power supply is not cut off in time and a short circuit occurs. In addition, an electric device that cuts off the power supply when a collision is predicted is appropriately selected. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately cut off the power supply to the in-vehicle electric device in the event of a vehicle collision.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that an electric device that is unevenly distributed in a direction in which the collision prediction unit predicts a collision in the vehicle is associated with the predetermined electric device in the power supply cutoff.

  Further, in the first aspect of the present invention, the power supply cutoff unit can cut off the power supply to a plurality of in-vehicle electric devices, for example, and even when a collision is predicted by the collision prediction unit, Do not cut off power supply to in-vehicle electric devices other than electric devices.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the predetermined electric device includes, for example, a collision prediction unit that predicts a collision.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the predetermined electric device is preferably an electric device whose power consumption is equal to or higher than the predetermined power. Here, the power consumption can be replaced with a rated current or a rated voltage.

  In addition, the first aspect of the present invention includes, for example, a plurality of collision prediction units that predict a collision from a plurality of predetermined directions of the vehicle.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, when a collision is predicted by any one of a plurality of collision prediction means for predicting a collision from a predetermined direction of the vehicle and a plurality of collision prediction means, the plurality of collision prediction means Of these, the vehicle power supply cutoff device includes: a power supply cutoff unit that cuts off power supply to the collision prediction unit that consumes more than predetermined power.

  In the first or second aspect of the present invention, the vehicle includes a collision detection unit that detects a vehicle collision, and the power supply cutoff unit performs the power supply cutoff based on the collision prediction of the collision prediction unit, and then performs the collision detection unit. If a vehicle collision is not detected, it is preferable that the power supply is restarted. Here, “after power supply is cut off” means, for example, “within a predetermined time” or “after the first predetermined time elapses until the second predetermined time elapses”. Limits may be imposed.

  In the first or second aspect of the present invention, a collision detection unit that detects a vehicle collision is provided, and the power supply cutoff unit performs the collision detection after the power supply cutoff based on the collision prediction of the collision prediction unit is performed. It is preferable that the power supply is restarted when the operation signal to the operation device at the time of collision detection that operates based on the detection result of the device is not detected. Here, “after power supply is cut off” means, for example, “within a predetermined time” or “after the first predetermined time elapses until the second predetermined time elapses”. Limits may be imposed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the electric power supply with respect to a vehicle-mounted electrically-driven apparatus can be interrupted | blocked appropriately at the time of a vehicle collision.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Hereinafter, a vehicle power supply cutoff device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the vehicle power supply cutoff device 1 and a flow of information communication (indicated by broken arrows in the figure). The vehicle power supply cutoff device 1 includes radar devices 10A, 10B, ultrasonic sensors 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, a collision prediction ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 30, an airbag computer 40, Is provided.

  The radar devices 10A and 10B are, for example, millimeter wave radar devices, and the distance until the reflected wave of the millimeter wave is reflected back to the object, the angle of the reflected wave, and the frequency change, and the direction of the object. , Detect the speed. The radar device 10A is disposed, for example, behind the front grille, and uses the vehicle front as a detection range. Further, the radar device 10B is disposed around the license plate, for example, and uses the vehicle rear as a detection range. The detection range of each radar device is several [m] to several tens [m] in terms of distance. Each radar device periodically performs the object detection as described above, and transmits information on the detected object to the collision prediction ECU 30. The radar devices 10A and 10B can be replaced by laser radar, infrared radar, stereo camera device, or the like.

  The ultrasonic sensors 20A to 20F have built-in microphones and amplifier circuits that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, and use the time until the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the microphones are reflected back to the object to return the approximate distance of the object. Is detected. The ultrasonic sensor 20A is, for example, at the right end of the front bumper, the ultrasonic sensor 20B is, for example, at a position near the center right of the front bumper, the ultrasonic sensor 20C is, for example, at a position near the center left of the front bumper, and the ultrasonic sensor 20D is, for example, at the left end of the front bumper. In addition, the ultrasonic sensor 20E is disposed, for example, at a position closer to the center bump of the rear bumper, and the ultrasonic sensor 20F is disposed, for example, at a position closer to the center left of the rear bumper. The detection range of each ultrasonic sensor is within a few [m] in terms of distance. Each ultrasonic sensor periodically performs the object detection as described above, and transmits the distance of the detected object to the collision prediction ECU 30.

