JP3898340B2 - Airbag disposal device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an airbag disposal device for igniting an explosive means (squib) in a demolition factory or the like to discard and deploy (inflate) an airbag, and more specifically, includes an airbag for protecting passengers in a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus in which an airbag is discarded and expanded (inflated) when the airbag is discarded.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the number of vehicles equipped with airbags that inflate at the time of a collision and protect passengers has been increasing, and airbags are being installed not only in the driver's seat but also in the passenger seat and the rear seat. When a vehicle equipped with such an air bag is scrapped, there is a risk of unintentional eruption during scrap car work, so the air bag must be forcibly deployed (operated or inflated) in advance and then discarded with the inflator. It is desirable to do.
[0003]
In an airbag control unit, a safety sensor (switch) and a drive transistor (semiconductor switch) for energizing a squib (detonation means) are generally connected in series between the on-vehicle battery power source and the ground, and are safe. When the swing sensor is turned on and the drive transistor is turned on, the squib is energized and ignited.
[0004]
Regarding such airbag disposal technology, in JP-A-9-76855, a lead wire connecting an electronic control unit and a squib (detonation means) is short-circuited with a jumper cable from the outside and connected to an external power supply device. A technique for disposing and deploying an air bag by energizing a squib and starting it has been proposed.
[0005]
Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-240416, a waste driving circuit is incorporated in the electronic control unit so as to bypass the safing sensor, and the two transistors are alternately turned on to charge and discharge the capacitor. Techniques have been proposed in which an alternating current is supplied to a squib for initiation.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-76855, it is necessary to open the cover of the inflator and take out the lead wire connected to the squib and connect it to the jumper cable at the time of disposal. There was an inconvenience that the work man-hour increased.
[0007]
In addition, since the inflator cover and the shape or position of the cover are not necessarily the same depending on the vehicle type, it is necessary to check each vehicle type, which further increases the number of work steps. In addition, there was a human error problem due to manual work.
[0008]
In the technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-240416, since the two transistors are alternately turned on to charge and discharge the capacitor to obtain a driving power supply, it is difficult to sufficiently satisfy the certainty of operation. was there.
[0009]
Accordingly, the present invention provides an airbag disposal device that eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, can easily and reliably discard an airbag, and reduces the possibility of human error. It is in.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In disposal apparatus of an airbag according to claim 1, wherein in order to achieve the above object, a detonating means housed within an air bag inflator to be mounted on a vehicle, the voltage connecting said initiator means to a voltage source A supply path, first acceleration detection means that is turned on in response to acceleration acting on the vehicle, second acceleration detection means that detects acceleration acting on the vehicle, and serial connection of the initiation means to the voltage supply path a semiconductor switch interposed, said a microcomputer for outputting an operation signal to the semiconductor switch in accordance with the output of the second acceleration detecting means, the control of the air bag to inflate the air bag by supplying an electric current to the initiator means in made provided with a device, said control device comprising a casing of the connector and replaceable connector for accommodating a, when fitted through the connector Wherein together is connected to a port that is not used by the control unit of the microcomputer transmits and receives signals between the control device, external tool supplies operation power is provided to the external tool, type the waste command of the operator A discard instruction input means for outputting a discard execution signal when a predetermined instruction is established, a notification means for informing the external tool; Output means, and energization means for energizing the initiation means in response to the output discard execution signal , and the discard execution signal output means is disposed of the operator for a predetermined time after the notification is made. while awaiting input command, when the discard instruction of the operator to the predetermined time is not inputted, and as configured to stop the output of the waste execution signal As a result, the airbag can be discarded easily and reliably, and the possibility of human error can be reduced. Furthermore, when the discard command is not input within a predetermined time, the malfunction can be avoided by stopping the operation, and the airbag can be discarded more reliably.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the notification unit is configured to perform the notification when predetermined data is written in a specific area of the storage unit of the control unit. As a result, the same operational effects as described above can be obtained, and malfunctions can be avoided by confirming the presence or absence of data writing, and the airbag can be discarded more reliably.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an entire airbag disposal apparatus according to the present invention.
[0015]
For convenience of understanding, an air bag control apparatus which is assumed to be the present invention and which is not scheduled to be discarded will be described first with reference to FIG.
[0016]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the airbag control device 10 as a whole. The control device 10 is housed in a case 11 and is arranged near the dashboard of a driver's seat (not shown) of a vehicle (not shown). Is done.
[0017]
The control device 10 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “CPU”) 12. As shown in the figure, the CPU 12 performs boost control, collision determination, and failure detection (self-diagnosis).
[0018]
The CPU 12 is connected to a battery power supply 14 mounted on the vehicle via a connector 13, and when the ignition switch 16 is turned on, a battery voltage VB (about 12 V) is supplied from the battery power supply 14. The battery voltage is input to the regulator 18 in the control device 10, where it is adjusted to the operating voltage (5 V) and supplied to the CPU 12.
[0019]
On the other hand, the battery voltage is input to the booster circuit 20 provided with a backup capacitor, and 35 V according to the command of the CPU 12 in the booster circuit 20 so that the airbag can operate even when the battery power supply 14 (battery device) is disconnected at the time of a vehicle collision. Charge the backup capacitor by boosting to a certain extent.
[0020]
The booster circuit 20 is connected to a voltage supply path 22, and the voltage supply path 22 branches in the middle, and squibs 24 and 26 are connected to each of them. The squibs 24 and 26 are accommodated in an inflator (not shown) of an air bag (not shown) stored in a steering wheel (not shown) and a front passenger seat dashboard, and a small amount of explosives is surrounded around the squibs 24 and 26. Be placed.
[0021]
The voltage supply path 22 between the booster circuit 20 and the squibs 24 and 26 is composed of lead wires, and after leaving the control device 10 and the connector 28 connected thereto, the squib 24 is connected to the steering connection (cover) cable. 22a, and the squib 26 is also connected by a covered cable 22b having a similar structure.
[0022]
A G sensor (second acceleration detecting means) 32 is provided in the vicinity of the center position of the vehicle (not shown), and outputs a signal proportional to the acceleration (deceleration) generated in the traveling direction of the vehicle and sends it to the CPU 12.
[0023]
Further, a safing sensor (first acceleration detecting means) 34 is provided in the control device 10, and the safing sensor is inserted upstream of the position where the squibs 24 and 26 are arranged in the voltage supply path 22. The safing sensor 34 is composed of two sets of reed switches, and two sets of ferromagnetic leads are sealed in a glass tube with a gap at one end, and a coil is disposed around the sealed lead.
[0024]
The safety sensor 34 is turned off during normal driving of the vehicle to open the voltage supply path 22 and is turned on to close the voltage supply path 22 when acceleration (deceleration) of a predetermined value or more acts in the traveling direction of the vehicle. To do.
[0025]
In the voltage supply path 22, first and second drive transistors (semiconductor switches) 36 and 38 are interposed between the squibs 24 and 26 and the ground. The first and second drive transistors 36 and 38 are both n-channel MOSFETs, the gate terminals of which are connected to the CPU 12 and the drain terminals of which are connected to the booster circuit 20 via the squibs 24 and 26, and the source The terminal is grounded. The first and second drive transistors 36 and 38 become conductive when a high voltage (high level) operation signal is supplied to their gate terminals.
[0026]
The CPU 12 includes a clock 42 and an EEPROM (E ² PROM, storage means) 44. In addition, the CPU 12 includes a warning lamp 46 and lights up as necessary. Further, the CPU 12 includes a number of terminals at an input / output port (not shown).
[0027]
As will be described later, the terminal group includes terminals dedicated to vehicle dealers that are not used in control, such as MES terminals (Memory Erase terminals), SCS terminals (ServiceCheck terminals), and SCI terminals (Serial Communication Interface terminals).
[0028]
Next, the operation will be described. The CPU 12 determines that a collision has occurred when the acceleration (deceleration) acting on the vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined value from the output of the G sensor 32, and outputs a high voltage (high level) operation signal as the first and second. Are supplied to the gate terminals of the drive transistors 36 and 38 to be conducted. At the same time, the safing sensor 34 is turned on to close the circuit.