  The collision prediction ECU 30 is, for example, a computer unit in which a ROM, a RAM, and the like are connected to each other via a bus with a CPU as a center, and includes an I / O port, a timer, a counter, and the like. The ROM stores programs executed by the CPU and data. The collision prediction ECU 30 includes a collision prediction unit 32 and a power supply cutoff unit 34 as main functional blocks that function when the CPU stores (loads) a program stored in the ROM and executes the program. Provide (see FIG. 2).

  The collision prediction unit 32 predicts a vehicle collision based on the output data from each radar device and each ultrasonic sensor, and instructs operations such as seat belt winding and buzzer sounding based on the prediction result. Specifically, when the radar device 10A detects that the relative position of an object approaching at a predetermined speed or more from the front of the vehicle is within a predetermined distance, it is predicted that a collision from the front will occur. Then, the seat belt winding mechanism is instructed to wind the seat belt in preparation for a collision. Further, when it is detected by the radar device 10B that the relative position of an object approaching at a predetermined speed or more from the rear of the vehicle is within a predetermined distance, a collision from the rear is predicted to occur, Instructs the buzzer to warn the passenger about a collision from behind. Also, when an object around the vehicle is detected by each ultrasonic sensor, it is predicted that a collision from the detected direction may occur, and a buzzer is instructed to notify the occupant of the presence of the object around the vehicle. . In addition, when the object ahead of the own vehicle is detected by the ultrasonic sensors 20B and 20C, the seat belt winding may be instructed as described above. Further, for a collision from the front, if a multistage control type airbag device is provided, the airbag computer 40 may be instructed to instruct the first stage of deployment, etc. For approaching objects from other directions, the speaker may be instructed to announce the approaching direction, not limited to the buzzer. The function of the power supply cutoff unit 34 will be described later.

  The airbag computer 40 is, for example, a computer unit that is disposed under the center console and has the same configuration as the collision prediction ECU 30. The airbag computer 40 collides with the vehicle when the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle obtained by referring to the output values of the G sensor 42 disposed around the front bumper and the G sensor incorporated therein exceeds a threshold value. Judgment is made (collision is detected), and the airbag for each seat is deployed. The collision prediction ECU 30 and the airbag computer 40 are configured to be able to refer to each other signals transmitted and received via multiple communication lines.

  Hereinafter, the function of the power supply cutoff unit 34 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a flow of power supply in a vehicle to which the vehicle power supply cutoff device 1 is applied. In the present embodiment, the electric equipment group including each radar device and each ultrasonic sensor has a rated voltage of, for example, 12 [V], the battery 50, the alternator 52, and the DC / DC converter 54 as power sources. Power is supplied via an internal circuit. The collision prediction ECU 30 includes relay circuits (electromagnetic switches) 36A, 36B, and 36C that are driven by the power supply cutoff unit 34, and each includes an electric device group (A), an electric device group (B), and an electric motor. The power supply to the device group (C) and the cutoff thereof can be switched. Hereinafter, the definitions of the electric equipment groups (A), (B), and (C) in this embodiment will be described.

  The electric device group (A) is an electric device arranged in a region within a predetermined distance from the front end of the vehicle (region (A) in FIG. 4), and the rated power consumption is predetermined power (for example, several [W] to (Power of about several tens [W]) or more (may be based on intermediate power consumption or rated current). In the present embodiment, the radar device 10A is included in the electric device group (A), and the ultrasonic sensors 20A to 20D and the G sensor 42 are not included in the electric device group (A) because the power consumption is relatively small. In other words, the electric devices included in the electric device group (A) are electric devices that are more likely to be crushed due to a collision from the front depending on the arrangement position thereof, and other electric devices, and Since the power consumption is relatively large, it is an electric device that has a relatively high possibility of malfunction when a short circuit occurs due to crushing.

  The electric device group (B) is disposed in a region (region (B) in FIG. 4) within a predetermined distance from the rear end of the vehicle (which may be different from the predetermined distance in the definition of the electric device group (A)). The rated power consumption is greater than or equal to a predetermined power (intermediate power consumption or rated current may be used as a reference). In the above-described configuration disposed in the region, the radar device 10B is included in the electric equipment group (B), and the ultrasonic sensors 20E and 20F are not included. In other words, the electric devices included in the electric device group (B) are electric devices that are more likely to be crushed due to a collision from the rear depending on the arrangement position thereof, and other electric devices, and Since the power consumption is relatively large, it is an electric device that has a relatively high possibility of malfunction when a short circuit occurs due to crushing.

  The electric device group (C) is an electric device that is not included in the electric device groups (A) and (B). Therefore, the ultrasonic sensors 20A to 20F and the G sensor 42 are included in the electric equipment group (C).

  The power supply cutoff unit 34 performs open / close control of the relay circuits 36 </ b> A to 36 </ b> C based on the collision prediction result of the collision prediction unit 32 and the like. Note that each relay circuit is basically closed while the vehicle system is being activated, thereby enabling the operation of each electric device. However, when a collision prediction from the front or a collision prediction from the rear is made by the collision prediction unit 32, the power supply cutoff control characteristic of the present invention is performed by opening / closing control of each relay circuit.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a characteristic processing flow executed by the power supply cutoff unit 34, and is applied to a scene in which a collision from the front is predicted. This flow is started, for example, at the timing of ignition on.

  First, the power supply cutoff unit 34 determines whether or not a collision from the front is predicted by the collision prediction unit 32 (S100). Specifically, the collision prediction unit 32 performs the above-described prediction based on the detection data of the radar device 10A and the ultrasonic sensors 20B and 20C, and performs this determination with reference to this. And when the collision from the front is not predicted by the collision prediction part 32, the process which waits until the said prediction is made is performed.

  When a collision from the front is predicted by the collision prediction unit 32, the relay circuit 36A is opened, and the power supply to the electric equipment group (A) is cut off (S110). Thereby, the short circuit resulting from the crushing of the electric equipment by the collision from the front can be prevented. In the present embodiment, since the power supply is shut off at the stage where the collision is predicted, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the power supply is not cut off in time and a short circuit occurs.

  On the other hand, since the relay circuits 36B and 36C continue to be closed, power supply is continued to other electric devices. As a result, warning against a collision from a direction other than the front can be continued, and it is possible to further contribute to the safety of the occupant as compared with the case where the power supply to the in-vehicle electric device is uniformly cut off at the time of the collision. Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately select an electric device that cuts off the power supply when a collision is predicted. Such control is realized by previously associating the radar device 10A and the ultrasonic sensors 20B and 20C with the electric devices included in the electric device group (A).

  Further, even if a short circuit occurs, the ultrasonic sensors 20A to 20D and the G sensor 42, which are considered to be less likely to cause problems due to low power consumption, are excluded from the electric equipment group (A). Although there are certain restrictions regarding the detection range and accuracy as compared with the apparatus 10A, it is possible to continue to guard against a collision from the front by the ultrasonic sensors 20B and 20C. Moreover, since the G sensor 42 operates continuously, the operation of the airbag device when a collision is detected after that is ensured.

  When the relay circuit 36A is opened and the power supply to the electric equipment group (A) is cut off, a predetermined time (for example, 0 commas [sec]) from the execution of the cut-off (or from the time when a collision from the front is predicted) It is determined whether or not the airbag operation signal is output from the airbag computer 40 within about several seconds [S120]. If the airbag activation signal is output within a predetermined time, it is considered that a collision has actually occurred, and thus this flow is terminated.

  If the airbag activation signal is not output from the airbag computer 40 within the predetermined time, it is determined that the collision prediction by the collision prediction unit 32 is incorrect, and the relay circuit 36A is connected to the electric device group (A). The power supply is resumed (S130). And the process below S100 is performed again. As a result, it is possible to promptly resume alerting against a collision from the front. In addition, since the other electric devices included in the electric device group (A) also reactivate quickly, the blank period in vehicle control can be shortened.

  The phenomenon that the collision prediction unit 32 makes an erroneous collision prediction should be accepted to some extent because of the nature of the matter of “prediction”. For example, when the vehicle approaches rapidly from the front but is avoided just before the collision, the above prediction method may result in predicting the collision. In addition, a collision may be predicted by a noise element in the air (for example, a flying plastic bag). However, if the criteria for collision prediction are made very strict to eliminate erroneous predictions, the frequency of erroneous predictions will decrease, but the prediction timing will not be much different from the point in time when a collision is actually detected. It is.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of characteristic processing executed by the power supply cutoff unit 34, and is applied to a scene where a collision from the rear is predicted. This flow may be executed in parallel with the flowchart of FIG. Moreover, this flow is started, for example, at the timing of ignition on.