[0029]
As a result, a current (about several A) flows from the backup capacitor of the booster circuit 20 to the squibs 24 and 26, is energized and heated, ignites the enhancer, and burns the gas generating agent. The generated nitrogen gas enters the airbag from the inflator and inflates (deploys) the airbag to receive and protect the occupant's chest and head.
[0030]
Based on the above, the airbag discarding apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member similar to FIG. 2, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0031]
The apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a dedicated disposal tool (external tool) 60 as shown in the lower part of the figure in order to discard the airbag when the vehicle is scrapped.
[0032]
The disposal-only tool 60 includes a microcomputer 62 (hereinafter referred to as “tool CPU”) similar to the CPU 12 described above. The disposal-only tool 60 includes an operating power supply 64 having an output voltage VT of about 12V and a switch 66. Furthermore, a second switch (discard command input means) 68 is provided for the operator (discard trader) to input a discard command.
[0033]
Further, the disposal dedicated tool 60 includes a disposal connector 70. That is, the connector 13 provided in the case 11 of the airbag control device 10 is configured to be removable. Therefore, after the connector 13 of the airbag control device 10 is removed, the disposal dedicated tool 60 is fitted therein via the disposal connector 70 so that it can be connected to the control device 10.
[0034]
When the disposal connector 70 of the disposal tool 60 is fitted to the connector 13 of the airbag control device 10, the input / output ports of the disposal connector 70 are connected to the MES terminal, the SCS terminal and the SCI terminal of the input / output port of the CPU 12, respectively. The control device 10 is connected via a signal supply path group 50a (shown by an imaginary line) provided in advance.
[0035]
Further, the output SW of the second switch 6 8 also, the appropriate terminals of the input and output ports of the CPU 12, are connected via a prearranged signal supply path 50b to the control device 10 (shown in phantom). In the input / output port of the discard connector 70, Tx (for transmission) and Rx (for reception) terminals are connected to the SCI terminal of the CPU 12.
[0036]
When the connector 13 of the control device 10 is removed and the discard connector 70 of the disposal dedicated tool 60 is attached, the disposal dedicated tool 60 is connected via a voltage supply path 50c (shown by an imaginary line) provided in the control device 10 in advance. The voltage VT of the operating power supply 64 is sent to the regulator 18 and the booster circuit 20 and becomes the operating power supply at the time of disposal. This is because the battery power supply 14 is expected to be discharged at the time of disposal, so that a stable operating voltage is supplied at the time of disposal.
[0037]
Further, in the airbag control device 10 shown in the upper part of the figure, waste ignition is added to the operation of the CPU 12 and a branch path 52 that bypasses the safing sensor 34 is formed between the booster circuit 20 and the squibs 24 and 26. It is there a third driving transistor (semiconductor switch) 54 is interposed.
[0038]
The third drive transistor 54 is composed of a p-channel type MOSFET, its gate terminal is connected to the CPU 12, its source terminal is connected to the booster circuit 20, and its drain terminal is supplied with the first voltage via the connection point 56. Connected to the path 22. The third drive transistor 54 becomes conductive when a low voltage (low level) operation signal is supplied to the gate terminal.
[0039]
Further, the disposal-only tool 60 includes a lamp (indicator, notification means) 72. The lamp 72 is turned on based on a command from the tool CPU 62.
[0040]
Next, the operation of the airbag disposal apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described.
[0041]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation.
[0042]
In the processing of the CPU 12, the connector 13 is removed and fitted into the disposal connector 70 of the disposal tool 60, the voltage VT of the operating power supply 64 of the disposal tool 60 is supplied, and the processing is started. Whether or not VB is off, that is, whether or not the voltage supply from the battery power supply 14 is stopped is determined by appropriately detecting the voltage level. If the result is affirmative, the voltage VT at S12 is on, that is, the disposal dedicated tool Whether or not the voltage VT of 60 operating power sources 64 is supplied is determined by appropriately detecting the voltage level.