  First, the power supply cutoff unit 34 determines whether or not a collision from behind is predicted by the collision prediction unit 32 (S200). Specifically, the collision prediction unit 32 performs the above-described prediction based on the detection data of the radar device 10B and the ultrasonic sensors 20E and 20F, and performs this determination with reference to this. And when the collision from the back is not estimated by the collision prediction part 32, the process which waits until the said prediction is made is performed.

  When a collision from behind is predicted by the collision prediction unit 32, the relay circuit 36B is opened, and the power supply to the electric equipment group (B) is shut off (S210). Thereby, the short circuit resulting from the crushing of the electric equipment by the collision from back can be prevented. In the present embodiment, since the power supply is shut off at the stage where the collision is predicted, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the power supply is not cut off in time and a short circuit occurs.

  On the other hand, since the relay circuits 36A and 36C continue to be closed, the power supply is continued to other electric devices. As a result, warning against a collision from a direction other than the rear can be continued, and it is possible to further contribute to the safety of the occupant as compared with the case where the power supply to the in-vehicle electric device is uniformly cut off at the time of the collision. Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately select an electric device that cuts off the power supply when a collision is predicted. Such control is realized by previously associating the radar device 10B and the ultrasonic sensors 20E and 20F with the electric devices included in the electric device group (B).

  Furthermore, even if a short circuit occurs, the ultrasonic sensors 20E and 20F, which are considered to be less likely to cause problems due to low power consumption, are excluded from the electric equipment group (B). Thus, although there are limitations on the detection range and accuracy, it is possible to continue to be wary of collisions from the rear by the ultrasonic sensors 20E and 20F.

  When the relay circuit 36B is opened and the power supply to the electric device group (B) is shut off, a predetermined time (for example, 0 comma [sec]) from the execution of the shut-off (or from the time when a collision from the rear is predicted) It is determined whether or not the longitudinal acceleration Gfr of the vehicle detected by the G sensor 42 has exceeded the threshold value G1 within about several [sec] (S220). If the longitudinal acceleration Gfr of the vehicle exceeds the threshold value G1 within a predetermined time, it is considered that a collision has actually occurred, and thus this flow ends.

  If the longitudinal acceleration Gfr of the vehicle does not exceed the threshold value G1 within a predetermined time, it is determined that the collision prediction by the collision prediction unit 32 is incorrect, and the relay circuit 36B is connected to supply power to the electric equipment group (B). Is resumed (S230). And the process below S200 is performed again. Thereby, the warning with respect to the collision from back can be restarted rapidly. In addition, since other electric devices included in the electric device group (B) also reactivate quickly, the blank period in vehicle control can be shortened.

  According to the vehicle power supply cutoff device 1 of the present embodiment described above, it is possible to prevent a short circuit due to the collapse of the electric device due to a collision. Further, since the power supply is cut off based on the collision prediction, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the power supply is not cut off in time and a short circuit occurs.

  Moreover, since the electric equipment which interrupts | blocks electric power supply when a collision is estimated can be selected appropriately, it can contribute to a passenger | crew's safety more. For example, even if the device is arranged in the direction where the collision is predicted, the power supply to the electric device considered to be less likely to cause a problem due to a short circuit due to low power consumption continues, so the collision was predicted You can continue to be vigilant in the direction.

  In addition, when it is determined that the collision prediction is wrong, the power supply is promptly resumed, so that the warning for the direction in which the collision is predicted can be promptly resumed, and the blank period in vehicle control can be shortened. Can do.

  That is, it is possible to appropriately cut off the power supply to the in-vehicle electric device when the vehicle collides.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. And substitutions can be added.

  For example, the processing of S120 to S130 and / or S220 to S230 in the flowchart of the embodiment may be omitted. That is, resumption of power supply may be left to manual operation or repair.

  In addition, a collision prediction means is provided for collisions from the front and the rear, respectively, and the power supply cut-off control is distinguished. However, the collision prediction is performed only for the collision from the front or the rear. The power supply cutoff control may be performed with a means for the power supply, and the power supply cutoff control is also provided with a means for predicting a collision against a collision from the side, diagonally forward, and diagonally rearward. Also good.

  Moreover, the setting method of each electric equipment group is not restricted to the thing of an Example, Furthermore, the importance of control continuation etc. may be considered and set. For example, although power consumption is relatively high, electric power supply necessary for safe driving may be continued.

  Further, the flow of power supply is not limited to that of the embodiment, and any configuration may be used as long as the collision prediction ECU 30 can directly or indirectly control power supply to each electric device group. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the collision prediction ECU 30 may transmit a drive signal to the DC / DC converter 54 including relay circuits 54 </ b> A to 54 </ b> C therein.

  The present invention can be used in the automobile manufacturing industry, the automobile parts manufacturing industry, and the like.

It is a figure which shows an example of the main structures of the vehicle electric power supply interruption | blocking apparatus 1, and the flow of information communication. It is a figure which shows the main functional blocks with which ECU30 for collision prediction is provided. It is a figure which shows the flow of the electric power supply in the vehicle to which the electric power supply interruption | blocking apparatus for vehicles 1 was applied. It is a figure which shows an example of the arrangement | positioning position of the electric equipment contained in electric equipment groups (A) and (B). It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the characteristic process which the electric power supply interruption | blocking part performs, and is applied to the scene where the collision from the front was estimated. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the characteristic process which the electric power supply interruption | blocking part performs, and is applied to the scene where the collision from back was estimated. It is a figure which shows the flow of the electric power supply in the vehicle to which the modification of the electric power supply interruption | blocking apparatus for vehicles 1 was applied.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Power supply interruption | blocking apparatus for vehicles 10A, 10B Radar apparatus 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F Ultrasonic sensor 30 ECU for collision prediction
32 Collision prediction unit 34 Power supply cutoff unit 34
36A, 36B, 36C, 54A, 54B, 54C Relay circuit 40 Airbag computer 42 G sensor 50 Battery 52 Alternator 54 DC / DC converter

Claims (10)

A collision prediction means for predicting a collision from a predetermined direction of the vehicle;
A power supply shut-off means for shutting off at least a part of the power supply to a predetermined electric device previously associated with the collision prediction means that predicted the collision when a collision is predicted by the collision prediction means; Electric power supply cutoff device. The vehicle power supply device according to claim 1,
An electric device that is unevenly distributed in a direction in which the collision prediction unit predicts a collision in a vehicle is associated with the predetermined electric device in the power supply cutoff.
Vehicle power supply cutoff device. The vehicle power supply device according to claim 1 or 2,
The power supply cutoff means can cut off power supply to a plurality of in-vehicle electric devices, and even when a collision is predicted by the collision prediction means, power to in-vehicle electric devices other than the predetermined electric device Supply is a means not to shut off,
Vehicle power supply cutoff device. The vehicle power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The predetermined electric device includes a collision prediction unit that predicts the collision,
Vehicle power supply cutoff device. The vehicle power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The predetermined electric device is an electric device whose power consumption is equal to or higher than a predetermined power.
Vehicle power supply cutoff device.   The vehicle power supply cutoff device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a plurality of collision prediction means for predicting a collision from a plurality of predetermined directions of the vehicle. A plurality of collision prediction means for predicting a collision from a predetermined direction of the vehicle;
A power supply cut-off means for cutting off power supply to a collision prediction means whose power consumption is equal to or higher than a predetermined power among the plurality of collision prediction means when a collision is predicted by any of the plurality of collision prediction means; A vehicle power supply cutoff device comprising: The vehicle power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Equipped with a collision detection means for detecting a vehicle collision,
The power supply cutoff means is means for restarting the power supply when a collision of the vehicle is not detected by the collision detection means after the power supply cutoff based on the collision prediction of the collision prediction means. Vehicle power supply cutoff device. The vehicle power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Equipped with a collision detection means for detecting a vehicle collision,
The power supply shut-off means has not detected an operation signal to the operation device at the time of collision detection that operates based on the detection result of the collision detection means after performing the power supply cut-off based on the collision prediction of the collision prediction means In this case, it is a means for resuming power supply.
Vehicle power supply cutoff device.   Claim 5 or Claim 6 according to Claim 5, Claim 5, or Claim 8 according to Claim 5 or Claim 5, wherein the power consumption is replaced with a rated current or a rated voltage. The vehicular power supply cutoff device according to claim 9.

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