[0043]
As described above, since the process is started after the power source is switched, the determinations in S10 and S12 are generally affirmed. However, if the result is negative from a failure or the like, the subsequent processes are skipped.
[0044]
Next, the process proceeds to S14, the discard permission data area of the EEPROM (E ² PROM) 44 is read, and the process proceeds to S16 to determine whether or not the discard permission data is written.
[0045]
In the previous stage, when the operator (disposal company) performs the disposal process, the EEPROM 44 is accessed from the terminal group of the disposal dedicated tool 60, for example, the SCI terminal, and the disposal permission data is written in the predetermined area. More specifically, the bit of a predetermined area (discard permission flag) is set to 1.
[0046]
The CPU 12 reads the flag in S14 and determines whether or not the bit is set to 1 in S16. When the bit is not set to 1, it is determined that the discard permission data has not been written, and the subsequent processing is stopped.
[0047]
On the other hand, when the result in S16 is affirmative, the process proceeds to S18, and similarly, the tool CPU 62 is accessed from the SCI terminal, and the lamp 72 is turned on. This is to notify the operator that the preparation for disposal has been completed. Therefore, the operator can turn on the switch 68 in response to the notification to instruct the discard ignition to be confirmed.
[0048]
Next, in S20, it is determined whether or not the output SW of the switch 68 has been input. That is, the time is measured using an appropriate counter, and it is determined whether or not the operator has issued a command for confirming the discard ignition within a predetermined time (number of times). Signal output). The predetermined time is an appropriate value of about several tens of seconds (sec) to several minutes (min).
[0049]
On the other hand, when the result in S20 is affirmative, discard ignition processing (discard execution signal output) is performed. Specifically, in the configuration of FIG. 1, a low voltage ( low level) signal is sent to the gate terminal of the third drive transistor 54 to conduct, and a high voltage (high level) operation signal is sent to the first and second signals. It is supplied to the gate terminals of the drive transistors 36 and 38 to make them conductive.
[0050]
Here, since the safing sensor 34 is bypassed, the squibs 24 and 26 are ignited by being energized from the booster circuit 20 despite being turned off. As a result, the airbags in the driver seat and the passenger seat are both deployed (inflated).
[0051]
When the amount of explosives in the squibs 24 and 26 is large, a fourth drive transistor may be provided in parallel with the third drive transistor 54 and the squibs 24 and 26 may be ignited separately.
[0052]
Since this embodiment is configured as described above, the airbag can be discarded easily and reliably, and the possibility of human error can be reduced.
[0053]
That is, since the ignition is performed after the operator confirms the disposal intention of the operator in the EEPROM using a dedicated disposal tool in the airbag control device, the airbag can be discarded easily and reliably. It is possible to reduce the possibility of human error.
[0054]
As described above, the airbag discarding apparatus according to this embodiment includes an explosion means (squibs 24 and 26) housed in an inflator of an airbag mounted on a vehicle, and a voltage source (battery power supply 14). ), A first acceleration detecting means (safing sensor 34) that is turned on in accordance with the acceleration acting on the vehicle, and a second acceleration detecting means for detecting the acceleration acting on the vehicle. (G sensor 32), a semiconductor switch (first and second drive transistors 36, 38) inserted in series with the initiation means in the voltage supply path, and an output of the second acceleration detection means wherein a microcomputer (CPU 12) for outputting an actuation signal to the semiconductor switch, the control device of the air bag to inflate the air bag by supplying an electric current to the initiator means 1 In made comprise, a connector 13 and replaceable connector 70 of the case 11 that accommodates the control device, when fitted through the connector 70, not used in the controller of the microcomputer port while transmitting and receiving signals between the control device is connected to the external tool supplies operating power VT (waste special tool 60), provided on the external tool, discard command input for inputting a discard instruction of the operator Means (switch 68), notifying means (CPU 12, lamp 72, S10 to S18) for notifying the external tool when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the operator's discard command SW is input after the notification is made A discard execution signal output means (CPU 12, S10 to S18) for outputting a discard execution signal, and the output discard Provided with a conductive member (a third driving transistor 54) for energizing the initiation means according to the row signal, said discard signal output means, after the notification has been made, a predetermined time, the waste command of the operator While waiting for input, when the operator's discard command is not input at the predetermined time, the output of the discard execution signal is stopped (CPU 12, S20) .
[0055]
In addition, the notification means is configured to perform the notification (CPU 12, S14, S16) when predetermined data is written in a specific area of the storage means (EEPROM (E ² PROM) 44) of the control unit. did.
[0057]
In the above, a failure detection (self-diagnosis) operation of the CPU 12 is added to determine whether or not a predetermined current (for example, 500 mA) is applied to the squibs 24 and 26 at the time of disposal, and a predetermined current (for example, 500 mA) is determined. When the power is not energized, the warning lamp 46 may be turned on as a failure, or the disposal dedicated tool 60 may be provided with a warning lamp to be turned on.
[0058]
In the above description, the predetermined time is set to several tens of seconds to several minutes. However, this is merely an example, and may be longer or shorter.
[0059]
In the above description, the n-channel type or the p-channel type is used as the MOSFET. However, either type or other types of semiconductor switches may be used.
[0060]
In the above description, the control device for the airbag for collision from the vehicle traveling direction is taken as an example. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is equally applicable to the control device for the airbag for collision from the side of the vehicle. Yes.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect, the airbag can be discarded easily and reliably, and the possibility of human error can be reduced. Furthermore, when the discard command is not input within a predetermined time, the malfunction can be avoided by stopping the operation, and the airbag can be discarded more reliably.
[0062]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as described above, to avoid malfunction by checking the presence / absence of data writing, and to further reliably discard the airbag. Can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an air bag disposal apparatus according to the present invention.
2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an air bag control device on which the device of FIG. 1 is based. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Airbag Control Device 12 Microcomputer (CPU)
13 Connector 14 Battery power supply 22 Voltage supply path 24, 26 Squib 28 Connector 32 G sensor (second acceleration detecting means)
34 Safing sensor (first acceleration detecting means)
36 First drive transistor (semiconductor switch)
38 Second drive transistor (semiconductor switch)
44 EEPROM (storage means)
46 Warning lamp 54 Third drive transistor (semiconductor switch)
60 Dedicated tool for disposal 62 Microcomputer (Tool CPU)
64 Operating power supply 66 Switch 68 Second switch (discard command input means)
70 Discard connector 72 Lamp (indicator; notification means)

Claims (2)

Explosion means housed in an inflator of an airbag mounted on the vehicle, a voltage supply path connecting the explosion means to a voltage source, and first acceleration detection means that turns on in response to acceleration acting on the vehicle A second acceleration detecting means for detecting an acceleration acting on the vehicle; a semiconductor switch inserted in series with the detoning means in the voltage supply path; and the semiconductor according to an output of the second acceleration detecting means a microcomputer for outputting an operation signal to the switch, in what becomes a control device of the air bag to inflate the air bag by supplying an electric current to the initiator means,
a. A connector that is replaceable with a connector of a case that houses the control device, and when fitted through the connector, is connected to a port that is not used by the control device of the microcomputer, and signals between the control devices as well as send and receive, external tools and supplies the operating power,
b. Disposal command input means provided in the external tool for inputting an operator's discard command,
c. Informing means for informing the external tool when a predetermined condition is established,
d. A discard execution signal output means for outputting a discard execution signal when the operator's discard command is input after the notification is made;
And e. Energization means for energizing the detonation means in response to the output discard execution signal;
The equipped Rutotomoni,
The discard execution signal output means waits for input of the operator's discard command for a predetermined time after the notification is made, and discards when the operator's discard command is not input at the predetermined time. An airbag discarding device that stops outputting an execution signal . The notification means, when the predetermined data is written to a specific area of the storage means of the control device, the discarding device of an air bag according to claim 1, wherein said to perform the notification.

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